An Applebee's restaurant in Texas has shut down permanently, leaving its customers deeply upset.
The Waco location closed for the last time on April 29.
Applebee's Waco Closes, Apologizes to Patrons
A note posted on the window of the Applebee's in Waco, Texas, offered an apology to its loyal customers, according to local CBS affiliate KWTX-TV.
The message stated, "From April 29th, 2024, this Applebee's is closed. We regret any inconvenience it has caused our valued guests." It appreciated the support over the years and recommended nearby Applebee's locations that diners could visit.
Photos circulating on social media captured the removal of signs advertising discounts, marking the end of an era for the establishment.
Applebee's has been a staple in Texas since 1980, with branches in major cities such as Austin, Dallas, and Houston. However, the closure of the Waco restaurant has stirred considerable activity online, prompting customers to share fond memories of their visits.
Waco Applebee's Closure Stirs Nostalgia Among Patrons
As the Applebee's in Waco closes its doors, patrons have taken to social media to express their sadness and reminisce about their experiences. "I went there often with my grandparents; I'm gonna miss it. This was our place," one customer shared.
Another added, "They really did have some great food items and recipes." While a third commented, "Used to be a great place to go."
The closure has left many wondering how they will recreate favorite dishes like the chicken wonton tacos. Memories of enjoying $1 beers and appetizer deals are also being fondly recalled.
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Amidst these shared memories, some have proposed new dining possibilities. One person suggested that Waffle House could open another location, and another endorsed starting an IHOP restaurant.
This local shutdown is part of a broader trend, as the parent company, Dine Brands, previously indicated an expected net closure of 25 to 35 restaurants.
This announcement comes just after the closure of an Applebee's in Antioch, California, which ended its 25-year run in February. Another restaurant in Hudson, New York, is set to close, with its final day slated for May 19, as reported by ABC affiliate WTEN-TV.
Applebee's is not alone in facing restaurant closures across the United States. Several other chains have also seen numerous locations shut down. Mod Pizza has recently closed 27 stores, including several in California.
In Kentucky, Frisch's Big Boy confirmed the closure of its Covington restaurant. Ohio has witnessed the upcoming closure of four Two Bucks locations.
Further south, Chili's has permanently closed its doors in Port Arthur, Texas, along with other branches in Irvine, California; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Fort Wayne, Indiana. On the East Coast, Friendly's will soon shutter its Ronkonkoma location on Long Island, and Pizza Hut has closed a site in Glen Falls, New York, at the end of March.
Denny's has closed two locations in Idaho, in Boise and Nampa. Its Oakland, California, burger joint, a staple for over 50 years, also closed earlier this year amid concerns over crime. Similarly, In-N-Out has shut down one of its Oakland locations for the same reason.
These closures highlight a challenging period for the restaurant industry, as reported by The U.S. Sun.
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