Since the advent of the smartphone revolution about ten years ago, the world has changed at a drastic pace, and the restaurant industry is no exception. Many restaurant chains large and small have launched their own apps to make dining more convenient and offer rewards for their loyal customers. At EatDrinkDeals, we are committed to helping our users find the best restaurant value for their money, no matter where the deals may be found. Therefore, we are starting a new series of reviews of restaurant apps. Today we review the Applebee’s app.
Visit the App Store to download for your iPhone or download the Android app here.
If you want info about specials and deals from your Neighborhood Grill, click here for the EatDrinkDeals Applebee’s story.
Convenience and Reliability
To get started, create an account with some basic info such as your email and phone number. For convenience, you can also sign in with an existing Facebook or Google account to save you the trouble. Applebee’s lets you use the app to order for Pickup, Deliver, or Carside To Go, so all of your options are covered. The app is easy to follow along. Click “Order” at the bottom of the screen to get started. You’ll then pick your order type and choose a location. You can search based on your location, or by city, state or zip code. Orders can be placed to be fulfilled as soon as they’re ready, or later in the day if you’re planning ahead. As you order each item, you get all the customization options you need to make sure your burger and other entrees come out just right.
Payments are done by credit, debit or gift card. You also have the option to pay at the restaurant, which is a nice feature if you want your friend who picks up the food to pick up the check too!
Looks tasty!
Finding the Applebee’s in your neighboorhood is easy with the app.
Rewards and Savings
Applebee’s has a very strong rewards plan called the Most Valuable Neighbor (MVN) program. You get access to daily specials Monday through Thursday, free appetizers and entrees, and more. It’s really one of the best programs out there compared to the competition. You can learn more about it in our story here. Unfortunately, the MVN program and the app aren’t linked. The MVN program is geared towards dine-in deals, so this is understandable, but it still feels like a missed opportunity. Lots of other restaurants make it easy to, for example, link your rewards profile to orders on the app so you don’t miss out on points.
Is Applebee’s one of the best restaurant apps to save your money?
6/10
The Applebee’s app is perfectly functional. You’ve got everything you need for a seamless mobile ordering experience, whether you’re picking up or getting delivery. However, there aren’t any separate rewards exclusive to the app, and it doesn’t let you link with your MVN membership. If you’re a frequent visitor and you like the convenience of to-go and delivery orders, the app could be worth keeping on your phone. Otherwise, you aren’t missing out on anything by leaving this one in the app store.
