• by Teresa Buyikian , February 24, 2026

One national pancake chain is establishing a new appropriately themed national holiday.

This week, IHOP announced it has designated the first Tuesday in March as National Pancake Day. Falling on Mar. 3 this year, the brand is commemorating what it hopes will become an annual tradition by offering customers a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“We want IHOP to feel like more than a restaurant,” said Lenna Yamamichi, vice president, brand creative, IHOP. “We're getting creative and flipping the narrative, transforming IHOP into the go-to meetup spot to grab a free Short Stack, settle into a booth, and turn a simple meal into quality time. No planning, no pressure, because pancakes just taste better when the table’s full.”

The brand has tapped TikTok star Mr. Fantasy, known for his eccentric style, British accent and viral songs, to help promote National Pancake Day via social platforms. The elusive social media celebrity will make a rare public appearance at the chain’s Hollywood, CA, location on Mar. 3 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. PST for a fan meet-up.

IHOP has launched an accompanying “lo-fi, street-style” advertising effort, utilizing DIY-looking flyers posted in high traffic areas as well as in community spaces. The campaign “taps into the growing trend of low-tech, analog visuals that resonate with Gen Z and young adults,” according to the brand’s release.

IHOP will also encourage on-site donations on Mar. 3 to Feeding America, with each $1 donated helping to provide at least 10 meals through local partner food banks for families facing hunger.