How Much Does It Cost to Open a Sports Bar?
Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
Jul 16, 2026
One of the largest U.S. Cyclospora outbreaks hits 34 states; Taco Bell pulls produce in Michigan as FDA and CDC trace the source.
Jul 16, 2026
Chick-fil-A will refresh 200+ multi-sensory playgrounds by 2026 to boost dine-in traffic and loyalty, adding app content and toys as rivals upgrade experiences.
Jul 16, 2026
Ex-consultant Michael Creatore acquires six Mold Medics territories across central Ohio, partnering with Threshold Brands amid a growing mold remediation market.
Jul 16, 2026
Pizza Hut launches a Throwback Value Menu, app rewards, and a streetwear drop as ownership shifts and the brand bets on nostalgia to steady sales.
Jul 16, 2026
Domino's adds strategic expertise to its Board by appointing leaders from major brands. Learn what this means for restaurant owners' competitive growth.
Jul 16, 2026
Chipotle’s $1 million burrito giveaway during the World Cup final hydration break takes fan engagement and promotional creativity to new heights, setting a best-in-class example for restaurant marketers.
Jul 16, 2026
Wonder’s $650 million funding round at a $9 billion valuation signals a new era in restaurant tech, expansion, and automation. Here’s what operators need to know.
Jul 16, 2026
Explore how Applebee’s is driving consistency, accelerating growth, and integrating new menu items under new leadership to elevate restaurant performance.
Photo by Naoki Suzuki
With the recent leadership changes at Applebee’s, the focus has shifted towards optimizing operations to ensure restaurant success. The appointment of Wong, with his extensive operations experience from the hotel industry, signals a strategic move by the brand to scale global teams, drive consistency, and lead transformations.
Photo by Naoki Suzuki
To extend its sales growth, Applebee’s is incorporating new premium and value-oriented menu items like the Two-for-$25 offer, Bourbon Street pasta, and Sizzlin’ Skillets and Steak. While these additions can introduce complexities by adding new SKUs and processes, the brand ensures a rigorous process under Wong’s oversight. Testing new dishes in the corporate kitchen and with franchisees before broad rollout highlights a commitment to seamless menu integration.
Photo by Naoki Suzuki
Under Chin's leadership, Applebee’s is poised to leverage value-based marketing as a key strategy moving forward. With a background in consumer brands like Starbucks, Godiva, and Unilever, Chin brings valuable insights to enhance the brand's marketing efforts. Strengthening the in-house marketing team and expanding reach on social media have already shown significant results, with notable increases in engagement across various platforms.
Photo by Naoki Suzuki
The goal of Applebee’s under its new leadership is to elevate restaurant performance by fostering agility and operational excellence. By working closely with teams and franchisees, there is a strong emphasis on driving consistency and accelerating growth. The brand's commitment to a meticulous process in integrating new menu items and its value-based marketing approach positions Applebee’s for continued success in the competitive casual dining market.