IHOP Plans Expansion in Maine With New Location Coming Soon

Chain restaurants are no stranger to Maine. Whether it be the convenience or simply the continuity in service and menu, people throughout the Pine Tree State enjoy chain restaurants.

But the past couple of years have been difficult for a lot of those chains. From places like Denny's, TGI Friday's and Red Lobster to fast-food chains like Pizza Hut and KFC, all have struggled financially and have closed locations or filed for bankruptcy in the last 18 months.

While some struggle, others eye expansion. And that includes one well-known chain that is ready to open another location in a small Maine town.

IHOP Prepares to Open New Location in Newport, Maine

Initially shared on social media, the Big Stop Restaurant in Newport, Maine, announced that they would be closing their doors on April 12. They would be doing so to make way for a brand new IHOP location in the same space.

IHOP has been continuing a two-pronged expansion plan. They've been opening combination restaurants, with one side operating as an Applebee's and the other side as an IHOP. But IHOP has also been seizing a chance to take over restaurants at busy truck stops like the one in Newport.

This Will Be IHOP's Second Truck Stop Restaurant in Maine

When the Big Stop Restaurant in Newport flips to an IHOP, it won't be the first in Maine. It's already happened to the Big Stop location in Houlton.

According to the Bangor Daily News, the Big Stop in Houlton closed last September and reopened in October as a full-service IHOP.