IHOP

Baton Rouge’s third International House of Pancakes is now open at 3680 Harding Blvd., less than two miles from Southern University’s campus. According to businessreport.com, the Harding site is one of at least two more IHOPs expected to come to Baton Rouge over the next five years.
The restaurant opened on Jan. 23, and will contend with Sonic’s, Burger King, McDonald’s and Jack in the Box, also located within the two-mile stretch to Southern’s campus.
According to restaurant manager Carl Grant, it was built near Southern in an effort to cater to its students.
“We’re looking for a big turnout from Southern students; it was one of the reasons the store was built so close to the school,” Grant said. “A lot of our employees are Southern students as well, we wanted to help out in any way possible.”
The opening of the IHOP is being met with mixed reviews. Some students said the new restaurant would not affect their normal study routines.
“I don’t think it (IHOP) will affect me as a Southern student because I’m normally in Baton Rouge when I go out. However, there’s always a chance that I will get a craving around 10 p.m. for country fried steak,” said Brad Lewis, a junior computer science major from Zachary
Others are happy that more restaurants are available for more choices outside of fast food.
“I think it’s a great addition to this side of town,” said Brittani Ware, a sophomore psychology major from Baton Rouge. “This is the first non-fast food place we have. Hopefully, more restaurants will follow IHOP’s example. They should call Raisin Cane’s and tell them to come over too.”
While IHOP is known for being a 24-hour establishment, the Harding site won’t be, at least during its first few months.
“Since we are a new store, we aren’t 24 hours right now. But once we get a night staff, we will be,” Grant said.
Until then, Grant said the hours would be 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., on Sunday through Thursday. On Fridays and Saturdays, the restaurant will stay open until midnight.