First restaurant opening in Dubai, planned for late 2022

GLENDALE, Calif.-Friday 28 January 2022 [ AETOS Wire ]

(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.

 “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 e ... Read more »