#8
At a Glance
Products & Services: Full-service family restaurant
Number of Locations: 1,688
Total Investment: $1.18M - 2.4M
Founded: 1953
Began Franchising: 1963
About Denny's Inc.
In 1953, Harold Butler opened Danny's Donuts in Lakewood, California. Six years later, there were 20 shops in the chain and the company changed its name to Denny's. In 1966, the company went public, and in 1977, they introduced the Grand Slam breakfast. Today, Denny's locations serve breakfast, lunch and dinner choices 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Its corporate headquarters is in Spartanburg, South Carolina.Franchise Units
| Year | U.S. | Canadian | International | Company Owned |
| 2012 | 1,426 | 63 | 35 | 164 |
| 2011 | 1,386 | 60 | 32 | 206 |
| 2010 | 1,339 | 58 | 29 | 232 |
| 2009 | 1,241 | 49 | 28 | 333 |
Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $1,178,515 - $2,396,165
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years
Franchise Fee: $40,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 4%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 20 years
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $1,000,000
Liquid Cash Available: $350,000
Operations
66% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 80. Absentee ownership of franchise is allowed..| Financing Type | In-House | Third Party |
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| Equipment | ||
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How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: At franchisee's location: 19 days. At existing Denny's restaurants : Up to 13 weeks.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Security/safety procedures, Field operations/evaluations
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Franchise Ranking History
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