Applebee's Is Closing 35 Stores in 2024 (Is Yours Next?)

Applebee's is known for appetizers and great drinks, but soon, you may not be able to get either of them from your favorite local location.

The restaurant chain has announced that it will be closing 35 locations across the country.

While seeing your favorite Applebee's close might help you eliminate some money stress , it's sure to shrink your enjoyment of life a little.

Applebee’s expects to close 35 restaurants

During an earnings call earlier this year, Applebee’s parent company, Dine Brands, announced that it planned to close up to 35 Applebee’s locations.

Tony Moralejo, Applebee's president, told listeners on the earnings call that the exact locations for these closures haven’t been announced yet.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially

Applebee’s is trying to keep up with business

Why the closures? Applebee’s has been struggling in recent years, and Dine Brands is trying to return Applebee’s to growth.

Dine Brands also hopes to boost the fortunes of its other brands, IHOP and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.

In early 2024, Dine Brands announced the creation of the position of chief development officer as part of an attempt to find ways to grow all three brands.

Some locations have already shut down

The shutdown process has already started in some cities.

The Applebee’s in Antioch, California, near San Francisco, closed its doors in February after being in business for 25 years in that location. Employees were given the chance to move to other restaurants in the area.

Last year, other states also saw Applebee’s restaurants close. New York said farewell to an Applebee’s location in Glenmont. A Tallahassee, Florida, location also closed earlier in 2023, and a location in Wyoming, Michigan, recently shut its doors.

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Applebee’s already had a wave of closings

This isn’t the first time the restaurant chain has been tested with a wave of closings.

Back in 2017, Applebee’s announced a wave of closings. At the time, the restaurant chain attributed its struggles to consumers switching from casual-dining restaurants such as Applebee’s to quicker options such as Panera Bread or Chipotle.

Since 2017, hundreds of Applebee’s have closed nationwide.

What’s next for Applebee’s locations?

There's good news if you love Applebee's and want to keep more cash in your wallet : Some locations now share space with IHOP. This is similar to combinations of Taco Bell and KFC or Auntie Anne's and Cinnabon.

John Peyton, the CEO of Dine Brands, says the combination of restaurants appeals to more customers while saving the company money.

The restaurants use the same kitchen instead of needing two buildings and two kitchens. The company has eight restaurants with this format and plans to open more in 2025.

Bottom line

Applebee's prices are reasonable, which means dining there is a good way to stretch your restaurant budget . However, it's possible your nearest location will close soon.

However, if your location is lucky enough to escape these closures, consider joining the restaurant's Club Applebee's for additional discounts, including a free appetizer, deals on your next meal, and a birthday treat.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).