Brian Boyce
The Tribune-Star
TERRE HAUTE —
Packing on the pancakes at Terre Haute’s IHOP could help local charities this September as the restaurant celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Beginning at 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, $1 per customer of the restaurant at 2901 S. Third St. will be given to the Terre Haute Children’s Museum. The same amount will be donated to Crisis Pregnancy Center of Terre Haute on Thursday, and a different charity will be featured each day for a total of 21 days this month.
The program is part of Womack Restaurants’ 20th anniversary celebration.
“All of our success at Womack Restaurants started here in Terre Haute,” president and owner Scott Womack said, noting this IHOP was the first in what has grown to be a 12-restaurant company. “The people of Terre Haute have been such a huge supporter of our restaurants that we strive to give back in as many ways as we can.”
Fans of the 24-hour restaurant might remember its original location in an A-frame building a mile or so north on Third Street. Womack bought that location in 1990, moving and rebuilding at the current spot in 2001. Over the years, his company has grown from that first IHOP franchise to feature restaurants in Muncie, Anderson, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, Richmond, Marion as well as Ohio.
Sunday at noon, the IHOP location was packed with customers, coming and going, with piles of food on plates throughout the restaurant.
Wendy Dispennett was busy serving her customers, many of whom she said she’s known for years. “We are a family restaurant, and that does get returning customers,” the 21-year employee said. Dispennett began her career at the “old location,” and said it’s something she still enjoys. “The interaction with people, the customers,” she said in between serving tables. “Sirloin tips and eggs,” she laughed when asked her favorite special of the restaurant.
Manager Ken Horstman said he’s confident the fundraising venture will generate a considerable amount of money for the community. “I just think it’s great that Scott and Womack Restaurants are giving back to the community like this,” he said.
Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.
