News Release

New Artisan Grilled Chicken Ciabatta: One More Reason to Try All 231 Lunch Combos, Starting at $6.99

KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 17, 2014-- In the world of restaurant menus, there are fan favorites, and then there are epic obsessions. These legends inspire Guest cravings and even spark imitations. After nearly a decade of stirring the hearts and minds of Guests, Applebee’s has selected the Quesadilla Burger to lead its new Legends lineup: dishes unique to America’s favorite neighborhood grill and bar.

Applebee's Quesadilla Burger (Photo: Business Wire)

The story of how the ingenious combination of a juicy burger, sandwiched between quesadillas, came to be is a closely held secret – a mystery the world may never solve. But the mystique of this southwest delight is not the only reason this Freshburger is hard to resist. The juicy burger, fresh pico de gallo, Mexi-ranch sauce and shredded lettuce, enveloped in a flavorful jack and cheddar quesadilla is a combination of flavors worthy of legendary status.

“The Quesadilla Burger has been a staple on the Applebee’s menu for nearly 10 years. Combining an American classic with a Mexican influence keeps Applebee’s fans coming back time and time again,” said Peter Czizek, Applebee’s Vice President of Culinary and Menu Strategy. “Latin flavors lend a unique freshness to food. Our ethnically-inspired dishes are popular, and the Quesadilla Burger is, and always has been, one of our best-selling burgers.”

Applebee’s Guests will also find Latin and Mexican influences in two new Fresh Flavors of the Southwest dishes, available for a limited time on Applebee’s famed 2 for $20^* menu: the Citrus Lime Sirloin and Chicken & Shrimp Tequila Tango.

New Fresh Flavors of the Southwest

• Citrus Lime Sirloin: A thick, juicy 7 oz. sirloin is grilled and placed over a mound of crispy red potatoes and a vegetable primavera blend, then drizzled with a chili lime sauce and sprinkled with freshly chopped cilantro and lime juice.
• Chicken & Shrimp Tequila Tango: A juicy chicken breast and plump shrimp are perfectly seasoned, then topped with tequila avocado sauce and chopped cilantro. Served on a bed of Mexican-style rice and sautéed peppers & onions for a truly sensational blend of flavors.

Better with Lunch at Applebee’s

The new Artisan Grilled Chicken Ciabatta sandwich – tender grilled chicken and a house-made artichoke spread, topped off with Swiss cheese, crisp Applewood smoked bacon, tomatoes and smoky mayo, all on a delicious Ciabatta bun – is one more reason to check out Applebee’s lineup of more than 200 Lunch Combos, starting at $6.99^*.

^*Prices may vary by location.

The Applebee’s Brand

Applebee's is the world's largest casual dining chain, with approximately 2,000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Applebee's takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar® restaurants are franchised or operated by DineEquity’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Applebee's International, Inc. and its affiliates.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140217005160/en/

Source: Applebee's

Crossroads:
Kelli Hindes, 972-978-3803
khindes@crossroads.us
or
Applebee’s:
Dan Smith, 913-890-0370
dan.smith@applebees.com