Applebee's Grill and Bar began with a single restaurant in suburban Atlanta in 1980. It has since grown to one of America's most popular restaurants with over 2,000 locations in 49 states, two U.S. territories and 17 countries, but there has never been a location in Hawaii—until now.
Hawaii's first Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar opens October 3.
On October 3, Applebee's marks a milestone, when Hawaii—the last remaining state in the Union without an Applebee's—gets its first restaurant in Ewa Beach on Oahu.
The new Applebee's restaurant will feature the brand's new American-made, wood-fired grill menu which includes certified USDA Choice steaks and bone-in pork chops that are hand-cut in-house, as well as chicken, shrimp and salad entrees that benefit from the smoky fresh taste of food being grilled over American oak wood.
A second Applebee's location is already planned to open next year at the Ka Makana Alii Mall in West Oahu.
Applebee's will also bring the tradition of helping the neighborhood to Hawaii by sponsoring a month of fundraising activities for Make-A-Wish Hawaii, which grants wishes for children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions. Beginning in mid-September, the restaurant will offer the charity's "Stars" for purchase in restaurant, and will contribute $1 from each sale of a designated Applebee's menu item, among other fundraising activities. These events will culminate with a ceremony where a very special surprise will be revealed to a local Wish child.
"For 36 years, Applebee's has been America's first choice neighborhood grill and bar, for guests all across the United States, and increasingly, around the world–with one exception, our great 50th state," says Daniel del Olmo, president, International, DineEquity Inc., the parent company of Applebee's. "I am delighted that as of today, we can say 'Aloha' to our friends and neighbors in Oahu and welcome them to the first Applebee's in Hawaii."
"We are delighted and honored that we are the franchise partner who at long last, has brought this great brand to Hawaii," adds Vince Espino, president, Apple Five-O LLC. "We look forward to welcoming guests to Applebee's and to being a part of the neighborhood–and through our support of Make-A-Wish Hawaii, being a great new neighbor. I know the community will be generous—and in addition to the donations we receive, we plan to match their contributions dollar for dollar."
This location is expected to bring 136 new jobs to the local economy, and is located at 91-1401 Fort Weaver Road, Ewa Beach. It seats approximately 128 guests and is open Sunday through Thursday from 11am to midnight, and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
