Applebee's International Names Carrington SVP Finance.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. -- Steve Lumpkin, executive vice president and chief financial officer (CFO) of Applebee's International, Inc. (Nasdaq:APPB), today announced H.G. "Carey" Carrington, Jr. as the company's new senior vice president of finance, effective January 10.

Carrington has extensive experience in restaurant finance, most recently with California Pizza Kitchen (CPK). Carrington served CPK as executive vice president and CFO from 1998 to 2001 and returned to the company as interim president in 2003. He also served as CFO and chief operating officer for U.S. Restaurant Properties, Inc., and as CFO for Spaghetti Warehouse, Inc.

Prior to his work within the restaurant industry, which began in 1993, Carrington spent 14 years in investment banking.

"I'm delighted that someone of Carey's rare stature and achievement will be joining Applebee's in this key position," Lumpkin said. "His record of success, coupled with his industry-wide reputation for honesty and integrity, makes him a perfect fit for our culture at Applebee's International."

Lumpkin said the SVP Finance position was created to help the company build its management depth as it continues to expand its reach as the world's largest casual dining concept. Last year, Applebee's International announced plans to grow to at least 3,000 domestic locations; currently, there are more than 1,600 Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar restaurants in the United States.

Lloyd Hill, chairman and chief executive officer of Applebee's, also stressed that adding Carrington to lead the finance team will allow Lumpkin to devote more of his efforts to the company's long-term strategic goals, including acceleration of the company's development and operations internationally.

Carrington will report to Lumpkin and will be responsible for all finance functions other than investor relations. In addition to oversight for finance, Lumpkin will continue to be responsible for international development and operations, information technology, investor relations and legal.

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 are currently 1,672 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).