Applebee's is one of America's most recognizable casual dining chains — nearly 1,600 locations nationwide, a menu built around bar food classics, and a catering program that promises group-ready food for about $10 a person. For office managers looking for a familiar, no-fuss option, it's a tempting call. But as a team that's seen thousands of office catering orders, we think the decision deserves a closer look before you commit.
This guide covers everything you need to know about Applebee's catering in 2026: the full menu, real per-person pricing, how much to order, ordering hacks, and an honest comparison against Chili's and TGI Fridays.
Applebee's Catering Menu (2026 Update)
Applebee's catering is tray-based, with each dish designed to serve 6–8 people. There's no minimum order, which sets it apart from most fast-casual catering programs. You order online at applebees.com/catering, through their app, by phone, or in-restaurant — with as little as 2 hours' notice for smaller orders.
Appetizer Platters — Most Popular for Offices
Appetizers are where Applebee's catering shines. The Classic Combo is the go-to for a reason — it covers multiple crowd preferences in one order and arrives in insulated packaging that holds heat well.
- The Classic Combo — Boneless Wings, Spinach Artichoke Dip, Quesadillas, and Mozzarella Sticks. Serves 6–8. $59.99
- Boneless Wings — 30–40 wings, choice of Honey BBQ, Buffalo, or Sweet Asian Chile sauce. Serves 6–8. $34.99
- Spinach & Artichoke Dip — Served with white corn tortilla chips and chipotle lime salsa. Serves 6–8. $20.99
- Mozzarella Sticks — 20–24 sticks with zesty marinara. Serves 6–8. $22.99
CaterCow Pro Tip: If you're feeding a group of 15–20, the Classic Combo plus one entrée tray is the most efficient order. Two apps and two entrees is Applebee's own recommendation for a party of 15, and it holds up in practice.
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Entrée & Pasta Trays
Entrée trays are where Applebee's catering gets mixed. The pasta-heavy options — like the Three-Cheese Chicken Penne — have a reputation for arriving gummy when delivery is involved. Stick to the protein-forward options if you're ordering for a polished event.
- Three-Cheese Chicken Penne — Penne in Parmesan cream sauce with grilled chicken. Serves 6–8. $44.99
- Fiesta Lime Chicken — Grilled chicken with lime glaze and Mexi-ranch, served with Spanish rice. Serves 6–8. $44.99
- Oriental Chicken Salad Tray — Crispy chicken over Asian greens with rice noodles and Oriental vinaigrette. Serves 6–8. $37.99
- Applebee's Riblets — Slow-cooked riblets with your choice of sauce, plus two family-sized sides. Serves 6–8. $54.99
CaterCow Pro Tip: Skip the riblets for office settings. They're messy, require extra napkins, and are consistently flagged by food reviewers as one of Applebee's weaker items. The Fiesta Lime Chicken is the safest entrée pick.
Sides, Beverages & Desserts
- Family-Sized Sides (Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Garlicky Green Beans, or Steamed Broccoli) — $9.99 each
- Gallon Beverages (Lemonade, Sweet Tea, or Unsweetened Tea, serves ~8) — $5.99
- Dessert Brownie Bites (12–15 bites per platter) — $14.99
Applebee's Catering Prices (2026)
Applebee's markets catering as "about $10 per person" — that's technically true if you order strategically and pick up. In practice, a realistic office spread with a mix of appetizers and entrees runs closer to $12–$16 per person before delivery fees and tip. Prices are generally consistent nationwide, with minor variation by franchise location.
| Menu Item | Serves | Tray Price | Est. Price Per Person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Combo (4 apps) | 6–8 | $59.99 | $7.50–$10.00 |
| Boneless Wings Tray | 6–8 | $34.99 | $4.38–$5.83 |
| Three-Cheese Chicken Penne | 6–8 | $44.99 | $5.62–$7.50 |
| Fiesta Lime Chicken | 6–8 | $44.99 | $5.62–$7.50 |
| Oriental Chicken Salad Tray | 6–8 | $37.99 | $4.75–$6.33 |
| Riblets Tray | 6–8 | $54.99 | $6.87–$9.17 |
| Family-Sized Side | 6–8 | $9.99 | $1.25–$1.67 |
| Gallon Beverage | ~8 | $5.99 | $0.75 |
| Brownie Bite Platter | 12–15 | $14.99 | $1.00–$1.25 |
The real cost catch: delivery (where available) is handled through third-party platforms like DoorDash or Grubhub, which adds delivery fees, service fees, and a tip expectation that can tack 30–40% onto your subtotal. Pickup is free and the smarter choice for office orders where you control the timeline anyway.
How Much Applebee's Catering to Order
The baseline rule: one tray per 6–8 people. For a complete meal (not just snacking), plan on at least two trays — one appetizer-type and one entrée or salad — per 10–12 people.
- 10 people: 1 Classic Combo + 1 Fiesta Lime Chicken + 1 side = ~$115 (~$11.50/person)
- 25 people: 2 Classic Combos + 2 entrée trays + 2 sides + gallon beverages = ~$280 (~$11.20/person)
- 50 people: 4 Classic Combos + 4 entrée trays + 4 sides + 4 gallon beverages = ~$560 (~$11.20/person, plus delivery if applicable)
For groups over 30, we'd honestly recommend exploring alternatives. Applebee's logistics are designed for smaller gatherings — coordinating 8+ individual trays for a large office lunch introduces more complexity than most event planners want.
