At a time when parts of the casual dining industry are fighting store closures and bankruptcy filings, Applebee's and IHOP are moving in the opposite direction. The two brands will open their first dual-branded restaurant in the Los Angeles area later this month, bringing both menus under one roof in Inglewood.
Located at 4410 Century Boulevard, the 24-hour restaurant will combine signature offerings from both chains, allowing customers to order everything from IHOP pancakes and breakfast platters to Applebee’s burgers, wings, and appetizers in a single visit. According to KTLA, the location will also feature menu items created specifically for the dual-brand concept, including dishes like a Buffalo Chicken Omelet and an Ultimate Breakfast Burger.
The opening reflects a broader strategy by parent company Dine Brands to blend two of its best-known brands into a single operating model. The Inglewood restaurant is being operated by Ashoori Group, a franchisee that already works with both chains. To mark the launch, local officials and company representatives will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 9, followed by community events, live entertainment, family activities, and giveaways for early guests.
The concept is still relatively new. Applebee’s and IHOP opened their first dual-branded restaurant in Seguin, Texas, in 2025, and have since expanded the idea into select markets. California already has a location in Big Bear, but the Inglewood opening represents the first entry into the Los Angeles market and one of the most visible tests yet of whether the model can succeed in a major metropolitan area.
The expansion comes during a complicated period for Applebee’s. Earlier this year, major franchisee Neighborhood Restaurant Partners filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after struggling with declining traffic, inflation, and rising operating costs. The operator initially closed 10 restaurants across Florida and Georgia and later sought court approval to shutter five more locations.
Parent company Dine Brands stepped in as a stalking-horse bidder during the restructuring process, signaling its intention to preserve as much of the portfolio as possible.
