Are New Jersey Applebee's Restaurants on the Brink of Closing?

Well, this news royally stinks. Yet another restaurant chain will be trimming its list of locations by up to 35. Will New Jersey no longer be eatin' good in the Applebee's neighborhood?

I'm not gonna lie. The future of Applebee's in New Jersey looks bleak, and I'm not sure even a Walker Hayes song can help this time.

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Just last year, more than 40 poorly performing Applebee's were forced to close by the restaurant's parent company Dine Brands Global.

In spite of that Applebee's situation has not improved.

Applebee's Closing More Restaurants Nationwide

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During a recent fourth-quarter earnings call, Dine Brands Global's president reportedly revealed that the company expects to close between 25 and 35 more locations before this year is over, according to thesun.com.

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Ironically, however, Dine Brands Global plans to start building a different kind of Applebee's. You see, DBG also owns International House of Pancakes, Taste of Country reports. So, come 2025, you could see a few combination Applebee's/IHOP restaurants popping up in New Jersey. I guess they'd kind of look like those KFC/Taco Bell hybrids?

What Applebee's Restaurants in New Jersey are Closing?

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Admittedly, I haven’t been to an Applebee's in about eight months, but I wouldn’t want that option to be taken away from me, ya know?

Currently, there are about 35 Applebee's restaurants in New Jersey.

Atlantic City, Audubon, Brick, Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Clark, Deptford, Edison, Elizabeth, Forked River, Hamilton, Hammonton, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Lawrenceville, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Mays Landing, Middletown, Milltown, Mount Laurel, Newark, Ocean Township, Piscataway, Sicklerville, Somerdale, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Turnersville, Union, Voorhees, Westampton, Williamstown, and Woodbridge.

But right now, we don't know. Not to be a pessimist but I can't think ALL of them survive this upcoming round of closings. I'll keep you posted.

19 Country Stars With Their Own Bars + Restaurants

Of all of the side hustles country artists could partake in, opening a bar or restaurant is the most fitting — and very common. After all, many of these stars got their start on a barstool, tip jar nearby, playing their music for anyone who would listen.

These places feel like home for many of these singers. Over the years, several artists have gotten into the bar or restaurant game, and for a select few, brands have turned into franchises with several locations and/or concepts — we're looking at you, Jimmy Buffett!

Let's take a look at the country star food and entertainment venues that have opened over the years.

Gallery Credit: Jess