Applebee's Virtual Brand Leans on Delivery Partners

Applebee's virtual brand Cosmic Wings has partnered with DoorDash and Grubhub to expand delivery.  

Cosmic Wings launched in 2021 initially exclusively through Uber Eats. The menu is prepared in more than 1,575 Applebee’s kitchens nationwide. 

Kitchens Heat Up with Virtual Brands

Genghis Grill, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, HOA Brands, Muscle Maker Grill, Fazoli's, Brinker International, Nathan's Famous, Chuck E. Cheese and Dog Haus have launched virtual brands as demand for off-premises dining soared. One of the most advantageous is Concept Entertainment Group's online food hall concept, which received HT’s Industry Hero Award. At MURTEC '22, Wow Bao, REEF, Kitchen United and Salt Partners shared their secret sauce for success behind their ghost and dark kitchen brands.

The Cosmic Wings menu includes a selection of crowd pleasers like chicken tender dippers, waffle fries and onion rings along with a variety of signature dips and sauces on the side, like honey BBQ, house-made ranch, or bleu cheese. The virtual brand also offers the exclusive MTN DEW Dark Berry Bash available only at Cosmic Wings and Applebee’s.

“Cosmic Wings has allowed us to reach new guests who love the ultimate flavor explosion you can only get when you combine our fan-favorite wings with our exclusive Cheetos Flamin’ Hot flavors,” said Vicki Hormann, Executive Director of Off Premise, Applebee’s. “We’re thrilled that more fans will enjoy the one-of-a-kind menu through the expanded distribution with our partners at DoorDash and Grubhub.”