FRANCHISE RESALES

Buy an Applebee’s Grill + Bar Franchise

Applebee’s Restaurants LLC, founded in 1980 and franchising since 1983, is the largest casual dining chain in the world with approximately 1,565 locations across 17 countries. Headquartered in Pasadena, California, and owned by Dine Brands Global, Inc., Applebee’s operates sit-down, table-service restaurants under the trade name “Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.” The brand is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, American grill cuisine, and neighborhood bar experience, generating annual sales of around $4.7 billion. Applebee’s focuses on multi-unit franchise development, particularly in select U.S. markets such as Arizona, Chicago, Maryland, and Texas, offering adaptable restaurant formats ranging from 2,700 to over 4,300 square feet suitable for free-standing, mall, street, and non-traditional venues.

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Why buy an Applebee’s Grill + Bar Franchise?

Investing in an Applebee’s franchise offers access to a globally recognized casual dining brand with a proven business model and extensive support network. Franchisees benefit from comprehensive training, marketing resources, and adaptable restaurant formats. With a strong national presence, multi-unit development opportunities, and a family-friendly concept, Applebee’s provides a compelling opportunity for experienced operators to grow a profitable restaurant portfolio in a resilient industry.

Applebee’s Grill + Bar Franchise Costs & Information

Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

  • Brand Profile

    • Year Founded

      1980

    • Franchising Since

      1988

    • New Startup Cost

      $3,192,516 – $5,822,933

    • Avg. Resale Price

      Contact us for details

  • Franchise Fees

    • Initial franchise Fee

      $35,000

      for new territories

    • Transfer Fee

      $2,500

    • Royalty Fee

      4%

      of Gross Sales

    • Marketing Fee

      4.25%

      of Gross Sales

  • Unit Performance

    • Total Units *

      1480

    • New Units Opened *

      11

    • Units Transferred *

      23

    • Avg. Unit revenue *

      $2,954,522

    * Based on 2025 data reported in the 2026 FDD

Applebee’s Grill + Bar – Additional  Information

  1. Training & Support

    Applebee’s provides comprehensive franchisee support including training, site selection assistance, restaurant design and planning, grand opening support, and ongoing operational and marketing consulting. Franchisees benefit from proprietary point-of-sale software, marketing programs, and access to national and local advertising resources. The franchisor offers assistance with lease negotiation, operational guidance, and business development. While Applebee’s does not provide direct financing, it may introduce franchisees to lending sources. Multi-unit restaurant experience is preferred, and franchisees typically operate multiple locations under development agreements.

  2. Ideal Owner

    The ideal Applebee’s franchisee is a multi-unit operator with strong restaurant or retail management experience, preferably in franchising. Owners should possess business acumen, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multiple locations while maintaining brand standards. The opportunity suits entrepreneurs seeking to leverage a well-established brand with scalable growth potential in casual dining.

  3. Recognition & Awards

    Applebee’s is recognized as a leader in the casual dining industry, consistently ranking among top franchises with strong brand equity and customer loyalty. It has maintained a significant market presence for over 40 years and is part of Dine Brands Global, which combines over 100 years of hospitality experience. The brand’s longevity, scale, and continuous innovation underscore its industry leadership.

  4. Industry / Market

    The casual dining sector remains competitive but stable, with steady consumer demand for family-friendly dining experiences and American grill cuisine. Applebee’s benefits from its broad demographic appeal and adaptable formats that cater to various markets. The brand’s focus on delivery, takeout, and digital engagement aligns with evolving consumer preferences, supporting growth in a mature industry.

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