Ex-IHOP worker is warning diners about what really happens in the kitchen: "They only make..."

Fast food chains command a loyal following across the globe thanks to brand image, even though customers have highlighted concerns about the quality of their food time and again. One of these quick service restaurant chains, IHOP (International House of Pancakes) is well-known for its signature golden pancakes and cozy, family-friendly atmosphere. However, a former employee of IHOP shared several images that show a disturbing side of its operations behind closed doors. As far as maintaining quality goes, it appears that the popular pancake restaurant falls short.

A TikToker, who claims to have worked at six different IHOP locations, advised customers to dine elsewhere. The text that accompanied the TikTok video posted by @switzerland.honey read, “Don’t eat at IHOP. I’ve worked at six different stores. And they are all nasty.” The post features several photos that supposedly support the user’s allegations, revealing mold-covered utensils, rotting fruits and vegetables, and a fridge infested with mold, as reported by The Daily Dot. The footage also highlighted ingredients such as overripe bananas, which are clearly unfit for consumption. The person revealed, “The bananas are always turning black. They say the [customer] won’t notice since it’s cooked in the pancake.”

“Pancake batter[s] are supposed to be made daily, but they only make more when the first batch has run out and some sit for days,” he further revealed. The user also pointed out similar issues with the lettuce and avocado, revealing that these items aren’t stored properly either. He went on to suggest that although bacon and sausages are freshly prepared in the morning, they’re left exposed throughout the day. To make things worse, the former employee shared disturbing photos of mold in the freezers and dark, stale oil in the fryers. While the authenticity of these images has yet to be confirmed, the comments section quickly filled with viewers who had already drawn their conclusions.

One TikTok user, @madeline_spamzzz, wrote, “This is why I hate eating at restaurants bc you just never know how your food is really being prepared 😭” Another person @2les.lie4 commented, “I’VE BEEN SAYINGGGG IHOP IS SO NASTYYYYYYY EVERYONE LOOKS AT MENWEIRD WHEN I SAY.” A third user, @sitandstaysmart, chimed in and claimed, “I’ve only gone to IHOP about 3 times because it’s been the only place open at midnight. All three times I’ve thrown up after eating there and always wondered why, now ik why.” One of the people who disagreed with the TikTok user, @melissahendricks0, wrote, "I’m a GM at an IHOP location and I don’t know where you’ve been going but my store doesn’t look like that! My F.S.E. was a 98! Highest in the company!"

IHOP was established by brothers Al and Jerry Lapin, who drew inspiration from the tropical flavor of coconut syrup and envisioned a cozy pancake-centered eatery, according to the company’s history. The first IHOP outlet was opened in a Los Angeles suburb and quickly became a favorite hangout spot for everyone including Hollywood legends Doris Day, Milton Berle, and Jimmy Stewart. Originally called International House of Pancakes, the brand shortened its name to IHOP in 1973, a change that became its trademark, as reported Cby CNN.

For more such videos follow @switzerland.honey on TikTok.