Two Major Restaurant Chains Are Merging—And Their New Menu Might Just Blow Your Mind

You know those moments when you’re torn between pancakes or burgers, brunch or bar food, maple syrup or mozzarella sticks?

The universe has heard your grumbling stomach and indecisive spirit, and it’s responded with the most unexpected culinary crossover since peanut butter met jelly: Applebee’s and IHOP are merging into one glorious, hybrid restaurant concept.

Yes, you read that right. The kings of neighborhood bar-and-grill fare and pancake stacks tall enough to need a warning label are teaming up to create a single dining destination.

This isn’t a drill. It’s not a dream. It’s the American diner-meets-sports-bar mashup we never knew we needed—and yet, now that it’s here, it makes total sense.

Two Restaurant Icons, One Menu to Rule Them All

Let’s set the scene. On one side, you’ve got IHOP—the International House of Pancakes, beloved by night owls, early birds, and anyone who believes breakfast belongs to all hours. Their legacy? Fluffy buttermilk pancakes, sizzling bacon, and enough syrup choices to warrant a sampler flight.

Then there’s Applebee’s, your go-to spot for wings, spinach artichoke dip, and that sizzling platter that makes everyone turn their head when it leaves the kitchen. Oh, and the drinks? Giant cocktails served in goblets that could double as fishbowls. A place where “Dollarita” is a legitimate word.

Now imagine both of these experiences under one roof.

One menu. One location. One chaotic, glorious, carb-loaded dream come true.

What Does This Look Like? Let’s Paint the Picture

The first of these hybrid restaurants has quietly opened in downtown Detroit, serving as a test kitchen, a proof of concept, and a beacon of hope for hungry diners across the country.

It’s not just a regular Applebee’s with pancakes added in or an IHOP with a side of boneless wings. This is a fully integrated experience.

You walk in, and you’re greeted by the familiar Applebee’s bar, complete with TVs playing whatever game is on, but just beyond it? Booths with syrup caddies and bottomless coffee. It’s a vibe. It’s like brunch and happy hour had a baby and named it “Welcome to the Neighborhood.”

The menu is a wild ride in the best way. Think:

• Mozzarella Stick-Topped Pancakes (no, really)
• Brunch Burgers featuring a fried egg, bacon, and a fluffy pancake bun
• Chicken and Waffle Quesadillas—yes, that’s a thing now
• Cinnastack Martini—a dessert cocktail inspired by cinnamon pancakes
• Steak & Eggs Fajitas served with a side of nostalgia

And, of course, you can still get your classics. Whether it’s the 2x2x2 from IHOP or Applebee’s Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp, you won’t have to compromise. Ever again.

Why Now? Why This?

In a world where fast-casual joints and drive-thru innovation seem to be dominating, legacy sit-down restaurants are looking for ways to stay relevant.

This isn’t just about serving pancakes at midnight or burgers at 7 a.m. (though that’s part of the fun). It’s about combining two powerful brands under one roof and drawing in a broader crowd.

You want a place where the kids can get chocolate chip pancakes while the adults get a giant margarita with an entire upside-down beer inside it? Done. Looking for a brunch spot where you don’t need to put on real pants or stand in a line of influencers for three hours? Bingo.

This move by Dine Brands, the parent company of both chains, is smart. It’s bold. And it might just be the future of casual dining. Especially as diners crave novelty, convenience, and a little dose of comfort food chaos.

What’s the Vibe?

Let’s talk ambiance. If you’ve ever been inside an Applebee’s or an IHOP, you might wonder how two very different atmospheres can coexist. The answer? Split personality design.

There’s a lounge-y Applebee’s bar zone, perfect for watching the game or taking advantage of those happy hour specials. Then, there’s the brighter, cozier IHOP area, with booths built for pancake devouring and coffee sipping.

But the real magic? The crossover seating—where a couple might be having beer and wings while their toddler scarfs down funny face pancakes across the table. Or the hungover college student chugging orange juice next to a mom group diving into spinach dip and gossip. Harmony, people. Harmony.

Coming Soon to a City Near You?

Detroit is just the beginning. If the pilot location proves successful (and early signs suggest it’s doing very well), more ApplebeeHOPs—or IHOPplebee’s, if you prefer—could roll out across the country.

You might just see one pop up in your neighborhood, and honestly, when that happens, we all win. Because what’s better than sipping a giant margarita while eating French toast at 10 a.m.? Or crushing steak tacos and finishing with a pancake sundae? Exactly.

So here’s to the ultimate restaurant team-up. It’s a bit chaotic, a little confusing, and completely over-the-top—but in the best way possible. The future is syrup-drenched, steak-smothered, and served with a smile.

Applebee’s and IHOP have merged—and brunch will never be the same again.