Woman Arrested After Indiana Applebee’s ‘All-You-Can-Eat’ Dispute

A dispute over Applebee's "All-You-Can-Eat" deal led to an arrest in Indiana earlier this month, serving as a prime reminder to always read the fine print.

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I've spent a lot of time at Applebee's over the years, and one of my favorite promotions they offer is their All You Can Eat" Special. The limited-time promotion comes around every so often and features your choice of unlimited boneless wings, riblets, or double crunch shrimp. I've tried all three on separate occasions in the past, but the boneless wings are usually my go-to.

During my first year of college, my buddies and I took advantage of this deal back when it was $10.99 a person. However, in just six short years, that price has risen to $15.99 per person. Given the 45% increase, it's safe to say we've gone much less since. That said, my friends and I have always known that we each had to pay that amount and that we couldn't share our options with the rest of the table. This is something that recently slipped past some folks in Indiana.

Applebee's 'All-You-Can-Eat' Special Sparks Fight in Indiana

According to USA Today, a group at an Applebee's restaurant in Portage, Indiana, was under the impression that the chain's special could be applied to the whole table. They had ordered one platter and were each taking food off the same plate. They were later confronted by the manager, who said the group would have to pay $15.99 each, as all were seen enjoying the unlimited food option. This is where things took a turn for the worse.

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USA Today notes that officers from the Portage Police Department were called to the scene around 8:38 p.m. that evening, after "words were exchanged" between the group and management. The group told officers that the manager of the Applebee's was being "very unprofessional" and claimed that nowhere on the menu did it say the deal could only be applied to one person. As someone who has seen that menu time and time again, I can tell you it does in fact say that, and it's not a hard to read print size either.

Unlimited Wings, Limited Patience: Women Arrested at Applebee's

Upon hearing the group's claim, the responding officer took a look at the restaurant's menu and saw the words "Per Person" underneath the bold lettering of "All You Can Eat." The officer tried to show this finding to the group, but while doing so, was stopped by a woman in the group shouting at a couple leaving the restaurant. She claimed she had exchanged words with them before the officer's arrival (no doubt there).  In the end, more words were exchanged, and the woman was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Despite the group doubling down on their "I didn't see the disclaimer on the menu" stance, one member did return to the restaurant to pay the bill in full (as they should have). However, there is no word on whether the individuals will be banned from dining at that Applebee's—or any other Applebee's location in the future. Maybe the chain will be the next fight club, second only, of course, to Waffle House.