Applebee’s snack play
The parent company of Applebee’s has hinted that big things are coming for the brand, without revealing any particulars. We do know that smaller buildings may be part of the remake, a shift that could steer the casual-dining concept into novel locations. But DineEquity says it won’t say more until it starts implementing these big ideas next year.
In the meantime, the chain is trying some tactics that are hardly routine in casual dining. For instance, the brand is copying quick-service concepts in aiming for snack business. Applebee’s is cutting appetizer prices in half two times a day: Once during the traffic trough between lunch and dinner, the other late at night.
It’s also offering nightly burger specials.