SPARTANBURG, SC – Denny’s Corp. announced the appointment of Aaron Howard as Chief Operating Officer, bringing a proven restaurant operator into the business as the brand sharpens its focus on execution, guest experience, profitable traffic and stronger restaurant-level performance across the franchise system.
Howard joins Denny’s with decades of operating leadership across some of the restaurant industry’s most recognized brands, including CKE Restaurants, Cracker Barrel and RGS, parent company of O’Charley’s and 99 Restaurants. Across those systems, he has led field operations, built accountable teams, supported operators and improved the daily execution that drives guest satisfaction, repeat visits, stronger unit economics and sustainable performance.
“Aaron is an operator,” said Chris Bode, President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s, in the recent release. “He understands how performance is created in the field, inside restaurants and through teams that are clear, supported and accountable. His focus will be where performance is won or lost: in the restaurants, with operators and teams, and in the guest experience that brings people back. As we continue to strengthen value, relevance, profitable traffic and restaurant-level profitability, Aaron’s leadership will be critical to how we raise execution across the franchise system.”
Howard joins Denny’s at a pivotal moment as the company advances Project Grand Slam, its focused operating agenda built around the highest-impact opportunities in the business, including new food innovation, value, catering, third-party growth, facilities modernization, profitable traffic and restaurant execution. The work is designed to bring greater speed, discipline, and accountability to the areas that can create stronger performance for franchisees and the brand.
“Denny’s is one of the few brands in American dining with this kind of heritage, reach and emotional connection with guests,” said Howard. “What attracted me to this role is the opportunity to get close to the restaurants, work with operators and teams, and help improve the execution guests feel every day. Strong restaurants are built through consistency, discipline, and care. That is the work I am here to help drive.”…