Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s and IHOP, is accelerating its expansion strategy by targeting non-traditional locations for its dual-branded restaurant concept. Airports, universities, hospitals, and other 24/7 venues are emerging as prime candidates for the co-branded model, which serves menu items across multiple dayparts.
The dual-brand format, which combines Applebee’s and IHOP under one roof, offers flexibility for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and grab-and-go customers. According to the company, these locations are ideal because they attract traffic throughout the day, making the concept particularly suited to high-volume, around-the-clock environments.
“We see airports and other 24/7 locations as perfect fits for Applebee’s/IHOP co-branded restaurants because the concept covers both morning and evening dayparts,” a Dine Brands spokesperson said.
The first airport-based dual-brand location opened recently at Dallas Love Field Airport, marking a key milestone in the company’s push into non-traditional venues. Additional sites in Texas and Washington are already operational, with further conversions and new builds in the pipeline.
Dine Brands reports that dual-branded units often generate 1.5 to 2.5 times more revenue than single-brand locations, thanks to cross-brand ordering. Over 30 dual-branded restaurants are currently operational, with plans to open another 50 by the end of 2026 and a long-term goal of 900 locations globally.
The company is also expanding internationally, with dual-branded restaurants in Canada, Mexico, and the Middle East, signalling a global growth strategy that leverages high-traffic, flexible formats to meet evolving consumer demand.
