Local Stars Shine Bright at the Remodeled Applebee's In East Hanover

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marlene Bauer Pissott / InGroup Inc. / p. 201-612-1230 x. 11 / prinquiries@ingroupinc.com

Michelle Schmidt / Doherty Enterprises / p. 201-818-4669 x 1303 / mschmidt@dohertyinc.com

(Local) Stars Shine Bright at the East Hanover Applebee’s

New Remodel Spotlights the Community

East Hanover, NJ – September 27, 2012 – A transformation has taken place at the Applebee’s at 240 Route 10 in East Hanover. Step inside this restaurant and you’ll spot it immediately: huge floor-to-ceiling photo collages featuring local high school students and other stars from the community are the centerpiece of a fully remodeled interior.

“Applebee’s is an important part of the East Hanover neighborhood and our colorful new photo murals reflect that,” said General Manager Debby Schultz.  The East Hanover Applebee’s is operated by Doherty Enterprises Inc., one of the largest franchisees in the U.S.

In keeping with Applebee’s “hometown” theme, the stars of the full-color wall art are students from neighboring high schools, including Hanover Park High School, Livingston High School and Whippany Park High School.

Applebee’s guests will also notice that, to the delight of local sports fans, the restaurant’s interior has been populated with more HD flat screen televisions.  Still, the focal points of the remodel are the colorful murals that entice diners to get up from their seats in search of photos of family and friends.

But Applebee’s doesn’t just talk about the neighborhood, it’s also actively involved. “Community connections are an important part of what we’re all about,” said Schultze.  “We help support our neighbors through fundraisers and sponsorships that benefit our schools, local organizations and neighbors in need.  So, when giving the East Hanover Applebee’s a fresh look, we wanted to reinforce our genuine feeling for the community.  Our new photo murals are the perfect way to salute our neighbors.”

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NOTE TO EDITOR: hi-res photo jpg files are available upon request; contact prinquiries@ingroupinc.com.

Photo Caption:    

Spot Family and Friends at Your Neighborhood Applebee’s… At the recently remodeled Applebee’s in East Hanover, you’re sure to see some familiar faces. The new hometown-themed décor features floor-to-ceiling photos of local high school students and other members of the community.  Applebee’s guests can enjoy snapping a few photos alongside wall murals that star their friends and family while celebrating their neighborhood’s special community connections.

About Applebee’s

Applebee’s (www.applebees.com) is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with more than 2,000 locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory.  Based in Lenexa, KS, Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee’s Services, Inc., and its affiliates franchise and operate restaurants under Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and are a dineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brand.

Applebee’s New Jersey Locations
Bergen County: Garfield, Hackensack, Northvale, Paramus  Essex County: Newark  Union County:  Linden, Union (2 locations), Elizabeth (coming soon)  Hudson County:  Jersey City, Kearny, North Bergen  Passaic County:  Clifton, Totowa  Morris County:  Butler, Dover, East Hanover, Flanders (Mt. Olive), Parsippany  Warren County:  Hackettstown,  Phillipsburg  Hunterdon County:  Flemington  Somerset County:  Bridgewater, Hillsborough  Middlesex County:  Woodbridge, Edison, Milltown, Piscataway  Sussex County:  Newton  Ocean County:  Brick, Forked River (Lacey), Manahawkin, Manchester, Toms River  Monmouth County:  Howell, Manalapan, Wall, Tinton Falls, Ocean Township, Middletown

(Local) Stars Shine Bright at the East Hanover Applebee’s (Page 3 of 3)

About Doherty Enterprises, Inc.
Doherty Enterprises, Inc. was established in 1985 and is the 12th largest franchisee in the United States, operating five restaurant concepts, including Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar, Panera Bread, Chevys Fresh Mex, and two of their own concepts, The Shannon Rose Irish Pub and Spuntino Wine Bar and Italian Tapas.  To date, Doherty Enterprises owns and operates 97 restaurants in northern and central New Jersey, Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Staten Island.  The Doherty vision is to be the “Best Food Service Company in the Tri-State Area” and its mission is to “Wow Every Guest Every Time, Wow Our People, Wow Our Communities and Wow Our Suppliers.” (www.DohertyInc.com)