Applebee’s appoints new chief marketing and operations officers

PASADENA, Calif. - Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar has appointed Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer and Jay Wong as Chief Operations Officer, according to a press release statement issued Monday. Parent company Dine Brands Global (NYSE:DIN), currently trading at $22.38 with a market capitalization of $344.8 million, shows promising value metrics according to InvestingPro analysis.

Chin, who will begin her role on September 2, will lead the restaurant chain’s marketing strategy, including national advertising, digital and social media, menu innovation, and integrated campaigns. She brings over 20 years of experience from companies including Starbucks, Godiva, and Unilever.

Wong will join Applebee’s on September 15 as Chief Operations Officer, focusing on driving consistency and working with franchisees to improve restaurant performance. His previous experience includes leadership positions at Four Seasons, Starwood/Marriott Hotels, and Exclusive Resorts.

John Peyton, President of Applebee’s and CEO of Dine Brands, stated that the appointments support the company’s priorities of strengthening marketing capabilities, expanding menu innovation, and enhancing guest experience.

The announcement follows Applebee’s reported increase in traffic and sales in the second quarter of 2025. The restaurant chain currently operates 1,514 locations in the United States, two U.S. territories, and 15 other countries, not including 59 company-owned restaurants and various ghost kitchens.

Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. (NYSE:DIN).

In other recent news, Dine Brands reported its second-quarter 2025 financial results, showcasing a mixed performance. The company achieved revenues of $231 million, surpassing analyst expectations of $223 million. This revenue included contributions from newly acquired franchise locations, such as 59 Applebee’s, 10 IHOP, and 1 Fuzzy’s restaurants. However, the earnings per share (EPS) did not meet projections, coming in at $1.17, which was below the anticipated $1.45. This represented a 19.31% negative surprise in EPS. Despite the revenue beat, Benchmark maintained a Hold rating on Dine Brands’ stock. These developments highlight the company’s ongoing adjustments following its recent acquisitions.

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