A dual-branded Applebee's and IHOP restaurant is set to open in Hawthorne, New York, on March 18, 2026, marking the first such location in the state. The concept allows customers to order from both chains' menus all day long in a single building. Doherty Enterprises, a major franchisee, announced the grand opening at 18 Saw Mill River Road in Westchester County.
Doherty Enterprises, Inc., a leading Applebee's franchisee in New York and New Jersey, announced the opening of the state's first dual Applebee's and IHOP restaurant in Hawthorne, New York. The grand opening is scheduled for March 18, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m. at 18 Saw Mill River Road, about 30 miles north of Manhattan in Westchester County's town of Mount Pleasant.
The restaurant combines full menus from both brands, enabling customers to mix items like IHOP's signature pancakes and breakfast staples with Applebee's burgers, wings, and late-night favorites at any time. It will operate from breakfast through late night, offering flexibility for meals such as pancakes in the evening or a burger in the morning.
"The new dual-brand restaurant gives locals the flexibility to enjoy everything from IHOP’s signature pancakes and breakfast staples to Applebee’s burgers, wings, and late-night favorites, all day long," the company's news release stated. The dining spaces will blend the cozy, warm Applebee's atmosphere with IHOP's bright, energetic environment, allowing guests to select the vibe that suits their occasion.
Timothy Doherty, president and COO of Doherty Enterprises, said in a statement: “We’re bringing the best of both brands to our guests, so people can choose the experience they want in one convenient location. This concept is about choice and value for families, commuters, and local workers. Whether you come for fresh pancakes at 7 a.m. or our signature wings at 9 p.m., you’ll be able to get your favorites without leaving the building. We’re proud to invest in Hawthorne and create new jobs and community partnerships in the process.”
This New York location follows the first U.S. dual-brand restaurant, which opened in February 2025 in Seguin, Texas, about 35 miles from San Antonio. Dine Brands Global, Inc., the parent company of both chains, reported during its fourth-quarter earnings call on February 25, 2026, that 32 dual-brand restaurants are open in the U.S., including three company-owned, with nine under construction. The company expects at least 50 more openings in 2026, aiming for nearly 80 U.S. locations by year-end. These dual-brand sites outperform single-brand ones, generating 1.5 to 2.5 times higher revenue.
The announcement comes after Applebee's closed locations in states including Indiana, Missouri, and New York in early 2026. Applebee’s President John Peyton stated: “What matters is the momentum behind our growth, and we’re seeing real signs of an inflection point. This year, we’re planning on opening more restaurants than we have in prior years.”