IHOP Franchise Files Bankruptcy, Are More Louisiana Locations at Risk?

Louisiana - IHOP Franchisee Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy

Another well-known food franchisor has said it is filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which is further depressing news for the restaurant industry. One of the sites of the business International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is listed in Chapter 11.

"The Street" claims that a well-known pancake shop franchisee is currently filing for bankruptcy. Since June 30, 2023, International House of Pancakes, which according to ScrapeHero has 1,698 locations in the United States, has closed roughly 92 of those sites. According to IHOP's website's Frequently Asked Questions page, the chain had 1,790 locations by the middle of 2023.

Additionally, the Street story states that on March 24, 2025, Exton Operating Group Inc., the company that runs an International House of Pancakes franchise in Exton, Pennsylvania, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in order to restructure its operations. TA IHOP, a debtor situated in Burlington, New Jersey, filed a petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, listing assets and liabilities ranging from $100,000 to $500,000. The franchisee of the Dine Brands Global IHOP restaurant chain stated that money would be available to settle unsecured debts.

A number of IHOP restaurants have already closed here in Louisiana including the one right here in Lake Charles. Here in Louisiana, there are now only 28 International House of Pancake restaurants. There is currently no word on any additional closings.

Aside from the pancakes, IHOP's pot of coffee as you sit down to eat is one of my favorite breakfast-related features. A pot of coffee on the table is a great addition to an IHOP breakfast, and I enjoy my coffee in the morning.

I hope the 28 restaurants in Louisiana make it through these difficult times and that the International House of Pancakes remains open for many years to come.