In a bid to infuse a touch of romance into the dining experience, Applebee‘s has unveiled an innovative offering – a limited number of $200 “date night” subscriptions, providing couples with 52 weekly meals. The passes, which became available for purchase on Monday at 12 p.m. Eastern Time, are valid from February 1 through January 31, 2025, promising an entire year of affordable and delightful date nights.
Each subscription covers $30 worth of food and beverages per date, excluding alcoholic drinks. With a total value exceeding $1,500, savvy pass holders stand to save approximately $1,360 annually if they dine out every week for a year. However, it’s important to note that the pass is not valid at 16 Applebee’s locations across the U.S., including restaurants in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and more.
Customers eager to secure their “date night” passes rushed to Applebee’s website when sales opened on Monday afternoon. The response was overwhelming, with all available passes selling out within hours, according to Applebee’s. Notably, these sought-after passes were exclusively available online and were not up for grabs in-person at the company’s physical locations.
Applebee’s, with a global presence of more than 1,500 restaurants in 11 countries and territories, has consistently sought creative ways to engage its patrons. Earlier this year, the restaurant chain reintroduced its popular all-you-can-eat promotions, featuring boneless wings, “riblets,” and shrimp, all priced at less than $15 – an enticing offer fully covered by the date night pass.
The decision to launch the date night subscriptions was influenced by Applebee’s observation of increased spending on dates across the United States. According to the dining pass announcement, a study revealed that since 2013, the typical cost of dating has surged by 40%, reaching $1,560 per person each year. This trend aligns with government labor data from 2022, indicating a significant 20% rise in spending on food away from home, primarily in restaurants.
Even the cost of cooking for romantic prospects at home has seen a notable uptick, with a striking 8.4% increase in spending on food at home in 2022. Applebee’s “date night” subscription, therefore, emerges as a timely and cost-effective solution for couples looking to enjoy quality time together without breaking the bank.
While the passes are currently sold out, the overwhelmingly positive response suggests that Applebee’s may consider expanding or reintroducing similar offerings in the future. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, Applebee’s commitment to providing unique and value-driven dining experiences positions it as a frontrunner in meeting the changing preferences of its diverse customer base.
For now, those fortunate enough to snag a “date night” pass can look forward to a year filled with delicious meals and cherished moments at Applebee’s, proving that the restaurant chain has successfully added a dash of romance to its menu.
Applebee's is offering a weekly Date Night Pass for $200 that includes up to $30 in food per week for a year. https://t.co/Yf8Ye5HwmU pic.twitter.com/1rI7IxcPFn
— KTLA (@KTLA) January 18, 2024
