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) August 27, 2004
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Applebee's International, Inc.
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(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 000-17962 43-1461763
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(State or other jurisdiction of (Commission (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) File Number) Identification No.)
4551 W. 107th Street, Overland Park, Kansas 66207
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(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)
(913) 967-4000
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
None
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to
simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the
following provisions:
[ ] Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act
(17 CFR 230.425)
[ ] Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR
240.14a-12)
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
[ ] Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the
Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure
On August 27, 2004, Applebee's International provided an update on a voluntary
recall of frozen beef products by Quantum Foods that included Applebee's steaks.
The health and safety of its guests is the company's first priority. Applebee's,
along with many other companies, participated in a voluntary recall of Quantum
beef products which began on August 21, 2004. The recall, which has been
completed, was based on four reported cases of E. coli 0157:H7 in mid-July in
the Denver area.
After being advised of the recall, the company immediately conducted a thorough
and vigorous review of the matter. Neither the USDA nor the Colorado Department
of Public Health and Environment, nor the company's investigation, identified
any additional cases. The company has been assured by its supplier that an
independent third-party service tested for E. coli 0157:H7 on the day subject to
the product recall. The results of all 50 tests were negative, and no E coli
0157:H7 was found.
Prior to the recall, no guest had reported any such illness to the company. Not
surprisingly, in today's litigious society, an out-of-state trial lawyer filed a
lawsuit against the company on August 26, 2004. The company intends to
vigorously defend itself against this claim.
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: August 27, 2004 By: /s/ Steven K. Lumpkin
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Steven K. Lumpkin
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
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