Applebee’s Franchisees Sue Over Dual-Branding Exclusivity Violations
Applebee’s franchisees Apple Texas Restaurants and Apple Houston Restaurants have sued Dine Brands, alleging violations of exclusivity clauses in their franchise agreements due to dual-branded IHOP/Applebee’s units. The lawsuit could impact Dine’s dual-branding strategy, which aims to expand to 80 dual-branded locations by year-end and 900 by 2036. The plaintiffs seek an injunction to prevent new Applebee’s locations, including dual-branded ones, in areas where they hold exclusivity.
Topics: Applebee’s Dine Brands dual-branding exclusivity franchisees IHOP sue