Denny's Franchise
Denny's is an American icon that offers comfort food at fair prices. What started as a small diner in 1963 has grown into a franchise chain of nearly 1,700 units.
$500,000
$30,000
1,334
1963
Spartanburg, SC
John Miller
About Denny's
Denny's is a full-service, family-style restaurant known for its casual dining atmosphere and fairly priced menu options. The brand strives to appeal to a broad spectrum of customers by offering classic comfort foods at all hours of the day and night. It is open 24/7, hence its slogan, "America's Diner is Always Open." The company markets itself as a place where real people can come as they are, sit down, relax and enjoy the company of their friends and loved ones over hearty meals. Because of its commitment to maintaining a friendly and inviting atmosphere, as well as to serving wholesome food, it has grown from a single, seaside diner in Southern California to a globally recognized chain. Today, there are nearly 1,700 units from coast to coast and in 128 other countries. Average system-wide sales routinely hover around $2.4 billion.
Though Denny's serves a variety of flavorful foods and delectable beverages, it is best known for its Grand Slam® breakfasts and frothy milkshakes. Restaurants serve breakfast all day, every day.
Franchise Unit Trends & Revenue
1,334
14
$1,918,224
* in 2024
Franchise Fees
$30,000
4.5% - 7.0%
Gross Sales
3.0% - 3.25%
Gross Sales
Why Choose Denny's?
Aside from the fact that Denny's is an American icon that appeals to most people (after all, it is a highway staple that offers late-night travelers warm food in a friendly environment), there are countless benefits to franchising a Denny's. For starters, its average sales per restaurant are promising. Though there are overhead costs to pay, with such a high volume of sales, you are sure to make a profit. Additionally, the company currently offers two incentives programs for franchisees who wish to own multiple units. If you open six restaurants in New and Emerging Markets, you can save up to $1 million on fees. If you open two restaurants in New and Emerging Markets, you can save up to $332,000.
In addition to the incentives, the corporation offers significant support in getting stores up and running. From location planning to management training, and from helping franchisees design a layout that is consistent with the brand's image to helping them meet local building code requirements, the corporate team is committed to helping franchisees grow.
Starting Costs & Investment Requirements
$1,305,540 - $2,453,718
$1,000,000
$500,000
Training & Support
Training is required. Depending on how many units a person opens, training may cost anywhere between $5,000 per unit and $35,000 per unit.
History
The first Denny's was founded in 1953 in Lakewood, California, by a Mr. Harold Butler and Mr. Richard Jezak. At the time, it was called "Danny's Donuts." Danny's Donuts expanded fairly quickly considering it was not yet franchised, and by 1959, the founders had opened 20 units. It was then that they changed the name from "Danny's" to "Denny's."
In 1963, 10 years after it was founded, the first franchise agreement was signed. Four short years later, the company opened its first international unit, in Acapulco, Mexico.
1977 was a big year for Denny's. It was that year that the Grand Slam® was introduced. The plate—which consists of two buttermilk pancakes, two eggs, two sausage links, two bacon strips, one's choice of hash browns or bread and juice or coffee—was developed in Atlanta as a nod to Hank Aaron.
In 1984, Denny's expanded into Japan. However, though it has more than 400 units in Japan, the parent company sold all rights to Japan in 1984. In 1992, the brand reached Canada.
2013 marked Denny's 60th anniversary, and today the brand has over 1,700 units nationally and internationally.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is a person who has access to $500,000 USD liquid capital and who has a networth of $1 million USD. This person also demonstrates a passion and commitment to the Denny's brand as well as a strong understanding of branded concepts. He or she also has experience with proven business systems. Previous experience in the food or retail industry is a must.
Restaurant and Food Franchises
Franchises up to $5,000,000
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