No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaApplebee's closes operations in Costa Rica

Applebee’s closes operations in Costa Rica

So much for Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood.

Citing profitability problems, U.S. restaurant chain Applebee’s has terminated its operations in Costa Rica, according to El Financiero.

In doing so, Applebee’s has laid off about 90 people, per the finance publication.

“Applebee’s Costa Rica will cease its presence in the country because the profitability of the chain has not been suitable for maintaining the operation,” Julio Villegas, operations manager of Applebee’s Costa Rica, told El Financiero. “We have made this decision in the most responsible way taking into account the interests and needs of our 90 employees who have accompanied us for more than 10 years.”

Applebee’s had three Costa Rica locations. One was located at the Terrazas Lindora shopping center in Santa Ana; the second within Plaza Carolina in San Pedro; and the third in Plaza Real Cariari in Heredia.

Costa Ricans still have plenty of U.S. casual dining options from which to choose. Pizza Hut, Denny’s and Chili’s are among the North American-based chains operating in the Central American country.

And later this year, Costa Rica is expected to receive its first Olive Garden.

 

Trending Now

Second Miracle in Guanacaste: Another Fisherman Found Alive After Six Days at Sea

Costa Rica woke up this Sunday to extraordinary news from the Pacific coast. Abraham Ríos, a 28-year-old fisherman who had been missing since the...

Costa Rica President Pushes Immigration Reform After Repeat Illegal Entries

President Laura Fernández announced that her administration will send a bill to reform Costa Rica’s Immigration Law after reports of repeated illegal entries by...

Ex-Air Canada Pilot Charged After Allegedly Flying Without Proper License

A former Air Canada captain has been charged in Canada after police alleged he flew more than 900 domestic and international flights without holding...

Canatur Criticizes Ride-Sharing Apps Being Used to Promote Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s main tourism chamber is pushing back against the use of ride-sharing platforms in official tourism promotion, arguing that public and private campaigns...

Ivory Coast Beats Ecuador as Germany Hits Seven at the World Cup

Amad Diallo hit a 90th-minute winner to give Ivory Coast a dramatic 1-0 victory over Ecuador, the standout moment on a high-scoring fourth day...

Five Leading Contenders to Win the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has opened across North America, bringing the biggest field in tournament history and one of the deepest title races...

Costa Rica Camera Traps Capture Wild Fish Hunt in Guanacaste

I’ve been interested in wildlife my entire life. If younger me knew what I was up to these days, playing with camera traps in...

Costa Rica Prepares for Severe El Niño as Water, Power and Tourism Face Pressure

Costa Rica is preparing for a difficult El Niño cycle that could put pressure on water supplies, electricity costs and tourism services in some...

Costa Rica Lands Three Beaches on 2026 Corona Beach 100 List

Costa Rica has placed three beaches on the 2026 Corona Beach 100 list, with Playa Cocles, Playa Conchal and Playa Uvita named among the...
🌴 The Weekly Pura Vida

Costa Rica, Once a Week

The week's top stories, weather & insider tips — delivered every Sunday. One email, zero clutter.

🔒 Free. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel