UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 8-K


                                 Current Report




                PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
                              EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934



Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported)       July 30, 2003
                                                --------------------------------

Commission File Number:    000-17962


                         Applebee's International, Inc.
              ----------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

            Delaware                                      43-1461763
  ----------------------------              ------------------------------------
  (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
   incorporation or organization)

          4551 W. 107th Street, Suite 100, Overland Park, Kansas 66207
 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
              (Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

                                 (913) 967-4000
              ----------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)


                                      None
          -------------------------------------------------------------
          (Former name or former address, if changed since last report)


                                       1

<PAGE>



Item 12.         Results of Operations and Financial Condition

      On July 30, 2003, Applebee's  International, Inc. (the "Company") issued a
press release entitled "Applebee's  International Reports Second Quarter Diluted
Earnings Per Share of 45 Cents Excluding  Chevys Charge;  Reported  Earnings Per
Share of $0.35." The release has been provided below.


                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


Contact:  Carol DiRaimo,
          Executive Director of Investor Relations
          (913) 967-4109

                 Applebee's International Reports Second Quarter
          Diluted Earnings Per Share of $0.45 Excluding Chevys Charge;
                      Reported Earnings Per Share of $0.35

Overland  Park,   Kan.,  July  30,  2003  --  Applebee's   International,   Inc.
(Nasdaq:APPB)  today reported record net earnings of $25.8 million, or $0.45 per
diluted  share,  for the second  quarter  ended June 29, 2003,  excluding a $5.6
million  after-tax or $0.10 per share charge  resulting  from fully  reserving a
note  receivable  relating  to the  sale  of the Rio  Bravo  concept  to  Chevys
Holdings,  Inc. ("Chevys") in 1999. Excluding this charge,  diluted earnings per
share increased 21 percent as compared to $0.37 per share for the second quarter
of 2002.  Including this charge,  net earnings were $20.2 million,  or $0.35 per
diluted share, for the second quarter of 2003.

The company has recorded a charge of $8.8  million  ($5.6  million  after-tax or
$0.10 per share) for the quarter  ended June 29, 2003 to reflect the  impairment
of a note  receivable  that was issued in  conjunction  with the sale of the Rio
Bravo concept to Chevys in 1999. In June 2003,  Chevys announced the sale of the
majority  of its  restaurants.  Subsequent  to  the  announcement,  the  company
received Chevys' audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December
31, 2002.  Based upon this  information,  the company  believes that the note is
impaired,  and has fully reserved the principal and accrued interest  receivable
as of June 29, 2003.

System-wide  comparable  sales for the  second  quarter  of 2003  increased  3.6
percent,  the 20th consecutive  quarter of comparable sales growth.  Company and
franchise  restaurant  comparable  sales  increased 5.1 percent and 3.2 percent,
respectively, for the quarter. System-wide comparable sales for the year-to-date
period through June increased 3.5 percent, with company and franchise restaurant
comparable sales up 4.9 percent and 3.0 percent, respectively.


                                    - more -

                                       2
<PAGE>


July 30, 2003
Page 2


The company also reported comparable sales for the June fiscal period, comprised
of the five weeks ended June 29, 2003.  Comparable sales for company restaurants
increased 7.1 percent,  including the 21 franchise  restaurants  in  Washington,
D.C. acquired in November 2002 as well as the 11 franchise  restaurants adjacent
to the St. Louis market that were acquired in March 2003. Excluding the acquired
restaurants,  comparable  sales  for  company  restaurants  also  increased  7.1
percent,  reflecting an increase in guest traffic of approximately  4.0 percent,
combined with a higher average check. System-wide comparable sales increased 5.1
percent for the June period,  and  comparable  sales for  franchise  restaurants
increased 4.4 percent.

In addition,  the company reported  comparable sales for the July fiscal period,
comprised  of the four weeks ended July 27, 2003.  Comparable  sales for company
restaurants  increased  5.5  percent,  including  the 32  franchise  restaurants
acquired in November and March.  Excluding the acquired restaurants,  comparable
sales for company restaurants  increased 5.9 percent,  reflecting an increase in
guest  traffic of  approximately  2.0 percent,  combined  with a higher  average
check.  System-wide  comparable sales increased 3.9 percent for the July period,
and comparable sales for franchise restaurants increased 3.3 percent. Comparable
sales for company  restaurants  for the  year-to-date  period  through July have
increased 4.9 percent,  with  system-wide and franchise  comparable sales up 3.5
percent and 3.1 percent, respectively.

