JEDDAH — Applebee's started their operation in Saudi Arabia in 2003 and today it is one of the largest casual dining chains in the country with 15 restaurants in all major cities. Applebee's is also the world's largest casual dining chain with more than 2,000 restaurants globally. Applebee's brand perfectly defines the true meaning of a family restaurant with relaxed atmosphere. Food, service, strict hygiene standards and ambiance are major pillars of Applebee's success. Tarfeeh (which is owned by Sedco Holding Group) owns the franchise rights in Saudi Arabia and is aggressively expanding the brand successfully. What separates the brand is not only its food variety but also the extremely high quality food and service standards. Strict hygiene standards are followed both in the dining and kitchen areas with periodical inspections from Applebee's domestic as well as international teams. Several periodical checks are conducted throughout the day to make sure that guests get safe and hygiene food. All managers and employees at Applebee's go through an intensive and detailed training program before they are involved in dealing with food handling and guests service, this includes a certification process on serve safe standards (globally recognized food safety program) each Applebee's restaurant goes through a food safety audit five times a year from a third party to insure compliance with all international food safety standards. Most of the Applebee's restaurants have an open or see through kitchen. This gives guests the opportunity to also see where their food is being prepared and a sense of the overall general cleanliness and food safety environment. Overall the operating procedures of the brand are very high adhering to strict international system and there is no compromise when it comes to the health and safety of guests. In case of any guest complaint, it is answered within the same working day with prompt solution. Applebee's has a dedicated website only for guest feedback where you can provide feedback for each and every aspect of your visit to the restaurant, said Ahmed Marashde, CEO of Tarfeeh. Applebee's specializes in a variety of menu items and it also keeps refreshing up its menu twice a year and brings several food promotions as well. The brand has also launched home delivery in selected restaurants and has a strong partnership with the customer loyalty programs of STC, Riyadh Bank and Hollandi Bank. Applebee's has a dynamic digital platform with strong presence on social media. An extensive CRM database also helps Applebee's to keep in touch with their loyal guests and community at large. On the social side, Applebee's Saudi Arabia is also actively involved in executing campaigns to help the less privileged section of the society. Furthermore, the brand is a strong supporter of career days, students program at schools and colleges with a firm belief of giving back to the society that has made it so successful in the country over the last decade. Applebee's Saudi Arabia also won performance excellence award at the international conference last year in Los Angeles, US, said Kamran Khan (VP, Marketing & Corporate Communications). At present, Applebee's operates in more than 19 countries including the Middle East region. Additional information on Applebee's, Saudi Arabia can be obtained from www.applebeesksa.com
