Why IHOP won’t be hosting their #PancakeDay promo as usual this year

IHOP has given away well over 6 million pancakes since the beginning of National Pancake Day in 2006. But this year, those pancakes will be given away on a delay.

The coronavirus pandemic has forced restaurants to pivot as in-person dining has been limited in favor of delivery and take out options. So while patrons won’t be able to get their pancake fix under the blue roof this year, they’ll still be able to redeem a complimentary stack in April.

The International House of Pancakes announced it is offering patrons an IOU in celebration of National Pancake Day this year. Guests can redeem a free short stack of buttermilk pancakes between April 1 and April 30, 2021.

Customers eager to get a hot stack of pancakes can join MyHop, the restaurant’s customer loyalty program, before March 31, 2021 to get their belated free Pancake Day treat.

“If you’re hungry now, there’s no need to wait; you’ll also get a FREE Full Stack just for signing up!” IHOP said.

Existing MyHop members are already set to receive the free short stack coupon in their inbox on April 1.

Since the promo won’t be available until the spring, at least a couple of Twitter users were disappointed that they won’t be able to get their free pancake fix today.

IHOP had anticipated disappointment when it released an update on Facebook Monday. The news conference promo announced that the annual celebration would be canceled. After the clip showed disappointed reporters repeatedly shouting “No!” the 20-second footage concluded with #IHOPNationalPancakeDayIsCancelledAndLifesNotFair.

Still, customers can donate to IHOP’s charity partners — Children’s Miracle Netowrk Hospitals, Shriners Hospitals for Children and Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.