Applebee's screws their employees, keeps them in the dark until closing today

So I'm chatting last night with a guy who runs one of the El Paso Mexican Grills and he mentioned out of the blue that El Paso will be taking over the Applebee's on Sherwood Forest in Baton Rouge. I found it odd because their parking lot always seems packed (I enjoy eating next door at Duang Tawan.) I asked when this was going to happen and he mentioned that today (March 13th) would be the day. Pursuing the rumor that I heard, I then gave the Sherwood Applebee's a call and asked the person who answered if what I was told is true. She said that she hadn't heard anything at all about her location closing. This was around 10:30pm the day before.

The fact that I heard it directly from an El Paso owner coupled with the possibility of Applebee's perhaps keeping their employees in the dark until the very end compelled me to try calling again today, on this day they were to close. Something curious happens...all of my attempts to call (225) 291-3600 today are immediately ended/cancelled without a ring.

Because I'm a research nut, I called another Applebee's and they said that they haven't heard anything either.

Anyone have any insight on this? If you're driving by, take a peek and report back. Perhaps someone could try calling the number to see if they can get a call through. I have no idea why the guy who told me this would be bullshitting, nor can I figure out why Applebee's phone isn't working.

I've never eaten there, but I have at El Paso a few times, so I think it would be a great addition to that area.

ETA: Since this post, it's been confirmed that the rumor is true, and that they are indeed closed.