IHOP to hop into Karachi by the end of 2019

Pancake house chain cites Pakistan's rapidly growing economy as one of the reasons for expansion

America's popular pancake house chain, the International House of Pancakes or better known as IHOP announced plans to open the first restaurant in Karachi by the end of 2019, Bloomberg reported.

IHOP does not plan to stop there, with as many as 18 more outlets announced as part of a nine-year plan across Pakistan.

According to Bloomberg, the restaurant is coming to Pakistan as part of its "efforts to seek new revenue abroad".

The parent company of IHOP, Dine Brands Global Inc announced the decision on Monday while also saying that nine of its franchises will be run by the Gerry's Group while the rest will run as sub-franchises.

Bloomberg quoted Dine Brands Chief Executive Officer Steve Joyce as saying, "Pakistan’s rapidly growing economy" was one of the reasons why they chose to open their branches in Pakistan.



Joyce also said “Key to our international strategy is identifying and entering new markets, such as Pakistan, that have a rapidly growing economy, are contiguous to existing markets to offer an economy of scale, and above all, have an appetite for IHOP’s unique guest experience of warm hospitality with world famous pancakes, breakfast and other menu items."

A report also credited Joyce to IHOP's slow but steady return to glory after a "couple of dismal years".

IHOP continues to expand in the world and agreements have already been signed in Peru and Equador while Canada may also see more locations.

By December last year, as many as 1,831 IHOP restaurants existed around the world, including India.