[Note: This is a student essay, written before I began using blogger or required images. You can still judge its content.]
Coming through Bloomsburg along Columbia Boulevard, just outside of campus, stands a tall, glowing green and red sign, leading the way to one of Bloomsburg’s most delicious restaurants, Applebee’s. The bright alluring sign of Applebee’s is visible from far away, just as the aroma captures the nose when walking in from the parking area. The parking lot that surrounds the restaurant is home of the famous “Carside To Go,” which allows a customer to pre-order their food and pick it up in just enough time for a late-night dinner or snack. A collection of memorabilia from several local schools and sports teams plaster the inside of the entrance next to the door that opens to Applebee’s. “Welcome to Applebee’s, how many will be in your party tonight?” proudly questions a tall, thin waitress dressed in an all-black Applebee’s uniform.
As I am shown to my table, close to the large bar in the center, I notice the crowd located in almost every corner. My boyfriend takes his seat as he quickly orders his favorite meal, the Zesty Ranch Chicken Sandwich. Visiting Applebee’s is always an exciting date because we both love the food and atmosphere. There are the families, the couples, and the occasional group of college students filling each table. I am welcomed by an older waitress, who suggests several drinks and appetizers worth ordering. As one of the perks for arriving after nine o’ clock, Applebee’s offers their famous “Half-Priced Appetizers”—including everything from mozzarella sticks to the cheesy bacon tavern chips. A frequent visitor claims to always order the boneless buffalo wings. “I get them at half-price after nine, which is cheap for a poor college kid like me.”
Lining the ceiling are several televisions and decorations from several movies and television shows. As I notice myself being entertained by the many drinks being made at the bar, I see how quickly the bartender moves in making the concoctions, and the many colors coming from the beverages. A variety of non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks are offered including banana berry splits, margaritas, martinis, both beer and wine, and an assortment of lemonades including strawberry and raspberry. The bartender carefully creates each thirst-quencher with additions of cherries, whipped cream, and chocolate syrup.
As I waited for my Club House Grill, I sipped on the delectable taste of my raspberry lemonade, and looked into the dessert menu, which includes my personal favorite, the Apple Chimicheesecake and the Triple Chocolate Meltdown. I am lucky to save enough room for these desserts from the large meals provided.
The Applebee’s menu includes everything from appetizers, meals, desserts, and a special weight watcher’s section for those counting calories. There are options for almost any person, and combinations of food that are sure to satisfy any individual. Not only is the food nourishing and delightful, but also comes at a reasonable price to fit any budget.
‘Have you saved any room for dessert?’ questions the waitress, as I slowly chomp on the last few bites of my Club House Grill filled with ham, turkey, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, mayonnaise, and barbeque sauce. The cheerful and friendly atmosphere always seems to swindle me into ordering one of the gigantic desserts offered. “Yes, I would like to have the Blue Ribbon Brownie.” Served warm, this mouth-watering dessert fills any appetite with its large size and vanilla ice cream and fudge covering the brownie.
Over the years, I have visited several of these restaurants in areas such as North Carolina, where locally we now have them in many nearby towns. Our Bloomsburg Applebee’s is just one of the many that fill our country through forty-nine of the states. The first Applebee’s was founded in Atlanta, Georgia in November of 1980 by Bill and T.J. Palmer. After opening the first restaurant, nearly 1,800 more have opened throughout the country and world. Each Applebee’s celebrates “local life” by garnishing its walls with memorabilia.
From the far end of the restaurant, the innovative birthday chant from Applebee’s can be heard, with a dessert entering from the kitchen. The colorful entrance of the restaurant filled with balloons and adornments can now be seen at the birthday table with balloons for the young boy who has enjoyed his Applebee’s dinner. Waiters and waitresses walk from the kitchen carrying many different meals, desserts, drinks, and appetizers, while keeping a pleasant and welcoming attitude to all customers. Circling around in a different fashion is the restaurant manager who questions each table. “How is everything tonight, and is there anything else that we can do?” he inquired
Whether it is to enjoy a fun evening with friends, a first date, or a family dinner, Applebee’s is a restaurant that will satisfy the hunger of nearly every person. Founded in 1980, Applebee’s has grown into one of the most well-known restaurant chains in the country, serving new entrees and specials all of the time. The restaurant accommodates to a variety of customers including those with few extra dollars to spare, and those in a hurry with the “Carside To Go.”
After paying the bill arid leaving a large tip, I felt content with my choice of restaurant and I left not only feeling full, but pleased with the service and attention I was given by the employees. Staggering with a full stomach, the door opened instantly by one of the hostesses that shouted promptly, “I hope you enjoyed your meals and please come see us again!
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