---
title: "Applebee's closes more sites while betting on IHOP combo"
type: "News"
locale: "en"
url: "https://longbridge.com/en/news/293089666.md"
description: "Applebee's is closing several U.S. locations in 2026 due to rising costs and lower profitability. Parent company Dine Brands is shifting strategy, planning to open approximately 80 combined Applebee's/IHOP sites by late 2026 to share resources and improve efficiency. This move reflects a broader casual dining slowdown driven by inflation and stagnant wages, prompting restaurants to focus on value and format adaptation."
datetime: "2026-07-18T06:21:47.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/293089666.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/293089666.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/293089666.md)
---

# Applebee's closes more sites while betting on IHOP combo

Closures announced: Applebee's has shut several U.S. locations in 2026, including in California, Indiana, New York, and Missouri, due to higher costs and lower profitability. Dual-brand strategy: Parent company Dine Brands plans to open about 80 combined Applebee's/IHOP sites by late 2026, aiming to share kitchens and staff to improve efficiency. Industry context: The closures mirror a wider casual dining slowdown as inflation and stagnant wages push restaurants to focus on value and adapt their formats.

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