Selling an IHOP Franchise

Franchise Resale & M&A Advisory for IHOP Franchise Owners

By Mercedes Shaffer, Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Selling an IHOP franchise is a highly structured transaction that requires deep franchise expertise, disciplined valuation, and maximum buyer exposure. IHOP is a legacy, nationally recognized brand with a strong franchise system, and franchise resales are closely reviewed by buyers, lenders, and the franchisor—making experienced M&A representation essential.

At Highwater Partners, we specialize in franchise resale and M&A advisory for franchise owners, representing IHOP franchisees across the United States. We advise owners on single-unit sales, multi-unit portfolio exits, and strategic divestitures, delivering a professional, well-orchestrated process designed to maximize value and ensure certainty of close.

Why Selling an IHOP Franchise Requires Specialized M&A Expertise

IHOP franchise resales involve detailed brand and operational requirements, including:

• Franchisor approval and formal transfer processes

• Buyer net worth, liquidity, and restaurant experience standards

• Brand compliance reviews, remodel requirements, and audits

• Lease assignment, landlord consent, and rent economics

• Evaluation of hours of operation, staffing, and performance metrics

These factors materially impact valuation, buyer eligibility, financing, and transaction timelines. A general business broker may understand restaurants—but a franchise M&A advisor understands IHOP.

How IHOP Franchises Are Valued

IHOP franchise valuations are driven by cash flow stability, operational consistency, and transferability, not gross sales.

Core Valuation Drivers

• Seller’s Discretionary Earnings (SDE) or EBITDA

• Trailing twelve-month and historical financial performance

• Breakfast-focused daypart strength and margin structure

• Lease terms, rent ratios, and remaining option periods

• Management depth versus owner involvement

• Brand compliance and anticipated capital expenditures

At Highwater Partners, we perform M&A-grade financial normalization and valuation analysis, ensuring pricing is credible to sophisticated franchise buyers, lenders, and private equity investors.

Who Is Buying IHOP Franchises Today

Active buyers for IHOP franchises include:

• Existing IHOP franchisees expanding territory

• Multi-unit, multi-brand restaurant operators

• Private equity–backed franchise platforms

• Strategic buyers seeking stable, legacy restaurant brands

Through maximum listing exposure and targeted outreach, we ensure sellers reach the most qualified and motivated buyers nationwide.

Maximum Exposure Through a National Buyer & Broker Network

Highwater Partners is a national business brokerage and M&A advisory firm representing franchise owners and independent multi-unit operators across restaurants, wellness, fitness, beauty, and pet services. Led by a team of elite business brokers and franchise M&A professionals, the firm delivers maximum listing exposure, disciplined valuation, and transaction management at the highest level.

Highwater Partners delivers broad, national exposure through:

• A proprietary database of 100,000+ qualified franchisees and private equity investors

• A nationwide network of 110+ professional business brokers across the U.S.

• Direct outreach to active, brand-aligned IHOP buyers

• Professionally prepared marketing materials designed for institutional and lender review

This approach creates competitive buyer interest, stronger negotiating leverage, and higher certainty of close, while maintaining strict confidentiality throughout the process.

Why IHOP Franchise Owners Choose Highwater Partners

IHOP franchise owners choose Highwater Partners because we deliver:

• Top-tier professionals with deep franchise and M&A experience

• Brand-specific IHOP resale expertise

• Institutional-quality valuation and deal preparation

• Maximum listing exposure across national buyer channels

• Proven execution on complex franchise transactions

• Professional, discreet representation from start to finish

We are consistently selected by franchise owners seeking the best firm to sell an IHOP franchise, not a generalist brokerage.

Our IHOP Franchise Resale Process

1. Confidential Valuation & Exit Strategy Assessment

2. Professional CIM & Transaction Packaging

3. Maximum Buyer Exposure & Targeted Outreach

4. Buyer Qualification & Franchisor Coordination

5. Offer Negotiation & Deal Structuring

6. Transaction Management Through Closing

Each step is designed to protect value, reduce execution risk, and deliver optimal outcomes.

When Is the Right Time to Sell an IHOP Franchise?

The strongest sale outcomes typically occur when:

• Cash flow is stable and predictable

• Financials are clean and defensible

• Lease terms support buyer financing

• Management systems are established

• Buyer demand for IHOP franchises is active

Preparation and positioning often matter more than market timing.

Speak with a Franchise M&A Advisor

If you are considering selling your IHOP franchise—now or in the future—we recommend beginning with a confidential consultation to discuss valuation, timing, and exit strategy.

Mercedes Shaffer

Managing Director | Highwater Partners

Franchise Resale & M&A Business Brokerage

Cell: 714.330.9999

Email: mercedes@highwater.partners

Website: www.highwater.partners