Fact Check: Is IHOP open on Thanksgiving?

Is IHOP Open on Thanksgiving?

The claim in question is whether IHOP (International House of Pancakes) will be open on Thanksgiving Day in 2023. This inquiry is particularly relevant as many families seek dining options during the holiday, and restaurant hours can vary significantly.

What We Know

Operating Hours: According to multiple sources, IHOP locations are confirmed to be open on Thanksgiving Day, with operating hours typically from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight) 1 3. This aligns with the general trend of many casual dining establishments that remain open during holidays to cater to customers seeking meals outside traditional home-cooked options.
Menu Offerings: IHOP has introduced special menu items for Thanksgiving, including turkey-related dishes such as All-Natural Roasted Turkey and the Cali Roasted Turkey Melt 3. This suggests that the restaurant is not only open but also actively promoting holiday-themed meals.
Variability of Hours: Some sources caution that IHOP's hours may vary by location, and customers are encouraged to check their local IHOP for specific hours 4 5. This variability is common among chain restaurants, especially during holidays.
Confirmation from Official Sources: A press release cited in one article confirms that IHOP will be open on Thanksgiving, which adds a layer of credibility to the claim 1.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

Guilty Eats: This source provides a direct quote from a press release, which is a reliable form of evidence. However, it is essential to consider that Guilty Eats is a food and dining website that may have a promotional angle, potentially leading to bias in how they present information 1.
The Kitchen Today: This article discusses IHOP's Thanksgiving menu and hours, providing specific details about the restaurant's offerings. The source appears to be focused on food-related content, which may indicate a vested interest in promoting dining options during the holiday 3.
USA Today and FOX 4 Kansas City: Both of these sources are established news organizations known for their journalistic standards. They provide information about various restaurants open on Thanksgiving, including IHOP, and emphasize the variability of hours across locations 4 5. Their broader context may lend credibility to their reporting.
Other Sources: Several sources, including hoursguide.com and centralhours.com, provide general holiday hours for IHOP but lack specific details or direct confirmation from IHOP itself. These sources may aggregate information from various outlets, which can lead to inaccuracies if not properly verified 6 8.

Methodological Considerations

The methodology behind confirming IHOP's hours involves checking multiple sources, including official press releases and reputable news outlets. However, the reliance on anecdotal evidence from individual locations can lead to discrepancies. It would be beneficial to have a centralized source or a direct statement from IHOP's corporate communications to eliminate ambiguity regarding hours.

Conflicts of Interest

While most sources appear to be reporting factual information, it is crucial to remain aware of potential biases. Websites focused on food and dining may have an interest in promoting restaurant options, which could lead to a more favorable portrayal of IHOP's offerings.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence indicates that IHOP will be open on Thanksgiving Day in 2023, with operating hours typically from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight). This conclusion is supported by multiple sources, including a press release confirming the restaurant's holiday hours and the introduction of special Thanksgiving menu items. However, it is important to note that hours may vary by location, and customers are advised to check with their local IHOP for specific details.

While the information is largely corroborated by reputable sources, the variability in hours across different locations introduces a degree of uncertainty. Therefore, while the claim is true, it is advisable for diners to verify the hours at their specific IHOP location to avoid any inconvenience.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate information and consider checking multiple sources when seeking confirmation on operational hours or other claims.

Sources

Guilty Eats. "IHOP Thanksgiving Hours: What to know in 2023." Link
Menu Prices Guide. "IHOP Thanksgiving Menu Prices 2023." Link
The Kitchen Today. "Does IHOP Have Turkey Dinner for Thanksgiving?" Link
USA Today. "Restaurants open Thanksgiving 2023: Starbucks, McDonald's, more." Link
FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV. "Thanksgiving 2023: What restaurants are open?" Link
Hours Guide. "2023 Holiday Hours Open/Closed." Link
Central Hours. "IHOP Holiday Hours." Link