Applebee’s eyes Perkins Rowe location

Applebee’s is looking at opening its third Baton Rouge location in Perkins Rowe, in an empty space next to the Orvis store. The casual dining chain has applied for a rezoning permit to sell alcoholic beverages at the Bluebonnet Boulevard site. Applebee’s officials say they expect to get the rezoning because Perkins Rowe has several restaurants and bars that sell alcohol. Once the rezoning request is completed, Applebee’s will work on leasing the site. If all goes well, the restaurant should open by September or October. Applebee’s plans on remodeling its Airline Highway restaurant by 2012; eventually all 12 south Louisiana restaurants will get an overhaul. —Timothy Boone