11 a.m. Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony along with Toms River Fire Department “Touch-A-Truck” experience scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd

(PRUnderground) April 21st, 2026

Doherty Enterprises, Inc., franchisee for Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar in New York City, Long Island, NY, and New Jersey, announced the remodel completion of its Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar location at Ocean County Mall, 1201 Hooper Ave, Toms River, NJ.

The new space features modern light fixtures, upgraded booth and bar seating, and vibrant, neighborhood-inspired murals echoing the spirit of Toms River.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the remodeled restaurant will be held on Thursday, April 23 at 11 a.m. Doherty Enterprises leadership will join Toms River Councilmen Craig Coleman and Robert Bianchinito to the refreshed space. In addition, from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Toms River Fire Department will be onsite with a fire truck, offering a fun, family-friendly “touch-a-truck” experience and guided truck tours for children.

“Our Toms River Applebee’s remodel as is an investment in the community we call home,” said Timothy Doherty, President and COO of Doherty Enterprises. “Through our team’s renovation during off-hours, we were able to continue serving the community without interruption. We’re proud to deliver the community with a refreshed space where neighbors can gather for everyday meals and special moments.”

Kurt Pahlitzsch, Vice President of Casual Dining for Doherty Enterprises, added, “This Applebee’s upgrade reflects the spirit of the Toms River community and serves as an exciting place for friends and families to get together. We look forward to welcoming the community back into this new space and sharing what our team has worked so hard on.”

Members of the media and public are invited to attend the ribbon-cutting on April 23. Following the ceremony, guests may tour the updated dining room and meet members of the Doherty leadership team.

For more information about Doherty Enterprises, their commitment to their communities, and current job openings, visit http://www.dohertyinc.com.

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 1,520 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 17 countries outside the United States as of December 28, 2025. This number does not include 59 company-owned Applebee’s restaurants. 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 158 restaurants in New Jersey, 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 12 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).

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Original Press Release.