Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar

I went here for the first time in a couple of years about a week ago, and was pleasantly surprised.  In the past this place wouldn't have earned a single star, but it looks like new management has recently taken over.  The menu is standard Applebee's fare, but tasted way better than I remembered.  I guess it's not difficult to improve upon utter crap, and adding to this is the current "2 meals for $20" deal--cheap night out for a couple.  Part of the reason for this improvement is the vast improvement in service--waiters/waitresses are much, much friendlier and able without being overbearing.  Other than that, all "Neighborhood Grill and Bar" standards apply:  beer is cold, small plasma screens are mounted, cute hostess, fairly clean bathrooms, etc.  

I'm not expecting an exquisite dining experience when I go here.  In fact, I've always considered the chain somewhere between Shoney's and Chile's.  The Goldsboro Applebee's, of all locations, definitely improved my perspective.  Applebee's:  the new Bennigan's?