Applebee’s Class Action Lawsuit Junk Fee: Complete Guide on hidden fees, who’s affected, and what it means for customers.

If anything like you, me… someone who orders occasional deliveries from Applebee’s and doesn’t pay much attention to the little line-items on checkout… then this topic, from a Business Law perspective, can hit close to home.

I still remember that one Friday night, sit down on my couch, hungry and browsed Applebee’s app. I picked up a couple of meals, in the extended term the menu prices, and held the order. Just on the final payment screen I saw a sudden extra charge: The brand “Service Fee.” My thinking did a double- take: “Service charge? What Service?”

That small moment of confusion is one K the many reasons Why? the recent Clark v. Dine Brands Global, Inc. Et al…. The so- called “Applebee’s class action lawsuit junk fee” case… Has resonated with SO many consumers.

In this post, I’ll take you on a full journey: what the lawsuit It’s about, why hidden fees matter, who might be affected and more about what it could mean everything… To you and to him the food delivery industry. Hold on your coffee, And let’s dive in.

A Quick Reality Check: What is This “Junk Fee” Drama All About?

Let’s begin by explaining the key phrase: “Garbage tax.”

In simple words, a junk fee is an extra charge added at the very end of an online transaction… Often after you’ve already noticed the menu prices And thought you knew what You were supposed to pay.

It’ s not always clear. The price You see it is not reflected in the beginning the real total, And surprise… you obtain a hit with extra charges before checkout.

That’ s okay what the “applebee’s Class action” centers on garbage fees.” The complaint I Clark v. Dine Brands Global, Inc. Etc. Applebee’ s It was reportedly handled an automatic “service fee” approx 11%… At the top the listed menu Prices for… Online delivery orders. (clanaction.Org)

The kicker? This service fee is not revealed when you browse the menu. Instead, it just appears at the final checkout stage, sometimes invisible behind a tiny icon beside the label “Service Fee.” (ClassAction.Org)

Many customers will never notice their card is about to be charged… Which, to me, feels like a textbook bait- and- switch.

Besides the basic “service fee,” Legal requirements Applebee’ s Sometimes adds a separate “delivery charge” And a strange… allegedly misleading… label “CA Delivery Surcharge,” which the complaint The argument is basically another junk fee Like a disguise a mandatory governmental fee. (databreachlawsuit.Org)

Everyone, what It seemed so a $25 order

The Legal Battle: Clark v. Dine Brands Global, Inc. ET al…. What’ s Case?

So, what is absolutely this lawsuit? Let’s violate down the legal basics:

The case was archived August 1, 2024, in a federal court in California, Under document no. 4:2024-CV-04679. (Justia Dockets & Filings)
The plaintiff, No doubt representing consumers across the state that Applebee’ s… Through its corporate parent (Dine Brands Global, Inc.)… Conscious structure its online ordering and checkout process to hide mandatory service fees So extensive the final payment step. (clanaction.Org)
The complaint Claims violations of state consumer protection laws:
- California’s Unfair Competition Law
- False Advertising Act
- Consumer Legal Remedies Act
  (Justice Dockets & Filings)

The argument is that consumers Villet: They saw one price But the menu, But pay an alternative… Usually more… Fee amount after adding the one- time fee. (Top Class Actions)

Among other remedies, Plaintiffs seek:

class certification
injunctive relief
Restoration/ refund
reimbursement of attorneys’ fees
(clanaction.Org)

It is even predictable the fees amount approx an 11% markup More than advertised prices… A substantial premium to consider many food orders shift around $20–$40. (clanaction.Org)

Why Does It Matter… Beyond that Applebee’ s?

You might be wondering, “So what? It’ s only a few extra dollars.”
But the implications are more widespread than you think.

A Trend Toward Transparency (and Away from “Drip Pricing”)

“Drip Pricing” = companies show a low price but add mandatory fees at the end.

According to an overview by the American Bar Association (ABA), Drip pricing has extended frustrated consumers.

In May 2025, a new Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rule on “Unfair or Deceptive Fees” was implemented. (American Bar Association)

Though restaurants are not covered directly, cases like the applebee’s class action lawsuit junk fee use the same principles.

Not only Applebee’ s… Other Chains is below it Pressure

Examples:

Shake Shack

Accused of hiding “courier fees” and “service fees” until final checkout.
(engineclaims.Com)

Chipotle

Faced claims of building service-fee charges inside what appears as “taxes.” (Top Class Actions)

This makes Applebee’s case part of a much larger digital fee-transparency fight.

Why? Customers (That means You & Me) Caution should be taken

We deserve transparency

Hidden fees break trust.

Small fees add up

11% service fee + fake “delivery allowance” = tens or hundreds of dollars over time.

It affects choice

If the upfront price was $20 but the final price is $23, you may choose differently.

Accountability and fairness

If lawsuit wins → refunds + transparency.

Who is Affected… And who’s watching?

The lawsuit represents all U.S. customers who ordered online or app-based delivery from Applebee’s and paid service fees. (clanaction.Org)

Plaintiffs usually ask for:

Refunds / restitution
Injunctive relief
Damages and attorney’s fees

Given the wide reach, this could be one K the most significant “junk fee” class actions.

What This Means to the Food Industry (And for You)

If the case succeeds, it may push:

Greater transparency
Better consumer trust
Equal field of competition
Legal precedent for future challenges

And personally… I’m more likely to double-check my checkout screen.

My Own Experience (And what should I do? Do Differently Next Time)

After that surprise “Service Fee,” I canceled the order.
Not because of the cost, but because I felt betrayed.

Going forward, I will:

Always watch the final total
Question vague fee labels
Compare to other restaurants
Think twice if something feels unfair

Why? the “Applebee’s class action lawsuit junk fee” Story Deserves Attention (Although You’ re not me the U. S.)

Price transparency is universal.

Whether ordering food, booking hotels, or buying tickets… hidden fees affect everyone.

This lawsuit helps consumers globally spot unfair practices.

A Simple Timeline: How This All Unfolded (So Far)

Date / Period	Key Event
August 1, 2024	Clark v. Dine Brands Global, Inc. filed (Justia)
2024–2025	Plaintiffs allege hidden fees (Top Class Actions)
May 2025	FTC issues new rule impacting litigation (ABA)
2025 (ongoing)	Case awaiting class certification (ClassAction.Org)

Key taking

If there is one big takeaway from the applebee’s class action lawsuit junk fee saga, it is:
Price transparency matters.
A few extra bucks… 10%, 11%… adds up.
Multiply by millions of orders → huge revenue for companies.
But consumers aren’t powerless:
Check final totals
Question vague fees
Expect transparency
Push back when needed
The world is changing accelerated… and menus, apps & checkout flows may look very different soon.
And for Applebee’s (or any chain):
If users perceive they have been cheated, they can vote with their wallets.
More transparency is not only ethical … it’s a superior business.

Additional Resources

Clark v. Dine Brands Global, Inc. et al. … Court Complaint: The official court complaint detailing the allegations against Applebee’s, including the hidden “service fee” and its impact on customers.
Applebee’s Lawsuit Claims Service Fee is ‘Carefully Concealed’: A concise summary of the class action, explaining how the extra fees are hidden until final checkout and who might be affected.