IHOP is shifting its strategy and simplifying operations, rolling out a tighter, more focused menu built around its core offering: breakfast.
To start, the chain is replacing its monthly pancake feature with a new “Pancake of the Moment” promotion. Instead of changing flavors every few weeks, IHOP will now rotate limited-time pancakes every two months, giving guests more time to try them—and giving kitchens less to juggle.
The first up are New York Cheesecake pancakes, stuffed with cheesecake bites and topped with glazed strawberries. They’re available through May 31st as a combo, full stack, or side stack, with prices starting at $7.25.
IHOP is also adding several items to its core menu, including Bananas Foster Pancakes ($14.99), Crêpes ($16.59), and French Toast ($16.79). Each can be topped with bananas, brown sugar sauce, and, if you’re feeling indulgent, a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Two new drinks have landed as well: the Watermelonade Blast and the Pineapple Splasher. Both come in at $6.49 for a 16-ounce glass and lean into summer flavors, with garnishes like a watermelon Bomb Pop and fresh fruit.
The kids’ menu is getting an update too. It now includes more balanced meals like the Junior Protein Pancakes with Fruit and a Breakfast Quesadilla, along with a new dessert option—Kid-Sized Cinnamon Dippers served with chocolate sauce.
These changes come as IHOP works to rebound from four straight quarters of negative same-store sales. Lawrence Kim, who became president of IHOP in September, has been tasked with getting the brand back to basics.
Breakfast still dominates IHOP’s business, accounting for 72% of the chain’s total food sales in Q4. Dine Brands CEO John Peyton said during the company’s earnings call that IHOP is focused on cutting complexity in both the kitchen and the dining room. That includes fewer promotional rollouts, simplified prep procedures, and updated tech to speed up service and improve margins.
The idea is clear: make it easier to deliver what customers already love—fast, hot, and right on brand.