IHOP Ditches Pancakes (Just Kidding!) & Races Into Remote Control Car Market

IHOP Restaurants LLC, the breakfast heavyweight you know and love (seriously, who doesn’t love pancakes?), is surprisingly dipping its toes into a whole new arena: remote control cars! Yep, you read that right. The company, based in Pasadena, California, is launching a line of RC cars designed to bring a little bit of fun and speed to your life – and maybe distract you from craving more blueberrys. So, how did IHOP, famous for fluffy stacks, end up building miniature vehicles? According to IHOP’s VP of Brand Strategy, Sarah Jenkins, it was about recognizing a universal need. “We realized people love two things: good food and having a good time. RC cars deliver on that ‘good time’ front. Plus, we’ve always been about bringing families together, and RC cars are awesome for family fun.” Beyond Breakfast: What’s the IHOP RC Car Lineup? The initial launch features three distinct models, catering to different skill levels and preferences. IHOP isn’t just slapping their logo on existing cars; they've actually collaborated with a team of RC car enthusiasts to design vehicles that are both fun and (relatively) durable. The “Short Stack” – Beginner Friendly: This is the entry-level model, perfect for kids (or adults who are RC newbies). It's a brightly colored, easy-to-control car designed for smooth surfaces. It’s reasonably priced around $30-$40, making it a great impulse buy. “We wanted something accessible,” explains lead designer, Mark Peterson. “Something that wouldn't frustrate a first-time RC driver.” The "Short Stack" features a simple two-wheel drive system and a battery life of about 15-20 minutes. The “Blueberry Blast” – All-Terrain Adventure: Stepping up the game, the "Blueberry Blast" is an all-terrain vehicle with larger tires and a more robust suspension. It can handle grass, dirt, and even some small rocks. Priced around $60-$70, it's geared towards those who want to take their RC adventures beyond the pavement. "We really focused on building something that could actually handle some bumps," says Peterson. The "Blueberry Blast" boasts a four-wheel drive system and a battery life of around 25-30 minutes. The “Grand Slam” – Performance Powerhouse: The flagship model, the "Grand Slam," is a high-performance RC car designed for speed and agility. It features a powerful motor, adjustable suspension, and a sleek, aerodynamic design. Priced around $100-$120, it's aimed at RC enthusiasts who are looking for a challenging and rewarding driving experience. “This isn’t your kid’s toy,” Jenkins jokes. “This is for the serious RC racer… or someone who just wants to go really, really fast.” The “Grand Slam” has a brushless motor, four-wheel drive, and a battery life of about 30-40 minutes. It can reach speeds of up to 30 mph. Why RC Cars? IHOP Explains the Unexpected Pivot. The move into RC cars might seem strange for a breakfast chain, but IHOP argues it's a natural extension of their brand values. “We’re about creating moments of joy and connection,” Jenkins explains. “Whether it's sharing a pancake breakfast with your family or racing an RC car with your friends, it’s all about having fun together.” Furthermore, IHOP sees RC cars as a way to engage with a new audience. “We’re constantly looking for ways to connect with people outside of the breakfast hours,” Jenkins says. “RC cars are a great way to reach a younger, more active demographic.” The company is also leveraging its existing marketing channels to promote the RC car line. They’re running social media contests, offering exclusive discounts to IHOP Rewards members, and even planning RC car racing events at select IHOP locations. Where Can You Buy Them? The IHOP RC car line is currently available for purchase on the IHOP website ([hypothetical website address]), as well as at select toy retailers. IHOP is also planning to launch a dedicated RC car section in its restaurants, allowing customers to browse and purchase the vehicles while enjoying their breakfast. What’s Next for IHOP’s RC Car Division? IHOP isn't stopping with just three models. They’re already working on new designs, including a drift car, a monster truck, and even a miniature replica of an IHOP restaurant. “We see a lot of potential in this market,” Jenkins says. “We want to become a leading brand in the RC car industry. And who knows, maybe one day we’ll even have an IHOP RC car racing league!” The company is also exploring the possibility of incorporating RC car themes into its menu and marketing campaigns. Imagine IHOP pancakes shaped like tires, or a commercial featuring RC cars racing through a stack of pancakes. The possibilities are endless. While it's a departure from their breakfast roots, IHOP's foray into the RC car market is a bold and unexpected move. Whether it will be a success remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: IHOP is proving that it's not afraid to take risks and try new things. And hey, even if the RC cars don't take off, at least we still have pancakes.