**Applebee's Calexico Location Permanently Closes Following Underperformance and Corporate Review**
CALEXICO, CA — The Applebee's Grill + Bar location in Calexico, California, has permanently closed its doors, effective immediately, according to an official statement released Tuesday by parent company Dine Brands Global. The closure, attributed to routine operational reviews and subpar sales performance, affects approximately 45 employees at the border-city franchise. Company representatives confirmed the decision was not tied to any broader corporate restructuring but rather a localized assessment of profitability and lease terms. The restaurant, situated at 1001 Imperial Avenue, served the community for over a decade but struggled to maintain traffic amidst rising operational costs and shifting consumer preferences. Dine Brands Global stated it is working with affected staff to facilitate transfers to nearby locations, including those in El Centro and Yuma. Local residents have expressed disappointment on social media, noting the closure leaves limited dining options in the area. The announcement comes as the chain continues to evaluate its national footprint, with similar closures reported in other underperforming markets.