Introduction: One of the most renowned casual dining franchises in America is Applebees, recognized for its delectable comfort cuisine, distinct cocktails, and hospitable environment. Whether you’re indulging inside, picking up, or having food brought to you, Applebee’s has something for everyone.
The History & Evolution of Applebees
How It All Started
- Bill and T.J. Palmer established Applebees in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1980.
- Initially, they opened it under the name “T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs” but later revised it to Applebees Neighborhood Grill & Bar which captured the spirit of the restaurant’s community-centered atmosphere.
- By 1986, Applebee’s started expanding through franchising, which facilitated rapid growth throughout the U.S.
PROGRESSION & EXPANSION
- The opening of its 500th location in 1990 marked Applebees as one of the most rapidly advancing restaurant chains in America.
- During this time, it also added Applebee’s Riblets to the menu, which remains the brand’s signature dish.
- Dine Brands Global, which owns IHOP, bought Applebee’s in 2007 alongside IHOP, greatly increasing the holdings of the company.
Revamping of Innovations & Modern Changes
- New Technology Features: Applebees adopted self order kiosks and mobile orders, and began using DoorDash, UberEats, and Grubhub for delivery services.
- Improved Nutrition: Applebee’s introduced low calorie, gluten free, and plant based options to capture health based customers.
- Global Growth: Applebee’s has extended its international presence and now operates in Mexico, Canada, the Middle East, and the Philippines.
📌 Did You Know: Applebees was one of the first restaurant chains to launch table-side tablets for ordering and payments!
🍽️ An In-depth Look At Applebee’s Menu
Not only is Applebee’s the best place to enjoy burger and pasta, but it is also famous for its wonderful seafood and dessert options as well as its signature drinks. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
1. Best Starters to Share (Appetizers)
When it comes to sharing with friends or pairing with drinks, Applebees appetizers will always be the best choice.
| Appetizer | Description |
|---|---|
| Boneless Wings | Crispy chicken wings available in Buffalo, BBQ, and Garlic Parmesan flavors. |
| Spinach & Artichoke Dip | A creamy, cheesy dip served with warm tortilla chips. |
| Mozzarella Sticks | Golden-fried mozzarella served with marinara sauce. |
| Chicken Wonton Tacos | Crispy wontons filled with tangy chicken slaw. |
| Pretzel Sticks & Beer Cheese Dip | Warm pretzel sticks with a creamy cheese dip. |
📌 Tip: During happy hour, appetizers are half-priced!
2. Main Course & Signature Dishes
🔥 Grilled and Searing Specialty Foods
- Bourbon Street Chicken & Shrimp: Cajun seasoned and served deliciously hot!
- Blackened Cajun Salmon: Salmon fillet step grilled with spices.
🥩 Ribs and Steaks
- Applebees Riblets: Barbecued pork ribs served deliciously with a barbecue sauce.
- 8 oz. Top Sirloin: A charmingly seasoned and garlic butter dipped steak.
🍝 Pasta and Bowls
- Four Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper Chicken Rib: Breading Mac served with chicken breast blended with honey pepper sauce.
- Southwest Chicken Bowl: A nutritious With A Lot of Proteins and Vegetables.
🍔 Burgers & Sandwiches
- Whiskey Bacon Burger : Mouth watering beef burger with whiskey sauce on top.
- Classic Cheeseburger : Tasty burger served with fresh ingredients.
📌 Did You Know? You can alter your meal by adding more toppings, changing the sides, or asking for a more nutritious option.
Applebee’s Specials & Discounts
Applebee’s is known for budget-friendly meal deals, making it a great place for affordable dining.
| Deal | Details |
|---|---|
| 2 for $25 | 1 appetizer + 2 entrees for just $25. |
| $5 Cocktails | Seasonal cocktails at a discounted price. |
| Kids Eat Free | On select nights with an adult meal purchase. |
| Endless Boneless Wings | Unlimited wings during special promotions. |
📌 Pro Tip: Sign up for Club Applebee’s to get exclusive discounts & rewards points!
Applebee’s vs. Chili’s: How Do They Compare?
| Feature | Applebee’s | Chili’s |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Casual dining & happy hour | Tex-Mex & margaritas |
| Price Range | $10 – $25 per person | $12 – $28 per person |
| Signature Dish | Riblets & Bourbon Street Chicken | Baby Back Ribs |
| Drink Deals | $1 Margaritas (Dollaritas) | 2-for-1 Drinks |
📌 Applebee’s is great for affordability & drink specials, while Chili’s stands out for its Tex-Mex flavors!
