CALIFORNIA, Md. — The Applebee’s restaurant located at 45480 Miramar Way in California has permanently closed, ending more than three decades of service to the Southern Maryland community.
A notice posted on the restaurant’s front door informed customers that the location had closed permanently and thanked patrons for their support over the years.
A notice posted on the front door of Applebee’s in California announces the restaurant’s permanent closure after more than three decades of service to the Southern Maryland community. (Photo courtesy of The BayNet)
“We have proudly served this community for over 30 years,” the sign states. “We appreciate your ongoing patronage and hope you’ll visit our next closest location.”
The notice directs customers to the nearest remaining Applebee’s restaurant in Prince Frederick.
The closure leaves a vacant restaurant space along the busy commercial corridor near St. Mary’s Square, an area that has long served as a dining and retail hub for residents of St. Mary’s County.
A Familiar Gathering Place
For many local residents, the California Applebee’s served as a familiar destination for family dinners, after-game celebrations, casual lunches and late-night gatherings. The restaurant had operated in the community for more than three decades, becoming one of the area’s longest-standing national casual dining establishments.
Located just off Three Notch Road, the restaurant occupied a prominent location near major shopping centers, hotels and businesses, attracting both local residents and visitors to the Lexington Park and California area.
As of Tuesday, signage remained on the building, while a closure notice was displayed on the entrance doors.
Part Of A Larger Industry Trend
The closure comes as Applebee’s and other casual dining chains continue to face challenges, including rising operating costs, changing consumer dining habits and increased competition from fast-casual restaurants and takeout services.
According to Yahoo Finance, Applebee’s parent company, Dine Brands, has acknowledged that underperforming locations across the country may close as part of broader restructuring efforts, even as the company continues investing in new concepts and dual-branded restaurant models. Recent Applebee’s closures have occurred in several states during 2026.
While the California location now appears to be closed, Applebee’s corporate website had continued listing the restaurant among its Maryland locations as of Tuesday.
Looking Ahead
No information has been released regarding future plans for the property or whether another restaurant or business may eventually occupy the space.
For longtime customers, however, the closure marks the end of a neighborhood restaurant that served generations of Southern Maryland residents and remained a recognizable fixture in California for more than 30 years.
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