Latest news with #Applebee's
Miami Herald
4 days ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Struggling restaurant chain makes major change to win back customers
Every family had that one classic restaurant chain that became the go-to spot when dining out. However, those days are starting to fade. It seems that the iconic American restaurant chains we grew up with are simply not what they used to be. Some now lack consistency, generous portions, and reliable food quality, all of which they were once praised for. Additionally, the unpredictable economy and stubborn inflation have made consumers more conscious of their spending habits, hurting the overall restaurant industry. Don't miss the move: Subscribe to TheStreet's free daily newsletter Applebee's, once a staple of American dining culture, has struggled with alarming declines in multiple business areas over the last few years. During the first quarter of 2025, Applebee's sales dropped nearly 4% with domestic same-restaurant sales down 2.2% compared to last year. Related: Popular chicken chain is begging customers to give it another chance Not only did its sales decline, but its restaurant footprint has faced multiple closures, with around 2.4% of its restaurants closing from the year prior, ending the quarter with 1,596 total restaurants. To reverse declining sales and regain market share, Applebee's is strategically returning to its core offerings, which have resonated with guests in past years. Dine Brands' Applebee's has unveiled its new summer menu, featuring new food and beverage additions, along with multiple value deals to bring guests back to its doors. The fan-favorite 2 for $25 menu is getting a revamp with two new limited-time entreés: the Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine and Big Bangin' Burger. Customers can choose from one of the two new dishes or the Oriental Chicken Salad and pair it with an appetizer or two side salads, all for just $25. Related: Papa Johns announces wild new menu deal to win back customers Applebee's is also expanding its beverage selection by relaunching the Summer Sips menu, which includes the returning $6 Backyard Blackberry Lemonade made with Tito's Vodka, Coors Light Brewtus, and the new Perfect Watermelon Margarita made with 1800 Reposado Tequila for $6 each. However, for the non-alcohol drinkers, the restaurant chain is also introducing the new Watermelon Lime Rush with Red Bull Red and the Strawberry Lemon Sunshine. All the new summer menu additions and deals are available for dine-in, pickup, or delivery at all participating Applebee's locations nationwide. Amid ongoing restaurant closures and Chapter 11 bankruptcy filings, many classic American restaurant chains are fighting to stay afloat by reviving the popular value deals that once made them household names. After emerging from bankruptcy, Red Lobster reintroduced its iconic Crabfest with new seafood boils and relaunched its Weekday Happy Hour to emphasize its comeback. More Food News: Taco Bell reveals new menu item with dream partnerCoca-Cola brings back controversial Coke flavorBurger King menu adds wild kids' meal toys parents will want too TGI Fridays, another bankrupt chain, partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery's Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) to launch the TBS Trio, a massive platter of tots, boneless wings, and sliders served over fries, all for $15. IHOP unveiled its new House Faves menu, offering four fan-favorite breakfast combos for around $6 to $7 each, and Denny's released a new deal featuring four classic breakfast slams for under $10 each. In addition, Chili's made a huge comeback with its 3 For Me Deal, which includes a drink, appetizer, and entrée of choice for $10.99. Related: Veteran fund manager unveils eye-popping S&P 500 forecast The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Newsweek
4 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Applebee's Announces Major Menu Change
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Applebee's is revamping its 2 for $25 menu to include two new entrées: Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine and the BIG Bangin' Burger. Applebee's says the additions promise both value and bold flavors, targeting customers that are looking to mix up their summer eats. Why It Matters Many well-known restaurant chains have been updating their menus this summer in an attempt to boost sales and draw in consumers. While Domino's revived its popular "Best Deal Ever" by offering any pizza with any toppings for $9.99 in online orders through August 3, KFC introduced fried pickles to its menu alongside a nationwide promotion offering free buckets of chicken to eligible customers. With fast food prices rising 47 percent over the past decade, many Americans have pulled back on both fast food and fast casual restaurants alike, according to WalletHub. A sign is posted in front of an Applebee's restaurant on June 12, 2024, in Hayward, California. A sign is posted in front of an Applebee's restaurant on June 12, 2024, in Hayward, To Know Applebee's says the new Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine features a "crispy, chicken breast filet, smothered in marinara sauce and topped with Parmesan cheese on a bed of fettuccine pasta in a Parmesan cream sauce. Served with a golden-brown signature breadstick with buttery garlic and parsley." According to Allrecipes, the combination works surprisingly well, balancing acidity and creaminess—a standout described as "savory and saucy chicken pasta that keeps you coming back for more." The company said the portion size also offers value and enough food for leftovers. "Whether you're looking to channel an 'Italian summer' or relax with a backyard cookout, we've got you covered with our new Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine and Big Bangin' Burger," Reid Leslie, Vice President of Marketing at Applebee's, said in a statement. Another additions to the menu is the BIG Bangin' Burger. The company says this burger "features a juicy all-beef patty topped with two slices of American