Applebee’s Logo

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Applebee’s: Brand overview

In 1980, Bill and T.J. Palmer started Applebee’s in Decatur, Georgia. They aimed to mix great food with fun drinks in a cozy place. They wanted to create a spot where good food was affordable in a friendly setting. The menu featured American favorites like burgers, sandwiches, and salads.By 1983, they were ready to grow and started offering Applebee’s as a franchise. This move helped Applebee’s expand quickly across the U.S., hitting 100 restaurants by 1989.

1991, Applebee took a big step by going public on the NASDAQ. This helped it grow even more, including in other countries like Canada and Mexico.

In 2007, things changed when IHOP bought Applebee’s for about $2.1 billion. After the buyout, the company was named Dine Brands Global. With new leadership, Applebee updated its menu to include healthier options and refreshed its restaurant designs.

Today, Applebee’s is the largest casual dining chain in the world, with over 1,600 locations. It’s known for many dishes, including steaks, pasta, and signature drinks. It’s also keeping up with times by offering delivery and takeout.

Despite industry ups and downs, Applebee’s is still a go-to for people wanting a good meal in a relaxed place. The brand keeps adapting to meet its customers’ changing tastes, staying true to its roots as a place for great dining.

Meaning and History

Applebee's Logo History

1980 – 1982

T.J. Applebee's Rx for Edibles & Elixirs Logo 1980

1982 – 1983

T.J. Applebee's Edibles & Elixirs Logo 1982

1983 – 1985

T.J. Applebee's Logo 1983

1984 – 1985

T.J. Applebee's Logo 1984

1985

T.J. Applebee's Logo 1985

1985 – 2007

Applebee's Logo 1985

2007 – 2014

Applebee's Logo 2007

2014 – 2017

Applebee's Logo 2014

2017 – today

Applebee's Logo

FAQ

Why is it called apple bees?

The story behind the name “Applebee’s” starts with its founders, Bill and T.J. Palmer, who wanted to open a restaurant that felt welcoming and like home to everyone. They were looking for a warm, friendly name, something very American. They found the name “Appleby” in a phone book and liked it because it matched the friendly and homey vibe they were going for.

But they hit a snag when they found out “Appleby” had already been taken. Instead of giving up, they got creative and changed the name to “Applebee’s.” This new name has stuck and has become known nationwide for casual dining.

The change from “Appleby” to “Applebee’s” was more than just a small tweak. It showed the founders’ determination to make their restaurant dream come true, even when things got tough. “Applebee’s” now stands for a place where people can enjoy good food and make happy memories together. It’s all about feeling comfortable and welcomed in a community. Today, Applebee’s is a favorite spot for many, symbolizing what you can achieve with creativity and hard work.

What is Applebee’s most famous for?

Applebee’s is a popular place known for its laid-back vibe and classic American food. They offer many choices like salads, chicken dishes, pasta, and burgers. But what makes them stand out is their signature dish, the riblets. These are small, juicy ribs full of flavor, usually served with fries and coleslaw. People love these and often come back just to have them again.

The atmosphere at Applebee’s is cozy and welcoming. They want you to feel at home and enjoy your meal in a friendly setting. This approach, combined with their variety of American favorites, has made Applebee’s a favorite spot for many.

Applebee also draws people in with special deals and seasonal offers, including menu items. These deals are a big hit because they offer good food at lower prices, appealing to all kinds of diners.

In short, Applebee’s is the place to go for a comfortable dining experience with food that tastes like home. Their success comes from serving good food that brings people together, with the riblets being the show’s star.

How many Applebees are there in the US?

By the end of 2022, Applebee’s had 1,678 restaurants worldwide, showing its big footprint in the U.S. and other countries. Out of these, 1,569 are in the U.S., making Applebee a major player in the casual dining scene here. They’re known for their American-style dishes and a friendly place to eat.

Outside the U.S., Applebee’s has expanded to 109 locations, showing that people in different countries enjoy their approach to casual dining with an American twist.

Applebee’s is part of Dine Brands Global, which helps manage and grow the restaurant. This support has helped Applebee become a go-to place for many customers in America and internationally. They keep coming back because of the consistent and enjoyable meals Applebee’s serves.

How did Applebee’s get started?

Applebee’s started in 1980 in Atlanta with the name T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs. The founders, Bill and T.J. Palmer, wanted their restaurant to feel warm and welcoming, like an old-time drugstore but for food and drinks. They first considered naming it Appleby’s, but that name was already taken. So, they came up with T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs, which set them on their path.

The Palmers wanted more than just another place to eat; they aimed to create a spot where people felt at home, enjoying good meals and drinks in a friendly environment. They imagined a place that reminded people of the personal touch and community feel of old drugstores.

Since those early days, Applebee’s has grown a lot. It’s become one of the most well-known casual dining chains, not just in the U.S. but around the world. Even though the name and the size of the chain have changed, the original goal of making a welcoming place for people to eat together has remained the same. Applebee’s has moved from being a single restaurant with a unique idea to a big name in casual dining, still focused on bringing people together.

Is Applebee’s only in America?

Applebee started over 42 years ago in Decatur, Georgia, with its first place. It’s not just in America; it has about 1,650 spots in 14 countries and territories. This growth means Applebee’s has spread its casual dining style, known for American grill and bar food, to other parts of the world. It’s popular across different cultures because it adjusts the American dining style to match what people in other countries like. Applebee keeps expanding, planning to reach even more people globally with its friendly neighborhood grill and bar experience.

Why is it called Applebee’s?

Bill and T.J. Palmer, the founders of Applebee’s, needed a good name for their restaurant. They looked through a phone book and liked “Appleby” because it sounded friendly and inviting. But they found out “Appleby” had already been taken. Instead of giving up, they changed the name slightly to “Applebee’s,” keeping the friendly vibe they wanted. This smart move helped make Applebee a big name in casual dining across America. The story shows how the founders were creative and flexible, turning a small challenge into a big success.

What oil does Applebee use?

Applebee cooks with highly refined soybean oil in their fryers, a choice influenced by the FDA’s guidelines, which do not recognize this type of oil as an allergen. This generally makes it safe for individuals with soy allergies. However, because Applebee’s kitchen areas are used to prepare various dishes containing different allergens, including shared fryer oil, the restaurant cannot promise that its menu items are completely allergen-free. This information is vital for guests with particular dietary restrictions or allergies, helping them make safer dining decisions at Applebee’s.