Applebee's Catering Hacks
Hack #1: Order Pickup, Not Delivery
Third-party delivery adds unpredictable timing and fees. Applebee's insulated containers hold heat well — pick up 15–20 minutes before your event and you're fine.
Hack #2: Use the Classic Combo as Your Anchor
At $59.99 for 4 different apps serving 6–8, the Classic Combo is the best per-item value on the menu. One combo + one entrée tray covers a complete meal for 8–10 people at under $12/person.
Hack #3: Skip Pasta Trays If Delivery Is Involved
Pasta trays don't travel well — they arrive gummy. If you must order delivery, stick to wings, the salad tray, or Fiesta Lime Chicken, all of which hold up significantly better in transit.
Hack #4: Lean Into the 2-Hour Window
Most chains require 24–48 hours minimum. Applebee's 2-hour lead time is a genuine advantage for last-minute office needs that no other casual dining chain matches.
Hack #5: Join Club Applebee's for a Free Appetizer Tray
Club Applebee's membership is free and comes with a welcome free appetizer — that's a $20.99 Spinach Dip or Mozzarella Sticks tray at no charge when ordering a larger catering spread.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- ❌ Ordering riblets for a formal office setting — messy and quality is inconsistent
- ❌ Relying on third-party delivery for a time-sensitive event — timing is out of your control
- ❌ Ordering pasta trays for delivery — quality drops significantly in transit
- ❌ Expecting dietary labeling — trays are labeled by item name only, no allergen or dietary callouts on packaging
Applebee's vs. Chili's vs. TGI Fridays: Casual Dining Catering Comparison (2026)
If you're considering casual dining for office catering, these three chains are the most common options. Here's how they stack up for a corporate buyer.
| Category | Applebee's | Chili's | TGI Fridays |
|---|---|---|---|
| Est. Price Per Person | $10–$15 | $10–$16 | $12–$18 |
| Minimum Order | None | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| Min. Advance Notice | 2 hours | 24 hours | 24 hours |
| Best Catering Format | Appetizer trays + 1 entrée | Fajita kits + bowls | Full event packages |
| Quality Perception | Medium | Medium-High | Medium |
| Dietary Options | Limited | Good | Limited |
| Food Labeling | Item name only | Item name only | Item name only |
| Same-Day Ordering | ✅ Yes (2 hrs) | ❌ Usually not | ❌ Usually not |
| Best For | Casual hangouts, last-minute | Tex-Mex office lunch, 20–50 people | Larger events with full service |
| Overall Ranking | 🥈 Best for Speed | 🥇 Best Overall | 🥉 Best for Large Events |
For most structured office catering situations, Chili's edges out Applebee's thanks to a more polished catering menu and better dietary variety. Applebee's wins on same-day speed — if you have two hours' notice and need food for under 20 people, it's hard to beat. For larger or more formal events, look beyond all three of these chains.
Is Applebee's Catering Good for Office Lunches?
The honest answer: it depends on your office culture. Applebee's is bar food — wings, mozzarella sticks, pasta — and it leans casual. For a team celebration, a department hangout, or a laid-back Friday lunch, it works well and the price is right. For a client meeting, an executive event, or anything where presentation and dietary labeling matter, it's going to feel like the wrong call.
The lack of dietary callouts on packaging is a real issue at scale. If anyone in your group has allergies or dietary restrictions, you'll be directing them to Applebee's website rather than a label. At CaterCow, every order comes with per-person labeling that includes ingredients and allergen flags — something casual chains don't offer at the tray level.
Applebee's Catering — Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Applebee's catering cost per person?
Applebee's advertises catering at "about $10 per person." A realistic office spread — one appetizer tray and one entrée tray for 10–12 people — runs closer to $11–$13 per person before delivery fees. Add delivery via DoorDash or Grubhub and factor in an extra 25–40%.
How far in advance do I need to order Applebee's catering?
As little as 2 hours for smaller orders — one of the shortest lead times in casual dining. For orders over 20 people or during peak lunch hours, call the restaurant directly to confirm availability.
Does Applebee's catering include plates and utensils?
Yes. All orders include plates, serving utensils, and cutlery. Containers are microwave-safe. For buffet setups, ask your location about sterno kits to keep food warm.
What is the best Applebee's catering order for an office lunch?
For 10–15 people: the Classic Combo plus a Fiesta Lime Chicken tray and one side is the sweet spot. It covers multiple taste preferences, holds heat well, and runs about $11–$12 per person. Skip pasta trays if delivery is involved.
Is Applebee's catering available for delivery?
Delivery availability varies by location and typically runs through DoorDash or Grubhub. For time-sensitive office events, pickup is more reliable and avoids third-party service fees and tip.
Does Applebee's cater to dietary restrictions?
Applebee's catering trays are labeled by item name only — no gluten-free, vegan, or allergen callouts on the packaging itself. Allergen and nutrition info is available on their website. For groups with multiple dietary needs, the lack of tray-level labeling makes serving more difficult to manage.
Looking for More Reliable Office Catering Options?
Applebee's handles its own catering directly at applebees.com/catering or by calling your local restaurant. For recurring office catering with per-person labeling, dietary callouts, and a dedicated account manager, CaterCow's American catering options include vetted local restaurants across all major cities built for corporate reliability.