Doherty-owned Applebee’s launches N.J. teacher essay contest with $500 classroom awards, class parties
NEW JERSEY — Doherty Enterprises-owned Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants across New Jersey have launched the 2026 Above & “BEE”yond Teacher Essay Contest, which will award eight teachers $500 classroom sponsorships and an end-of-year class party at Applebee’s, the company said.
The annual contest began Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, and runs through Sunday, March 15, 2026. Essays must be submitted in person to the Applebee’s general manager or manager on duty at participating Doherty-owned locations by 10 p.m. ET on March 15, the company said. Winners are scheduled to be announced Friday, April 24, 2026, and class parties must be scheduled before Tuesday, June 30, 2026.
“Teachers are the backbone of our communities, and this contest is one way we can give back to the classrooms that give so much to our kids,” said Timothy Doherty, President and COO of Doherty Enterprises. “We’re honored to support local educators through our annual contest which provides direct classroom sponsorships and celebrations that recognize their dedication.”
Students must nominate a teacher who currently teaches in one of the eligible New Jersey counties, the company said. Middle and high school students are asked to submit a 500-word essay on why their teacher deserves to be Applebee’s Teacher of the Year. Elementary students are asked to submit a half-page essay, the company said. Entries are limited to one per student and must be delivered in person to the student’s local participating Doherty-owned Applebee’s, the company said.
Eligible counties are Passaic, Bergen, Hudson, Sussex, Essex, Morris, Warren, Hunterdon, Somerset, Union, Middlesex, Monmouth and Ocean, the company said.
Eight winning teachers statewide will each receive a $500 classroom sponsorship to support supplies and learning needs for the upcoming school year, according to the announcement. Winners will also receive an end-of-year class party at Applebee’s. If a class party cannot be accommodated, the prize for the winning essay writer will be replaced with two Dinner-for-Four certificates, the company said.
The contest is valid only at Doherty Enterprises-owned and operated Applebee’s locations in New Jersey. The company said one winner will be selected from each restaurant’s school district and that prizes are subject to change.
