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 visible chain restaurants with over 2,000 locations in 49 states, two U.S. territories and 17 countries. And there had never been a location in Hawaii—until now.
On October 3, Applebee’s marked a milestone, when Hawaii—the last remaining state in the Union without an Applebee’s—got its first restaurant in Ewa Beach on Oahu (location pictured atop).
The new Applebee’s restaurant will feature the brand’s new American-made, wood-fired grill menu, the company says in a press release, which includes 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, the company says, which grants wishes for children diagnosed with life-threatening medical conditions.
Ribbon cutting at the new Applebee’s location at Ewa Beach on Oahu, Hawaii.
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.
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 11 a.m. to midnight, and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
