Applebee’s Dollarita — the Sugar Daddy of Drink Deals — Is Back This Sunday

We don’t usually dabble in promotions from big chains (we prefer locally owned spots), but when the world gives you a dumpster fire, you don’t try to put it out with lemonade. You call in the big guns. Like lots of mid-level tequila. And an OMG Burger, which has bacon and is served split in two, face down on a skillet of queso for $11.99.

Applebee’s Dollaritas have taken on a National Holiday spirit, in part because of Reddit: “When are Dollaritas back at Applebee’s?” is the most asked question on the social media platform. (It’s not, actually. But if you’re this far in, it’s the lie you want to hear.) If Reddit is America’s cultural barometer, Dollaritas are its Rocky Balboa: the people’s champion, gritty and going down swinging.

How It Began

The Dollarita promotion was launched in 2016 by Chris Dharod, president of SSCP Management, which owns dozens of stores in Texas, to drive business. The idea worked so well (obviously) that they expanded it to other locations, and it has endured periodically, which is part of the allure: you never know when Dollartia Day is going to hit again.

Applebee’s, specifically SSCP Management, decided to celebrate this 10-year anniversary of the promotion by running it back for National Margarita Day on Sunday, Feb. 22.

How It’s Going

Now, people argue over the cost and potency, how it’s made (in buckets, apparently) and how many you can have before being cut off (some say so long as you’re ordering food, others say two or three, another said 76). All of this is discussed with the fidelity of true crime sleuths tackling the Louvre heist.

Where to Find the $1 Deal

The promotion this Sunday, Feb. 22, runs at 48 Applebees in Texas (excluding Kyle, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Marshall, Texarkana and the Mount Pleasant location). As a bonus, there are other drink specials. As a primer, on Saturday, Feb. 21, guests can get $2 Strawberry House Margaritas.

If you know someone who works at an Applebee’s, wish them well on this day of the Sugar Daddy of all drink promotions.