Back in 1958, when IHOP was founded, it became the place where people connected over breakfast, enjoyed study breaks,
grabbed a bite before or after events, and went to enjoy time with family and friends. It still is today! Regardless
of any menu or design changes, one has always remained - a smile.
For over 60 years, IHOP has been known for excellent brand awareness, menu variety, and the best pancakes in the
business! Our IHOP restaurants are all 100% owned by independent franchise operators, and we strive to continue our
business that way. We have over 1700 operating restaurants in over 13 countries and territories!
When you join the IHOP family, you become part of an American icon. You'll have the tools to open a restaurant that
offers an affordable, everyday dining experience with a rich, authentic history.
Domestic Franchising - US Based
Considering a franchise opportunity in the US? IHOP may be a fantastic choice for you. With restaurants nationwide,
we have conducted in-depth research on growth markets[1] we want to take advantage of. While places like San
Francisco, CA, and Nebraska appear on our Growth Markets target list, we are always open to hearing suggestions on
other markets we can break into.
International Franchising - Priority Markets
While most IHOP restaurants are in the US, we are motivated to expand our global footprint. Our iconic pancakes deserve to be enjoyed across the globe! We currently have restaurants in Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico, Guam, Ecuador, Egypt, India, Pakistan, Panama, and Peru (to name a few!).
Check out the list of available Franchise Opportunities:
AMERICAS
Brazil
Canada
(limited terriories available)
Chile
Hawaii
(limited territories available)
Mexico
(limited territories available)
MIDDLE EAST
Bahrain
Egypt
Israel
Oman
Saudi Arabia
ASIA
Hong Kong
India
(limited territories available)
South Korea
Taiwan
Turkey
If you want to become an IHOP franchisee in any of the mentioned locations above, please start with
an application, and we can guide you through the process!
Please note: for International franchise opportunities, we do not offer single-unit franchises. We are looking for
multi-unit developers with a minimum of 5 units. The actual number of units would depend on the territory, so please
get in touch with us for information.
IHOP: Our Ideal Franchise Partner
Passionate about the IHOP and food service
Has previous food and beverage knowledge and experience building a brand(s) with a
proven track record of developing and operating multi-unit concepts
Committed to a long-term franchise relationship built on trust and respect,
integrity, and the highest ethical values
Experienced in Marketing and Customer-oriented culture; knows how to build a
business and a brand
Is highly capable, particularly in critical areas like supply chain and quality
assurance, and has access and ability to secure real estate
What's Required to Launch Your IHOP Franchise?
Whether you select a Domestic or International franchise opportunity, there are some essential requirements that you
need to consider before you decide you want to move forward with an IHOP restaurant. We are committed to creating
long-term relationships with our franchisees, so our partners must be qualified for our brand.
Before you embark on your franchising journey, you must ensure you have the right experience to get started; your net
worth is sufficient, and you have adequate liquid assets and a completed business plan.
Concerning finances, you will need to have the following to be considered for a Domestic opportunity:
Financial Capability to Develop, Equip, and Operate One or More IHOP Restaurants
Net Worth
This requirement is based on the total number of IHOP restaurants requested. The first three require a minimum
of $1.5
million per restaurant. After that, each additional IHOP location requested will need a net worth of $750,000.
Liquid Assets
This requirement is also based on the total number of IHOP restaurants required. The first three restaurants
require a
minimum of $500,000 per restaurant. After that, each additional IHOP location requested will need $250,000.
Alternatively, you can provide loan commitment letters as evidence of financing and the ability to provide funds to
complete transactions.
For International opportunities, we typically require a minimum of USD 1m net worth for each restaurant to be built,
substantial liquid cash assets for the initial construction and funding, working capital costs, and start-up costs.
Traditional IHOP Franchising Opportunities
Traditional IHOP restaurants can be found all over the US and the globe. Somes are freestanding buildings, but they
do not have to be (size ranges between 2,700 to over 4.500 square feet and could seat between 120 to over 200
persons).
