Applebee's Is Winning Over NFL Fans With Exclusive Game-Day Deals — Here's What You Need to Know

Applebee's, one of America's most popular casual dining chains, is making a bold play for the loyalty of NFL fans with a multi-year partnership with the league. By tapping into the sport's popularity, Applebee's aims to solidify its place as a go-to spot during the NFL season.

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"Applebee's fans are NFL fans, which is why we are excited to bring America's Favorite Grill + Bar together with America's number one sport in a way that will create a fun and engaging experience for all," Applebee's CMO Joel Yashinsky said in a statement , according to Nation's Restaurant News.

Applebee's has managed to capture the loyalty of NFL fans, and the brand's awareness among this demographic is a testament to its effective marketing strategy. With a 92% awareness rate among NFL fans, according to a YouGov survey, Applebee's is the most recognized restaurant brand in this space.

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The deal includes exclusive NFL-themed promotions designed to appeal to football fans, such as 50-cent boneless wings on game days. This promotion taps into the deep-rooted tradition of wings as a staple for football-watching parties and gatherings. As chicken wings have become synonymous with sports, especially during events like the Super Bowl, when Americans ate an estimated 1.5 billion wings , this deal will likely be a major draw for consumers.

Applebee's has also introduced "bucket cocktails," group-sized drinks served in buckets, designed to boost foot traffic during NFL games and pair well with " America's Favorite Boneless Wings ."

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Last March, Applebee's announced it was teaming up with IHOP to launch a joint restaurant concept. Dine Brands Global, which owns both companies, said it will open co-branded dining establishments with combined cooking areas and seating arrangements. The dual establishments will reportedly keep IHOP and Applebee's areas separate.

Read More: Nation's Restaurant News