Biography

Mike Archer was appointed President of Applebee’s International, Inc. in May 2008. Mr. Archer leads the overall strategic direction for all functional areas of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar. He is primarily responsible for executing the vision and future brand evolution for the organization, driving excellence within all functional disciplines, leading an effective and aligned leadership team, forging strong franchise relationships, and developing tactical and strategic plans to improve results in all areas of the business.

Archer most recently served as president and chief operating officer of T.G.I. Friday's U.S.A., a subsidiary of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc, where he was accountable for T.G.I. Friday’s USA brand strategy including operations, marketing, research and development, strategic sourcing, franchise operations, public relations and human resources. During his tenure, Archer and his team lead the successful turnaround of the T.G.I. Friday’s brand, including reversing a five-year decline of comparable store sales and guest counts, improving restaurant operating profit, and improving the guest experience measure to an all-time high.

Previously, Archer was president and chief executive officer of Z'Tejas Southwestern Grill where he repositioned the concept, developed new brand positioning, led new restaurant expansion, and established new service and operational standards, among other accomplishments. Prior to that, he held the position of chief operating officer of Sullivan’s and Del Frisco’s where he was responsible for developing the Sullivan’s Steakhouse concept for Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon. Archer also served at Morton's Restaurant Group, Inc. as president and chief operating officer of Morton’s of Chicago, Inc. where he led the growth of this premiere steakhouse concept. Throughout his thirteen-year career with Morton’s, he also held the position of chief financial officer during which time he successfully negotiated two leveraged buyouts.

Archer is known as one of the most effective operators and executives in the restaurant industry, reflected in the numerous awards and recognitions he has received throughout his twenty-five year restaurant career. Honors include being recognized as one of Restaurant Hospitality’s “Rising Stars”; being named as one of the “Power 50 ~ The Next Generation” by Nation’s Restaurant News; and being awarded the “High Impact Restaurant Leadership Awards ~ Upscale Dining” by Restaurant Business, among other accomplishments. Dedicated to ensuring the development of others in the industry, Archer has been active with the MultiCultural Foodservice and Hospitality Alliance and the Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) where he serves on the Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

Archer received his BBA in accounting from St. Norbert College in DePere, Wisconsin.