Calling the environment “difficult,” IHOP Corp. reported a 1.3 percent increase in same-store sales for the quarter ended Sept. 30. Same-store sales rose 3.1 percent for the nine month period. “Year to date, our same-store sales increase of 3.1 percent is in line with our annual sales growth expectations of 2 percent to 4 percent for fiscal 2006,” said Julia A. Stewart, chairman and CEO of the Glendale-based restaurant chain. Stewart also noted that the chain’s check average decreased in the quarter. “Continued pricing moderation on the part of franchisees led to slightly decreased check average during the quarter as we aggressively competed for market share and guests took advantage of IHOP’s attractive promotional price points,” Stewart said.