These traditional locations are typically in strip centers, power centers, shopping centers, or other locations that
generate traffic. These are either build-outs of prominent end-caps or in-line spaces in a shopping center.
If you have an existing building or know one with the qualities we are looking for, we will consider the conversion
to an IHOP restaurant as long as it fits our requirements.
Non-Traditional IHOP Franchising Opportunities
At IHOP, everyone deserves to enjoy our delicious pancakes! We offer prospective franchisees non-traditional
franchise opportunities to expand our reach to customers.
If a traditional IHOP restaurant isn't something you're interested in venturing into, consider opening an IHOP in a
travel center or a casino, maybe an airport or university. These locations have many people moving through and a
huge revenue potential.
Top Reasons to Invest in an IHOP Franchise
Operating for over 60 years with an accelerated growth trajectory
An established and reputable business model that is adaptable across all opportunities
Well-known and loved brand (with the best pancakes ever)
Access to world-class support
Part of Dine Brands, a publicly traded company, and one of the largest full-service restaurant groups in the world
The First Step - Request for Consideration
Once you've gone through and looked at all of the prerequisites like financial position, background experience, and
potential locations, and the decision has been made - you're ready to go ahead; the first step to progressing your
journey is to submit your 'Request for Consideration.' This request will allow our Franchise Development Team to
review the information provided and evaluate whether it aligns with our development goals. If successful, you'll be
well on your way to realizing your dreams!
IHOP Supports Our Franchisees
Once you've decided to franchise with IHOP, the support begins. We are passionate about ensuring prospective
franchisees have the help they need to navigate the application process and beyond. Before completing your
application, we offer site selection support, restaurant design planning assistance, and restaurant-opening
assistance.
After you've made it through the application process, IHOP will provide initial training to you and your staff around
customer service, marketing, and legal responsibilities - basically, everything you need to know before opening!
Ongoing operational support and marketing consultancy is provided along with training to keep staff and management up
to date with any changes.
Contact IHOP Today
If you've been considering franchising (domestically or internationally) with IHOP, chat with
our team today. We are available to answer any questions about eligibility criteria, the application, and business
plan suggestions; we are here to make your dreams a reality.
FAQs About Franchise Opportunities in the Restaurant Industry
Is franchising right for you?
If you want to own your own business and be your own boss, then franchising might be the right option. The biggest thing
to remember about franchising is that while you own the business yourself, there is a franchisor who will have some
control over your business. It's up to you to decide if the positives outweigh the negatives.
What can a franchise do for me that I can't do for myself?
When you decide to partner with a franchise, you ultimately get handed a business model instead of having to implement
one yourself. You also benefit from franchising a business that usually has a well-known brand. For example, IHOP has a
rich, 60+ year history in America, so you can access their already established customer base by franchising with them.
Check out more information here.
How much money do you need to franchise a restaurant?
Each restaurant will set its own fees and charges for starting a new franchise. At IHOP, franchisees pay an upfront fee
of $50,000 for a single restaurant's domestic development. The franchise development fee is $40,000 per restaurant for
multi-restaurants domestically and internationally.
What other fees does a franchise restaurant charge you?
Franchise restaurants will also typically charge a royalty fee and an advertising fee. If you decide to franchise with
IHOP, our royalty fee is 4.5% of gross sales for domestic opportunities and 5.5% for international franchises.
How do I choose the best franchise opportunity?
When choosing a franchise to partner with, you must choose one you are passionate about. Make sure you do a substantial
amount of research on the franchisor and confirm that the business model is one you agree with. Ensure you review the
franchise agreement and only sign something if you are sure.
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Do You Want to Know More About Franchising With IHOP?
With all that information considered, we hope you’re interested in franchising with IHOP. We have a dedicated Franchise Development Department that can assist with questions you may have concerning a franchise agreement with IHOP.