Fairfield Twp. Applebee’s sued for racial discrimination part of dozens of recent closures

The Applebee’s at Bridgewater Falls in Fairfield Twp. closed about six months ago. NICK GRAHAM/FILE

The Applebee’s at Bridgewater Falls in Fairfield Twp. closed about six months ago. NICK GRAHAM/FILE

The Applebee’s at the center of a federal racial discrimination lawsuit was shuttered as part of a mass closings in late 2018.

Ohio Applebee’s franchisee RMH Franchise Holdings closed dozens of stores around the state, including the one at Bridgewater Falls in Fairfield Twp., several months ago. The Bridgewater Falls location closed about six months ago, according to township officials.

APPLEBEE’S LAWSUIT: Hamilton couple claims Applebee’s employee didn’t serve them because they’re black

The closure came in the midst of a lawsuit between RMH Franchise and Dine Brands Global, Applebee’s Grill & Bar’s corporate parent. RMH filed for Chapter 11 reorganization bankruptcy in May 2018.

A few years before the restaurant’s closing, RMH had invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in renovations at each of its Butler County restaurants, including in Fairfield Twp.

APPLEBEE’S MAKEOVER: Restaurant owner hoped makeovers would provide economic boost (July 2014)

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