Applebee's Calexico Location Closure Announced, Citing Economic Pressures and Shift in Consumer Dining Trends
CALEXICO, CA — Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar has officially announced the permanent closure of its Calexico location, effective immediately, marking the end of operations for the chain's only outpost in the Imperial Valley border city.
The closure, confirmed by parent company Dine Brands Global, was attributed to a combination of rising operational costs, local market saturation, and a broader industry-wide pivot away from casual dining. Company officials stated that the decision was made after a thorough review of the restaurant's long-term financial viability, noting that the Calexico site had experienced sustained declines in foot traffic and revenue over the past year. The restaurant, which had been a fixture on Imperial Avenue for nearly a decade, employed approximately 40 full- and part-time staff members, all of whom have been offered severance packages and priority consideration for transfers to nearby locations in El Centro and Mexicali.
When did the closure take effect? The restaurant ceased operations at the close of business on Monday, November 20, 2023. Where is the specific site? 1001 Imperial Avenue, Calexico, California 92231. Why did this happen? The company cited lease expiration issues, increased competition from casual-fast concepts, and shifting consumer preferences towards takeout and delivery services. How is the company responding? Applebee's officials emphasized that the Calexico closure is an isolated case and that the brand remains committed to the Southern California market, with plans to renovate several other regional locations.
Local residents expressed disappointment on social media, while city officials noted that the property is expected to attract new commercial interest given its high-traffic location near the U.S.-Mexico border. No immediate replacement tenant has been announced.
Dine Brands Global reported a 3.2 percent decrease in same-store sales for Applebee's in the most recent fiscal quarter, aligning with the closure's