A few months ago, we investigated why there are so many abandoned Pizza Huts throughout the United States. I recently fell into an International House of Pancakes (IHOP) rabbit hole and asked myself the same question about this restaurant franchise.
Like Pizza Hut, IHOP still exists. Also like Pizza Hut, all original IHOP restaurants had an architecturally unique look to them. From the 1950s through the 70s, all IHOP restaurants sported a distinct A-frame structure. This lasted until 1979 when the last A-frame was built. Starting in the 1980s, they retired this look and opted for a more modern style.
Today, there are a handful of the original IHOP buildings left. The company didn't completely phase them out but they definitely abandoned many through the years. I've included photos of these vacant IHOP A-frames through the country.
