Monday was the first day of summer. It also marked the grand opening of the new Applebees Neighborhood Grill & Bar at the Lakewood Towne Center.
Officials couldnt have asked for a better opening day weather-wise, with a bright blue sky and temperatures in the 80s.
Its been busy, said general manager Reed Hanke, speaking of first-day business, during a brief interview before he got back to work.
Sonja Lindsay of Bellingham, who travels around the region for Applebees training staff and helping to open restaurants, agreed.
Its staying busy, she said, and its an absolutely perfect location.
Afternoon business appeared brisk, with a steady stream of customers arriving to be greeted by the friendly Applebees staff.
Applebees is just the latest business to move into the Lakewood Towne Center.
MBK Northwest, a developer which specializes in buying and rehabilitating underperforming shopping centers, is responsible for transforming the former Lakewood Mall into the slightly smaller, open air Lakewood Towne Center.
The Lakewood Towne Center had its grand opening in summer 2002. Work on the redeveloped mall is scheduled to be completed next year.
Applebees International, Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., develops, franchises and operates restaurants under the Applebees Neighborhood Grill & Bar brand, the largest casual-dining concept in the world. There are more than 1,600 Applebee’s restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states and nine countries.
Additional information on Applebees International can be found at the companys Website at www.applebees.com.
LAKEWOOD APPLEBEES AT A GLANCE
Where: Lakewood Towne Center, Lakewood
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to midnight.
Featuring: Happy hour seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to closing; carside delivery for take-out orders; and breakfast served 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Phone: 253/983-8884
