IHOP names new chief

Alecia Foster

GLENDALE -- Julia Stewart began her career in the restaurant industry

as a food server at the International House of Pancakes.

Thirty years later, she has returned to her roots, becoming president

and chief operating officer of the restaurant’s parent company, IHOP

Corp.

“I’ve always had a place in my heart for IHOP,” Stewart said.

Prior to IHOP, Stewart served as president of the domestic division of

Applebee’s. She was responsible for domestic operations and profitability

of the chain’s 1,200 restaurants.

She also served as national vice president of Taco Bell Corp.’s

franchise and license division.

Stewart officially assumed her duties Monday morning. During the next

90 days, she plans to evaluate where the company is at and will

ultimately form a long-term growth strategy for the restaurant chain.

IHOP’s image as an American icon was the first thing that attracted

her to the company, she said. Also, she wanted the opportunity to work

with Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard K. Herzer.

“I thought he would be a tremendous mentor,” she said.

Stewart will work closely with Herzer and by mid-2002 will take over

his job as the company’s CEO.

Herzer will remain the company’s chairman of the board.