How did the "Applebees"restaurant chain get its name?

My step-mother, step-sister, %26amp; I were @ Applebees Restaurant for dinner last night and I would like to know how the Applebees restaurant chain got its name!How did the "Applebees"restaurant chain get its name?
Actually, before it was Applebees, it was originally called T.J. Applebees. The T.J. was the name of one of the founders. I actually used to go to the original restaurant in Atlanta.



I think they used Applebees because it sounded like an old time name for a bar or something.... I think I remember reading that somewhere.How did the "Applebees"restaurant chain get its name?
I like Applebees, my girlfriend and her snotty co-workers would rather dine in an outhouse.