Glendale-based International House of Pancakes LLC has opened its first IHOP Express in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, at 711 Fourth Ave. The format is a fast-casual version of the company’s full-service restaurants, emphasizing portable options for customers on the go, the company announced Nov. 17.
A statement said the concept was previously tested out at sites including university campuses and military bases. Customers order items at a counter for takeout, or can also eat in the restaurant’s seating area.
The Gaslamp opening is part of IHOP’s previously announced strategy to increase frequency of visits. The company earlier this year launched IHOP at Home, a line of frozen breakfast items available at retail stores, and it has opened several new locations of its full-service restaurant across the nation during 2011.
The company, which is a subsidiary of DineEquity Inc., operates 25 full-service IHOP restaurants in San Diego County.
— Lou Hirsh