Restaurant First Dual-Branded Applebee’s and IHOP Restaurant in the U.S. Opens in Texas
Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop®, has officially launched its first-ever dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant in the United States. This milestone opening is in partnership with franchisee Ramzi Hakim Group and marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to innovate and expand its brand offerings. The new restaurant, located in Seguin, Texas, just outside of San Antonio, welcomed guests for the first time on Tuesday, February 18, 2025.
A Unique Dining Experience Under One Roof
The concept behind the dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant is to provide an all-day dining experience that caters to a wide variety of tastes and preferences. Guests can now enjoy IHOP’s world-famous pancakes and hearty breakfast options alongside Applebee’s signature offerings, such as boneless wings, burgers, and appetizers. This fusion allows diners to mix and match their favorite meals from both menus, creating a unique and versatile dining experience.
One of the standout features of this dual-branded location is the ability for guests to order any item from either menu at any time of day. Whether stopping by for a traditional IHOP breakfast in the morning, indulging in a signature Applebee’s burger for lunch, or enjoying a late-night snack of wings and pancakes, the menu offers something for every craving. Specialty cocktails, including an espresso martini and Irish coffee, add an extra layer of appeal to the experience, making it a go-to destination for both families and social gatherings.
Additionally, the Seguin location introduces exclusive menu items available only at dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP locations in the United States. Two of the highly anticipated dishes include the Buffalo Chicken Omelette, blending IHOP’s signature breakfast style with the bold flavors of Applebee’s, and the Ultimate Breakfast Burger, a hearty combination that satisfies fans of both brands.
The Vision Behind the Concept
Dine Brands CEO John Peyton emphasized the strategic vision behind launching a dual-branded location, citing the natural synergy between Applebee’s and IHOP. “For decades, Applebee’s and IHOP have been places where friends gather, families celebrate, and careers begin. Now, with our dual-branded restaurant, we are combining the strengths of both brands to create a unique and innovative dining experience that offers choice, variety, and value to guests,” said Peyton.
Peyton also highlighted the success of similar international dual-branded locations, which have demonstrated strong customer appeal and operational efficiency. “Our international success with this concept has shown that our brand menus complement each other, providing something for everyone, from early mornings to late nights. We are excited to bring this new dining option to Seguin and look forward to expanding it to more communities across the country.”
A New Restaurant Design with Distinct Dining Areas
The Seguin dual-branded restaurant is designed to create an integrated yet distinct experience for guests. Upon entering, customers will find two separate dining areas, each tailored to reflect the individual ambiance of Applebee’s and IHOP. The Applebee’s side features the warm and familiar neighborhood grill atmosphere that loyal patrons love, while the IHOP section embraces the bright and welcoming aesthetic that has been a staple of the brand for decades.
While the dining spaces maintain their distinct identities, common areas such as the host stand and restrooms are shared, creating a seamless experience for guests. Behind the scenes, the restaurant is equipped with an optimized back-of-house system and a single kitchen, allowing for efficient operations and streamlined service. This design ensures that the restaurant can cater to high customer demand while maintaining the quality and consistency expected from both brands.
Bringing New Dining Options to Seguin
For franchisee Ramzi Hakim, opening the first U.S.-based dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP is both an honor and an exciting opportunity. “We’re thrilled to welcome guests and serve the community of Seguin with all the IHOP items they know and love, while also introducing them to Applebee’s selection of lunch and dinner favorites,” said Hakim, president of Ramzi Hakim Group. “As owners of both IHOP and Applebee’s restaurants, we are no strangers to these iconic brands and are honored to open the first U.S. dual-branded location in this great community.”
Seguin, a growing city just east of San Antonio, provides the perfect location for this innovative restaurant model. The area’s diverse population, bustling local economy, and increasing number of visitors make it an ideal spot for a restaurant concept that caters to both breakfast and dinner crowds.
Expanding the Dual-Brand Concept in the U.S.
Dine Brands has already successfully introduced 13 international dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP locations across Canada, Mexico, Honduras, and the Middle East as of September 30, 2024. Building on this success, the company plans to further expand the concept in the United States. Over the next two years, 14 additional dual-branded locations are expected to open, with a mix of new builds and conversions of existing single-branded restaurants.
The expansion of this model reflects Dine Brands’ commitment to innovation in the restaurant industry. By combining two of its most beloved brands into one cohesive experience, the company aims to offer greater variety, convenience, and value to its customers. Additionally, the efficiency of operating a shared kitchen and integrated service model enhances profitability and sustainability for franchisees.
