Dine Brands International has announced plans to expand its dual-branded Applebee’s and IHOP [International House of Pancakes] concept into new international markets during 2025.
The move includes entering the Costa Rican market along with franchisee BLT UK Holdings and franchising with Grupo Shogua and ATH Group to open non-traditional locations in Mexico.
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Dine Brands International is an affiliate of Dine Brands Global, which operates restaurants under the brands Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar, IHOP, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.
The company’s expansion strategy involves its dual-branded concept integrating Applebee’s and IHOP within a single establishment.
18 dual-branded locations are currently operating in seven countries: Canada, Honduras, Kuwait, Mexico, Peru, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Including the opening of another 13 new dual-branded restaurants in markets globally and the completion of 10 conversions in 2025, Dine Brands will increase the total to 41.
Franchisee BLT UK Holdings, which opened the first dual-branded restaurant in Honduras in 2024, is set to open another in San Jose, Costa Rica in the summer of 2025.
The growth plan follows expansions in 2024, with the opening of 36 new locations and entry into markets such as Honduras.
The expansion planned for 2025 will emphasise traditional and non-traditional growth opportunities.
Franchisee ATH Group is opening a dual-branded location at the Parador Pedro Escobedo travel centre in Mexico, and Grupo Shogua will launch an IHOP at Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico City.
Dine Brands is in search of master developers for specific regions in Mexico and Canada, as well as master franchisees/developers in selected European and Asian markets, including South Korea, Japan and Spain.
Dine Brands Global International and Corporate Development president Scott Gladstone stated: “Our expansion plans create opportunities to adapt to local customs, tastes and traditions, as well as new formats and varying footprints. We are committed to creating compelling and profitable opportunities for franchisees and the company, and new and unique experiences for our guests.”
