From the Chamber
Great Bend is serving as an early test market for an innovative restaurant concept that brings Applebee’s and IHOP together under one roof, following an investment of more than $1 million in the local facility at 3209 10th Street.
Operated by Thrive Restaurant Group, the newly transformed Applebee’s | IHOP is the first dual-branded location of its kind in the Midwest and one of approximately 40 operating across the United States. The concept allows guests to choose from condensed menus featuring Applebee’s lunch and dinner favorites alongside IHOP’s breakfast offerings throughout the day.
The project included exterior and interior improvements, changes to the restaurant’s layout and significant upgrades behind the scenes. More than $200,000 was invested in new kitchen equipment alone to accommodate the two brands and their expanded menu options.
The restaurant also hired approximately 40 additional employees to support its expanded operations, including the addition of breakfast service. The new concept provides more dining options throughout the day while creating new jobs in the Great Bend community.
Thrive Restaurant Group acquired the Great Bend Applebee’s in 2020, although the restaurant has served the community for many years. Founded in 1975 and headquartered in Wichita, Thrive has more than 50 years of restaurant industry experience. The company operates more than 200 restaurants across 18 states and is one of the nation’s largest Applebee’s franchisees. Jon Rolphe serves as the company’s CEO.
Great Bend was selected for the dual-branded conversion in part because the existing restaurant was ready for a refresh, the market did not have an IHOP franchisee, and the community’s size and dining needs appeared to be a good fit for the concept.
The local restaurant will also help shape the concept’s future. Thrive leaders said feedback and performance from the Great Bend market could help determine whether the company converts an additional 10 to 20 locations across the country. The broader concept may ultimately have the potential to expand to hundreds of locations nationwide.
The investment strengthens Great Bend’s dining options while creating jobs, updating an established commercial property and positioning the community as an early participant in a developing national restaurant model. It also reflects the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce’s Elevate GBK Beyond Today goals of supporting business investment, workforce growth and the continued development of amenities that help attract and retain residents and families.
The Great Bend Chamber joined Thrive Restaurant Group leaders, local restaurant employees and community members on Aug. 18 for a ribbon cutting celebrating the completed transformation and the restaurant’s next chapter in Great Bend.
About Applebee’s | IHOP
The Applebee’s | IHOP dual-branded restaurant is located at 3209 10th Street in Great Bend. Hours are 7 a.m.–11 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m.–midnight Friday and Saturday, and 7 a.m.–10 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 620-792-8800, email greatbend@thriverg.com or follow the Applebee’s Kansas page on Facebook.
Join The Chamber Community
Businesses and organizations interested in being part of the Great Bend Chamber community and its work to support business and community development may contact Member Success Manager Julie Mazouch at jmazouch@greatbend.org or 620-792-2401. Chamber members interested in hosting a ribbon cutting or celebrating a business milestone are also encouraged to contact Mazouch.
About the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce
The Great Bend Chamber of Commerce serves as the leading visionary advocate and voice for the local business community, dedicated to enhancing the economic climate of the Great Bend area. Through a strategic focus on business advocacy, community marketing, and future-forward investment, the Chamber fosters an environment where existing members can reach their goals while new enterprises are welcomed and empowered to grow. By delivering high-value services and cultivating vital partnerships, the Great Bend Chamber remains committed to providing its members with the best possible impact for their investment and ensuring a thriving, connected marketplace for all. Visit greatbend.org.