Road-trippers across the U.S. will soon be able to fuel up on gas and a stack of pancakes thanks to a milestone IHOP development agreement announced Wednesday.
The Glendale, Calif.-based family-dining chain, a division of Dine Brands Global Inc., said TravelCenters of America Inc. will open 94 restaurants over the next five years at the company’s existing fuel stops. The Ohio-based travel company operates highway hubs that feature gas stations, restaurants and convenience stores under the banners TA, Petro Stopping Centers and TA Express in 44 states.
IHOP said the franchise agreement marks the largest development deal in the brand’s 61-year history. The deal comes as IHOP has stepped up growth in recent months.
“The TA brand, a trusted hospitality leader in the industry and with consumers, shares the same values as IHOP when it comes to delivering an outstanding experience to guests on-the-go,” Jay Johns, IHOP president, said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to serving the great-tasting, freshly made menu items we’re known for at breakfast, lunch and dinner, to the millions of guests who stop at TA and Petro locations each year.”
IHOP did not reveal where the first restaurants will open.
The travel hub growth plan expands on IHOP’s existing relationship with TravelCenters, which currently operates four IHOP restaurants at TA and Petro branded locations in Greenville, Tenn., Lexington, Va., Oakley, Kan. and Jackson, Ga.
Barry Richards, president and chief operating officer of TravelCenters of America, said adding a “highly regarded brand” like IHOP is an important part of the company’s restaurant strategy.
TravelCenters of America locations are home to 650 quick-service and full-service dining brands including Arby’s, Subway, Bob Evans Farms, Black Bear Diner, Fuddruckers, Dunkin’, Starbucks, Carl’s Jr., Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Wendy’s, Burger King and Fazoli’s.
IHOP currently has more than 1,700 restaurants in the U.S.
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