Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar is a leading American casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1980 by Bill Palmer and T.J. Palmer in Glendale, California. As one of the world's largest casual dining brands, Applebee's has built its identity around neighborhood hospitality, approachable menu favorites, and value-driven dining experiences.

With over 1,700 locations across the United States and international markets, Applebee's serves mainstream American dishes such as salads, chicken, burgers, pasta, and its signature riblets. The company continues to focus on guest experience, menu innovation, and technology to support long-term growth.

When Was Applebee's Established?

Founded: 1980
Founders: Bill Palmer and T.J. Palmer
Headquarters: Glendale, California, U.S.
Industry: Casual Dining Restaurants
Locations: Over 1,700 locations across the United States and internationally
Employees: Approximately 28,000 (as of 2013)
Annual Revenue: Approximately $4.2 billion (as of 2024)

Applebee's Mission Statement

"Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood"

What Is Applebee's Known for?

Here are some of Applebee's standout features that separates them from their competitors.

Casual Dining with American Favorites

Applebee's is known for serving mainstream American comfort food in a relaxed, neighborhood-style setting. Its menu includes salads, chicken, burgers, pasta, ribs, seafood, steak, sandwiches, wraps, appetizers, and a kids menu.

Signature Riblets

One of Applebee's most recognizable dishes is its riblets, which have become a signature item for the brand. Along with burgers, chicken dishes, and pasta, riblets remain among the chain's most popular menu choices.

Value-Driven Neighborhood Dining

Applebee's differentiates itself by emphasizing value in abundance, treating guests like neighbors, and offering shared dining experiences. This focus helps the brand appeal to families, groups, and casual diners looking for affordable restaurant meals.

How Many Locations Does Applebee's Operate?

Applebee's operates over 1,700 locations across the United States and internationally.

The brand follows a franchise-based business model with more than 1,500 locations in the U.S. and abroad, giving it a broad footprint across North America, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Asia.

Which Regions Does Applebee's Operate In?

Applebee's operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Peru.

Who Owns Applebee's?

Applebee's operates as a franchise-based restaurant brand and is part of a larger corporate structure focused on casual dining growth. Its business model depends on franchise partners to help expand the brand across domestic and international markets.

Is Applebee's Currently Hiring?

You can check out the open positions that Applebee's has right here on OysterLink.

Applebee's Jobs in Bloomington

Jobs From Applebee's

Host