An Applebee's restaurant has closed its doors unexpectedly, surprising many diners.
The Applebee's branch in Tucker, Georgia, about 20 miles northeast of Atlanta, is now permanently closed online.
Applebee's Shuts Down Tucker Location
An Applebee's longstanding eatery in Tucker, Georgia, has unexpectedly closed its doors.
According to Tomorrow's News Today-Atlanta, the branch in the Cofer Crossing mall near stores like Kroger and Walmart closed on May 13.
Both staff and diners were caught off guard, as they were not informed of the closure in advance. The location is now marked as "permanently closed" on Google Maps.
The restaurant, which opened in 1998, occupied around 5,000 square feet, according to DeKalb County documents obtained by Tomorrow's News Today - Atlanta.
The chain has not provided a reason for the closure, and the site's future use remains uncertain. Despite being independently owned, the spot is considered a desirable location for dining or retail due to its position within the Cofer Crossing mall.
After news of the Tucker Applebee's closure spread, locals took to Facebook to share their thoughts.
One customer expressed regret, saying, "Very sad! My husband and I ate at the Tucker location last Sunday. There were hardly any other customers. I'm glad I could use my Applebee's gift card the day before closing."
Another commenter noted, "I saw them taking the sign away Monday!"
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Moreover, The U.S. Sun previously reported other Applebee's closures across the country. A location in Hudson, New York, about 30 miles south of Albany, closed on May 19 after serving locals for over a decade.
Similarly, Applebee's in Antioch, California, around 40 miles northeast of Berkeley, shut down abruptly after more than 25 years in operation.
Applebee's Milestone
According to Medium, Applebee's International Inc. marked a significant achievement by opening its 100th restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, alongside its initial public offering (IPO) in 1989. Thanks to its strategic management, Barron's soon recognized Applebee's as a high-growth potential company
Moreover, Applebee's success stemmed from its focus on being a friendly neighborhood restaurant. With a welcoming theme, Applebee's aimed to make customers feel at home. Menus greeted patrons with "Welcome to the Neighborhood," offering a satisfying dining experience at affordable prices.
Franchisors enjoyed flexibility, choosing menu items and tailoring décor to local cultures while maintaining signature dishes like riblets, fajitas, and apple margaritas. This strategy fueled rapid growth, with over 100 new restaurants opening annually in the 1990s.
In 1995, Applebee's acquired Rio Bravo Cantina for $68 million, hoping to complement its offerings. However, the venture fell short, and Rio Bravo was sold to Chevys for $58 million.
Expanding internationally in the early 2000s, Applebee's adapted menus and designs to fit local tastes, such as offering beef ribs instead of pork in the Middle East. Responding to health trends, Applebee's partnered with Weight Watchers in 2004, pioneering the inclusion of weight-loss program options on its menu.
In 2007, Applebee's was acquired by The International House of Pancakes Corp. (now Dine Brands) for $2.1 billion. New management revitalized the brand with remodels and new menu items.
Franchise sales increased from $3.5 billion in 2010 to $4.7 billion in 2015, but the company struggled to attract millennials later, leading to many closures.
With around 1,700 restaurants worldwide, Dine Brands focuses on international growth, including plans to open the first Applebee's in India.
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