GLENDALE, Calif.–IHOP officials announced an agreement today with a Manila-based company to open 20 restaurants in the Philippines over the next five years, with an option to develop outlets in Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.
The deal between Interdine Corp., a unit of Global Restaurant Concepts Inc., which operates several U.S. brands in the Philippines, and IHOP subsidiary DineEquity Inc. could create about 1,000 jobs, according to IHOP.
“Extending the unique IHOP experience into the Asia Pacific region has long been part of our vision,” Julia Stewart, DineEquity’s chairman and chief executive, said. “But the key to achieving that goal was finding the right franchisee who had the necessary experience in the area and who shared the same commitment to excellence and putting our guests first that IHOP’s reputation has been built on.”
Archie Rodriguez, president and chief executive of Global Restaurant Concepts, said the company was “thrilled about bringing IHOP to the Philippines and South East Asia.”
“IHOP is an iconic brand, and it truly echoes wonderful memories for people who have experienced dining there before,” he said.
As part of the agreement, Interdine will open a hospitality training school at its Manila headquarters to ensure that guests receive the excellent level of service they have come to expect from IHOP restaurants.
As of Sept. 30, IHOP had 1,565 restaurants in 50 states and the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, Guatemala, Mexico, Puerto Rico, the United Arab Emirates and the U.S. Virgin Islands. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its
affiliates.
