Will The Dozen Applebee’s Grill + Bars in Maine Add a Drive-Thru?

They are test driving the windows at 15 locations.

But if it works to help Applebee's bottom line, all 1600 Applebee's Bar and Grills throughout the country might get that window added. Eater did a story about what that might mean for the casual dining chain restaurant. They added two drive-thru windows in Texas and Louisianna, and they are doing another 13. Applebee's, like a lot of chain restaurants, have been struggling. However, they had a big jump in take-out and delivery orders during the pandemic. They jumped 27% and well, strike while the iron or Cheetos Boneless Wings are hot!

Amy McCarthy from Eater claims that chain restaurants like Applebee's are hurting and millennials are getting the blame. Why? Because millennials are killing all chain restaurants...so say some. But she claims it's not millennials being snobby and snubbing chains, it's the food. It's just not that good. Personally, I like it and with $1 Long Island ice teas...it's an option.

I think the problem for Applebee's in Maine, is that there are just so many other choices. I think of Applebee's as a place to have lunch with work buds or a bigger group of people where food wouldn't be the main focus, but rather the gathering. But if adding a drive-thru window helps, then I'm all for it. We have 12 Applebee's in Maine from Bangor to Biddeford.

This won't be a traditional drive-thru window with a menu board. It's more of a pick-up drive-thru. You'll need to order ahead either on the website or the app. But don't start driving to Applebee's by the mall looking for the drive-thru. It hasn't happened yet, and it will only happen if it's a moneymaker for the hurting chain.