Why The New IHOP NFT Isn't What You Think It Is

In the age of NFTs, it seems as if nobody can resist taking a dive into the metaverse. Mega-chains like Starbucks are jumping into the action, per Nation's Restaurant News, with the coffee chain recently announcing an NFT reward experience for its customers named Starbucks Odyssey on September 12. The interactive game will release later this year. According to Finbold, even brands like KFC have joined the trend, with the chain filing a trademark application for its own non-fungible token in March of 2022.

And it doesn't stop there — Finbold reports that the list of food chains alone looking to the virtual market is growing by the day. Brands like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, Baskin-Robbins, and Arby's are just a taste of those joining the metaverse. With the market for virtual products expanding, chains are trying to deliver. Now, even IHOP is sticking its hand into the game. That's right, the pancake house is making its very own NFT. But it's probably not what you think it is. That's because starting on October 10, you can literally have a bite of IHOP's very own NFT (per Business Wire).

The NFT from IHOP is not actually a non-fungible token, but a sweet new menu item. The play on words was used to introduce the chain's new Thick 'N Fluffy French Toast and is available for dine-in or to-go orders at select locations (per Business Wire). 

The new french toast features two slices of thick bread dipped in a brand new vanilla cinnamon batter, which is heated on a griddle. The meal is available in three different flavors: classic, strawberry banana, and lemon ricotta mixed berry. Each comes with specialized toppings like fresh banana slices to powdered sugar. If you want to give it a taste, customers can redeem the Thick 'N Fluffy French Toast for 10 PanCoins in the International Bank of Pancakes Stack Market during the first two weeks of its launch. These coins are a part of the brand's loyalty program that launched in April, per Restaurant Dive.

The new Thick 'N Fluffy French Toast accompanies a whole new all-day menu with healthy and indulgent menu options from Plant-Based Sausage and Atlantic Salmon to bacon mac & cheese. The additions are a part of IHOP's drive to provide its guests with more options when they dine out (via Business Wire). Although you might not be able to trade this french toast in the Metaverse, you can have a taste of it alongside a healthy serving of golden-brown IHOP syrup at a restaurant near you.