Jorge Rivera, General Manager, (center) takes a short break with team members
By: Donna Duperron
I am a morning person, waking up no later than 5:30 each morning. I have always enjoyed going out to breakfast with family, friends, or colleagues as mornings are quiet and peaceful. When the opportunity to do an Out and About on IHOP was presented, I looked forward to it.
IHOP is an American multinational pancake house restaurant chain that specializes in American breakfast foods. It was founded on July 7, 1958, and is headquartered in Glendale, CA with 99% of the current restaurants owned by independent franchisees.
Entering IHOP, the first thing I noticed was how busy the restaurant was for a Monday morning. And, although there were many customers, the staff was welcoming and seated guests in a rapid manner. As I was escorted to a table, I was told that Jorge Rivera, General Manager, would greet me in just a few minutes. Not knowing Jorge, I speculated that he was the individual in the kitchen assisting with the delivery of food to the tables and welcoming and seating guests as they arrived.
After a short wait, Rivera welcomed me and began sharing his story about IHOP. He was excited to share new marketing strategies of the restaurant as well. Looking at IHOP’s website prior to my visit, a banner headline read, Waffles, Burgers. Biscuits. And More! We’ve flipped a new menu. I was excited to hear about the changes IHOP has made as I was a creature of habit always ordering the Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity combination.
“Currently our number one promotional item is biscuits. We are serving a chicken biscuit sandwich, a breakfast biscuit sandwich, buttermilk biscuit and gravy combo, and a fresh strawberries and cream biscuit combo,” commented Rivera. IHOP also has an extensive lunch menu which includes hamburgers, chicken sandwiches and hand-crafted melts.
An item that is relatively new to IHOP is their family feasts, better known as IHop ‘N Go only. A variety of meals including a new buttermilk crispy chicken family feast, a breakfast family feast with pancakes, a breakfast family feast with waffles, and a breakfast family feast with thick ‘n fluffy French toast are offered.
In addition to the updates to the menu and a new Rewards program, Rivera is so proud of the team working at the Torrance location. “The majority of the team members that I hired are still here. We have created an environment that we are proud of,” stated Rivera.
The Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce thanks IHOP for being a valued member. IHOP is located 24631 Crenshaw Blvd., Torrance with hours of 7:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