Lloyd L. Hill, chairman and chief executive officer,  said, "The solid execution
of our strategies  continues to produce  outstanding  results.  Comparable sales
growth exceeded our own  expectations,  accelerating  during the second quarter.
Excluding the charge related to the Chevys' note,  earnings per share grew by 21
percent and return on equity exceeded 24 percent for the quarter,  both of which
significantly surpassed our long-term targets."

Hill  continued,   "We  continued  to  improve  our  food  with  the  successful
system-wide  introduction  of a new menu at the end of April.  In  addition,  we
began  the  implementation  of  our  "Carside  To  Go(TM)"  program  in  company
restaurants  during the quarter,  and are on target to complete  this rollout in
all company  restaurants by Thanksgiving.  This approach to our To Go initiative
was  reviewed  with  our   franchisees   last  week,   and  they  will  continue
implementation throughout the remainder of this year and into 2004. We have also
completed the  installation of our kitchen display system ("KDS") in all company
restaurants,  and are now  commencing  the  rollout  of this  technology  to our
franchisees."

Hill concluded,  "We are excited about last week's announcement of our agreement
to partner with Weight  Watchers in the development of menu items that will give
our guests  great  tasting,  healthy  choices  when they dine with us. This is a
strategic  example of how we plan to continue to drive  consistent,  sustainable
results through our 1,500-plus Applebee's restaurants in the future."


                                    - more -

                                       3
<PAGE>


July 30, 2003
Page 3


Other results for the second quarter and year-to-date periods ended June 29,
2003 included:

      o     Net earnings  for the 26-week  period ended June 29, 2003 were $50.4
            million,  or $0.89 per diluted  share,  excluding the Chevys charge.
            This  compares  to net  earnings in the same period of 2002 of $41.7
            million,  or $0.73 per diluted share.  This  represents a 22 percent
            increase in diluted earnings per share.

      o     System-wide  sales for the  Applebee's  concept were a record $904.2
            million for the second  quarter,  an increase of 11 percent over the
            prior year.  System-wide sales for the 26-week period ended June 29,
            2003 were $1.8 billion, also up 11 percent.

      o     Applebee's ended the quarter with 1,528 restaurants system-wide (373
            company and 1,155 franchise restaurants).  During the second quarter
            of  2003,   there  were  17  new   Applebee's   restaurants   opened
            system-wide, including 4 company and 13 franchised restaurants.

      o     Year-to-date,  the company has repurchased  545,000 shares of common
            stock at an average  price of $24.37 for an aggregate  cost of $13.3
            million.  As of June 29, 2003, $56.2 million remains available under
            the company's ongoing stock repurchase authorization.

      o     As of June 29, 2003,  the company had total debt  outstanding of $35
            million,  with $109 million  available  under its  revolving  credit
            facility.


BUSINESS OUTLOOK

The company updated its guidance for the remainder of fiscal year 2003:

      o     The company continues to expect approximately 100 new restaurants to
            open  in  2003,  including  25  company  restaurants  and  70  to 80
            franchise restaurants.

      o     System-wide  comparable sales are expected to increase by at least 3
            percent for the full year,  although  monthly  sales  results may be
            more volatile given the geopolitical  environment,  current economy,
            calendar shifts, prior year comparisons, or other unusual events.


                                    - more -

                                       4
<PAGE>


July 30, 2003
Page 4


      o     Overall restaurant  margins before pre-opening  expense are expected
            to increase for the full year as a result of higher sales volumes in
            company restaurants and the impact of recent franchise acquisitions.

      o     General and  administrative  expenses,  as a percentage of operating
            revenues,  are now expected to be in the low to mid-9 percent range,
            reflecting  leverage from  franchise  acquisitions  and higher sales
            volumes in company restaurants.

      o     The effective  income tax rate is currently  expected to continue at
            36.0 percent for the remainder of 2003.

      o     Excluding the cost of franchise  acquisitions,  capital expenditures
            are  now  expected  to be  between  $70  and $80  million  in  2003,
            reflecting an increase in current year  spending  relating to fiscal
            year 2004 openings.

      o     On  July  20,  2003,  the  company   completed  the  sale  of  eight
            restaurants  in the  Atlanta,  Georgia  market to a  franchisee  for
            $8,000,000. No significant gain or loss on the sale is anticipated.

