(Long Island, NY) Representatives of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar presented a check for $270,394 to Sergeant Shane D. Larkin of the U.S. Marines Corps in support of its annual Toys for Tots program. The money was raised during Applebee’s annual “Breakfast with Santa” events of which one-hundred percent of the proceeds went towards helping brighten the holidays of underprivileged children in our local communities.
Over the past 14 years, Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Doherty Enterprises on Long Island and New Jersey have raised more than $3.3 million for the Toys for Tots initiative.
From L to R: Kurt Pahlitzch, director of operations, Doherty Enterprises, Brian McDonnell, area director, Applebee’s/Doherty Enterprises, Sergeant Shane D. Larkin, United States Marine Corps, Megan O’Donoghue, senior manager, Lake Grove Applebee’s and Derek Guzman, general manager, Lake Grove Applebee’s.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises, Inc. is recognized as the 70th largest privately-held business in the New York Metro area by Crain’s Business and the 12th largest franchisee in the United States as ranked in the Restaurant Finance Monitor, operating seven restaurant concepts including: Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, Quaker Steak & Lube, Noodles & Company, and two of their own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas. To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates 141 restaurants in northern, southern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island – and now in Florida and Georgia. The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Communities We Serve” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com)
About Applebee’s Services, Inc
Applebee’s (www.applebees.com) is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with more than 2,000 locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Lenexa, Kan., Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee’s Services, Inc., and its affiliates franchise and operate restaurants under Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar & Grill and are a DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brand.
On Long Island, Applebee’s is located in Nassau County: Baldwin, Bellmore, Bethpage, Elmont, New Hyde Park, Rosedale, Valley Stream and Westbury and in Suffolk County: Bohemia, Brentwood, Commack, East Farmingdale, East Islip, Farmingville, Huntington, Lake Grove, Lindenhurst, Miller Place, North Babylon, Patchogue, Riverhead and Shirley.
About Marine Toys for Tots Foundation
Toys for Tots, a 66 year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 6.8 million less fortunate children in 762 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 222 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.
