Doherty Enterprises, Inc., a leading franchisee for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar® in New York City, Long Island, N.Y., and New Jersey, announced today the grand opening of its first dual-brand Applebee’s® | IHOP® restaurant in Hawthorne, N.Y.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Wednesday, March 18 at 9:00 a.m., where Doherty leadership will be joined by local officials and representatives from the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the completion of renovations that bring both iconic brands together in a single building.
This pioneering concept pairs two full menus under one roof – Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar and IHOP – sharing a single kitchen and staff while offering guests the full range of both brands. The new dual-brand restaurant gives locals the flexibility to enjoy everything from IHOP’s signature pancakes and breakfast staples to Applebee’s burgers, wings, and late-night favorites, all day long.
“We’re bringing the best of both brands to our guests, so people can choose the experience they want in one convenient location,” said Timothy Doherty, President and COO of Doherty Enterprises. “This concept is about choice and value for families, commuters, and local workers. Whether you come for fresh pancakes at 7 a.m. or our signature wings at 9 p.m., you’ll be able to get your favorites without leaving the building. We’re proud to invest in Hawthorne and create new jobs and community partnerships in the process.”
Key highlights of the Hawthorne dual-brand location:
- Two full menus, one bill: Guests can mix and match favorites from both brands on a single order.
- All-day dining utility: Expanded day-part capability from breakfast through late night, increasing convenience for families, shift workers and commuters.
- Community focus: Renovation and opening activity will support local hiring; Doherty will work with community groups and the Chamber to explore partnership and event opportunities.
- Modernized guest experience: Redesigned dining areas offer both the cozy, warm Applebee’s vibe and the bright, energetic IHOP environment. Guests can choose the atmosphere that suits their occasion.
Doherty Enterprises is positioning the Hawthorne dual-brand as a modern, flexible dining solution that responds to today’s consumer demand for choice and value. The integrated model also improves operational efficiencies by streamlining kitchen flow and staffing while maintaining the distinct identity of both brands.
For more information about Doherty Enterprises, their commitment to their communities, and current job openings, visit http://www.dohertyinc.com.
About Applebee’s®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood
About IHOP®
For more than 65 years, IHOP has been a leader, innovator, and expert in all things breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The chain offers 65 different signature, fresh, made-to-order breakfast options, a wide selection of popular lunch and dinner items, including Ultimate Steakburgers, Hand Crafted Melts, Burritos & Bowls, and more. IHOP restaurants offer guests an affordable, everyday dining experience with warm and friendly service. As of September 30, 2025, there are 1,793 IHOP restaurants around the world, including restaurants in all 50 states, two U.S. territories, and 13 countries outside the United States. IHOP restaurants are franchised by affiliates of Pasadena, Calif.-based Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN).
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates 158 restaurants in New Jersey, New York, including seven restaurant concepts: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Wendy’s, Jinya Ramen Bar, Chevys Fresh Mex and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 12 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey.
Doherty Enterprises is ranked 27th Largest Franchisee in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 80th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation’s Restaurant News, the 67th largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business, and 26th in NJ’s Top 250 privately held companies & 5th Largest Family-Owned Business Based on Employees in New Jersey by NJBIZ.
The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,200 people and donated over $5.7 million directly back to those in need. (www.DohertyInc.com).
