Published on Monday, August 18, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Applebee’s and IHOP opened their doors Monday at  Plaza Tempo Shopping Center in Escazú, San José, marking IHOP’s debut in Costa Rica and Applebee’s return after a five-year absence.

IHOP began serving guests at 7 a.m., while Applebee’s opened at 11 a.m. Both restaurants share the same building but operate with separate dining areas and common spaces such as restrooms and host stands. A single kitchen serves both brands to improve efficiency.

The restaurants will operate daily. Hours run from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar, the U.S.-based casual dining chain known for salads, burgers, chicken dishes, and its signature “riblets,” previously operated in Costa Rica from 2009 to 2020. The company closed its five locations during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic, citing financial losses. Applebee’s now has more than 1,800 locations worldwide.

IHOP (International House of Pancakes) is making its Costa Rican debut with the Escazú restaurant. The chain, famous for pancakes, waffles, omelets, and other breakfast staples, operates more than 1,700 locations worldwide. Its Costa Rican menu includes local touches such as "gallo pinto," a traditional dish of rice and beans served with two fried eggs, toast, and fried plantains.

The dual-branded restaurant represents a $2 million investment by franchisee BLT UK Holdings Limited. The company plans to open five additional Applebee’s-IHOP locations across Costa Rica, with a total investment of $10 million. Future restaurants are slated for the Greater Metropolitan Area (San José, Alajuela, Heredia, and Cartago provinces) as well as the Pacific coast.

The Escazú opening is part of parent company Dine Brands’ international strategy to expand through co-branded restaurant formats. Dine Brands, which also operates Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, currently has 18 dual Applebee’s-IHOP locations in seven countries: Mexico, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, and Peru.

Applebee’s and IHOP join a growing list of U.S. restaurant chains investing in Costa Rica. Starbucks recently opened a new location in Guanacaste.

Also, Dunkin’ announced in May 2025 that it will invest $5 million to expand nationwide.

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What other American food franchises would you like to see in Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com