Leverage the DENNY’S FRANCHISE DIFFERENCE

60+

Years in Franchising

By leveraging our established business model, we give franchisees the proven tools needed to grow their business and lead with confidence.

220+

Dedicated Franchisees

We stay true to the restaurant experiences and renowned legacy that got us here—but that doesn’t mean we can’t build on it. Our franchisee family’s strength, talent, and resilience propels us to new heights every day.

96%

Restaurants Franchised

As our brand and global footprint evolves, there has never been a better time to join Denny’s. Our stable leadership team and brand longevity support franchisees around the world.

When I started with Denny’s at 16, I was a food server. Today, I’m one of the largest franchisees in the system." Dawn Lafreeda, Owner/operator of more than 70 restaurants in 6 states.
Dawn Lafreeda, Owner/operator

HOW IT Works

AM I a Good Candidate?

At the core of every Denny’s franchisee is an unrelenting urge to keep growing and building a better tomorrow. If your appetite for opportunity is genuine, this may be the franchise for you. Here are the qualities we look for in a candidate:

Denny's franchisee
  • Demonstrates a passion for the Denny’s brand
  • Has a forward-focused mindset and appreciation for new initiatives
  • Values meaningful connections and an inclusive team culture
  • Has business experience in the restaurant, hospitality or retail industry
FRANCHISE REQUIREMENTS
Minimum Financial Requirements*

$500,000 liquid capital | $1M Net worth

(CAN INCLUDE PARTNERS AND COMPANIES)
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE**

Restaurant, Hospitality or Retail Management

TOTAL EST. INITIAL INVESTMENT

$1,428,424.75 to $2,326,574.75

FRANCHISE FEE*

$30,000

FRANCHISE TERMS

20 years

ROYALTY FEE

4.5%

ADVERTISING FEE

3%

  • New restaurant opening training Information subject to change. See Denny's franchise disclosure document for complete details.
    Restaurants Developed
    Training Fees
  • 1 - 2
    $36,000
  • 3 - 4
    $26,000
  • 5+
    $5,000
*Can include partners and companies *Per unit developed. **Determined if candidate can successfully meet Denny's minimum requirements.
This is not an offer to sell a franchise. The offer of a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document.

Feed your appetite to grow

CONTACT US

FREQUENTLY ASKED Questions

What experience do you require to become a franchisee?

Here are the qualities we look for in a candidate:

  • Demonstrates a passion for the Denny’s brand
  • Values meaningful connections with other team members
  • Has business experience in the restaurant, hospitality or retail industry
  • Requires a minimum of net worth of $1M
  • Requires a minimum of $500K in liquidity
  • For international inquiries, we require that a potential franchisee has an existing infrastructure for operating restaurants in the country
How much does it cost to open a Denny’s restaurant?
What are the start-up costs?

As listed in our Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7), the total investment necessary to begin operation of a Denny’s franchise is:

From $1,428,422 to $2,326,537 for a Denny’s Heritage 2.0 facility;

from $305,000 to $826,000 for a nontraditional Denny’s, including The Den; and

from $1,003,412 to $1,681,537 for Denny’s within a Travel Center (these numbers exclude real estate).

What is the initial franchise fee?

The initial franchise fee is $30,000.

How can I become a franchisee?

Please review the minimum qualifications as listed above or on our franchising website. If you meet these qualifications, please complete our franchising inquiry form. A member of our team will contact you. There is a franchise qualification process that requires disclosure of our Franchise Disclosure Document, completion of a franchise application packet, submission of financials, a business plan, along with multiple interviews, due diligence visits and meetings, and the completion of orientation and restaurant training (franchisee or designated operator).

How long is restaurant training?

Restaurant training for a prospective franchisee or their designated operator is 50 days (10 weeks).

How long does the franchise qualification process take?

On average, the franchise qualification process could take 180 days.

How much can I earn as a Denny’s franchisee?

Franchise law dictates that some financial information can be disclosed in Item 19 of our Franchise Disclosure Document.

As a franchisee, can I own the real estate?

Yes, as a franchisee you can own the real estate your restaurant is located on.

Does Denny’s provide real estate support?

Denny’s provides site selection and site approval assistance.

What is the term of the franchise agreement?

The length of the franchise term is the lesser of 20 years or the lease term.

Denny's grand slam

contact us to Get Started

    Are you affiliated with any other brands?
    Do you have at least 4 years of management experience in the restaurant retail or hospitality industry?*
    Do you meet our minimum financial requirements of $500K liquidity and $1M net worth?*
    This is not an offer to sell a franchise. The offer of a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a Franchise Disclosure Document.