While I was pretty disappointed with the place, apparently it's more of a corporate decision. The Applebee's we've all (?) known and loved seems to have re-branded itself. Gone are the kitschy things plastered all over the wall and the flavorful menu. This place was open, quiet, lightly attended, softly lit, the walls were sparse and the food was bland. Neither my wife nor I were impressed- we were both kind of sad and dinner killed the odds of us getting dessert. We just wanted to leave.
With the now-bland food and decor I'm not sure if Applebee's is targeting a Fargo demographic, the elderly Coco's Bakery Restaurant crowd or both. All I know is my wife and I won't be returning.