Yet, recently, the beloved chain closed 15 more locations. Rising costs and fewer sales have forced Denny’s to downsize significantly, adding to the 57 locations closed last year and 60 in 2022. It’s a tough time for the iconic diner.

This trend has hit Denny’s hard, resulting in a noticeable drop in customers. As wallets tighten, the familiar sight of families at diner tables is becoming less common.

This diner was more than a place to eat — it was a community hub for countless local stories and gatherings, now closed for good.

After 45 years, the Langhorne Denny’s closed its doors. This branch was the last diner in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. Now if people in Bucks County want to dine at Denny’s, they have to travel out to Lehigh Valley, Delaware County or even New Jersey.

This follows the pattern of closures that has been affecting the diner chain, reflecting broader challenges within the restaurant industry that are leading to such difficult decisions.

As of this month, the last Denny’s diner has closed in San Francisco. The diner was forced to close after 25 years of operating in the city’s Union Square district as a 24-hour restaurant.

Haque said the reason for the restaurant’s closure was crime. This San Francisco location was reportedly a hotspot for “dining and dashing,” where customers leave without paying the bill.

“The cost of doing business is tremendous. There’s vandalism, and people come and eat and walk away, and there’s no one to stop them. It’s a beautiful city — we love it, we have been there so many years. But I think [city officials] should make it more business-friendly,” said Haque.

It’s a clear sign: fewer people are walking through the doors, and it’s hitting the bottom line hard.

The financial squeeze isn’t just numbers on a page — it’s fewer open diners and lost jobs.

The franchise’s total operating revenue was $110 million between January and March. This sum is down from $117.5 million in the same quarter of last year. In the same period last year, Denny’s opened five new restaurants.

It’s a steep climb caused by rising food and labor costs. Every penny counts more than ever, as Verostek explained to investors.

Since the new minimum wage for fast-food workers jumped to $20 per hour in April, labor costs have skyrocketed. Much like other restaurants, Denny’s has upped their prices to match expenses, which has led to a fall in the number of customers. Along with price hikes, many fast-food workers have consequently been let go.

It’s a hopeful strategy aimed at making dining out affordable again.

It’s this unique appeal they’re banking on to turn the tide and draw diners back in.

It’s not just about bringing back old favorites. It’s about adapting them to fit today’s diner’s needs and expectations.

Red Lobster filed for bankruptcy in May, shutting down almost 100 restaurants. Even more chains like Applebee’s, TGI Fridays and Boston Market have also closed down.

Mod Pizza, a build-your-own pizza joint, shut down 26 locations during the first three months of this year. Despite being one of the fastest-growing chains in the country, Mod Pizza’s plans to set up more branches were dashed by closures and potential bankruptcy.

In June this year, Rubio’s Coastal Grill closed 48 of its California locations and also filed for bankruptcy. “While painful, the store closures are a necessary step in our strategic long-term plan to position Rubio’s for success for years to come,” said a Rubio’s spokesperson.

Everyone’s trying to keep the customers coming through the door.

As the dining landscape evolves, affordability is becoming the key battleground.

Since the pandemic, consumers prefer quick and convenient food over going to a diner. Nowadays, casual restaurants are less interested in restaurants and would rather have their food come directly to their homes.

Dennis Gemberling, founder and principal of hospitality consultancy firm, Perry Group International, said “grab and go” food is taking center stage. This shift in consumer habits has left casual restaurants like Denny’s on shaky ground.

Gemberling said: “I call it the demise of hospitality where everybody wants grab-and-go delivery. The whole market is starting to dwindle. Gone are the days of the Martini lunch.”