Like many fast casual restaurants, Applebee’s unveiled a smaller menu after sales took a big hit during the pandemic. While the sales are now improving, the company says they’re sticking with the change.
Applebee’s presient John Cywinski told CNN Business "We're going to keep [the menu] lean." He said Applebee’s cut down its menu from about 160 times to only 100 last year, and the goal is to keep the menu around that current size moving forward.
Some of the not-so-popular menu items that are no longer available include the BBQ brisket tacos, sweet and savory grilled chicken, clam chowder, loaded potato soup, a brunch burger and the chain's triple bacon burger.
Cywinski said that without these items on the menu, “the food comes out faster.” He also said it “comes out tasting great, very consistent,” noting that the overall change “makes the restaurant more efficient.”
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The outlet reports that in 2020, sales at Applebee’s locations for at least a year fell about 22%. In the first quarter of this year, however, those sales at the same restaurants jumped to about 12%, showing signs of recovery, the outlet added.
Applebee’s has been growing back their customers with all new promotions. In February, the company offered all-new 5 boneless chicken wings for $1 combo deal.
In January, the company also began offering giant $5 cocktails and crispy shrimp for $1 with any steak entrée. Cocktails included the New Tipsy Snowman made with Tito’s Vodka and Malibu coconut rum, pineapple, passion fruit, cherry, lime and topped with gummy candies, and the new Blue Raspberry Freeze, which is a frozen daiquiri made with Bacardi rum, blue raspberry swirl.
Both beverages are a fun bright blue color and served in their oversized "Mucho" glasses.
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