PARSIPPANY — Representatives of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar present a check for $77,080 to Autism Speaks – whose mission is to change the future for all who struggle with an autism spectrum disorder – on June 16. In support of Autism Awareness Month, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises in New Jersey, Long Island, Florida and Georgia, donated a portion of the proceeds from the sale of “blue” drinks – including Blue Skyy Electric Lemonade and Blue Moon draft beer – as well as paper puzzle pieces, throughout the entire month of April. Applebee’s locations in New Jersey raised a total of $28,293, which includes matching donations from Skyy Vodka and Miller Coors, as well as the proceeds from flapjack fundraisers held at its Parsippany, Flemington, Hillsborough, Manchester, Tinton Falls, Toms River and Woodbridge restaurants.
Applebee’s supports its neighbors, providing local organizations with a platform to promote their community and charity initiatives. The company offers its restaurants as a facility during non-operating hours to help local organizations raise money through sales of its breakfast plates.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 68th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 10th largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating seven restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, and two of its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas. In 2015, Nation’s Restaurant News ranked Doherty Enterprises as the 78th largest U.S. Foodservice revenue company, up from 85 in 2014. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates over 160 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Florida and Georgia – including newly acquired locations in the Miami area. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com).
About Applebee’s
Applebee’s (www.applebees.com) is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with more than 2,000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and in Guam and Puerto Rico. Based in Glendale, Calif., Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill® restaurants are franchised or operated by DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) wholly-owned subsidiary, Applebee’s International, Inc. and its affiliates.
In New Jersey, Applebee’s is located in Parsippany, Brick, Bridgewater, Butler, Clark, Clifton, East Hanover, Edison, Flemington, Garfield, Hackensack, Hackettstown, Hillsborough, Howell, Jersey City, Jersey Gardens, Kearny, Lacey, Linden, Manahawkin, Manalapan, Manchester, Middletown, Milltown, Mt. Olive, Newark, Newton, North Bergen, Northvale, Ocean, Paramus, Phillipsburg, Piscataway, Rockaway, Tinton Falls, Toms River, Totowa, Union, Wall and Woodbridge.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit www.AutismSpeaks.org.
