Glendale, Calif. — DineEquity, Inc., one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies, has signed four new multi-unit development agreements in the Middle East, Asia Pacific and Latin America. These agreements will play an important role in the company’s plan to double international locations over the next 5 years.
Since the beginning of 2014, 80 new international restaurants have opened. In addition, during that same time frame, DineEquity nearly tripled the international development pipeline to more than 200 restaurant commitments.
IHOP plans to enter Thailand and India. A multi-unit franchise agreement with King of Pancakes Co., Ltd. calls for 10 locations to open in Thailand by 2021. A multi-unit franchise agreement with Kwals Catering Private Ltd. — a subsidiary of Kwality Group — calls for 20 locations to open throughout multiple states of Northern and Southern India by 2025.
Applebee’s will extend its growth in the Middle East and open six locations in Bahrain and Oman by 2023. Applebee’s footprint in Latin America will also grow under an agreement for five new locations in Panama by 2021.
In 2014 DineEquity consolidated both international brand teams into one business unit and created a new strategic plan based on franchisee feedback and the largest international consumer survey in the company’s history. This research led to a 360-degree brand evolution, resulting in the implementation of new brand positioning, marketing, food and beverage choices, plate presentation, restaurant design and an improved service culture, all of which have been embraced by franchisees.
DineEquity’s global presence, through its IHOP and Applebee’s brands, includes all 50 United States, three U.S. territories and 17 other nations. Based in Glendale, Calif., DineEquity, Inc., through its subsidiaries, franchises and operates restaurants under the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP brands. With more than 3,700 restaurants, DineEquity is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information, visit www.dineequity.com.
SOURCE: DineEquity, Inc.