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Denny's

Information based on 2024 FDD
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Brand Highlights
  • Founded in 1953
  • Franchising Since 1963
  • 1342 US Franchises
  • $1,515,000 - $2,700,000 Investment Range
  • $1,868,092 Average Gross Revenue
  • 4.5% - 7% Royalty Fee
  • $30,000 Franchise Fee
Pre-qualification Amount

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Brand Description

Since 1953, Denny's has established itself as America's beloved diner, serving up hearty meals 24/7 across the United States. Known for their signature Grand Slam breakfasts and diverse menu offerings that span breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Denny's has become a cultural icon in the casual dining sector.

What sets Denny's apart is their commitment to providing a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy classic American comfort food at any hour. Their menu features everything from fluffy pancakes and custom-built omelets to juicy burgers, tender steaks, and fresh salads. The restaurant's ability to serve breakfast items around the clock has made it a favorite among night owls, early birds, and everyone in between.

Denny's has successfully adapted to changing consumer preferences while maintaining their core identity as America's diner. Their focus on value-driven meals, seasonal specialties, and consistent quality has helped them build a loyal customer base. The brand is particularly known for their attentive service, with many locations fostering strong connections with their local communities.

As a franchise opportunity, Denny's offers the chance to own a piece of Americana while benefiting from their well-established operating systems, comprehensive training programs, and strong brand recognition. Their proven business model, combined with ongoing corporate support and marketing initiatives, positions franchisees for success in the competitive restaurant industry. The brand's commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service continues to drive their growth and evolution in the modern dining landscape.

DID YOU KNOW?

How much does it cost to start a franchise with Denny's?

$1,515,000
$2,700,000
Did you know that opening your own Denny's franchise - America's beloved 24/7 diner known for Grand Slams and late-night comfort food - requires a total investment between $1,515,000 and $2,700,000, which covers everything from the $30,000 franchise fee to kitchen equipment, real estate, and working capital needed to serve up those famous pancakes around the clock?
Financial Summary
Franchise Fee
$30,000
Investment Range
$1,515,000 - $2,700,000
Investment Midpoint
$2,107,500
Minimum Cash Required
$1,515,000
Royalty Fees
4.5% - 7%
Brand Fund
3% - 3.25%
Brand Bragging Rights
America's iconic diner brand since 1953
70+ years of proven operational excellence
1,407 units with nationwide presence
24/7 service model market differentiation
17% above-average revenue performance vs. sub-sector
Established diner category leadership with comprehensive support infrastructure
Financial Analysis
Denny's requires a substantial investment of $1.5M-$2.7M, positioning it at the higher end of full-service restaurant franchises within the Food & Beverage industry. This investment moderately exceeds the sub-sector average range of $1.05M-$2.3M, reflecting the brand's established diner infrastructure and comprehensive restaurant buildout requirements. The investment typically covers kitchen equipment, dining room furnishings, signage, and initial working capital for a full-scale diner operation.

The full-service restaurant sector faces evolving consumer preferences toward fast-casual dining and delivery-focused concepts, though traditional diners maintain loyal customer bases seeking comfort food and all-day dining options. Denny's 24/7 operating model requires substantial staffing commitments and operational complexity that prospective franchisees must carefully evaluate.

Established in 1953 with 1,407 units and over 70 years of operational history, Denny's demonstrates exceptional system maturity and brand recognition as America's iconic diner. This extensive footprint provides operational support infrastructure and supply chain efficiencies, though it may limit territory availability in prime markets. The brand's gross revenue of $1.87M exceeds sub-sector averages by approximately 17%, indicating strong brand performance.

Ideal investors should possess substantial liquid capital and restaurant management experience given the operational complexity of 24/7 service. The investment suits experienced restaurant operators seeking established brand recognition in the traditional diner segment.
Expected Investment Range
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Average Gross Sales
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Financing
Financing Details

Franzy connects you with top-tier financing partners to help secure the funds to invest in a franchise like Denny's. Whether you're looking for a loan or exploring other financial products, our partners provide expert guidance to ensure you obtain the necessary capital. They specialize in offering solutions tailored to the needs of franchisees, making the process of securing financing smooth and straightforward.

Why Financing with Franzy Partners?

Choosing to finance through Franzy's partners ensures you get the best terms and support for your franchise investment. Our partners have extensive experience in the franchising industry and offer specialized financial solutions tailored to your needs. With competitive interest rates and flexible repayment options, you can find the right financing plan that fits your budget and goals. Our partners are committed to providing personalized guidance throughout the financing process, making it easier for you to secure the necessary funds and confidently move forward with your franchise venture.

Finance Partners
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FranFund

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CRF USA

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First Bank of the Lake

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Golden Capital Solutions Logo

Golden Capital Solutions

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Location Analysis
Denny's maintains a robust presence across multiple states with widespread coverage, demonstrating strong market penetration in both urban and suburban markets. The franchise shows notable concentration in the Northeast and Midwest, with significant presence in key markets like New York, Illinois, and Michigan, while maintaining substantial operations across diverse regions including Florida and Pennsylvania. This geographic distribution suggests successful adaptation to varied demographic profiles and market conditions.

Customer satisfaction metrics are particularly strong, with consistently positive ratings across numerous customer reviews, indicating reliable service quality across regions. The franchise's 24/7 operating model and diverse menu positioning have proven especially successful in high-traffic areas near universities, transportation hubs, and metropolitan centers.

Key expansion opportunities exist in remaining markets without current presence, particularly in growing suburban areas with strong breakfast and late-night dining demand. Ideal locations typically feature high visibility, easy highway access, and proximity to complementary businesses or institutions. Success factors include locations in areas with diverse demographic mix, steady commercial activity, and strong overnight population density to support the round-the-clock operation model.
Total US Locations1407
Open Franchises1342
Corporate Locations65
Average Sq. FootN/A
Territory Map

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Franchise Net Unit Growth
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Additional Information

Executive Team

Get to know the leadership behind Denny's. Learn about the experience and expertise of the executive team guiding Denny's's success. For more details, refer to Item 2 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Litigation

Review any legal actions or pending litigation involving Denny's. Understanding the legal history helps assess potential risks and the brand's business practices. For more details, refer to Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Bankruptcy

Review Denny's's bankruptcy history and any filings by key personnel or affiliates. This critical information provides transparency about the brand's financial stability and management. For more details, refer to Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Franchisor Assistance

Learn about Denny's's comprehensive support system for franchisees, including initial training programs and continuous operational assistance. Understanding the available resources and support structure is crucial for franchise success. For more details, refer to Item 11 of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD).

Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

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