STATE COLLEGE, PA — A cornerstone of the South Atherton dining scene is preparing to serve its final stack. After 12 years of operating as a go-to destination for early-morning pancakes and late-night study sessions, the IHOP at 1661 S. Atherton St. has officially announced its permanent closure.
The decision marks the end of an era for the International House of Pancakes in the State College area, leaving local fans of the “Rooty Tooty Fresh ‘N Fruity” breakfast looking elsewhere for their pancake fix. The final day of operations is scheduled for December 30, 2025.
A Bitter Farewell in the Lobby
News of the closure first broke via a handwritten message on a chalkboard in the restaurant’s lobby. The message, which quickly circulated among the local community and Penn State students on social media, carried a somber tone.
“Please be nice to our staff. They are taking it hard!” the sign read. “We will miss you all.”
The emotional appeal underscores the human element of the State College restaurant industry. For many employees, this IHOP was more than a workplace; it was a decade-long community hub. While an official corporate spokesperson has not yet issued a detailed statement on the reasons for the shutdown, the move follows a trend of “casual dining restructuring” seen across Pennsylvania and the broader United States in 2025.
Why Is the State College IHOP Closing?
While specific financial data for this franchise location remains private, industry analysts point to several factors currently impacting breakfast restaurant franchises in Pennsylvania:
1. Rising Operational Costs
The restaurant business in Centre County has faced significant headwinds this year. From record-high commercial rent along the Atherton Street corridor to the rising price of breakfast staples like eggs and flour, the profit margins for mid-tier casual dining have narrowed.
2. Labor Shortages and Recruitment
As noted in the restaurant’s lobby sign, the staff is “taking it hard.” The struggle to maintain a full roster of servers and cooks in a competitive market like State College—where students and locals have numerous employment options—has become a persistent challenge for 24/7 or late-night operations.
3. Shift in Real Estate Use
The property at 1661 S. Atherton St. sits on a prime 1.11-acre lot. With State College real estate trends leaning heavily toward multi-unit residential and student housing developments (similar to the revised plans for nearby 734 S. Atherton), the land itself may now be more valuable for redevelopment than for a standalone restaurant building.
The Search for the “Nearest IHOP Near Me”
For loyalists of the blue-roofed pancake house, the map is about to look much emptier. Following the December 30 closure, the nearest IHOP locations for State College residents will be:
- Mifflintown, PA (Approx. 45 miles away)
- Harrisburg, PA (Approx. 90 miles away)
This leaves a significant void in the local breakfast and brunch market. While State College still hosts a Perkins Restaurant & Bakery on Benner Pike and several local independent diners like Sowers and The Waffle Shop, the loss of a major national franchise like IHOP signals a changing of the guard in the borough’s dining habits.
A Look Back: 2013 to 2025
The State College IHOP opened in December 2013, ironically taking over the space of a former Perkins restaurant near the Super 8 hotel. At the time, its opening was seen as a major win for the South Atherton commercial district, providing a 24/7 dining option that was rare outside of the downtown core.
Over the years, it became a staple for:
- Penn State Students: A reliable late-night spot for post-game celebrations or “all-night” study marathons.
- Travelers: Its proximity to local hotels made it a primary breakfast stop for visitors entering Happy Valley via Route 322.
- Families: The “Kids Eat Free” promotions and casual atmosphere made it a weekend favorite for local residents.
What’s Next for 1661 S. Atherton St?
As of late December 2025, no official plans have been filed for the redevelopment of the IHOP site. However, the zoning of South Atherton has seen several recent shifts toward “mixed-use” and “high-density residential.”
Investors and locals alike are watching closely to see if the building will remain a restaurant—potentially attracting another national brand like Cracker Barrel or First Watch—or if it will be razed to make way for a four-story apartment complex, a trend that has defined State College development over the last five years.
Final Operating Hours
If you want to say your final goodbyes or enjoy one last stack of New York Cheesecake pancakes, the restaurant remains open through the end of the month:
- Sunday – Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Friday – Saturday: 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
- Final Day: Tuesday, December 30, 2025.
The restaurant was notably closed on Wednesday, December 24, for the holiday, but it is expected to resume these hours for its final week.