Are you an Applebee’s fan who wants to learn more about your favourite restaurant chain? Or maybe you’re simply curious about one of America’s most popular casual dining spots.
Either way, you’ve come to the right place! In this post, we’ve compiled a list of 15 fascinating facts about Applebee’s that will leave you amazed and hungry for more.
From their signature dishes to their unique history, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of Applebee’s.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to discover some surprising SEO-friendly insights about this beloved restaurant chain.
The first Applebee’s restaurant opened in 1980 in Decatur, Georgia.
1 The restaurant was originally called T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs and served a menu of casual American cuisine. The restaurant’s success led to the opening of additional locations throughout the United States, and the chain eventually became known simply as Applebee’s.
Today, Applebee’s has over 1,800 locations in 15 countries, making it one of the most popular casual dining spots in the world.
When the first Applebee’s restaurant opened in 1980 in Decatur, Georgia, it was originally named “T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs.”
2 The name was a nod to one of the restaurant’s founders, T.J. Palmer, and the restaurant’s focus on casual dining and drinks.
Over time, the name was shortened to simply “Applebee’s” as the chain expanded and became more well-known. However, the original name is still a fun fact that many people may not know about the restaurant chain.
The Applebee’s logo features a red apple with a bee’s wings and stinger.
3 The logo is meant to represent the combination of “apple” and “bee” in the restaurant’s name, as well as the idea of a friendly and approachable atmosphere. The logo has gone through a few changes over the years, but the apple and bee motif has remained a constant and recognizable part of the Applebee’s brand.
Applebee’s has over 1,800 locations in 15 countries, including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Japan, among others.
4 The chain’s popularity and growth have made it one of the largest casual dining restaurant chains in the world.
Applebee’s continues to expand and open new locations in different countries, bringing its signature American cuisine and casual dining experience to more people around the globe.
Applebee’s menu features a wide variety of American cuisine, including popular dishes such as burgers, salads, steaks, sandwiches, and appetizers like mozzarella sticks and boneless wings.
5 In addition, the restaurant chain also offers a range of desserts and beverages, including alcoholic drinks like beer, wine, and cocktails. Over the years, Applebee’s has updated its menu to include new and trendy items like plant-based burgers, loaded fries, and mac and cheese dishes.
Applebee’s aims to offer something for everyone and is known for its casual dining atmosphere and affordable prices.
The Applebee’s “2 for $20” deal, which includes two entrées and an appetizer, is one of their most popular promotions.
6 The deal typically includes two entrées from a select menu and one appetizer to share, all for a total price of $20. The promotion is popular because it offers customers a chance to enjoy a variety of menu items at an affordable price.
The “2 for $20” deal has been a staple promotion for Applebee’s for many years, and the chain continues to offer it as a way to entice customers to dine in or order takeout.
Applebee’s offers a special menu for kids called the “Kids’ Menu.” This menu includes a variety of kid-friendly dishes, such as chicken tenders, mac and cheese, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
7 In addition, the Kids’ Menu also includes sides like fries or applesauce, and a choice of drink. The Kids’ Menu is designed to offer young diners options that they will enjoy and that are appropriate for their tastes and dietary needs.
Applebee’s also occasionally offers special promotions and deals for kids’ meals, making it an affordable and family-friendly dining option.
Applebee’s serves a variety of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails.
8 The chain’s drink menu features popular beers from both domestic and international breweries, a selection of red and white wines, and a range of cocktails, including classic drinks like margaritas and martinis, as well as signature drinks like the “Bahama Mama” and “Electric Lemonade.”
Applebee’s also offers “Neighbourhood Drink of the Month” promotions, where a different cocktail is featured each month at a discounted price, encouraging customers to try new drinks and flavours. However, it’s worth noting that the availability of alcoholic beverages may vary by location and local regulations.
In 2012, a waitress at an Applebee’s location in St. Louis, Missouri, posted a picture of a receipt on her personal Facebook page that showed a negative comment left by a customer about the Affordable Care Act.
9 The receipt had the customer’s name obscured, but the server’s name was visible, and she was subsequently fired from her job for violating company policy regarding social media posts.
The incident sparked a controversy, with some people supporting the waitress’s right to free speech and others criticizing her for posting the customer’s comment online. The incident also led to a wider discussion about the role of social media in the workplace and the boundaries between personal and professional behaviour.
Applebee’s is known for its friendly and casual atmosphere, making it a popular spot for families and groups of friends.
10 The restaurant chain’s interior design typically features warm lighting, comfortable seating, and a cosy ambiance that encourages customers to relax and enjoy their meals.
Many Applebee’s locations also offer special events, promotions, and holiday-themed menus, which help create a fun and festive atmosphere.
The chain’s friendly and attentive staff also contribute to the welcoming atmosphere, helping customers feel at home and making their dining experience enjoyable.
The restaurant chain has won several awards, including the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Casual Dining Restaurant in 2017.
11 The People’s Choice Award is an annual award that recognizes the top restaurants, retailers, and other businesses across various categories, as voted on by consumers.
Applebee’s has also won other awards, including the Menu Masters Award for Best Menu Revamp in 2018, and the Technomic’s Chain Restaurant Consumers’ Choice Awards for Best Value in 2019.
These awards reflect the chain’s commitment to providing high-quality food and service at an affordable price, and its ability to adapt to changing consumer tastes and preferences.
Applebee’s hosts special events throughout the year, including popular promotions like the “Dollarita” and “Neighborhood Drink of the Month.”
12 The “Dollarita” promotion typically takes place in the summer months and offers customers the opportunity to purchase a margarita for just one dollar. The “Neighbourhood Drink of the Month” promotion, as mentioned earlier, features a different cocktail each month at a discounted price, encouraging customers to try new drinks and flavours.
Applebee’s also hosts seasonal events and promotions, such as holiday-themed menus and specials, and occasionally partners with charities or organizations to raise awareness and funds for a good cause. Overall, these events and promotions are designed to create a fun and engaging experience for customers and encourage them to return to the restaurant.
Applebee’s has a loyalty program called “Applebee’s Rewards,” which offers members various perks like free appetizers, discounts on future orders, and special promotions.
13 Customers can sign up for the program through the Applebee’s website or mobile app, and earn points for every dollar they spend at the restaurant. Points can be redeemed for rewards, such as a free appetizer, entrée, or dessert, or discounts on future orders.
Members also receive special promotions and offers, such as a free birthday dessert or a bonus reward for referring a friend to the program. The Applebee’s Rewards program is designed to reward loyal customers and encourage them to return to the restaurant for future meals.
In 2019, Applebee’s introduced the “Impossible Burger” to their menu.
14 A plant-based burger made from a blend of vegetables and proteins, including soy and potato protein, that mimics the taste and texture of beef. The Impossible Burger has become a popular choice for vegetarians and those looking to reduce their meat consumption, and is now available at many other restaurants and fast-food chains across the United States.
Applebee’s also offers other vegetarian and vegan options, such as the Southwest Black Bean Burger, Veggie Patch Pizza, and Grilled Veggie Skewers, to cater to customers with different dietary needs and preferences.
Applebee’s has a long-standing partnership with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions.
15 Applebee’s has raised millions of dollars for the charity over the years through various initiatives, such as hosting fundraising events, collecting donations from customers, and participating in charity walks and runs.
In addition, Applebee’s also sponsors the “World’s Largest Tacky Sweater Party” every year, with proceeds going towards the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The partnership with Make-A-Wish Foundation is part of Applebee’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves and supporting important causes that help make a difference in people’s lives.