cheese and Applebee's new sweet and spicy secret sauce made with jalapeños and bacon. Served with lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles on a Brioche bun." "They recognize the economy is slowing and consumers are feeling the pressure on discretionary spending," Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. "By introducing new value-focused offerings like 2-for-meals, they're trying to get people back in the door." Applebee's is also rolling out new beverages. Guests can try the Perfect Watermelon Margarita—a blend featuring 1800 Reposado Tequila, Grand Marnier, Cointreau, watermelon, and lime—or the Watermelon Lime Rush, a nonalcoholic concoction with Red Bull, strawberry, and lemon lime soda. There's also the Strawberry Lemon Sunshine, with proceeds supporting Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. Dine Brands Global, Applebee's parent company, saw same-restaurant sales drop 2.2 percent in quarter 1. "The entire restaurant sector is facing serious headwinds: rising food costs, wage pressure, and margin compression," Thompson said. "This move is reactionary to a tightening and competitive market." Newsweek reached out to Applebee's for comment via email. What People Are Saying Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "Applebee's, as well as the broader industry, is hoping customers view these offerings as a deal, something worth showing up for on a date night or a casual evening out. However, the landscape is getting tougher." Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "The latest additions to Applebee's menu are yet another attempt by major restaurant chains to draw in customers who have been favoring eating at home more recently due to increasing prices. Marketing an '2 for $25' deal could certainly garner interest, but the chain is hoping by introducing new items like Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine Pasta and a bigger burger that novelty items combined with cheaper prices will lure patrons back. It certainly could, but so far, we've seen mixed results from other chains that have tried similar offers." What Happens Next Both new entrées are available nationwide as part of the 2 for $25 menu, which includes two full-size entrées and either an appetizer or two side salads. The deal is perfect for date nights, group outings, or takeout, offering both value and a taste of summer's freshest flavors. "Ultimately, new deals may not go far with customers if they're still uncertain about other aspects of the economy, and that uncertainty is keeping them at home," Beene said.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dine Brands Global, Inc. to Release Second Quarter 2025 Earnings on August 6, 2025
PASADENA, Calif., July 16, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP® and Fuzzy's Taco Shop® restaurants, will announce its second quarter 2025 financial results on August 6, 2025, before the stock market opens. In conjunction with this announcement, Dine Brands will also host a conference call at 9:00 a.m. (Eastern Time) that morning to discuss the Company's financial results and business outlook. A live webcast of the call will be available on the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at the Events and Presentations page under the site's Investors section at To avoid delays, we encourage participants to dial into the conference call fifteen minutes ahead of the scheduled start time. A replay of the webcast will also be available for a limited time on the Company's website above. About Dine Brands Global, Inc. Based in Pasadena, California, Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), through its subsidiaries and franchisees, supports and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP®, and Fuzzy's Taco Shop® brands. As of March 31, 2025, these three brands consisted of over 3,500 restaurants across 19 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and in 2022 expanded into the Fast Casual segment. For more information on Dine Brands, visit the Company's website located at FBN-R View source version on Contacts Investor Contact Matt LeeSr. Vice President, Finance and Investor RelationsDine Brands Global, Media Contact Susan NelsonSr. Vice President, Global CommunicationsDine Brands Global,
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Applebee's unveils all-new summer food lineup full of fan favorites featuring a 2 for $25 deal
Applebee's is celebrating the summer season with all-new items and a 2 for $25 deal. The restaurant chain launched its new lineup Monday at participating US locations, which features new food and drinks and the return of a fan favorite lemonade. The meals joining its 2 for $25 offer are Chicken Parmesan Fettuccine and BIG Bangin' Burger. The fettuccine dish is a classic meal for Applebee's, while the burger features two cheese slices and a dose of its new sweet and spicy sauce made with jalapenos and bacon. Along with the chain's new foods comes Applebee's latest Summertime Sip creations: Perfect Watermelon Margarita and Watermelon Lime Rush. Other drinks that have made their way to the summer lineup are the Backyard Blackberry Lemonade and Coors Light Brewtus. Applebee's is also offering a new Strawberry Lemon Sunshine beverage, created in collaboration with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to support childhood cancer. Restaurant guests interested in trying these new offerings for themselves can do so now, but only for a limited time. The newest lineup comes just weeks after Applebee's extended its All You Can Eat (AYCE) deal. The drinks featured in this year's summer lineup is the Perfect Watermelon Margarita, Backyard Blackberry Lemonade, Coors Light Brewtus, and Watermelon Lime Rush Applebee's has also recently made headlines after abruptly closing a restaurant in St Petersburg, Florida. The chain left customers and employees stunned after reportedly closing the location with just seven hours' notice. All that was left on the abandoned building was a sign thanking locals for their 'many years of business' and encouraging them to visit another Applebee's location. It