How IHOP (International House of Pancakes) Saved the American Breakfast

Toluca Lake, California was where it all started. In 1958, the first International House of Pancakes opened s America’ newest restaurant, and within just four years, 50 replicas had popped up as franchises on the west coast. Owned and operated by Internation Industries, Inc., the franchise and brand soon became one of the most recognized in America. The signature oversized red, white, and blue houses had quickly become a favorite in the 1960s and 70s, and pop culture often centered around this 24-hour venue.

On the outside, IHOP was generating crowds, serving up tasty breakfasts ,and setting its roots into American legend. On the inside, International Industries found itself creating as series of other brands including Orange Julius, The Dog House, and United Rent-Alls. International Industries was truly a conglomerate, and the IHOP Pancake house was its newest acquisition in 1961.

As acquisitions continued, IHOP’s popularity soared and bought fresh opportunities for franchise owners. In 1976, International Industries allowed additional franchising locations, opened in new markets, and set forth towards worldwide destinations in Japan and Switzerland. By this time, IHOP Corporation had become the successor company to International Industries, and in a word, unstoppable. International Industries closed off other non-food related businesses to invest heavily in IHOP, and with the help of inventive marketing campaigns and new customers for life, IHOP recreated itself before the 1980s era.