As those before me have said, why didn't you try to speak with the manager at the time? It's always best to do that because sometimes problems can be handled there.

Now, I probably have a little more sympathy because being the Pike County girl that I am, I'm familiar with that Applebees and I know it has a bit of a bad reputation. I've never actually eaten there myself. However, if I did and I had a problem, I would still at least try to talk to the manager.