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IHOP's latest menu launch ties in with the new movie “IF.”

Some of the imaginary friend characters are blue or purple, colors that are reflected in the menu items. | Photo courtesy of IHOP.

IHOP announced its latest film Monday and introduced a menu inspired by “IF.” which hits theaters on May 17th.

But fans who want to try a culinary preview can head to IHOP now through June 16 and try out eight new, limited-time items inspired by the film's animated characters.

“As we dreamed up different flavor combinations and ultimately brought our new IF menu to life, my culinary team and I really took the film and its characters into account, which you'll see in both the color and flavor palette as well as the names of the menu items . said Chef Arthur Carl, vice president of culinary at IHOP. “We love the sweet and savory flavor profiles on this limited-time menu, such as our Blue Raspberry Pancake with Fruit Pebble Topping, French Toast Sandwich and a Soda Pop with The Original Bomb Pop that turns your drink purple.”

The pancakes Chef Carl is referring to are Blue's Dazzleberry Pancakes, two blue raspberry-flavored pancakes topped with vanilla mousse, whipped cream and Fruity Pebbles granola. The same pancake can be ordered individually, topped with scrambled eggs, sausage and strips of bacon Blue's Dazzleberry Jr. Combo.

Other pancakes are on offer Lewis' Cinn-a-Bear stackconsisting of two buttermilk pancakes with cinnamon spread, cream cheese frosting, cinnamon sugar donut holes and whipped cream.

Donut pancakes

The Lewis Cinna-Bear Stack gives kids the opportunity to have donuts and pancakes on one plate. | Photo courtesy of IHOP.

On the savory side there is that Delightful French toast sandwich consisting of a folded omelet, sausage patty, hash browns, American cheese and chipotle mayonnaise on French toast with syrup and a side dish of choice. Guests can also opt for the Coney Island Pizza Omelet with pork sausage, green peppers, onions, marinara, crispy pepperoni and a four-cheese blend with a side of choice.

The IF theme menu is rounded off with two drinks: Blossom's Orange Chalice, a mix of lemonade, lemon-lime soda and vanilla syrup, topped with whipped cream, fruity pebbles and a gummy butterfly; And Unbelieva Blue Soda Popa mix of lemon-lime soda and blue raspberry syrup, topped with the Original Bomb Pop, which gives the drink a purple color.

Blue and purple dominate the color palette of the food and drink palette, reflecting the looks of some of the cartoon characters that star in the film. IF is about a girl with superpowers that allow her to see all Imaginary Friends (IFs) and her adventures as she embarks on a magical journey to reconnect forgotten IFs with her children.

IHOP has successfully worked with film studios to launch menus in the past. Last November, the Pasadena, California-based chain launched eight LTOs inspired by the holiday film “Wonka,” and previously developed menus around “The Addams Family” and “Minions: The Rise of Gru.”

To foster connection, children under 12 can order their favorite IF dish for free with the purchase of an adult entree when dining at participating locations nationwide. The limited time menu is available from May 6th to June 16th.

IHOP's International Bank of Pancakes rewards program is also offering three bonus PanCoins on all IHOP IF menu items during the opening weekend of the film's release, May 17-19. From May 6-19, Rewards members who purchase an IF menu item will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a 50-person screening of the film.

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