Lindenhurst General Manager John Chesebrough also receives Golden Apple Award, recognizing the top one percent of Applebee's General Managers nationwide
Allendale, NJ (PRUnderground) October 21st, 2026
Doherty Enterprises, Inc., a family-owned franchisee of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar® restaurants across New Jersey, New York City, and Long Island, has been named the 2026 Abe Gustin Franchisee of the Year, Applebee's highest franchise honor.
The award was presented during the brand's recent franchise conference in Austin, Texas, and recognizes Doherty Enterprises for its people-first culture, strong business performance, operational excellence, commitment to guest service and community, and leadership across the Applebee's franchise system. The honor reflects the collective contributions of Doherty's restaurant teams and managers, who bring the Applebee's brand to life in the neighborhoods and communities they serve.
"Our team members and managers earned this recognition through the work they do every day in our restaurants and communities," said Ed Doherty, Chairman, CEO and Founder of Doherty Enterprises. "It reflects their commitment to our guests, to one another, and to the communities that have welcomed our restaurants for more than 30 years. We're incredibly proud of this honor and grateful to all who made it possible."
Doherty Enterprises was also recognized for its leadership and contributions across the Applebee's system, including its work in operations, marketing, technology, and other areas important to the brand's continued growth.
Giving back is also central to the company's culture. During the past year, Doherty Enterprises supported local communities by contributing nearly $5.7 million through 310 events and partnerships with organizations including the American Cancer Society, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, and Toys for Tots. Through its WOW a Friend Foundation, the company also provided assistance to 153 employees and their families experiencing financial hardship.
Doherty Enterprises also celebrated an individual achievement. John Chesebrough, general manager of the Applebee's in Lindenhurst, Long Island, received the 2026 Golden Apple Award. One of only 15 general managers recognized nationwide, Chesebrough earned the honor through outstanding performance, including 98% restaurant guest satisfaction, leadership in the rollout of the Toast point-of-sale, mentorship of fellow operators, and community engagement efforts including more than $13,000 raised for Toys for Tots.
"These awards recognize the people behind the results," adds Timothy Doherty, President and COO of Doherty Enterprises. "We're especially proud to see John honored for the leadership he brings to his restaurant, his team, and the Lindenhurst community. His recognition, alongside the Franchisee of the Year Award, is a testament to the dedication of our teams throughout all our Applebee's restaurants."
Doherty Enterprises was founded in 1985 and is headquartered in Allendale, New Jersey. The company operates a multi-brand restaurant portfolio, with Applebee's among its established brands.
About Applebee's®
As one of the world's largest casual dining brands, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America's kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee's makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it's in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin' Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee's is always Doin' Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee's and its franchise operations together consisted of 1,557 Applebee's restaurants globally as of June 28, 2026. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.
About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Established in 1985, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates more than 160 restaurants in New Jersey and New York, including seven restaurant concepts: Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Wendy's, Jinya Ramen Bar, Chevys Fresh Mex, and its own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas. In addition, Doherty Enterprises is also a franchisee of Sola Salon Studios with 15 locations in Staten Island and New Jersey.
Doherty Enterprises is ranked 27th Largest Franchisee in the United States by Restaurant Finance Monitor, is recognized as the 80th largest Foodservice revenue company in the United States by Nation's Restaurant News, the 67th largest privately held business in the New York Metro area by Crain's Business, and 26th in NJ's Top 250 privately held companies & 5th Largest Family-Owned Business Based on Employees in New Jersey by NJBIZ.
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." Doherty Enterprises has also been lending a helping hand to team members and their immediate families when financially burdened through the WOW a Friend Foundation. To date, the foundation has assisted more than 4,200 people and donated over $5.7 million directly back to those in need. (www.DohertyInc.com).
