Get All Access for $5/mo

Applebee's Is Winning Over NFL Fans With Exclusive Game-Day Deals — Here's What You Need to Know Through a multi-year partnership with the NFL, Applebee's is positioning itself as the ultimate destination for game day — and the ultimate game day food.

By Carl Stoffers Edited by Jessica Thomas

Key Takeaways

  • Through a partnership with the NFL, Applebee’s aims to position itself as the ultimate spot for fans to gather and enjoy game days.
  • The brand is introducing 50-cent boneless wings and bucket cocktails during NFL games, appealing to fans' love for traditional game-day foods.
  • Applebee’s is actively working to connect its brand with NFL fan loyalty through targeted marketing and engagement.

Applebee's, one of America's most popular casual dining chains, is making a bold play for the loyalty of NFL fans with a multi-year partnership with the league. By tapping into the sport's popularity, Applebee's aims to solidify its place as a go-to spot during the NFL season.

Related: Considering franchise ownership? Get started now to find your personalized list of franchises that match your lifestyle, interests and budget.

"Applebee's fans are NFL fans, which is why we are excited to bring America's Favorite Grill + Bar together with America's number one sport in a way that will create a fun and engaging experience for all," Applebee's CMO Joel Yashinsky said in a statement, according to Nation's Restaurant News.

Applebee's has managed to capture the loyalty of NFL fans, and the brand's awareness among this demographic is a testament to its effective marketing strategy. With a 92% awareness rate among NFL fans, according to a YouGov survey, Applebee's is the most recognized restaurant brand in this space.

Related: Don't Have Time to Start a Business? This Doctor, Lawyer and Now Part-Time Franchisee Would Disagree.

The deal includes exclusive NFL-themed promotions designed to appeal to football fans, such as 50-cent boneless wings on game days. This promotion taps into the deep-rooted tradition of wings as a staple for football-watching parties and gatherings. As chicken wings have become synonymous with sports, especially during events like the Super Bowl, when Americans ate an estimated 1.5 billion wings, this deal will likely be a major draw for consumers.

Applebee's has also introduced "bucket cocktails," group-sized drinks served in buckets, designed to boost foot traffic during NFL games and pair well with "America's Favorite Boneless Wings."

Related: The Critical First 100 Days of Onboarding — What You're Likely Overlooking That Could Make or Break Your New Hire

Last March, Applebee's announced it was teaming up with IHOP to launch a joint restaurant concept. Dine Brands Global, which owns both companies, said it will open co-branded dining establishments with combined cooking areas and seating arrangements. The dual establishments will reportedly keep IHOP and Applebee's areas separate.

Read More: Nation's Restaurant News

Carl Stoffers

Entrepreneur Staff

Senior Business Editor

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

At Age 15, He Used Facebook Marketplace to Start a Side Hustle — Then It Became Something Much Bigger: 'Raised Over $1.6 Million'

Dylan Zajac, now a 21-year-old senior at Babson College, wanted to bridge the digital divide.

Productivity

6 Habits That Help Successful People Maximize Their Time

There aren't enough hours in the day, but these tips will make them feel slightly more productive.

Business News

OpenAI Just Released Its Text-to-Video Generator, Sora. Here's How the New AI Could Impact Small Businesses and Creators.

Sora has a variety of use cases for businesses, from social media campaigns to video creation.

Franchise

McDonald's Announces the Return of the Snack Wrap in 2025 — Here's What to Expect From Its Comeback

The decision comes after years of persistent customer demand for the portable snack, which debuted nearly two decades ago.

Side Hustle

'I Just Hustled': She Earned More Than $300,000 Wrapping Gifts Last Year — and It All Started With a Side Hustle

When Michelle Hensley lost her husband to cancer, she needed to figure out how to earn an income for her family.

Business Ideas

63 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2024

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2024.