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Retire the Tie and Honor Dad With a 'Heart'-ier Gift

Celebrate Dad This Father's Day With the IHOP "I HEART Dad" Contest

Glendale, CA (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- Does dad really want another tie this year for Father's Day? It's time to ditch the mug and scrap the picture frame and give dad what he really wants! Considering two of the top gifts dads most desire are a meal out at a restaurant or a gift card,(1) this year surprise dad with both by entering the IHOP "I HEART Dad" online essay contest. Between now and June 21 guests can submit their heartfelt story in 250 words or less at www.ihop.com about why they HEART their dad and think he deserves a delicious meal at IHOP. Five winners will each receive a $100 IHOP gift card.

"IHOP suits dad perfectly with a wide selection of mouth-watering breakfast, lunch and dinner items that are available any time of day," said Carolyn O'Keefe, IHOP's senior vice president, marketing. "In celebration of Father's Day, we're pleased to offer our guests the chance to win a 'heart'-y meal together as a family."

IHOP offers other tasty ways to celebrate dad this Father's Day, including a Never-Empty pot of IHOP's hot and fresh International House Roast Coffee and IHOP's Strawberry Festival. For a limited time only at participating IHOPs, delight dad with three IHOP treats topped with the season's sweetest flavor: sweet strawberry crepes, pancakes and new strawberry stuffed French toast. Or, surprise dad with an IHOP gift card that's perfect any time of day for any of IHOP's breakfast, lunch and dinner items.

Complete IHOP "I HEART Dad" contest rules can be found at www.ihop.com. Entries can be submitted online beginning 12:01 a.m. PT June 1, 2009. The contest ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on June 21, 2009. Entries will be judged on three factors: entertainment, originality and emotional impact. Winners will be notified by phone, postal mail and/or email on or about June 30, 2009.

IHOP gift cards may be purchased at any IHOP location or by going online. All of IHOP's breakfast, lunch and dinner items are available any time of day, and don't forget to "grab your IHOP 'n Go" with IHOP's takeout program.

About Ihop

For 50 years, the IHOP family restaurant chain has served its world famous pancakes and a wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items that are loved by people of all ages. IHOP offers its guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. The first IHOP opened in Toluca Lake, Calif. in 1958, and as of March 31, 2009, there were 1,402 IHOPs in 50 states, Canada and Mexico. IHOP restaurants are franchised and operated by Glendale, Calif.-based International House of Pancakes, LLC and its affiliates. International House of Pancakes, LLC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).

(1) Father's Day Shopping Survey, Creative & Response Research Services, Inc. April 2006.

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