Dine Brands Posts Q3 Same-Store Sales Gains
Applebee's and IHOP reported modest same-store sales growth in the quarter that ended September 27, 2026.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Dining Out
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Dine Brands reported third-quarter 2026 same-store sales growth of 0.9% at Applebee's and 0.8% at IHOP, with revenues reaching $248.9 million for the quarter ended September 27. Net income fell to $4.5 million, or $0.37 per share, from $7 million, or $0.48 per share, a year earlier.
Why it matters
Revenue growth was driven mostly by company-owned restaurant revenue from locations acquired and opened over the past year, rather than by stronger results at existing locations. The company says it expects to finish 2026 at the lower end of its full-year guidance.
Dine Brands reported Q3 2026 revenues of $248.9 million, up from $216.1 million in Q3 2025, and operates 3,275 restaurants across its global portfolio. The company completed 107 Applebee's Lookin' Good remodels during the quarter.
The players
Dine Brands
Dine Brands is the parent company of the Applebee's and IHOP restaurant chains, operating a global portfolio of 3,275 restaurants.
Applebee's
Applebee's is a casual dining restaurant chain owned by Dine Brands that is undergoing a remodel program and dual-brand conversions.
IHOP
IHOP is a family-oriented pancake and breakfast restaurant chain owned by Dine Brands.
The details
Company-owned restaurant revenue increased by $36.9 million from locations acquired and opened over the past year. Dine Brands is investing in dual-brand conversions and store remodels, particularly at Applebee's, while closing one net new restaurant during the quarter.
Timeline
September 27, 2026: Dine Brands' third quarter ended.
End of 2027: Expected completion of half the Applebee's Lookin' Good remodel portfolio.
Culture Shift
The quarter's modest same-store gains suggest that Dine Brands' Applebee's Lookin' Good remodel and dual-brand conversion program has not yet lifted comparable-restaurant sales. Restaurant chains nationwide are testing similar store upgrades to keep older locations competitive.
Diners at Applebee's and IHOP may notice remodeled dining rooms and dual-brand locations as the company completes its remodel program. The modest same-store sales growth suggests menu prices and traffic at existing locations are changing only slowly.
The takeaway
Comparable-restaurant sales, not new openings, will determine whether Dine Brands' remodel strategy is working. Readers tracking restaurant chains should watch fourth-quarter results for Applebee's, which the company expects to be weaker.
What happens next
Dine Brands expects half of the Applebee's Lookin' Good remodel portfolio to be completed by the end of 2027.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in Dining Out for context on casual and family restaurant chains.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nation's Restaurant News.
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