When one IHOP closes, another one opens.
It’s been nearly two years since IHOP closed its doors at the corner of Shawnee Mission Parkway and Antioch Road; that space is now occupied by Pegah’s Family Restaurant. Now, IHOP is opening a new location in Merriam Town Center, replacing the former Bob Evans restaurant at 5870 Antioch Road.
Mike Issa, co-owner with Moe Touffaha and director of operations for Merriam Restaurant LLC, said the space is under construction and should be open in November. The two, based in Wichita, plan to open another IHOP in Overland Park sometime in February 2019.
“We’re very excited to be in Merriam, and we would love to serve the community,” Issa said. “Hopefully, we will open in November so we will be able to provide IHOP to the community and they can enjoy the restaurant being there.”
Merriam community development director Bryan Dyer informed the council in April that Bob Evans had sold the space to Touffaha. Touffaha has opened other IHOP locations in the Kansas City area.
The interior of the restaurant is still stripped bare, but a banner across the front of the restaurant indicates that IHOP is already hiring. Merriam has issued IHOP a building permit, according to Aug. 13 council meeting notes. The company had submitted its remodel plans, according to July 9 council meeting notes.
