Applebee’s is closing 100+ restaurants, but not in the Valley. Here’s why.

Applebee’s announced last week it would close up to 135 restaurants.

Applebee’s parent company targeted restaurants that are “underperforming” and older restaurants in areas that aren’t busy. Normally, that would mean a few central San Joaquin Valley restaurants are on the chopping block.

But not this time.

Applebee’s in Fresno, Clovis, Visalia and Hanford are staying open.

The parent company of Applebee’s, DineEquity, is still closing restaurants and hasn’t announced where yet. DineEquity is struggling to cut costs and shares in the company have lost nearly half their value, according to CBS News.

But the restaurants in the Fresno area are franchises owned by a different company, Apple American Group, that says it’s not having money problems.

An emailed statement from the company said: “Apple American Group is supported by the strong financial footing of Flynn Restaurant Group and has no plans to close any restaurants at this time. Our Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations are 100 percent open for business.”

The company owns three Applebee’s in Fresno, two in Visalia and one each in Clovis and Hanford.

This story was originally published August 14, 2017 at 12:56 PM with the headline "Applebee’s is closing 100+ restaurants, but not in the Valley. Here’s why.."