Applebee's Franchise: Cost, Fees & Earnings
1,480 locations (2025), -2% YoY(Item 20)
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Median Revenue (AUV)
$2,822,904
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 19
Initial Investment
$3,192,516 – $5,822,933
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 7
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 5
Royalty
4%
Source: 2026 FDD, Item 6
About Applebee's
Applebee's franchises full-service restaurants specializing in moderately priced, high-quality food and alcoholic beverages in a casual setting. The business model centers on creating a neighborhood grill and bar atmosphere, appealing to families and adult groups. Target markets include a broad demographic seeking a comfortable dining experience with fast service and a diverse menu. The value proposition lies in offering a familiar, friendly environment with a wide range of menu options, including alcoholic beverages, encouraging regular patronage. Applebee's also explores non-traditional venues and virtual brands.
Gross Sales by Performance TierSource: 2026 FDD Item 19
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Additional Item 19 Analysis
Deeper Item 19 Analysis (Charts 3–6)
Openings & Closings, Transfer Rates, Franchise vs Corporate Mix
Applebee's vs Competitors
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Applebee's Franchise FAQ
How much does a Applebee's franchise cost?
Per Item 7 of the 2026 FDD Franchise Disclosure Document, the estimated initial investment ranges from $3,192,516 to $5,822,933.
What is the Applebee's franchise fee?
The FDD reports an initial franchise fee of $35,000.
What royalty does Applebee's charge?
The FDD reports an ongoing royalty of 4%.
How much revenue does a Applebee's franchise generate?
The 2026 FDD reports a median revenue per unit of $2,822,904 for fiscal year 2025. Individual results vary.
Can I finance a Applebee's franchise with an SBA loan?
Many franchise purchases are financed with SBA 7(a) loans covering a large share of the total project cost. You can check what you'd qualify for with Franchable's free SBA prequalification.
Data sourced from the brand's Franchise Disclosure Document. Franchable is not affiliated with or endorsed by Applebee's. This is not an offer to sell a franchise. Individual results vary.