Applebee's is permanently closing at least four locations across New York, Missouri, and Indiana as part of a corporate restructuring plan to shut underperforming restaurants. The closures are part of a broader strategy by parent company Dine Brands Global, which plans to offset these losses by opening 80 dual-branded Applebee's and IHOP restaurants by 2026.
In Evansville, Indiana, two Applebee's locations on East Morgan Avenue and Pearl Drive have closed after nearly 30 years of operation. Workers were seen removing signage, and a note thanking customers for their loyalty was placed on the door, according to the Evansville Courier & Press.
A restaurant at 268 Saratoga Road in Glenville, New York, announced it will permanently close on April 12, 2026, citing rising food, utility, and labour costs, along with other economic challenges. The local franchise owner told CNY News that employees would be able to transfer to other locations to retain their jobs.
Another closure was reported in Columbia, Missouri, last week after 30 years of operation. In 2024, eight locations in Kansas City were closed following the franchise's bankruptcy filing. Despite these closures, Applebee's still operates around 1,500 locations globally.
The closures reflect broader industry struggles, with food and labour costs for the average restaurant rising 35 percent each over the past five years, according to the National Restaurant Association. Rising costs for rent, supplies, and credit card processing fees are squeezing profit margins for many eateries.
