Newtown, PA Restaurant Operator Wins Two Of Applebee's Top 2015 Awards Applebee's franchisee

Newtown, PA Restaurant Operator Wins Two Of Applebee’s Top 2015 Awards Applebee’s franchisee The Rose Group wins Franchise of the Year; Rose V.P. Bonnie Lippincott wins Operator of the Year Kansas City, Mo. – (Nov 3, 2015) – Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar this month named Newtown, PA-based franchisee The Rose Group Doherty Enterprises its 2015 “Franchisee of the Year,” and Rose Group Vice President Bonnie Lippincott its “Operator of the Year” at its annual conference. Each year Applebee’s “Franchisee of the Year” award recognizes the top performer in its network of 33 franchisees for their financial performance, operational excellence and community support. The “Operator of the Year” “These award winners are the best of the best and demonstrate how we rely on our world-class franchisees and their operational leaders to drive success,” said Applebee’s President Julia Stewart. “I am proud to serve alongside these winners.” Franchisee of the Year: The Rose Group Established in 1985 and operating 56 Applebee’s in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, The Rose Group was recognized for its financial performance, operational excellence and innovation of new products and systems. In 2015 The Rose Group excelled in sales, bar sales and guest count. It has also been consistently a top performer in all operational metrics, has helped to drive online and to-go sales, and has innovated new products and systems. Beyond the numbers, The Rose Group’s success is based on its sharp focus on its people and teams. Their employee turnover rates are among the best not only within the Applebee’s system of franchisees, but in the entire casual dining category. It’s employee retention numbers are supported by important culture-building efforts like executive-employee roundtables in each market, where team members are able to speak directly with leadership, and rewards of $100 for any team member idea adopted by the business. The Rose Group also won the Pennsylvania Restaurant Association’s 2015 Restaurant Neighbor award for its contributions to the communities it serves. Operator of the Year: Bonnie Lippincott of The Rose Group The Rose Group Chief Operating Officer Bonnie Lippincott is an outstanding, hands-on, passionate operator, who serves on several of Applebee’s national operating committees. She won the top individual award for her oversight of the company’s operational excellence. Lippincott began her career as an Applebee’s restaurant manager in 1985. In 1996 she was promoted to Director of Operations, in 2004 to Vice President of Operations and in 2010 she was promoted to Vice President and Chief Operating Officer with responsibility of overseeing the company's unit level operations. By serving as Applebee’s test partners for many years, Lippincott and her team have helped to drive Applebee’s most important initiatives. “Bonnie has an incredible, selfless drive to succeed for Applebee's, The Rose Group and her team members,” said Stewart. “She is an outstanding, hands-on, passionate operator. Her restaurants are clean, well-maintained, growing sales and are a model of excellence.” This winner is nothing short of inspiring. She's knowledgeable, focused, competitive, insightful, dedicated and yet she still seeks each and every opportunity to share a smile and a laugh. About Applebee’s Applebee's is the world's largest casual dining chain, with more than 2,000 locations in 49 states, 16 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, Applebee’s offers a lively bar & grill experience with an array of flavorful, hand-crafted drinks, appetizers and entrées that constantly evolve. Applebee's Grill & Bar® restaurants are franchised by DineEquity, Inc.’s (NYSE: DIN). Visit us: www.applebees.com Follow us: www.twitter.com/applebees Become a fan: www.facebook.com/applebees Share your photos: www.instagram.com/applebees # # #