Denny’s is looking for the people who keep showing up.
The restaurant chain has opened nominations for Denny’s Heroes: A Grand Slam Thank You, a nationwide effort to recognize people whose generosity, service, leadership, or simple consistency has made a difference in their communities.
Nominations are open through Oct. 30 at dennysheroes.com.
The program is built around the people who rarely call attention to themselves — teachers who quietly help students in need, coaches who make room for another kid, caregivers, first responders, veterans, volunteers, and neighbors who step up when something needs to get done.
“Every day in our restaurants, we see what it means when someone remembers your name, notices when you need something, or makes room for you,” says Chris Bode, President and Chief Executive Officer of Denny’s.
From the submitted stories, Denny’s will select 30 individuals to receive a “Grand Slam Thank You,” including a catered hometown celebration for up to 50 guests hosted by a local franchise owner.
The campaign also looks ahead to a milestone for one of Denny’s best-known menu items. In May 2027, the Grand Slam will mark 50 years since it first appeared at several Atlanta restaurants in honor of baseball legend HANK AARON.
That history gives the new effort a fitting through line: a meal originally created to salute one hometown hero is now being used to recognize 30 more.
“The people we hope to honor will never call themselves heroes,” says Fasika Melaku, Chief People, Enterprise Communications and Social Impact Officer of Denny’s. “They are too busy making sure someone is fed, safe, seen, or given another chance.”
Nominations remain open through Oct. 30.
