IHOP has a new movie-themed menu launching today, inspired by Paramount Pictures’ “IF.” The limited-time menu features seven new food and beverage options and is available in participating restaurants through June 16.
Coinciding with the launch, IHOP is also offering a promotion in which kids 12 and under can eat free every day from 4-10 p.m. with the purchase of an adult entrée. Additionally, IHOP’s International Bank of Pancakes rewards program will offer a 3x bonus PanCoins on all IHOP “If” menu items during opening weekend of the film’s release, May 17-19. These two promotions should help drive traffic as well as loyalty membership. To date, IHOP’s loyalty program now has over 8 million members who visit on average nearly twice as often as non-loyalty members and spend on average 5% more.
The “IF” menu includes:
- Blue’s Dazzleberry Pancakes: Two blue raspberry flavored pancakes topped with vanilla mousse, whipped topping and Fruity Pebbles.
- Blue’s Dazzleberry Jr. Combo: One Blue’s Dazzleberry Pancake, one scrambled egg, one pork sausage link and one slice of bacon.
- Lewis’ Cinn-A-Bear Stack: Two buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon spread, cream cheese icing, cinnamon sugar donut holes and whipped topping.
- MagnIFicent French Toast Sandwich: Folded omelette-style+ egg, pork sausage patty, hash browns, American cheese and chipotle mayo on French Toast. Served with old-fashioned syrup and choice of side.
- Coney Island Pizza Omelette: Pork sausage, green peppers and onions, marinara, crispy pepperoni and four-cheese blend. Served with choice of side.
- Blossom’s Orangesicle: A blend of lemonade, lemon-lime soda and vanilla syrup. Garnished with whipped topping, Fruity Pebbles, and a gummi butterfly.
- Unbelieva-Blue Soda Pop: A blend of lemon-lime soda and blue raspberry syrup. Garnished with The Original Bomb Pop.
“IF” is a PG-rated movie about a young girl who goes through a difficult experience and begins to see everyone’s imaginary friends who have been left behind as their real-life friends have grown up. It was written and directed by John Krasinski, from “The Office,” and also stars Krasinski alongside Ryan Reynolds and Cailey Fleming.
The “IF” menu launch comes on the heels of IHOP’s Sonic The Hedgehog-themed menu launched in April. In November, IHOP launched a “Wonka” menu. The Wonka menu enhanced brand awareness and drove sales in Q4, Dine Brands CEO John Peyton said during the parent company’s earnings call in February.
The chain’s promotional calendar has been busy beyond movie-themed promotions. In January, IHOP launched a new “Pancake of the Month” campaign, aimed at driving frequency through added incentives for loyalty members who try all flavors. This accelerated menu innovation kicked off with its “largest menu evolution ever” in April 2023 and has lifted the brand’s performance, while many of its casual dining peers have flattened or declined.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]