FAQs
Our Story
1980, years before the internet was invented, the first Applebee’s opened in the city of Decatur, Georgia, offering classic bar and grill dishes made from high-quality ingredients at reasonable prices and genuine hospitality and service. Four decades later, the modern world has undergone a technology revolution and the world’s largest casual dining brand, Applebee’s, continues to expand globally – including North America, Latin America, and the Middle East. The world around us keeps changing every day and so do we. We keep moving forward and remain the preferred place where everyday moments turn into memorable celebrations.
Reasons you will celebrate as an Applebee’s international franchisee.
Life is full of precious moments worth celebrating.
Part of Dine Brands, a publicly traded company, and one of the largest full-service restaurant groups in the world.
It's an American icon with an over 40-year heritage of welcoming guests to be part of our American story. The preferred place to celebrate life’s special moments in neighborhoods around the world.
As one of the most well-known brands today, Applebee’s is recognized as the leader in casual dining, consistently ranked #1 in its category.
Attractive Unit Economics.
Established and successful franchise system with a proven business model that can be adapted across multiple formats and sizes, and for local relevance.
Leverage our world-class support team in the areas of operations, training, marketing, site selection, design and construction, food innovation, supply chain, and technology.
Superior image and design.
Best in class technology and culinary innovation, and flexibility for local adaptation.
A company on an accelerated growth trajectory.
Our franchisees say it best
“Being a part of Applebee’s since 2022, my very first interaction with the brand owners gave me an insight into the brand’s history and strength. This business is not a “one size fits all” type of concept. The team proved to go above and beyond time and time again, fulfilling and exceeding my expectations in every way. I am very appreciative of the brand and its team members, who continuously show how much they value their customers and its mission. I am very happy to be growing alongside the Applebee’s family and am looking forward to developing our business.”
Ganesh Sharma
Applebee's by the Numbers
1,650+
Locations Globally
42 years
CELEBRATING LIFE'S SPECIAL MOMENTS
14+
COUNTRIES & TERRITORIES
$4.2B
Systemwide sales
Learn more about international opportunities
Retail Formats
Flexibility in formats and channels
L Topology
Total area
400+ sqm
Occupancy
209 seats
M Topology
Total area
340 sqm
Occupancy
156 seats
S Topology
Total area
250 sqm
Occupancy
104 seats
Is Applebee's seeking new international franchise candidates?
Yes, Applebee's is seeking qualified candidates in select markets both domestically and internationally. For franchise opportunities in the USA, please visit our domestic website.
How do I know if the country I am interested in is available?
Please refer to our current priority markets. Priorities might change in the future, so please feel free to check back in the future or send an email to [email protected].
Do you offer single unit franchises?
For our international business, we do not offer single unit franchises; we are looking for multi-unit developers with a minimum of 5 units. The actual number of units would depend on the territory.
What are the financial requirements in order to qualify for an Applebee's franchise?
We typically require a minimum of $1MM USD in net worth for each restaurant to be built, along with substantial liquid cash assets for initial restaurant construction, as well as to fund working capital costs and startup costs.
What is the investment required?
The investment required will depend on multiple factors, including the size of the territory, the pace of growth, and multiple market specific factors. As part of the Approval Process, you would prepare a business plan, which would include projections on investment levels.
Is there financing available?
While Applebee's does not provide financing, we may introduce you to lending sources.
Is prior restaurant experience required?
Although prior restaurant experience is not an absolute requisite, our preferred partner will bring multi-unit management expertise, in restaurants and/or retail, and the ability to build and grow a business. Multi-unit restaurant experience, with other franchised concepts is a plus.
What is the size of a typical Applebee's restaurant?
We have a variety of formats, which can range from ~250 sqm (2,700 sqft) to over 400 sqm (4,300 sqft). Optimal format and size will depend on the market specifics and other factors. Our formats are adaptable for free standing, shopping mall, street and non-traditional venues.
What support does Applebee's provide when I become a franchisee?
Applebee's offers a full range of franchise support including training, site selection assistance, restaurant-design-planning assistance, restaurant-opening assistance and ongoing operations and marketing consulting.
What is the term of a development agreement?
The term of a development agreement will vary depending on the market specific, territory and obligations, among other things. This will be discussed as part of the Approval Process.
Learn more about international opportunities