Denny’s Franchisee Association Board Expresses Support for Leadership Transition

The Denny’s Franchisee Association ("DFA”) Board of Directors today expressed its support for the leadership transition at Denny’s Corporation (NASDAQ: DENN) and also noted its confidence in the transitional leadership team that was announced in the Company’s press release yesterday.

W. Craig Barber, Chairman of the DFA stated, "The DFA Board is fully supportive of the leadership transition at Denny’s and is confident in the transitional leadership team to accelerate the Company’s progress on key initiatives. We have worked very closely with Debra Smithart-Oglesby as the Company’s Board Chair and believe she will be an excellent interim CEO while the Denny’s Board completes its search for a permanent CEO. Debra has significant restaurant leadership experience and brings unique perspective to this critical juncture for our Brand. We are confident Debra and the Denny’s leadership team will continue to engage franchise leadership with a collaborative and constructive intensity. We look forward to working closely with her to benefit the Company’s franchisees and the Denny’s brand.”

Mr. Barber added, "We also want to thank Nelson Marchioli for his passionate leadership and commitment to the Brand. He has led the effort to transform Denny’s to a franchise-oriented model and we look forward to validating the wisdom of his vision by successfully growing the Brand and re-establishing Denny’s leadership position within the industry. We appreciate Nelson’s dedication and positive contributions to our Brand. We wish him and his family well.”