Key Answer: No Name Change Since 2018 Rebrand
IHOP did change its name temporarily in September 2018 to IHOB (International House of Burgers) as a marketing stunt, then reverted to IHOP in late 2018. Since that reversion, the chain has operated under the IHOP name and has not changed it again. This status clarifier explains what happened, why the 2018 shift occurred, and confirms the current name is IHOP, unchanged in recent years.
Background on the 2018 Rebrand
In June 2018, Dine Brands Global, the parent company of IHOP, announced a planned name change to IHOB: International House of Burgers. The announcement was a deliberate pivot to emphasize burgers alongside traditional breakfast items. The change was intended as a temporary promotional move tied to a limited-time burger menu. Public reaction was largely negative, and by September 2018, IHOP confirmed it would retain the original name while still offering the expanded burger menu. No subsequent permanent name change has occurred.
The Rebrand Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| June 2018 | Announcement of planned change to IHOB | Signaled a marketing experiment to broaden menu perception. |
| Late June 2018 – August 2018 | Rollout of IHOB branding and promotion | Included signage and marketing materials; public confusion emerged. |
| September 2018 | Revert to IHOP name, keep burger offerings | Response to consumer feedback; restoration of brand familiarity. |
| 2019 – Present | Continued operation as IHOP | No further permanent name changes recorded. |
Official Statements and Evidence
According to statements from Dine Brands Global, the 2018 name shift was a temporary test, not a permanent rebrand. Press releases and earnings calls from 2018 clarified that the company would operate under the IHOP name after customer feedback. As of the most recent annual reports and corporate filings, the legal and operational name remains IHOP, with no new announcements indicating another change. This consistent messaging supports the status clarification.
Common Misconceptions
- Some believe IHOP permanently changed to IHOB; in reality, the change was brief and reversed.
- Others think the current chain is different from the original; menus remain similar, with burgers added but breakfast still core.
- Restaurant signs and digital assets now uniformly show IHOP, with no active use of IHOB branding.
Why the Confusion Persists
The 2018 experiment generated widespread discussion and media coverage, much of which focused on the initial change without emphasizing the swift revert. Social media posts and memes continue to reference the IHOB name, reinforcing uncertainty. Clear corporate communications at the time stated the return to IHOP, but the lingering references contribute to ongoing questions.
Current Status and Takeaway
The operational name of the chain is IHOP, and it has not changed since the company reverted from IHOB in late 2018. Dine Brands Global has not announced, nor implemented, any subsequent name change. For customers and observers, the chain is IHOP, with a menu that includes burgers but remains centered on its traditional breakfast offerings.
Summary Comparison
| Aspect | Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name in 2018 | Changed to IHOB temporarily | Corporate announcement |
| Revert date | September 2018 | Company statement |
| Current name | IHOP (unchanged since late 2018) | Corporate filings, menus |
| Future plans | No announced name change | Latest available disclosures |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Did IHOP change its name for good in 2018? No; the IHOB change was temporary and reversed within months.
- Is IHOP still the same company after the 2018 experiment? Yes; the brand identity returned to IHOP and has remained consistent.
- Are menus and locations affected by the name shift? Menus expanded to include burgers, but locations operate under the IHOP name.