An Applebee's restaurant in Hudson, New York, will close in just a few days after serving the community for more than ten years.
The popular family dining spot will officially cease operations on May 19.
Hudson Applebee's Closes After 15 Years
Franchise officials told WTEN they have enjoyed serving the Hudson community for 15 years.
They expressed gratitude for the steady stream of customers who have supported the restaurant over the years. "We hope to see you at our neighboring restaurants throughout the Albany and Hudson Valley markets," a T.L. Cannon spokesperson mentioned last month.
Employees affected by the closure have been offered positions at other locations.
The sudden announcement of its closure shocked fans of the Applebee's restaurant in Hudson. "We've never had a bad experience there, and the staff was always so friendly with excellent service," one diner told The U.S. Sun.
Parents also feel the impact, with one mom noting, "My son will be sad. He liked it there."
Many local patrons expressed sympathy for the employees affected by the shutdown. Several commenters wanted to visit the restaurant one last time to relish their favorite dishes.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Applebee's for additional comments.
Meanwhile, diners across the state can still enjoy their beloved appetizers and entrees at other Applebee's locations.
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Applebee's Evolution: From Boom to Scale Back
Applebee's, an American chain known for casual dining, offers popular dishes like salads, chicken, pasta, burgers, and its signature "riblets."
According to WPDH, the brand gained significant traction in the 1990s, becoming one of the largest sit-down restaurant chains in the United States. It went public in November 1991 and opened its 1000th restaurant by 1998.
By the end of 2019, Applebee's had boasted 1,787 locations across the United States and 15 other countries. However, the number of U.S. locations has declined over recent years, with 1,586 locations reported as of late December 2022.
Despite some closures, the Poughkeepsie area remains a stronghold for the chain, with a successful location near Marist College. Yet, the region has seen its share of closures, including the Wappingers Falls and Woodbury Commons locations.
In a shift reflecting broader industry trends, Applebee's announced in October 2023 the closure of 25 to 35 restaurants nationwide, including several in upstate New York.
Among these, the Applebee's in Glenmont closed after two decades, signaling a continued strategy to shutter underperforming locations. Now, another establishment in the Hudson Valley is preparing to close its doors.
Earlier this year, an Applebee's restaurant in Antioch, California, shut down after over 25 years. This closure is part of a broader trend, as executives at Dine Brands, the parent company, have indicated that multiple Applebee locations will cease operations throughout the year. The brand anticipates a net loss of 25 to 35 restaurants.
Tony Moralejo, President of Applebee's, emphasized that closing restaurants is a last resort. Nonetheless, the chain has seen hundreds of its locations close in recent years.
Applebee is not alone in facing these challenges. In February, leadership at Bloomin' Brands announced that several Outback Steakhouse locations would be closing. Overall, the company plans to shut down 41 restaurants across its various brands, which include Bonefish Grill and Carrabba's Italian Grill.
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