Local committee approves liquor licenses for dual‑branded Applebee’s/IHOP at 4311 8th Street South in Wisconsin Rapids

A local committee in Wisconsin Rapids voted to approve retail class B fermented malt beverage and retail class B intoxicating liquor licenses for APHOP Rapids Incorporated, doing business as Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill and IHOP, for a restaurant proposed at 4311 8th Street South.

The applicant, Walter Salaveria, told the committee he has worked with IHOP since he was 16 and that the company plans to reopen the dual‑branded location in Wisconsin Rapids. "We are looking to reopen the business back in here in, Wisconsin Rapids," Salaveria said, describing a dual‑branding model that places Applebee’s and IHOP under one roof with a shared kitchen and a combined, shortened menu.

Salaveria provided expansion and scheduling details: the company currently operates about 55 locations and aims to grow to 200. He said the project will include new colors, lighting and local photographs inside the restaurant to reflect the community. Asked about timing, he said remodeling would begin "in about three to four weeks," followed by roughly three weeks of staff training, with "a month and a half total" from the start of remodeling to opening the doors to customers.

Jennifer, a staff member, told the committee the application materials were in order and that Salaveria was present to answer questions. After brief discussion, a committee member moved to approve the license application; the chair announced the motion was by Catnaw and seconded by Tim. The committee voted to approve the licenses, 3–0.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:51 p.m.