Applebee's is bringing back its popular affordable 'All You Can Eat' meal deal as grocery prices continue to climb for American consumers. The chain announced on Monday that it is reintroducing the menu option for $15.99 per plate, offering customers a choice of three unlimited meals, all accompanied by bottomless fries.
What's Included
For a limited time, diners can indulge in endless boneless wings, pork riblets, or Double Crunch Shrimp, paired with unlimited fries. However, the deal comes with a stipulation: it is only available for dine-in customers at participating locations.
Economic Context
The move comes as Americans grapple with rising living costs. The Consumer Price Index, a key measure of inflation, rose 0.6% in April, pushing the annual inflation rate to 3.8%. Specifically, grocery prices increased 0.7% last month, while restaurant food saw a more modest 0.2% rise.
Applebee's is not alone in offering value-driven promotions. Red Lobster recently revived its endless shrimp deal, despite the promotion having contributed to the chain's bankruptcy in 2024. CEO Damola Adamolekun stated, 'We're excited to bring it back, for a limited time, in a way that works for our business today and honors what made it special from the beginning. Because when our fans talk, we listen.'
Chili's also updated its '3 For Me' meal deal last month, adding its Big Crispy and Spicy Big Crispy burgers to the $10.99 offer, which includes fries, endless chips and salsa, and unlimited sodas. Chief Marketing Officer George Felix commented, 'Over the past few years, we've exposed the fast food shrinkflation by serving our massive burgers in the industry-leading $10.99 3 For Me meal for a value that can't be found in the drive-thru. Now, we're setting our sights on fast food chicken sandwiches.'
As Americans struggle financially, former President Donald Trump remarked on Tuesday, 'I don't think about Americans' financial situation. I don't think about anybody. I think about one thing: We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon,' in response to a question about the economic burden of the Iran war.
