Spartanburg, South Carolina-based Denny's has signed a new franchise agreement with former NFL players Donnell Thompson and Ronald Wooten to to re-enter the metro Atlanta market with as many as 20 new restaurants. Four are in the works for Snellville, Douglasville, Hapeville and Brookhaven.
The Brookhaven location, on Buford Highway, is slated to open in late May or early June. The Snellville restaurant would likely open next, followed by the Dougslasville and Hapeville locations.
In Brookhaven, Denny's plans to open at 2991 Buford Highway, currently operating as Wheels & Deals used car dealership. Before Wheels & Deals, the lot was known as Mega Cars though it was originally built as a Captain D's restaurant. Today the most significant and popular neighbors are the Pink Pony, the controversial gentlemen's club and Lips, the relatively new drag show and dining establishment.
The Brookhaven location, on Buford Highway, is slated to open in late May or early June. The Snellville restaurant would likely open next, followed by the Dougslasville and Hapeville locations.
In Brookhaven, Denny's plans to open at 2991 Buford Highway, currently operating as Wheels & Deals used car dealership. Before Wheels & Deals, the lot was known as Mega Cars though it was originally built as a Captain D's restaurant. Today the most significant and popular neighbors are the Pink Pony, the controversial gentlemen's club and Lips, the relatively new drag show and dining establishment.
Interestingly, a mere two tenths of a mile from the upcoming Denny's is a former Denny's restaurant, albeit much larger. Built during Denny's heyday, the former restaurant is "Diner Style" and is easily twice as big as the upcoming location. Zuffy's Place, recently renamed Montie's Public House, is the building's current occupant.
In Douglasville, Denny's was looking to open in a former Hooters on Concourse Parkway near Walmart, but apparently those plans have fallen apart. Denny's is reportedly actively working to secure a new site in Douglasville.
I can think of a number of vacant restaurant spaces on or off of Scenic Highway in Snellville, but I have been as yet unable to confirm precisely where Denny's has chosen to open.
I'm far less familiar with Hapeville, and honestly have no idea where they might choose to open or what may be on the market.
Denny's once had quite a few locations in metro Atlanta, but today their store count had dwindled to only a handful.
Denny's once had quite a few locations in metro Atlanta, but today their store count had dwindled to only a handful.
RWDT Foods Inc., the partners' company already owns & operates four Denny's restaurants, three in North Carolina and one in Georgia.
The Fayetteville, North Carolina location is a converted Wendy's, the Charlotte location is a former Black Eyed Pea restaurant, while the Gainesville, Georgia location is a converted Smokey Bones Barbecue. As far as I know, Denny's was the original tenant of the Durham location.
Making use of a second generation restaurant space is an easy way to trim costs and shorten construction time.
Where would you like to see Denny's open next in metro Atlanta?
What is your favorite diner or diner style restaurant in Atlanta?
Please share your thoughts below.