IHOP denies it invited far-right GOP candidate to campaign on premises after he was banned from Waffle House

IHOP has denied that it invited a far-right Republican candidate to campaign at its restaurants after he was banned from all Waffle House locations in Florida.

James Fishback, who is seeking to replace Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, shared an image that appeared to be a direct message from the chain’s official corporate account, inviting him to join. “Hey, wanna come over?” the alleged message read.

However, a spokesperson denied that the message was authentic and that the company had any ties to Fishback or his campaign.

“Since our founding, IHOP and its franchisees have been committed to providing warm and welcoming dining experiences for all guests. We are not working with James Fishback or his campaign in any capacity,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“Additionally, we have confirmed that the image circulating on social media is not authentic.” The Independent has contacted IHOP for comment.

Fishback announced he had been banned from Waffle House locations earlier this week, having previously planned to visit every store in Florida to “meet voters where they are.” He announced the plan during an interview with MAGA stalwart and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson.

“This morning, Waffle House abruptly revoked our permission and criminally trespassed us from all of their Florida locations,” Fishback wrote in a statement on March 3. “I am disappointed in Waffle House’s decision, especially since they had given us explicit permission to visit their restaurants just 3 weeks ago.

“I want to thank the Waffle House staff who greeted me and our supporters with warmth, kindness, and awesome food.”

The Independent has contacted Fishback’s representatives for comment on the alleged IHOP invite.

The MAGA newcomer has been heavily criticized for his controversial stances, including pushes for the banning of immigrant visa programs and preventing students from abroad from enrolling at colleges in Florida.

He has also previously claimed that the only “systemic racism” that exists in the U.S. is against white Christian men and proposed burning down abortion clinics.

In January, Fishback faced backlash for referring to his rival for state Governor, Byron Donalds, as “By’rone” in social media posts and claims that his opponent was seeking to turn Florida into a “ghetto.”

“His undisguised racist comments describing a Black candidate’s vision as ‘Section 8 ghetto’ and referring to Byron Donalds as ‘By’rone’ and a ‘slave’ are deliberate, offensive, and beneath this state,” Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Jolly said at the time, adding that other candidates should “denounce, deplatform, and dismiss” Fishback.