Franchisee: Sandusky's Applebee's should stay open

PERKINS TWP. — In all likelihood, Applebee's should stay in the neighborhood.Despite the corporation facing financial pressures, it's doubtful Sandusky's chain on Milan Road (U.S. 250), situated next to Maui Sands Resort & Indoor Waterpark, will close.A spokesman representing Apple American Group, which is the company owning and operating 30-plus Applebee's chains across Northeast Ohio, recently indicated as much to Cleveland.com."Our Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations are 100 percent open for business, and we look forward to continuing to deliver an excellent dining experience that our guests have grown to love," according to a statement from franchisee representative Greg Flynn.The parent company of Applebee's announced last week how upward of 135 underperforming locations worldwide would close. It is believed the Sandusky location will not be affected.A person directly affiliated with the company, however, couldn't provide the same assurances."There is no definitive or master list of closures," said Patrick Lenow, a spokesman with Applebee's parent DineEquityEarlier this month, DineEquity announced plans to shutter somewhere between 105 and 135 underperforming locations. There are about 2,000 Applebee's locations worldwide. The release did not specify which locations could cease operations and when these shut downs could take place.Lenow offered some reasons as to why some Applebee's are checking out for good."Whether it be lease expiration, whether it be areas that have changes and are no longer viable or in some cases lower performing restaurants and franchisees want to focus on better performing restaurants," Lenow said.The announcement, however, "in no way affects" these Northeast Ohio locations, which includes Sandusky, Flynn said.Similar to Macy's and Sears, corporation such as Applebee's are experiencing fiscal hardships. In the restaurant's case, many diners under the "casual-dining" demographic are ditching the chain and instead opting to eat at more quick-service-style places, including Panera Bread and Chipotle Mexican Grill.The parent company of Applebee's announced last week how upward of 135 underperforming locations worldwide would close. It is believed the Sandusky location will not be affected.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.