This Merger Could Bring Applebee’s Back To Lufkin

Lufkin had an Applebee's, until the pandemic in 2020. It closed along with every other restaurant then, but it never reopened.

Like many restaurant locations, it was a double whammy for the chain and its future in Lufkin. The decline in business was a struggle before they closed for good during the first shutdown.

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Now the location in the Southloop Crossing shopping center is a thriving Tex-Mex restaurant. Though the owners call it El Mariachi Mexican Grill & Bar, it will always be affectionally known as Mexi-bee's, due to the repurposing of the old Applebee's location.

Enough Of The History. How Are We Getting An Applebee's Back In Lufkin?

What happened to our Applebee's wasn't an isolated incident for the company. They have continued to close locations across the country.

Did you know that the parent company of Applebee's also owns IHOP? According to CNN, Dine Brands is considering Applebee's and IHOP combination stores.

Dine Brands Owns Both Applebee's And IHOP

While they were busy shuttering 46 Applebee's in 2023 and opening 10, they opened 33 new IHOP restaurants. They are putting together a prototype hybrid store that they hope will prop up the Applebee's brand.

This combination already exists in other countries. The company just opened its 8th IHOP-Applebee's in Leon, Mexico.

Read More: Lufkin Mexican Food Spot Takes Over Old Applebee's

Just like combo KFC and Taco Bell restaurants, this would be the same type of dual restaurant. The company will continue to monitor its success and hopefully continue to open more.

Read More: One Lufkin Restaurant Received 57 Violations During Inspection

I hope it works and they bring the concept to Lufkin one day. Your dreams of having a double stack of pancakes with a Dollarita might just come true.