Lindenhurst Applebee's Manager Among 15 Nationwide To Win Golden Apple Award

LINDENHURST, NY — John Chesebrough, general manager of the Lindenhurst Applebee's, was one of just 15 general managers nationwide to receive the company's 2026 Golden Apple Award, an honor recognizing the top 1 percent of Applebee's general managers.

Chesebrough, who has managed the restaurant since October 2018, was recognized for his leadership, a 98 percent guest satisfaction rating and community involvement, including raising more than $13,000 for Toys for Tots. His accomplishments also included mentoring fellow restaurant operators and helping implement a new point-of-sale system, according to Doherty Enterprises, which owns the restaurant.

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"I was very surprised, very shocked," Chesebrough told Patch of receiving the award.

The Northport resident has spent much of his life working in restaurants, and said the recognition reflects the employees he has worked alongside for the past eight years.

"We have a very low turnover, which means the employees really enjoy working here and they make very good money," Chesebrough said.

Chesebrough said the relationships he has developed with employees extend beyond their responsibilities at work.

"They really like coming to work," Chesebrough said to Patch. "We are their second family, their home away from home."

Speaking with Patch, Chesebrough recalled an employee who was preparing to leave the restaurant after five years to begin a career in teaching. The day before her final shift, the employee pulled Chesebrough aside and became emotional while reflecting on her time at the restaurant.

"She pulled me aside, and she says, 'I don't know if I ever told you, but this is the first job I ever had,'" Chesebrough recalled. "It's really rewarding to see these kids grow up. We take them under our wing as our own."

The same enthusiasm extends to the restaurant's charitable efforts. The Lindenhurst Applebee's raised more than $13,000 for Toys for Tots, an initiative that helps provide holiday gifts to children in need.

Chesebrough said the restaurant participates in an Applebee's fundraising program in which customers who donate $10 receive a ticket for a free appetizer.

"All the Applebee's are doing that, but we really talk it up here in this restaurant," he said.

The restaurant has already begun fundraising again this holiday season, with the goal of surpassing its previous total.

Chesebrough has 11 grandchildren with his wife, and said helping children during the holidays carries personal significance.

"We definitely always want to put aside extra time to help the people that need a hand up," Chesebrough said. "Everybody's on board with that thinking around this restaurant."

Chesebrough's career in restaurants began shortly after he graduated from high school in Arizona, where he grew up. A friend encouraged him to take a restaurant job, and he has remained in the industry ever since.

He moved to Long Island around 1993 and the couple raised their children on Long Island, and Chesebrough eventually became general manager of the Lindenhurst Applebee's on Halloween 2018.

His recognition came as Doherty Enterprises, which operates Applebee's locations throughout Long Island, New York City and New Jersey, received the company's 2026 Abe Gustin Franchisee of the Year Award.

The honor, Applebee's highest franchise recognition, was presented during a franchise conference in Austin, Texas. Doherty Enterprises was recognized for its business performance, leadership, guest service and community involvement.

"We're especially proud to see John honored for the leadership he brings to his restaurant, his team, and the Lindenhurst community," Timothy Doherty, president and chief operating officer of Doherty Enterprises, said.

Chesebrough said one of the most rewarding parts of his job has been getting to know the people who regularly visit the Lindenhurst restaurant.

"I really started developing relationships with the customers that were coming in here," Chesebrough said. "They know [I'm] working Friday night, or [I'm] working Saturday night. They ask, 'Where's John? Why is he not here? When is he working?'"

Chesebrough recalled one regular customer who visited the bar almost every day but suddenly stopped showing up, and after three weeks without seeing him, employees became concerned. The customer eventually returned and explained that he had been hospitalized.

"The whole crew was worried about this guy," Chesebrough said. "We know everybody by their first name. It's real true feelings for the guests, and that's how we've really built our business."