The Apple Gold Group, the nation’s third largest franchisee of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar-, has experienced tremendous growth over the last several years while maintaining a steadfast commitment to the communities it serves. As a result, the company has recently been recognized with three prestigious honors. For the company’s recent growth, including acquisitions in Kentucky and Indiana, Apple Gold Group was awarded Triangle Business Journal’s Fast 50 Award, recognizing the company as the #3 fastest growing businesses in the Triangle. For their extraordinary outreach and involvement in local communities, Apple Gold Group was honored with the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association’s 2013 Neighbor Award for Outstanding Community Service as well as the South Carolina Restaurant Association’s 2013 Community Service Award.

“It is an honor to be recognized by these respected organizations for the hard work our team has put not only into our strategic growth over the last several years, but also for their continued commitment to charitable and community outreach,” said Michael Olander, President and CEO of the Apple Gold Group. “We take great pride in serving our local neighbors not only in our restaurants, but also through community fundraising and grassroots efforts.”

The Triangle Business Journal’s Annual Fast 50 List is composed of the 50 fastest growing businesses located in the Raleigh-Durham area. The winners are chosen based off of a formula that calculates profitability and revenue growth for the proceeding three years. Businesses included in this list are recognized for bringing multiple jobs to the local community and supporting its growth. Both the North Carolina and South Carolina Restaurant Association’s annual Community Service Awards are given to the restaurant group in the state that goes above and beyond to serve and make a positive impact in their community.

Supporting local charities is an essential element of Applebee’s mission to not only be a great Neighborhood Grill and Bar, but a great neighbor. Over the past year, the company’s combined 132 locations raised over $1.5 million dollars for local non-profits in the communities they serve. In addition to restaurant promotions for Susan G. Komen for the Cure and The V Foundation for Cancer Research, every Applebee’s operated by the Apple Gold Group is available to help charitable organizations in their community through their Flapjack Fundraising program. For more information about the Apple Gold Group’s community outreach or its Flapjack Fundraising program, please visit www.AGGrestaurants.com.