Applebee’s Launches 50-Cent Mozzarella Sticks

A sign is posted in front of an Applebee's restaurant

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Applebee’s has been working hard to keep the attention of customers with different promotions like teaming up with IHOP, offering boneless wings for just 50 cents, half-price late-night appetizers, and recently being named the official grill and bar of the NFL. And now, the restaurant chain is offering 50-cent mozzarella sticks.

The company announced that the 50-cent mozzarella sticks promotion will be available through July 28 for dine-in and to-go guests. Online orders are available in increments of four sticks, with a maximum basket count of 10 orders or 40 sticks. The sticks are served with a side of marinara sauce.

Applebee's 50-cent mozzarella sticks deal

“Our hot, crispy, and melty mozzarella sticks are packed with flavor and perfect for dipping – and (cheese) pulling,” said Joel Yashinsky, Chief Marketing Officer, Applebee’s. “It’s no secret that our guests love our appetizers, and now through July 28, guests can enjoy our delicious mozzarella sticks for only 50¢ each!”

While some people are excited about the promotion, others aren’t too sold. “They were more than 50 cents? Sometimes saying nothing is better than highlighting how skewed your idea of a ‘deal’ is,” someone wrote on social media. Another person wrote, “I cannot believe people still willingly go to Applebee’s and pay for overpriced frozen food.

Last year, Applebee’s found itself facing unexpected closures. Restaurant Business reports that Applebee’s planned to shut down 25-35 net locations, which surpassed the initial projection of 10-20. With over 300 closures since 2017, Applebee's has been tirelessly battling to regain its footing in a competitive market.

In April, Applebee's Grill + Bar and the National Football League announced they entered into a multi-year partnership agreement designating Applebee's as the Official Grill + Bar of the NFL. According to the NFL, the restaurant chain will “leverage” the entire NFL calendar with this new partnership, beginning with next week's NFL Draft.

Earlier this year, CBS News reported that Applebee's and IHOP, both owned by Dine Brands Inc., may soon have "dual-branded locations." This means they could share a back-of-house and a blended front house.

In an interview with Nation's Restaurant News, Dine Brands CEO John Peyton said they've already tested out the model on eight "prototypes" internationally. These locations include the newest Applebee's-IHOP restaurant in Leon, Mexico.

Peyton said the hybrid restaurants will have "discrete entrances" that allow guests to flow between Applebee's and IHOP. "At breakfast, when there are more IHOP customers, customers can be seated in the Applebee's area and vice versa at dinner," he told Nation's Restaurant News.

To find your local restaurant to dine in, visit Applebees.com/restaurants. To order Applebee’s To Go or delivery, visit Applebees.com

Kayla MorganWriter

Kayla is the midday host on Detroit’s 105.1 The Bounce. She started her career in radio back in 2016 as an intern at another Detroit station and worked her way here. She's made stops in Knoxville, TN, Omaha, Ne and other places before returning to Detroit. She’s done almost everything in radio from promotions to web, creating content on social media, you name it. She’s a true Michigander, born and raised. So, you can catch her camping or vacationing up north to exploring the downtown Detroit or maybe even catching a sports game. During her free time, Kayla enjoys watching movies, roller-skating, crafting, and music festivals. She and her husband together dip into many of the great things Michigan has to offer. Together they also like to travel. A few hobbies of hers include wine and beer tastings, crafting, hiking, roller skating, movies, home improvement projects, gardening, and festivals. She’s always looking to take on more local events happening in the community. She loves connecting with the community. When writing, Kayla covers topics including lifestyle, pop culture, trending stories, hacks, and urban culture.