Gold-plated Goldman Sachs will soon be serving up blue-plate specials.

GS Capital Partners, the company’s private-equity unit, is close to a deal to buy Apple American Group LLC, the largest franchisee of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants in the US, WSJ.com reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

Applebee’s restaurants are known for their neighborhood restaurants and casual, midpriced menu.

GS Capital is buying privately held Apple American from Weston Presidio Capital. Weston manages more than $3 billion and invests in late-stage growth companies. The deal is said to be valued at several hundred million dollars.

Apple American had $665 million in sales in 2010 and more than 16,000 employees. Based in Independence, Ohio, Apple American was founded in 1998 by its chairman and chief executive, Greg Flynn, a Goldman alum.

Goldman’s appetite for the restaurant franchisee comes as casual dining stocks have recovered after tanking during the recession.