DENNY'S
Denny's operates full-service, family-style restaurants offering a wide variety of moderately priced food in a casual dining atmosphere, with variants like the limited-service 'The Den' concept for nontraditional locations. The business model includes a comprehensive system encompassing trademarks, designs, recipes, training, and operational standards, supplemented by online ordering, delivery, and virtual brands for take-out. It targets a broad spectrum of customers through traditional diners, travel centers, and innovative service models.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
This franchise did not provide Item 19 financial performance data.
Be careful if you are interested in investing. The lack of financial performance representations may indicate limited data or varying results across franchises.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How DENNY'S Compares to Other Casual Dining Franchises
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
DENNY'S Current | N/A | N/A | N/A | 1,273 |
| IHOP & INTERNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKES | $1.8M - $4.5M | $69K | N/A | 1,703 |
| BUFFALO WILD WINGS | $2.5M - $4.9M | $25K | 5.0% | 538 |
| GOLDEN CORRAL STEAKS, BUFFET & BAKERY | $2.1M - $8.5M | $50K | 4.0% | 352 |
| GOLDEN CORRAL | $2.2M - $8.7M | $50K | 4.0% | 348 |
| ORIGINAL PANCAKE HOUSE (THE) | $483K - $1.7M | $60K | 2.0% | 146 |
Casual Dining Average 43 franchises | $1.6M - $3.6M | $44K | 4.6% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 43 Casual Dining franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+36 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for DENNY'S franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
Unlock Franchisee Contact Database
17 franchisee contacts on file. Upgrade to see names, locations, phone numbers, and matched SBA loan data.
Upgrade to Pro$199/year · Cancel anytime
Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
Breach of contract disputes with franchisees and related parties, including franchise operation rights, royalty and fee disagreements, and claims for specific performance and related torts.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
Balbair Pal (joint debtor) in Chapter 13 bankruptcy (Case No. 2-15-bk-13711BKM), discharged June 12, 2020
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How many DENNY'S franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, DENNY'S has 1,273 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1963.
Can you get an SBA loan for a DENNY'S franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for DENNY'S franchises. Historical data shows 82 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for DENNY'S franchisees, with an average loan amount of $913,940. The historical default rate is 1.2%.
Is DENNY'S a good franchise to buy?
DENNY'S shows several positive indicators: established brand with 1,273+ locations, low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
Interested in DENNY'S?
Talk to a franchise advisor to get personalized guidance and learn if DENNY'S is the right fit for you.
Talk to an Advisor