It’s a fast casual dynamic duo.
In a first-of-its-kind partnership for New York, two iconic fast-casual restaurants — Applebee’s and IHOP — will open a combination restaurant together in Hawthorne, New York.
Doherty Enterprises, Inc. — a leading franchisee for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar in New York City, Long Island and New Jersey — announced that the grand opening of the dual-brand concept will occur on March 18, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m.
The Applebee’s/IHOP will open at the existing Applebee’s location in the town of Mount Pleasant in Westchester County at 18 Saw Mill River Road.
The concept puts two full menus in one restaurant, sharing a single kitchen and staff and offering guests the opportunity to order from the full range of options from both brands in a single order.
Locals will now have the ability to enjoy everything from both Applebee’s and IHOP’s menus all day long — which means at any hour of the day, IHOP’s signature pancakes and breakfast staples will be served alongside Applebee’s burgers, wings and late-night bites.
“We’re bringing the best of both brands to our guests, so people can choose the experience they want in one convenient location,” Timothy Doherty, President and COO of Doherty Enterprises, said in a statement.
“This concept is about choice and value for families, commuters, and local workers. Whether you come for fresh pancakes at 7 a.m. or our signature wings at 9 p.m., you’ll be able to get your favorites without leaving the building. We’re proud to invest in Hawthorne and create new jobs and community partnerships in the process.”
The Hawthorne dual-brand location will offer a modernized guest experience with redesigned dining spaces that offer both the warm and friendly Applebee’s environment with the bright and energetic IHOP scene.
A news release noted that “guests can choose the atmosphere that suits their occasion.”
Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s and IHOP, plans to have 14 of the dual-brand Applebee’s/IHOP restaurants open in the US by the end of 2026. There are currently 13 locations outside of the US, according to Westfair Business Journal.
“Our international success with this concept has shown that our brand menus complement each other, providing something for everyone, from early mornings to late nights,” Dine Brands CEO John Peyton told the outlet.
While this is the first one in the tri-state area, the first one in the US opened on Feb. 18 in Seguin, Texas, just outside of San Antonio.
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