O
ctober 30, 2025 – West Bend, WI – The former Applebee’s at 2510 W. Washington St. has become a local headline. Owner Steve Kearns reports the corner, once a bustling “neighborhood bar and grill,” was overgrown with bushes that grew from 12‑24 inches to 8‑10 feet, and a hedge clogged with trash. “It looked like it hadn’t been trimmed in 25 years,” Kearns said. He removed dead trees and shrubs, cleaned the lot, and now plans the next tenant, hoping the spot will again complement West Bend’s entrance.

    Inside, the brick building’s roof is in A‑1 condition, and the interior furnishings—chairs and benches—are still in good shape. The parking lot, however, needs repairs. Built in 1996, the 4,400‑sq‑ft space has attracted corporate interest; Kearns says a lease offer is pending and a decision will be made within two months.

    Applebee’s closed abruptly on April 29, 2025, and the property was sold to Kearns for $585,000 on June 30, 2025. The parcel’s assessed value was $590,000. Earlier reports on September 10, 2025 announced the sale price, while a July 3, 2025 article confirmed the transaction and noted the building would not become a car dealership.

    The closure followed a pattern of Applebee’s shutdowns across Wisconsin, including locations in Delafield, West Allis, Kenosha, and Wisconsin Rapids. The West Bend site, which opened in 1996, had once housed other local businesses such as Frontier Bowl, Rocky Rococo’s Pizza, and a Wendy’s. The original Applebee’s entrance featured community history displays, including images of the old courthouse and downtown theatre.

    Kearns has received calls from potential tenants and is evaluating options. The former restaurant’s last day was Sunday, April 27, 2025; the doors were locked the next day while staff cleared the space. The property’s future remains open, but the cleanup and restoration have already revitalized the corner, drawing attention from neighbors and investors alike.