FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:Carol DiRaimo,                        Laurie Ellison
         913.967.4109                          913.967.2718
         Vice President of Investor Relations  Communications Executive Director


               Applebee's International Reports First Quarter 2005
                       Earnings of $0.38 Per Diluted Share

Overland  Park,  Kan.,  April  27,  2005  --  Applebee's   International,   Inc.
(Nasdaq:APPB)  today reported record net earnings of $31.7 million, or $0.38 per
diluted share,  for the first quarter ended March 27, 2005. This compares to net
earnings of $29.7 million,  or $0.35 per diluted share, for the first quarter of
2004.

System-wide  comparable  sales  for the  first  quarter  of 2005  increased  3.7
percent,  the 27th consecutive  quarter of comparable sales growth.  Company and
franchise  restaurant  comparable  sales  increased 0.3 percent and 4.9 percent,
respectively, for the quarter.

The  company  also  reported  comparable  sales  for the  March  fiscal  period,
comprised of the five weeks ended March 27, 2005.  System-wide  comparable sales
increased 2.0 percent for the March period,  and comparable  sales for franchise
restaurants  increased  3.2 percent.  Comparable  sales for company  restaurants
decreased  1.8  percent,  reflecting  a decrease  in guest  traffic of a similar
amount,  combined  with  a flat  average  check.  March  comparable  sales  were
negatively impacted by approximately 1.0 percent due to the shift of Easter from
the April fiscal  period last year to the March  fiscal  period this year and by
approximately 1.0 percent in company markets due to weather, but were positively
impacted by  approximately  0.5 percent due to the shift in President's Day from
the February fiscal period last year to the March fiscal period this year.

In addition,  the company reported comparable sales for the April fiscal period,
comprised of the four weeks ended April 24, 2005, which were positively impacted
by approximately 1.0 percent due to the timing of Easter. System-wide comparable
sales  increased  1.9 percent for the April  period,  and  comparable  sales for
franchise  restaurants  increased  2.8  percent.  Comparable  sales for  company
restaurants  decreased  0.9  percent,  reflecting  a  slight  decrease  in guest
traffic,  combined  with a lower average  check.  The lower average check in the
period  appears to have  resulted  from a change in guest  purchasing  behavior,
particularly during early parts of the week, at lunch and in Midwest markets.

                                    - more -


<PAGE>


April 27, 2005
Page 2


System-wide  comparable  sales for the  year-to-date  period  through April have
increased 3.3 percent, with franchise restaurant comparable sales up 4.4 percent
and company comparable restaurant sales flat.

Lloyd L. Hill,  chairman and chief executive officer,  said,  "Despite extremely
difficult   comparisons,   our  first  quarter  results  exceeded  our  original
expectations.  While we are mindful of recent sales trends,  we remain intent on
maintaining  our value  proposition  in this  environment  with  continued  food
innovation,  including our spring menu that rolled out  nationwide  earlier this
week. Our brand awareness is being enhanced by the more than 30 percent increase
in our national advertising budget that conveys multiple messages to our guests.
In addition to accelerating our development pace, 2005 is a year to optimize our
initiatives  as we  continue to focus on  improving  operations  throughout  the
system, as well as leveraging our key strategies including Carside To Go(TM) and
our alliance with Weight Watchers."

Other results for the first quarter ended March 27, 2005 included:

     o   Total  system-wide  sales for the quarter increased by 9.5 percent over
         the prior year. System-wide sales are a non-GAAP financial measure that
         includes sales at all company and franchise Applebee's restaurants,  as
         reported by franchisees.  The company believes that  system-wide  sales
         information is useful in analyzing  Applebee's market share and growth,
         and because  franchisees  pay royalties and  contribute to the national
         advertising pool based on a percentage of their sales.

     o   Applebee's  ended the quarter with 1,694  restaurants  open system-wide
         (437 company and 1,257 franchise restaurants). During the first quarter
         of 2005, there were 26 new Applebee's  restaurants opened  system-wide,
         including 13 company and 13 franchised restaurants.

     o   The company  repurchased  728,300  shares of common  stock in the first
         quarter at an average  price of $25.62 for an  aggregate  cost of $18.7
         million.  As of March 27, 2005,  $131.3 million remains available under
         the company's current stock repurchase authorization.

     o   As of March 27, 2005,  the company had total debt  outstanding of $27.6
         million,  with  $116  million  available  under  its  revolving  credit
         facility.


