By Suzanne Blake
Copyright newsweek
Applebee’s has launched brand new menu items as part of its fall lineup.
The new bites available include the Crispy Pickle Fries and the Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger.
Why It Matters
New menu items remain a way for restaurant brands to remain relevant as the dining sector becomes increasingly competitive.
While some consumers are reeling back spending in the restaurant and retail space, a new fall menu serves as a way to boost foot traffic and increase sales.
A general view of an Applebee’s location in Times Square on August 27, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
What To Know
The fall Applebee’s menu is ushering in the brand new Crispy Pickle Fries, which are available in the Ultimate Trio options as well. The crispy, golden pickle fries are tossed with a Tajin Crispy seasoning and served with your choice of dipping sauce.
The other new menu item is the Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger, now live on the 2 for $25 menu.
The burger features an all-beef patty layered with four slices of American cheese and a sweet-savory bacon jam, tucked between toasted potato bread and paired with tomato basil soup for dunking.
The fast casual is also launching some new cocktails as part of its ‘Spooky Sips’ menu.
The $6 Tipsy Zombie contains a mix of Bacardi Superior Rum, passion fruit, pineapple, cherry, and lime, crowned with a gummi brain. You can also add a $2 Melon Liqueur ‘antidote.’
The $6 Dracula’s Juice, on the other hand, is made with Bacardi Superior Rum and Patrón Silver Tequila with strawberry and premium lemon sour.
Newsweek reached out to Applebee’s for comment via email.
What People Are Saying
Applebee’s Chief Marketing Officer Michelle Chin said in a statement: “At Applebee’s, we’re providing more options of what our guests already love — our tasty appetizers and signature 2 for $25 deal. Whether snacking solo or dining with a group, our new Crispy Pickle Fries and new Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger are sure to satisfy savory cravings for an unbeatable deal this fall.”
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: “Undoubtedly, one of the most prominent trends in dining right now is tying holiday festivities to new menu items in an attempt to bring more business into their locations. With Halloween now being a multi-billion-dollar industry for retailers, Applebee’s is looking to drive more revenue by offering new dishes that are themed to the holiday.”
What Happens Next
Applebee’s could see a sales surge as a result of the new menu items, despite the fact that they don’t follow typical fall menu features, Beene said.
“Similar tactics have worked for other chains, but it will be interesting to see if these non-pumpkin flavored entries will garner as much attention,” Beene added.