GLENDALE, CA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/07/2009 -- After 50 years and billions of pancakes flipped and served, IHOP, one of America's favorite restaurants, today announced that for the first time in the company's half century of operation, it has restaurants open in all 50 U.S. states. This milestone is a result of the opening of its newest restaurant in South Burlington, Vt., introducing IHOP's classic blend of breakfast, lunch and dinner to the Green Mountain State.

"For 50 years IHOP has delighted guests throughout the country, and we are thrilled to now offer IHOP's delicious dishes and warm and friendly service in all 50 states," said Carolyn O'Keefe, IHOP's senior vice president, marketing. "IHOP provides guests a neighborhood spot that brings family and food together, and we look forward to serving the residents of Vermont."

Franchisee Star Generations, Inc., operated by the Handy family, opened the restaurant and has plans of future expansion. In recognition of the State's history and reputation for producing world renowned syrup, the new location will offer pure Vermont maple syrup in addition to IHOP's signature syrup flavors. "Thanks to our father, Paul L. Handy, our family has owned and operated businesses in Vermont for over five decades, and we're proud to bring such a beloved brand to the State," said Peter Handy. "We're also pleased to serve IHOP's world famous pancakes with Vermont's own maple syrup."

The opening of the Vermont location echoes IHOP's ongoing strategy to expand the brand's accessibility to an increasing number of new guests. In the 50 years since it opened, more than 17 billion pancakes topped with more than 32 million gallons of syrup have been served to happy guests, and more than 74 million pounds of coffee beans have been ground to fill IHOP's famous Never-Empty Pots of International House Roast Coffee.

IHOP was one of the first pancake houses in America to also offer a full menu of meal options, including burgers and steak. Today, IHOP boasts nearly 1,400 locations in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and was recently ranked number one in system-wide sales in the family dining category by the restaurant industry's leading trade publication Nation's Restaurant News.

ABOUT IHOP

For 50 years, the IHOP family restaurant chain has served its world famous pancakes and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items that are loved by people of all ages. IHOP offers its guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. The first IHOP opened in Toluca Lake, Calif. in 1958, and as of December 31, 2008, there were 1,396 IHOPs in 49 states, Canada and Mexico. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based IHOP, a subsidiary of DineEquity Inc. (NYSE: DIN).

Jennifer Pendergrass/Dan Ischy
IHOP
818-637-6303/818-637-4756

Terry Wills/Ann Kelsey
Wills Communications, Inc.
310-524-0200/619-295-7600