It's being reported that RMH Holdings, the second largest franchise owner of Applebee’s in the United States, has filed for bankruptcy protection.

RMH owns more than 150 Applebee's restaurants in 15 states according to its website, including the one in Lubbock. All locations will remain open during the bankruptcy process.

"We are excited to continue serving our guests in all our neighborhoods," said Robin Jenkins, a spokesperson from RMH Holdings told the Lincoln Journal Star in an email.

RMH's President Mike Muldoon sent the following statement to us:

RMH Franchise’s Chapter 11 filing is expected to be seamless for guests and team members and result in no disruption to our restaurant operations. During this period, we will evaluate all of our assets which will allow us to strengthen our financial structure and position the company for future growth.

RMH currently owns and operates 159 Applebee’s locations across 15 states. The company remains committed to providing a great place to work and an exceptional guest experience in all its neighborhoods.

But what happens when that process is over?

Applebee’s on the South Loop has been a fixture in Lubbock for what seems like forever -- at least for the 20+ years that I've lived here. It was also one of my son's first jobs for a few years, so you could say it's definitely been a part of my family.

Over the years though, it seems business has gotten slower. Could it be because of all the new and exciting restaurants opening up everywhere in Lubbock? Or maybe service just isn’t what it used to be? Perhaps a combination of both?

I called the Applebee's location on the South Loop and was referred to a corporate RMH Holdings email for the media, with no further information provided. I did send an email and will update you about the future of Lubbock's Applebee's as more information unfolds.

What are your thoughts on why Applebee's is having financial woes? Would you be sad to see it go? Let us know in the comments.

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