After years of struggling, 2017 looked like the end for Applebee's. The restaurant chain rose to popularity in the 1990s thanks to its affordable menu, but had a tough time drawing diners back in following the 2008 recession. It tried to reinvent itself to appeal to millennial diners, but failed. However, in 2018, Applebee's made a shocking comeback. Here's how the company is using new leadership, cheap drinks, and a return to its roots to turn its sales around.