Ohio Applebee’s purchases Perrier to accommodate pro tennis players

The Mason, Ohio-based Western & Southern Open is one of the only American tennis tournaments to take place outside of a major metropolitan city, which leaves players with few late-night dining options. Luckily, the middle-brow American chain and national treasure known as Applebee's is open until 1 a.m.

Of course, local branch isn't necessarily built for folks used to dining on steak tartare or caviar or whatever it is tennis players normally eat. (FYI: I do not play tennis.) However, according to the New York Times, Applebee's still tries its best to accommodate their new customers:

Just as players adapt to Applebee’s, Applebee’s must adapt to players. Before the tournament began, the restaurant’s manager made a special trip to buy a case of Perrier, which he said customers order only during this week of the year. Among those asking for Perrier was Karin Knapp, an Italian who superstitiously went to Applebee’s for three straight nights as she kept winning, refueling with steak and chicken dishes while relaxing in an environment she found foreign but enjoyable.

While most of the players seem to enjoy the atmosphere and food, not everyone is down with the 'Bee's high-calorie count. For instance, Maria Sharapova rented a house during this year's tournament to cook her own food because “it’s really slim pickings here, in terms of the healthy options."

I don't know, Maria, the shrimp 'n parmesan sirloin sounds pretty damn healthy to me.

[NYT]