IHOP on Thursday launched a test of beer and wine at select locations in New Mexico and San Diego, with plans to expand to Maryland, New York, Ohio and Rhode Island in the coming months, the subsidiary of Glendale, Calif.-based Dine Brands Global said Thursday.
The new Bubbles, Wine & Brews menu features national beer brands including Bud Light, Blue Moon and Corona, and Barefoot brand wines by the glass including Bubbly Brut, Bubbly Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Mimosas — sparkling wine with orange juice — are also available. The new menu might also feature locally sourced beer and wine in different communities, IHOP said. The new options are available for dine-in only, except where carryout alcohol is allowed, and prices vary by location.
“Our recent ‘Drinks and Dining Survey’ of Americans unveiled that 66% of our recent guests and 58% of our younger guests (ages 21-34) have been craving an alcoholic beverage to accompany some of their IHOP favorites,” IHOP president Jay Johns said in a release announcing the test. “With dining out regularly returning to Americans’ routines across the country, it is the perfect time to launch this offering and gauge excitement from our guests about the new selections. As we continue to focus and expand on our daytime and evening menu options, adult beverages offer a terrific innovation and evolution to enjoy IHOP for every occasion.”
Takeout alcohol was a boon to many full-service restaurants early in the pandemic, when many states and local jurisdictions relaxed the laws governing the practice. Although New York State has since rescinded the looser laws, they have stayed in place in many other jurisdictions.
IHOP’s test comes after other family dining chains, including First Watch and Cracker Barrel rolled out alcohol options last year.
Denny’s has long offered alcohol at select locations.
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