Dine Brands Global Inc., the parent company of well-known restaurant chains such as Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, and IHOP, has announced that Tony Moralejo will be stepping down from his role as President of Applebee’s, effective March 4, 2025. Following his departure, he will continue to serve as an advisor to the company until June 4, 2025. In the interim, John Peyton, the current CEO of Dine Brands, will assume the responsibilities of President at Applebee’s while maintaining his role as CEO.

In a statement regarding Moralejo’s departure, Peyton expressed, “Tony and I share a deep respect for the DNA of Applebee’s, and we are all grateful for his contributions since he took on this role two years ago. He has navigated a challenging economic environment, led an outstanding team, and strengthened our relationships with franchisees. I’m incredibly thankful for his leadership—he embodies what great leadership looks like. I look forward to building on his work and accelerating our plans to grow the brand and achieve superior results.”

Reflecting on his tenure, Moralejo stated, “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as President of this exceptional brand. Leading this remarkable team and working alongside our dedicated franchise partners over the past two years has been an incredible experience.” His remarks highlight the collaborative spirit he fostered within the organization and the valuable relationships he developed with franchise partners.

In light of this leadership change, Dine Brands has initiated a nationwide search for a new leader for Applebee’s. The company is looking for a candidate with a proven track record in brand stewardship, restaurant operations, and marketing. During this transition period, Peyton will oversee the operations of the brand, working closely with the executive team and franchisees to identify and capitalize on growth opportunities across critical areas. These areas include enhancing the digital experience, innovating the menu, optimizing in-restaurant dining, expanding off-premise options, and pursuing domestic expansion.

Peyton, who joined Dine Brands as CEO in January 2021, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has a proven track record in operations, development, and franchisee relations. Prior to his current position, he served as President and CEO of Realogy Franchise Group and spent 17 years as a senior executive at Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide Inc. His extensive experience in managing large, complex organizations, driving growth at scale, and fostering innovation while maintaining operational flexibility positions him well to lead Applebee’s through this transitional phase.

This leadership transition comes at a time when the restaurant industry is facing unique challenges and opportunities. Dine Brands is committed to ensuring a seamless transition and is focused on maintaining the momentum that Applebee’s has built over the past few years. The company aims to continue enhancing customer experiences while expanding its footprint in the competitive landscape of casual dining.

As Dine Brands navigates this change, the emphasis will remain on strategic growth and operational excellence. The leadership team is poised to leverage the insights gained from the past several years to drive Applebee’s success in the future. Peyton’s commitment to collaboration with franchisees and the executive team will be pivotal as the company seeks to capitalize on emerging trends and consumer preferences in the dining sector.

The search for Moralejo’s successor will be closely watched by industry analysts and stakeholders alike, as Applebee’s continues to adapt to the evolving landscape of the restaurant business. With a solid foundation in place and a clear vision for the future, Dine Brands is well-positioned to enhance its offerings and achieve sustained growth in the coming years.

Source: Dine Brands Global Inc.