Based on the foregoing assumptions and its performance through the first half of
the year,  the company  has raised its  guidance  for fiscal  year 2003  diluted
earnings  per share to a range of $1.70 to  $1.72,  excluding  the $0.10  charge
relating  to the  Chevys'  note  and  the  impact  of any  additional  franchise
acquisitions or stock repurchase activity.

A  conference  call to review the second  quarter  2003  results and the current
business outlook will be held on Thursday morning,  July 31, 2003, at 10:00 a.m.
Central Time (11:00 a.m.  Eastern Time).  The conference  call will be broadcast
live over the Internet and a replay will be available  shortly after the call on
the Investor Relations section of the company's website (www.applebees.com).

Applebee's International,  Inc., headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., develops,
franchises and operates  restaurants under the Applebee's  Neighborhood  Grill &
Bar brand,  the largest casual dining concept in the world. As of July 27, 2003,
there were 1,530 Applebee's  restaurants  operating system-wide in 49 states and
nine international countries. Additional information on Applebee's International
can be found at the company's website (www.applebees.com).


                                    - more -

                                       5
<PAGE>


July 30, 2003
Page 5


Certain  statements  contained in this release,  including those in the Business
Outlook section,  are forward looking and based on current  expectations.  There
are several risks and  uncertainties  that could cause actual  results to differ
materially from those described, including but not limited to the ability of the
company  and  its  franchisees  to  open  and  operate  additional   restaurants
profitably,  the ability of its franchisees to obtain  financing,  the continued
growth of its  franchisees,  and its  ability  to attract  and retain  qualified
franchisees,  the impact of intense  competition in the casual dining segment of
the restaurant  industry,  and its ability to control restaurant operating costs
which are impacted by market changes,  minimum wage and other  employment  laws,
food costs and  inflation.  For additional  discussion of the principal  factors
that could  cause  actual  results  to be  materially  different,  the reader is
referred to the company's  current  report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities
and  Exchange  Commission  on  February  12,  2003.  The company  disclaims  any
obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

                                                       # # #

                                       6
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                 APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
                                   (Unaudited)
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)

                                                             13 Weeks Ended                 26 Weeks Ended
                                                       ---------------------------    ---------------------------
                                                        June 29,        June 30,       June 29,        June 30,
                                                          2003            2002           2003            2002
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
<S>                                                    <C>             <C>            <C>             <C>
Revenues:
     Company restaurant sales....................       $220,107        $178,893       $428,517        $353,866
     Franchise royalties and fees................         27,331          25,484         54,494          50,324
     Other franchise income (a)..................          3,268             463          5,909             597
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
        Total operating revenues.................        250,706         204,840        488,920         404,787
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
Cost of company restaurant sales:
     Food and beverage...........................         57,040          47,073        111,886          94,480
     Labor.......................................         71,804          58,881        140,168         116,338
     Direct and occupancy........................         54,386          44,291        104,947          87,163
     Pre-opening expense.........................            334             305            555             640
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
        Total cost of company restaurant sales...        183,564         150,550        357,556         298,621
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
Cost of other franchise income (a)...............          3,173              93          5,673             153
General and administrative expenses (a)..........         22,887          19,923         45,507          39,243
Amortization of intangible assets................             92              52            191             190
Loss on disposition of restaurants and equipment.            731             727          1,198           1,021
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
Operating earnings...............................         40,259          33,495         78,795          65,559
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
Other income (expense):
     Investment income...........................            485             381            821             778
     Interest expense............................           (518)           (555)        (1,039)         (1,188)
     Impairment of Chevys note receivable........         (8,803)             --         (8,803)             --
     Other income................................              1             482            206             583
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
        Total other income (expense).............         (8,835)            308         (8,815)            173
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
Earnings before income taxes.....................         31,424          33,803         69,980          65,732
Income taxes.....................................         11,239          12,338         25,193          23,992
                                                       -----------     -----------    ------------    -----------
Net earnings.....................................       $ 20,185        $ 21,465       $ 44,787        $ 41,740
                                                       ===========     ===========    ============    ===========

Basic net earnings per common share (b)..........       $   0.36        $   0.38       $   0.81        $   0.75
                                                       ===========     ===========    ============    ===========
Diluted net earnings per common share (b)........       $   0.35        $   0.37       $   0.79        $   0.73
                                                       ===========     ===========    ============    ===========

Basic weighted average shares outstanding (b)....         55,435          55,872         55,354          55,874
                                                       ===========     ===========    ============    ===========
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding (b)..         57,032          57,374         56,869          57,352
                                                       ===========     ===========    ============    ===========

<FN>

(a)   Other  franchise  income  and  cost  of  other  franchise  income  consist
      primarily of revenues and expenses relating to the company's  wholly-owned
      captive  insurance  subsidiary.  Certain  amounts  previously  included in
      general and  administrative  expenses have been reclassified to conform to
      the 2003 presentation.

