Denny’s hopes its new catering service will be a ‘grand slam’ and turn around struggling chain

Denny’s hopes its new catering service will be a ‘grand slam’ and turn around struggling chain The diner chain, which has over 1,200 locations across the U.S., has struggled since the pandemic with declining numbers of customers and higher food costs - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Denny’s is planning to expand its catering service in an attempt to boost the ailing diner chain, according to Restaurant Dive. The catering service, which allows Denny’s customers to order food directly on the website for larger gatherings, is already offered at 400 stores across the U.S. and will expand to 600 more by the end of September, according to the company. The restaurant, which has over 1,200 locations across the U.S., has struggled since the pandemic with declining numbers of customers and higher food costs. In the past two years, 150 Denny’s restaurants have closed. In late 2025, the chain was sold to a consortium of private-equity and franchise investors, including TGI Fridays-owner TriArtisan Capital Advisors, in a $620-million deal that took the brand private. In April, newly-appointed CEO Christopher Bode launched a 24-month turnaround strategy dubbed “Project Grand Slam” which included innovating the menu and increasing online ordering. The new owners hope a wider catering service will help the chain to bounce back. Menu options include the Grand Slam Buffet Bundle, Grand Slamwiches, Build-Your-Own Burger Bars and Chicken Wings. Guests can also order individually packaged meals, like a Grand Slam Breakfast Box and Chicken Bacon Sandwich Box. “Catering has the potential to become a meaningful growth business for Denny’s and its franchisees,” said Garren Grieve, CEO of Seaside Dining Group, a multi-unit Denny’s franchisee. “It gives our restaurants access to new customers, valuable weekday occasions and recurring business beyond our dining rooms. We have experienced firsthand the strength of what Denny’s has built, and the early response exceeded our expectations. The opportunity is real,” he added. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments