National Pancake Day Is Saturday. Why Doesn’t Bangor Have an IHOP?

Since National Pancake Day is this Saturday, September 26, it seems like the perfect time to ask this question again: Where’s Bangor’s IHOP?

National Pancake Day is celebrated across the United States each year on September 26. And, as we’re sure you’re well aware, pancakes are round, flat cakes made from a thick batter of flour, milk, and eggs, then cooked on a frying pan or griddle.

For many years, Bangor had its own pancake destination: Colonial House of Pancakes (CHOP). The restaurant was immensely popular before eventually closing its doors. If you need a point of reference, it was located at 697 Hogan Road, where Miguel’s is now.

Then, back in the summer of 2018, Bangor’s Planning Board unanimously approved plans for an IHOP that would have been located at the Rodeway Inn on Odlin Road. Unfortunately, that project never came to fruition.

Fast-forward to 2025, and our friends in Newport finally got an IHOP of their own.

And here we are, in the homestretch of 2026, still without one in Bangor.

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So, the question remains: Does the Bangor area need an IHOP?

Personally, I’m voting 100% yes.

As of now, there are six IHOP locations in Maine:

267 North Street — Houlton
18 Moosehead Trail — Newport
649 Turner Street — Auburn
110 Community Drive — Augusta
195 Maine Mall Road — Portland
515 Main Street — Saco

New Hampshire also has six IHOP locations, in Bedford, Nashua, Newington, Rochester, Salem, and Seabrook.

Of course, there are plenty of great places around the Bangor area to grab breakfast. We certainly aren’t hurting for pancakes. But IHOP is one of those chains that feels like it could fit right in here in the Queen City.

And honestly, if Newport can get one, why can’t Bangor? With that in mind, it couldn't hurt to reach out to them and make the case to bring IHOP to the Queen City.

So, in honor of National Pancake Day, maybe we should celebrate the Maine way: head over to the iconic Dysart’s and enjoy some of their world-famous blueberry pancakes.