Former NFL Players Plan to Open 20 Denny's in Atlanta Metro

After losing market share for years to Waffle House and Huddle House, two former NFL players are partnering with Denny’s to open 20 diners in metro Atlanta.

The expansion could bring about 1,500 new jobs to the area.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle says former pro football players Donnell Thompson and Ronald Wooten have signed a development agreement with Denny’s Corp., based in South Carolina. Its rivals are both based in Atlanta.

“We are pleased to sign a significant development agreement for Atlanta, which is one of the many large markets in the eastern half of the United States where we do not have significant market share,” President and CEO John Miller said in a call with analysts.

There are six Denny’s locations in the Atlanta area now. RWDT Foods Inc., Thompson and Wooten’s company, has one restaurant in Gainesville.

Developers plan to open Denny’s diners in Snellville, Douglasville, Hapeville and intown Atlanta (North Druid Hills Road and Buford Highway). First to open is the intown location in the four months, followed by the Snellville site.

The company hopes for a pace of four or five new restaurants per year.

“We’re excited about being able to grow the Denny’s brand,” Thompson told the Business Chronicle. “We think we will have quite a bit of success.”

Denny’s has ditched its 1950s diner look and updated its menu, said the company’s CEO.

“Our customers are looking for an up-to-date, come-as-you-are space and not the diner from the 1950s, a place to reconnect with family or friends, a place with a warm environment and fresh décor like they would have at home,” Miller told analysts. “Getting the space right matters more today than ever and the goal for our new heritage design is for the environment to no longer hold Denny’s back as a brand.”

Founded in 1953, Denny’s today has nearly 1,700 restaurants.