IHOP reports 4.5% samestore sales hike in 3rd Q

Nation's Restaurant News, Oct 24, 2005

GLENDALE, CALIF. -- IHOP Corp., operator or franchisor of 1,218 family-dining restaurants, recorded a systemwide same-store sales increase of 4.5 percent for the third quarter ended Sept. 30. For the nine months ended Sept. 30, systemwide same-store sales increased 2.1 percent. The chain's guest traffic trends returned to positive levels during the third quarter, the company reported.

IHOP said strong consumer response to its breakfast promotions and menu pricing moderation helped reverse traffic trends to positive territory. The chain's Funnel Cake Carnival limited-time offer during July and August, as well as the strong performance of its current promotion, French Toast Festival, in September, boosted same-store sales results, it said. IHOP expects to release full third quarter results Oct. 27.