Local Franchisee Continues Long-Standing Commitment to Neighborhood Engagement and Giving Back
T.L. Cannon Companies, local franchisee of 55 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurants across Upstate New York, Connecticut, and Northern Pennsylvania, is thrilled to announce a total of $992,185 in community support through donations, fundraising, and in-kind contributions in 2024. This impressive milestone brings their total contributions since 2008 to more than $30.1 million.
Central to their mission of community engagement is T.L. Cannon’s partnership with seven local Make-A-Wish chapters. Since 2008, the franchisee has raised more than $2.2 million, equating to nearly 280 wishes granted for children with critical illnesses. In 2024 alone, T.L. Cannon contributed $151,330 to Make-A-Wish through seasonal fundraisers, a golf tournament, and local initiatives.
T.L. Cannon is also proud of its long-standing partnership with Special Olympics, which dates back to 2008. Each year, where volunteers and athletes allow, Applebee’s locations host “Go for the Gold” events. During these events, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers—including many local law enforcement officers—team up with Applebee’s servers to engage with guests, assist in serving, and clear tables. Guests are invited to leave a “tip” in a provided envelope, with 100% of these donations going to support the Special Olympics. In 2024, 36 Applebee’s locations participated, raising $34,617, bringing the total raised since 2008 to $489,363.
Central to their mission of community engagement is T.L. Cannon’s partnership with seven local Make-A-Wish chapters. Since 2008, the franchisee has raised more than $2.2 million, equating to nearly 280 wishes granted for children with critical illnesses. In 2024 alone, T.L. Cannon contributed $151,330 to Make-A-Wish through seasonal fundraisers, a golf tournament, and local initiatives.
T.L. Cannon is also proud of its long-standing partnership with Special Olympics, which dates back to 2008. Each year, where volunteers and athletes allow, Applebee’s locations host “Go for the Gold” events. During these events, Special Olympics athletes and volunteers—including many local law enforcement officers—team up with Applebee’s servers to engage with guests, assist in serving, and clear tables. Guests are invited to leave a “tip” in a provided envelope, with 100% of these donations going to support the Special Olympics. In 2024, 36 Applebee’s locations participated, raising $34,617, bringing the total raised since 2008 to $489,363.
Our neighborhoods are the foundation of everything we do. As your Neighborhood Grill + Bar, we’re proud to empower our teams and guests to come together in meaningful ways that positively impact our communities.
Matt Fairbairn, CEO of T.L. Cannon Companies.
The franchise also demonstrated its deep commitment to youth development and education by contributing nearly $480,000 in 2024 to school and youth programs like “A is for Applebee’s,” “Cool Credit,” and “Flapjack Fundraisers.” Carryout for a Cause and Dining to Donate events highlight additional ways T.L. Cannon supports the neighborhoods they serve.
T.L. Cannon’s efforts have earned numerous accolades over the years, including the 2023 Lloyd Hill Neighbor of the Year Award, which recognizes franchisees who exemplify extraordinary care for their communities. This legacy of recognition—spanning multiple awards like the Bill Palmer Heart of Applebee’s Award in 2022 and the New York State Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Neighbor Award for 14 consecutive years—underscores their commitment to community-driven initiatives.
T.L. Cannon’s efforts have earned numerous accolades over the years, including the 2023 Lloyd Hill Neighbor of the Year Award, which recognizes franchisees who exemplify extraordinary care for their communities. This legacy of recognition—spanning multiple awards like the Bill Palmer Heart of Applebee’s Award in 2022 and the New York State Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Neighbor Award for 14 consecutive years—underscores their commitment to community-driven initiatives.
As a locally owned and operated franchise, we’re proud to foster connections and bring our teams, guests, and communities together. Our partnerships and programs reflect our dedication to creating lasting impacts in the neighborhoods we call home.
Stephanie Griffin, Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at T.L. Cannon Companies
With plans to further expand their community-focused initiatives in 2025 including “Stuff A Bus” back-to-school supply drives, T.L. Cannon Companies remains dedicated to doing good in the neighborhood.
For more information on T.L. Cannon Companies' community initiatives and contributions, visit: www.tlcneighborhood.com. For inquiries, contact Kaitlyn Piazza at kpiazza@tlcannon.com.
About T.L. Cannon Companies
T.L. Cannon Companies is a private owner/operator of 55 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Upstate New York, Connecticut, and Sayre, Pennsylvania. In 2024, the company raised $151,330 for their local Make-A-Wish chapters, in addition to supporting over 480 groups with their in-restaurant & carryout fundraisers. T.L. Cannon was recognized by the Applebee’s brand in 2023 with the “Lloyd Hill Neighbor of the Year” award for their outstanding commitment to community-this is the ninth time receiving this award. For fourteen consecutive years, the company received the New York State Restaurant Association’s “Restaurant Neighbor Award” for their community-based programs. In 2022, T.L. Cannon was recognized at the national level with the "Bill Palmer Heart of Applebee's" award for their ongoing support of Make-A-Wish. Visit tlcneighborhood.com to view other community involvement initiatives.
About Applebee's®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,618 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 14 countries outside the United States as of September 30, 2024. This number does not include one domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchen (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and seven Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.
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For more information on T.L. Cannon Companies' community initiatives and contributions, visit: www.tlcneighborhood.com. For inquiries, contact Kaitlyn Piazza at kpiazza@tlcannon.com.
About T.L. Cannon Companies
T.L. Cannon Companies is a private owner/operator of 55 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in Upstate New York, Connecticut, and Sayre, Pennsylvania. In 2024, the company raised $151,330 for their local Make-A-Wish chapters, in addition to supporting over 480 groups with their in-restaurant & carryout fundraisers. T.L. Cannon was recognized by the Applebee’s brand in 2023 with the “Lloyd Hill Neighbor of the Year” award for their outstanding commitment to community-this is the ninth time receiving this award. For fourteen consecutive years, the company received the New York State Restaurant Association’s “Restaurant Neighbor Award” for their community-based programs. In 2022, T.L. Cannon was recognized at the national level with the "Bill Palmer Heart of Applebee's" award for their ongoing support of Make-A-Wish. Visit tlcneighborhood.com to view other community involvement initiatives.
About Applebee's®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,618 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 14 countries outside the United States as of September 30, 2024. This number does not include one domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchen (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and seven Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.
Follow us:
Instagram: @applebees
TikTok: @applebees
X: @applebees
Facebook: www.facebook.com/applebees
