I used to love Applebee’s. After learning what I know now, I’m not so sure I trust them anymore. Here are 15 Applebee’s secrets to keep in mind for your next trip.
What Was Applebee’s Original Name?
This is an Applebee’s secret that nobody can guess at. Seriously, you’re definitely not going to guess it correctly. It was “T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs.”
Where did a name like that even come from? It seems far from their current purpose. Well, it was named after the chain’s founders, Bill and T.J. Palmer.
According to the Applebee’s website, the Palmers opened their first location on November 19th, 1980, in Decatur, Georgia. The name wasn’t changed until 1986.
Club Applebee’s
No, we’re not talking about their exclusive discounts club. It’s an actual nightclub. Yep, that’s a thing — and don’t bring your kids, because it’s not family-friendly.
The details are disturbing. The club is called “Club Bee’s Late Night,” and encourages women to dance on the bar “covered in whip cream” until 2 a.m.
In 2012, Business Insider wrote an expose on the ridiculousness that is Applebee’s after 10 p.m. Trust us when we say that the photos aren’t pretty.
Almost Everything is Microwaved
Sigh. Unfortunately, the majority of the food at Applebee’s is, in fact, microwaved. What’s worse? Some (very unsanitary) Applebee’s locations prep food for the week!
Could you imagine your server handing you something that’s been sitting in the fridge or freezer all week? Well, if you’ve been to Applebee’s, you don’t have to.
“The amount of food cooked in a microwave is pretty high,” Reddit user Applebuddy219 writes. “I have heard stories about other Applebee’s prepping items for the week…”
It’s Easy to Receive a Refund
As long as your complaint isn’t too outrageous. (We’re looking at you, Ricky Bobby.) Apparently, it’s pretty simple getting a refund at most Applebee’s locations.
If you’re unhappy with your food, flag down your server. “I’ve been a part of a crew that was struggling to get appetizers out before meals,” says Applebuddy219.
They continue to say that the crew “[struggled] to get dishes out before the hour mark. You have every right to be upset…I would be.”
Applebee’s Goes Through Lots of Ranch
We’re not exaggerating here. Apparently, they go through, like, three-to-four cases per week, if Redditors are to be believed. That’s a lot of ranch dressing.
While the kitchen staff doesn’t handle the ranch dressing, user Sebastianc2012 says the restaurant goes through tons of the stuff. And the saddest part?
Nearly 20 percent of it is wasted, thanks to forgetful customers. “Each [case] has eight bags…each bag can refill a regular…bottle probably six-to-seven times,” Sebastianc2012 writes.
Certain Side Items Have Plastic
In the book “The American Way of Eating,” author Tracie McMillan spills a few Applebee’s secrets. She divulges what she will and will not eat at Applebee’s.
McMillan went undercover working as a line cook to see how the American food system really works. What she found was disappointing, to say the least.
She told Business Insider that mashed potatoes were used past their expiration date. Broccoli also came pre-packaged and coated in flakes of plastic.
The Under-550 Calorie Menu is a Lie
According to Reddit user, ApplebeesWageslave, the “Under-550 Calorie” menu is a total lie. In fact, it’s filled with unhealthy options. The items are loaded with fat and salt.
“Only half the items are…550 calories or less,” ApplebeesWageslave writes. “The rest are scored using the Weight Watchers’ point system, so they have [a] higher calorie content.”
They continue to say that few people read the menu, so they’re being misled. “It says in the fine print that they aren’t [under 550 calories],” they explain.
What’s the Healthiest Menu Item?
Health nuts swear by the grilled chicken breast. Although our good friend Applebuddy219 doesn’t eat at work often, his healthy-ish go-to is the grilled chicken breast.
It’s served with a side of broccoli. Unlike the monstrosity that is the Oriental Chicken Salad, this meal will only set you back 190 calories.
“I don’t eat at work a lot, but when I do I spring for the Grilled Chicken Breast,” Applebuddy219 writes. “It usually depends on who’s on the grill.”
Late-Night Happy Hour
You can score half-price apps during this time window. Bonus: You can get $1 Mai Tais the entire month of August.
Most Applebee’s locations offer half-price appetizers after 9 p.m. on weekdays and after 10 p.m. on weekends. Some locations may have a late-afternoon happy hour, but you should contact your local hub to find out the specifics.
In addition to half-priced apps, every day through August 31st, 2019, Applebee’s customers can snag a 10 oz. Mai Tai cocktail (made with rum, pineapple, passion fruit, black cherry, lime, and orange flavors) for just $1.
What’s The Crowd Favorite?
While the grilled chicken is pretty good, the Four Cheese Mac N Cheese With Honey Pepper Chicken Tenders takes the cake. It’s the perfect combo of sweet and spicy.
It’s Applebee’s take on our childhood favorites. It’s made with four different cheeses, penne pasta, applewood-smoked bacon, and crispy chicken tenders tossed in honey pepper sauce.
I’ve never had this meal, but it looks tasty. It’s also pretty popular on Reddit. Even ApplebeesWageslave seems to like it. That’s how good it is.
Does Steak Get Microwaved?
Thankfully, it doesn’t (unlike some of Applebee’s other foods). Steak usually goes back on the grill if it gets sent back. As it should.
According to user Sebastianc2012, a former Applebee’s line cook, he’s never seen a steak go in the microwave. “If it’s undercooked, It normally goes back on the grill.”
He goes on to say that it’s for a quick period of time, before it’s sent back out. That’s reassuring, right? It’s the first Applebee’s secret that is.
The “Riblets” Are Questionable
Applebee’s Riblets come to the restaurant pre-cooked and packaged in an airtight bag. Riblets returned to the Applebee’s menu in January 2018 as part of an “all-you-can-eat” promotion.
For $12.99, customers could order one 12 oz. serving of rib tips with a side of fries and dipping sauce. They could also get unlimited six-ounce servings.
Now, Applebee’s has upped the ante (and the price) by adding tenders and shrimp to the all-you-can-eat deal. If you can stomach the mystery sauce, then have at it.
“Apple Buddies”
This is what co-workers are referred to (at least, in some locations). Hence, our friend Applebuddy219’s username. I mean, it’s kind of cute, right?
Usually, you’d refer to your co-workers as, well, co-workers. Charlotte in sales, Jess in accounting, and so on. But at Applebee’s, co-workers are referred to as “Apple Buddies.”
The term is so trendy, even the Urban Dictionary has an entry for it. Even so, the actual employees aren’t too fond of the nickname.
The Potato Twisters
This was the most delicious of Applebee’s secrets. But they’re no longer on the menu. I’ve had my fair share of Applebee’s trips, but I’ve never heard of them.
From what I’ve gathered, they’re like chips. The potatoes are thinly-sliced, twisted, baked, and seasoned with a chipotle lime. Then, they’re served with warm queso.
People loved the app so much that there are hundreds of copycat recipes for DIY Potato Twisters online. You can revive it in your own kitchen!
Applebee’s is Owned By IHOP
IHOP agreed to buy Applebee’s for a pretty penny on July 16, 2007. Can you guess how much? Hint: it’s over one million.
Turns out, they saw Applebee’s value and bought the chain for $2.1 billion. After the buyout, IHOP Corp. changed its name to DineEquity, Inc.
Today, the company is known as Dine Brands Global. Their main properties are Applebee’s and IHOP, though they also own Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.
Conclusion
And there you have it — the most delicious, scandalous, and all-around shocking Applebee’s secrets. While some of them made me crave chicken breast, I don’t think I can ever look at broccoli the same way again. Hopefully, you had some fun reading through these, and we didn’t totally ruin your favorite restaurant chain.
