Applebee's Grill + Bar — Restaurant in Grand Island

TL;DR: My friend and I go to eat, only to be accused of theft and have the police search us and find nothing. DON'T EAT AT APPLEBEE'S, AND IF YOU DO, DON'T USE THE RESTROOM!!!!! My friend, Amanda Stafford, and I went to Applebee's Grill & Bar in Grand Island, NE this evening at about 8 pm. When we got there, Amanda told me her drink order and went to the restroom. I ordered our drinks, and when Amanda returned, we ordered our food. We ate and chatted. As we were finishing our entrees, I decided to order some chocolate cake for dessert, and we both began to try get the attention of the servers working. No one would pay us any attention, but we were patient, continuing to attempt to get the attention of anyone employed in the restaurant to either order dessert or bring us our check. It was obvious that people saw us, but they continued talking amongst themselves. After about 20 minutes, I noticed our server at the entrance to the restaurant, accompanied by what appeared to be friends or coworkers in pajamas, and the manager. I said, "oh, look! Maybe there was a reason we were being ignored!! I wonder if someone walked their tab or got fired and has to be escorted out or something!!" Then the two Grand Island Police Officers came to our table and asked us if we knew why they were there to talk to us... We didn't, and we told them so. Then the officers asked amanda if she had been to the restroom, and she stated that she had. We still had no idea what was going on, and at that point the officers told us that a server had left her apron in the restroom and that she and "some other people" had noticed that Amanda was the only customer who went in the restroom. When the server returned for her apron, she reported that the money it contained was missing. They then asked to see Amanda's wallet, because they wanted to make sure that she didn't have the same number of bills in each denomination that the server had reported missing. When we asked repeatedly if what was happening was legal, the officers did not answer, but continued to request to search Amanda's purse and later my personal car. When they were unable to find anything, BECAUSE WE DID NOT TAKE ANYTHING, they returned inside and advised me NOT TO TRY TO LEAVE WITHOUT PAYING!!!!!!!!!! I had been trying to pay and leave at that point for almost an hour!!!!!!!!!! I loudly requested the manager, more than once, and she finally brought our check to our table, giving us the honor of paying $36.80 for an hour of being detained with major embarrassment and unnecessary harassment. Not once did she offer any kind of apology, except to state that she was not the person who called the police. She may not have made the call, but she was certainly front and center making accusations. This situation was poorly handled by the restaurant staff and the police officers who responded. NEEDLESS TO SAY WE WILL NOT BE RETURNING TO APPLEBEE'S. I guess the lesson here is to be careful where you use the restroom? I am still so angry I'm shaking. Please feel free to share this,...

This restaurant has serious problems and one star is too a high rating. My husband and myself sat at the bar last night for close to 20 minutes before any one took our drink order and we were the only couple sitting at the bar. It seemed like all the workers were more worried about opening a cash draw that was broken than taking care of customers. There were no menus at the bar and the man who finally did take our drink order yelled across the restaurant to the greeter for menus which took another 10 minutes to arrive. Then they did not have the meat to do a couple of the items on the menu (out of meat in the midwest-really) So I had to order something I really did not want in order to get something to eat. When my husband asked for a second beer the keg for that beer ran out and the young man behind the bar tried to give a 3/4 filled glass. Since we were going to be charged for a full glass, we wanted a full glass. The young man stated he would have to get management to change out kegs. (why can't anyone of the staff change out kegs?) There the beer sat under the taps 3/4 full for another 15 minutes. We also noticed drink orders for other customer sat at the bar for 15 to 20 minutes getting warm before anyone took them. When my husbands appetizer arrived, again my husband asked for his beer. The man who brought the appetizer then turned to fill the glass of beer that had be sitting there for over 15 minutes and topped it off with another brand of beer. My husband at that time refused the beer, told him to pour it out and asked for the right beer. Yes, my husband raised his voice and slapped the bar, but only to get the attention of the man who was ruining the beer since he did not seem to know what he was doing. In stead of apologizing for the mix up and the slow service, he asked us to leave the restaurant. We are only guessing he was the manager, but he was not wearing any name tag. After reading other reviews from last night, he was having a bad night and was taking it out on customers. I believe we are owed an apology for the treatment we...

I want to share something that’s been on my heart since visiting Applebee’s in Grand Island for lunch on Monday. This isn’t just a review—it’s also an apology.

Our waitress, Jonna, provided excellent service. She was polite, professional, and incredibly efficient—greeting tables, making drinks behind the bar, delivering food, and managing it all with grace and patience. Our experience with her was top-notch. The food came out hot and fast, and everything was delicious.

Unfortunately, we were seated near one of the most unpleasant couples I’ve ever encountered. From the moment they sat down, they treated Jonna like she was their personal servant. The woman—let’s call her Karen—and her partner were rude, entitled, and downright mean. They received prompt drink service and attention, yet they still berated this hardworking young woman when their food didn’t arrive on their schedule. Their behavior was completely out of line.

Here’s the part that really hurts: I said nothing. I’ve always imagined myself as someone who would stand up in a moment like that—someone who’d speak up and defend someone being bullied. I’ve watched What Would You Do and thought, “I’d never stay silent.” But I did. And I’m deeply sorry.

Jonna, if you ever read this: I’m sorry for what you endured. You didn’t deserve that treatment for one second, and you handled it with far more grace than most people could. I’m also sorry that I didn’t speak up for you. You deserved to be supported in that moment, and I regret not being brave enough to do it.

To “Karen & Ken”: if you're ever in a rush, go through a drive-thru. Applebee’s is a sit-down restaurant, not fast food—and meat doesn’t cook faster just because you're impatient. A little kindness and patience goes a long way. And remember, the energy you put out into the world often finds its way back to you.

To Jonna and the Applebee’s staff—thank you. Keep doing what you do. You’re appreciated more...