FAQs
Our Story
Since 1958, IHOP® has been the place where people connect over breakfast, enjoy study breaks, grab a bite before or after sporting events, and so much more. And no matter what menu items they order, there’s one ingredient that’s always constant — a smile. We’ve seen millions of smiles over the years in our restaurants, and now shared in photos across our social properties. In fact, smiles are so much a part of our culture that we changed our logo to include one.
Reasons you'll be happy investing in IHOP.
IHOP is more than a place where breakfast lovers love to have breakfast:
Attractive Unit Economics
Established and successful franchise system with a proven business model that can be adapted across multiple formats and sizes, and for local relevance.
Part of Dine Brands, a publicly traded company, and one of the largest full-service restaurant groups in the world.
It's an American icon, with over 60 year heritage of giving guests a variety of the breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites they love.
As one of the most well-known brands today, IHOP is recognized as the leader in Family dining, consistently ranked #1 or #2 in Family Dining by Nation's Restaurant News.
Leverage our world-class support team in the areas of operations, training, marketing, site selection, design and construction, food inovation, supply chain and technology.
Superior image and design
Ongoing technology and culinary innovation, and flexibility for local adaptation.
A company on an accelerated growth trajectory.
Our franchisees say it best
"I believe that the recipe for joy is our brand’s iHospitality and treating our guests as if they are a part of your family."
MAAZA HENRY
IHOP by the Numbers
1660+
OPERATING RESTAURANTS
65 YEARS
CREATING JOY
100%
INDEPENDENT FRANCHISES
$3.1B
SYSTEMWIDE SALES
Retail Formats
Flexibility in formats and channels
4500 Prototype
Total area
4,500 sq. ft.
Seating
186 seats
3500 Prototype
Total area
3,500 sq. ft.
Seating
138 seats
2700 Prototype
Total area
2,700 sq. ft.
Seating
88 seats
Non-Traditional
Total area
Dependent on venue type
Seating
Varies by venue
Travel Center
Total area
2,200+ sq. ft.
Seating
90-100 Seats
Is IHOP seeking new franchise candidates?
Yes, IHOP is seeking qualified candidates to develop restaurants in both new and existing markets to grow both traditional and non-traditional sectors.
How long is the term of the franchise agreement?
The initial term of the IHOP Franchise Agreement is typically 20 years, but could vary depending on lease, and if the location is a non-traditional location.
How much is the royalty fee?
The royalty fee for restaurants is 4.5% of gross sales.
How much is the advertising fee?
Restaurants pay 3.5% of gross sales for national advertising. For a non-traditional restaurants the marketing fee is lower.
What are the financial requirements in order to qualify for an IHOP franchise?
For development, minimum financial net worth of $1.5 million and $500,000 in liquid assets.
Is there financing available?
While IHOP does not provide financing, we have a variety of lending partners to meet your needs.
Is prior restaurant experience required?
Although prior restaurant experience is not an absolute requisite, our preferred partner will bring multi-unit management expertise, in restaurants and/or retail, and the ability to build and grow a business. Multi-unit restaurant experience, with other franchised concepts is a plus.
What is the size of a typical IHOP restaurant?
We have a variety of formats, which can range from 1000 sq ft to over 4500 sq ft. Optimal format and size will depend on the market specifics and other factors.
What support does IHOP provide when I become a franchisee?
IHOP offers a full range of franchise support including training, site selection assistance, restaurant-design-planning assistance, restaurant-opening assistance and ongoing operations and marketing consulting.
What is the term of a development agreement?
The term of a development agreement will vary depending on the market specific, territory and obligations, among other things. This will be discussed as part of the Approval Process.
