Denny's Is Looking for The People Who Never Stop Showing Up

America's Diner invites people across the country to nominate a hometown hero that consistently shows up when others need them most.

SPARTANBURG, S.C., Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, America's Diner opened nominations for Denny's Heroes: A Grand Slam Thank You, a nationwide search for stories of generosity, resilience, leadership and service that have changed lives or made communities stronger.

Every town has a hero who never stops showing up. The teacher who keeps snacks in her desk because she knows which kids come to school hungry. The coach who always finds room for one more child who needs somewhere to belong. The volunteer who keep coming back every Saturday because they know their neighbors are counting on them.

If someone immediately came to mind, Denny's wants to hear their story and celebrate it.

"Every day in our restaurants, we see what it means when someone remembers your name, notices when you need something or makes room for you," said Chris Bode, president and chief executive officer of Denny's. "A Grand Slam Thank You carries that same care beyond our doors. Together with our franchise owners, we'll bring the diner to 30 hometown celebrations honoring individuals who keep showing up for others. Denny's was built one hometown at a time, and we want to bring communities together to celebrate the people who make those hometowns stronger."

A nomination may recognize one individual. Nominees may include educators, caregivers, first responders, coaches, veterans, volunteers, community supporters or anyone who is always the first to step forward when something needs to be done.

From the stories submitted, Denny's will select 30 heroes to receive a “Grand Slam Thank You,” a Denny's-catered hometown celebration for up to 50 guests hosted by a local franchise owner.

The celebration also looks ahead to an important milestone for America’s Diner. In May 2027, Denny’s will mark 50 years since the Grand Slam was first added to the menu in several Atlanta, Ga restaurants in celebration of baseball legend Hank Aaron. As that anniversary approaches, Denny’s Heroes: A Grand Slam Thank You carries the spirit of an iconic meal created to honor a hometown hero forward by recognizing a new generation of people making a difference in communities across the country.

"The people we hope to honor will never call themselves heroes. They are too busy making sure someone is fed, safe, seen or given another chance," said Fasika Melaku, chief people, enterprise communications and social impact officer of Denny’s. "We're asking people to stop for a moment and think about someone who has made a difference in their life, their family's life or their community, and then tell us their story. No one should have to become famous to hear the words, 'We see you. We see the need you noticed, the care you gave and the people who are stronger because you showed up. What you did mattered.'"
   
Nominate your hero now through October 30 at dennysheroes.com.

About Denny's Corp.

Denny's is a Spartanburg, S.C.-based family dining restaurant brand that has been welcoming guests to our booths for more than 70 years.

Our guiding principle is simple: We love to feed people. Denny’s provides craveable meals at a meaningful value across breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late night. Whether it's at our brick-and-mortar locations, via Denny's on Demand (the first delivery platform in the family dining segment), or at The Meltdown, Banda Burrito, and The Burger Den, our three virtual restaurant concepts, Denny’s is ready to delight guests whenever and however they want to order.

Our longstanding commitment to supporting our local communities in need is brought to life with our Mobile Relief Diner (that delivers hot meals to our neighbors during times of disaster), Denny's Hungry for Education™ scholarship program, our annual fundraiser with long-time-partner No Kid Hungry, and our new partnership supporting Cookies for Kids’ Cancer in their mission to fund research for new, improved and less toxic treatments for kids facing cancer. 

To learn more about Denny's, please visit our brand website at www.dennys.com or the brand's social channels via Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn or YouTube.

Media Contact
Colton Grace
864-492-6719
Cgrace@dennys.com