The "international" in "International House of Pancakes" is derived from the three core crepe-style pancakes: "German" (served with lemon butter and lemon), "French" (served with orange marmalade), and "Swedish" (served with lingonberries and lingonberry butter). These fruit-topped crepes are offered with an egg-and-meat plate as the "International Passport Breakfast." Menu offerings such as French toast and Belgian waffles further reinforce the international theme.
History:
The first International House of Pancakes restaurant opened in 1958 in a suburb of Los Angeles, Toluca Lake, California by a fellow named Al Lapin. The concept of the restaurant was based on one of America's favorite foods - pancakes. Within four years the number of units had increased to nearly 50, with many of the restaurants being operated by franchisees. Some locations are open 24/7, and on holidays such as Christmas and New Year's, and as of June 30, 2006, t there were 1,264 IHOP restaurants in 48 states and Canada.
