What year did IHOP first open its doors?

IHOP first opened its doors in 1958, marking the beginning of a brand that would become synonymous with breakfast food, particularly pancakes. The establishment was founded by Jerry Lapin, Al Lapin Jr., and Isaac G. S. Pancake, who envisioned a restaurant dedicated to serving high-quality, affordable breakfast dishes all day long. The choice of 1958 as the founding year is significant because it reflects a time in American culture when diners were gaining popularity, and the demand for quick, casual breakfast options was on the rise. IHOP's concept was innovative, focusing on a menu that could cater to breakfast lovers at any time, thus carving out a niche in the restaurant industry that remains influential today.