Lacey Township is losing a Perkins but keeping the pancakes. The ersatz restaurant is being replaced with a new IHOP location, reports local media outlet Asbury Park Press.
Perkins ceased operations at the 113 South Main Street location earlier this month. IHOP franchisee Rakesh Kumar tells What Now Philadelphia that the building’s location is convenient for him, in relation to other IHOPs he owns and runs. He explains that he came across the spot because: “The owner was retiring and she was selling her business and property. It’s a good location for me because it’s between 2 IHOPs that I own, so it’s easy to get to work there and to manage. This is right in the middle.”
However, the allure of the storefront isn’t limited to logistics. Speaking of Lacey, Kumar states: “It’s a nice town, it’s a growing town, so we want to be there.”
Kumar is aiming for a December 1 opening. He states that progress is on track to begin serving hot, fresh pancakes before Christmas.
Kumar is a seasoned IHOP veteran, owning several restaurants across New Jersey. “I’m always growing.” he says, adding “We usually acquire 2 IHOPS a year.”
While the Lacey Township eatery will of course prominently feature the pancakes customers know and love, Kumar mentions that this particular IHOP may introduce some elements patrons aren’t familiar with. “We’ll have fresh squeezed juice along with all the other juices.” he says. “We may even have a dessert station, which some IHOPS don’t have.”
