As football season returns, Applebee’s Grill + Bar, the official Grill + Bar sponsor of the National Football League (NFL), is turning up the excitement with a brand-new food and beverage lineup designed to delight fans whether they’re gathering at a restaurant, ordering takeout, or hosting game-day watch parties at home. At the center of this year’s kickoff is the NEW Ultimate Trio, a customizable appetizer sampler that gives guests more choices than ever before, alongside fresh cocktail specials, family-friendly soda creations, and a star-powered ad campaign featuring familiar NFL faces.
The NEW Ultimate Trio: Endless Combinations of Flavor
The Ultimate Trio is Applebee’s latest limited-time menu innovation, priced at just $14.99 and offering guests the ability to create their own appetizer experience. Each platter allows diners to pick three appetizers and three dipping sauces, creating an interactive and crave-worthy combination designed to please every type of fan.
Guests can select from 10 appetizer options, including long-time favorites and game-day classics:
- Boneless Wings
- Mozzarella Sticks
- Chicken Quesadilla
- Crunchy Onion Rings
- Chicken Wonton Tacos
- Brew Pub Pretzels
- Applebee’s Riblets
- Double Crunch Shrimp
- Waffle Fries
- Classic Fries
Each choice can be paired with one of 10 bold sauces, adding layers of flavor and personalization:
- Classic Buffalo
- Honey BBQ
- Sweet Asian Chile
- House-Made Ranch
- Bleu Cheese
- Honey Dijon Mustard
- Marinara Sauce
- Chipotle Lime Salsa
- Cocktail Sauce
- BLUE MOON® White Cheddar Beer Cheese
With 81,600 possible combinations, the Ultimate Trio puts creativity directly into the hands of Applebee’s guests.
“As we looked ahead to football season, we wanted to create something that could bring people together in fun, customizable ways,” said Reid Leslie, vice president of marketing at Applebee’s. “With more than 80,000 flavor combinations, the Ultimate Trio really lets guests take control of their own game-day spread. Whether you’re sticking with tried-and-true favorites or experimenting with a bold new pairing, there’s truly no wrong way to enjoy this lineup while cheering on your team.”
Teaming Up with the NFL: A Star-Studded Ad Campaign
Applebee’s isn’t just serving food this football season—it’s also building on its partnership with the NFL through its advertising. Back for his second year as Applebee’s “head shift manager” is none other than Dan Campbell, the charismatic NFL coach who helped introduce Applebee’s game-day promotions last year.
This season, Coach Campbell is joined by a new group of rising NFL stars. Among them are Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty and Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, who bring fresh energy and excitement to the campaign. The ads blend humor, personality, and sports culture, reinforcing Applebee’s role as the go-to neighborhood destination for football season celebrations.
NFL Sips: Game-Day Drinks for Adults
No football season kickoff would be complete without drinks to match the occasion, and Applebee’s is bringing back its NFL Sips specials, this time featuring new offerings designed to raise the bar.
For a limited time, guests can enjoy two brand-new $6 Mucho cocktails:
- Juicy Sweep Sangria: A refreshing and fruit-forward cocktail featuring Barefoot® Moscato, Smirnoff® Vodka, and a blend of mango, orange, and pineapple juices.
- Rummin’ Back Daq: A hand-shaken daiquiri crafted with Captain Morgan® Spiced Rum, triple sec, strawberry, and lime—perfect for fans looking for a vibrant, tropical twist.
Guests can also choose to upgrade their cocktail experience by “taking it to the next level” with a $3 ultra-premium Don Julio Vibe Drop, featuring Don Julio Reposado. This add-on brings a smooth tequila finish to any Mucho cocktail, elevating it into a ‘rita-style creation.
“Our Mucho cocktails are all about fun and flavor,” explained Nate Grover, executive director of bar & beverage at Applebee’s. “This season we’re adding new twists that give fans even more reasons to celebrate. Whether you’re sipping a refreshing sangria, enjoying a daiquiri with friends, or making it a ‘rita with our Don Julio Vibe Drop, it’s all about variety, customization, and celebrating football in style.”
Dirty Fountain Sodas: A Family-Friendly Twist
For guests of all ages, Applebee’s has rolled out a brand-new beverage innovation: Dirty Fountain Sodas. These fun, flavorful twists on classic soft drinks allow guests to “dirty” their soda for just $1 more. Each option comes with a creamy swirl, whipped cream, and a cherry on top—adding both taste and presentation appeal.
The new lineup includes:
- Cherry Charmed Pepsi: A bold Pepsi blend infused with grenadine and topped with a creamy swirl.
- Passion Blue Dew: Mountain Dew Dark Berry Bash mixed with passion fruit, creamy swirl, and whipped cream.
- Mango Dream Dew: A tropical-inspired Mountain Dew with a mango kick and creamy finish.
These sodas not only give younger fans something special to enjoy during game day but also highlight Applebee’s commitment to offering experiences that everyone—from families to die-hard football enthusiasts—can enjoy.
Availability and Ordering
The Ultimate Trio and the full lineup of beverages are available for dine-in, To Go, and delivery, making it easy for fans to enjoy their Applebee’s favorites wherever they’re watching the game. Guests can find their nearest location at Applebees.com/restaurants, order online through Applebees.com, or use the Applebee’s mobile app, available on both iOS and Google platforms.
To sweeten the deal, Applebee’s also invites fans to join its E-Club, where members gain access to exclusive specials, offers, and a welcome reward.
Applebee’s: Continuing to Blend Food, Fun, and Football
As Applebee’s continues its role as the official Grill + Bar sponsor of the NFL, its latest offerings reflect the brand’s strategy of blending craveable menu innovation with cultural moments. With the Ultimate Trio delivering massive customization, NFL Sips cocktails raising a toast to fans, and Dirty Fountain Sodas bringing fun to the whole family, Applebee’s ensures that this football season is about more than just the game—it’s about gathering, sharing, and celebrating.
From the dining room to delivery, from adults to kids, and from long-time regulars to first-time visitors, Applebee’s is positioning itself as the ultimate neighborhood stop for football season 2025.
