When Applebee's opened it's door for business , as a Founder, owner, and working partner, TJ Palmer always wanted "to make customers feel that Applebee's was their special place" and that they felt good about being there. She adds:" It's always nice to walk in a cozy little atmosphere and feel wanted. Today, these places are very hard to find." After walking in the door or being seated, every customer was spoken to by either TJ or Bill (her past husband and partner) those first six months on Memorial Drive in Decatur, Georgia. Even during or after a meal, you could always see smiling faces as the owners walked to your table to make sure that your experience measured up to your expectations. TJ and Bill did not just stand around. You could catch them running food, busing tables, and keeping their place clean. Bill could even be cooking in the kitchen. TJ could be back there too, shucking oysters or washing dishes. " I was even taught how to make drinks by Vicki, our day bartender. I enjoyed working behind the bar and especially the people at the bar. It was a great time in my life. I loved being out around the people just as I was as a flight attendant with Delta. Everything was personable".
