Type of Food: Burgers, Sandwiches, Steaks, Wraps, Salads

Interesting Fact: Applebee’s is the largest casual dining concept in the world with more than 1,900 restaurants in 49 states, one US territory, and 16 international countries. Also for each of the past 14 years (1993-2006), Applebee’s has opened 100 or more new restaurants.

History:Applebee’s was founded in Atlanta, Georgia, by Bill and T.J. Palmer. Their first restaurant, T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs, opened in November 1980. In 1982, the Palmers opened their second Applebee’s in Atlanta and in 1983, to fulfill a dream of nationwide expansion, the Palmers sold the Applebee’s concept to W. R. Grace and Co. As part of the transaction, Bill Palmer was named president of the Applebee’s Division of an indirect subsidiary of W. R. Grace. In that capacity, Palmer guided the operation from its entrepreneurial beginnings to a full-fledged franchise system. He became an Applebee’s franchisee in 1985 and today owns more than three dozen Applebee’s restaurants. In 1986, the name of the concept was changed to Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar to reflect the Palmers’ original concept of a place people could call their own. In 1988, Applebee’s International, Inc. became the restaurant chain’s franchisor when Kansas City franchisees Abe Gustin and John Hamra purchased the rights to the Applebee’s concept from W. R. Grace.A When Applebee’s International, Inc. acquired Applebee’s in 1988, there were 54 restaurants. In 1998, Applebee’s became the first casual dining concept with 1,000 restaurants.

Website: www.applebees.com

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