IHOP And Applebee’s Join Forces To Open A Combo Restaurant In Texas

There’s a lot to unpack here. First, the news of an IHOP-Applebee’s merger is eyebrow-raising enough to rival The Rock’s iconic expression. But wait—there’s already a second one? Turns out, most people (myself included) didn’t even know the first existed! Dine Brands, the parent company of both restaurant chains, revealed plans for the latest combined location set to open this year in Seguin, Texas. New 3D renderings released by Dine Brands show a dual-themed space: one side with IHOP’s cozy, homestyle vibes and the other rocking Applebee’s signature sports bar atmosphere, complete with big-screen TVs showing various games.

Both menus will be available no matter where you sit, and the restaurants will share a kitchen—making dishes like ribs paired with pancakes an inevitable favorite in the Lone Star State.

Wondering how this combo concept flew under the radar? The first IHOP-Applebee’s hybrid has been operating quietly for six years in Detroit, Michigan. Opened on June 26, 2018, it’s nestled in the lobby of the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Downtown at the base of the Millender Center.

In a recent earnings call, Dine Brands CEO John Peyton acknowledged that this concept isn’t so much about consumer preference as it is about creating a financially viable option for franchisees, especially as diners tighten their spending.

This isn’t the first time brands have shared space. The iconic pairing of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell comes to mind, popularized not only by the Das Racist song but also because combining a quesadilla with pizza just makes sense—and still does.

And there’s more: Long John Silver’s and KFC, some Louisiana Fried Chicken locations paired with Chinese food spots, and even Jimmy John’s with Dunkin’. It’s a clear cost-saving strategy, and IHOPplebee’s is following suit, with 13 locations worldwide, including Dubai (where the concept was pioneered by Muhammad Makawai), as well as in Honduras, Canada, and parts of Latin America.