OVERLAND PARK, Kan.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 24, 2007--Applebee's International, Inc., (Nasdaq:APPB), the world's largest casual dining concept, will hold a grand-opening celebration on Friday for its first Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar in China. The restaurant, which started serving customers in late September, is located in Shanghai in a mixed-use development called Novel City.
"Applebee's is pleased to open its doors in Shanghai where the people have intense cravings for great American food," said Rohan St. George, president of Applebee's International Division. "Shanghai is an ideal location as Applebee's expands into Asia and continues to strategically grow the brand internationally."
A chef from Applebee's Culinary Center in Overland Park, Kan., teamed with a chef in Shanghai to develop a menu that fuses Applebee's classics with favorite Chinese flavors for an "East meets West" selection. Every item was analyzed based on local preferences for taste, serving size and plate presentation to ensure the menu is pleasing to Chinese palates.
One of the new menu items is the Mango Prawn Salad, which is a mix of prawns, lettuce, lotus root and water chestnut tossed with fresh mango and wasabi cream.
The restaurant design takes on a contemporary look and feel that will attract young, trendy consumers. The atmosphere is uncluttered and streamlined, featuring moon-shaped booths and electronic wall art on LCD screens.
Applebee's menu and restaurant design are complemented with a unique service model for the China market. The company's commitment to delivering fast and friendly service is backed up by a service guarantee, which states that all customer issues will be resolved before the guest leaves the dining room.
"Applebee's is thrilled to provide a welcoming place where people in Shanghai can gather, connect with friends and family, and enjoy great American fare at an affordable price," St. George said.
About Applebee's
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. As of September 30, there were 1,953 Applebee's restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states, 17 international countries and one U.S. territory, of which 510 are company-owned. Additional information on Applebee's International can be found at the company's website (www.applebees.com).
CONTACT:
Applebee's International, Inc.
Laura Tigges, 913-967-2936
laura.tigges@applebees.com
SOURCE:
Applebee's International, Inc.
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