The Only US State Without A Single IHOP Location

By Martha Brennan
An IHOP sign K I Photography/Shutterstock

The state of Vermont is known for many things. Their picturesque scenery, world-renowned skiing, friendly people, and the best Vermont craft beers. It's also the U.S. state that produces the most maple syrup, pumping out over 3.1 million gallons in 2024 alone. And while there are plenty of pancake houses in the state where you can enjoy all of that sugary goodness, there is one famous chain missing from its repertoire: IHOP.

IHOP has been dishing out its breakfast samplers and free refills all over the world for the past 67 years, with nearly 1,800 locations in operation as of 2023. At one point, the California-based company had a franchise in every U.S. state – and in 13 countries outside of the U.S. – but Vermont proved to be an egg the International House of Pancakes just couldn't crack. The state's only location closed in 2024 after 15 years in business, leaving Vermonters stackless for the time being.

Honk for pancakes

Plates of pancakes and french toast, a glass of juice and a mug of black coffee on a table at IHOP TMP - An Instant of Time/Shutterstock

Some residents who live near the state's eastern border can get to an IHOP if they're willing to drive. The nearest locations are in the neighboring state of New Hampshire, where four IHOPs are currently in operation. That doesn't help the hungry students of the University of Vermont too much, however.

The University Mall IHOP opened in 2009 to great excitement. Vermont was the last U.S. state to launch an IHOP, and the CEO of the company even flew in for the grand opening. The restaurant managed to stay in operation until September 2024, when it was mysteriously closed with no reason given to the public. Some wondered if it had to do with the location, but others pinned it down to the mixed reviews of the food.

As of March 2025, there haven't been any announcements regarding a new IHOP location in the state, which is known for favoring local businesses over big chains. It's one of the two U.S. states without a Chick-Fil-A location, and there is just one McDonald's and no Shake Shack. It's something a lot of residents are proud of, so there might not be another IHOP coming anytime soon.

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