IHOP Franchisee Opportunities

Requirements Checklist

Our Standard Approach

Our typical development agreements require franchisees to build multiple restaurants in a defined geography within a defined period.

Our preferred partner is an experienced and well capitalized multi-unit operator who is probably operating restaurants already with another brand. We typically require a minimum of $1.5 million in net worth for each restaurant to be built, along with substantial cash assets for initial restaurant construction. It is also important our franchisees have sufficient funds to cover working capital costs and startup costs, which are substantial.

Our Ideal Franchise

Is committed to a long-term franchise relationship built on trust and respect

Knows how to build a brand

Understands that accessible pricing and value are core components of family dining

Is highly capable, particularly in areas like supply chain, quality assurance, real estate development, and marketing

Is highly capable, particularly in critical areas like supply chain, quality assurance, and has access to and ability to secure premier real estate

Has or will have infrastructure dedicated to the development of our brand

Has material liquidity and net worth, with access to capital

Has a track record of developing multi-unit restaurant systems

Our Approval Process

Request for Consideration

As a first step, complete our online Request For Consideration. This will allow us to know about your experience and business background to determine a fit for our minimum franchise qualifications.

Application Form

Upon review of your Request for Consideration, and if the minimum qualifications are met, the Franchise Candidate will need to submit a Franchise Application Package with a signed NDA, background check authorization and release forms, requested financial information, business plan, will be disclosed with our Franchise Disclosure Document.

Exploratory discussion with Dine Brands

After review of your Franchise Application, we will schedule a call with you to follow up on questions regarding the information your provided on your Franchise Application, your interest and goals in franchising with Dine. We will also provide you more information about our brand culture, how we work with our Franchisees, business processes, and next steps in the Franchise Qualification Process.

Market Visit

During this part of the Franchise Qualification Process, the IHOP team would visit your market to assess existing operations, meet the team and understand your market plan.

Franchisee visits Restaurant Support Center in Glendale, CA and a market within existing presence

Before signing the agreements, IHOP requires a visit to our headquarters and to an existing market. The purpose of this visit includes presenting the business plan in person, meeting the extensive team and having a deeper dive into the restaurant’s operations.

Franchise Due Diligence

We will conduct corporate due diligence. IHOP will require documentation related to the principals/corporate entities.

Term Sheet

Upon completion, review and alignment on the business plan, IHOP will provide a term sheet that outlines the key terms of our agreement. It would include key commercial terms, and a summary of the key legal clauses.

Contract Execution

After the due diligence is completed, a contract incorporating the agreed term sheet will be prepared and signed.

Training / Open

Ideally, the first restaurant will open 6 to 12 months after contract execution. Franchise Candidate and appropriate staff must attend a required training program prior to opening.