Applebee's 2000th Restaurant

According to NRN.com, on Monday December 14, 2009, Applebee’s opened their 2000th store in Harlem.

The article mentioned, “The introduction of the health-focused “5 for under 550″ lineup of lower-calorie dishes, as well as a physical redesign of the menu itself, are two things Applebee’s president Mike Archer said would help the brand in its plan to be as contemporary as its guests.”  The article mentions how due to the economic downturn that sales have been struggling for the chain and new, upbeat, and healthy menu items will help reinvent the great American icon.  “Unlike the chain’s Weight Watchers menu items, Archer said the “Five for under 550″ dishes are aimed at customers who want to eat more healthfully, but are not necessarily on diets.”  Good news for the Harlem residents are that the new store created 200 jobs for the local residents.