Applebee’s Secret Menu & Hidden Items
As much as Applebees would like to deny it, some of their customers have been spotted using what seems like a secret menu. In this article, the readers will uncover the magic behind Applebee’s deliciousness by revealing the hidden treasures that lie off-the-menu.
| Secret Menu Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Buffalo Mac & Cheese | Order the Four Cheese Mac & Cheese and ask for buffalo sauce on top for extra spice. |
| Quesadilla Burger | A regular burger wrapped in a crispy tortilla instead of a bun. |
| Loaded Mashed Potatoes | Request extra cheese, bacon, and sour cream on your mashed potatoes. |
| Applebee’s Nachos | Some locations can modify chips and cheese into a nacho platter with toppings. |
| Extra Saucy Riblets | Ask for extra BBQ sauce to make them even more flavorful. |
Not all locations will make these, but many Applebee’s chefs accommodate special requests if you ask nicely.
Applebee’s Dietary Choices and Nutritional Data
Applebee’s offers many low calorie and healthy options on their Lighter Fare and Balanced Choices menu. Here are a few of the choices that have the least calories:
| Healthy Option | Calories |
|---|---|
| Blackened Cajun Salmon | 240 |
| Grilled Chicken Breast | 190 |
| Thai Shrimp Salad | 390 |
| Shrimp Wonton Stir-Fry | 610 |
| Southwest Chicken Bowl (Without Rice) | 420 |
As an added bonus, Applebee’s allows customers to customize their orders to make them gluten-free or low in carbohydrates. Modifications that can be made include but aren’t limited to:
- Exchanging fries for steamed broccoli or a side salad.
- Opting for grilled meats over fried.
- For burgers, simply skipping the bun.
Applebee’s offers more than just the calorie count; if you’re looking for a full nutritional breakdown, it’s all available on their site and menu boards.
Applebee’s Customer Reviews & Restaurant Visits
Applebee’s reputation varies based on its location, the service provided, and the type of menu presented. These are some of the things customers are saying about them:
Positive Experiences
✔️ When compared to its competitors, Applebee’s provides generous meal offers such as 2 for $25 which is extremely affordable.
✔️ The service is friendly, and it is a great place to take children, as it is relaxed and serves casual dining.
✔️ They have great drink specials and happy hour discounts.
✔️ The portions served are much larger than others in the same industry.
Frequent Concerns
❌ Different branches tend to serve food with varying quality.
❌ At times of high customer traffic, the service tends to lag.
❌ A few options in the menu seem to be overcooked or contain excessive salt.
It is advisable to look at reviews for your particular Applebee’s because most people say that the experience changes drastically from place to place.
Applebee’s Catering & Large Orders
Applebee’s offers catering options for office parties, family gatherings, and events. Here’s how their catering works:
| Catering Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Party Platter Appetizers | Includes boneless wings, mozzarella sticks, and spinach dip. |
| Family-Style Pasta | Large trays of Four Cheese Mac & Cheese or Chicken Alfredo. |
| Salads & Wraps | Bulk orders of Caesar salad, house salad, or chicken wraps. |
| Burger & Sandwich Platters | Multiple sliders or sandwiches served with sides. |
You can place catering orders online via the Applebee’s website or through third-party delivery services.
Applebee’s Franchise Information
Applebee’s operate on a franchise model, meaning third party investors can purchase restaurant locations. Here are the important franchise details:
| Franchise Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of Locations | Over 1,500 worldwide |
| Franchise Cost | Initial investment: $2 million – $5 million |
| Royalty Fees | 4% of monthly sales |
| Franchise Support | Applebee’s provides training, marketing, and operational assistance. |
As with any franchise model, opening an Applebee’s Location requires a considerable investment, but the brand has strong customer loyalty and a proven business model charred Applebee’s.
Trivia And Facts About Applebee’s
Did you know these fun facts about Applebee’s that might surprise you?
- Applebee’s was a restaurant that introduced its first menu in 1980 with just ten items.
- In a year, Applebee’s sells Riblet platters amounting to over a million.
- In 2018, the promotion for their Dollarita Margarita caused a national shortage of tequila.
- Applebee’s has karaoke nights, live music, trivia events, and many more to help make dining at the restaurant more fun.
- In recent years, Applebee’s tried out offering select locations drive-thru service.
As time passes, customer preferences change but their love for dinner remains the same in America which is why Applebee’s has adapted and changed over the years.
Final Thoughts
Applebee’s remains a top choice for those looking for affordable, delicious, and casual dining. Whether you’re visiting for family dinners, happy hour drinks, or a quick bite, Applebee’s offers something for everyone!
🔗 Visit Applebee’s Website for the latest deals & locations!
FAQs
1. What time is Applebees happy hour?
Most locations have happy hour from 3 PM – 6 PM & 9 PM – close.
2. Does Applebees have vegetarian or vegan options?
Yes! You can try the Impossible Burger, Southwest Bowl (without chicken), or Side Salads.
3. Can I customize my Applebees order?
Yes! You can remove toppings, swap sides, or request gluten-free options.
4. How do I get the best Applebees deals?
- Join Club Applebees for rewards.
- Visit during happy hours & promotions.
- Check third-party delivery apps for exclusive discounts.
