IHOP announced its latest movie tie-in Monday, introducing a menu inspired by “IF,” which arrives in theaters May 17.
But fans who want to taste a culinary preview can head to IHOP now through June 16 and try eight new limited-time items inspired by the film’s animated characters.
“When imagining different flavor combinations and ultimately bringing our new IF menu to life, my culinary team and I really took the movie and its characters into consideration, which you will see in both the color and flavor palette, as well as menu item names,” said Chef Arthur Carl, VP of culinary for IHOP. “We are excited about the sweet and savory flavor profiles on this limited-time menu, such as our Fruity Pebble-topped blue raspberry pancakes, French Toast sandwich, and a Soda Pop with The Original Bomb Pop that turns your drink purple.”
The pancakes Chef Carl is referring to are Blue’s Dazzleberry Pancakes, two blue raspberry-flavored pancakes topped with vanilla mousse, whipped topping and Fruity Pebbles cereal. The same pancake can be ordered as a single, plated with a scrambled egg, sausage link and bacon strip in Blue’s Dazzleberry Jr. Combo.
More pancakes are on offer in Lewis’ Cinn-a-Bear Stack, featuring two buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon spread, cream cheese icing, cinnamon sugar donut holes and whipped topping.
The Lewis Cinna-bear Stack gives kids the chance to have donuts and pancakes on one plate. | Photo courtesy of IHOP.
On the savory side, there is the MagnIFicent French Toast Sandwich composed of a folded omelet, sausage patty, hash browns, American cheese and chipotle mayo on French toast with syrup and choice of a side. Guests can also opt for the Coney Island Pizza Omelette with pork sausage, green peppers, onions, marinara, crispy pepperoni and four-cheese blend with choice of a side.
Rounding out the IF-themed menu are two beverages: Blossom’s Orangesicle, a blend of lemonade, lemon-lime soda and vanilla syrup garnished with whipped topping, Fruity Pebbles and a gummi butterfly; and Unbelieva-Blue Soda Pop, a mix of lemon-lime soda and blue raspberry syrup garnished with the Original Bomb Pop that turns the drink purple.
Blue and purple dominate the color palette for the food and drink lineup, reflecting the look of some of the animated characters that star in the movie. IF is about a girl with a superpower that allows her to see everyone’s imaginary friends (IFs), and her adventures as she embarks on a magical journey to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids.
IHOP has found success collaborating with movie studios on menu launches in the past. Last November, the Pasadena, California-based chain created eight LTOs inspired by the holiday film, “Wonka,” and previously developed menus around “The Addams Family” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
To promote the tie-in, kids 12 and under can order their favorite IF item for free with the purchase of one adult entree when dining in at participating locations nationwide. The limited-time menu is on offer from May 6-June 16.
IHOP’s International Bank of Pancakes rewards program will also offer 3x bonus PanCoins on all IHOP IF menu items during the opening weekend of the film’s release, May 17-19. From May 6-19, Rewards Members who purchase an IF menu item will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a screening of the movie for 50 people.
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