Applebee's and IHOPs Close Due to Lack of Millennials
Traditional chains that fail to address shifting consumer tastes—particularly toward plant-based options—are forced to shutter while those that adapt, such as TGI Fridays, continue to thrive.
Restaurant group Dine Brands Global recently announced that it would close several locations of two of its restaurant brands due to their inability to attract millennial consumers. The group plans to close 60 to 80 locations of Applebee’s and 30 to 40 locations of International House of Pancakes (IHOP) this year. “So many of these brands are going to have a really hard time because the core of what they stand for is going to be hard to redefine,” Ted Nelson, CEO of consulting firm Mechanica, told media outlet Ad Week. “Reinvention is the key.” In a bid to attract millennial consumers—who are the driving demographic behind the boom in the North American vegan population—competing chain TGI Fridays added the vegan Beyond Burger to 465 locations last year, and continues to draw new customers by joining the Meatless Monday campaign to promote its new plant-based options.
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More Flashbacks
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- Vegan Girl Scout Thin Mint Chickpea Snacks Debut in June
- Vegan Tacos Win Food Battle Against Fish Tacos
- Postmates Ends Deliveries of Foie Gras
- New Vegan Market Opens in South Florida
- Beyond Sausage Debuts at All Whole Foods Nationwide
- Harry Styles Ends European Tour with Vegan Pie Prank
- Students Develop Plant-Based Burger That Mimics Salmon
- Vegan Goth-Themed Café Opens in Arizona
- Vegan Mac and Cheese Debuts in Hot Bar at 55 Whole Foods
- Gordon Ramsay Finally Gives Vegan Thing a Try
- Eminem Serves Vegan Mom's Spaghetti at Coachella
- Vegan Shop Beyond Sushi Opens Sixth NYC Location
- Field Roast Debuts Vegan Mayo
- Dairy Giant Dean Foods Hits Six-Year Low
- Vegan Ultra Athlete Sets Ninja Warrior Record
- Halo Top Opens Scoop Shop with Vegan Ice Cream Options
- Shake Shack Tests Vegan-Friendly Burger
