One of the first chain restaurants to open in Statesboro about 18 years ago, Applebee’s will close its doors for good at the end of business on Friday. Apple America Group, which owns the local franchise, made the announcement Wednesday. “We have seen a significant shift in the cities’ retail population away from our location in Statesboro,” said Jennifer Rouse, marketing coordinator for Apple America Group, about the restaurant on Northside Drive in front of Lowe’s.