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IHOP Takes Flight With New Location

Cover Story

February 25, 2018

Story By: Caroline Wright | Photos by: Lawrence Tabudlo

Cupcake Pancakes $13.19

If you’re the sort of traveler who likes to board a long flight with a satisfying meal that’s made to order, you’ll be delighted to hear about the new International House of Pancakes, better known as IHOP, just a couple easy blocks from Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

Located on Koapaka Street, next door to Dunkin’ Donuts, IHOP’s new airport branch is conveniently open 24 hours a day, and offers a surprisingly diverse menu. The kid who wants pancakes, the mom craving an elaborate salad, the hungry traveler looking for a hearty sandwich to eat on the plane to Portland — there’s something for everybody here.

“As the sign says, we’re spreading happiness!” general manager Chasity Brede says, with a chuckle. “We’re just trying to give great service to our guests.”

Spinach & Mushroom Omelet $15.49

“Spreading happiness since 1958,” the sign behind Brede proclaims. That’s a reference to IHOP’s first year in business, when brothers Al and Jerry Lapin launched their first International House of Pancakes in Toluca Lake, California. At this brand-new, state-of-the-art restaurant on Koapaka Street, nostalgia is the sweet theme. Old photos of “The Pancake Man” and other early IHOP personalities smile from the walls, and “IHOP blue” is prominent in the décor.

Perhaps the most familiar thing about IHOP is the stack of buttermilk pancakes for which the restaurant is known. That yummy buttermilk batter provides a base for Cupcake Pancakes ($13.19). Rainbow sprinkles are stirred in before the batter is poured onto the griddle, and each colorful quartet of flapjacks is crowned with cupcake icing, whipped topping and more sprinkles.

On the same toothsome theme, Stuffed French Toast ($13.29) is just sinful enough to satisfy. Bursting with sweet cream filling, two triangles of cinnamon-raisin toast are topped with strawberry vanilla, peach vanilla or glazed strawberries.

Philly Cheese Steak Stacker $13.49

Those craving something savory will likely salivate at the thought of Philly Cheese Steak Stacker ($13.49). “It’s traditional and it’s my favorite!” says Brede. “I really love the Philly. It’s American cheese, sirloin steak, and red onions on a grilled roll.”

For a first-class meal that would be the envy of the flight deck, try Sirloin Steak Tips ($17.99). Tender sirloin tips with grilled mushrooms and onions are accompanied by mashed potatoes, corn and garlic bread.

Spinach & Mushroom Omelet ($15.49) is perfectly proportioned, with fresh spinach, mushrooms, onions and Swiss cheese rolled into an omelet and topped with hollandaise and diced tomatoes. It’s served with three buttermilk pancakes, hash browns, toast or fresh seasonal mixed fruit.

Sirloin Steak Tips $17.99

As always, IHOP has a BYOB policy with no corkage fee, so guests can enjoy a relaxing beer or glass of wine with their meals. The restaurant offers a 15 percent discount for active-duty and retired military and spouses, as well as firefighters and members of the police force. And IHOP’s fantastic Kids Eat Free promotion, offered from 4 till 10 p.m. for keiki 12 and younger when accompanied by an adult, makes it easy and affordable for families to eat dinner together.

All the Juicy Details

IHOP’s new Koapaka Street location is the first in the U.S. to offer a juice bar! With this feature, guests craving a healthy beverage that practically bursts with flavor have a cornucopia of delicious options.

Smoothie choices ($6.99 each) include Blue Kale Sunrise; juice options ($7.49 each) include Mighty Mango. Create your own for a little more!

On The Go

Now, hungry travelers can take their meals “to go” in boxes that were specially designed for IHOP! After almost a year of testing, the restaurant has introduced new carryout packaging perfectly created for pancakes and everything else on the menu. The ventilated modular packaging keeps food warm while minimizing moisture. Sections that snap shut help keep food safe through boarding and take-off. The IHOP menu is also available on Uber Eats and Bite Squad.

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