It’s hard to rebrand your image, whether you’re an individual or a chain of restaurants super well known for its pancakes. For IHOP, who recently announced that they’d be changing their name over to IHOb, the transition has come with a little bit of criticism. Even if the change is just a temporary way to advertise their new line of burgers (since that’s what the lowercase “b” stands for) the jokes that other restaurants and retailers are hurling their way have got to hurt.
Earlier this month, IHOP announced on Twitter that they’d be going by IHOb from here on out, all thanks to one big change in their menu. That change turned out to be their new Ultimate Steakburgers, which as their website claims, are “so good, we changed our name.”
Yesterday, Wendy’s poked fun at the big reveal on social media. After someone asked if they were worried about the new focus of IHOb, the popular fast food chain stated that “Not really afraid of the burgers from a place that decided pancakes were too hard.” Which, is kind of funny.
Other companies must have witnessed the sick burn and chose to make their own — even companies that have nothing to do with burgers or the food industry at all.
Here’s what Netflix had to say about the rebrand:
brb changing my name to Netflib
— Netflix (@netflix) June 11, 2018
But, it seems like Netflix forgot about their own rebranding attempt just a few years ago, which they smoothly acknowledged with a popular Arrested Development gif.
You’re one to talk, Qwikster.
— Stephen Staver (@sstaver) June 11, 2018
— Netflix (@netflix) June 11, 2018
Chili’s, who stated they don’t really “throw shade” chose to, well, throw shade at IHOP.
We don't usually throw shade, but seriously? That's what all that was about? Here's a real burger for you. #ChilisBoss #IHOb pic.twitter.com/eTVmtd9vir
— Chili's Grill & Bar (@Chilis) June 11, 2018
Waffle House acknowledged that they’re sticking with what they know best — breakfast, any time of the day.
No worries here...
— Waffle House (@WaffleHouse) June 11, 2018
Burger King had one of the best responses.
They didn’t tweet about the rebranding but instead changed their logo and images on Twitter to joke about how they’re now in the pancake business.
Red Robin also had a joke at IHOP’s expense.
They said they’re just as serious about pancakes as IHOP is about burgers. Just in case you haven’t been to a Red Robin in the past few weeks, pancakes aren’t on the menu. Not even for kids.
We’re as serious about pancakes as @IHOb is about burgers https://t.co/IQ7J2TX47T
— Red Robin (@redrobinburgers) June 11, 2018
A&W tested to see if the letter flip was right for them.
Turns out, it wasn’t. But still, it looks like a fun experiment.
Inspired by the International House of Burgers announcement, we are also changing our name (Please do not ask what it means — we don’t know either.) pic.twitter.com/0HPQtQirHn
— A&W Restaurants (@awrestaurants) June 11, 2018
Taco Bell has yet to comment — but since they once utilized pancakes in a breakfast taco, there’s a chance they might actually be on IHOP’s side.
If you ever needed a reason to follow these chains on social media, this war over IHOP’s new focus might be perfect.
