Like that guy and that girl in high school you never pictured getting together, this combo is, um, a bit of a surprise:

Two of America's iconic chain eateries are set to combine forces — literally.

The parent company of IHOP and Applebee's has announced it has begun opening dual-branded locations, combining back-of-the house cooking areas and blending front-of-the-house dining areas, though with discrete entrances.

The idea is reportedly "to reduce costs while maximizing revenues by attracting customers dining at different parts of the day to the same location."

IHOP and Applebee's combining. Becoming one restaurant. "Dual-branding."

Well, I guess that's one way to consolidate!

Sadly, the test run for this idea isn't happening within US borders.

On parent Dine Brands Global's most recent earnings call, CEO John Peyton said the company had already rolled out eight prototypes of the concept at select international locations, the most recent one opening in León, Mexico, about four hours northwest of Mexico City.

WHY???

I am happy to report though that the responses to this news are already here:

Make sure to thank Bidenflation for this concoction:

Dine Brands, which also owns Fuzzy's Taco Shop, has faced challenges in recent years amid changing tastes and rising cost pressures. It has closed hundreds of Applebee's locations since 2017, including 46 in 2023.

I might have to swing by one of these locations just to try a bacon burger/pancake combo!

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