Well, it's been established that IHOP exists in Canada and Mexico, as well as the US. So technically, they're international. Although they are definitely trying to give the impression of being truly global, a company only needs to have a presence in two countries to be international
Actually the only impression they are trying to give is the one previously stated.
"The original concept was a restaurant which featured various types of pancakes and similar foods such as crepes and blintzes from all over the world, offered at affordable prices."