Stack Up the Joy: IHOP's Free Pancake Giveaway Warms Hearts and Tummies!

As the Eastern Seaboard shivers through the cold, there’s something warm and fluffy on the horizon to lift everyone’s spirits. It’s National Pancake Day, and IHOP is making it a day to remember with a delicious giveaway that’s sure to spread smiles as wide as a pancake is round. Today, for one day only, IHOP is dishing out free Short Stacks of Buttermilk Pancakes to every customer who walks through their doors from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. That’s right, folks – free pancakes!

“Gluten-free vegan buckwheat pancakes” by nyxie is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

This isn’t just about indulging in those gloriously golden-brown delights; it’s a day with a mission. IHOP started National Pancake Day back in 2006 with the noble goal of raising money for charity. Fast forward to today, and they’re still flipping pancakes for a cause. In New York and New Jersey, for example, the promotion costs just $1, which goes straight to helping those struggling with food insecurity.

But the giving doesn’t stop at the griddle. IHOP has launched the Stacking Up Joy program, a brand-wide initiative to combat food insecurity in partnership with Feeding America. Throughout February, IHOP’s Month of Giving, customers are invited to add a little extra to their bill – $1, $2, $3 or more – whether they’re dining in or ordering online. And here’s the best part: every single dollar donated funds ten meals for those in need.

The effervescent Xochitl Gomez is the face of this year’s campaign. ‘I am excited to work with IHOP this month for their Month of Giving campaign and in celebration of the best day of the year, National Pancake Day,’ Gomez said. Her enthusiasm is infectious, and her love for IHOP and the community is as genuine as it gets.

So, what’s the deal with these free pancakes? Each guest can grab a Short Stack of three mouth-watering buttermilk pancakes, no charge. While there’s no obligation to pay, IHOP is encouraging patrons to make a donation to their charity efforts instead. Think about it – a Short Stack usually costs $8.59, so even a small donation can make a big difference.

IHOP’s generosity has been a recipe for success, raising over $30 million for charity since the inception of National Pancake Day. And with the Stacking Up Joy program, they’re taking their commitment to the next level. ‘Our purpose of spreading more joy to more guests in our communities is why establishing a program like Stacking Up Joy is a natural fit for us,’ said Kieran Donahue, IHOP’s chief marketing officer.

So, if you’re near an IHOP – and chances are, you are, with locations in Albany, Amherst, Cheektowaga, and beyond – why not stop by? You’ll get to savor a free Short Stack, contribute to a great cause, and join in a tradition that’s been stacking up joy for 18 years. Remember, it’s today only, so don’t let this pancake party pass you by!