Applebee's parent Dine Brands bets on menu revamp as takeover pressure builds
The gist
Applebee's posted 0.9% same-store sales growth in the quarter ended Sep 27, 2026.
Its menu pipeline now underpins the chain's turnaround and takeover defense.
How it unfolded
- 2025Dine Brands "reinvigorated" its menu strategy, building a stronger innovation pipeline that it says builds on itself.
- 2026 (earlier in the year)Applebee's introduced loaded potato waves, its strongest appetizer launch since the pandemic.
- 2026 (around Valentine's Day)Applebee's launched Still Together Sips, two drinks developed with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart; the Young, Wild & Free Fruit Punch was $7.
Key terms
- same-store sales
- A retail metric comparing revenue from existing outlets over a period with the same period a year earlier, excluding new or closed stores.
- casual-dining
- A restaurant category with moderate prices and table service, between fast food and fine dining.
Source: Wikipedia