Dallas group buys 13 Applebee’s unitsDallas group buys 13 Applebee’s units

A Dallas-based Applebee’s Grill & Bar franchisee has acquired 13 Applebee’s units in Northern California in a deal that brings its total holdings in the casual-dining brand to 76 restaurants, the company said Friday.

Apple Cal LLC, a division of Dallas-based SSCP Management Inc., said it acquired the units from San Jose, Calif.-based Apple Gilroy Inc. and Apple By The Bay Inc. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“This is a fantastic opportunity and one that we have been anticipating for quite some time,” said Chris Dharod (left), president of SSCP Management, in a statement.  “We are incredibly proud to welcome the team members from these 13 restaurants to the SSCP family, and we look forward to building on their success.”

The company said the acquired Applebee’s units are in the California communities of Atwater, Gilroy, Manteca, Merced, Modesto, Redwood City, Riverbank, San Jose, Sonora, Tracy and Turlock.

Dharod said the new owner would make a few immediate changes at the acquired units, such as extending weekend hours.

“Beginning today we will now be open until 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,” he said.

But the company was pleased with how the locations were performing, he said, adding: “We are aware there may be some opportunities for us to make improvements that will enhance the guest and employee experience.”

SSCP Management’s Apple Texas Group pioneered the brand’s popular “Dollarita” marketing campaign in 2016, which has become a regular promotion throughout the system. Applebee’s parent company, Dine Brands Inc., recognized SSCP Management for its marketing efforts.

“We fully believe in the Applebee’s brand and the direction being provided by Applebee's Services Inc./Dine Brands,” Dharod said.  “While we have a very diversified portfolio at SSCP Management, our Applebee’s restaurants are the foundation of our business, and we look forward to continuing to build on the momentum we have created.” 

Dharod added that SSCP Management’s strategy included building its portfolio through acquisitions.

SSCP owns and operates 47 franchised Sonic Drive-In locations and the 15-unit Roy’s, which it acquired in 2015.

The company also owns shopping centers, apartment buildings and other real estate holdings.

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