A LEGACY OF BREAKFAST AND MORE

For decades, Denny’s has been a place where people come together over great food, any time of day. As one of the most recognizable breakfast franchises in the world, Denny’s has evolved with the times while staying true to what matters most: welcoming guests, serving quality meals and supporting the communities we call home.

Our Purpose and Values

Our values guide every decision — from the way we serve guests to how we support franchisees.

24/7 Drive

Always-on hospitality and operational excellence

Commitment to community

Giving back where we live and work

Devotion to transparency

Open, honest partnerships

Dedication to innovation

Evolving menus, technology and experiences

DENNY’S BELIEVES IN COMMUNITY AT THE CORE

We’re proud to partner with national nonprofits, including:

No Kid Hungry logo
United Way logo
Cookies for Kids' Cancer logo

We also support local community outreach through franchise-led initiatives and our Mobile Relief Diner, providing meals during times of crisis and need.

FROM ONE DINER TO A GLOBAL BRAND

Denny’s growth story reflects decades of innovation, resilience and franchise partnership.

1950’s Denny’s Donuts in Lakewood California exterior

1953

Harold Butler and Richard Jezak open Danny’s Donuts in Lakewood, CA.
1960’s Denny’s restaurant exterior and signage

1961

Denny’s Coffee Shops become Denny’s. And the rest is history.
1960’s Denny’s restaurant interior with waitress and customers

1967

Denny’s goes international, opening its first restaurant in Acapulco, Mexico.
1960’s Denny’s restaurant interior with waitress and customers

1977

The Grand Slam® is introduced in Atlanta as a nod to home run slugger, Hank Aaron.
1980’s Denny’s restaurant exterior and signage

1981

Denny’s reaches a big milestone by opening its 1,000th location.
Denny’s headquarters building

1991

Denny’s headquarters moves from Irvine, California, to downtown Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Save the Children logo

1994

Denny’s becomes the largest corporate sponsor of the national charity Save the Children®
Denny’s interior with waitress holding coffee pot and couple at table

2000

Fortune Magazine ranks Denny’s #1 on the list of “America’s 50 Best Companies for Minorities.”
Interior of Denny’s restaurant with booths and high-top tables

2016

Heritage 2.0 prototype rolled out
Exterior of Denny’s restaurant

2016

The first Philippines location opened in Tangia City.
Red Denny’s branded semi-truck

2018

Denny’s announces the launch of the Mobile Relief Diner, a 53-foot custom-built kitchen ready to help feed those in need.
Closeup of sandwiches

2020

Denny’s launches virtual brands, The Burger Den® and The Meltdown®, to find other ways to feed people and make them happy.
Denny’s executives cutting a red ribbon

2021

With over 1,600 restaurants in the U.S. and 14 other countries, we continue to revitalize and position Denny’s for growth and offer our brand experience to guests around the world.
Denny’s restaurant exterior illuminated at night and parking lot

2024

The Diner 2.0 prototype was rolled out.

Leadership That Supports Franchisees

Our corporate team brings deep restaurant, franchise and operations experience — focused on helping franchisees succeed.

We want each franchisee from the moment they step on board with our brand to feel like they’re very welcomed, and we’re going to support them each step of the way.”

Mark Levis
Senior Director of New Business Development

Understand the Denny's difference.

Why Denny's

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