Applebee's Recognized for Excellence in Investor Relations; DiRaimo, Investor Relations Department Win Top Awards

Business Wire, April 4, 2005

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- For the second year in a row, portfolio managers, analysts and retail investors nationwide have recognized Applebee's International, Inc. (Nasdaq: APPB) for having the best overall investor relations for a small cap company and have named Carol DiRaimo, Applebee's vice president of investor relations, as the best investor relations officer for a small cap company.

Applebee's won the awards Thursday night in New York City at the 10th annual IR Magazine US Awards event honoring executives and companies that have exhibited the highest standards of investor relations. Approximately 4,000 members of the investment community were surveyed to determine the award winners.

"Our investor relations efforts are enhanced by the candor and commitment of our entire management team, as well as our dedicated and passionate associates and franchisees across the system," DiRaimo said. "Applebee's is honored to have received this recognition."

Applebee's International, Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., develops, franchises and operates restaurants under the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar brand, the largest casual dining concept in the world. There currently are nearly 1,700 Applebee's restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states and 12 international countries. Additional information on Applebee's International can be found at the company's website (www.applebees.com).