Applebee’s NNN Property for Sale
Are you looking to buy or sell an Applebee’s Ground Lease Property, an Applebee’s NNN Lease Property, or an Applebee’s property for a 1031 exchange? Applebee’s restaurant properties may offer opportunities for investors seeking single-tenant net lease commercial real estate.
Whether you are exploring Applebee’s NNN properties for sale, Applebee’s triple net lease investments, or Applebee’s ground lease opportunities, it is important to review the lease terms, rental income, property location, tenant obligations, and remaining lease duration before investing.
For assistance with buying or selling Applebee’s net lease properties, please email info@nnndeals.com. Our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
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| Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar | |
| Type | Subsidiary |
| Industry | Restaurants |
| Genre | Casual dining |
| Founded | November 19, 1980 Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Founders | Bill Palmer T. J. Palmer |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
Number of locations | 1,787 (December 31, 2019)[1] |
Areas served | United States, Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, Panama, Brazil, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates |
Key people | John Cywinski (President)[2] Stephen Bulgarelli (Chief Culinary Officer)[3] |
| Products | American cuisine (burgers • chicken • pasta • ribs • salads • seafood • soup • steak • appetizers • sandwiches • wraps • kids menu) |
Number of employees | 28,000 (2013)[4] |
| Parent | Dine Brands Global (2007–present) |
| Website | www |
Applebee’s – Leading Casual Dining Restaurant Brand
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar is a popular casual dining brand offering American favorites, burgers, steaks, salads, and family-friendly dining. It is part of Dine Brands Global, Inc., headquartered in Pasadena, California.
Applebee’s NNN Properties attract commercial real estate investors exploring restaurant properties and single-tenant net lease investments. As of December 28, 2025, Applebee’s had 1,579 restaurants worldwide, including 1,520 franchised and 59 company-owned locations.
Current Market Position
Applebee’s maintains a strong presence in the American casual dining market. In fiscal 2025, domestic same-restaurant sales increased 1.3% year over year, while average weekly franchise restaurant sales were approximately $54,300.
Investors researching Applebee’s Ground Lease Property and Applebee’s NNN Lease Properties should evaluate each property’s location, lease terms, tenant financial position, and remaining lease duration.
History
Bill and T.J. Palmer founded Applebee’s in 1980, opening the first restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The brand expanded through franchising and became known as Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar.
In 2007, IHOP Corp. acquired Applebee’s International, and the combined business later became Dine Brands Global. Applebee’s subsequently expanded across the United States and international markets through franchise operations.
Investors can explore Applebee’s NNN Properties for Sale, Applebee’s Triple Net Lease Investments, and Applebee’s Ground Lease Properties. Buyers should verify lease provisions, tenant obligations, and property-level financial details, including for potential 1031 exchanges.
For information about buying or selling Applebee’s net lease properties, contact info@nnndeals.com.
The Concept
Applebee’s success is largely driven by its casual dining concept, which combines a welcoming atmosphere with popular American dishes, including shrimp, pasta, chicken, salads, and its signature riblets. The brand has expanded across the United States and international markets through franchising, attracting customers and investors interested in restaurant real estate.
How It Originated
Bill and T.J. Palmer founded Applebee’s in 1980 after pursuing their ambition to own a restaurant. The brand grew from a neighborhood dining concept into a recognized casual dining chain, expanding through franchising across the United States and beyond.
How It Got Its Name
After considering several names, including Appleby’s, Cinnamon’s, and Peppers, the founders selected the name T.J. Applebee’s. The first restaurant opened in Decatur, Georgia, in 1980. In 1986, the brand adopted the name Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.
The Owners
Applebee’s expanded during the 1980s and was sold to W. R. Grace and Company before being acquired by a Kansas City franchisee in 1988. In 2007, IHOP’s parent company acquired Applebee’s for approximately $2.1 billion. The combined company became DineEquity, later renamed Dine Brands Global, Inc., which also operates IHOP.
Transformations Under Dine Brands Global
Under its parent company, Applebee’s pursued franchising and real estate strategies, including refranchising and selected sale-leaseback transactions. These strategies can help restaurant operators manage real estate assets and capital requirements. Individual investment opportunities depend on the property, lease structure, tenant obligations, and financial terms.
Applebee’s NNN Lease Properties
Applebee’s NNN Lease Properties may interest investors seeking restaurant real estate with net lease structures. Depending on the agreement, tenants may be responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance expenses.
Investors exploring Applebee’s Ground Lease Properties or Applebee’s properties for a 1031 exchange should review lease duration, rent escalations, tenant creditworthiness, and property-level financial information before investing.
For current opportunities, explore NNN property listings or contact info@nnndeals.com.
Applebee’s for 1031 Exchange, Applebee’s Ground Lease Property or Applebee’s NNN Lease Property for Sale:
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