San Diego Is Home To First IHOP Express Unit

IHOP has opened a new sit-down outlet nearly every week this year, but its newest store in San Diego offers something completely different. The city’s Gaslamp District is home to the chain’s first IHOP Express, a fast-casual concept offering IHOP favorites but mostly focused on unique, portable products such as Cup O’Pancakes.

The contemporary look and counter-service concept opened Nov. 17 after testing on college campuses and military bases. It includes an interactive syrup bar and an open grill pancake “flip kitchen” producing smaller portions at lower price points. Menu items are prepared fresh to order and can be taken out or eaten in the restaurant.

The 53-year-old chain has 1,532 IHOPs in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of DineEquity Inc.