The International House of Pancakes (IHOP) is a US-wide chain that somehow still has cult status. It’s a go-to breakfast spot and a hugely popular late-night hangout, with a reputation built on friendly service and an ever-changing range of delicious buttermilk pancakes. But how did one small restaurant grow to become pancake royalty? To celebrate National Pancake Day (September 26), we're looking back at the fascinating, and sometimes surprising, history of IHOP.

Love IHOP as much as we do? Read on to discover how it grew from a single store to become America's most popular pancake chain.