A BELOVED American restaurant has confirmed that a popular location is set to close its doors soon, and 30 more will follow.
The chain is planning to overhaul dozens of its restaurants, and is partnering with another iconic chain to do it.
A social media post has revealed that Applebee’s has closed a location in Pinellas County, Florida.
The news was shared on Facebook to a sea of disappointed diners.
The post from June 3 said: “Applebees Pinellas Park closed the doors!
“Crazy to think, so many memories there. 9 years. It’s where it all started!”
In the comments, customers mourned the loss of the restaurant.
One person wrote: “Sad! So many memories and friendships made over the years.”
Another said: “Whaaaat I was just there last week! I’m glad I met you there though!
“Thank you for all the great memories I need to come see you to make more.”
And a third chimed in: “Grateful for all the people I’ve met and memories that have been made throughout the years.”
APPLES FALLING
Applebee’s has big plans for its future that are currently being enacted.
The chain is planning to overhaul 30 of its restaurants through its “Lookin’ Good” scheme.
This project will remodel 30 of the 47 Applebee’s bought by Dine Brands in November 2024.
An additional five of those locations will be turned into dual-branded Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants, as Din also owns IHOP.
CEO John Peyton said: “Six of our top 10 franchisees, representing 57% of the Applebee’s system, have already elected to accelerate remodels of their restaurants by the end of 2025 based on the Lookin’ Good program.
Restaurant closures in 2025
Denny’s – Denny’s has confirmed that up to 150 locations are set to close in the US by the end of the year as many of them are no longer profitable.
Red Lobster – The chain has said that it plans to close over 100 stores across the country this year as new CEO Damola Adamolekun takes over.
TGI Friday’s – TGI Friday’s is still being forced to shutter locations thanks to a bankruptcy filing, including 30 in April alone.
Applebee’s – This chain is projecting a loss of 20 to 35 Applebee’s spots in 2025 but is teaming up with IHOP to introduce dual-branded locations with a curated menu of the two’s best items.
Noodles & Company – This emporium is set to close between 17 and 21 locations in 2025 following a difficult 2024.
“The dual brand concept is now a core pillar of our development strategy, and we’re optimistic about the long-term upside potential.
“On average, we’ve seen these locations achieve 1.5 to 2 times the revenue compared to a single brand restaurant.”
Vance Chang, Dine’s Chief Financial Officer, said that the brand will probably see more “gross openings from dual-branded domestic openings and new development agreements for standalone Applebee’s restaurants.”
Peyton also claimed that a dual-branded restaurant in Seguin, Texas saw thrice the sales in its first week as it typically generated as a standalone IHOP.
Dine plans to open 12 to 14 dual-branded locations in the US in 2025.
This plan won’t come without some losses for Applebee’s, however, as 20 to 35 spots are projected to be lost this year.
An additional 10 IHOP spots will be opened in 2025, and 10 others will be closed.
Applebee’s has been losing stores rapidly in the last few years, dropping from 1,578 stores in 2021 to 1,501 in 2024.
A social media post has revealed that Applebee’s has closed a location in Pinellas County, Florida[/caption]
