Content area
Full text
KISSIMMEE, FLA. - Lloyd L. Hill, chairman and chief executive of Applebee's International Inc., was named Operator of the Year at the concluding banquet of the 2005 Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators conference here, but he said he had not accomplished the honor on his own.
Under Hill's leadership, Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar has grown into the nation's largest casual-dining chain, numbering more than 1,700 restaurants, but Hill acknowledged Applebee's 140,000 employees in accepting the award.
Chosen by a vote of Nation's Restaurant News readers, the operator is singled out for exceptional achievement and leadership. The award was presented at the MUFSO awards banquet sponsored by American Express at the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center.
"It never fails to amaze me what a group of uncommon people, in pursuit of uncommon goals, can achieve," Hill told the audience after receiving a standing ovation when his name was announced. "I proudly, proudly accept this honor on their behalf."
Hill was selected from among this year's Golden Chain honorees, who also were recognized at the banquet: Dan T. Cathy, president and chief operating officer of Chickfil-A Inc.; Craig Culver, co-founder and chief executive of Culver Franchising System Inc.; Philip J....