Expect lines and crowds at the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) Tuesday as customers line up for a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes.
IHOP started National Pancake Day in 2006, asking customers to help local charities when they come in for free pancakes. This year, they hope to raise $3 million nationwide on Feb. 5 as they offer the free breakfast food all day long-- the La Mesa and SDSU locations included, according to the company.
Over the last eight years, the restaurant chain has already raised more than $10 million to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and other local charities, the company said.
“Millions of free pancakes served on National Pancake Day mean millions of miracles for those in need,” said Julia Stewart, Interim President, IHOP and CEO of the parent company, DineEquity, Inc. “The concept is simple, but our mission is ambitious; to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible through Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals."
This year, the company estimates they'll flip and serve up 4 million free pancakes.
"Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals funds are often used to purchase equipment and pay for uncompensated care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible," according to the company's website.
The local IHOP restaurants are located at:
- 8747 Broadway
LA MESA, CA 91941
(619) 462-9897 - 5851 University Avenue
SAN DIEGO, CA 92115
(619) 265-8602 - 3637 Avocado Blvd.
LA MESA, CA 91941
(619) 670-1209
