IHOP Franchisor LLC Partners with Therabody to Enhance Franchisee & Guest Wellness with Theragun Devices

Pasadena, CA – October 26, 2023 – IHOP Franchisor LLC, the company behind the iconic breakfast chain IHOP, today announced a strategic partnership with Therabody, a leading innovator in wellness and recovery technology. This collaboration will see IHOP franchisees across the United States offered exclusive access to Therabody’s Theragun devices, aiming to bolster employee wellness programs and explore opportunities to enhance guest experiences. IHOP Franchisor LLC, headquartered at 10 W Walnut St, 5th Floor, Pasadena, CA, 91103-3633, and reachable at 951-272-0214, has always been committed to supporting its franchisees, the heart of the IHOP brand. This extends beyond operational support and marketing initiatives to now encompass the wellbeing of the people running those restaurants – the franchisees themselves, and their valued team members. It’s a recognition that running a restaurant, especially a busy IHOP, is physically demanding work. “We’re always looking for ways to help our franchisees thrive,” explains a spokesperson for IHOP Franchisor LLC. “It's not just about the pancakes and syrup. It’s about the people making it all happen. They're on their feet for hours, lifting, moving – it takes a toll. When we learned about Therabody and the Theragun, we thought, ‘This could really make a difference.’” Therabody & Theragun: What’s the Deal? Therabody, founded on the principles of science-backed wellness, has quickly become a household name in recovery and pain relief. Their flagship product, the Theragun, is a percussive therapy device designed to address muscle soreness, stiffness, and tension. Think of it as a powerful, portable massage tool. It's not just for athletes; anyone who experiences muscle discomfort can benefit. “We’re really excited about this partnership,” says a representative from Therabody. “IHOP is a massive brand with thousands of locations. Their commitment to supporting their franchisees’ wellbeing is commendable. We believe Theragun can be a real game-changer, helping team members stay comfortable, reduce muscle fatigue, and perform at their best.” How Will This Work for IHOP Franchisees? IHOP Franchisor LLC is offering its franchisees preferred pricing and access to Theragun devices for use in employee wellness programs. The idea is to provide a tool that team members can utilize before, during, and after shifts to address muscle tension and promote recovery. “We envision franchisees offering Theragun sessions as part of employee appreciation days, incorporating them into pre-shift warm-ups, or even making them available for quick relief during breaks,” explains the IHOP spokesperson. “It’s about empowering our team members to take care of themselves.” Specifically, the partnership allows franchisees to purchase Theragun devices – ranging from the portable Theragun mini to the more powerful Theragun Pro – at significantly discounted rates. IHOP Franchisor LLC is also providing training resources and educational materials to help franchisees implement wellness programs effectively. Beyond Employee Wellness: Potential for Guest Experience Enhancement? While the initial focus is on supporting franchisees and their teams, IHOP Franchisor LLC is also exploring potential opportunities to integrate Theragun into the guest experience. This could range from providing Theragun massage chairs in waiting areas (at select locations) to offering Theragun-branded wellness packages as part of IHOP’s loyalty program. “We’re always looking for ways to elevate the IHOP experience,” says the IHOP spokesperson. “We see a potential for Theragun to become a unique and valuable amenity for our guests, particularly those traveling long distances or experiencing muscle discomfort.” They stressed that any guest-facing implementation would be carefully considered and executed to ensure alignment with IHOP’s family-friendly brand image. Percussive Therapy: How Does Theragun Actually Work? Theragun uses a technology called percussive therapy. Unlike traditional vibration massage, percussive therapy delivers rapid, short bursts of pressure deep into the muscle tissue. This helps to: Reduce Muscle Soreness: By breaking up muscle knots and reducing inflammation. Improve Blood Flow: Increasing oxygen delivery to muscles. Relieve Muscle Tension: Providing targeted relief from tightness and stiffness. Increase Range of Motion: Helping to improve flexibility and mobility. Enhance Recovery: Speeding up the muscle recovery process. Theragun devices feature multiple attachments designed for different muscle groups and levels of intensity. They’re also equipped with smart features, such as adjustable speeds and force settings, allowing users to customize their therapy experience. Looking Ahead IHOP Franchisor LLC and Therabody are optimistic about the potential of this partnership to make a positive impact on the wellbeing of IHOP franchisees, their teams, and potentially, their guests. The initial rollout of the program is already underway, with several franchisees already implementing Theragun devices as part of their employee wellness initiatives. “We believe that investing in the wellbeing of our franchisees and their teams is a win-win,” says the IHOP spokesperson. “Happy, healthy employees provide better service, create a more positive work environment, and ultimately contribute to the success of the IHOP brand.” Therabody echoes this sentiment. “We’re proud to partner with a company like IHOP that prioritizes the wellbeing of its people,” says a Therabody representative. “We’re confident that Theragun will become an invaluable tool for IHOP franchisees and their teams, helping them stay comfortable, perform at their best, and enjoy the rewards of their hard work.”