Applebee's Closes Multiple Locations Across Three States

The popular restaurant chain is shutting down some of its long-standing restaurants in New York, Missouri, and Indiana.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Applebee's, one of America's most popular restaurant chains, is closing at least four locations across three states - New York, Missouri, and Indiana. The closures include restaurants that had been in business for over 30 years, with the company citing a need to focus on new market expansion as the reason behind the shutdowns.

Why it matters

The Applebee's closures highlight the challenges facing the restaurant industry, even for well-established brands, as they navigate changing consumer preferences, economic conditions, and competitive pressures. The shutdowns also raise questions about the long-term viability of some of the chain's older locations and whether the company's strategy of opening new restaurants in new markets will be successful.

The details

The affected Applebee's locations include a restaurant in Evansville, Indiana that had been open for over 30 years, a location in Glenville, New York that will close in April 2026 after a decade in business, and a restaurant in west Columbia, Missouri that permanently shut down in February 2026. Applebee's cited the need to focus on new market expansion as the reason behind the closures, despite the chain's overall popularity and high customer satisfaction scores.

  • In February 2026, two Applebee's locations in Evansville, Indiana closed suddenly.
  • The Applebee's restaurant in Glenville, New York is set to close on April 12, 2026.
  • The Applebee's location in west Columbia, Missouri closed permanently on February 18, 2026.

The players

Applebee's

One of America's most popular restaurant chains, known for its casual dining experience and neighborhood-focused approach.

Flynn Group

The world's largest restaurant franchise operator, which signed an agreement with Applebee's in 2024 to open 25 new restaurants in new markets across the United States over the next seven years.

Tony Moralejo

The president of Applebee's, who expressed confidence in the brand's partnership with Flynn Group and the potential for expansion into new markets.

Greg Flynn

The founder and CEO of Flynn Group, who expressed excitement about continuing to build and grow the Applebee's brand, which has been a special one for the company for the past 25 years.

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What they’re saying

“After 44 years as the neighborhood dining destination in America, this agreement reinforces the confidence in the Applebee's brand from our largest franchisee—and the largest franchise operator in the world—Flynn Group.”

— Tony Moralejo, President of Applebee's

“Applebee's has always been a special brand for us, as it has been for millions of guests throughout the country. We feel the love and passion our guests have for Applebee's every day, and we're excited to continue building and growing with Applebee's, as we have for the past two-and-a-half decades.”

— Greg Flynn, Founder and CEO of Flynn Group

What’s next

Applebee's and its franchise partner, Flynn Group, are expected to continue their expansion plans, opening 25 new restaurants in new markets across the United States over the next seven years.

The takeaway

The Applebee's closures highlight the challenges facing even well-established restaurant chains as they navigate changing consumer preferences, economic conditions, and competitive pressures. However, the company's partnership with the world's largest franchise operator, Flynn Group, suggests it remains committed to growth and expansion in new markets, despite the need to shutter some of its older locations.