Denny’s started as Danny’s Donuts in 1953 by Richard Jezak, Bug Moss, and Harold Butler.  The company was started in Lakewood, California and they expanded into 20 restaurants by 1959.  They changed the name to Denny’s to avoid being confused with another company called Doughnut Dan’s.  By 1981 there were over 1,000 restaurants in all of the 50 states.    Trans World Corporation acquired Denny’s in 1987 and they sold 47% of the company to Kohlberg Kravis Roberts in 1992.  The company is now publically traded and currently operates over 1,600 stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.  They also have over 500 stores that are in Japan and 7 in New Zeeland.  In 2010 Denny’s decided to expand into the UK and they also saw a significant expansion in the United States due to the Flying J truck stops opening Denny’s inside their convenient locations.

Denny’s is most known for the breakfast items they serve, but they also serve lunch and dinner as well.  They introduced the still very popular grand slam breakfasts in 1977 and they still offer a free meal to anybody on their birthday as well.  They serve many egg dishes, pancakes, French toast, sandwiches for lunch, entree items, and even desserts.

Denny’s is seeking restaurant franchisees that qualify in both the United States and Canada.  They start with a 20 year agreement and for each location the franchise fee is $40,000.  This gives you the permission you need to use the system and the trademarks that come along with Denny’s.  They also charge a 4% royalty fee and you must contribute another 4% to the advertising and marketing of the restaurant.  Individuals must have a net worth of at least $1 million and $350,000 must be liquid as well.  The initial investment for a Denny’s location is between $1,223,325 and $2,623,601 and this does not include the cost of the real estate.