I went there once. They forgot to cook my order and then gave me the “it’s going to be ready in a minute” shtick. I used to work in a similar type restaurant as a cook, and I know what was really going on.
After people who’d come in after us got their food I told the manager “We’re out of here. I want you to comp me the beer I drank while waiting”. He said no. That was it.
The only other time I even thought of going there was some time later, on a super hot day, only because they had AC. The line was too long, so I said “forget it”.
Now we make a game of making the sign of the cross every time we see one.
Service varies at any chain, because they are mostly franchisees.. I’ve had great and less than great service from applebees.. but generally its okay/good.
The universal thing with chains is simply food quality, it’s MEH food at best and its overpriced for being MEH.
Believe me I have no problem paying a pretty penny for a nice dinner if that is what I choose to do... But if I can go to a restaurant with much higher food quality and options with my family for $90-$100, please tell me why I should go to your place who is going to offer me merely sandwhiches, burgers and some meh entrees, and pay you $70-$80 (with Tip) for it?
Applebees, and most of these chains, are little more than the corner bar in terms of food quality at 30-40% higher price.