Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette The sign on Applebee's in Houghton indicates the popular eatery is closed "for maintenance." However, the Daily Mining Gazette confirmed Monday afternoon that the restaurant is permanently closed.

HOUGHTON – Rumors and speculation circulating Monday that Applebee’s in Houghton permanently closed its doors have been confirmed by the Daily Mining Gazette Monday afternoon.

A sign on the main entrance of the restaurant says it is closed for repairs, while a notice in the adjacent window announces “Now Hiring.”

However, a spokesperson for the popular eatery confirmed by telephone Monday afternoon that the restaurant did in fact permanently close its doors as of Monday morning.

No further details were available at press time.