Applebee's Franchise
Applebee's is a casual- dining restaurant franchise with a large number of locations throughout the US and internationally.
$500,000
$35,000
1,545
1988
Glendale,CA
Stephen P. Joyce
About Applebee's
Applebee's provides a friendly casual dining experience. Its menu features a large range of items, including burgers, pasta dishes, seafood, sandwiches, appetizers and more. Consistent with the restaurant's original mission, the chain brands itself as a neighborhood restaurant, providing a casual, relaxed atmosphere and good food. Although it has expanded significantly since its beginnings, Applebee's continues to follow a décor and menu system that aims to provide a comfortable, simple environment.
Applebee's stays current by regularly reviewing and updating décor and menu items, with the idea that cozy and simple does not have to mean dated. As part of its brand as a friendly neighborhood spot, Applebee's also participates in qualifying local charitable fundraisers. It has a versatile menu, including low-calorie and allergy-friendly items.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
1,545
4
$2,760,000
* in 2023
Franchise Fees
$35,000
4.0%
Gross Sales
4.25%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Applebee's?
The Applebee's franchise has extensive experience and a track record of successful operation and consistent expansion since its inception in 1980. The brand enjoys a high level of recognition. Franchises are also available in a wide variety of locations. Applebee's is an established brand that provides extensive training and support; franchisees also benefit from the highly developed domestic and international marketing and promotional effort.
Applebee's has appeal for a wide segment of the population. Its menu aims to cater to a variety of tastes, including customizable meals, kids' menus, seasonal items and more.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$2,000,000 - $7,650,000
$1,500,000
$500,000
History
In 1980, Bill and TJ Palmer opened the first Applebee's in Atlanta, Georgia. At the time, they registered their company as T.J. Applebee's Rx for Edibles & Elixirs. They envisioned their restaurant as a welcoming local spot where people could relax and enjoy delicious food.
In 1983, W.R. Grace and Company acquired Applebee's. In 1986, the franchise changed its name to Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar. By that time, there were Applebee's franchise restaurants operating in several states. In 1989, Applebee's International, Inc. made its initial public offering with the ticker symbol APPB. The same year marked a landmark achievement: the opening of the 100th Applebee's in Nashville, Tennessee. By 1992, there were 250 open locations and the company made another public stock offering.
In the following years, Applebee's expanded rapidly, with 500 restaurants open in 1994. In 1996, the company was operating several international locations. It reached the 1,000 mark in 1998. In 2007, Dine Brands acquired Applebee's.
Ideal Candidate
Applebee's offers a discount on net worth and liquidity requirements for franchisees opening three or more locations. The initial franchise fee is $35,000 per location; the company also requires a minimum net worth of $3,000,000 per location or $1,500,000 per location if opening three or more units. The company requires a minimum liquidity of $1,000,000 per location, or $500,000 per location if opening three or more units.
Applebee's requires potential franchisees to have full-service restaurant operational experience or to partner with someone who does. It also looks for franchisees with a proven track record of management, leadership and entrepreneurialism.
For international franchises, Applebee's typically requires that the franchisee agree to open and operate at least five locations. It looks for prior experience in operating multi-unit restaurants.
Restaurant and Food Franchises
Franchises up to $5,000,000
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