LENEXA, KS--(MARKET WIRE)--Jul 26, 2008 --

 
WHAT:      A fundraising event in memory of Maplewood firefighter
           Ryan Hummert. Proceeds to benefit The Backstoppers,
           which provides needed support and financial assistance
           to the spouses and children of all local and county police
           officers, firefighters, publicly-funded paramedics and
           EMTs and volunteer fire protection units, who have lost
           their lives performing their duty.

WHY:       Ryan Hummert, 22, was a member of the Maplewood Fire
           Department when he was killed in the line of duty on
           the morning of Monday, July 21. Ryan is survived by
           his mother and father, Jackie and Andrew Hummert.
           Andrew Hummert was the mayor of Maplewood from
           1983-1993.

HOW:       Applebee's will donate 10% of their total sales to
           The Backstoppers for items purchased between
           11 a.m. - 9 p.m. on Monday, July 28, Tuesday, July 29
           and Wednesday, July 30.

WHEN:      11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday, July 28, Tuesday, July 29
           and Wednesday, July 30.

WHERE:     Two Applebee's locations:
           -- 2301 Maplewood Commons Dr. in Maplewood, Mo.
           -- 6734 Clayton Rd in Richmond Heights, Mo.

CONTACT:   Miles McMillin
           Applebee's International, Inc.
           (913) 890-0259
           miles.mcmillin@applebees.com

About Applebee's International

Applebee's International Inc., and its affiliates, franchise and operate restaurants under Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and is a DineEquity, Inc. (DIN - News) brand. As of June 30, 2008, there were 1,993 Applebee's restaurants operating system-wide in 49 states, 17 international countries and one U.S. territory, of which 509 were company-owned. Additional information on Applebee's can be found at the company's website (www.applebees.com).

     Contact:
     Miles McMillin
     Applebee's International, Inc.
     (913) 890-0259
     miles.mcmillin@applebees.com