Applebee’s® Restaurants Nationwide Will Become Lemonade Stands for Six Weeks to Raise Funds to End Pediatric Cancer

GLENDALE, CA (August 7, 2023) –  Applebee’s® restaurants owned and operated by Apple American Group (AAG), a subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group – the world’s largest franchise operator – announced the kick off its annual fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and family support programs. Since the partnership began in 2005, Apple American Group’s Applebee’s restaurant have raised more than $6 million for ALSF and pediatric cancer research, funding more than 120,000 hours of childhood cancer research so scientists can search for more cures for all kids with cancer.

Now through September 17, Applebee’s restaurants will transform into “lemonade stands,” encouraging guests and neighbors to join in the fight to end childhood cancer. During the 6-week fundraising campaign, Apple American Group’s Applebee’s locations will donate 25 cents from the sale of each lemonade or fruit flavored lemonade and 10 cents from every $5 Sunshine Sip – including Electric Long Island Iced Teas and Tipsy Sunsets. Guests can also support the cause by making donations in increments of $1 and $5 on Applebees.com or the Applebee’s mobile app. Each $5 donation made in store will receive a voucher for $5 off their next in-store purchase of $25 or more.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and are excited to kick off our 19th year of fundraising for this incredible cause,” said Greg Flynn, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Flynn Restaurant Group, owners of Apple American. “Last year was another banner year, raising $545,839. None of this would be possible without the outstanding commitment of our dedicated staff and the generous support of guests. We look forward to another successful year.”

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was established in 2005 to continue the mission of Alexandra “Alex” Scott. While fighting her own battle with neuroblastoma, Alex set up a lemonade stand in her front yard to raise money for “doctors to find a cure for all childhood cancers”. Since her first stand, the Foundation has grown into one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, raising more than $250 million and funding over 1,000 research projects. In 2021, one of those research projects led to the discovery of a cure for a specific type of neuroblastoma – the disease that Alex fought hard against. To learn about other ALSF heroes, such as Jonathon who no longer has to receive treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, visit applebees.com/alexslemonade.

“Applebee’s is truly one of ALSF’s most dedicated partners, raising money every year since 2005,” said Liz Scott, Alex’s mom, and Co-Executive Director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. “While the fight against childhood cancer continues, so does the support of Applebee’s restaurants and guests across the country. We are so grateful for their continued partnership to help find cures and support families during their child’s treatment and beyond.”

Participating Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Apple American Group include: Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

About Apple American Group

Apple American Group LLC owns and operates over 435 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants in 23 states.  With annualized sales of over $1.1B and over 21,000 employees, Apple American is the largest franchisee in the Applebee’s system, the largest U.S. casual dining franchisee, and the second largest franchisee of any concept in the U.S.  More information is available at www.AppleAmerican.com.

About Flynn Restaurant Group LP

Flynn Restaurant Group LP is the largest franchise operator in the world and one of the 20 largest foodservice companies in the United States. Founded by Chairman & CEO Greg Flynn in 1999, Flynn Restaurant Group currently owns and operates 2,600 quick‑service, fast casual, and casual dining restaurants in 44 states, generating $4.5 billion in sales and employing 75,000 people. It’s affiliate, Flynn Properties Inc., owns 121 hotels in the United States and Mexico, including 109 franchised hotels. More information is available at www.FlynnRestaurantGroup.com.

About Applebee's®

As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands, Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,662 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories, and 11 countries outside the United States as of June 30, 2023. This number does not include two domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and 12 Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc. [NYSE: DIN], which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.

About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada raising more than $250 million so far, funding over 1,000 research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org.