Dine Brands International to expand dual-branded Applebee’s, IHOP concept
It aims to open 13 additional dual-branded restaurants in new international markets.
Dine Brands International, a subsidiary of Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar, IHOP, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop restaurants, is set to expand its dual-branded Applebee’s and IHOP concept in 2025.
The expansion will see the brand entering the Costa Rican market with franchisee BLT UK Holdings Limited and opening the first non-traditional restaurants in Mexico with franchisees Grupo Shogua and ATH Group.
The dual-branded format, which combines Applebee’s and IHOP under one roof, has been a key part of Dine Brands’ international growth strategy.
Currently, there are 18 dual-branded locations across seven markets: Mexico, Canada, the UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, and Peru.
In 2025, the company aims to open 13 additional dual-branded restaurants in new international markets and complete 10 dual conversions, bringing the total number of dual-branded restaurants to 41.
Franchisee BLT UK Holdings Limited opened the first dual-branded restaurant in Honduras in 2024 and plans to open a second location this year. They will also be opening the first dual-branded restaurant in Costa Rica this summer in San Jose.
The 2025 expansion will focus on both traditional and non-traditional growth opportunities. In addition to franchisee ATH Group opening the first non-traditional dual-branded restaurant at the Parador Pedro Escobedo travel centre in Mexico, franchisee Grupo Shogua will also open an IHOP restaurant at Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico City.
Dine Brands is seeking qualified Master Developers in selected territories in Mexico (Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, Aguascalientes, Zacatecas, Coahuila, Durango, Nayarit, Colima, Hidalgo, Guerrero, Oaxaca), selected territories in Canada, as well as Master Franchisees and Master Developers in selected markets in Europe and Asia, including South Korea, Japan, and Spain.
