Applebee's Sold, Renovations Planned
Parent company selling off all 66 New England locations.
The Tewksbury Applebee's Neighborhood Bar and Grille is under new ownership.
California-based Apple American Group LLC has purchased the restaurant, at 85 Main St., along with the other 65 Applebee's in New England from DineEquity in a $55 million deal. The change will officially take place in November, according to Manager Michael Calandrello.
DineEquity is the parent company for Applebee's and IHOP.
On Tuesday, the Board of Selectmen approved the liquor license transfer associated with the sale of the Tewksbury restaurant.
"Applebee's, in whatever form it's been, has been a good citizen of Tewksbury," said Todd Johnson, chairman of the Board of Selectmen.
Atty. Joseph Devlin represented Apple American Group at the hearing. According to Devlin, the group now owns 336 Applebee's franchises across the country. He said the staff of the Tewksbury location will remain in place and that renovations will be made.
"The company does plan to invest money in the location," said Devlin. "They do see the opportunity to get back the sales they’ve lost the last two years in the economic downturn."
Calandrello, who has been manager at the Tewksbury location for six years, said he is excited about sale and feels good about the improvements the new owners are planning.
According to a press release issued by DineEquity, Apple American has agreed to "accelerate the brand's revitalization plan by completing remodels of all Applebee's restaurants in New England by the end of 2012."
With over 16,000 employees, Apple American is the largest franchisee in the Applebee's system.
Alex Ro
8:48 pm on Thursday, September 29, 2011
Ummmm the loss of sales has nothing to do with the economy it has to do with the people running the place and the place itself. Most call this place crappleberry's. Poor service, dirty plates, hair in food. I wouldnt eat there if it was free.
James Kenney
12:28 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
I don't agree with the previous comment. My family frequently dines here and the food and service are very good. On the one occasion that they mad a mistake with my order, the manager promptly took care of the problem and removed the charge from my bill. They are BIG supporters of the community and that also goes a long way with me.
denise
3:00 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
I will miss their contribution to the 4th of July...yummy!
Alex Ro
9:16 pm on Friday, September 30, 2011
James you have your opinion i have mine. I had dirty dishes, instead of getting new ones I was told they would wipe them off!!! Then after two sets and I say two sets for all at the table the silverware was still dirty. And I wont mention the hair in my food. Maybe this new company will help. But when I told others about my horrible experience they said to me I havent gone there in years the quality has gone down.
Chris
9:18 am on Monday, October 3, 2011
The problem with Applebees is their food. The chicken tenders used to be great, now there just fried batter and they don't have enough nice fish dishes...
Jade
9:28 pm on Monday, October 3, 2011
Good luck to the new owners! My family has always liked Applebees and hope that they continue their good food and service.