From servers to cooks, hosts, bartenders, and management, it takes a village to make Applebee’s Bar and Grill successful. As one of the most popular chain restaurants in the world, Applebee’s is always looking for friendly and talented professionals to join their workforce. So, if you’re interested in being a part of the team, we’re here to help you navigate the entire process – from job descriptions to applications and interview questions. Check out our Applebee’s Careers Guide below!
Applebee’s Prices
Applebee’s Secret Menu
Applebee’s Happy Hour
Applebee’s Jobs
There’s an Applebee’s in nearly every city in America, which is good news for job seekers. But where do you start? Review the following Applebee’s job descriptions to determine which one might be the right fit before applying online (more on that in a bit).
Host Job Description
As a host or hostess at Applebee’s, you will greet customers as they come in, seat them at their tables, and give them menus. Hosts communicate with servers to let them know when a party has arrived. They also answer the phone and take carryout orders. After a carryout order has been placed, the host or hostess will enter it into the computer and help the kitchen staff assemble to order. One bonus? Carryout tips go to the host!
A host at Applebee’s is a part-time job.
Cook Job Description
A cook at Applebee’s is responsible for preparing all food orders as they come in. Once a server inputs their customer’s order, the cook will receive a printed ticket in the kitchen outlining what to prepare. There are recipes that the cook will have to learn upon being hired. They also prepare carryout meals and work with the host or hostess to bag them up for the customers. A cook can be either part-time or full-time at Applebee’s.
Server
A server at Applebee’s is in charge of taking care of customers, whether it is answering questions about the menu, taking orders, or bringing a table extra silverware or condiments. They are required to study the menu, know the ingredients of each of the food items, and work with the bartenders to meet customers’ needs. Servers may also assist with preparing orders in the kitchen, cleaning, and bussing tables. Applebee’s management looks for applicants who have prior serving experience, as well as someone who is relatable, friendly, and hard-working. Servers can be both part-time or full-time employees depending on the restaurant’s needs.
General Utility
A General Utility employee at Applebee’s is responsible for washing dishes, taking out the trash, and making sure the kitchen is clean at all times. They help servers and cooks on the restaurant floor and in the kitchen as needed. A utility worker is normally a part-time employee.
Bartender
A bartender at Applebee’s is one of the most sought after jobs. Bartenders prepare drinks – both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. They also take food orders for customers who are seated in the designated bar area of the restaurant. Applebee’s management looks for Bartenders with outgoing personalities, as well as those with prior experience serving or bartending. Bartender positions can be both part-time and full-time.
Prep/Line Cook
A Prep Cook prepares all of the ingredients that go into Applebee’s menu items, while a Line Cook is the one who actually prepares the meals according to Applebee’s recipes and standards. To succeed in both of these roles, you should be good at following instructions since all food items must be prepared a certain way. Applebee’s management looks for applicants with previous restaurant experience, specifically as a cook.
It’s common for the Prep and Line Cook roles to be combined into one position.
Assistant Manager
The Assistant Manager role at Applebee’s requires a driven, hard-working, and experienced individual to take the lead. Applebee’s typically only hires Assistant Managers with a high school diploma (or equivalent), as well as someone with previous related experience. Once hired, you will be required to go through Applebee’s Manager-in-Training program.
On the job, Assistant Managers delegate tasks, train new employees, and provide feedback to help current employees improve. They also manage the restaurant to ensure day-to-day activities and opening and closing procedures are completed properly. They deal with customer complaints and communicate the with Restaurant Manager when problems/complaints arise. One of the most important responsibilities Assistant Managers have is to do table touches to ensure customers are satisfied with their service. An Assistant Manager can either a part-time or full-time gig.
Restaurant Manager
An Applebee’s Restaurant Manager is the person running the show. They are required to train team members, set goals, and implement objectives to meet those goals. They also work on driving traffic to their restaurant through local marketing and create relationships with customers in their community. Restaurant Managers must be able to delegate day-to-day tasks to their team and be experienced in problem-solving and customer service. Applebee’s typically hires Restaurant Managers who have two to three years of related experience in the industry. A Restaurant Manager is typically a full-time role.
Corporate Careers
Applebee’s offers opportunities outside of the restaurant, too. The restaurant chain is headquartered in Glendale, California, where their main corporate office is located. At the corporate office, there are career opportunities in Franchise Development, Human Resources, Information Technology, Marketing, Menu Development and Innovation, and MultiUnit Operations.
A holdings company called Dine Brands Global (DBG) owns Applebee’s (IHOP, too!), so you will notice all their corporate careers and job openings are listed on the owner’s website.
How To Get A Job At Applebee’s
Applebee’s is always hiring – it’s just a matter of finding the right position and right location for you. Now that you’ve reviewed the job descriptions above, it’s time dig into how to search for job openings in your area.
Applebee’s Job Opening
All Applebee’s job openings are posted on their website, as well as sites like Indeed and Glassdoor. The jobs website welcomes you with their warm and friendly slogan, “You Belong Here,” enticing you to check out the available job opportunities, as well as the restaurant’s values – Stability, People, Opportunity, and Comfort. At the bottom of the page, you’ll see the jobs listed, as well as the Apply Now Buttons.
If you’d like to check out more Applebee’s jobs, click on the Explore Corporate Opportunities button.
Applebee’s Jobs Near Me
Not seeing jobs in your area? Be sure to type in your zip code or city of residence in the field under Select Location. Once you hit Find Opportunities, the job openings near you will populate the screen.
How Old Do You Have To Be To Work At Applebee’s?
You need to be at least 16 to work at Applebee’s. Normally, 16-year-olds are offered entry-level positions like a host/hostess, dishwasher, or prep cook.
Applebee’s Online Job Application
Applebee’s online job application is fairly simple. Once you’ve selected the Apply Now button on their job listings page, you will be directed to a page that asks you to create an account with third party talentReef. Once you create an account, you can sign in and start your application. Feel free to save it and finish at a later time if necessary. Once you’ve submitted your online job application, someone from Applebee’s management will reach out to you if you are a potential fit for the role.
How Much Does Applebee’s Pay?
Applebee’s pays its employees based on job title, skill level, and seniority. And while each Applebee’s location varies what they pay their employees, here’s a look at the averages by job function:
Host – $10/hour
Cook – $12/hour
Server – $4/hour plus tips
General Utility – $10/hour
Bartender – $6/hour plus tips
Prep/Line Cook – $13/hour
Assistant Manager – $43,000/year
Restaurant Manager – $14/hour
How Much Does Applebee’s Pay 16-year-olds?
Applebee’s pays 16-year-olds around $10 per hour, depending on what their role is. The restaurant generally hires teens for entry-level roles where the starting pay is lower.
Other Benefits
Benefits at Applebee’s differ based on which job you have, but some common perks that the restaurant offers include:
- Food/drink discounts
- Free drinks during shifts
- 401(k) – eligible full-time employees
- Paid Time Off (Vacation and Holidays)
- Health Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Hours
