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.