 By 1995, DF&R had 51 Don Pablo's locations.This successful growth was noticed by Madison, Georgia-based Apple South, which bought DF&R in 1995.At the time of the purchase, Apple South was one of the largest franchise holders in the Applebee's restaurant system with 170 Applebee's restaurants, along with operating restaurants from other franchise chains, with most of the properties located in the South and Midwest.