Beloved Restaurant Chain Has Lost 60% of Its Customers
Since last spring, sit-down restaurants have struggled, and 2021 is no different.
Outback Steakhouse, Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Chili's, and other notable restaurants had 30% less customers in 2020 than in 2019. But Denny's has suffered the most.
Denny's restaurants experienced 52.7% fewer traffic the week of Nov. 30, 2020, than the year before. As the holidays approached, sales plummeted.
Some governments have declined to close eateries despite an increase in coronavirus infections in practically every state. Winter weather impedes outdoor eating.
Denny's is in 49 states and D.C. Along with Alaska and Vermont, Washington has two restaurants. Delaware is the only state without a Denny's; Florida, Texas, and California each have hundreds.
The business is developing two "virtual brands" that specialise on burgers and melts, providing curbside pickup and additional promotions for 2021, and feeling confident.
"With growing vaccine distribution, freshly legislated fiscal stimulus that should assist our franchisees, and the continuous commitment of our operators,
I am sure that Denny's is well-positioned to continue navigating through the pandemic while planning for future growth," CEO said.