Travelers at Dallas Love Field are about to get a two-for-one deal on chain comfort food. A dual-branded Applebee's and IHOP is slated to open in the airport's public lobby tomorrow, giving anyone who walks through the doors a pre-security spot for pancakes, burgers and cocktails under the same roof. The combo setup will let guests order from either menu at any time of day and is part of a broader rollout of co-branded restaurants across the United States, aimed at catching everyone from early birds to late-night flyers without requiring a trip through TSA.
Where and when it's opening
According to Dallas Love Field Airport, the Applebee's-IHOP unit is listed among the terminal's pre-security concessions as "Lobby • Opens January 13, 2026." That designation places it on the public side of the terminal, so non-ticketed visitors can walk in off the curb and grab a seat before any screening lines come into play.
How the two brands will work together
In a press release, Dine Brands Global explains that its dual-branded locations let guests mix and match items from both concepts while running everything out of a single kitchen with one staff. The layout typically separates seating areas and decor so diners can choose an IHOP or Applebee's atmosphere, even as they order from the full combined menu.
Where it sits in the terminal
Local coverage reports that the new restaurant will take over the former Bruegger’s Bagels space on the public side of the building between the baggage claim area and the TSA screening checkpoint. As Community Impact notes, that spot makes the diner an easy stop for arriving passengers, departing travelers and folks who are not flying at all.
Airport officials on the new spot
In a press release quoted by WFAA, Patrick Carreno, director of aviation at Dallas Love Field, called the dual-brand "a milestone for Dallas Love Field and passengers." Airport communications say the addition expands the lineup of dining options available in the terminal's lobby before security, giving travelers another place to linger that is not a gate seat.
Why the combo is showing up at airports
Industry coverage says that Dine Brands has been leaning into the co-branded strategy after testing it in international markets and in pilot locations in the United States, with franchisees showing strong interest in the format. Restaurant Dive reports that the model can drive higher sales and helps operators capture business across breakfast, lunch and dinner dayparts, which is particularly appealing in round-the-clock environments like airports.
Practical details for travelers
Reporting on the airport announcement indicates the Applebee's-IHOP will keep long hours, opening at 6 a.m. and staying in operation until the day's last scheduled departure, according to WFAA. Because it is listed as a pre-security concession on the airport's website, the restaurant will be open to the general public as well as ticketed passengers, per Dallas Love Field Airport, making it a potential meet-up spot even for people who are not catching a flight.
