Applebee’s Franchise Exec Placed on Leave After Leaked Memo Sparks Backlash

An operations executive for an Applebee’s franchisee has been placed on leave after his comments in a leaked memo sparked backlash across social media, Nation’s Restaurant News reports.

In the memo, Wayne Pankratz, the Director of Operations for Apple Central LLC, suggested employers could use higher gas prices as an impetus for lowering wages. Specifically, he wrote that rising gas prices “will increase application flow and has the potential to lower our average wage.”

He added: “Any increase in gas price cuts into their disposable income. As inflation continues to climb and gas prices continue to go up, that means more hours employees will need to work to maintain their current level of living.”

Applebee’s is operated almost entirely by franchisees. In a statement obtained by the outlet, Applebee’s parent company, Dine Brands, said:

“This is the opinion of an individual, not Applebee’s. We understand that the franchisee who owns and operates the restaurants in this market has placed the individual on leave. Our team members are the lifeblood of our restaurants, and our franchisees are always looking to reward and incentivize team members, new and current, to remain within the Applebee’s family.”

Read more at Nation’s Restaurant News.