Listen to this articleDoherty Enterprises Inc.-owned Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations are rallying to make the holiday season a little more cheerful for underprivileged kids.
Through Jan. 4, 2026, the Allendale-based restaurant group’s eateries in New York and New Jersey seek to raise $250,000 for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Since 1998, the company has contributed more than $5.6 million to the cause.
As part of this year’s effort, the casual dining brand is launching several unique donation opportunities for customers to join in on, according to a press release.
Patrons can round up checks to the nearest dollar to make contributions as well as purchasing “paper gift packs” or ordering a holiday-inspired cocktail. As a token of appreciation, Doherty said it will give guests who donate $10 or more a coupon for a complimentary appetizer at their next visit.
Additional activations include a Dec. 13 Breakfast with Santa event at various Applebee’s locations, according to the company.
Doherty is considered one of the largest foodservice companies in the U.S. and among the largest privately held businesses in New Jersey. Its portfolio of more than 160 restaurants includes popular national brands, like Panera Bread, Wendy’s, Chevy’s Fresh Mex and Jinya Ramen Bar.
The family-owned business operates its own concepts, too: The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Sputino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas.
In a statement, Doherty Vice President of Operations Kurt Pahlitzsch said, “We’re proud to celebrate our 27th year partnering with Toys for Tots and supporting children in need throughout our local communities.”
“This long-standing partnership reflects our commitment to giving back, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to spread holiday cheer to both our guests and the families we serve,” he said.
Within New Jersey, Doherty’s has Applebee’s restaurants in:
- Brick
- Bridgewater
- Butler
- Clark
- Clifton
- Edison
- Garfield
- Hackensack
- Hackettstown
- Hillsborough
- Howell
- Jersey City
- Kearny
- Lacey
- Linden
- Manchester
- Manahawkin
- Manalapan
- Middletown
- Milltown
- Mount Olive
- Newark
- Newton
- North Bergen
- Ocean
- Paramus
- Parsippany
- Phillipsburg
- Piscataway
- Rockaway
- Tinton Falls
- Toms River
- Totowa
- Union
- Woodbridge
