Dine Brands to expand dual-branded Applebee’s, IHOP concept

Dine Brands (DIN) is set to expand its dual-branded Applebee’s and IHOP concept in 2025. This expansion includes entering the Costa Rican market with franchisee BLT UK Holdings, and opening the first non-traditional restaurants in Mexico with franchisees Grupo Shogua and ATH Group. The dual-branded format, combining Applebee’s and IHOP under one roof, has been a key part of Dine Brands’ international growth strategy. Currently, there are 18 dual-branded locations across seven markets: Mexico, Canada, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, and Peru. In 2025, the company aims to open 13 additional dual-branded restaurants in new international markets and complete 10 dual conversions, bringing the total number of dual-branded restaurants to 41. Franchisee BLT UK Holdings opened the first dual-branded restaurant in Honduras in 2024 and plans to open a second location this year. They will also be opening the first dual-branded restaurant in Costa Rica this Summer in San Jose. In addition to franchisee ATH Group opening the first non-traditional dual-branded restaurant at the Parador Pedro Escobedo travel center in Mexico, franchisee Grupo Shogua will also open an IHOP restaurant at Felipe Angeles International Airport in Mexico City.