IHOP has partnered with Xbox as its official breakfast partner, offering exclusive Xbox rewards, games, and merchandise for members of its International Bank of Pancakes loyalty program. To celebrate, IHOP is launching new menu items on November 19 inspired by Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, the upcoming Xbox game releasing on December 9.
The star of the menu is the Fully Loaded French Toast, featuring three adventurous flavors—The Great Circle of Cinnamon, Secret Cookie Butter, and "Berry’d" Treasure—all crafted with IHOP’s signature Thick 'N Fluffy French Toast. The brand is also launching a kids menu spotlighting Junior Adventurer’s Cookie Butter French Toast Sticks, Explorer’s Caramel Apple Butter Hot Chocolate, Long Lost Cookie Butter Milkshake, and the Holiday French Toast Creations Family Feast.
A notable aspect of the partnership is the incentives IHOP provides to Xbox gamers. Beginning November 18, IHOP guests can redeem PanCoins for exclusive collectible glasses inspired by popular game titles. A limited-edition IHOP gift card series featuring similar designs will also be available. Other rewards include digital game downloads, exclusive merchandise, gaming accessories, and a one-month Game Pass Ultimate subscription for new members.
Game-Inspired Breakfast Menus
IHOP Launches an Xbox Collaboration Featuring an Indiana Jones Menu
Trend Themes
1. Game-themed Menu Integrations - Restaurants are blending gaming culture with food offerings, creating immersive dining experiences that also offer collectible rewards and exclusive game-related merchandise.
2. Branded Loyalty Programs - Loyalty programs are evolving to include partnerships with popular brands, offering multifaceted rewards such as digital downloads and exclusive merchandise to enhance customer engagement.
3. Exclusive Food-based Rewards - Businesses are capitalizing on customer loyalty by providing food-based rewards that tie in with pop culture, enhancing both brand excitement and customer retention through unique promotional items.
Industry Implications
1. Restaurant and Food Service - The food service industry is exploring gamified dining experiences that attract younger, digitally-savvy consumers through themed menu items and exclusive collectibles.
2. Video Gaming - The video gaming sector is leveraging cross-industry partnerships to expand its influence by integrating with everyday activities such as dining, fostering greater viewer engagement and brand loyalty.
3. Retail and Merchandising - Retailers are innovating by creating exclusive, limited-edition merchandise that ties into broader cultural phenomena, driving both in-store and online traffic through unique collectible incentives.