RI Restaurant Closings: Applebee's Locations Could Close In Ocean State

RHODE ISLAND — A major restaurant chain with locations throughout Rhode Island could close stores, according to reports.

Applebee's is expecting to close between 25 and 35 restaurants throughout the country, MassLive reported. Some Rhode Island eateries could close, but a list of which locations will shutter has not been released.

The casual dining chain serving American dishes such as burgers, pasta and "riblets" operates seven restaurants in Rhode Island — including Coventry, Cranston, Greenville, Middletown, South Kingstown, Warwick, and Woonsocket — and a total of more than 1,500 locations across 11 countries.

"Applebee's is a mature brand, and it is natural to have closures with changing trade areas and franchisee agreement expiration," Applebee's President Tony Moralego said in a statement, per MassLive. "We are in line with a 1-2% annual closure rate, which is normal for a brand of our age and development."

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