Applebee’s Purchases 69 Franchise Locations in the Carolinas

Applebee’s Grill and Bar announced the closing of the transaction purchasing 69 restaurants in North and South Carolina. The restaurants will be operated under industry veteran and Applebee’s chief operating officer, Kevin Carroll.

“Through the third quarter of 2018, Applebee’s business performance has been the best it’s been in more than a decade as we continue to lead the casual dining category,” says John Cywinski, Applebee’s brand president. “I’m pleased with this transaction and confident in our plans to evolve and selectively refine our restaurant portfolio. We are consistently reviewing our portfolio and making strategic decisions to better position our brand for the future.”

Applebee’s same-restaurant sales increased 7.7% in the third quarter, a majority of which was driven by traffic, resulting in a third quarter year-to-date comp sales increase of 5.5%.

The transaction closed on Dec.12.

Applebee’s is also pleased to announce that Dine Brands Global Inc. has reached a settlement with RMH Franchise Holdings Inc. and its affiliates, an Applebee’s franchisee. As previously disclosed in the corporation’s periodic filings, RMH filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May. The terms of the   settlement, among other things, require RMH to pay Applebee’s all past due royalty and advertising fees. The corporation will also receive in part, reimbursement of termination fees related to restaurant closures. Additionally, as a result of the settlement, all outstanding litigation between the parties will be dismissed.