DineEquity aims to open 20 IHOP restaurants by 2025

Global full-service restaurant chain DineEquity Inc,which holds franchisee rights for two category leading brands, Applebee’s Grill + Bar and IHOP (International House of Pancakes) restaurants, has opened IHOP’s first restaurant in India and plans to add 19 more outlets by 2025.

With this launch, India has become the 19th country where the breakfast chain has opened a restaurant.

Spread across 2,100 sq.ft, the new outlet is opened in Gurugram. The company has signed a multi-unit franchise agreement with Kwal's Group to bring IHOP to India.

By the end of this year, IHOP plans to add two more outlets in Delhi, including Select CityWalk and Connaught Place. The brand will be spending around Rs 100 crore to aid the expansion plans.

Gary Moore, Vice President (International), DineEquity, Inc., said, "With the ongoing growth of IHOP and the introduction of this world-famous dining experience in India, this is a proud moment for us."

He added, "The family friendly atmosphere, warm hospitality and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner options at IHOP translate to any country and culture the world over, and we look forward to delighting guests in India as we have in our more than 1,700 restaurants spanning 12 countries."

Sameer Lamba, MD, Kwal's Group, said, "From my very first experience with IHOP’s food and atmosphere, I felt that this was a concept that belonged in India."

He said, "Since becoming an IHOP franchisee and getting to know the restaurant culture even better, my belief in the brand has been strengthened due to the high quality standards and exceptional friendliness I’ve experienced at every IHOP. We look forward to bringing this unique experience to the guests of our first India restaurant, and the many others to come throughout the country."