This Chain Mashup Could Be Montana’s Next Obsession

Out here in Montana we do have some strong opinions on food. We want our breakfasts hot, our dinners hearty, and our chain restaurants near a gas station. So, today I have some fabulous news that Applebee’s and IHOP are teaming up, sharing the same roof? Yeah, news that immediately made my stomach growl.

Get our free mobile app

Now the corporate parent of both chains, Dine Brands is rolling out dual-branded restaurants that incorporate a fully hybridized menu, according to an MSN report. That means you could order pancakes and a quesadilla at the same table without the need to change restaurants, parking spots, or waistbands at a dozen different places. The first opens in Texas this year, with others set to follow in 2025.

Montana doesn’t appear in the starting lineup, but with both IHOP and Applebee’s currently open in cities like Missoula, Billings, and Great Falls, this mashup could very well reach Big Sky Country sooner than later. Picture showing up at Applebee’s for happy hour and walking out with a side of French toast. I can only imagine it is heavenly.

This isn’t something they are doing to be fun and hip. It’s a sales and foot traffic strategy. Breakfast is a huge moneymaker, and merging it with burgers and boneless wings may be the greatest thing to ever happen to hungover brunchers and indecisive diners.

So if you’re the type of person who ever wanted bacon at 9 PM or wanted pancakes with your pasta, your dream diner may be on the horizon. If only they’d be dishing it up with some ranch on the side.