Why an Applebee’s lives in Hollywood, Cincinnati Open tennis lore

The Cincinnati Open is in full swing.

The 2024 tournament takes place Aug. 11-19 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, where it has been held since 1979.

Attending the Cincinnati Open, formerly the Western & Southern Open, has become a tradition for individuals and families across the region and beyond. But superstar players also historically participated in a tournament tradition that was even recently featured in a Hollywood film.

Here’s what you should know about the lore surrounding the now closed Mason Applebee’s, a former hub for Cincinnati Open players.

The Applebee’s connection to the Cincinnati Open

The New York Times reported in 2014 that Mason’s Applebee’s was once a staple for Cincinnati Open players to dine at, stretching back to 1997. This was because of its proximity to the tourney and the Marriott hotel, its convenient late-night hours, and the lack of competitive dining options in the area.

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“Applebee’s often becomes an intersection for those who have played, are soon to play or are related to those about to play,” The New York Times wrote.

The American chain restaurant was famous not only among American players, such as John Isner, but was also the go-to spot for international stars, including Karin Knapp and Ernests Gulbis.

The unique post-match Applebee’s tradition even inspired a scene in the 2024 romantic sports drama “The Challengers.”

The film, directed by Luca Guadagnino, follows Tashi Duncan (Zendaya), a former tennis star turned coach attempting to turn her husband, Art Donaldson (Mike Faist), into the next tennis champion. But in order to do so, he must face off against her ex-boyfriend, Patrick Zweig (Josh O’Connor).

Midway through the film, Duncan and Donaldson, two longtime friends, reunite during the Cincy tourney. The two characters kiss for the first time in the parking lot of the Mason Applebee’s, transforming their friendship into a romantic relationship.

According to The Ringer, the Applebee’s scene “isn’t just a niche Easter egg for tennis fanatics—it’s a tribute to a bygone era of athletes from across the globe eatin’ good in the neighborhood.”

When asked about the inclusion of the scene in “The Challengers,” Guadagnino told The New York Times, “I love the practicality of America. I think it’s fantastic. The way in which this landscape unfolds, everything can be completely meaningful.”

Is the Mason Applebee’s still open?

Unfortunately, the Mason Applebee’s, located at 9660 Mason Montgomery Road, permanently closed in 2019, Vulture reports. It is now a First Financial Bank. 

Where can you eat near the Cincinnati Open?

The Applebee’s may have shuttered, but the tournament offers a plethora of dining options, from Alfio’s Buon Cibo to Skyline Chili. Visit cincinnatiopen.com/experience/dining for a closer look at all the offerings.

If you’re looking for a dining option outside the tournament, check out this list of restaurants within five miles of the 2024 Cincinnati Open.