While US citizens show an astonishing appetite for junk food, and while folk in many other nations seem likewise susceptible, you'd think a franchise like Applebee's would be doing well. But if someone wants to eat slop, takeout/fast food is generally the way they'll go. If someone wants to dine in, eating low-quality junk doesn't cut it. So Applebee's is stuck in the middle, offering a low-quality dine-in experience. Although older citizens may still be pushovers for such offerings, it would appear younger people are more discerning.