What is the dual branding of Applebee’s and IHOP?
What can Wausau expect when the Applebee’s and IHOP double brand opens?
In a recent series of closings, Applebee’s is saying goodbye to one of its franchised stores in California.
The restaurant, located in Calexico, about 10 miles southeast of El Centro, will close on Tuesday, June 16, the company confirmed in an email to USA TODAY on June 4.
The franchisee is Minot, North Dakota-based Apple Core Enterprises Inc., according to Applebee’s and online business records obtained by USA TODAY.
“The Applebee’s restaurant located at 2505 Scaloni Road will close on June 16,” Apple Core CEO Dusty Jensen said in a statement to USA TODAY. “We are extremely grateful for the support of our Calexico neighbors over the past 22 years and look forward to continuing to serve them at our nearby restaurants, including our El Centro location at 2421 North Cottonwood.”
Mark Giroux, area director for Apple Core Enterprises, told Imperial Valley Press that the restaurant’s lease is coming to an end, but the franchise owner is not happy with the terms of the renewal.
The restaurant employs about 30 people, according to Yuma, Arizona-based television station KYMA.
USA TODAY reached out to Applebee’s on June 4 for more information about the Calexico restaurant closure and a complete list of recent and future closings.
Here’s what we know about Applebee’s restaurant closures in 2026.
Applebee’s closure and dual opening
Multiple Applebee’s stores have closed in the past few months, including some owned by Atlanta-based Applebee’s franchisees. The franchise operated more than 50 stores, but recently filed for bankruptcy and closed 10 stores in Florida and Georgia.
Franchisee Neighborhood Restaurant Partners Florida filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on March 24, saying it owes between $10 million and $50 million.
In court documents obtained by USA TODAY, the company said it acquired 50 Applebee’s restaurants in May 2012 and acquired 15 more from another franchisee four months later. The company enjoyed some success from 2013 to 2015, but sales declined in late 2015.
“The company has since experienced a period of ups and downs, battling various failed strategies and promotions, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inflationary pressures currently impacting the entire restaurant industry,” Neighborhood Restaurant Partners of Florida said in court documents reviewed by USA TODAY.
Franchisees also cited increased operating expenses due to inflation.
But while some Applebee’s franchisees are closing stores, the company is expanding into new territory by opening two stores: Applebee’s and IHOP.
Applebee’s opened its first dual-brand Applebee’s and IHOP store in the United States in February 2025 in Seguin, Texas, approximately 55 miles from San Antonio.
Another opening took place in New York on March 18th. Applebee’s franchisee Dougherty Enterprises said in a news release that the location is in Hawthorne, about 30 miles from Manhattan.
“This new dual-brand restaurant offers local residents the flexibility to enjoy everything from IHOP’s signature pancakes and breakfast classics to Applebee’s burgers, wings and late-night favorites all day long,” the company said.
Regarding the chain’s recent changes and closures, John Payton, CEO of Dine Brands and president of Applebee’s, said in a statement to USA TODAY on April 3, “The Applebee’s brand remains strong.”
He added that the company is “focused on stability, growth and doing what’s right for our guests, team members and franchise partners.”
Contributor: Michelle Del Rey, USA TODAY
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s Trends team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia (757). Email atsdmartin@usatoday.com.
