IHOP is flipping free pancakes - but you'll have to earn them.
Tomorrow (Tuesday, March 3), customers can score a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes to celebrate National Pancake Day.
No purchase is required - but there are three things to know.
The giveaway is dine-in only, runs from 7am to 8pm and, if past years are any guide, could come with waits of 30 minutes or more.
The promotion is one of IHOP's most popular annual traditions, dating back to 2006.
'This National Pancake Day, we want IHOP to feel like more than a restaurant,' Lenna Yamamichi, vice president for brand creative at IHOP, said.
'We're getting creative and flipping the narrative, transforming IHOP into the go-to meetup spot to grab a free Short Stack, settle into a booth, and turn a simple meal into quality time. No planning, no pressure, because pancakes just taste better when the table's full.'
But the celebration doesn't stop there -- in Los Angeles, IHOP is teaming up with internet personality and musician Mr. Fantasy for a pancake meetup at its Hollywood location from 2-5pm PST.
National Pancake Day is celebrated by IHOP
A plate of pancakes at an IHOP location in Florida
'Bringing people together in all shapes and forms is imperative to my mission here on this giant spinning marble we call earth. I can't wait to meetup and share some fluffy stacks of deliciousness,' Mr. Fantasy said.
Reddit users warned of 'crazy' wait times for previous National Pancake Days, some debating whether the free breakfast is worth the line.
'Worth it for coffee and a tip not having to cook,' one Reddit user said.
Another Reddit user argued, 'I went to this one time in college but I think I'd rather make pancakes at home than deal with the crowd.'
The purpose of this promotion is, primarily, to raise money for a nonprofit.
For 2026, IHOP will be partnering with Feeding America. With every $1 donated, the nonprofit will provide at least 10 meals to local partner food banks. The chain will be accepting donations throughout the month.
IHOP ran a similar campaign called Month of Giving in February 2024, donating one million meals in the process.
Those signed up for the IHOP loyalty program receive reminders about other special offers. That includes their free bottomless pancakes with a purchase of select breakfast combos deal.
This promotion comes as a slew of rival fast food chains attempt to lure customers in with flashy promotions.
The breakfast franchise, Denny's, recently announced diners can enjoy a free Everyday Value Slam with their $14.99 Spring Break Pass.
The Everyday Value Slam includes two eggs, two bacon strips or two sausage links, plus your choice of two buttermilk pancakes, two slices of brioche French toast, or a biscuit and gravy.
Dunkin introduced a limited-time freebie where iced coffee fanatics would receive a single pink mitten alongside their drink order.