A FREE $10 Bonus Card with Purchase of Every $50 in Applebee's Gift Cards

 With Applebee's Gift Cards, holiday bonuses are not a thing of the past.

Applebee's today announced the return of a FREE $10 Bonus Card for the 2011 gift-giving season. With the purchase of every $50 in Applebee's Gift Cards, in-restaurant guests receive a $10 Bonus Card -- a 20 percent value. Applebee's Bonus Cards are available only in participating Applebee's restaurants for a limited time.

Expert sources predict a robust season for Gift Cards. Gift cards continue to be one of the most popular holiday gifts with 62 percent of people saying they plan to buy a gift card this holiday season, according to a recent Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Poll. Additionally, 44 percent of respondents feel that getting a good deal is more important than it was last year. Applebee's was recently named tops for overall value in an annual consumer restaurant chain survey conducted by Market Force Information.

"Giving Applebee's Gift Cards is a sure hit because of their value and the experience they create for family and friends," said Bridget Moen, director, gift cards, Applebee's Services, Inc. "You can treat your friends and family to a memorable meal in the neighborhood and pass along, or keep, the bonus card."

Applebee's Gift Cards are available in a variety of different styles and themes, including patriotic, holiday, sports and Girls' Night Out. Applebee's Gift Cards are accepted at nearly 1,800 U.S. locations, have no expiration dates, no hidden fees (such as inactivity charges) and offer an easy way to check card balances online.

Bonus Cards will be available at participating Applebee's through Dec. 31, 2011 and are redeemable through Feb. 19, 2012.

For more information about Applebee's Gift Cards with Bonus Cards, visit your neighborhood Applebee's or www.applebees.com.

Girls Night Out at Applebee's

With crazy calendars and obligation overload, women are finding it tougher than ever to schedule a weekly Girl's Night Out. Now Applebee's is making it easy to plan time together with its "Girl's Night Out" customized invitation on Applebee's Facebook Fan Page.

Beginning today through June 5, the Applebee's Facebook Fan Page allows guests to send a GNO invite, with time, date, Applebee's location -- and even a personalized message. Not only is scheduling a breeze, but the new tool, lets Applebee's Facebook Fans keep track of events they're hosting, attending, or both.
According to a poll of women on Applebee's Facebook Fan page, only 9 percent get together weekly with friends, while 34 percent responded "Never ... get me a drink fast."

While getting together, guests can enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and great tastes of new Sizzling Smokehouse Chicken Stack and Sizzling Cajun Steak and Shrimp. And for a guilt-free GNO, Applebee's features six entrees from its Unbelievably Great Tasting and Under 550 Calories™ menu as well as SkinnyBee cocktails, lower calories versions of the Margarita, Mojito and Long Island Iced Tea.
"Applebee's is convinced that girls STILL want to have fun, so we're doing all we can to make it easier to have 'girl time' happen at Applebee's," said Becky Johnson, senior vice president, marketing and culinary for Applebee's Services, Inc.

Plus, Applebee's is hosting a GNO Photo Contest. Upload pics from your event and Applebee's Facebook Fans will select their favorite. The top three vote-getters each week for the next four weeks will receive a $50 Applebee's Gift Card.

Guests are encouraged to contact their favorite Applebee's for additional Girl's Night Out activities planned at their neighborhood.