New ad campaign for International House of Pancakes is stacked with good content
Building on the momentum of recent advertising and marketing efforts, IHOP today debuted its new advertising campaign that captures moments or rites of passage that occur while eating a hot breakfast. The creative spots -begin airing today -feature vignettes lthat include a seminal father-daughter moment as she orders her first cup of coffee, or the simple joy of a classic table game between siblings during breakfast for dinner. A familiar scene at an IHOP restaurant booth might include family homework sessions (made sweeter with pancakes) and of course the awkward first date silence (but eased somewhat by a shared love of syrup).
With the tagline 'Eat Up Every Moment' IHOP tapped the Los Angeles office of Campbell Ewald, part of the Interpublic Group (IPG), to lead the creative strategy for the campaign along with TV and radio execution; the agency's multicultural arm, sociedAD, is responsible for driving Hispanic advertising.
For the first time in the brand's marketing strategy, IHOP will run multiple television spots during a single promotional window, aiming to engage the multi-generational, culturally diverse audience that frequents its more than 1,650 franchised restaurants on a daily basis. Additionally, the brand selected actor Jason Lee to serve as the voice of the new campaign.
"With this new work we wanted to remind people to stop and connect with those who matter. To make more of the small moments in between life's big moments," said Jo Shoesmith, chief creative officer at Campbell Ewald. "Connections naturally occur in booths among friends and family, so what better place to create those memories than at IHOP? IHOP has always encouraged its guests to eat up every moment and we wanted the creative to bring this philosophy to life in a very real and authentic way."
The appointment of Campbell Ewald by IHOP was announced in July following a competitive, multi-agency review, replacing Dailey LA, another IPG shop, after a four-year run. In addition to television and radio creative, the campaign will include exclusive online content for its social channels developed by IHOP digital and social media agency, MRM/McCann.
"We are excited to introduce our new ad campaign, which embodies the magic of the brand and beautifully captures the special everyday moments our guests enjoy at IHOP," said Kirk Thompson, Senior Vice President, Marketing for IHOP. "The new creative is rooted in celebrating the emotional connection that happens when our guests sit down and share a freshly made breakfast together, in a booth at an IHOP restaurant, at all hours of the day. We believe that life is too short, and breakfast is too delicious, not to eat up every moment."