On Tuesday, March 4, 2025, IHOP (International House of Pancakes) will celebrate its 20th anniversary of National Pancake Day by giving away free buttermilk pancakes to customers. Anyone dining in at participating locations can enjoy this sweet treat from 7 AM to 8 PM, providing the perfect reason for pancake lovers to stop by their nearest IHOP.
To partake, customers simply need to visit their local IHOP during the designated hours, with no purchase minimum required. Each guest can enjoy one complimentary short stack of three buttermilk pancakes, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to indulge.
“National Pancake Day is a holiday our fans have come to know and love, which is why we wanted to make the celebration even bigger for our 20th anniversary with 20K for Pancake Day,” stated Lenna Yamamichi, vice president of brand creative at IHOP. Her words reflect the excitement and community spirit surrounding this annual event.
Interestingly, this year’s celebration follows IHOP's recent achievement of breaking the Guinness World Record for the most pancakes served within eight hours. On March 1, 2025, at the Santa Monica Pier, the chain served up 25,629 pancakes to 8,543 guests, showcasing the massive following and dedication fans have for IHOP’s pancake offerings.
For every pancake served during the record-breaking event, IHOP committed to donating $1 to Feeding America. This brought the total donation to $25,629, cheerful proof of IHOP’s commitment to giving back to the community. Those who want to contribute even more can do so by adding their donations to their check during their visit on National Pancake Day.
With over 1,600 locations across the United States, finding the nearest IHOP is easy, especially as many local areas celebrate this delicious food holiday. Not to be outdone, Denny’s will also join the fun with its own promotion this National Pancake Day. For just $6, customers can partake in the chain’s “All You Can Eat Pancakes” deal. The first round will include three buttermilk pancakes, with subsequent orders available at the same price.
Meanwhile, Denny’s has recently announced it would need to implement surcharges at some outlets for meals containing eggs, due to rising egg prices resulting from current shortages across the country. Waffle House is another chain feeling the pinch, having introduced its own surcharge of 50 cents per egg starting last month.
Notably, the free pancake festivities at IHOP coincide with the annual celebration of Mardi Gras. Customers at Krispy Kreme can also enjoy sweet treats this same day, with the doughnut chain giving away free original glazed doughnuts to guests wearing Mardi Gras beads. Expect limits of one per person, applicable both at the drive-thru and inside shops, adding another layer of delight for those celebrating.
Overall, National Pancake Day at IHOP is more than just free pancakes; it’s about community, charity, and the joy of gathering around delicious food. With opportunities for guests to enjoy their favorites and make contributions to those in need, it’s shaping up to be yet another successful year for IHOP’s beloved celebration.
So, whether you’re planning to fill up on free pancakes at IHOP or enjoying treats from other establishments, March 4 promises to be a day dedicated to tasty indulgence and communal giving.