Applebee's Closes Multiple Locations in Indiana and Missouri

The casual dining chain cites rising costs and a 'normal part of running a mature national system' as reasons for the closures.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar, a popular American casual dining chain, has closed at least three locations in Indiana and Missouri as of February 2026, with another closure planned in New York. The company has attributed the closures to a 'normal part of running a mature national system' as well as rising operating costs, including food, utilities, and fuel.

Why it matters

Applebee's has been a staple in American communities for over 45 years, so the closure of several long-standing locations highlights the financial pressures facing the restaurant industry. The closures also come as Applebee's parent company, Dine Brands, focuses on expanding its dual-branded restaurants with IHOP, which may contribute to the selective shuttering of some standalone Applebee's locations.

The details

The confirmed Applebee's closures include two locations in Evansville, Indiana - one on East Morgan Avenue and another on Pearl Drive - as well as a restaurant near Stadium Boulevard in Columbia, Missouri. A fourth location on Saratoga Road in Glenville, New York is also set to close on April 12. The franchise owners cited rising operating costs, including food, utilities, and fuel, as the primary reason for the closures.

  • On February 19, 2026, the Applebee's locations in Evansville, Indiana closed.
  • On February 18, 2026, the Applebee's restaurant near Stadium Boulevard in Columbia, Missouri closed.
  • On April 12, 2026, the Applebee's location on Saratoga Road in Glenville, New York is set to close.

The players

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar

A popular American casual dining chain that has been in business for over 45 years, with between 1,500 to 1,600 locations as of 2026.

Dine Brands

The parent company of Applebee's and IHOP, which has been focused on expanding its dual-branded restaurant locations.

John Peyton

The president of Applebee's, who stated that restaurant closures are a 'normal part of running a mature national system' and that the company's strategy is working and focused on expanding its footprint.

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What’s next

The franchise owner of the Applebee's location in Glenville, New York stated that the restaurant will close on April 12, 2026 due to rising operating costs.

The takeaway

The closure of several long-standing Applebee's locations highlights the financial pressures facing the restaurant industry, including rising food, labor, and operating costs. However, Applebee's parent company Dine Brands remains committed to expanding the brand's footprint, including through dual-branded locations with IHOP, as part of its overall growth strategy.