GLENDALE, Calif. – Visitors to the Millender Center in Detroit will find breakfast and a bar and grill under one roof. Livonia, Michigan-based TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants (TSFR) plans to combine an Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill with an IHOP restaurant in a first-ever hybrid concept for the two brands.
TSFR expects to begin construction in April 2017 pending municipal approvals. The 11,939-sq.-ft., 300-seat restaurant will offer the classic Applebee’s menu along with IHOP signature breakfast foods — such as pancakes — and beverages.
“As we continue to lead the way in the restaurant industry, TSFR is proud to expand our portfolio by uniquely combining two nationally recognized and family-oriented brands into one hybrid restaurant in the City of Detroit,” said Mark Schostak, executive chairman at TSFR. “This expansion is a testament to our commitment to the City of Detroit and Michigan, and it's aligned with our strategic growth plan. Applebee’s is built on the concept of being a neighborhood grill and bar, which is the perfect complement to the welcoming, family-friendly environment IHOP has delivered for nearly 60 years. We look forward to bringing more jobs to our community and providing an elevated dining experience to all restaurant guests.”
Julia Stewart, CEO of DineEquity Inc., which franchises and operates restaurants under the Applebee's and IHOP brands, said the concept represents a landmark in the history of the company.
“With its creation in 2007, DineEquity brought together two of America's most iconic brands, Applebee's and IHOP under one franchisor—and now, ten years later, we are equally excited to bring these two brands together for the first time under one roof,” Stewart said in a news release.
Millender Center is located in downtown Detroit by the GM Renaissance Center. TSFR will lease space for the hybrid restaurant from Riverfront Holdings, a subsidiary of General Motors Inc.