                                    - more -


<PAGE>


April 27, 2005
Page 3


BUSINESS OUTLOOK

The company updated its guidance with respect to its business outlook for fiscal
year 2005:

     o   More  than  135 new  restaurants  are  now  expected  to open in  2005,
         including   at  least  50  company   and  85   franchise   restaurants.
         Approximately 25 company restaurants and 25 to 30 franchise restaurants
         are expected to open in the first half of the year,  with the remainder
         opening in the second half of the year. The increased number of company
         openings  reflects the anticipated  re-opening of eight  restaurants in
         the Memphis market.

     o   System-wide comparable sales are expected to increase by at least three
         percent for the full year,  with results  expected to accelerate in the
         latter half of the year as comparisons become easier.

     o   Overall restaurant margins before pre-opening expense for the full year
         are expected to be similar to fiscal year 2004 results.

     o   Pre-opening  expense  is  expected  to be  higher  as a  result  of the
         increase in the number of company  openings from 32 in 2004 to at least
         50 in 2005.

     o   General and  administrative  expenses,  as a  percentage  of  operating
         revenues,  are now  expected  to be  approximately  nine  percent.  The
         increase in general and administrative  expenses from previous guidance
         reflects higher management training costs associated with the increased
         number of company openings.

     o   The effective income tax rate is currently expected to continue at 34.6
         percent for the remainder of the year.

     o   Excluding the cost of franchise acquisitions,  capital expenditures are
         expected to be between  $140 and $150  million in 2005,  including  the
         anticipated costs of re-opening the eight restaurants in Memphis.

     o   On April 12, 2005,  the company  announced  that it had entered into an
         agreement  to acquire 12  franchise  restaurants  located in  Missouri,
         Kansas and  Arkansas  for  approximately  $39.5  million  in cash.  The
         acquisition is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2005.

     o   Based on the foregoing assumptions and the company's performance during
         the first quarter,  diluted earnings per share for fiscal year 2005 are
         now  expected  to be in the  range  of  $1.49 to  $1.52,  with  diluted
         earnings per share for the second  quarter  expected to be in the range
         of $0.36 to $0.38.

                                    - more -


<PAGE>


April 27, 2005
Page 4


A  conference  call to review the first  quarter  2005  results  and the current
business outlook will be held on Thursday morning, April 28, 2005, 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 Investors 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 April 24, 2005,
there were 1,703 Applebee's  restaurants  operating system-wide in 49 states and
12 international  countries.  Additional information on Applebee's International
can be found at the company's website (www.applebees.com).

Certain  statements  contained  in this  release,  including  fiscal  year  2005
guidance as set forth 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 9, 2005.  The
company disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.


                                      # # #


<PAGE>


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

                                                                                  13 Weeks Ended
                                                                         ---------------------------------
                                                                          March 27,          March 28,
                                                                             2005               2004
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
                                                                                           (as restated)(1)
<S>                                                                       <C>               <C>
       Revenues:
            Company restaurant sales................................       $ 270,458         $ 243,560
            Franchise royalties and fees............................          33,008            30,715
            Other franchise income..................................           1,065             3,115
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
               Total operating revenues.............................         304,531           277,390
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
       Cost of company restaurant sales:
            Food and beverage.......................................          71,635            63,515
            Labor...................................................          88,724            79,655
            Direct and occupancy....................................          66,367            59,342
            Pre-opening expense.....................................           1,167               567
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
               Total cost of company restaurant sales...............         227,893           203,079
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
       Cost of other franchise income...............................             819             2,937
       General and administrative expenses..........................          26,946            25,422
       Amortization of intangible assets............................             228                86
       Loss on disposition of restaurants and equipment.............             297               495
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
       Operating earnings...........................................          48,348            45,371
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
       Other income (expense):
            Investment income (expense).............................             (41)              223
            Interest expense........................................            (337)             (344)
            Other income............................................             435               461
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
               Total other income...................................              57               340
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
       Earnings before income taxes.................................          48,405            45,711
       Income taxes.................................................          16,748            15,975
                                                                         -------------     ---------------
       Net earnings.................................................       $  31,657         $  29,736
                                                                         =============     ===============

       Basic net earnings per common share(2).......................       $    0.39         $    0.36
                                                                         =============     ===============
       Diluted net earnings per common share(2).....................       $    0.38         $    0.35
                                                                         =============     ===============

       Basic weighted average shares outstanding(2).................          80,705            81,986
                                                                         =============     ===============
       Diluted weighted average shares outstanding(2)...............          82,375            84,628
                                                                         =============     ===============


<FN>

(1) The  company's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2004  included a
restatement  of certain  historical  information  as discussed in Note 22 to the
consolidated  financial  statements.

(2) All earnings per share and weighted  average  share  information  reflects a
three-for-two stock split effective at the close of business on June 15, 2004.

