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We’ll admit, there’s a special place in our hearts for restaurant chains. We make our monthly pilgrimage to Cracker Barrel for hashbrown casserole and never need too much convincing to swing by Buffalo Wild Wings for a post-work Blue Long Island Iced Tea. Heck, we’ve even found love in a Chili’s.
So, when we heard that two of the biggest names in casual dining were teaming up for a brand-new restaurant concept, we were all ears. Because what’s better than a fully-loaded IHOP breakfast sampler or an endless array of Applebee’s appetizers? Having both under one roof.
Applebee’s and IHOP Join Forces for the First Time in the U.S.
This week, America’s inaugural Applebee’s | IHOP restaurant opened its doors in Seguin, Texas, just outside of San Antonio. The concept, launched by Dine Brands Global and franchisee Ramzi Hakim Group, has already seen success in Mexico, Canada, and other countries. Now, it’s finally making its debut stateside.
So, what happens when the land of Dollaritas meets the house of oversized omelets? Exactly what you’d expect. Picture an IHOP seamlessly attached to an Applebee’s. The seating areas remain distinct—one side sticking to Applebee’s warm, laid-back ambiance, while the other welcomes diners with IHOP’s bright, cheery pancake counter vibe.
Dine Brands Global
But the real magic happens on the menu. Imagine ordering a feast of all your Applebee’s go-to dishes—boneless wings, burgers, brew pub pretzels—alongside IHOP’s signature breakfast staples—French toast, egg scrambles, and fat stacks of fluffy pancakes—all from a single menu. The best part? You can mix, match, and order from both menus throughout the day. Yes, that includes cocktails.
Plus, the joint venture also debuts exclusive, never-before-seen menu items. Think: the Buffalo Chicken Omelette and Ultimate Breakfast Burger—flavor fusions that can only be found at this new dual-branded spot.
To us, the concept makes perfect sense. The morning-to-late night menus complement each other rather than compete, making these two chains ideal partners. Plus, the setup encourages a bit of adventurous eating—breakfast for dinner? Dinner for breakfast? That’s entirely up to you.
“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 Dine Brands CEO John Peyton in a press release.
Beyond the menu, the dual concept is smart from an operational standpoint. Both brands share a kitchen, making staffing, energy usage, and ingredient sourcing more efficient. Peyton confirmed the move was driven by economics for owners and developers, as well as a fresh experience for customers. And this is just the first—according to Business Wire, 14 more dual-branded locations are in the works across the U.S., and plotted to open by 2026.
Until then, Seguin, Texas is the place to be. Sure, you can still grab Applebee’s ‘Really Big Meal Deal’ or celebrate IHOP’s National Pancake Day (March 4—mark your calendars) at your local chains. But when Chicken Wonton Tacos and Cinn-A-Stack Pancakes can share a table? That’s a road trip worth taking.
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