Dine Brands Restructures
In the land of endless pancake supplies and mozzarella stick meccas, things are sizzling not just on the grills but also in the boardrooms. Dine Brands, the culinary powerhouse parent to IHOP and Applebee’s, has announced a rather somber entrée: corporate layoffs. Facing the inevitability of change, they've now set a course for a leaner organizational model.
Navigating the currents of the dining sector hasn't been easy. Like many restaurants, Dine Brands has felt the impact of shifting consumer dining habits, rising operational costs, and of course, the pandemic hangover. In response, the company is opting for a "less is more" approach—less staff but hoping for more efficiency and agility.
According to data from Technomic, a Chicago-based food industry research firm, foot traffic in casual dining restaurants has seen a slight decline over the past year by about 3%. It's a tough batter to beat, and Dine Brands is determined not to flip its fortunes over easy.
How Will it Affect Your Pancakes?
For those whose curiosity extends beyond the syrup dispenser, you might wonder what this means for the beloved pancake and burger bastions. The company has reassured enthusiasts that flipping pancakes and grilling burgers won't be affected. Oh-the horror if "pancakes at IHOP" became akin to the infamous 2021 chicken wing shortage!
While the in-store experience might remain unchanged (phew!), the impact on franchise operations remains to be seen. The streamlining of corporate roles could alter how these franchises receive corporate support and resources.
A not-so-fun fact: Dine Brands runs over 3,400 restaurants across 16 countries. With these numbers, the potential ripple effects of internal changes can span from Anytown, USA to Anywhere, World. The company is keen to remain a 'reliable partner'—something we all hope extends to securing that last slice of Applebee’s Blondie on a Friday night.
