Recent Developments
From 1993 to 2003, Applebee’s has opened 100 or more new restaurants each year. This rate of development — growing from 250 restaurants at the end of 1992 to over 1,600 currently — is unprecedented in the casual dining industry.
In July of 2003, Applebee’s announced an exclusive agreement with Weight Watchers® to launch new menu items. In November 2003, jointly developed menu items were available in five test markets, with a planned national launch in May 2004.
In 2003, Applebee’s also launched its Carside To Go™ service in all company markets. This service, which gives a guest the option of picking up to-go food without leaving the car, was the fastest-growing part of Applebee’s business. Franchisees are quickly moving to implement Carside To Go nationally in 2004.
