A Cedar Rapids restaurant that had served patrons for 32 years suddenly closed its doors for good this week.
Cedar Rapids Applebee’s Restaurant Closes
The Applebee’s Grill + Bar at 303 Collins Road NE opened its doors in November of 1994. I was a freshman in college. I hadn’t even met my wife yet! Rumors of its closing came true this week as the restaurant’s last day in business was Tuesday, September 29th. Yesterday, crews could be seen outside the restaurant taking the signage off the building. No more ‘eating good in the neighborhood’.
Why Did Applebee’s Close This Restaurant?
There are over 1400 Applebee’s restaurant locations in the United States. Earlier this year, the restaurant chain announced that it would be closing select underperforming locations. At the same time, around 80 dual-branded Applebee’s/IHOP restaurants have been introduced across the country. So why did the Collins Road location close? Rumors online about the rising cost of rent have not been confirmed, and a sign on the door of the restaurant also offers no other explanation.
Ryan Brainard/Brian LewisRyan Brainard/Brian Lewis
What Happened to The Employees?
According to Facebook posts, employees at the Collins Road Applebee’s were given the opportunity to work at the other Cedar Rapids location at 2645 Edgewood Road SW.
32 years is a long time for a restaurant. The funny thing is, my wife and I were just at this Applebee’s location last week. After taking homecoming pictures with our daughters, my wife was craving a bowl of their French Onion Soup. It was our last trip to the Applebee’s neighborhood.
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