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Denny's Elevates Christopher Bode to CEO, Launches 24-Month 'Project Grand Slam' Overhaul

Private ownership sets the chain up for faster changes over the next two years.

Overview

  • Denny's appointed Christopher Bode as president and chief executive, tasking him with a two-year turnaround plan called Project Grand Slam.
  • The roadmap targets new menu items and flavors, a stronger beverage lineup across breakfast, lunch and late night, and a push into catering and bulk orders.
  • The plan also calls for America's Diner 2.0 remodels, expansion into grocery retail for branded products, and faster, easier digital ordering.
  • Bode previously served as president and chief operating officer, and the company cites his decades of restaurant experience and a record of outpacing family-dining peers in many quarters.
  • The leadership move follows a January buyout by TriArtisan Capital Advisors, Treville Capital Group and Yadav Enterprises, which management says will let it move more quickly in a tough economy.