Top 14 Food Chains Owned By The Same Corporation (That Will Surprise You)

Top 14 Food Chains Owned By The Same Corporation (That Will Surprise You)

Restaurants aim to create their own unique experience, but that doesn’t mean each restaurant brand necessarily stands alone. A multitude of chain restaurants are actually operated by the same parent company. Some seem to match up quite well together, but others are a bit of an oddball pairing.

Walking through the mall, it’s pretty difficult to ignore the wafting smells of sweet cinnamon buns. Opening the first location in Seattle, Washington in 1985, Cinnabon has since gained a cult following across the U.S. and in more than 50 countries around the world.

On the other end of the mall, the smell of freshly baked soft pretzels coming from Auntie Anne’s is hard to ignore. And while it may seem that these two common shopping mall snack staples are competitors, they actually live harmoniously under one company.

Both Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s are owned by Focus Brands, after the parent company purchased Auntie Anne’s in 2010. But there are certainly plenty of other popular eateries in the same family. Jamba Juice, Carvel, Schlotzsky’s, McAlister’s Deli, and Moe’s Southwest Grill all share a piece of the family pie as well. And with all of those brands in the mix, Focus Brands is one of the largest global foodservice brands, operating over 6,000 establishments over 50 different countries.

Heading into an IHOP, whether it’s for breakfast or dinner, a diner knows they can always order a short stack of pancakes. Other options such as omelets, sandwiches, and even a roasted turkey entrée are on the menu as well, making IHOP one of the most diverse casual eateries out there.

Another casual eatery in the neighborhood, Applebee’s, has been around since 1980, serving up everything from wings and burgers to salads and seafood. And while both eateries boast a casual come-as-you-are atmosphere, they don’t have much in common other than their parent company.

Applebee’s and IHOP live under the same company, Dine Brands, after the investor completed the acquisition of Applebee’s International Inc. in 2007.

Watch the full video to find out about more restaurants you never realized were the same chain.