Denny’s aims for 30 Manchester restaurants

MAJOR US family restaurant chain Denny’s has announced plans to expand into the UK market and create thousands of new jobs.

The company’s initial targets are for 30 franchised outlets in Manchester and a similar number in the West Midlands but it is planning to have restaurants opening across the country within two years.

Denny’s has a £1.47bn turnover from 1,550 outlets worldwide, 90% of which are franchised. Franchisees will be expected to pay around £1m for an outlet.

The firm pointed to changes in taxation announced in the Government’s emergency Budget and growing business confidence as reasons for choosing the UK.

Steve Dunn, Denny’s executive in charge of development, said: “Our brand is probably just as well known by English families as it is in Florida and California, as they make up one of the largest groups of diners that we see in Disney World.

He added: “Following the recent emergency budget and the lowering of corporation tax, we see a bright future in the UK. This is a big incentive for our new franchisees, who will enjoy one of the best known restaurant brands in the world.”

Turnover in Denny’s US restaurants averages £1.1bn every year.