Restaurant Remodeling Puts Focus on Hillsborough

Local sports stars, veterans, volunteer fireman and other community fixtures are at the heart of Applebee’s in Hillsborough. That’s because the restaurant branch’s recent remodeling focused on the local community for its décor.

As a result, the Route 206 restaurant features floor-to-ceiling photo collages, community mosaics with cheerleaders, football stars, emergency services volunteers, veterans and active-duty military, according to a release from the restaurant. The remodeling also features students from Rutgers University and Raritan Valley Community College and high school students from Hillsborough, Immaculata, Manville, Bound Brook, Montgomery, Somerville and Franklin.

“People love the new murals,” General Manager William Van Houten said in the release. “They stop in and search our walls to see who they can find—a neighbor, their team or a relative, and take photos alongside their friends and family.”

The interior remodeling changed the color scheme as well, and also means the restaurant has 14 flat-screen TVs in the bar and dining areas.

In addition to the décor changes, the restaurant also remodeled its exterior with new signs, awnings and a new logo.

“From our annual Breakfast with Santa ‘Toys for Tots’ fundraiser to community car washes, scouting programs and outdoor barbeques for local groups, we’re proud to be a part of the Hillsborough community—and now we’re proud they are part of our new look,” Van Houten said.