Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Popular casual dining chain Applebee's is back in the spotlight after announcing the closure of several locations in the United States in early 2026.
This move is part of a broader restructuring strategy by its parent company, Dine Brands Global.
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These closures are happening in several states, including Missouri, Indiana, and New York.
This decision follows significant economic challenges, such as rising operating costs and evolving consumer habits.
Dine Brands Global is working to consolidate its operations, focus on high-performing locations, and develop new business models.
Despite this, Applebee's still maintains approximately 1,500 locations worldwide, indicating that these closures are part of a strategic adaptation, not a complete retreat.
The company's long-term strategy includes the development of a dual-branded Applebee's/IHOP restaurant concept, which is expected to attract more customers and optimize resources.
Applebee's Locations Closing in Various Regions
Several Applebee's locations in the United States have permanently ceased operations in February 2026, marking a new chapter in the company's business strategy.
One significant closure occurred in Columbia, Missouri, where the Applebee's restaurant on West Stadium Blvd/I-70 Drive SW closed on February 18, 2026, after serving customers for 30 years.
In Evansville, Indiana, two long-standing Applebee's locations, on East Morgan Avenue and Pearl Drive, also abruptly ended operations in February 2026.
Crews were spotted removing signage and a farewell note was posted in the window.
“Thank you for being our neighbor for the last 30 years,” it read.
“We enjoyed serving you here and invite you to join us at any of our other locations.”
Additionally, the Applebee's at 268 Saratoga Road in Glenville, New York, is scheduled to permanently close on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Company management has offered positions at nearby Applebee's restaurants to all employees and managers at the Glenville location.
Reasons Behind the Applebee's Closures
The decision to close these Applebee's locations was driven by mounting economic challenges, which have made operating some restaurants unsustainable.
One key factor is rising operating costs, including food, utilities, and labor, which significantly impacted the profitability of certain locations, forcing the company to re-evaluate, as reported by CNY News.
Furthermore, changing consumer habits also contributed to the closure decisions.
Parent company, Dine Brands Global, recognized that franchisees across the country were facing higher operating costs, including fuel and food prices.
Lower profitability at certain locations indicates that the old business model may no longer be effective in all markets.
Therefore, these closures represent a proactive step to cut losses and reallocate resources to more promising areas.
Applebee's Restructuring Strategy
Despite the closures, Dine Brands Global has ambitious plans for the future of Applebee's through a comprehensive restructuring strategy.
The parent company projects between 20 and 35 restaurant closures by 2025 as part of an effort to optimize its location portfolio.
However, the company is also focused on developing new restaurant models; 80 dual-branded Applebee's/IHOP restaurants by the end of 2026.
This concept combines the operations of the two brands under one roof, which is expected to increase efficiency and appeal to a broader market segment.
The first combined location opened in Seguin, Texas, in February 2025, with plans for further expansion.
Dine Brands Global sees significant opportunity in the approximately 110,000 restaurants that permanently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.