IHOP declared the first Tuesday of March as National Pancake Day in 2026 and is offering free short stacks of buttermilk pancakes nationwide, the company said.
The restaurant chain said guests can snag a free short stack from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time at participating locations, and the offer is available for dine in only, according to IHOP.
IHOP also said no minimum purchase is required for the free short stack, and the brand is running a separate free bottomless pancakes promotion with the purchase of select breakfast combos.
Lenna Yamamichi, IHOP vice president brand creative, described pancakes as part of the company’s identity, and said the chain aims to make IHOP a meetup spot for guests seeking a free short stack and quality time.
Charitable Drive And Hollywood Fan Event
IHOP tied the promotion to charitable giving, saying that for every dollar donated at its restaurants on March 3 the brand will help provide at least ten meals to local Feeding America partner food banks, as reported by IHOP.
The company further committed to donate a portion of coffee sales from late March through the end of the year, with a guaranteed minimum of $180,000, according to IHOP.
In Los Angeles, the celebration includes a fan event at the IHOP on Sunset Boulevard, located at 7006 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, where online creator Mr. Fantasy will appear to meet fans starting at 2 p.m. during a three hour window.
IHOP said the Hollywood appearance is a separate fan based event from the standard nationwide free short stack promotion, and Mr. Fantasy expressed excitement about partnering with the brand and meeting fans in person.
The chain encouraged customers to give voluntarily while visiting restaurants, saying donations will support local food banks while guests enjoy free pancakes and promotional offers.