</FN>

</TABLE>


<PAGE>



The following table contains 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
                                                                           ----------------------------------
                                                                             March 27,          March 28,
                                                                                2005              2004
                                                                           ---------------   ----------------
                                                                                              (as restated)(1)
<S>                                                                             <C>               <C>
        Revenues:
             Company restaurant sales....................................         88.8%             87.8%
             Franchise royalties and fees................................         10.8              11.1
             Other franchise income......................................          0.3               1.1
                                                                           ---------------   ----------------
                Total operating revenues.................................        100.0%            100.0%
                                                                           ===============   ================
        Cost of sales (as a percentage of company restaurant sales):
             Food and beverage...........................................         26.5%             26.1%
             Labor.......................................................         32.8              32.7
             Direct and occupancy........................................         24.5              24.4
             Pre-opening expense.........................................          0.4               0.2
                                                                           ---------------   ----------------
                Total cost of sales......................................         84.3%             83.4%
                                                                           ===============   ================

        Cost of other franchise income (as a percentage of other
             franchise income)...........................................         76.9%             94.3%
        General and administrative expenses..............................          8.8               9.2
        Amortization of intangible assets................................          0.1                --
        Loss on disposition of restaurants and equipment.................          0.1               0.2
                                                                           ---------------   ----------------
        Operating earnings...............................................         15.9              16.4
                                                                           ---------------   ----------------
        Other income (expense):
             Investment income...........................................          --                0.1
             Interest expense............................................         (0.1)             (0.1)
             Other income................................................          0.1               0.2
                                                                           ---------------   ----------------
                Total other income.......................................          --                0.1
                                                                           ---------------   ----------------
        Earnings before income taxes.....................................         15.9              16.5
        Income taxes.....................................................          5.5               5.8
                                                                           ---------------   ----------------
        Net earnings.....................................................         10.4%             10.7%
                                                                           ===============   ================


<FN>

(1) The  company's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2004  included a
restatement  of certain  historical  information  as discussed in Note 22 to the
consolidated financial statements.
</FN>
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


The  following  table  sets  forth  certain  financial   information  and  other
restaurant data relating to company and franchise restaurants, as reported to us
by franchisees:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        13 Weeks Ended
                                                                           -----------------------------------------
                                                                             March 27,              March 28,
                                                                                2005                   2004
                                                                          -------------------    -------------------
<S>                                                                          <C>                    <C>
   Number of restaurants:
        Company:
            Beginning of period........................................                424                    383
            Restaurant openings........................................                 13                      8
                                                                          -------------------    -------------------
            End of period..............................................                437                    391
                                                                          -------------------    -------------------
        Franchise:
            Beginning of period........................................              1,247                  1,202
            Restaurant openings........................................                 13                     11
            Restaurant closings........................................                 (3)                    (1)
                                                                          -------------------    -------------------
            End of period..............................................              1,257                  1,212
                                                                          -------------------    -------------------
        Total:
            Beginning of period........................................              1,671                  1,585
            Restaurant openings........................................                 26                     19
            Restaurant closings........................................                 (3)                    (1)
                                                                          -------------------    -------------------
            End of period..............................................              1,694                  1,603
                                                                          ===================    ===================
   Weighted average weekly sales per restaurant:
            Company....................................................       $     48,193           $     48,402
            Franchise..................................................       $     51,277           $     48,769
            Total......................................................       $     50,485           $     48,680
   Change in comparable restaurant sales:(1)
            Company....................................................               0.3%                   8.7%
            Franchise..................................................               4.9%                   8.0%
            Total......................................................               3.7%                   8.2%
   Total operating revenues (in thousands):
            Company restaurant sales...................................       $    270,458           $    243,560
            Franchise royalties and fees(2)............................             33,008                 30,715
            Other franchise income(3)..................................              1,065                  3,115
                                                                          -------------------    -------------------
            Total......................................................       $    304,531           $    277,390
                                                                          ===================    ===================


<FN>

(1) When computing comparable restaurant sales, restaurants open for at least 18
months are compared from period to period.

(2) Franchise royalties are generally 4% of each franchise restaurant's reported
monthly gross sales.  Reported franchise sales, in thousands,  were $832,997 and
$764,116 in the 2005 quarter and the 2004 quarter, respectively.  Franchise fees
typically  range from $30,000 to $35,000 for each restaurant  opened.

(3)  Other  franchise  income  includes   insurance   premiums  from  franchisee
participation  in our captive  insurance  program and revenue  from  information
technology products and services provided to certain franchisees.

