DineEquity Announces Expansion of Applebee's Franchise Into Egypt

DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP, with more than 3,500 restaurants worldwide, announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Applebee's Services, Inc., has signed a multi-restaurant franchise agreement with AMECO Foods for the development of ten new Applebee's restaurants in Egypt.

Cairo is the latest among a growing list of international locations for DineEquity, including 26 restaurants already open throughout the Middle East in countries including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar currently operates 147 restaurants in 15 countries outside the U.S., with its strongest presence in Mexico, Canada and Saudi Arabia.

"DineEquity is evolving and expanding both our brands around the world and we see international expansion as a critical part of Applebee's continued growth and brand development," said Julia Stewart, DineEquity's Chairman and CEO. "Guests all over the world enjoy our great-tasting food and gathering at their neighborhood Applebee's with friends and family, and we are excited to team up with AMECO to bring that experience to Egypt."

The Egypt-based restaurants will be designed and decorated to convey the iconic Applebee's brand with local images and décor that reflect the neighborhood.

Guests will also find the menu featuring local flavor and favorites. While the core international Applebee's menu includes such signature dishes as Riblets and Realburgers®, restaurants outside of the U.S. typically customize up to 20 percent of their menu with food and beverage that reflects their neighborhood. For example, in Saudi Arabia, Applebee's guests can order Ratatouille Whitefish; in Mexico, a Buffalo Salad and Calamari Kaboom are available every day.

"AMECO's commitment to bringing the Applebee's neighborhood experience to life in Egypt make them a strong franchise partner for us," said Mike Archer, president of Applebee's Services, Inc. "It's exciting for us to be introducing Applebee's to neighborhoods throughout Egypt."

Egypt is familiar landscape for AMECO, which is currently working to open 30 Dairy Queen locations in the country. To ensure operational effectiveness, AMECO has worked with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in Egypt to expedite the supply chain process. The firm anticipates importing from Applebee's approved U.S. vendors the first year, and transitioning to about 75 percent approved Egyptian suppliers in the second year.