5 Things You Need to Know About Applebee's Calexico Location Closure
- The Calexico Applebee's, a popular dining spot for locals and cross-border visitors, has permanently closed its doors as of this week, marking the end of a 15-year run on the border.
- While the company cites typical lease negotiations as the primary reason, insiders suggest a steep decline in foot traffic since the pandemic began, especially from Mexican nationals who once made up 30% of the customer base.
- This isn't an isolated incident—Applebee's parent company, Dine Brands, has been systematically trimming underperforming locations nationwide, closing over 100 restaurants in the past 24 months to focus on higher-traffic suburban areas.
- The closure has sparked emotional reactions on local social media groups, with residents fondly recalling the restaurant's classic Bourbon Street Chicken and Steak and its unique role as a quiet, family-friendly alternative to the bustling Imperial Valley bar scene.
- It is unclear if the property will be re-tenanted, but real estate buzz suggests fast-food chains like Chipotle or Chick-fil-A might move in, giving the area's commute-heavy workforce quicker dining options.