The Applebee's on 547 E. State St. caught fire early Sunday afternoon for reasons that are still unknown.
Damage appeared to be contained near the back of the restaurant. There are a number of charred seats and tables outside, and employees said Applebee's would be closed for the rest of the day.
There was one Athens Fire Department pumper truck at the scene around 3:15 p.m.
An area manager for the chain drove to the restaurant from West Virginia, arriving at around 4:30 and leaving shortly after 5.
Employees were unable to comment on the occurrence but said more information would likely be available Monday morning.
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