Archive · 1 Sep 2025
Executive Turns Tables, Buys Company, Then Fires Former Boss
Julia Stewart was promised to become CEO of Applebee’s if she improved the business.
After significant success, she was denied the role.
She then left and improved IHOP, eventually acquiring Applebee's.
After the acquisition, she fired her former boss.
This story shows a businesswoman succeeding despite setbacks, eventually taking control of the company that initially rejected her.
Julia Stewart was promised the CEO role at Applebee's if she improved the business.
Stewart turned around Applebee's, but was denied the CEO position.
She resigned and joined IHOP, improving that business.
IHOP acquired Applebee's for $2.3 billion.
Stewart fired her former boss after the acquisition.
- Who
- Julia Stewart
- What
- Purchased Applebee’s and fired her former boss.
- When
- After being denied a CEO position
- Where
- Applebee’s and IHOP
- Why
- After being denied the CEO role, she later acquired the company.
- Main Subject
- Julia Stewart
- Previous Role
- President of Applebee’s
- IHOP Acquisition
- Bought Applebee’s for $2.3 billion
- Action
- Fired former boss