We think we figured out what IHOP’s name change means
IHOP has mastered the art of flipping everyone's world upside down and we're here to offer some comfort.
On Monday, the breakfast chain announced that after 60 years of identifying as the International House of Pancakes (IHOP) it's re-branding to IHOb. And while no one knows for sure what the lowercase b stand for, after journeying down a dark internet hole we've got a pretty good idea.
Burgers, baby. 🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔🍔
SEE ALSO: This attempt at making a giant macaron fell flat, literally
The first and most logical guess is that the chain's ditching its focus on pancakes and broadening the meal scope to become "International House of breakfast." That seems a bit too predictable though, so instead, we think the "b" stands for BURGERS.
For 60 pancakin’ years, we’ve been IHOP. Now, we’re flippin’ our name to IHOb. Find out what it could b on 6.11.18. #IHObpic.twitter.com/evSxKV3QmT
— IHOP (@IHOP) June 4, 2018
In a Reddit thread asking for IHOP employees to spill the beans on the name change, Reddit user lumpsr explains, "It's about burgers. We're coming out with a line of 100% Black Angus beef, hand pressed burgers. Had training on them this week and, I have to say, they're pretty good."
After a little more digging Mashable discovered that lumpsr appears to work at IHOP as a manager. So, like maybe some people didn't get the memo this thing's supposed to be a secret? IDK. But IHOP's Twitter account still refuses to crack.
Upon further sleuthing, more info on the alleged burger plan was uncovered:
Image: screenshot/Reddit
UPDATE: June 6, 2018, 3:45 p.m. PDT The original comments to Reddit have since been deleted.
And other inside IHOP sources seem to be on Team Burger, as well, betraying their brand like it's no biggie.
Spoiler alert guys: its burgers. I work at IHOP. Come tip me. https://t.co/ceEiC2uDcK
— lexie swanson (@lexie_swanson) June 6, 2018
My inside source says burgers 🍔
— DizzleRizzle (@_verydisco) June 6, 2018
More proof may come from IHOP's announcement itself. "We’re flippin’ our name," the brand wrote. What else do you flip? Burgers.
It's unclear if IHOP will actually permanently change its name to IHOb. Sadly, this is probably a very effective use of viral marketing.
However, someone does own the Twitter handle IHOb, and it is a verified account. Still, a quick search for trademark patents returned no results for IHOb linked to the chain. It's unclear who owns the domain IHOB.com.
Image: Twitter/screenhot
The IHOP Twitter account ran a poll on Tuesday, listing "Biscuits, Bacon, Butternut Squash, and Barnacles" as options, but we've got a feeling the brand's just trying to throw fans of the scent.
IHOb? What could it b? #IHOb
— IHOP (@IHOP) June 5, 2018
Other popular guesses include bagels, Beyoncé, Blockchain, and BITCOIN!? But please, dear lord don't let it be Bitcoin. (Don't worry, it's probably almost definitely going to be burgers.)
Sadly, since IHOP decided to re-brand in the most painfully slow and torturous way possible, we'll all have to wait until June 11 to find out for sure. So until then, sit back, channel your inner IHOP, and brainstorm what the franchise's new name will be like everyone else.
Please don't be IHOP Blockchain. Please don't be IHOP Blockchain Please don't be IHOP Blockchain. Please don't be IHOP Blockchain. Please don't be IHOP Blockchain. https://t.co/qRIEPMXeyX
— Dan Primack (@danprimack) June 5, 2018
What do YOU think @IHOP's new name is? International House of...
— Extra Credit (@ExtraCredit) June 6, 2018
This is what the B stands for. @IHOPpic.twitter.com/6aIDg4XBZD
— ƤΛɄȽ 🐧 (@Paul_Is_Penguin) June 6, 2018
IHOP is changing its name to IHOB and while people think it stands for “breakfast” I’m putting my money on BETRAYAL
— bea (@bayahhh) June 6, 2018
You can make it International House of Bowling if you want, so long as I can still get three eggs over easy, corned-beef hash, and dry rye toast.
Heck I go to @IHOP so often, the b’s gotta be for Bob. https://t.co/KBm4MAMJ1L— Senator Bob Menendez (@SenatorMenendez) June 6, 2018
IHOP is changing its name to IHOb to stand for International House of Booty and compete with Hooters. Next question.
— Abbi Crutchfield (@curlycomedy) June 6, 2018
— Hot Diggity Dog It's The Good Place 🌭 (@nbcthegoodplace) June 6, 2018
You know what they say: Come Hungry. Leave Confused.
Want more clever culture writing beamed directly to your inbox? Sign up here for the twice-weekly Click Click Click newsletter. It's fun – we promise.