Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar and IHOP, celebrated the rapid expansion of its dual-branded restaurant concept with the opening of a new location in San Antonio, Texas. Less than two years after launching the first standalone U.S. dual-branded restaurant in nearby Seguin, Texas, the two iconic brands are approaching 50 dual-branded locations nationwide, reflecting growing guest demand for greater variety, convenience, and value under one roof.
Located at 2607 W. Loop 1604 S., the new restaurant is the eighth dual-branded Applebee’s | IHOP location in the greater San Antonio market, underscoring the region’s strong embrace of the concept. To celebrate the opening and the community, The Hakim Group, an Applebee’s and IHOP franchisee and location owner, hosted a special ribbon-cutting event where 100 guests received free pancakes for a year. The franchisee also presented a $1,000 donation to Stay Strong Foundation, a San Antonio-based nonprofit, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the local community.
“We are excited for guests to experience this newest Applebee’s | IHOP location, which reflects the continued evolution of the dual-branded concept,” said Danny Hakim, Vice President of The Hakim Group. “Our restaurants are only as strong as the communities they serve and we’re proud to continue investing in San Antonio and to support organizations that are making a difference locally.”
The dual-branded restaurant offers guests the best of both brands under one roof, allowing them to mix and match signature Applebee’s and IHOP items from a single menu any time of day, from morning to late night. Within the space, guests enjoy the unique identity and atmosphere of both brands, connected by shared spaces that create a seamless experience and complemented by specialty cocktails* and exclusive menu innovations available only at dual-branded locations, including the Loaded Buffalo Chicken Omelette and Ultimate Breakfast Burger.
“What began as a bold idea has evolved into a meaningful complement to our development and growth strategies,” said John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands Global. “In under two years, we’ve gone from one dual-branded U.S. location to nearly 50 nationwide, and the momentum continues. By bringing Applebee’s and IHOP together under one roof, we’re creating a more flexible operating model, giving guests more reasons to visit, and offering franchisees an additional pathway to strengthen their businesses over time.”
As Dine Brands advances its development and growth strategies, the dual-branded model is emerging as a valuable addition to its portfolio. The company remains on track to open approximately 80 domestic dual-branded restaurants by the end of 2026.
