Applebee's of Statesboro, Georgia

Here's a short story and review about the amazing service my mother and I received from the Applebee's in Statesboro, Georgia.

My mother came down to my apartment, located in Statesboro, GA. A visit was long over due, and we decided to have dinner at the local Applebee's. There are only two other big name restaurants around my town besides Applebee's; Long Horn Steakhouse, and Ruby Tuesday's. I am a vegan, so a steakhouse wasn't really what I had in mind, and I've never really liked Ruby Tuesday's so we decided to go to Applebee's since I hadn't really been there (in 4 years of living in Statesboro, sad isn't it?).

We left my apartment and drove around town via the 301 Bypass and pulled up to the Applebee's parking lot. I noticed quite a few cars there as it looked really packed, however we still went in and would simply leave if there was a long wait.

When we entered the restaurant, there was a very pleasant atmosphere about it. The lights were very dim, there were TV's for those lonely souls that had no company, and the low chatter of all parties could be heard from across the restaurant in a jumble of almost soothing monotones. We were readily greeted by one of the two hostesses, both of whom were dressed very tidy yet casual, and with a wide smile. The hostess who greeted us sat my mother and I at table 20, proclaiming that our server would be with us shortly.

As my mother and I made small talk, I glanced up to see a nice looking young man hurrying over to our table, stopping here and there on his way to check in on his other patrons as all good servers should. Arriving at our table shortly thereafter, he greeted us with a full smile, and introduced himself as Robert and took our drink orders. We were given menus, and were told that he would be back shortly with the waters we ordered.

As I scoured through the colorful menu, abundant with an extensive array of meals and side dishes, I was disappointed to notice that not a single entrée was vegan friendly. Even the salads were to come with chicken and cheese on them. I sighed in disappointment and told my mother I was getting the Southwest Cobb Salad without the chicken, cheese, or ranch dressing. She said she'd have the same, however she was going to get everything on hers. Robert, our server, returned soon after with our drinks, and inquired if we were ready to place our orders.

Doing as the gentleman in me would, I allowed my mother to order first. When he turned to me with questioning eyes, I told him my order less the chicken, cheese, and ranch dressing and also told him I was a vegan.

This sparked a proverbial conversation between us, and he began telling me all about his vegan friends, and also apologized for the lack of vegan friendly menu items. After our brief exchange of words he returned to the cooks with our order.

My mother and I resumed our previous conversation, yet during the midst of it I glanced up toward the kitchen and saw Robert along with a stern looking, more professional woman walking quickly over to us. The woman was the manager, and they told us how the salads we ordered were the last two they had, and that the cooks had put meat and cheese on both of them! For shame!

They both apologized repeatedly to me, knowing it was an ethical issue for me to even eat something that had been touched by meat or dairy. They asked me if there was anything they could do, and I told them a simple veggie wrap would do just fine.

Five minutes later, they returned with our food. My mother got her salad, and I received a delightful looking wrap composed of broccoli, black beans, tomatoes, and lettuce with a side of an herb rice pilaf; hand made by the manager herself!

It was a delicious meal, and I thanked them repeatedly for their understanding and how they so readily catered to my needs. Once we were done eating Robert came by to give us the check, and he also went so far as to tell me of some great places his vegan friends like to eat out!

My experience at the Applebee's of Statesboro was simply fantastic. They have A+ customer service, and outstanding food, even when it's made at random and not on the menu! I was slightly disappointed by the non-vegetarian meal selection, but their superior service made up for it ten fold. I would highly recommend anyone living, visiting, or passing through Statesboro make Applebee's their first choice for their dining experience. Simply outstanding.