LENEXA, KS--(Marketwire - Aug 11, 2011) - Applebee's is adding more flavors and choices to its popular 2 for $20 menu, this time bringing a fresh take on Italian with Chicken Fettuccine Carbonara and Bruschetta Chicken.

As America's purse strings and wallets tighten, guests want more flavor for their buck and Applebee's new dishes deliver:

-- Chicken Fettuccine Carbonara - A juicy grilled chicken breast served over a hearty bed of fettuccine with fresh mushrooms, red peppers, peas, bacon, grape tomatoes, onions and Applebee's creamy carbonara sauce, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese and served with toasted garlic bread.

-- Bruschetta Chicken - Grilled chicken breast seasoned with bruschetta, parsley and a blend of Italian cheeses stacked on top of crispy red potatoes and fried onion and red and green peppers, topped with a duo of scampi sauce and Bolognese sauce.

"Our guests want great food at a great value," said Chef Shannon Johnson, executive director at Applebee's. "They can enjoy great food and flavors every day without breaking the bank."

The latest additions are part of Applebee's overall menu revitalization which began 18 months ago.

Applebee's 2 for $20 menu gives guests a choice of a shareable appetizer and two full size meals, including options like pasta, steak, chicken and salad. With Applebee's newest flavorful innovations, guests can now choose from more than 200 appetizer/entree combinations all for one great price.

Applebee's 2 for $20 experience starts with an appetizer from the following:

-- Spinach & Artichoke Dip

-- Boneless Wings

-- Spicy Queso Blanco or Potato Twisters

-- Crunchy Onion Rings

-- Mozzarella Sticks

Then, Applebee's guests choose any two of the following items:

-- NEW Chicken Fettuccine Carbonara

-- NEW Bruschetta Chicken

-- Oriental Chicken Salad

-- Three Cheese Chicken Penne

-- Fiesta Lime Chicken®

-- Chicken Tenders Basket

-- 7 oz. House Sirloin

-- Riblet Basket

About Applebee's

Applebee's has approximately 2,000 locations in 49 states, 15 countries and one U.S. territory. Based in Lenexa, Kan., Applebee's takes pride in providing a welcoming, neighborhood environment where everyone can enjoy the dining experience. Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar® is a DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) brand, and is franchised and operated by Applebee's Services, Inc. and its affiliates.