Applebee's to raise money for United Way

Contact:

John Reeher, Apple American Group, (216) 525-2775

(Cleveland, Ohio) October 23, 2003
America's favorite neighbor cares about Northeast Ohio. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar, located in Northeast Ohio, will be contributing proceeds raised from its Dining to Donate fundraiser to the United Way of Northeast Ohio. In-restaurant raffles, contests and prize drawings along with contributions of a percentage of sales for the day will be raised for United Way during Applebee's Dining To Donate day to be held from 11am-10pm on Wednesday, November 12, 2003.

"Applebee's has a tradition of getting involved in its communities and supporting worthwhile charitable causes," said Market President, Bob Durrin of the Northeast Ohio Applebee's. "We're delighted to support the United Way and our goal for the Dining to Donate day will be $15,000."

For nearly a century, Greater Clevelanders have counted on United Way's local safety net of care thanks to the generosity of donors, who with one gift support 186 programs and services provided by nearly 130 partner agencies. Today's United Way also embraces an added dimension, providing long-term community impact through partnerships, including the Community Vision Council. "United Way is grateful to our newest partner, Applebee's, and its many customers, who are coming together to do good in the neighborhood on this special day by adding fun into fundraising and helping us move closer to our $50 million goal," said K. Michael Benz, president and chief executive officer, United Way Services.

"Sponsoring this type of fund-raising event is one of the best ways for us to give something back to the community that supports us," Bob Durrin said. "One of our biggest goals at Applebee's is to build a sense of trust with the communities we do business in and the people of Northeast Ohio. After all, this is our home, too."

Applebee's International, Inc. (Nasdaq:APPB), headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., currently develops, franchises and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar brand, the largest casual dining concept in the world. There are currently more than 1,500 Applebee's restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states and seven international countries. Additional information on Applebee's International can be found at the company's website, www.applebees.com.

Click here to find a participating Applebee's location near you!