Applebee's Promotes Healthier Lifestyle With Launch Of New Menus

LIVONIA, Mich., Jan. 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- As a continued leader in offering healthy menu selections among the casual restaurant sector, Applebee's recently launched its new Weight Watchers, Under 550 Calories and two-tier, expanded REALLY Hungry Kids menus. TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants Marketing Manager Barb Pasciak made the announcement.

While the casual dining segment has traditionally lacked in healthy menu offerings, Applebee's is committed to continually promoting health and wellness for its guests. These new menu options meet the high nutritional value of national organizations, including Weight Watchers and the National Restaurant Association's Kids LiveWell program, while still offering guests a mix of tasty options that deliver a delicious, well-rounded meal.

"As we begin a new year, Applebee's is expanding its commitment to promoting a healthier lifestyle to our guests by unveiling our latest fresh and high-quality Weight Watchers, Under 550 Calorie and Kids menu options," said Pasciak. "Families today are always on the go, and with 65 locations in Michigan, Applebee's makes it easy to choose smarter options, while offering a feel good dining experience the whole family can enjoy."

According to the National Restaurant Association, health and nutrition is one of the hottest restaurant trends and will continue to be a focus for consumers in 2014. Since 2004, Applebee's is the only restaurant chain to offer Weight Watchers-endorsed meals. Applebee's feature specials include Roma Pepper Steak, Creamy Parmesan Chicken and Lemon Parmesan Shrimp. Additionally, Applebee's Under 550 menu offers Signature Sirloin with Garlic Herb Shrimp, Zesty Roma Chicken & Shrimp, Napa Chicken & Portobellos and Savory Cedar Salmon, whiles its kids menu offers 650 different combinations—including Chicken Grillers, Steamed Broccoli, Apple Dippers with Yogurt—that meet the National Restaurant Association's Kids LiveWell nutritional requirements.

Guests can find these new healthier meals at their local Applebee's locations throughout Michigan, which include Adrian, Allen Park, Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Battle Creek, Belleville, Benton Harbor, Big Rapids, Caledonia, Canton, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Coldwater, Commerce Township, Comstock Park, Dearborn Heights, Dundee, East Lansing, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Grandville, Greenville, Harper Woods, Hastings, Holland, Howell, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lake Orion, Lansing, Lapeer, Ludington, Madison Heights, Marshall, Monroe, Muskegon, New Hudson, Northville, Novi, Okemos, Plainwell, Port Huron, Portage, Roseville, Saint Johns, Southgate, Sterling Heights, Sturgis, Taylor, Three Rivers, Utica, Walker, Warren, Waterford Township, Westland, White Lake, Woodhaven, Wyoming and Ypsilanti.

The 65 Michigan Applebee's are all owned and operated by Livonia, Mich.-based TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants. An industry leader in attracting, developing and retaining the most talented work force, TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants proudly delights its guests and sets an unmatched standard of excellence.

About Applebee's International, Inc.

Applebee's (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 restaurant 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.

About TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants

Livonia, Mich.-based TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants is a family-owned restaurant group with an expansive portfolio of casual and fast-casual dining restaurants throughout the state of Michigan. With a commitment to quality operations, TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants is an industry leader in attracting, developing and retaining the most talented work force that proudly delights its guests and sets an unmatched standard of excellence. For the past three decades, TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants has expanded its restaurant catalog to include 65 Applebee's, 61 BURGER KING restaurants, 11 Olga's Kitchen establishments and three Del Taco restaurants. For more information, visit www.teamschostak.com.

SOURCE TEAM Schostak Family Restaurants