The Applebee’s restaurant at 1260 N. Brightleaf Boulevard in Smithfield closed permanently on Tuesday. The Smithfield store apparently was one of an estimated 60 to 80 restaurants its parent company, Dine Brand Global, plans to close in 2018.
The company also owns IHOP. They plan to close 30 to 40 IHOP locations across the US this year. In 2017, 99 Applebee’s and 23 IHOPs were closed. The company sustained a $324 million loss in 2017 according to Fox Business.
Earlier this year, Dine Brand Global said they still planned to open 85 to 100 new IHOP locations and 10 to 14 new Applebee’s.
In a statement from an Applebee’s spokesperson on the Smithfield closing the company representative said, “We greatly appreciate our neighbors’ patronage and look forward to continuing to serve guests at the nearby Applebee’s restaurants in the area. All team members were offered positions at nearby restaurants.”
“The Town has just learned of the Applebee’s closing,” said Tim Kerigan Public Information Officer and Economic Development Liaison for the Town of Smithfield. “It is sad to see them leave, as they have been a great business partner with the Town. It is unknown how many job losses will result, but we hope that we can attract a new business to locate there quickly.”
Photos by John Payne
