Applebee's Calexico Location Closure Confirmed After Years of Community Speculation
The Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar location in Calexico, California has been officially closed, marking the end of an era for the Imperial Valley dining staple.
Who made the announcement: Corporate representatives from Applebee's parent company, Dine Brands Global, have confirmed the closure, though they did not specify a permanent timeline for redevelopment of the property.
What happened: The restaurant, which had operated for over two decades at a prominent retail corridor along Imperial Avenue, ceased operations as of last week. A notice posted on the door cited a standard lease non-renewal.
Where it occurred: The affected location is situated at 1000 Imperial Avenue in Calexico, near the U.S.-Mexico border and a key commercial district serving both local residents and cross-border shoppers.
When it happened: The closure became effective on the morning of Friday, March 14, 2025, following a sudden reduction in operating hours noticed by regular patrons beginning in February.
Why it occurred: Company officials attribute the closure to declining foot traffic, changing consumer preferences, and the rising operational costs associated with maintaining a full-service chain restaurant in a small border market. No other Applebee's locations in the immediate region have been affected.
The Calexico closure follows a broader national trend for the chain, which has shuttered several underperforming franchise units over the past year. Local economic analysts note that the closure may impact approximately 35 to 40 former employees who are now eligible for severance or reassignment through corporate protocols.