Dine Brands is set to introduce a joint IHOP-Applebee’s concept to the U.S. for the first time, with the inaugural restaurant opening in Seguin, Texas in early 2025. This unique joint concept will feature a shared kitchen and combined menu, allowing guests to enjoy the best of both brands throughout the day. The design of the restaurant will showcase both IHOP and Applebee’s sections side-by-side, providing more choices, variety, and value to diners.
The decision to open the joint IHOP-Applebee’s concept in the U.S. comes after successful launches in non-U.S. markets, with 13 dual-branded restaurants opened internationally. These locations have seen increased revenue compared to single-branded restaurants, prompting Dine Brands to expand the concept domestically. The company is currently eyeing 15 sites in the U.S. for joint IHOP-Applebee’s restaurants, with the Seguin location being the first to open in the country.
The dual-branded restaurant concept is designed to maximize dayparts and offer a unique experience to guests. By combining the strengths of both IHOP and Applebee’s, the restaurant aims to cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences throughout the day. Dine Brands CEO John Peyton emphasized that the goal of the joint concept is to enhance the economics for owners and developers, as well as drive growth and improvement across the system.
The success of the dual-branded restaurants internationally has led to optimism about the potential for growth in the U.S. market. The joint IHOP-Applebee’s locations in Mexico, Canada, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Peru, and Honduras have been well-received and have contributed positively to revenue. With the upcoming launch in Seguin, Dine Brands is looking to replicate this success in the domestic market, starting with existing IHOPs that will be adding an Applebee’s to their operations.
The synergy between the two brands is expected to create a unique dining experience for guests, with IHOP shining in the morning and Applebee’s thriving in the afternoons and evenings. The shared kitchen, common menu, and cross-trained staff will enable seamless operations and cost efficiencies for owners and developers. By leveraging the strengths of both brands and offering a diverse menu, the joint IHOP-Applebee’s concept aims to appeal to a wide range of customers and drive economic growth within the system.
With a global restaurant count of 1,618 for Applebee’s and 1,809 for IHOP, Dine Brands is a major player in the casual dining industry. The addition of the joint IHOP-Applebee’s concept to its portfolio reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and growth. By expanding the concept domestically and internationally, Dine Brands hopes to drive revenue, improve economics for owners, and provide a unique dining experience for guests. The upcoming launch in Seguin, Texas marks the beginning of a new chapter for both brands and sets the stage for further expansion in the future.
