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

Costa Rica Braces for Higher Fuel Prices as Oil Climbs Back Above $100

Global oil prices climbed back above $100 a barrel this week, and the increase is on course to reach Costa Rica's gas stations within...

Woman’s Body Found After River Surge Near Rincón de la Vieja

The body of a woman swept away by a sudden river surge in Guanacaste was recovered Sunday morning, ending a search that had run...

Costa Rica Faces a Future with Far Fewer Children

Costa Rica marked Children’s Day on Wednesday with a demographic reality that is already changing the schools and will eventually reshape its workforce: there...

Rain Expected Across Costa Rica for Lantern Parade Night

Thunderstorms are forecast for the Central and South Pacific this afternoon and for the Caribbean and Northern Zone after dark, putting rain over tonight's farolito parades.

Galápagos Sea Lion Draws Crowds at Playa Flamingo

A Galápagos sea lion rested for hours at Playa Flamingo, drawing crowds and a warning from biologists to keep back.

Costa Rica Independence Day 2026 Brings a Tuesday Holiday and Rain

Plan for rain, road closures and holiday pay rules as Costa Rica marks 205 years of independence on Tuesday, September 15.

Lawmakers Question Cuts to Quake and Volcano Monitoring Hours Before Uvita Tremor

Legislators on the Legislative Assembly's budget committee are challenging a reduction in 2027 funding for the scientific networks that monitor earthquakes, volcanoes and weather...

Remembering September 11 From Costa Rica 25 Years Later

From a cantina in Quepos to stunned phone calls home, an American expat recalls watching September 11 unfold from Costa Rica and realizing the world had changed.

The Day a Swarm of Bees Tested My Luck in Costa Rica

A day in field reviewing camera traps consists of three major parts, getting there, doing the work, and getting home. The middle portion is...
🌴 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