Despite being the largest casual dining chain in America, Applebee’s International has long tried to position itself as a local gathering place. Its theme, “Eatin’ good in the neighborhood,” is reinforced by the d & #233;cor of its restaurants, which can include pictures of local police officers and firefighters and memorabilia from regional sports teams, the New York Times reports.

But casual dining chains have had their problems lately, with sales softening as budget-conscious consumers trade down. Now Applebee’s, which leads the estimated $70 billion category that also includes Ruby Tuesday and T.G.I. Friday’s, is revamping its approach by trying to appeal to a new generation. And it starts with a sass-talking apple.

On Sunday, Applebee’s will start a rebranding campaign that includes a wide-reaching advertising effort, new logo, new uniforms, redesigned restaurants and a new theme, “Together is good.” The campaign is the first work from Applebee’s new creative agency, McCann Erickson Worldwide, since Applebee’s shifted its creative account there after a review in which the incumbent, Draft FCB, declined to take part.

The star of the new commercials is a Red Delicious apple, given voice by the wisecracking comedian Wanda Sykes, who will chastise people eating at their desks or sending text messages to friends on a park bench, imploring them instead to gather with friends and family at Applebee’s for “the flavors that bring people together.”

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