First Applebee’s Grill & Bar in PH opens in BGC
APPLEBEE’S Grill & Bar, touted to be the largest casual dining brand in the world with base in Atlanta, Georgia, opened its first location in the Philippines recently.
The new Applebee’s, which represents another step forward in the international growth strategy of parent company DineEquity, Inc., represents an expansion of the DineEquity relationship with its franchise partner for its other leading brand, IHop.
The opening of Applebee’s Grill & Bar will bring the brand’s 35 years of experience serving the best in ribs, steaks, burgers, appetizers and a range of drink choices to guests in the Philippines. It is the first of three Applebee’s locations expected to open in the Philippines over the next years.
The new Applebee’s restaurant will embody Applebee’s new 360 degree brand evolution, which sees the philosophy “There’s always a reason to celebrate,” whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or just simply finding your car keys—all reflected in every aspect of the guest experience, from design and décor to promotion to menu innovation to service and hospitality.
“We are delighted to bring the classic American grill and bar experience to guests in the Philippines, which has long been a goal for all of us at DineEquity,” said Daniel del Olmo, president of International, DineEquity, Inc.
“But key to our plan was to find a franchise partner who would bring the same level of commitment, quality and guest satisfaction that we experienced with our IHop franchise partner Archie Rodriguez and Global Restaurant Concepts, who, in their first year of operations, won our IHOP International Franchisee of the Year Award,” Del Olmo added.
“We are happy with the partnership we have with DineEquity as we are aligned in many ways with our vision and mission of providing a memorable dining experience,” said Archie Rodriguez, president and CEO of Global Restaurant Concepts.
“Global Restaurant Concepts has grown IHop in the Philippines rapidly over the past few years, and its work has caused local guests to truly love the brand,” del Olmo added. “I believe we will see very similar results with the Applebee’s brand from our committed and experienced partner.”