Applebee’s Offers Date Night Pass for Romantic Dining Savings

Restaurant chain Applebee’s is aiming to add a touch of romance to its menu by introducing a special Date Night Pass. The pass, priced at $200, will be available for purchase starting Monday at 12 p.m. ET on the company’s website. Limited in quantity, the pass allows holders to enjoy 52 meals at Applebee’s throughout the year. Whether for couples or individuals, the pass provides up to $30 worth of food and non-alcoholic beverages per meal, which can be consumed at the restaurant or taken to-go. The pass holds a value of up to $1,500, covering expenses from February 1, 2022, to January 31, 2025.

Applebee’s Date Night Pass is an attractive offer for those seeking to save on dining expenses. With the pass, customers can potentially save around $1,360 annually if they make use of their subscription every week for a year. However, it’s important to note that the pass is not valid at select Applebee’s locations in states such as New York, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and more. Interested customers can purchase the Date Night Pass exclusively online through Applebee’s website, not available for sale at Applebee’s outlets.

Applebee’s decision to introduce the Date Night Pass reflects the rising cost of dating in the United States. According to a study, dating expenses have increased by 40% since 2013, with the average person spending around $1,560 per year. Data from the government also shows a significant rise in spending on food away from home, indicating a growing trend of dining out for romantic occasions. Moreover, cooking at home has become more expensive as well, with an 8.4% increase in spending on food at home in recent years.

Applebee’s is a well-known restaurant chain with over 1,500 locations across 11 countries and territories. In recent years, the company has faced challenges, including declining sales. The parent company, Dine Brands Global, reported a 2.4% decrease in year-over-year comparable same-restaurant sales for Applebee’s in the third quarter of 2023. To attract customers, Applebee’s has reintroduced affordable options like their all-you-can-eat boneless wings promotion and the limited-time offer of $1 margaritas.

Megan Cerullo, a New York-based reporter for CBS MoneyWatch, covers various topics including small business, workplace, healthcare, consumer spending, and personal finance. She frequently provides insights and analysis on CBS News Streaming. The Date Night Pass is part of Applebee’s strategy to strengthen its position in the market and gain back customers after facing challenges in recent years. The promotion seeks to create a romantic dining experience while offering customers significant savings on their meals.

The initiative is supported by a study that highlights the increased spending on dates and the rising cost of dining in the U.S. Applebee’s aims to cater to customers’ desire for affordable yet enjoyable dining experiences. The introduction of the Date Night Pass allows patrons to indulge in regular restaurant visits without breaking the bank. It presents an attractive option for individuals and couples who are looking to enjoy good food and create memorable moments without worrying about the expenses.

Applebee’s has positioned itself as a go-to restaurant for date nights, and the Date Night Pass is a unique offering in the industry. With the pass, diners can make Applebee’s a recurring spot for their romantic outings. While it may not be the first restaurant that comes to mind when one thinks of a romantic dinner, the pass opens up possibilities for individuals and couples to enjoy quality meals at a reasonable price, ultimately adding a touch of romance to their dining experiences.