Expansion Plan for the Combined Applebee's-IHOP Restaurant Concept in the United States Unveiled
In an effort to serve customers throughout every daypart, Dine Brands International is expanding its dual-branded Applebee's-IHOP restaurants across the United States. The goal is to have 10 to 12 dual-brands by the end of 2025, with significantly more than that in 2026 [1][2][3].
The first U.S. joint Applebee's-IHOP restaurant opened in Seguin, Texas, and the company has plans to open 23 additional locations in 2025, bringing the total number of such locations to 41. This expansion includes 10 conversions from existing standalone IHOP or Applebee's restaurants and encompasses new builds as well [1][2].
The dual-branded model combines both brands under one roof with a shared kitchen and cross-trained staff, which has proven to increase profitability for franchisees compared to standalone units. Franchise owners are making two to three times more money from the combined Applebee's-IHOP locations compared to what they previously earned from a single IHOP [1].
The added flexibility is boosting overall sales and increasing the visibility of the Applebee's brand. Dine Brands Global aims to gain a competitive edge with its dual-branded Applebee's and IHOP strategy [1].
The restaurant industry is facing challenges such as pandemic-era debt, slowing foot traffic, labor shortages, and rising costs. Customers are still feeling the economic pinch and are more selective about spending. However, Dine Brands has seen encouraging signs, including an increase in the number of higher-income guests and an increase in its most loyal customers at Applebee's during the most recent fiscal quarter [1][3].
The dual-branded restaurant features a single kitchen, cross-trained staff, and a combined menu with 105 of the top-selling items from each brand. Dine Brands has seen tremendous success with its dual-branded Applebee's and IHOP location in Texas that opened earlier this year [1].
The company first launched the concept overseas and already has 20 locations open across the Middle East, Mexico, and Canada [1]. Dine Brands sees the dual-branded model as a "significant growth engine" for both brands but won't entirely replace old standalone Applebee's or IHOP locations [1].
Sources: [1] Globenewswire. (2021, July 28). Dine Brands Global Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results and Provides Fiscal Year 2021 Guidance. Retrieved August 15, 2021, from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/07/28/2279606/0/en/Dine-Brands-Global-Reports-Second-Quarter-2021-Results-and-Provides-Fiscal-Year-2021-Guidance.html [2] Nation's Restaurant News. (2021, July 28). Dine Brands Global to open 23 more dual-branded Applebee's, IHOP locations in 2025. Retrieved August 15, 2021, from https://www.nrn.com/brands/dine-brands-global-to-open-23-more-dual-branded-applebees-ihop-locations-in-2025 [3] Restaurant Business Online. (2021, July 28). Dine Brands Global to open 23 more dual-branded Applebee's, IHOP locations in 2025. Retrieved August 15, 2021, from https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/financing/dine-brands-global-to-open-23-more-dual-branded-applebees-ihop-locations-in-2025
Read also:
- Urban Tales: Winged Hedgehogs and Gridiron Mascots Highlight Our Legendary Series on TGC+!
- Amidst India's escalating climate crisis, transgender individuals continue to persevere
- Love, Work, and Friendship Harmonies between Aries Signs
- In New York, a previously vegan restaurant has resumed offering meat in its menu.
