Published reports say that IHOP Corp., owner of the pancake house chain, will buy Applebee’s International for about $2.1 billion.
The combined chains will account for more than three thousand restaurants and sales of about $7 billion.
The combined chains will account for more than three thousand restaurants and sales of about $7 billion.
- KC's View:
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I find it interesting that much of the analysis of this deal suggests that Applebee’s fell out of favor with patrons because its menu and its décor package were deemed to be out of date.
But is there another chain in the country that seems less a reflection of the 21st century than IHOP? The last time I went there – which was years ago – I ended up feeling as if there was a ton of lead in my stomach. It wasn’t a good feeling.
I find it difficult to believe that the powers that be at IHOP will be able to turn Applebee’s into a hip, happening chain of eateries.
