Struggles in Casual Dining
Casual dining restaurant brands, including Applebee's, faced a rough 2024, according to Franchise Times' Top 400 ranking.
Of the four concepts in the subcategory, three experienced declines in sales and units. Applebee's, owned by Dine Brands, had a difficult year with sales falling by more than 5 percent and its unit count shrinking.
John Peyton, CEO of Dine Brands, said evolving guest expectations and economic shifts resulted in a challenging year.
- Applebee's: sales fell by more than 5 percent, unit count shrunk
- Other concepts, such as Johnny Rockets, also experienced declines
- The Melting Pot remains committed to its experience, despite challenges
Author's summary: Casual dining brands struggled in 2024 due to changing guest expectations and economic shifts.