Applebee's International Reviewing Advertising Agencies as Part of Strategic Brand Evolution.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 24, 1999--

Applebee's International, Inc. (Nasdaq: APPB) is currently conducting an advertising agency review for its Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar concept. The review is an important initiative under the company's recently announced strategic business plan, which includes an increased focus on food and menu, advertising and the overall positioning of the Applebee's brand. The selected agency will become an important strategic partner in continuing the growth and evolution of Applebee's, which is the largest casual dining concept in the United States.

The company will complete the selection of its agency of record by the end of July. The company has narrowed the list of possible candidates to seven agencies, including its present longtime agency, Wyse Advertising, Inc. of Cleveland. The other agencies under consideration are:

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--   Foote, Cone & Belding - Chicago, Illinois
--   McKinney & Silver - Raleigh, North Carolina
--   Messner Vetere Berger McNamee Schmetterer/Euro RSCG - New York,
     New York
--   Richards Group - Dallas, Texas
--   Saatchi & Saatchi - New York, New York
--   Temerlin McClain - Irving, Texas
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"What we seek from our advertising agency are recommendations on brand positioning and assistance in building campaigns that drive same store sales and build overall market share," said Karen Eadon, the company's senior vice president of marketing. "We'll look to the agency to be an integral part of our team to help us achieve our strategic objectives and to maintain our position as a market leader."

Ms. Eadon was appointed as the company's senior marketing executive in March and joins other recent executive additions on the Applebee's concept team, including industry veterans Julia Stewart, president of the Applebee's division, and John Koch, senior vice president of research and development.

Applebee's International, Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., develops, franchises and operates the Applebee's Neighborhood Grill and Bar concept. There are currently over 1,100 Applebee's restaurants located in 48 states and seven international countries. Additional information on Applebee's International can be found at the company's Web site (www.applebees.com).