Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations in Duluth, Cloquet and Superior will not be closing, a corporate franchisee announced Monday following news that up to 135 Applebee’s restaurants will be shuttered across the country this year.
“We, Apple American Group, a subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group, wanted to assure our valued guests and employees that this announcement in no way affects franchised Applebee’s locations that we own and operate,” Apple American Group CEO Greg Flynn said in a statement.
The San Francisco-based franchisee runs about 50 Applebee’s in Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Locations in Grand Rapids, Bemidji and Brainerd will also remain open.
The parent company of Applebee’s, DineEquity Inc., said Friday the company is “closing underperforming restaurants and enhancing the supply chain” for the sake of “long-term brand health.”
