Last week, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar held their annual franchise conference in Scottsdale, Ariz. to celebrate triumphs, recognize excellent restaurant performance and community involvement, and outline plans for future growth and performance.
During the conference, Applebee’s President, John Cywinski announced the launch of the Bill Palmer Legacy Scholarship in honor of Applebee’s late founder, Bill Palmer. This new scholarship program aims to award 100 scholarships annually to current Applebee’s restaurant team members and their children. The program was established by Neighborhood Restaurant Partners, Palmer’s former franchise group, in his honor.
“Since its founding, Applebee’s has always focused on its people and making a positive impact on our neighborhoods, and that was because of Bill,” said Joe Langteau, CEO, Neighborhood Restaurant Partners. “Bill loved this brand and giving back to those people who believe in it. This new scholarship program will allow team members working for Applebee’s and their children the opportunity to continue their education.”
Current Applebee’s team members and their children who are interested in applying for the scholarship, can visit LearnMore.ScholarsApply.org/BillPalmer for more information. Applications will be accepted starting December 1, 2021, through January 31, 2022. The inaugural group of scholarship recipients will be notified of their award by April 1, 2022.
“Bill was a true pioneer and an industry icon,” says John Cywinski, President, Applebee’s. “Most importantly, he was a champion for our exceptional restaurant teams who represent the Applebee’s brand day in and day out, under challenging circumstances. I can’t think of a better legacy for Bill than providing annual college scholarships for deserving team members and their families. He would be very proud of this program.”
In addition to announcing the new scholarship program, Applebee’s awarded this year’s franchisees who are committed to brand success, guest service, operational excellence, and community involvement.
