Denny’s Ditching “Open 24-Hours” and Menus Are Changing! Utah, California & Nevada at Risk!

Alright, we’ve all had those late-night cravings that only a 24-hour restaurant could satisfy. Maybe it was after a long road trip, a late shift, or just one of those nights when you need pancakes at 3 a.m. But if you’re in Utah, California, or Nevada, brace yourself: one beloved round-the-clock restaurant is scaling back its all-night hours. And yes, it's looking like several locations are about to lose their “always open” claim.

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The Grand Slam News: Denny’s Isn’t Staying Open All Night

Yep, it's Denny's—the ultimate diner icon of endless pancakes, bacon, and eggs any time of day or night. Once famous for always being open, Denny's has decided to reduce the number of its 24/7 locations. While this may be a tough pill to swallow for night owls, it's all part of the post-pandemic era where businesses are rethinking hours, menus, and even locations.

What’s Changing at Denny’s?

The changes are pretty big for Denny’s, so if it’s your go-to spot, here’s what you can expect:

Hours: Fewer Denny's will be open 24/7, with more shifting to regular operating hours. So that midnight stack of pancakes might have to wait until morning.
Menu: Denny’s is slimming down its famously long menu from 97 items to a leaner 46 options. Say goodbye to a few beloved dishes in favor of a more streamlined selection.
Closures: Denny’s plans to close around 150 locations by the end of 2025, with 50 shutting down by the end of 2024. Locations with lower sales or older facilities that are tough to renovate are likely on the chopping block.

Utah, California, and Nevada—What to Expect?

If you’re in the West, this news hits close to home. With 23 Denny’s locations in Utah, 389 in California, and 40 in Nevada, there’s a good chance that some of these will be affected. And, in true 2023 fashion, exact locations haven’t been revealed yet, leaving us all guessing if our local Denny’s will make the cut.

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Why the Changes?

Like many other businesses, Denny's felt the impacts of the pandemic, which changed when and how people dine out. The surge in labor and food costs, along with shifting consumer habits, led Denny’s to rethink its classic 24/7 model. They’re joining the ranks of formerly 24-hour giants like Walmart, which also cut back nighttime hours.

So, while we might miss those 3 a.m. pancake stacks, here’s hoping the streamlined Denny's still brings the comfort food magic—just, maybe, not all night long.