Carol Mahoney of Kearns is a runner-up in the national "It Happens at IHOP" essay contest.

In celebration of its 50th birthday, the restaurant chain asked customers to share their favorite memories of the longtime establishment.

Mahoney, who received a $100 IHOP gift card, remembers visiting IHOP with her mother while her father, a merchant marine, was away. After receiving a letter saying her father was docked in Hawaii, Mahoney and her mother celebrated by getting Hawaiian pancakes at IHOP. "I remember thinking my dad was closer that day," she wrote.

Got a chile pepper dessert?

Attention chile heads: Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill at The Gateway is looking for your most creative dessert using chile peppers. The winning recipe will be featured on the restaurant's special Chile Fest menu in September. The winning cook also will receive numerous prizes including a dinner for 10 prepared by Z'Tejas Executive Chef Todd Gardiner and a $100 gift card.

Monday is the deadline. Five finalists will be selected for a special judging on Aug. 9 at 11 a.m. Visit www.ztejas.com for official rules.

Food bank asks businesses to help

Utah businesses of all sizes are encouraged to conduct a food drive before Aug. 31 as part of the Utah Food Bank Services Summer Business Food Drive. The goal is to collect 250,000 pounds of food. To register your business or to make contributions through the Virtual Food Drive, visit the Utah Food Bank Services' Web site at www.utahfoodbank.org, or contact Brenda Thompson, food drive officer, at 801-887-1227 or brendat@utahfoodbank.org