Applebee's International Launches 'The Big Burger Showdown' Contest

Americans who think their homemade burger deserves a place on the menu of the world's largest casual dining chain should enter Applebee's 'Big Burger Showdown' which runs from today through July 15. The finalists will be judged by Tyler Florence, world-renowned chef and Food Network host.

'A hamburger is an American classic that can be dressed up in so many ways to provide a flavorful and mouth-watering culinary experience,' Florence said. 'I look forward to tasting the contestants' signature creations and choosing the one that will be featured in Applebee's menus along with other unique, great-tasting burgers like the Quesadilla Burger and Bruschetta Burger.'

Consumers can enter the contest by submitting their favorite original hamburger recipe at www.foodnetwork.com/applebees. Judges from Food Network and Applebee's International will select four regional finalists in September who will receive a trip to New York City to compete in The Big Burger Showdown in October. Contestants will grill their burgers to see who can win over the taste buds of the judge, Florence, host of Food 911 and Tyler's Ultimate. Finalists will also receive a tour of the Food Network studios and Applebee's gift cards.

The grand-prize winner of The Big Burger Showdown will receive $5,000. In addition, the winning hamburger will be featured on Applebee's menus1 in 2008. The Big Burger Showdown is part of Applebee's multi-platform campaign with Food Network. The campaign includes on-air, online and in-restaurant promotions.

'Applebee's is all about 'eatin' good in the neighborhood,'' said Kurt Hankins, senior vice president of menu development and innovation at Applebee's International. 'What better way to bring that slogan to life than to offer a winning hamburger that has been taste-tested at backyard barbecues as well as by Tyler, a culinary chef who is passionate about seeking out the freshest, most flavorful and satisfying food from across the country.'

Applebee's International has partnered with Florence since September 2006 to develop exclusive menu items in the chain's 1,800-plus restaurant locations as part of its on-going commitment to provide great-tasting food guests crave. Based on the success of the partnership, Applebee's recently extended its contract with Florence. Applebee's is the first national casual dining restaurant of its kind to offer dishes from a celebrity chef. This is the first time Applebee's and Florence have teamed to select a contest winner's recipe for placement on the Applebee's menu.

1 Winning burger may not appear on every Applebee's menu



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