Applebee’s Franchise Partner Continues Neighborhood Philanthropic Efforts through its Annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ School Supply Drive and Fundraiser
Texas, Virginia and Northern California (RestaurantNews.com) SSCP Management, an Applebee’s franchise partner that owns and operates 69 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar restaurants in California, Texas, and Virginia, recently raised more than $60,000 for local elementary and middle schools through its annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ Neighborhood School Supply Drive and Fundraiser.
Throughout April, each participating restaurant adopted a neighborhood school as its recipient of their ‘Stuff the Bus’ Neighborhood School Supply Drive and Fundraiser. The philanthropic donations will benefit communities and local schools for the next school year and beyond. In addition to monetary contributions, participating SSCP-owned Applebee’s locations collected school supplies from guests, Team Members and neighbors. The neighborhood-focused effort helps students head back to school in the fall with the necessary supplies.
Since launching the annual ‘Stuff the Bus’ Neighborhood School Supply Drive and Fundraiser in 2022, SSCP has donated more than $230,000 and an abundance of school supplies to teachers and students in need.
“We’re proud to serve our local communities and invest in the future of students by providing needed tools for their education,” said Blake Roe, vice president of Marketing, SSCP. “SSCP has always been a steward in the neighborhoods we serve, and our ‘Stuff the Bus’ initiative allows us to make a big difference where it truly matters: for our teachers and students.”
In 2024, SSCP was Applebee’s recipient of its coveted Bill Palmer Heart of Applebee’s award, named after the founder of the Applebee’s brand. The award recognizes an Applebee’s franchisee who has demonstrated the greatest commitment to a specific cause or organization over the past year. SSCP was recognized for its outstanding work with local schools through the respective Stuff the Bus programs in California, Texas, and Virginia.
About SSCP
SSCP Management is a family-owned and operated, award-winning restaurant leader. The company was founded in Dallas, Texas, by owner and CEO Sunil Dharod, a renowned businessman and philanthropist. He now leads the company’s future alongside his son, Chris Dharod, SSCP President, and his daughter, Puja Dharod, Vice President of Investments at SSCP, both of whom are determined to continue the legacy their father started and sustained. SSCP consistently strives to deliver the best experience for its guests through exceptional service. We are an award-winning restaurant leader with over 500 restaurants nationwide, operating under five category-leading concepts, including Cicis Pizza Buffet, Corner Bakery, Sonic Drive-In, Applebee’s, and Roy’s. SSCP strives to provide memorable guest experiences through superior service and outstanding food. Our Team Members are family to us, and we support them personally and professionally. We invest in the communities we serve by giving back to those in need and working with various charitable organizations to strengthen our neighborhoods. Through the Puja Foundation, we provide financial support to SSCP restaurant Team Members Who are affected by unforeseen, catastrophic life events. SSCP’s real estate portfolio is diverse, comprising over 75 assets spanning 1,000 acres and 1,000,000 square feet. Our practice focuses on portfolio and individual purchases, multi-family investments, and retail properties. For more details, visit SSCP.com or LinkedIn.
About Applebee’s®
As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room. Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee’s restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated not only to serving great food but also to building up the communities we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s and its franchise operations together consisted of 1,498 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 17 countries outside the United States as of March 29, 2026. This number does not include 71 company-owned Applebee’s restaurants. Applebee’s is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world’s largest full-service restaurant companies.
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