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:
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.
Leadership That Supports Franchisees
Our corporate team brings deep restaurant, franchise and operations experience — focused on helping franchisees succeed.
Mark Burgess serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer for Denny’s Corporation, overseeing domestic and international business development and portfolio management. Since joining Denny’s in 1992, Mark has held leadership roles spanning Accounting, Financial Reporting, and Development. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, and Management from the University of South Carolina.
Nader Talebzadeh is an accomplished international hospitality executive with more than 28 years of leadership experience at Denny’s. As Vice President of International Operations, he leads operational excellence, franchise growth, and strategic market expansion across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Oceania and Asia.
Throughout his career, Nader has built a reputation for strengthening franchise partnerships, driving operational performance, and leading successful business transformations. His expertise spans international development, restaurant operations, food safety, brand standards, new market entry, and franchise relationship management. He has played a key role in expanding the Denny’s brand into emerging markets while supporting sustainable growth and long-term franchise success.
Known for his collaborative leadership style and commitment to servant leadership, Nader believes that strong relationships, operational discipline, and a relentless focus on the guest experience are the foundation of lasting business success. He is passionate about developing people, fostering innovation, and creating scalable growth strategies that strengthen brands across diverse global markets.
With over 30 years of industry experience, Mark is responsible for overseeing all aspects of franchise recruitment for Denny’s. In his more than 30 years of franchise development experience in the restaurant industry, he has held senior-level positions with Papa John’s International, The Krystal Company, Mr. Gatti’s, Captain D’s and Bojangles. He is an IFA Certified Franchise Executive. Hobbies include volunteering coaching with Special Olympics.
Barry has over 20 years of experience in Denny’s operations and development. He is an IFA Certified Franchise Executive focused on recruitment of “best in class” franchisees for Denny’s.
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.”