WE LOVE TO FEED PEOPLE
For over 70 years, Denny’s has been a welcoming place where people can connect over great food. We’re always open, always serving your favorites, and we’re proud to be America's diner.
THAT GUIDE US
Since 1953
Our History
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Dawn Lafreeda
Dawn Lafreeda started her career as a Denny's waitress at age 16 and eventually bought her first Denny's restaurant at age 23. Today, Dawn is one of the largest single-owner franchisees with more than 80 Denny's locations that employ 3,000 people across the country.
Executive Leadership Team
Kelli F. Valade
Chief Executive Officer
Kelli F. Valade
Kelli Valade is Chief Executive Officer of Denny's Corporation. She joined Denny's in June 2022 and has spent more than 30 years in the restaurant industry as a purpose-driven leader with an uncompromising dedication to serving guests and her teams. Prior to joining Denny's, Kelli served as CEO of Red Lobster and CEO of Black Box Intelligence. She also spent several years at Brinker International where she held various management positions at Chili’s including Brand President, Chief Operating Officer and Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Kelli serves on the Board of Directors for the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation (NRAEF) and Women's Foodservice Forum (WFF).
David P. Schmidt
President, Keke’s, Inc.
David P. Schmidt
David Schmidt is President of Keke’s Breakfast Café. He joined Denny’s Corporation in September 2022 and is a 30-year veteran who brings to Keke’s a proven track record of operations, marketing, finance, training and HR leadership. Prior to Keke’s, David worked as CFO of Red Lobster. He also worked for Bloomin’ Brands where he held various leadership roles throughout his tenure including Group Vice President and CFO of Bloomin’ Brand’s Casual Dining. He also served as President of Bonefish Grill during which he was responsible for developing and implementing the long-term growth strategy of a 200-unit polished casual concept. David holds a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN.
Stephen C. Dunn
Executive Vice President, Chief Global Development Officer
Stephen C. Dunn
Stephen Dunn is Executive Vice President and Chief Global Development Officer for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for all aspects of global business development, franchise recruiting and administration, real estate, design, and construction. He joined Denny's in 2004, bringing significant experience in franchising and restaurant development. Prior to joining Denny's, Dunn held executive-level positions with Church's Chicken, El Pollo Loco, Mr. Gatti's, and TCBY. He has a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Arkansas and was an Infantry Officer in the United States Army. He is a certified Franchise Executive with the International Franchise Association Educational Foundation.
Gail Sharps Myers
Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary
Gail Sharps Myers
Gail Sharps Myers is Executive Vice President, Chief Legal & Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for overseeing all legal functions including real estate, labor and employment law, compliance, and all employee-related initiatives for the company. Before joining Denny's in June 2020, Myers worked as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at American Tire Distributors. Prior to that role, she worked as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary at Snyder's-Lance, Inc., as well as Senior Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Chief Compliance Counsel at US Foods, both leaders in the food industry. Myers has a track record of improving and reimagining legal strategy while promoting open communication and transparency with Boards. She received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from The Washington College of Law at The American University, her MBA from Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business, and her BA in Political Science at Howard University.
MONIGO G. SAYGBAY-HALLIE
Executive Vice President, Chief People Officer
MONIGO G. SAYGBAY-HALLIE
Monigo G. Saygbay-Hallie is Executive Vice President, Chief People officer for Denny’s Corporation and is responsible for all people initiatives across Denny’s and Keke’s Breakfast Café. Before joining Denny’s in July 2024, she served as chief people officer at Checkers & Rally’s Drive-In restaurants. Prior to Checkers, she served in HR leadership roles at Sysco Corporation, and YUM! Brands. Hallie is a celebrated human resources, talent manager and culture leader who has more than 20 years of restaurant and retail experience in leading teams.
Robert P. Verostek
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
Robert P. Verostek
Robert Verostek serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Denny's Corporation. Verostek is a visionary leader with responsibility for guiding the company's short- and long-term financial strategy and identifying paths for future growth. He joined Denny's in 1999 and has a proven track record of improving profitability, optimizing debt, and delivering shareholder value. Prior to Denny's, Verostek held various accounting roles for Insignia Financial Group and Aimco. He holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from Clemson University and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Jay C. Gilmore
Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller
Jay C. Gilmore
Jay Gilmore is Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller for Denny's Corporation and is responsible for the company's accounting, financial reporting and tax functions as well as procurement and risk management finance. He joined Denny's in February 1999. Prior to joining Denny's, Gilmore was a Senior Manager with KPMG LLP. He has a bachelor's degree in Accounting from Wofford College and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Minh Le
Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer
Minh Le
Minh Le is Senior Vice President, Chief Technology Officer for Denny’s Corporation. He oversees the entire technology ecosystem across both Denny’s and Keke’s Breakfast Café, with a focus on modernizing and integrating innovative solutions to enhance guest experiences, improving operational efficiencies, and ensuring data security and compliance. With over 25 years of experience driving large-scale technology transformations, Minh joined Denny’s in August 2024 after holding leadership roles at major restaurant brands including Checkers & Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants, CBC Restaurants, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Darden Restaurants.
THE DENNY’S Board
Brenda J. Lauderback
Board Chair; Retired; Former President of Wholesale and Retail Group of Nine West Group, Inc.
Bernadette S. Aulestia
Former Chief Revenue & Growth Officer, Callisto Media
Olu Beck
Founder and Chief Executive Officer, The Beck Group NJ
Gregg R. Dedrick
Co-Founder, David Novak Leadership
José M. Gutiérrez
Retired; President and Chief Executive Officer, AT&T Southwestern Bell
John C. Miller
Retired; Chief Executive Officer, Denny's Corporation
Kelli F. Valade
Chief Executive Officer and President, Denny’s Corporation
Mark R. Vondrasek
Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer, Hyatt Hotels Corporation
Laysha Ward
Retired; Executive Vice President and Chief External Engagement Officer, Target Corporation