This Breakfast Icon Is Actually Applebee's Sister Chain

These days, several chain restaurants are owned by larger corporations. Chili's, for example, is owned by Brinker International, the same company that owns Maggiano's Little Italy. And KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut are all owned by Yum! Brands. But what if we told you that Applebee's, your favorite neighborhood grill, is owned by a company that also runs a popular breakfast chain? It seems unlikely, but yes, Applebee's is owned by Dine Brands — the same company that owns IHOP.

IHOP, otherwise known as the International House of Pancakes, is an American breakfast chain with over 1,800 locations worldwide. It's actually the restaurant that started Dine Brands back in 1958, when the first IHOP location opened in Toluca Lake, California. The company, which was called IHOP Corporation at the time, then acquired Applebee's decades later, in 2007. It officially changed its name from IHOP Corporation to Dine Brands Global, Inc. in 2008. So, for 19 years, both popular restaurants have been owned by this food industry giant.

Under Dine Brands, both Applebee's and IHOP have soared in popularity. According to the company's website, 13 million boneless wings are sold at Applebee's annually, and 400 million pancakes are served annually at IHOP. Both restaurants are longtime favorites among late-night diners, fried-food lovers, and those wanting a quality meal at a decent price.

Apart from starting one of the best sit-down chain restaurants to visit for breakfast, Dine Brands also owns a popular taco restaurant you'd likely never guess. It's Fuzzy's Taco Shop, a well-known Texas-born chain that's since expanded to over 100 locations across the country. Fuzzy's is a recent addition to Dine Brands — it was acquired in 2022 — so if you're a taco fan, this Applebee's sister restaurant is a must-visit.

No matter if you're in the mood for a juicy grilled steak and baked potato, a fluffy stack of pancakes, or a spicy plate of carne asada tacos, this collection of sister chains will certainly please your palate. Sure, IHOP's name made way more sense with the original menu, which featured global flavors and flair, but you can certainly feel as though you've traveled around the world if you eat at Applebee's, IHOP, and Fuzzy's in one fell swoop. Sounds like the ideal day, if you ask us.