Texas To Welcome First IHOP-Applebee’s Joint Restaurant in the US

Everyone has a favorite casual dining chain. For people who love both IHOP and Applebee’s, great news: a combined IHOP-Applebee’s restaurant is opening its first U.S. location in Texas. The parent company, Dine Brands, is eyeing 15 sites in the country for future expansion. The dual-branded restaurant will open early next year in Seguin, Texas, according to FOX Business.

Seguin, about 35 miles east of San Antonio, has a population of more than 36,000. Interestingly enough, a Seguin barbecue restaurant, Burnt Bean Co., was recently awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide. And (and!) the largest Buc-ee's in the world is just 25 miles east of Seguin. Is Seguin the culinary hub of the state? Clearly. We're proud of you, Seguin.

Plans for the dual-branded restaurant were first released in February. In 2023, despite a net increase of 33 new IHOP locations across the country, Dine Brands faced challenges with Applebee's, closing 46 locations while opening only 10 new ones.

This new IHOP-Applebee’s joint restaurant will share a kitchen, and both chains’ menus will be available on either side. The dining will offer IHOP and Applebee’s sections with traditional interiors from both restaurants.
The idea behind the dual-branded restaurant is to optimize productivity by combining brands that conventionally serve different times of the day. According to the joint restaurant’s website, IHOP is mostly busy in the morning, and Applebee’s expects more customers in the afternoons and evenings. By operating these two diners out of a single store, the company can better utilize its equipment and human resources throughout the day.

Furthermore, the brands can save expenses by sharing management and other fixed costs.

Currently, Dine Brands runs 13 dual-branded restaurants globally, including locations in Canada, Latin America and the Middle East, according to CNN Business. The hybrid restaurants have seen a 1.5–2 times growth in revenue compared with traditional single brands.

The concept of joint restaurants has become more common in the hospitality industry. For example, GoTo Foods, which owns Auntie Anne’s and Cinnabon, opened joint units that serve the meal needs at different times of day. Inspire Brands, the parent company of Jimmy John’s and Dunkin’, has combined locations offering both savory and sweet options.