Area Director

Dine Brands Global reported fourth-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $59.8 million, compared to $50.1 million in the same period last year. For the full year, adjusted EBITDA totalled $219.8 million, down from $239.8 million in 2024. Applebee's posted full-year comparable sales growth of 1.3%, reversing 2024's negative 4.2% performance, though fourth-quarter sales declined 0.4%. IHOP achieved positive traffic and 0.3% comparable sales growth in the fourth quarter, with full-year sales down 1.5%, an improvement from 2024's negative 2%. The company opened 80 new restaurants globally in 2025, including 32 international dual-brand locations. Dual-brand restaurants delivered approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times higher revenue than single-brand locations. Dine Brands expects to open at least 50 additional dual-brand restaurants in 2026.

Pasadena Companies earn widespread recognition on Los Angeles Business Journal's The Lists 2026. PASADENA, CA - Pasadena businesses earned prominent recognition in the Los Angeles Business Journal's The Lists 2026, reflecting the city's continued role as a leader in innovation, industry, and economic vitality across the Los Angeles region. The Journal's lists are widely used by business leaders and investors as a benchmark for company performance and regional economic strength throughout Los Angeles County. Among this year's honorees, Tetra Tech ranked #1 on the list of Environmental Engineering and Consulting Firms, underscoring Pasadena's global influence in sustainability and infrastructure. Dine Brands Global earned the #1 position on the Top Franchisers list, highlighting the city's presence in consumer brands with worldwide reach. East West Bank was recognized #3 in Corporate Philanthropy, reflecting Pasadena's strong culture of civic engagement alongside business success. Pasadena's strength in life sciences and technology was also evident, with Xencor and Arrowhead Pharmaceuticals named among Top Bioscience Companies, and AllSafe IT and PACT-One Solutions recognized among Top Cybersecurity Companies. Lagerlof, LLP was also included among Top Law Firms, reflecting Pasadena's depth in professional services. Major employers such as ACCO Engineered Systems and Inter-Con Security were recognized among Top Private Companies, reflecting their significant economic impact. The city's hospitality sector was represented by The Langham Huntington and The Westin Pasadena, both named among Top Hotels. Economic Development Director David Klug noted, "This recognition reflects the strength and diversity of Pasadena's business community, from global leaders to growing companies. We welcome businesses across the region to explore opportunities in Pasadena and learn more about what Pasadena can offer." "Since Tetra Tech's founding in Pasadena 60 years ago, we have grown from a start up with four research professors to a global technical leader with more than 25,000 staff focused on Leading with Science(R) and advanced technology to help our clients solve their most challenging water, environment, energy, and infrastructure problems," said Dan Batrack, Tetra Tech Chairman and CEO. "While Tetra Tech has grown into a global company, we continue to use our high-end consulting expertise to improve communities across Los Angeles - from addressing the challenges of water scarcity to helping communities recover from the devastating 2025 LA fires. From our headquarters in Pasadena, our employees across Los Angeles and around the world bring a commitment to excellence and best-in-class service to every project." "We are grateful to be recognized by the Los Angeles Business Journal," said Joshua Driskell, Managing Partner of Lagerlof, LLP. "This recognition reflects the commitment of our attorneys and staff, whose depth of experience and client focused mindset are at the heart of our continued growth." Together, these recognitions underscore Pasadena's role as a place where leading companies choose to grow, supported by a high quality of life, collaborative business climate and commitment to long-term economic opportunity. About City of Pasadena Economic Development Division The City of Pasadena's Economic Development Division works with businesses seeking to locate, grow, or invest in Pasadena. Companies interested in doing business in Pasadena are encouraged to connect with the City to learn more about available resources and opportunities. Learn more at: CityOfPasadena.net/EconomicDevelopment/ Stay connected to the City of Pasadena! Visit City of Pasadena online at CityOfPasadena.net; follow City of Pasadena on X, Instagram and Facebook; or call the City Service Center Monday through Friday during business hours at (626) 744-7311.