Applebee’s is separating themselves from the “good ole American” aesthetic. With their new “See You Tomorrow” campaign created by CP+B, they’re emphasizing fresh food, exciting ingredients, and unexpected taste combinations. That means 1,900 restaurants across America are about to become more interesting.

The first two TV spots directed by Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) launch today and feature passionate chefs who fawn over ripe tomatoes and refreshingly acidic lemons. The ad narrator cuts them off before they take their speeches too far, switching to a typical fast food ad. It’s the restaurant equivalent of a high speed car chase—food falls onto pans in quick succession, sizzles on a grill, and then finally comes together on a steaming plate. The two halves of these spots come together to mark Applebee’s transition. They’re putting more consideration into quality ingredients, but they’re still serving affordable fast food.

This campaign also includes online, radio, outdoor ads and in-store elements, highlighting the “fresh flavors of summer.”

Credits and second spot after the jump.

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Oy, not the best way to end the day but got word that Drew Putzel, who has spent the last four years as a producer at Publicis, has died unexpectedly. Our friend Joel Simon of JSM Music sent us this note:

“The NY advertising community lost a wonderful person yesterday.  He was a dear friend to all that had the privilge of knowing him.  His name is Drew Putzel and was a producer at Publicis/NY.  All I know is that it was an accident that happened last night in NY.  Just thought you would like to know.  He was a stellar human being who was loved by all.  I believe he was around 27 years old.”