Zane Tankel has turned a small idea into one of the most successful restaurant chains in America. The CEO of Apple-Metro recently spoke with rolling out about Applebee’s initial goal and choice to offer healthier food. –fatimah shah
What was the initial goal when you decided to create Apple-Metro?
We wanted to be an inexpensive and price value restaurant in underserved areas. We are in places that don’t have many sit-down restaurants, but there are many fast food locations. We offer a family friendly environment and we employ people in those areas.
Why did you decide to offer healthier food choices?In underserved communities, there is a dearth of healthy food locations. It’s a trend in our country with bad food. Now there is more of an effort to provide healthier choices. We all need to get on board and offer healthy food. Four years ago, we joined Weight Watchers and provided 15 items that can help consumers lose weight and eat healthy. We also developed six dishes that are under 550 calories.
What are your favorite healthy choices on the menu?Our job is to educate the consumer and make the food tasty. The image of healthy food is that it doesn’t taste good. There are now all types of spices that can make healthy food enjoyable. I enjoy the shrimp and rice, and we have a great tasting Bourbon Street chicken.
What can consumers expect when they visit an Applebee’s?We work hard to be warm and friendly. Our restaurants provide comfort. It’s about the total experience. If the server isn’t warm, it can ruin your meal. I get incredible letters where people commend us on what we do.
