Sun Holdings Inc. Bolsters IHOP's Regional Presence Across Southeast With 41-Location Takeover

IHOP has further strengthened its franchisee ecosystem through a strategic acquisition involving Suncakes, LLC, a subsidiary of Sun Holdings Inc. led by renowned franchise entrepreneur Guillermo Perales. The transaction encompassed 41 IHOP locations previously managed by CFRA Holdings across four southeastern states: Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. The ownership transition was completed in July 2020, marking Sun Holdings Inc.'s inaugural entry into the IHOP franchise family.

Who Is Behind This Expansion?

Guillermo Perales, CEO of Sun Holdings Inc., brings substantial credentials to the table. His career achievements include recognition from the International Franchise Association as Entrepreneur of the Year (2008, 2015), Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year award (2008), and consistent inclusion in Latino Leaders Magazine’s 101 Most Influential Latinos list. Beyond accolades, Perales was honored with the MUFSO Golden Chain Award and earned a position on Nation’s Restaurant News’ Top 10 Power List.

The Scale of Sun Holdings Inc.'s Restaurant Empire

Sun Holdings Inc. operates as one of America’s most substantial franchisee organizations, managing more than 1,000 locations across eight states. The company’s current portfolio includes 239 Burger King outlets, 165 Popeyes franchises, 92 Arby’s locations, 12 Golden Corral restaurants, 20 Cici’s Pizza units, 136 T-Mobile stores, 135 Taco Bueno franchises, 52 McAlister’s Deli locations, 56 GNC stores, and various airport concessions. This diversified presence has generated over 22,000 jobs and earned Sun Holdings Inc. recognition as the 3rd largest franchisee group in the U.S. according to 2018 Mega 99 Rankings. In the past three years alone, the organization has opened 200 new locations and completed 200 store remodels.

IHOP’s Strategic Perspective on the Partnership

Jay Johns, IHOP President, expressed enthusiasm about welcoming Suncakes to the franchise network. According to Johns, the investment by such an established multi-brand operator validates IHOP’s franchise model strength and long-term business viability. The company anticipated that Perales and his team’s extensive restaurant industry knowledge and brand management expertise would drive operational success across the newly acquired 41 locations.

A Shared Commitment to Community Impact

Beyond profit-focused operations, Sun Holdings Inc. has demonstrated commitment to community engagement. The organization serves over 25,000 complimentary meals annually to military veterans during Veterans Day celebrations and distributes millions of Certificates of Achievement offering free meal rewards to children each year.

The IHOP Context

As of mid-2020, IHOP operated 1,841 locations globally, spanning all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and international markets including Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Thailand, and India. The brand, managed through franchising by Dine Brands Global Inc. (NYSE: DIN), positions itself as a breakfast leader offering 65 signature breakfast items and extensive lunch and dinner selections including its signature Ultimate Steakburgers.

Guillermo Perales founded Sun Holdings Inc. in 1997 with a single Golden Corral franchise, bootstrapped with an SBA loan. The company’s evolution into a multi-brand, multi-state operator reflects strategic franchise acquisition and operational excellence over two decades.