Denny’s targeted by activist investor

Group 1 - Casual chains are facing pressure from activist investors due to struggles in growing traffic and sales as consumer spending declines [3] - Denny's reported a 1.3% decline in domestic same-store sales for Q2, while its sister brand Keke's saw a 4% increase [4] - Denny's is closing underperforming restaurants, with 10 units shut down in Q2, as part of a strategy to optimize the franchise system [4][5] Group 2 - Denny's is enhancing its value proposition to boost guest engagement, including promotions like Buy-One-Get-One Slam for $1 and a limited-time offer of 5 Slams for $5 [6] - A new points-based loyalty program is planned for launch in the second half of 2025 to further increase guest engagement [6] - JCP Investment Management has increased its stake in Denny's to over 9% and aims to discuss opportunities to enhance shareholder value with the board [7]