Hempfield IHOP helping churches, groups impacted by fish fry cancellations

Still craving that Friday Lenten fish fry that was canceled at your local church or fire hall due to the coronavirus pandemic?

The IHOP in Hempfield along Route 30, east of Greensburg, has come up with a novel idea in which customers can still get their fish and fixings on Fridays and continue helping their local parish or non-profit group.

“We’ve decided that anyone who orders carryout from our fish menu on Fridays, they can provide us the name of their church or service organization, and we will give 20% of the receipts of the meal to that organization,” said IHOP manager Brenda Smith.

Like all restaurants statewide, there is no sit-down dining due to safety concerns.

Just before noon Friday, the parking lot of the usually bustling restaurant had just three cars in it. Smith said they had just one takeout order.

“To tell you the truth, I’m tired of cleaning, cleaning and cleaning our facilities (as a result of a lack of customers). And we’re hoping this will generate us some business as well as help out many community organizations who need it because they canceled their Lenten events,” Smith said.

The Catholic Dioceses in Greensburg and Pittsburgh ordered all parish fish fries closed this week to help slow the spread of coronavirus, as have many fire halls and other community groups.

The IHOP Lenten menu includes fish and chips, tilapia Florentine, a fisherman’s platter with white fish fillets, shrimp and french fries, or a fish sandwich. Prices range from $9.99 to $12.99.

Items also are available on the regular menu.

The restaurant has adjusted its hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. to comply with state directives.

Take out orders can be phoned in to 724-834-1345. Deliveries are also available via DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubub or ihop.com.

“Our corporate office is very receptive to the idea of helping out the community,” Smith said.

The offer will continue every Friday through Lent.