(b)   All earnings per share and weighted  average share  information  reflect a
      three-for-two  stock split  effective at the close of business on June 11,
      2002.
</FN>

</TABLE>
                                       7
<PAGE>


                 APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
             RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP MEASUREMENTS TO GAAP RESULTS
                                   (Unaudited)
                    (in thousands, except per share amounts)

In addition  to the  results  provided in  accordance  with  Generally  Accepted
Accounting  Principles  ("GAAP")  throughout  this  document,  the  company  has
provided non-GAAP measurements which present operating results on a basis before
an impairment  charge  resulting  from fully  reserving a note  receivable  from
Chevys Holdings,  Inc.  ("Chevys") relating to the sale of the Rio Bravo concept
in 1999. The company is using earnings  before this charge as a key  performance
measure  of  results  of  operations  for  purposes  of  evaluating  performance
internally.   This  non-GAAP   measurement   is  not  intended  to  replace  the
presentation  of our financial  results in  accordance  with GAAP.  Rather,  the
company  believes that the  presentation  of earnings before the charge provides
additional  information  to investors to facilitate  the  comparison of past and
present  operations,  excluding  an item that the  company  does not  believe is
indicative of our ongoing operations.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                              13 Weeks Ended                 26 Weeks Ended
                                                        ---------------------------     --------------------------
                                                         June 29,        June 30,       June 29,        June 30,
                                                           2003            2002           2003            2002
                                                        ------------    -----------    ------------    ------------
<S>                                                     <C>             <C>            <C>                <C>
Detail of charge:
  Impairment of Chevys note receivable...........        $ (8,803)           --         $ (8,803)           --
  Income taxes...................................           3,169            --            3,169            --
                                                        ------------    -----------    ------------    ------------
     Impairment, net of tax......................        $ (5,634)           --         $ (5,634)           --
                                                        ============    ===========    ============    ============

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding......          57,032          57,374         56,869          57,352
                                                        ============    ===========    ============    ============

Diluted earnings per share impact of charge......        $  (0.10)           --         $  (0.10)           --
                                                        ============    ===========    ============    ============

Reconciliation of earnings before charge to net earnings:
  Earnings before charge.........................        $ 25,819        $ 21,465       $ 50,421        $ 41,740
  Impairment, net of tax.........................          (5,634)           --           (5,634)           --
                                                        ------------    -----------    ------------    ------------
     Net earnings................................        $ 20,185        $ 21,465       $ 44,787        $ 41,740
                                                        ============    ===========    ============    ============

Reconciliation of earnings per share before charge to reported earnings per
  share:
     Diluted earnings per share before charge....        $   0.45        $   0.37       $   0.89        $   0.73
     Diluted earnings per share impact of charge.           (0.10)             --          (0.10)            --
                                                        ------------    -----------    ------------    ------------
       Reported diluted earnings per share.......        $   0.35        $   0.37       $   0.79        $   0.73
                                                        ============    ===========    ============    ============


</TABLE>



<PAGE>


The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated,  information  derived
from the Company's consolidated statements of earnings expressed as a percentage
of total operating revenues,  except where otherwise noted.  Percentages may not
add due to rounding.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                      13 Weeks Ended             26 Weeks Ended
                                                                ------------------------------------------------------
                                                                 June 29,      June 30,       June 29,      June 30,
                                                                   2003          2002           2003          2002
                                                                ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
<S>                                                               <C>           <C>           <C>            <C>
Revenues:
     Company restaurant sales................................       87.8%         87.3%         87.7%          87.4%
     Franchise royalties and fees............................       10.9          12.4          11.1           12.4
     Other franchise income..................................        1.3           0.2           1.2            0.1
                                                                ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
        Total operating revenues.............................      100.0%        100.0%        100.0%         100.0%
                                                                ============  ============  =============  ============
Cost of sales (as a percentage of company restaurant sales):
     Food and beverage.......................................       25.9%         26.3%         26.1%          26.7%
     Labor...................................................       32.6          32.9          32.7           32.9
     Direct and occupancy....................................       24.7          24.8          24.5           24.6
     Pre-opening expense.....................................        0.2           0.2           0.1            0.2
                                                                ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
        Total cost of sales..................................       83.4%         84.2%         83.4%          84.4%
                                                                ============  ============  =============  ============

