Allendale-based Doherty Enterprises, an Applebee’s franchisee since 1993, on Thursday said it acquired 21 Applebee’s restaurants located throughout the New York City metro area.
The deal marks a significant strategic move, as Doherty expands its footprint in the restaurant franchise market, and today owns and operates 104 Applebee’s restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Florida and Georgia.
Doherty acquired the 21 Applebee’s restaurants in the New York City metro area from Applebee’s franchisee Apple Metro. Team members currently working in the acquired restaurants will be offered jobs with Doherty. This transition ensures a seamless experience for guests while preserving the expertise and dedication of the current team members.
Through this acquisition, Doherty now ranks 25th in Top 200 franchisees in the U.S. by Restaurant Finance Monitor, with a portfolio of 160 franchise restaurants including Applebee’s, Panera Bread and Chevys Fresh Mex. It additionally owns two restaurant concepts, Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar, and operates a combined four restaurants under these two brands.
“This acquisition marks a pivotal moment in our company’s journey and aligns with our strategic vision for growth and innovation in the restaurant franchise space. We are thrilled to welcome the Apple Metro team into the Doherty family, knowing that their expertise and commitment will further strengthen our position in the industry,” Doherty Chairman and CEO Ed Doherty said.
“Our mission at Doherty Enterprises is to become the best food service company in the communities we serve,” Doherty Enterprises Chief Operating Officer Tim Doherty said. “We look forward to ‘wowing’ every guest, every time, as we bring our quality Applebee’s dining experience to our new locations in the Big Apple.”
