Dine Brands International Announces Plans to Open Applebee’s® and IHOP® Restaurants in The United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Rhea-AI Summary

Dine Brands International announces plans to open multiple restaurants in the UAE, including Applebee's and IHOP, with the first location set to open in Dubai in late 2022. The new restaurants will be part of an agreement with franchisee Mohamed Makawi, an experienced IHOP operator in the U.S. The UAE is highlighted as a fast-developing market with rising tourism and demand for casual dining, making it a strategic growth area for Dine. The company currently operates about 3,440 restaurants across 16 countries.

Positive

• Plans for multiple restaurant openings in the UAE, indicating expansion and growth potential.
• First location in Dubai, a key market for tourism and casual dining.
• Franchisee Mohamed Makawi has significant experience with IHOP, increasing likelihood of success.
• UAE's developing market conditions present strong opportunities for restaurant growth.

Negative

• None.

First restaurant opening in Dubai, planned for late 2022

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Dine Brands International today announces plans to open multiple Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar® and IHOP® restaurants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with the first location scheduled to open in Dubai later this year through an agreement with established IHOP Franchisee Mohamed Makawi.

(Photo: Business Wire)

“Mohamed, as a long-time IHOP operator in the U.S., is an ideal franchisee to lead the new openings of Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants in the UAE market. His passion for our brands, cultural understanding of the Middle East market, paired with his focus on creating exemplary guest experiences, position him to succeed in this new endeavor,” said Tony Moralejo, President, International, Dine Brands Global, Inc.

“We have seen success in this market through our ghost kitchen operations and are excited to be re-establishing brick-and-mortar locations for our two world-renowned brands. The UAE is one of the fastest developing nations in the world, and the country’s increasing tourism business and consumer demand for casual and family dining restaurants reaffirm it as an important growth market for Dine,” added Moralejo.

“For over 20 years, I’ve had the pleasure of developing the IHOP brand in the U.S. With this new venture, I look forward to gaining the support of the communities we plan to serve internationally,” said Franchisee Mohamed Makawi. “We’re going to hire a local team and are confident guests in the UAE will love joining us in our restaurants for IHOP’s world-famous pancakes and familiar comfort foods, as well as Applebee’s craveable American fare.”

Dine Brands International continues to place emphasis on growth in markets, including North America, The Middle East, Asia, and Latin America. For more information on international franchise opportunities, click here.

About Dine Brands Global, Inc.
Based in Glendale, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries, franchises restaurants under both the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar and IHOP brands. With approximately 3,440 restaurants combined in 16 countries and approximately 350 franchisees, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company’s website located at www.dinebrands.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220127005232/en/

Media Contact

Susan Nelson

Vice President, Communications

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Susan.Nelson@dinebrands.com



Investor Contact

Ken Diptee

Executive Director, Investor Relations

Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Ken.Diptee@dinebrands.com

Source: Dine Brands Global, Inc.

FAQ

What is Dine Brands International planning in the UAE?

Dine Brands International plans to open multiple Applebee's and IHOP restaurants in the UAE, with the first opening in Dubai in late 2022.

Who is the franchisee for Dine Brands in the UAE?

The franchisee for Dine Brands in the UAE is Mohamed Makawi, an experienced IHOP operator in the U.S.

Why is the UAE considered a growth market for Dine Brands?

The UAE is seen as a growth market due to its rapid development, increasing tourism, and high consumer demand for casual dining.

How many restaurants does Dine Brands operate globally?

Dine Brands operates approximately 3,440 restaurants across 16 countries.

When is the first restaurant opening scheduled in Dubai?

The first restaurant in Dubai is scheduled to open in late 2022.