June 1, 2021 By Christina Santucci
An IHOP is coming to the Ditmars section of Astoria next month.
The franchise owner, Daniel Chun, said Tuesday that he expects to open the eatery within five to six weeks. The location, at 21-61 31st St., was previously California Farmer’s Market, which closed at the end of 2018.
Chun said that he has begun hiring for an estimated 80 positions at the restaurant. A table outside the eatery Tuesday morning had application forms for those looking for jobs.
“It’s a big store, a lot of opportunities, a lot of jobs for the community,” said the eatery’s district manager, Dakari Suarez. “We are looking for a lot of good people.”
Once staff are hired, training takes about two weeks, so Chun hopes the IHOP will open by mid-July.
“That is the plan,” he said, as workers put the finishing touches on the interior. The decoration on the exterior also appeared near completion.
IHOP – which stands for International House of Pancakes – is known primarily for pancakes and breakfast items, but also serves lunch and dinner as well.
Chun said he thought Astoria was a good spot for his newest franchise.
“It’s a nice neighborhood. It looks like downtown here,” he said. The location is near the intersection of 31st Street and Ditmars Boulevard.
Chun said he owns a total of 20 lHOPs, including ones in Long Island, Staten Island, Philadelphia and Jamaica, Queens.
He purchased his first one in 1999 in Valley Stream. A press release in 2014 touted the opening of his fourth franchise in Westbury. By 2019, he was up to nine locations and with plans for another two already in the works, the Staten Island Advance reported.
26 Comments
Last thing we needed in the neighborhood. I have been in Astoria/Ditmars area for 21 years, and we used to have all the nice mom and pop places like igloo, soho, etc… now Popeyes, Taco Bell, and IHOP.
It’s just like Steinway street now.
Very sad to see the local’s owned small restaurants going out of Businnes and chain restaurants with low quality food taking over the neighborhood…
Is it open now?
July 3 ,are open for business
We can not wait for I-Hop to open.we have been waiting forever for I-Hop to open.thank you see you soon.with love and hunger.
I just found out it is opening Aug. 17th
I can’t wait!!!
lmao @ all these obviously fake supportive comments.
OMG I LOVE I HOP BUT THERE WAS NONE CLOSE TO ME NOW!!!!!
AWESOME CAN NOT WAIT TILL IT IS OPENED THX MR. CHUN
Great news. Wishing them luck.??
Great news. Wishing them luck.??
I like IHOP good food good service good price. Welcome to Astoria.
I am do Excited ! I love IHOP
I was so Happy when I Saw it when I was passingby.I am looking forward to come and Dine with you.Thank you for coming in Astoria.
Hi I was wondering how could I apply
I hop you hop We all Hop
I wish they would’ve just opened a Trader Joe’s. That spot would be perfect for it since it was already a super market before.
Not needed their food is expensive and not great if you want a good breakfast just go to Mike’s Diner down the street they’ve been here forever their prices are great and the food is delicious
Too many good food places in Astoria no need for IHOP overpriced food …. just go to Mikes Diner for great breakfast… cheaper and better …
I’m looking for Two bedroom thanks
All these places hiring but are they offering decent consistent full time hours to employees?
Workers are not enticed by these part time fluctuating shifts that hardly pay. Especially in expensive NYC.
I’ll make my own pancakes at home and support businesses that really contribute to living wages.
Nice ???
Glad this is coming, though it amazes me that no one has thought to bring a Korean BBQ (All you can eat or “standard”) to Ditmars yet. It’s literally the perfect area for it.
Nice!!!???
I love IHOP. Thank You for coming to Astoria.
They also opened one in Bayside in Bay Terrace. 2 IHops in Queens – finally!!!
This is so gross. Nobody wants this suburban trash here in Astoria. This isn’t a food court.
?????
Love their omelets, can’t wait for the opening.