Tony Moralejo Named Applebee’s President
Dine Brands Global Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, IHOP, and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop restaurants, announced key leadership moves, each effective on January 6, 2023.
John Cywinski, Applebee’s President, is leaving the company for a CEO position at another restaurant company. Tony Moralejo, who is currently President, Dine Brands International and Global Development, has been appointed President, Applebee’s U.S. Scott Gladstone, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, will step into the role of President, International and Corporate Development.
Dine Brands CEO John Peyton said, “John and I share a love and respect for the DNA of Applebee’s, and we are all grateful for his contributions to this great brand over many years. Under John’s leadership, Applebee’s has become the vibrant category-leading brand that it is today. John has built a terrific team, delivered unprecedented sales, revitalized marketing and menus, and has strengthened franchisee relationships. I’m confident that Tony and the exceptional franchisees and leadership team at Applebee’s will continue to drive industry-leading growth.”
Industry Vet at the Helm
Moralejo, a career restaurant veteran who joined Dine Brands in 2020, steps into the Applebee’s leadership role with a proven track record in operations, development and franchisee relations. Prior to Dine, he served as Executive Vice President for International Business and Global Development at Church’s Chicken and its international brand, Texas Chicken. Earlier in his career, he worked for more than 18 years for Burger King in various leadership roles.
Gladstone, who joined Dine Brands in 2016, currently leads Corporate Strategy and Innovation. Gladstone brings strategic expertise and an eye for innovation to this expanded role. His early career experience includes The Boston Consulting Group where he advised Fortune 100 companies, working across practices and industries.