

Applebee's, known as the leading global chain in casual dining, started its journey in 1980 and began franchising by 1983.
The brand, a part of Dine Brands Global, Inc. (previously DineEquity, Inc.), operates under the name "Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar." Based in Pasadena, California, Applebee's has expanded its reach, offering a diverse menu of food and drinks in a sit-down, table-service environment.
As the world's largest casual dining chain, Applebee's boasts significant annual sales, highlighting the brand's popularity and the profitability potential for its franchisees.
Here's what you would need to invest if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.
Applebee's offers a comprehensive training program designed to equip franchisees with the necessary skills to manage their restaurants effectively. Here’s an overview of the training process:
Before a restaurant opens, the General Manager, Kitchen Manager, and each Assistant Manager must attend Applebee's operations training facility for a duration specified by the Franchisor. They must successfully complete the training to the Franchisor's satisfaction.
This training includes hands-on experience in one of Applebee's restaurants, ensuring that franchisees and their operators are thoroughly familiar with the operational demands of an Applebee's restaurant.
For new franchisees without existing restaurants, Applebee's provides up to eight training personnel for about eight days before and six days after the opening of the first restaurant. These trainers will instruct the restaurant employees on operating the kitchen, To Go services, bar, and dining room areas.
Franchisees will not be granted an exclusive territory. They may encounter competition from other franchisees, Applebee's-owned outlets, or other distribution channels or competitive brands controlled by Applebee's.
According to the Development Agreement, franchisees are given the right to develop one or more restaurants within a defined area, known as the "Territory," during one or more "initial development periods."
This right may extend through subsequent development periods if it is deemed necessary to construct additional restaurants to fully develop the Territory.
Below are some of
Applebee’s
key competitors in the
Steakhouse & Grill
sector.

1460
$35,000
$1,767,000
$5,823,000
n.a.
$2,640,000
$xxx,xxx
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.

BP Smokehouse is a barbecue restaurant brand offering smoked meats, sandwiches, and classic sides, serving locals, travelers, and catering clients, and known for award-winning competition-style barbecue, casual roadhouse atmosphere, and generous portions in small-town Wisconsin.
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Cowboy Jack's is a casual dining brand offering American comfort food, burgers, and bar service, serving families, sports fans, and nightlife guests, and known for rustic Western-themed interiors, patios and rooftop spaces, live entertainment, and lively happy-hour specials.
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Rodizio Grill is a Brazilian steakhouse franchise offering rotisserie-grilled meats carved tableside, gourmet salad bar, and desserts, serving celebratory groups and families, and known for continuous service, festive ambiance, and authentic churrasco tradition.
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Black Rock Bar & Grill is a steakhouse franchise offering a unique dining experience where guests cook their own steaks on hot volcanic stones.
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Native Grill and Wings is a casual dining franchise known for its award-winning chicken wings, extensive menu, and family-friendly atmosphere.
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Pepper Lunch is a fast-casual restaurant serving sizzling hot plate meals with a variety of protein and vegetable options, providing a unique and interactive dining experience.
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