Applebee just had its best year since the early 1990s

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The company's sales in US stores open at least a year rose 5% in 2018, a "milestone," Applebee Chairman John Cywinski said Thursday.

"We have a brand with a story that people love and we went back to its roots, that's what people wanted us to do," said Stephen Joyce, CEO of Dine Brands (DIN)who owns Applebee.

"Eatin & # 39; Good guide our strategy", Cywinski said during a call with analysts. He added that last year, Applebee had enjoyed similar success at its "heyday", and he said that customers were enjoying "a fantastic experience of one hour and one year. an hour and a half". Applebee's reached an all-time record in terms of overall customer satisfaction last year.

Cywinski became brand president in March 2017 and revolutionized the fast-casual restaurant chain by focusing on Applebee as a place of cheap indulgence.

"Americans are stressed," Cywinski told CNN Business in November. "When they are stressed, they tend to go to comfort … and we are damn good at comfort," he said at the time.

In 2018, he organized promotions for all-you-can-eat riblets, chicken fillets and shrimp. sold a range of cheese pasta. The brand has also sold $ 1 Cocktails to help guests celebrate Mardis Gras, December holidays and Halloween, among other occasions. In addition, Applebee has invested in an advertisement highlighting these comfort foods.

Last year has been better for Applebee since 2018.

Before returning to his roots, Applebee struggled. A few years ago, the brand sold seized and grilled items and served smaller portions to chase a more health-conscious consumer. With these initiatives, the brand only targeted a small segment of their customers.

The turnaround inspires investors. Dine Brand shares climbed nearly 11% early Thursday.

IHOP, which also belongs to Dine Brands, also had a good year (but not as good as Applebee's). Sales at stores opened one year or more increased by 1.5% at IHOP in 2018.

Dine Brands said that Applebee and IHOP had resonances in most Americans.

"People are sensitive to these brands," said Joyce, who added that they "resonate with the 99% of the American public that we represent". About 60 million customers visit IHOP and Applebee each year, he said. The company has approximately 1,900 Applebee sites and approximately 1,800 IHOP restaurants.

Joyce added that Dine Brands restaurants "have never been so well managed" and that the business relationship with franchises is solid.

"I have been in this sector for almost 40 years," he said. "And it's as good a situation as I've seen."

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