Denny's patrons are feeling down after a notable change at one of its branches signaled a significant end.
The Denny's in Worcester, Massachusetts, took down its famous sign and left a heartfelt message for its diners.
Iconic Denny's Closes, Sign Removed
The famous sign at Denny's was taken down on March 29, two weeks after the restaurant closed.
Located at 494 Lincoln St., this Denny's closed permanently on March 13, as reported by the Telegram and Gazette. The restaurant had been a local favorite, serving the community for more than 30 years.
Denny's issued a touching statement to its employees and customers, marking the end of an era.
The company recently expressed the challenges of closing a restaurant. "Deciding to close a restaurant is never an easy decision, and one that isn't made lightly," said Denny's in a statement.
They also expressed gratitude towards their team members and the local community for their support of the Denny's brand, encouraging visitors to explore other Massachusetts locations.
A Denny's restaurant remains open in Leominster for those missing the local spot.
The Worcester Denny's had a rocky recent history, temporarily closing after pipes burst and extensive repairs were needed. The location was not just a place to eat but a popular spot for late-night gatherings.
However, it was also known for some disturbances, often requiring police intervention. In a notable incident in 2006, a brawl at 4 a.m. led to a tragic outcome when a man died from a heart attack after being struck in the head with a chair.
Denny's Closure Sparks Community Reaction
A local resident, Craig Semon, captured and shared images of the sign removal at the now-closed Denny's on what used to be called Twitter. "Not a Good Friday for the Denny's Grandslam Breakfast," he commented on the closure of the restaurant at 494 Lincoln St., Worcester.
The attached video shows another upset announcement about a beloved wing chain suddenly closing locations, further underscoring a day of disappointing news for diners.
Other community members also voiced their feelings, recalling their visits to the popular late-night spot. "Many a night I stumbled in there with my rat pack after a night at The Red Barn," shared one person in response to the post.
Meanwhile, the closures are not limited to Massachusetts. In Idaho, Denny's restaurants in Boise and Nampa have also shut their doors. "Dang, I was hoping for a comeback," lamented another local, reflecting a common hope among patrons for a reversal of fortunes.
As revealed during its latest earnings call, Denny's closed 57 restaurants in 2023. The company also announced plans to continue some store closures into 2024 but hopes to open 30 new locations to offset these losses.
In the Boise area, Denny's maintains two active sites-one near the intersection of Eagle Road and Fairview Avenue, and another in Caldwell close to I-84 and Franklin Road.
The Boise Denny's is in a neighborhood experiencing significant changes. The nearby Kopper Kitchen restaurant shut down in 2022, and the City of Boise has issued eviction orders to two hotels located next to and opposite the Denny's. Built specifically for the chain in 1983, the Boise Denny's stands as a longstanding fixture amid evolving surroundings.
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