IHOP turning into IHOB is genius | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
food

IHOP Deserves An Award For The IHOB Marketing Campaign

A lot of people (including me) were angry that IHOP played us. But...it worked.

Heather DeSalvo
Jul 23, 2018
Temple University
165
IHOP Deserves An Award For The IHOB Marketing Campaign
c1.staticflickr.com

Remember when IHOP announced that they were changing their name to IHOB? The Internet went crazy.

Everyone knows that IHOP is known for pancakes. Pancakes. NOT BURGERS.

Well, on July 9, IHOP announced via Twitter that they faked their name change to IHOB to promote their burgers.

Umm...excuse me, IHOP? https://twitter.com/IHOP/status/1016366117986566144

Maybe I'm just stupid, but this announcement took me by surprise. Others, including the famous Kalen Allen, knew it was coming.

https://twitter.com/TheKalenAllen/status/101649740...

A lot of people (including me) were angry that this restaurant chain played us. But...it worked. They got more Internet traffic and probably more visits. They also gained publicity for their new burgers.

In short, IHOP's marketing ploy was GENIUS.

I remember passing by IHOP restaurants and wondering why the signs still said "IHOP." Now I know why, but for me, that was the first hint that something was up. IHOP would never abandon its title as the "International House of Pancakes."

The fact that the name change was a marketing ploy was confirmed by Chief Marketing Officer Brad Haley: "When we launched our new Ultimate Steakburgers last month, we were blown away by the public's reaction to our IHOb campaign since, ultimately, it demonstrated how much love there is for the IHOP brand and our pancakes."

I remember seeing IHOP replace every "P" with a "B" on Twitter. Their pancakes were known as "bancakes." IHOP kept dropping hints that this was a marketing ploy. Yet silly old me was too oblivious. What a clever marketing strategy! Then, once everything was revealed to be fake, they announced that they just wanted to "bromote" their new burgers.

https://twitter.com/IHOP/status/1016708077435879424

Looking back on everything, I love IHOP even more now. I've always loved their pancakes. My obsession with their pancakes is so strong that my mom got me a gift card to IHOP for my birthday. Yup, that's me.

https://tenor.com/view/raven-yup-thats-me-na3m-gif...

My anger about IHOP's marketing ploy was short-lived compared to my love for pancakes. In the end, the marketing team for IHOP are absolute geniuses. Now I can enjoy burgers AND pancakes from my favorite breakfast chain.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

Dubuque, IA
18039
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
freshman
Student Life

8 Easy Ways to Get Involved in College

It's easier than you think.

Kansas State University
13713
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
college
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

Widener University
7693
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
friends
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

College of Staten Island
5629
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
dress up
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

College of Charleston
4890
brown wooden book shelves with books
Photo by Mariia Zakatiura on Unsplash

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less
library

Trending Topics

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments