Spring Break
Column: IHOP: Not so international
Lindsay Lorenz
Issue date: 2/24/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
02/24/09 -As a seldom diner at the International House of Pancakes, I can't say I've ever really given much thought to the chain's name. However, a mention of these pancake people in today's editorial prompted me to do a little investigating.
For starters, I have nothing against said pancake people. In fact, I think they're good people. I mean, for Pete's sake, they're giving away pancakes today and trying to raise $1 million for charity. They even comply with assorted animal welfare standards.
While this is just wonderful, I admit I have qualms about some of this dining establishment's characteristics -- in particular, its name.
Question: What makes this place international?
It's certainly not the cuisine.
According to IHOP's Web site, it is a California-based chain that operates about 1,375 restaurants in 49 states, Canada and Mexico. So technically, they are an international company.
But what baffles me, is that this chain was called IHOP even before it expanded the pancake frontier to our neighboring countries.
After a quick perusal of IHOP's Web site, I've come to the conclusion that this whole title business is a clever ploy to lure customers.
Right off the top of my head I can think of at least three better names. Why not call it the North American House of Pancakes? Perhaps, just the house of pancakes? I mean what's with the labels? Why do we have to label everything?
Pizza Hut doesn't go around calling all of their franchises the International Pizza Huts, and their menu selections are literally international.
Also misleading is that IHOP doesn't just serve pancakes. Personally, if I'm going to some house with pancakes in the title, I'm not going to order a steak. Even more ridiculous is that in 2005, IHOP started serving funnel cakes. Really? I ask you IHOP, how are funnel cakes international or pancakes?
I will "come hungry," but I can't say I'll "leave happy" until someone corrects this sham of a title.
IHOP's 24-hour location in Providence was unavailable for comment at 2:18 a.m. and the manager at the Brighton, Mass., location declined to comment on the issue.
For starters, I have nothing against said pancake people. In fact, I think they're good people. I mean, for Pete's sake, they're giving away pancakes today and trying to raise $1 million for charity. They even comply with assorted animal welfare standards.
While this is just wonderful, I admit I have qualms about some of this dining establishment's characteristics -- in particular, its name.
Question: What makes this place international?
It's certainly not the cuisine.
According to IHOP's Web site, it is a California-based chain that operates about 1,375 restaurants in 49 states, Canada and Mexico. So technically, they are an international company.
But what baffles me, is that this chain was called IHOP even before it expanded the pancake frontier to our neighboring countries.
After a quick perusal of IHOP's Web site, I've come to the conclusion that this whole title business is a clever ploy to lure customers.
Right off the top of my head I can think of at least three better names. Why not call it the North American House of Pancakes? Perhaps, just the house of pancakes? I mean what's with the labels? Why do we have to label everything?
Pizza Hut doesn't go around calling all of their franchises the International Pizza Huts, and their menu selections are literally international.
Also misleading is that IHOP doesn't just serve pancakes. Personally, if I'm going to some house with pancakes in the title, I'm not going to order a steak. Even more ridiculous is that in 2005, IHOP started serving funnel cakes. Really? I ask you IHOP, how are funnel cakes international or pancakes?
I will "come hungry," but I can't say I'll "leave happy" until someone corrects this sham of a title.
IHOP's 24-hour location in Providence was unavailable for comment at 2:18 a.m. and the manager at the Brighton, Mass., location declined to comment on the issue.
