GLENDALE, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dine Brands International today announces plans to open five new IHOP® restaurants in the western Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), including Jeddah, Makkah, Madinah and cities along the coast of the Red Sea, with the first location set to open in Jeddah in early 2023. The agreement with IHOP franchisee Ahmed Marashde is a demonstration of IHOP’s continued expansion in the Middle East, exemplified by the successful opening of IHOP in Cairo, Egypt at the Cairo Festival City Mall and the continued expansion of ghost kitchens in the region.

“We are thrilled to bring IHOP’s world-renowned pancakes back to customers across sunny Saudi Arabia,” said Tony Moralejo, President, International, Dine Brands Global, Inc.We have seen success and strong consumer demand in the Middle East and believe Saudi Arabia is a key market for our continued growth in the region. »

“Ahmed brings over 30 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, including as former CEO of one of Applebee’s largest international franchisees. Through this experience, he has proven to be a valued leader and exceptional operator. Ahmed’s experience and knowledge of vendors, real estate and local conditions make him the perfect franchise partner for Dine and IHOP,” added Moralejo.

The new IHOP locations will offer casual dining spaces for customers to gather and enjoy IHOP’s wide variety of breakfast, lunch and dinner items, including pancakes, breakfast combos , omelets, burgers, artisanal fondues, burritos, bowls, and more for dine-in, take-out, and delivery.

“We look forward to showcasing IHOP in Saudi Arabia. With a population of over 35 million, one of the youngest populations in the world and the largest economy in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia is an ideal market to introduce and grow the IHOP brand,” said said Ahmed Marashde, founder and CEO of Haseed Trading LLC, an IHOP franchisee.We are confident that these new IHOP locations will spread happiness and leave customers with smiles on their faces.

Dine Brands International is currently seeking qualified franchisees to develop additional markets throughout the Middle East and continues to focus on growing markets, particularly in North America, Asia and Latin America. For more information on international franchise opportunities, click here.

About Dine Brands Global, Inc.

Based in Glendale, Calif., Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries, franchises restaurants under the Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar and IHOP brands. With approximately 3,400 combined restaurants in 16 countries and approximately 350 franchisees, Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world. For more information about Dine Brands, visit the company’s website at www.dinebrands.com.