People like to throw shade at Applebee's, but the chain will always hold fond memories for me.

In the town I grew up in Central Massachusetts, it was one of the only places that would serve food after 10 pm. Consequently, it was a hot spot for cast parties after high school theater productions, and also post-football game celebrations. Nothing says "good game" like a hefty plate of Fiesta Lime Chicken, am I right?

But like many chain restaurants, Applebee's is having a tough time surviving. There is so much competition when it comes to dining out, and people seem more particular than ever when it comes to spending their hard-earned money.

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A few weeks ago, it was announced that the franchise will be closing between 25-35 locations nationwide this year.

This, of course, raises some eyebrows here in New Hampshire, as we have 13 Applebee's locations in the state. According to nashuainklink.com, those locations are Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Derry, Dover, Epping, Hooksett, Keene, Littleton, North Conway, Portsmouth, Tilton, and West Lebanon.

According to members on the New Hampshire subreddit group: the Keene, New Hampshire, Applebee's location is always POPPIN'!  The college students at Keene State might be a big reason why.

If you enjoy "eating good in the neighborhood", you might be relieved to learn that a new franchising deal with the company that owns all of New Hampshire’s Applebee’s may offset some of those closings. Nashuainklink.com explains the new deal is aimed at opening new locations in “untapped markets."

So are we actually looking at MORE New Hampshire Applebee's locations rather than less? Time will tell.

Would you miss Applebee's if they went away in our state?

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