The most important ingredients in a great meal are friends and family. At Denny’s, we fill our diners with warm surroundings, friendly faces and great food so that you can create lasting memories---and that’s a tradition we’ve stood by since we opened in 1953.
It’s why millions each year celebrate special occasions with us. From Sunday morning brunch after church to birthdays, Denny’s has been a family favorite for nearly 60 years. We know how important family is to our Hispanic customers and we share in that commitment to community and tradition. Denny’s enjoys strong relationships with our Hispanic guests, which make up the fastest growing demographic at our restaurants and in the U.S. overall.
Denny’s now has more than 1,680 diners in all 50 states and nine countries, six of which are Latin American nations. Serving so many people in so many places requires openness to different people and different ideas. As of 2012, minorities make up 61 percent of Denny’s total workforce and 38 percent of our overall management. The board of Denny’s Corporation consists of 10 directors of whom 40 percent are minorities and women. We believe a diverse workplace is a strong workplace and should reflect the communities we serve.
As America’s diner, Denny’s is always open. 24-hours a day, seven days a week we offer value, choice and variety to our guests. The health and well-being of our customers is extremely important to us, which is why we also acknowledge healthier alternatives to some of America’s favorite dishes.
To provide dining options for a healthier generation, Denny’s offers a range of nutritious Fit Fare® meals and menu items. Fit Fare dishes, which are lower in fat and calories and higher in protein and fiber, are integrated directly into the standard menu along with their nutritional information. These menu options offer diners healthy eating choices without compromising on taste, value or variety.
Extending our commitment to our guests, Denny’s also works to improve the education of our nation through such initiatives as Hungry for Reading, a program designed to reward young readers. For every 10 books a child reads, parents sign off on a special Hungry for Reading bookmark. Once they reach 10 parent signatures, or 10 books read, they receive a free kid’s meal at a participating Denny’s restaurant. Visit your local Denny’s to learn more.
Feeding hungry families is not only a source of pride for the Denny’s team, but also a social cause. I serve on the board of the “Dine Out for No Kid Hungry” campaign, one of the nation’s leading efforts to end childhood hunger for the more than 16 million children struggling from inadequate daily nutritional requirements. In September of 2012, Denny’s was among the leaders of this effort with more than 1,100 company and franchised locations contributing to the “No Kid Hungry” campaign. To learn more, check out the website: dineout.nokidhungry.org.
Supporting the next generation of Hispanic professionals is an investment in our nation’s future. At the 2012 LULAC National Convention, Denny’s made a $5,000 contribution to support the LULAC National Scholarship Fund, which helps more than 11,000 students reach their educational goals each year. Beyond this, we support the Hispanic College Fund, providing college students with financial, social and career support as they work toward graduation.
Denny’s has also been a longtime supporter of a number of leading Hispanic advocacy organizations including the League of United Latin American Citizens, the Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. We believe it is a privilege to be able to give back to those we serve and are committed to doing so in the years to come.
That is what hospitality means to Denny’s: come as you are, order what you like, guests come first.
John Miller is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s.