Cost of other franchise income (as a percentage
     of other franchise income)..............................       97.1%         20.1%         96.0%          25.6%
General and administrative expenses..........................        9.1           9.7           9.3            9.7
Amortization of intangible assets............................        --            --            --             --
Loss on disposition of restaurants and equipment.............        0.3           0.4           0.2            0.3
                                                                ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Operating earnings...........................................       16.1          16.4          16.1           16.2
                                                                ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Other income (expense):
     Investment income.......................................        0.2           0.2           0.2            0.2
     Interest expense........................................       (0.2)         (0.3)         (0.2)          (0.3)
     Impairment of Chevys note receivable....................       (3.5)          --           (1.8)           --
     Other income............................................        --            0.2           --             0.1
                                                                ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
        Total other income (expense).........................       (3.5)          0.2          (1.8)           --
                                                                ------------  ------------  -------------  ------------
Earnings before income taxes.................................       12.5          16.5          14.3           16.2
Income taxes.................................................        4.5           6.0           5.2            5.9
                                                                ------------  ------------ -------------  ------------
Net earnings.................................................        8.1%         10.5%          9.2%          10.3%
                                                                ============  ============ =============  ============


</TABLE>



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                 APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                                   (Unaudited)
                      (in thousands, except share amounts)

                                                                                            June 29,           December 29,
                                                                                              2003                 2002
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
                                       ASSETS
<S>                                                                                     <C>                    <C>
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents........................................................   $       4,535        $      15,169
     Short-term investments, at market value (amortized cost of $478 in 2002).........              26                  503
     Receivables (less allowance for bad debts of $3,955 in 2003 and $4,089 in 2002)..          31,824               26,092
     Receivables related to captive insurance subsidiary..............................           6,162                1,803
     Inventories......................................................................          19,717               11,504
     Prepaid income taxes.............................................................           3,122                5,002
     Prepaid and other current assets.................................................           8,976                9,506
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
         Total current assets.........................................................          74,362               69,579
Property and equipment, net...........................................................         397,923              383,002
Goodwill..............................................................................         105,326               88,715
Franchise interest and rights, net....................................................           1,302                1,468
Other assets, net.....................................................................          18,973               23,350
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
                                                                                         $     597,886        $     566,114
                                                                                         ================     ===============

                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
     Current portion of long-term debt................................................   $         501        $         377
     Accounts payable.................................................................          30,026               27,479
     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities...................................          74,563               82,204
     Loss reserve and unearned premiums related to captive insurance subsidiary.......          10,013                1,803
     Accrued dividends................................................................            --                  3,323
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
         Total current liabilities....................................................         115,103              115,186
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
Non-current liabilities:
     Long-term debt - less current portion............................................         34,751               52,186
     Other non-current liabilities....................................................          8,380                6,161
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
         Total non-current liabilities................................................          43,131               58,347
                                                                                      ----------------     ---------------
         Total liabilities............................................................         158,234              173,533
                                                                                      ----------------     ---------------
Stockholders' equity:
     Preferred stock - par value $0.01 per share:  authorized - 1,000,000 shares;
       no shares issued...............................................................            --                  --
     Common stock - par value $0.01 per share:  authorized - 125,000,000 shares;
       issued - 72,336,788 shares.....................................................            723                  723
     Additional paid-in capital.......................................................         194,628              187,523
     Retained earnings................................................................         479,408              434,621
     Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of income taxes......................            --                     16
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
                                                                                               674,759              622,883
     Treasury stock - 16,579,329 shares in 2003 and 16,948,371 shares in 2002, at
       cost...........................................................................        (235,107)            (230,302)
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
         Total stockholders' equity...................................................         439,652              392,581
                                                                                         ----------------     ---------------
                                                                                         $     597,886        $     566,114
                                                                                         ================     ===============

</TABLE>

                                                       # # #






                                   SIGNATURES


Pursuant  to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  the
registrant  has duly  caused  this  report  to be  signed  on its  behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                              APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL, INC.
                                              (Registrant)


Date:    July 30, 2003                      By: /s/  Steven K. Lumpkin
         ---------------------                 ------------------------
                                               Steven K. Lumpkin
                                               Executive Vice President and
                                               Chief Financial Officer



                                       9