Applebee’s, Food Network Launch Burger Showdown Contest

A hamburger recipe contest puts the winning entry on select Applebee's menus

Think you’ve got the perfect burger recipe? Applebee’s International and the Food Network want to know.

The two have teamed in a contest called Applebee’s Big Burger Showdown in search of the best homemade burger recipe to add to the restaurant’s menu.

Hamburger recipes can be submitted to FoodNetwork.com/Applebees through July 15. Food Network host and chef Tyler Florence and Applebee’s International representatives will choose four regional finalists in September to compete in The Burger Showdown, to be held in October in New York City.

Recipes will be judged on taste, originality and ease of preparation within 12 minutes, the company said.

One grand-prize winner will receive $5,000, the chance to have their winning recipe featured in select Applebee’s restaurants in 2008 and a $100 Applebee’s gift card. Finalists receive a $100 Applebee’s gift card and a tour of the Food Network studios.

The Big Burger Showdown is part of Applebee’s multi-platform campaign with the Food Network.

PR and in-store signage at Applebee’s restaurants support the promotion. For its part, the Food Network is running TV spots and ads on its Web site to promote the contest.

Starcom handles Applebee’s media buying for the promotion.

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