Applebee's Continues Tradition of FREE Thank You Meals to Veterans & Active Duty Military on Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11

This Veterans Day, Monday, Nov. 11, Applebee’s is once again continuing the tradition the brand started five years ago by thanking our nation’s veterans and active duty military and inviting them to their neighborhood Applebee’s for a FREE Thank You Meal. Applebee’s expects to serve more than 1 million FREE meals from its special Veterans Day menu of seven signature entrees like the 7 oz. House Sirloin.

Applebee’s is also encouraging Guests to show their gratitude by leaving a message for current and former military members at ThankYouMovement.com. Visitors to the Thank You Movement website will be directed to their local Applebee’s Facebook page, where personal Thank You messages will be tallied by neighborhood and tracked in real time on the Thank You Movement website.

On Veterans Day, the Applebee’s community with the most Thank You messages will be declared the “Most Thankful Neighborhood” and win a free concert in their city for veterans from Gavin DeGraw, platinum singer-songwriter and the face of the 2013 Thank You Movement. Guests can also submit Thank You messages by using the hashtag #ThankYouMovement on http://www.facebook.com/applebees, @applebees on Twitter or on Instagram and YouTube.

Since creating the Thank You Movement in 2011 to collect messages of appreciation for each of the 24 million current and former members of our Armed Forces, Applebee’s Guests have written more than 4.5 million personal Thank You messages communicated through the Thank You Movement website. Veterans and active duty troops can go online anytime to see and hear the heartfelt thanks of the people they serve.

Applebee’s will continue to support veterans year-round through a partnership with The Mission Continues, an organization that promotes veteran-led community service projects in neighborhoods throughout the country.

Participating Applebee’s restaurants will advocate and honor the work of current and alumni Mission Continues Fellows through “Neighborhood Hero” displays. These displays will raise awareness within the community as well as provide a local call-to-action.

Information on the availability of a Fellow in a particular market is available upon request (dan.smith@applebees.com).

Monday, Nov. 11

Hours vary by location and Guests should call their local Applebee’s restaurant in advance to inquire about specific location hours or visit http://www.applebees.com for more information.

All U.S. Applebee's restaurants

Guests will need to provide proof of service, which includes: U.S. Uniform Services Identification Card, U.S. Uniform Services Retired Identification Card, Current Leave and Earnings Statement, Veterans Organization Card, photograph in uniform or wearing uniform, DD214, Citation or Commendation.

Offer is valid for dine-in only. Traditional sides are included with free entrees; 2 for $20 appetizers, upgraded side items or extras, beverages, desserts and gratuity are not included. Applebee’s Thank You Meals will be offered during normal business hours on Monday, Nov. 11.

About Applebee’s International, Inc.

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar® (www.applebees.com) is the world’s largest casual dining chain, with approximately 2,000 locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Kansas City, Mo., Applebee’s takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® is a DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brand, and is franchised and operated by Applebee’s International, Inc. and its affiliates.