By Chris MacDonald
After 24 years of feeding hundreds of thousands of visitors and loyal fans to downtown Huntington Beach, The IHOP (International House Of Pancakes) at 200 Main Street has just closed according to franchise owner Jose Ruiz, who said health issues and rent increases made it impossible to stay in business any longer.
“I and my staff are truly going to miss the many customers who became our dear friends over the years,” he said. “From local residents coming to get their favorite meals to people from all over the world wanting to experience an American-style breakfast, our IHOP was like a home for our guests.”
A fellow Downtown HB business owner, Aaron Pai, of Huntington Surf and Sport owner said: “The Pai family enjoys supporting local businesses and has patronized this place through the years. We’re going to miss seeing Jose Ruiz and the friendly staff we came to know.”
Tina Viray, co-owner of the popular Surf City Store on the Huntington Beach Pier said: “IHOP has been our go-to breakfast place for years. I loved their food. We’re sorry to hear they closed. We’ll miss them!”
“I loved this IHOP location,” said Huntington Beach City Councilman Butch Twining who ate at the restaurant many times with family, friends and business associates.
IHOP not only hosted birthday parties and family celebrations but also provided a meeting place for many clubs and organizations. I have memories of the Huntington Beach Downtown Business Improvement District having regular meetings there when Surf City Nights was started years ago. Thank you, Jose and IHOP, for making so many people happy!
The nearest IHOP is at 18782 Beach Boulevard near Constantine in Huntington Beach. It is open 24 Hours a day on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.