KANSAS CITY - The majority of the Applebee's restaurants in the Kansas City Metro were abruptly closed today, leaving only two still in operation.
A total of eight Applebee's were shuttered, including locations in Leavenworth, Lee's Summit, Mission, Olathe, Overland Park, Raytown and Kansas City, Kansas.
Applebee's President Tony Moralejo calls the closures unfortunate and says this decision was made by the franchisee.
"Applebee's restaurants are independently owned and operated by franchisees. The closure of eight restaurants in the Kansas City market look to be the result of financial circumstances and decisions made by the franchisee."
Moralejo says they are exploring options for the future for the impacted locations.
The Applebee's that are still open in the area are in Blue Springs and Gladstone.