Dine Brands International plans to open multiple Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar and IHOP restaurants in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), it said in a statement
The first location is 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 US, is an ideal franchisee to lead the new openings of Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants in the UAE market,” the statement quoted Tony Moralejo, President, International, Dine Brands Global, as saying.
“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,” he added.
“We have seen success in this market through our ghost kitchen operations and are excited to be re-establishing brick-and-mortar locations for our two world-renowned brands,” said Moralejo.
“The UAE is one of the fastest developing nations in the world, and the country’s increasing tourism business and consumer demand for casual and family dining restaurants reaffirm it as an important growth market for Dine,” he added.
The statement quoted franchisee Mohamed Makawi as saying: “We’re going to hire a local team and are confident guests in the UAE will love joining us in our restaurants for IHOP’s world-famous pancakes and familiar comfort foods, as well as Applebee’s crave-able American fare.”