Applebee’s is closing some underperforming locations nationwide, but no restaurants in Brevard County have announced plans to shut down. The chain has not released an official list of closures, and franchisees have cited rising costs for food, fuel, and utilities as challenges. Applebee’s has closed a handful of locations since February 2026, but specific details remain unclear. Four Florida locations closed in 2025, and another in Ormond Beach closed March 9. Brevard’s three Applebee’s restaurants are at 3001 W. Eau Gallie Blvd., Melbourne; 1545 Palm Bay Road NE, Palm Bay; and 100 N. Sykes Creek Parkway, Merritt Island.
Applebee’s President John Peyton told USA TODAY that closures are normal for a mature national chain. He said the company is focused on growth, planning to open more restaurants this year than in previous years. The chain has not confirmed which locations will close, but reports earlier this year named sites in Indiana, Missouri, and New York. In Florida, closures occurred in Daytona Beach, Gainesville, Pinellas Park, and St. Petersburg in 2025.
The first Applebee’s opened in 1980, and the brand has expanded and contracted over decades. Current closures reflect broader industry pressures, including inflation and shifting consumer habits. While Brevard’s locations remain open, franchisees elsewhere face uncertainty. No local officials have commented on potential impacts, and Applebee’s has not provided data on Brevard’s performance.
The chain’s national strategy includes both closing underperforming sites and expanding in areas with growth potential. Peyton’s statement emphasizes that closures do not define the company’s direction. For now, Brevard’s three Applebee’s restaurants are operating as usual, with no public announcements of changes. Customers and employees in the county are watching closely but have not seen signs of imminent closure.