Applebee’s 20-Year Run Ends in California as Calexico Restaurant Sets Final Serving Date

Applebee’s customers in Calexico, California, are preparing to say goodbye to a restaurant that has been part of the community for more than two decades. The longtime location will permanently close on June 23, ending a 20-year run and affecting nearly 30 employees.

The closure was confirmed by local outlet KYMA. The exact reason for the shutdown has not been publicly disclosed.

The restaurant’s closure comes just weeks after the nearby Calexico 10 Theatres also shut down, adding to concerns among residents about the loss of familiar businesses in the area. For many locals, Applebee’s was more than a national chain restaurant. It was a regular spot for family meals, casual dinners, birthdays and weekend gatherings.

Applebee’s Calexico Closure Comes Amid Wider Restaurant Changes

The Calexico shutdown comes as Applebee’s parent company, Dine Brands Global, continues to adjust its restaurant strategy across the United States. Applebee’s has already seen several closures this year, including locations in Glenville, New York; McHenry, Illinois; and two restaurants in Evansville, Indiana.

The brand has also faced pressure from franchise-related challenges. One operator, Neighborhood Restaurant Partners Florida, closed multiple Applebee’s restaurants before filing for bankruptcy. In total, the franchisee had already shut down 14 locations in the year before its filing.

While the reason behind the Calexico closure has not been disclosed, the restaurant industry has seen a growing number of shutdowns in recent years. Applebee’s has not been immune to those pressures, with several locations affected by franchise restructuring and financial challenges, including closures tied to an Applebee’s franchise bankruptcy earlier this year.

Dine Brands Pushes Applebee’s-IHOP Dual-Branded Strategy

Even as some Applebee’s locations close, Dine Brands is moving forward with a broader dual-branded Applebee’s-IHOP strategy. The company has said it plans to operate around 80 dual-branded restaurants by the end of the year and has announced 50 more openings for 2026.

Internal company analysis has suggested there may be room for as many as 900 dual-branded Applebee’s-IHOP restaurants over the next decade. The idea is to combine two well-known dining brands in one location, allowing restaurants to serve more customers across breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night hours.

Dine Brands CEO John Peyton has said the company believes combining the two brands can increase sales, improve efficiency and support stronger profits for franchisees. He has also pointed to simpler operations as a way for team members to focus more on guest experience.

For Calexico, however, the immediate impact is local. Nearly 30 workers are affected, and a restaurant that served the city for more than 20 years is preparing for its final weeks. Unless a new plan for the site is announced, June 23 will mark the end of Applebee’s long presence in the community.

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