What’s the Bees with Citrus?

How the local Applebee’s restaurant impacts the Citrus College community

Applebee’s slogan is “Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood.”  I wanted to find out for myself if it’s really good in the neighborhood for the Citrus community. Upon entering the local chain in Azusa, a quick walk from the Citrus campus, I noticed a crowd of families and young adults waiting in the lobby. The hostess was very welcoming and informed me that my wait time was about 15 minutes for a party of two. The restaurant had an upbeat atmosphere with an East Coast Bostonian look. The music was boppin’ and ranged from dance tech to oldies like Pat Benatar hits such as, “Love is a Battlefield.” 

So…great vibes, but is this an affordable fun spot for the college community? The buy-in for me was the two-value menu options which consist of two entree meals for either $25 or two entree meals with additional side and breadsticks for $30. This includes an appetizer and salad. For two people — this is a steal! I ordered the 8-ounce steak with loaded mash potatoes and chips with spinach broccoli dip as the appetizer.  I must admit for an in-town pub, my steak was perfectly seasoned and cooked medium.  I loved that most of the servers were enthusiastic and upbeat. I also thought this meal was a great way to end the day with a great affordable full course meal and a juicy margarita!

I had the chance to speak with the manager of Applebee’s to learn more about how the restaurant supports the Citrus College community and its relationship with hiring students. The Manager Noel D. shared that has been with the company for over 16 years. She was very energetic and motivated to share about Applebee’s impact on the Citrus, Glendora, and Azusa student communities. She felt that serving the Citrus community keeps the restaurant’s atmosphere lively and in touch with future professionals and leaders.

We discussed how historically many college campuses have had surrounding food courts or restaurants in the area to provide a  “hang-out” and quick on-the-go dining for students. Noel shared that their restaurant tends to get very busy when there is an event at Citrus College. This reminded me of the old  ABC TV sitcom called “Happy Days,” when the characters in the 1950s-based show would hang out at a mom-and-pop diner called Arnold’s. This was a spot for youth and students to hang out, dine in, and have some relief from their studies. Seems like Applebee’s is the Arnold’s for Citrus students.

Applebee’s is also known for hiring Citrus College students to stay better connected to the Citrus community. I spoke with a Citrus student Adam Mesas who has been working at Applebees for over a year. Mesas stated that serving students and families in this community has been an absolute pleasure. He feels that Applebee’s is important to provide a cool place to hang out.

Back at Citrus College, I talked with Director of the Haugh Performing Arts Tiina Mittler, who shared that Applebee’s is a favorite place for dining after a performing arts event or something like the annual freshmen orientation night. Mittler said that many box office staff members even recommend Applebee’s to patrons looking for a great post-show dining experience.  And, well, of course! Who wouldn’t want delicious food at a reasonable price after a late-night college event?  

So, if you’re looking for a great place that has affordable dining after a Citrus event — perhaps something like graduation night — I suggest you start “eating good in the neighborhood.”