Applebee's is closing locations in three states. Find out which restaurants are affected.

Applebee’s Restaurant Closures Across Multiple States

As the year progresses, Applebee’s has shut down several locations in states such as Indiana, Missouri, and New York, according to information from franchise owners and local news sources.

So far, four closures have been verified: two in Evansville, Indiana operated by Dine Brands, one franchised site in Columbia, Missouri, and another franchise in Glenville, New York scheduled to close soon.

Despite these closures, Applebee’s maintains a global presence with over 1,500 restaurants, as stated on their official website.

On February 19, both Evansville locations in southwestern Indiana closed their doors permanently, according to the Evansville Courier & Press. These restaurants had served the community for decades but are no longer listed on Applebee’s website. A sign at the entrance thanked customers for their loyalty over the past 30 years.

Applebee’s parent company, Dine Brands—which also owns IHOP and Fuzzy's Taco Shop—submitted its annual report to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in March 2025. The report highlighted challenges faced by franchisees, including increased costs for fuel, food, and utilities.

When USA TODAY requested a list of closed restaurants from Dine Brands on February 25, the company declined to provide specifics. Instead, Applebee’s President John Peyton issued a statement noting that closures are a routine aspect of managing a large national chain, but do not reflect the company’s overall direction.

Peyton emphasized, “Our growth momentum is what truly matters, and we’re witnessing positive changes. This year, we anticipate opening more new locations than in previous years.”

Details on Recent Closures

Here’s a summary of the closures reported so far:

Applebee’s Closures in Missouri and New York

Alongside the Indiana closures, the Columbia, Missouri Applebee’s shut down after more than three decades of operation on February 18, as reported by KIMZ-TV and the Columbia Missourian.

Apple Central LLC, which operated the Columbia franchise, confirmed the closure to both news outlets. Scott Fischer, marketing director at Apple Central LLC, expressed gratitude to customers for their support over the past 30 years and encouraged them to visit the remaining location at 2601 East Broadway in Columbia.

In New York, the Glenville Applebee’s in the Capital District will close on April 12, according to WSTM-TV and WTEN-TV. News10 ABC reported that all staff members were offered jobs at nearby locations.

T.L. Cannon, the franchisee responsible for the Glenville site, stated that the restaurant had been serving the community for ten years.

Stephanie Griffin, vice president of marketing for T.L. Cannon, shared, “We look forward to welcoming guests at our five other locations in the Albany area.”

USA TODAY reached out to Apple Central LLC and T.L. Cannon for additional details about the Missouri and New York closures but has not received a response.

Related News: Pizza Hut plans to close hundreds of locations in 2026. Learn more here.

Expansion of Dual-Branded Applebee’s and IHOP Restaurants

Dine Brands held its fourth-quarter earnings call on February 25, reporting improved performance in 2025 compared to the previous year.

The company attributed these gains to efforts in enhancing guest experiences, refining operations, strengthening marketing strategies, and introducing new menu items.

Dine Brands also reclaimed some restaurants from franchisees and reported total revenue of $879.3 million, an 8.2% increase over 2024. Applebee’s sales rose by 1.3%, reversing a 4.2% decline from the prior year.

Additionally, Dine Brands has launched several dual-branded locations that feature both IHOP and Applebee’s menus. The first such restaurant in the United States opened in February 2025.

According to the company, 32 dual-brand restaurants are now operating in the U.S., including three owned by Dine Brands, with nine more under construction. These combined locations generate 1.5 to 2.5 times the revenue of single-brand sites.

By the end of 2026, Dine Brands expects to have at least 50 dual-brand openings, bringing the total to nearly 80 such locations nationwide.

Applebee’s customers and staff may notice managers spending more time in the dining area, as the company aims to focus on key practices that improve guest satisfaction and profitability. Increased manager visibility is linked to better customer experiences, more consistent service, and greater accuracy for off-site orders.

Originally published in USA TODAY: Updates on Applebee’s closures in three states