Restaurant Concepts II is part of the Applebee s franchise system. Restaurant Concepts territories cover eight states. Steve Grove began Restaurant Concepts in 1984 as a privately held company. It owns and operates 79 Applebee's and manages an additional 16 units. With more than 1,600 locations in 49 states and 12 international countries, Applebee s Neighborhood Grill and Bar is the largest casual dining chain in the country.