PASADENA, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, IHOP is establishing an ownable, brand-defining moment by declaring the first Tuesday of March as National Pancake Day. To officially kick off this annual tradition, IHOP will celebrate National Pancake Day on Tuesday, March 3 by inviting guests to “meet up” at participating IHOP locations nationwide and enjoy a free Short Stack of buttermilk pancakes from 7am to 8pm.
“As the leader in breakfast, pancakes are part of our DNA – so much so that they’re embedded in our name,” said Lenna Yamamichi, Vice President Brand Creative, IHOP. “This National Pancake Day, we want IHOP to feel like more than a restaurant. We’re getting creative and flipping the narrative, transforming IHOP into the go-to meetup spot to grab a free Short Stack, settle into a booth, and turn a simple meal into quality time. No planning, no pressure, because pancakes just taste better when the table’s full.”
This year, IHOP is turning up the volume on National Pancake Day by partnering with viral creator and musician Mr. Fantasy, whose wildly shareable social media presence has made him a breakout voice in Gen Z culture. And the hype doesn’t stop online — fans will have the rare chance to meet him IRL at IHOP’s Hollywood restaurant (7006 Sunset Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028) on Tuesday, March 3, from 2pm to 5pm PST for an unforgettable “meet up.”
“Since my arrival to L.A, IHOP pancakes have been my ‘GO TO’ breakfast. I was absolutely gobsmacked when they asked to team up for National Pancake Day,” said Mr. Fantasy. “Bringing people together in ALL shapes and forms is imperative to my mission here on this giant spinning marble we call EARTH. I can’t wait to meetup and share some fluffy stacks of deliciousness… Because nothing, I repeat, NOTHING, hits like pancakes with your favorite people. Love You.”
The brand is also launching a lo-fi, street-style campaign where intentionally DIY-looking flyers will appear in high-traffic neighborhoods and community spaces. The aesthetic of this campaign taps into the growing trend of low-tech, analog visuals that resonate with Gen Z and young adults, giving the campaign both cultural edge and grassroots energy.
By hosting meet ups, IHOP is tapping into youth culture’s ability to spark trends and drive broad cultural momentum, therefore creating a vibrant sense of community nationwide. This sets the tone for the broader National Pancake Day celebration, turning it into an annual moment of connection and shared experiences centered around free pancakes.
Additionally, giving back to others is part of IHOP’s heritage, so in honor of National Pancake Day, the brand invites guests to feel good while doing good by supporting communities in need. Every $1 donated in IHOP restaurants on March 3 helps provide at least 10 meals** to local Feeding America® partner food banks, turning every stack shared into support for families facing hunger.
For more information or to find the nearest restaurant, please visit IHOP.com.
*Dine-in only. Available 7am-8pm. Hours may vary. Limited time at participating restaurants in the U.S. only. No substitutions. Not valid with other discounts or promotions. Tax and gratuity excluded.
**$1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks. https://www.ihop.com/en/national-pancake-day
