NJ Applebee's backs Alex's Lemonade Stand fundraiser

Kimberly Redmond//July 15, 2026//

Applebee’s 1,400-plus locations nationwide have raised more than $20 million for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation since the partnership began in 2005. - PROVIDED BY APPLEBEE'S

Kimberly Redmond//July 15, 2026//

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The basics:

NJ Applebee’s raises funds for Alex’s Lemonade Stand through Aug. 30
Lemonade drink sales benefit pediatric cancer research
Doherty Enterprises operates 78 New Jersey locations

Doherty Enterprises Inc.-owned Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar locations in New Jersey and New York are joining in the fight to end childhood cancer.

Through Aug. 30, the Allendale-based restaurant group’s eateries will fundraise in support of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. The nonprofit is dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and family support programs.

Applebee’s 1,400-plus locations nationwide have raised more than $20 million for ALSF since the partnership began in 2005. The funding has backed more than 360,000 hours of pediatric research. For 2026, the casual-dining brand hopes to generate $1.5 million for the cause.

As part of this year’s effort, Applebee’s will give guests a chance to contribute by purchasing one of its signature lemonade drinks.

According to Applebee’s, it will donate 50 cents from the sale of every Lemon Berry Sunshine sold for dine in and pick up to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. It will give 25 cents to the organization for every Mucho Backyard Blackberry Lemonade sold, too.

Guests can also click the “donate now” button to contribute when purchasing a gift card on Applebees.com. They can also add $1, $5, $10 or $20 “paper lemon tags” to their cart when ordering online or thru the mobile app. According to Doherty, 100% of proceeds from the sale of those tags will go to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

‘Doin’ good in the neighborhood’

ALSF began in 2005 when 4-year-old cancer patient Alexandra Scott set up a frontyard lemonade stand to help raise money to find cures for other kids with cancer. By the time she passed away at the age of 8, Alexandra had raised $1 million.

Applebee’s Lemon Berry Sunshine — Through Aug. 30, Applebee’s will donate 50 cents from the sale of every Lemon Berry Sunshine sold for dine in and pick up to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. – PROVIDED BY APPLEBEE’S

Since then, ALSF has evolved into a worldwide fundraising movement. It is the largest independent childhood cancer charity in the U.S. The group is considered a leader in funding pediatric research projects across the globe and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer.

In a statement, Liz Scott, Alex’s mother and ALSF’s co-executive director, said, “After 22 years, Applebee’s continues to be a committed partner who has shown tremendous support of our core mission. Their prominence and national reach have helped to introduce countless people over the years to ALSF and raised more than $20 million in the fight against childhood cancer.”

Applebee’s President and Dine Brands CEO John Peyton added, “We’re honored to celebrate 22 years of partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and to have raised more than $20 million to fund lifesaving pediatric cancer research. At Applebee’s, we take Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood to heart and together with our franchisees and guests, look forward to raising more than ever this year.”

Last year, Doherty, a longstanding Applebee’s franchisee, contributed more than $144,755 to ALSF.

Doherty is considered one of the largest foodservice companies in the U.S. and among the largest privately held businesses in New Jersey. Besides owning franchised locations of Panera Bread, Jinya Ramen Bar and Chevys Fresh Mex, the family-owned business operates its own concepts, too: The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Sputino Wine Bar & Italian Tapas.

Its Applebee’s portfolio of 78 units includes the following sites in New Jersey: