Denny’s is celebrating the grand reopening of its San Diego restaurant located at 2445 El Cajon Blvd on Saturday, following a remodeling effort that began with its closure on July 6 and was completed by July 12. This renovation aims to enhance guest comfort, connection, and consistency within the establishment.
The grand reopening event is set to take place from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and promises activities suitable for families, including a DJ, raffles, and merchandise giveaways. Following the remodeling, the restaurant will also feature special one-day menu prices to celebrate the occasion. Customers can enjoy the Original Grand Slam for $5.99, a Single Cheeseburger for $6.99, and the Bourbon Chicken Skillet for $8.99.
This reopening comes as Denny’s faces challenges in the restaurant industry. The company has recently announced plans to close approximately 180 locations nationwide, citing issues such as expiring leases and low performance. While Denny’s originally indicated a closure plan affecting around 150 locations, this number has now increased significantly. Out of the planned closures, Denny’s has already shut down 88 restaurants with further closures slated for the remainder of the year.
Denny’s, which operates around 1,300 locations across the United States, has adjusted its forecast for closures in 2025 to between 70 and 90 additional shut downs by year’s end. This adjustment could bring total closures to about 160 nationwide since 2024. Factors contributing to these decisions include the age of some buildings and the substantial costs associated with necessary renovations.
Despite these challenges, Denny’s has plans to open 25 to 40 new locations within the year. This expansion effort is vital as the company navigates a landscape marked by closures in various regions, including significant facilities in the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, as well as Nampa, Oakland, and San Francisco. The current trend reflects Denny’s focus on enhancing financial resilience and implementing cost-cutting measures, particularly during economically challenging periods.
Denny’s, which is headquartered in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has maintained a presence in the diner industry for decades. The remodeling of the San Diego location aims to provide a familiar and welcoming environment for returning customers, despite the broader difficulties the company faces in the restaurant market.