Applebee’s just brought back its All You Can Eat promotion, priced at $15.99 for unlimited Boneless Wings, Riblets, and Double Crunch Shrimp, with endless fries on the side.
It’s dine-in only and is not sticking around forever. Even so, the brand is betting that the low price point will be enough to lure families back into booths.
“One of the best values out there, you can’t beat this deal with three, delicious unlimited proteins served with endless fries for only $15.99,” said Michelle Chin, the chain’s Chief Marketing Officer, in a statement to the press.
While the price was a dollar cheaper at $14.99 back in 2023, it has held steady at the current $15.99 mark for the third year running, a notable feat given recent food inflation.
A familiar promotion at a less familiar moment
Unlimited deals at chain restaurants aren’t new. Applebee’s has run versions of this offer before, so customers typically know what’s being offered: three rotating proteins and side after side of fries until you’ve had your fill.
What’s different in this instance is everything around it. Gas hit a national average of $4.52 on May 11, Monday, as per the AAA (American Automobile Association). A year ago, that number was $3.14.
With the recent political climate situation tangling up the oil supply, President Trump stated his intention to back a pause on the federal gas tax to take some pressure off drivers.
That search for relief extends to the dinner table, where groceries haven’t gotten any cheaper, either, which means that a flat $15.99 with no surprises on the check probably looks better than it did two summers ago.
Margaritas in pool float cups
Alongside the food deal, Applebee’s is launching two summer margaritas served in collectible “Poolio” cups.
The Sunny Sipper Margarita mixes Don Julio Reposado tequila, Malibu rum, blue curaçao, pineapple juice, and lime. The Belly Floppin’ Melon Margarita swaps in Smirnoff vodka and triple sec alongside the tequila and lime. There’s no word yet on how long either drink stays on the menu, though.
The All You Can Eat run is for a limited time, and while the company hasn’t specified an end date, the collectible ‘Poolio’ cups are only available while supplies last.
Sources: Applebee’s, WGN9, AAA, Washington Post