Applebee’s has consistently ranked high with The Sun’s readers, who have voted it Yuma’s Best in multiple categories throughout the past several years. This year is no different.

Applebee’s takes top honors for the best All-Around Restaurant, Best Happy Hour (in the Entertainment category) and Best Iced/Hot Tea for 2007.

“We strive as a neighborhood bar and grill instead of as a chain,” said Thomas Weaver, area director for Applebee’s.

Liz Greene, Kenny Hageman and Luis Montano, the three managers of Yuma’s Applebee’s restaurants, have done a great job of maintaining a neighborhood atmosphere, he said.

He also credits the rest of the staff as well as a varied menu for Applebee’s popularity. "We have some of the best people working for us, and we have a great menu variety. If a group of people comes in, there is something that will appeal to every one of them."

"People love coming in and visiting with our bartenders. We've just expanded our Happy Hour to three hours daily, and we have great appetizer specials. You get a tremendous amount of value."

"And we have the coldest beer in town!"

"We have always been thrilled to be part of Yuma. For us, it's (the Yuma’s Best title) a huge honor. We seek to find new ways to serve the community."

The three Yuma Applebee’s locations and phone numbers are:

- 3101 S. 4th Ave., 344-3374

- 1100 E. 16th St., 782-7474

- 11274 S. Fortuna Road, 305-9200

Business hours for each location are 11 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.