Struggling restaurant chain shutters Polaris-area location

A national restaurant chain has closed the doors of its Polaris-area eatery. Applebee’s, which was located at 1161 Polaris Pwky., has shuttered.

It’s unclear when the North Columbus restaurant closed its doors, but the chain’s branding and any affiliated signage have already been removed from the Polaris-area building.

Applebee’s and its parent group, Dine Brands Global, did not return a request for comment by the time this story was published.

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According to a Forbes report, casual dining is on the upswing, but certain chains, like Applebee’s, continue to struggle. A Yahoo Finance story noted the chain continues to close restaurants in 2026, although it has launched a new co-branded concept combining Applebee’s and IHOP, where guests are able to order from both menus.

Applebee’s continues to operate multiple Central Ohio eateries, with locations in Columbus, Hilliard, Grove City, and Reynoldsburg.

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