72-year-old diner chain closing dozens of restaurants

Core Insights - Nostalgia can attract customers but is insufficient for repeat business if food quality and value do not meet expectations [1][2] - Brands are leveraging nostalgic marketing to provide comfort amid economic uncertainty and political unrest [2] - Denny's is experiencing challenges in maintaining relevance despite its nostalgic appeal, leading to restaurant closures [3][4] Financial Performance - Denny's reported total operating revenue of $117.7 million for the second quarter, up from $115.9 million year-over-year [5][8] - The chain's domestic same-restaurant sales decreased by 1.3% compared to the previous year, while Keke's saw a 4% increase [8] - Denny's net income was $2.5 million, translating to $0.05 per diluted share, with adjusted net income of $4.8 million or $0.09 per share [8] Strategic Actions - Denny's plans to close dozens of additional locations, with closed locations averaging $1.1 million in sales [7] - The closures are part of a strategy to enhance overall profitability and improve brand health [5][7]