Again, I have well over 20 years of hiring experience in multiple subsections of the service industry. When I say “no one hires line cooks without experience” I’m speaking not only for myself but dozens of other people with similar experience to mine.

Actually look at some of those Indeed postings you linked to.

From the first one: “Proven experience as a line cook or relevant role” From the second: “Previous experience working in a restaurant or food service setting” From the third: “Previous experience working in a kitchen or food industry preferred” (this one is also for prep cook which actually is an entry level position)

I could keep going but there’s really no point.

Oh, by the way, Applebee’s is a franchise so their hiring practices will vary by location. If your local Applebee’s hires line cooks with no experience you really shouldn’t eat there as it’s probably even worse than the average Applebee’s.