comes as the chain has been struggling with a dip in sales, suffering a 2.2 percent sales decline during this year's first quarter. The chain has been looking for ways to bounce back from its hardships, from an increase in deals to improving customer rewards. Applebee's parent company Dine Brands Global also consolidated a number of locations to help save costs and closed about 300 restaurants between 2016 and 2023. The chain shuttered up to 35 restaurants in 2024, and is set to close between 20 and 25 this year. Applebee's suffered a 2.2 percent sales decline during this year's first quarter Besides at Applebee's, summer deals have been blowing up at a string of fast food restaurants. Sonic started up a half-price milkshake deal and brought back its fan favorite Watermelon and Lemonberry Slush drinks. Burger King and Wendy's have made limited-time offerings, including BOGOs. Once the season started heating up, Jimmy Johns entered the ring with its new Lemon Sunshine Cookie and a limited-time sandwich lineup. Other restaurant chains that are competing with merchandise instead of food include Olive Garden with its pasta-inspired pool floats, and Panera Bread's S'Mac and Cheese lip balm to celebrate National Mac & Cheese Day.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Applebee's® Celebrates 21 Years of Fighting Childhood Cancer with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Applebee's kicks off annual fundraiser in U.S. restaurants and will donate 50¢ from the sale of each NEW Strawberry Lemon Sunshine to Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation PASADENA, Calif., July 14, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Applebee's® kicked off its annual fundraiser for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and family support programs. In celebration of its 21-year partnership with ALSF, now through August 31, Applebee's will donate 50¢ from the sale of every NEW Strawberry Lemon Sunshine sold in restaurant to ALSF. Additionally, Applebee's restaurants nationwide will transform into "Lemonade Stands" and invite guests and neighbors to join in the fight to end childhood cancer. Since the partnership first began in 2005, Applebee's has raised more than $18 million for ALSF, funding 360,000 hours of pediatric cancer research for scientists to search for more cures for all kids with cancer. "We're honored to celebrate 21 years of partnership with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation and to have raised more than $18 million to fund lifesaving pediatric cancer research," said John Peyton, Applebee's president and Dine Brands CEO. "At Applebee's, we take Doin' Good in the Neighborhood to heart and together with our franchisees and guests, look forward to raising more than ever this year!" This year guests can join Applebee's to support ALSF's Childhood Cancer Heroes in their fight through the following ways: Add $1, $5, $10 or $20 Digital Lemons to their cart when ordering on or the Applebee's mobile app. Enjoy a refreshing NEW Strawberry Lemon Sunshine when dining in restaurant – from which 50¢ will be donated to ALSF. Click the "Donate Now" button to contribute when purchasing an Applebee's Gift Card on Head to your local Applebee's to learn more ways your local restaurant may be participating! "Applebee's is one of ALSF's most dedicated partners, raising money in neighborhoods across the country since 2005," said Liz Scott, Alex's mom, and Co-Executive Director of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. "Applebee's prominence and national reach have helped introduce countless people over the years to ALSF and raised more than $18 million in the fight against childhood cancer. We are truly grateful for their continued partnership to help find cures and support families during their child's treatment and beyond." Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra "Alex" Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. By the time Alex passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a worldwide fundraising movement and the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the U.S. ALSF is a leader in funding pediatric research projects across the globe and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit For more than 40 years, Applebee's restaurants have been committed to Doin' Good in the Neighborhood®. Local restaurants make a positive impact on the communities around them throughout the year by hosting hundreds of events or fundraisers in their restaurants, whether to help local heroes and military, support children and schools, raise funds for local charities that help neighbors, or even to help their own team members who may be in need. In addition to these local efforts, for the past 18 years, Applebee's and its franchisees have thanked Veterans and Active Duty military on Veterans Day by serving more than 12.2 million free meals. Together, Applebee's and its franchisees donate millions of dollars and thousands of volunteer hours to Doin' Good in the Neighborhood each year. To find your local restaurant to dine in, visit To order Applebee's To Go or delivery, visit or the Applebee's mobile app (iOS, Google). About Applebee's® As one of the world's largest casual dining brands, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America's kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee's makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it's in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee's is always Doin' Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee's and its franchise operations together consisted of 1,594 Applebee's restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 15 countries outside the United States as of March 30, 2025. This number does not include one domestic Applebee's ghost kitchen (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and six Applebee's international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies. Follow us:Instagram: @applebeesTikTok: @applebeesX: @applebeesFacebook: BR-APPB View source version on Contacts For media inquiries, email us at media@
