About Us

Company Overview

In 1980, William F. Palmer had a vision for
a friendly neighborhood bar and grill and
opened the original Applebee’s® on November
19, 1980 in Decatur, Georgia. Mr. Palmer grew
the concept, and, in 1983, sold the first
Applebee’s restaurants to W.R. Grace and
Company, remaining as president for two
years. In 1985, Mr. Palmer formed the
company, Café Ventures, d.b.a. Applebee’s,
and began operating restaurants as a
franchisee. W.R. Grace sold the restaurants in
1988, becoming Applebee’s International, Inc.
In 2008, Dine Equity, Inc. purchased the
company, thus becoming Applebee’s Services,
Inc. Today, Applebee’s is the largest casual
dining concept with over 2,000 locations
worldwide.

Our Mission

To offer the highest quality, guest-focused
experience in the casual dining segment of our
industry, with a fun working environment
emphasizing integrity, high standards and
financial reward.