
![]() |
Denny's Franchise ProfileFood Franchises > Casual Dining |
To open a Denny's franchise, prospective owners should prepare for a significant initial investment ranging from $255,000 to over $3 million. This includes a franchise fee of $30,000. Additionally, a cash requirement between $255,000 and $826,000 is necessary, alongside a net worth requirement of $500,000 to $1 million. These figures highlight the financial commitment needed to embark on this franchise journey.
Denny's franchisees are subject to ongoing fees, including a royalty fee of 4.5% of gross sales and a marketing fee of 3%. These fees are essential for maintaining brand presence and supporting marketing efforts. Understanding these costs is crucial for potential franchisees to ensure profitability and effective financial planning throughout their ownership.
A Denny's franchise has a promising revenue potential, with average annual revenue per unit reported at approximately $3.1 million. The median annual revenue stands at $1,766,751, while the highest revenue recorded for a single unit is an impressive $7.8 million. This variance indicates the potential for substantial earnings, depending on location and management effectiveness.
New Denny's franchisees can expect a breakeven time of around 18 months. This timeline is critical for financial forecasting and planning, as it indicates when the franchise could start generating profit after covering initial investments and operating expenses. Furthermore, the investment payback period is approximately 22 months, offering insights into the return on investment for franchisees.
Denny's Franchise Financial Requirements
Below, you’ll find an overview of the initial investment needed to launch the business, along with the ongoing fees required by the franchisor to maintain operations over time.
Net Worth Required:
Investment Payback:
Franchise Fee:
Royalty Fee:
Marketing Fee:
Breakeven Time:
Initial Investment:
Cash Required:
Average Revenue:
Median Revenue:
Highest Revenue:
Lowest Revenue:
Industry:
Category:
Leadership:
Corporate Address:
Funding Year:
Parent Company:
Denny's Franchise Unit Growth Summary
A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes.
Total Units
Franchised Units
Corporate Units
Units | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
---|---|---|---|
Total Units | 1487 | 1445 | 1407 |
Net Change YoY | -42 | -38 | |
Franchised Units | 1422 | 1379 | 1342 |
Net Change YoY | -43 | -37 | |
Corporate Units | 65 | 66 | 65 |
Net Change YoY | 1 | -1 |
Denny's is a well-known American diner-style restaurant chain that has been serving customers since 1953. With a commitment to providing a diverse menu of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, Denny's has established itself as a go-to destination for families and individuals seeking comfort food at any hour. The brand operates both franchised and corporate locations, maintaining a strong presence across the United States and internationally.
To open a Denny's franchise, potential franchisees should be prepared for a significant financial commitment. The initial investment ranges from $255,000 to over $3 million, depending on factors such as location and size. A franchise fee of $30,000 is required, along with a cash requirement between $255,000 and $826,000. Additionally, franchisees must demonstrate a net worth of $500,000 to $1 million to qualify for ownership.
Denny's franchises have shown promising financial performance, with average annual revenue per unit reaching approximately $3.1 million. The median annual revenue is reported at $1.77 million, while some units have generated as much as $7.83 million. This wide revenue range highlights the potential for profitability, though individual results may vary based on location and management.
Franchisees are subject to ongoing fees that contribute to the overall operational costs. Denny's charges a royalty fee of 4.5% of gross sales and a marketing fee of 3%. These fees support the brand's national advertising efforts and operational support, helping franchisees benefit from Denny's strong brand recognition and marketing initiatives.
New Denny's franchisees can expect to reach breakeven within approximately 18 months of opening. The investment payback period is estimated at around 22 months, making it crucial for franchisees to implement effective operational strategies and management practices to achieve these financial milestones.
Over the past few years, Denny's has experienced a slight decline in the number of franchised units, from 1,422 in 2021 to 1,342 in 2023. Despite this trend, the brand maintains a robust network of corporate locations, which helps support franchisees through shared resources and operational best practices. This structure allows Denny's to adapt to market changes while continuing to offer franchise opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial investment for a Denny's franchise ranges from $255,000 to $3,056,874.75, which includes the franchise fee, equipment, and other startup costs.