Craveworthy Expands to India With Genghis Grill, Dirty Dough
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings launches Poppin’ Ranch, a 99-cent popping-candy ranch add-on, designed to spark sensory buzz and impulse trials ahead of Wing Day.
Jul 17, 2026
Wonder closed a $650M Series D at a $9B valuation to expand locations and invest in robotics, AI, and delivery tech, accelerating its automation-first restaurant model.
Jul 17, 2026
Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and 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
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
Discover how Applebee's leveraged social media to drive growth, engage consumers, and launch a successful NFL season campaign.
Photo by Marina Matusevich
Photo by Marina Matusevich
Applebee's recent success in driving a 4.9% increase in same-store sales in Q2 2025 can be attributed to its strategic shift towards leveraging social media as a core element of its marketing approach. By enhancing its in-house social media team and focusing on real-time engagement, the casual dining chain saw remarkable improvements in consumer reach and brand resonance.
John Peyton, CEO of parent Dine Brands and president of Applebee’s, highlighted the benefits of an agile, in-house-led approach to social storytelling during an earnings call. The brand's emphasis on creating original content, embracing trending moments, and maintaining authenticity has significantly elevated its presence on platforms like TikTok, X, and Meta. Applebee's saw substantial growth in video views, user reach, and engagement, showcasing the impact of staying culturally relevant.
Applebee's upcoming NFL season campaign, positioning itself as the official grill and bar of the league, demonstrates the brand's commitment to meeting consumers where they are culturally. The focus on the Ultimate Trio menu item, offering a mix-and-match experience, coupled with engaging ads featuring NFL personalities, aims to create a memorable game day experience and establish a deeper connection with fans.
In a competitive casual dining landscape, Applebee's success is also attributed to its three-part strategy of enhanced menus, value platforms, and elevated guest experiences. By offering attractive deals like the two for $25 promotion, Applebee's not only delivers value but also encourages guests to explore new menu items, fostering loyalty and driving sales growth.