IHOP Rolls Out Tropical Summer Menu

IHOP Restaurants has announced new menu items for summer that features tropical flavors. The IHOP chain, owned by DineEquity Inc. in Glendale, will start today selling its Paradise Pancakes items that include grilled pineapple inside pancakes, banana macademia nut pancakes and strawberry passion fruit cheesecake. The company said the temporary menu pays tribute to IHOP founders Jerry and Al Lapin, who were on vacation in Hawaii in 1957 when they tasted pancakes with coconut syrup. It inspired them to open the first IHOP a year later in Toluca Lake. “Paradise Pancakes are the perfect way for families and friends to take a bite into summer.” Kirk Thompson, senior vice president of marketing for IHOP, said in a statement. “Our taste of the tropics shine brightly as we bring the season of fun and sun into our restaurants.” DineEquity shares closed Monday up $1.11 or 1.3 percent to $85.44 on the New York Stock Exchange.