How a nuclear-era origin story led to a marketing disaster
Explore the unexpected history of IHOP, a brand born from nuclear panic that eventually attempted one of the internet's most infamous marketing stunts: replacing pancakes with burgers.
The history of IHOP is far more complex than its reputation for 2 a.m. coffee and pancakes. The brand's origins are rooted in the era of nuclear panic, providing a surprising backdrop to its long-standing presence in American dining. However, the company's legacy is also defined by a massive branding pivot known as IHOB, a stunt that attempted to swap the iconic breakfast menu for burgers, sparking widespread internet reaction.
Source: How IHOP's "Great" Idea Went Terribly Wrong