</FN>
</TABLE>


<PAGE>


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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                        March 27,         December 26,
                                                                                          2005               2004
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
                                                       ASSETS

<S>                                                                                   <C>                <C>
Current assets:
     Cash and cash equivalents...................................................      $    6,195         $   10,642
     Short-term investments, at market value.....................................             282                282
     Receivables, net of allowance...............................................          43,712             39,152
     Receivables related to captive insurance subsidiary.........................           4,163              2,566
     Inventories.................................................................          28,755             35,936
     Prepaid and other current assets............................................          15,660             12,079
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
        Total current assets.....................................................          98,767            100,657
Property and equipment, net......................................................         506,072            486,548
Goodwill.........................................................................         117,002            116,344
Restricted assets related to captive insurance subsidiary........................          18,162             17,386
Other intangible assets, net.....................................................           8,318              8,524
Other assets, net................................................................          27,429             24,972
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
                                                                                       $  775,750         $  754,431
                                                                                      ==============     =============


                                        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities:
     Current portion of long-term debt...........................................      $      233         $      222
     Notes payable...............................................................           2,000                --
     Accounts payable............................................................          34,811             42,830
     Accrued expenses and other current liabilities..............................          85,829             89,064
     Loss reserve and unearned premiums related to captive insurance subsidiary..          15,168             12,137
     Accrued dividends...........................................................             --               4,867
     Accrued income taxes........................................................          15,495              2,578
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
        Total current liabilities................................................         153,536            151,698
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
Non-current liabilities:
     Long-term debt - less current portion.......................................          25,412             35,472
     Deferred income taxes.......................................................          32,185             28,995
     Other non-current liabilities...............................................          43,802             41,539
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
        Total non-current liabilities............................................         101,399            106,006
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
        Total liabilities........................................................         254,935            257,704
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
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 - 108,503,243 shares..............................................           1,085              1,085
     Additional paid-in capital..................................................         228,474            220,897
     Unearned compensation.......................................................          (4,155)            (1,924)
     Retained earnings...........................................................         654,972            623,315
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
                                                                                          880,376            843,373
     Treasury stock - 27,428,482 shares in 2005 and 27,375,044 shares in 2004,
            at cost..............................................................        (359,561)          (346,646)
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
        Total stockholders' equity...............................................         520,815            496,727
                                                                                      --------------     -------------
                                                                                       $  775,750         $  754,431
                                                                                      ==============     =============



</TABLE>


<PAGE>


                 APPLEBEE'S INTERNATIONAL, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                                   (Unaudited)
                                 (in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                             13 Weeks Ended
                                                                                    ----------------------------------
                                                                                      March 27,          March 28,
                                                                                        2005                2004
                                                                                    --------------     ---------------
                                                                                                       (as restated)(1)
<S>                                                                                  <C>                <C>
       CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
            Net earnings.......................................................       $  31,657          $  29,736
            Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net
               cash provided by operating activities:
               Depreciation and amortization...................................          12,531             11,189
               Amortization of intangible assets...............................             228                 86
               Amortization of unearned compensation...........................             496                338
               Other amortization..............................................              63                 39
               Deferred income tax provision...................................           1,659                246
               Loss on disposition of restaurants and equipment................             297                495
               Income tax benefit from exercise of stock options...............           2,638              3,108
            Changes in assets and liabilities (exclusive of effects of
               acquisitions):
               Receivables.....................................................          (4,560)            (3,939)
               Receivables related to captive insurance subsidiary.............          (1,597)            (7,705)
               Inventories.....................................................           7,181             (9,510)
               Prepaid and other current assets................................          (2,050)            (4,163)
               Accounts payable................................................          (8,019)             3,604
               Accrued expenses and other current liabilities..................          (5,887)           (17,547)
               Loss reserve and unearned premiums related to captive insurance
                 subsidiary....................................................           3,031             12,378
               Income taxes....................................................          12,917             14,236
               Other non-current liabilities...................................               6                643
               Other...........................................................            (282)              (467)
                                                                                    --------------     ---------------
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES.......................          50,309             32,767
                                                                                    --------------     ---------------
       CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
            Purchases of property and equipment................................         (24,619)           (13,796)
            Restricted assets related to captive insurance subsidiary..........            (776)            (3,074)
            Acquisition of restaurants.........................................          (5,742)               --
            Purchases of short-term investments................................             --               (253)
            Other investing activities.........................................             --               (966)
                                                                                    --------------     ---------------
               NET CASH USED BY INVESTING ACTIVITIES...........................         (31,137)           (18,089)
                                                                                    --------------     ---------------
       CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
            Purchases of treasury stock........................................         (18,657)           (32,039)
            Dividends paid.....................................................          (4,867)            (3,863)
            Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options............           6,927              4,971
            Shares issued under employee benefit plans.........................           1,027              2,915
            Net debt proceeds (payments).......................................          (8,049)             4,959
                                                                                    --------------     ---------------
               NET CASH USED BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES...........................         (23,619)           (23,057)
                                                                                    --------------     ---------------
       NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS...............................          (4,447)            (8,379)
       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period..........................          10,642             17,867
                                                                                    --------------     ---------------
       CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period................................       $   6,195          $   9,488
                                                                                    ==============     ===============


<FN>


(1) The  company's  Annual  Report on Form 10-K for fiscal year 2004  included a
restatement  of certain  historical  information  as discussed in Note 22 to the
consolidated financial statements.

</FN>
</TABLE>

                                      # # #