Applebee’s closes three area restaurants but plans ‘KC revitalization’
Apple Central KC LLC, the local Kansas City franchisee of Applebee’s, plans to invest more than $3 million in its restaurants over the next two years.
Its “Kansas City Revitalization Plan” will include a “significant” refresh of the interior and exterior of many of its more than 20 Applebee’s restaurants. It also plans new Applebee’s locations and a “more aggressive push” to be involved in the local community.
In a statement, Bill Georgas, CEO of Apple Central KC LLC, said: “When we purchased these restaurants from Applebee’s corporate about two years ago, we recognized the great opportunity for restaurant development. New locations and extensive remodels have always been part of our long-term strategy for Kansas City.”
Exterior changes will vary by location but will include parking lots, landscaping, and upgrades to the facade of the buildings, while interior changes will focus on seating, tables, and carpeting. Many of the bar and foyer areas will be remodeled as well and new signage and sports-oriented items will be included in many of the remodels as part of its ongoing partnership with the Kansas City Royals.
The franchisee said it closed three area locations on May 30: at 8350 N. Church Road near Liberty, at 13201 State Line Road in south Kansas City, and at 701 S.E. Melody Lane in Lee’s Summit. Employees were offered positions at the other area locations.
In a statement, spokesman Scott Fischer, director of marketing for AFC Brands, said, “While restaurant closures are normal for brands with a large footprint, our franchise is dedicated to this community and has committed to a $3 million, 2-year Kansas City Revitalization Plan for the remaining 20+ Applebee’s restaurants in the Kansas City region.”
In late 2016, two area Applebee’s shut down — in Watts Mill Plaza and at the Great Mall of the Great Plains.
Joyce Smith: 816-234-4692, @JoyceKC
This story was originally published July 1, 2017 at 8:41 AM with the headline "Applebee’s closes three area restaurants but plans ‘KC revitalization’."