Well, that stinks!  Just when we thought that an IHOP restaurant would be showing up in Rochester, Minnesota, the dream gets crushed.  But, when one door closes, another one opens and in this case, another door will be built for a fast food restaurant that will have a drive-through.

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Remember when we all got excited when we heard an IHOP was coming to Rochester, Minnesota?

It seems like forever ago but December 2019 was when the rumors started flying that an IHOP was coming to town.  We didn't have much to go on at that point other than the IHOP logo on a sign on a vacant lot just north of Costco.

In April of 2020, it seemed like the rumor was legit since the following permits were filed for the space:

New one-story restaurant and retail building, group M and Group A-2. (IHOP)

The status shows that corrections were required and it was under consideration.

Jessica Williams
Empty lot where IHOP was going to be located - Credit: Jessica Williams
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Credit: Jessica Williams
Empty lot between The Tap House and First Alliance Credit Union  - Credit: Jessica Williams
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New permits have been filed for the same spot where IHOP was going to be located.

I got a tip the other day that new permits had been filed for the exact same location as where the IHOP location was going to be built.  Some news sources have indicated that a Starbucks will be going in this spot instead.  I don't know that for sure but here is what the permit that was filed on June 7th, 2021 states:

Construction of a 2,255 square foot fast food restaurant with a drive through, parking and necessary utilities.

It's still under consideration but I'll be keeping my eye on this area to see what is developing.  Once I hear the official news, I'll have it up on my Facebook page - Jessica On The Radio - and Instagram.

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ICYMI, Here are a few more restaurants and eating joints that are in the news in Rochester

What restaurant does Rochester, Minnesota need?

We asked around to see what the most popular answers are and have quite the list of amazing restaurants that would be perfect fits for our town.  You can see all of those below.  Personally, I would love to have a Red Robbin or Cracker Barrel show up somewhere in the Rochester area. I'd even be happy with one or the other.

NEXT UP: The 10 Restaurants Rochester Wants Most

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