As the new school year approaches, local Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar locations across New Jersey are rallying community support for local students through the return of the annual “Stuff the Bus” school supply drive.
Organized by Allendale-based franchisee Doherty Enterprises, Inc., the initiative invites restaurant guests and community members to donate new classroom supplies or make financial contributions directly at participating locations. To highlight the effort, many participating restaurants will park an iconic bright yellow school bus in their parking lots to serve as a central collection hub.
Direct support for New Jersey classrooms
All collected items will be loaded onto the collection buses and delivered straight to nearby school districts and youth organizations to ensure students start the upcoming school year with the essential tools needed to succeed.
“Supporting the communities we serve is at the heart of everything we do,” Timothy Doherty, president of Doherty Enterprises, said. “Each year, our Stuff the Bus campaign brings neighbors, guests, and local organizations together at their local Applebee’s to help students start the school year with the supplies they need. Seeing our communities rally around this effort and make a meaningful difference for local families is incredible.”
In addition to supply drop-offs, select locations will host community fundraisers to boost donations, including flapjack breakfasts and bake sales.
Participating New Jersey locations & schedule
Several Doherty-owned Applebee’s locations across Garden State communities are participating, partnering directly with local educational and youth beneficiary organizations:
| New Jersey Location | Donation Window | Bus On-Site Date | Beneficiary School / Organization |
| Hackettstown | Through Aug 1 | Indoor Bus Display | Oxford Central School |
| North Bergen | Through Aug 15 | Aug 15 | Robert Fulton #2 School |
| Mount Olive | Through Aug 19 | Aug 15 – 16 | Byram Township School District |
| Howell | Through Aug 19 | Aug 31 | Howell Twp Public Schools |
| Linden | Through Aug 27 | Aug 27 | Linden Youth |
| Bridgewater | Through Aug 28 | Aug 28 | Adamsville Elementary School |
