Summary
Applebee’s, a casual dining chain, is introducing new menu items that focus on indulgent comfort food and lighter options in 2026. The menu changes, featuring an even cheesier version of the O-M-Cheese Burger and five additional dishes, aim to attract diners in a competitive market. Applebee's strategy includes maintaining popular value deals while updating its offerings to keep customers interested.
Key Facts
- Applebee’s is adding new menu items including an even cheesier O-M-Cheese Burger and five other dishes in 2026.
- The updated menu includes cheese-focused items and lighter choices like salads with under 600 calories.
- New dishes feature a variety of ingredients such as potato slices with cheddar, sesame salmon, and lemon parmesan chicken.
- The original O-M-Cheese Burger became popular on social media, leading to the decision to increase its cheesiness.
- Applebee’s strategy aims to offer variety while maintaining value meal deals like the 2 for $25 menu.
- The restaurant chain reported $4.2 billion in U.S. sales in 2025 and has seen positive sales growth.
- Applebee’s operates over 1,500 locations worldwide but has seen a reduction in its number of outlets in recent years.
