People React To Applebee’s Being Named Official Grill + Bar Of The NFL

Applebee's Grill + Bar and the National Football League announced today they have entered into a multi-year partnership agreement designating Applebee's as the Official Grill + Bar of the NFL.

According to the NFL, with this new partnership, the restaurant chain will “leverage” the entire NFL calendar, beginning with next week's NFL Draft.

"Applebee's fans are NFL fans, which is why we are excited to bring America's Favorite Grill + Bar together with America's number one sport in a way that will create a fun and engaging experience for all," said Joel Yashinsky, chief marketing officer at Applebee's Grill + Bar.

"We have the best food and drinks to enjoy while watching games, whether dining at our restaurants or enjoying Applebee's To Go at home. From America's Favorite Boneless Wings, Mozzarella Sticks and more to a wide range of bar offerings, there's no better place than Applebee's to enjoy watching football. We can't wait to provide great experiences and NFL opportunities to our fans."

Applebee's has been a sponsor of the pregame show, Football Night in America, for NBC's Sunday Night Football since 2019.

To help the NFL kick off the road to Super Bowl LIX, Applebee's is offering 20 FREE Boneless Wings with a $40 online purchase during the 2024 NFL Draft. From Thursday, April 25 through Saturday, April 27, guests can order To Go or deliver directly from Applebees.com or Applebee's mobile app.

Some people immediately responded to the partnership news and even brought on the jokes. Someone on X, formerly known as Twitter, said, "This should help the 12 Applebee's that’s still exist make it another year before they shut down as well." One person responded with pure sarcasm saying, "I often said 'you know what the nfl needs? an official grill and bar'"

Another person recreated a partnership logo with the NFL and adult website Brazzers, with the caption, "The NFL announced that Brazzers is now the new official pornographer of the NFL." Brazzers actually responded to the recreation. "Well, looks like the field isn't the only place we'll see scoring this season!" they said.

Last month, Applebee's was crowned “America’s Favorite Boneless Wings." In 2023, a national Omnibus survey was conducted, followed by a series of nationally representative double-blind taste tests in four distinct geographic regions. Applebee's Classic Buffalo Boneless Wings were preferred in every region versus the competitive national chains. Applebee's Classic Buffalo Boneless Wings were statistically significantly preferred at a 95 percent confidence level nationally.

Lately, the subject of first dates occurring at chain restaurants has garnered significant attention. A recent survey asking women about their least preferred venues for first dates has ignited a debate on the internet. This list, which was shared on Instagram by @DuvalPromo, is reportedly the result of polling women to determine their least favored first-date locations.

Among the 28 establishments on the list are restaurant chains such as Applebee's, Chili's, and Denny's are featured. The top spot for the most unsuitable first date location is occupied by The Cheesecake Factory, followed by Applebee's, Chili's, Chipotle, and Olive Garden, rounding out the top five. It's worth noting that the list includes not only restaurants but also specific first-date situations, including "your house," family functions, a bar solely for drinks, and church.

Whether it's a first date or a casual meal, the question arises: Why do some people have reservations about restaurant chains?

According to Farm Credit Canada, a chain restaurant is defined as a business with four or more locations. These restaurants are typically large-scale operations with multiple branches, sometimes spanning different countries or continents.

The expansion of chain restaurants did not occur overnight. Many of them have humble origins in smaller, local establishments. For instance, the Cheesecake Factory, which currently operates over 300 restaurants in the U.S. and Canada, began as a small bakery in Detroit and eventually evolved into The Cheesecake Bakery in Los Angeles in 1972, according to their website. It wasn't until the late '90s and early 2000s that additional locations began to appear.

Critics often express their reservations about chain restaurants, and there are valid reasons for their concerns. Many people prefer supporting local businesses over large corporations, as chain restaurant food is often mass-produced and served uniformly across various locations. Dining exclusively at upscale or independent establishments offers a sense of social prestige, something to brag about, and the feeling of indulging in a unique experience. However, ultimately, it's all about eating a meal.

There's something comforting about knowing that, for the most part, you can find something familiar to eat at any time and almost anywhere. Maybe that's why singer Walker Hayes dedicated his song Fancy Like, to the simple joys of eating a chain like Applebee's. So, let's chat about some of the reasons people actually enjoy dining at chain restaurants.

One of the advantages of dining at a chain restaurant is the predictability that comes with it. Local, independent establishments can be more hit-or-miss, often offering a more limited menu selection, which makes them a riskier choice for a date or group outing. When you open the menu, you can expect to find the same menu items prepared and presented consistently. Chain restaurants usually follow uniform recipes and they use the same ingredients, equipment, and standardized training procedures. You can expect a consistent experience whether you're in one part of the country or another. Restaurant chains are like your reliable pals on a road trip. You spot their logo on an exit sign, and you know it's there. It's that simple convenience that makes chain restaurants a go-to option, no matter where you are.

For many people, chain restaurants served as the primary dining option simply because they were the most accessible. You know how the place will look, how the wait staff is dressed, and how you are expected to dress at chain restaurants, ensuring a familiar dining experience wherever you go. Many diners have a soft spot for the food we know and love. It's like a comforting experience. Chain restaurant grub often brings back memories of late-night munchies after Friday night football games, college hangouts, and road trips.

Chain restaurants tend to be easier on the wallet compared to standalone establishments with more specialized menus and daily chef's specials. Most of us keep an eye on our dining budget and wouldn't want to feel like we've emptied our pockets for a single meal. That's why diners appreciate restaurant chains with Happy Hour, Budget Menus, and Late-Night deals.

Many local places struggle to seat larger groups, especially if you've got more than four people in your party. Unless you've made a reservation or a special request, you might end up waiting a while for enough room to open up, regardless of the size of your party. Additionally, local establishments sometimes arrange tables in closer proximity to maximize their limited space. Not everyone's a fan of dining elbow-to-elbow with strangers and involuntarily eavesdropping on neighboring conversations throughout their meal.