American chain pleases since 1980

Grilled Chicken Wonton Tacos ($13.99)

By Jack Danilewicz

The Applebee’s Grill & Bar chain was start ed in 1980 by Bill and T.J. Palmer, who opened their first location (named then as T.J. Applebee’s Rx for Edibles & Elixirs) in Decatur, Georgia in November of that year. Today, Applebee’s operates under the banner of Dine Brands Global Inc., which also owns IHOP and has 1,990 locations in the United States alone, including three on the island of Oahu — in Aiea, Ewa Beach and Kapolei.

The dining chain’s main field of concentration has always been to provide classic American fare in a casual atmosphere. Salads, shrimp and chicken pasta are among their featured items, in addition to pork riblets, long considered the restaurants’ signature dish. Except where prohibited by law, Applebee’s locations, including all three on Oahu, feature a bar area, where alcoholic beverages are served.

Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken (17.99)

CHICKEN FOR YOUR PICKIN’

While the riblets and burgers at Applebee’s often make the restaurants’ headlines, for the health conscious, one may wish to order Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken ($17.99), which is the personal favorite of Thalia Aguinaldo, general manager at the Applebee’s Kapolei location. The Cedar Grilled Lemon Chicken is enhanced by a Granny Smith apple relish, rice, cranberries, honey-glazed pecans and quinoa.

Before reaching the main course, you may want to try Applebees’ most popular appetizer, Grilled Chicken Wonton Tacos ($13.99). Throughout the meal, diners can take advantage of the eatery’s drink special: 10-ounce Dos Equis drafts are just $2 all month long.