A new dual-branded restaurant is now open in Seguin, just outside San Antonio — the first of its kind in the U.S. It's a combination Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar and IHOP, and it opened on February 18 at 2777 N. Hwy 123 Bypass, in a space that was previously just an IHOP. Welcome, Applebee's!

The dual-branded restaurant serves IHOP pancakes and breakfasts side-by-side with Applebee’s burgers and boneless wings. It's a unique menu with items from both brands that can be mixed, matched, and ordered any time of day, including specialty cocktails such as an espresso martini or Irish coffee – all under one roof.

Parent company Dine Brands, which also owns the Fuzzy's Taco Shop chain, already has 13 international dual-branded locations franchised across Canada, Mexico, Honduras, and the Middle East, as of September 2024.

The concept's international success has shown that the brand menus "complement each other, providing something for everyone, from early mornings to late nights," says Dine Brands CEO John Peyton in a statement.

“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,” Peyton says.

When diners walk through the doors, they'll find two distinct dining areas to choose from: the warm, familiar atmosphere of Applebee’s or the bright, cheerful ambiance of IHOP.

Shared common areas include the host stand and bathrooms, creating an integrated experience. There's also a shared back-of-house with a single kitchen, which provides operational efficiencies.

The Seguin location has new exclusive menu items such as the Buffalo Chicken Omelet and the Ultimate Breakfast Burger, which will be available only at U.S. dual-branded locations. For now, you can only get them at this location.

According to NRN.com, Dine Brands has been planning to bring the dual-branded IHOP/Applebee’s model to the U.S. for about a year. The Seguin opening was done in partnership with franchisee Ramzi Hakim Group.

“We’re thrilled to welcome guests and serve the community of Seguin with all the IHOP items they know and love, while also introducing them to Applebee’s selection of lunch and dinner favorites,” says Ramzi Hakim Group president Ramzi Hakim. “As owners of both IHOP and Applebee’s restaurants, we are no strangers to these iconic brands and are honored to open the first U.S. dual-branded location in this great community.”

There are plans to open 14 more dual-branded locations in the U.S. through 2026 — whether that's by transforming existing single-branded restaurants or else building new locations from the ground up.