GLENDALE, Calif – Applebee’s Grill & Bar, a subsidiary of Dine Brands Global Inc., plans to purchase 69 restaurants in North and South Carolina.

The company said in a press release on Dec. 13 that the franchises will be owned and operated by the company itself and overseen by COO Kevin Carroll.

"Through the third quarter of 2018, Applebee's business performance has been the best it's been in more than a decade as we continue to lead the casual dining category," says John Cywinski, Applebee's brand president. "I'm pleased with this transaction and confident in our plans to evolve and selectively refine our restaurant portfolio. We are consistently reviewing our portfolio and making strategic decisions to better position our brand for the future."

Applebee’s said it planned to continue running the restaurants for the foreseeable future, but they will assess and monitor opportunities to refranchise the restaurants.

Applebee’s also announced that Dine Brands Global Inc. reached a settlement with RMH Franchise Holdings. RMH filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2018. According to Applebee’s, the company will receive reimbursement of termination fees related to restaurant closures. The settlement also includes the dismissal of all outstanding litigation between the parties.

"We're pleased to have come to a resolution with RMH and its owners," Cywinski said. "We remain confident and look forward to 2019."