Dine Brands Sets Out for Costa Rica, Mexico

About a month after opening its first domestic dual-branded Applebee’s/IHOP unit, Dine Brands Int’l. is looking back abroad for further growth.

Costa Rica is next on the docket for the dual-branded concept, with franchisee BLT UK Holdings Limited leading the market debut, set for this summer. In 2024, this same franchisee opened the first dual-branded restaurant in Honduras, where they soon expect to open a second.

Dine Brands’ dual-branded concept marks a key strategy for its international growth. In 2025, the company aims to open 13 additional dual-branded restaurants in new international markets, plus complete 10 dual conversions, for a total of 41 such restaurants.

Further, in 2025, franchisee ATH Group is set to open the first nontraditional dual-branded restaurant at the Parador Pedro Escobedo travel center in Mexico, while franchisee Grupo Shogua will open an IHOP restaurant at Felipe Ángeles International Airport in Mexico City.

“I am incredibly proud of the progress we are making to expand and grow with new and existing franchisees around the world,” says Scott Gladstone, president, international and corporate development at Dine Brands Global. “Our expansion plans create opportunities to adapt to local customs, tastes, and traditions, as well as new formats and varying footprints. We are committed to creating compelling and profitable opportunities for franchisees and the company, and new and unique experiences for our guests.”

In January, Ernesto Romero, senior manager, kitchen design at Dine Brands Global, was one of several to share global growth advice and perspectives at MUFES 2025.

Across its three brands—Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar, IHOP and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop—Dine Brands currently has over 3,500 restaurants spanning 19 international markets.