Denny’s expands into grocery, meal kits as COVID-19 continues

Another fast-casual retailer is finding new ways to sell its ingredients as dine-in service remains banned in much of the U.S.

Denny’s is operating Denny's Market, a free delivery service offering grocery staples like bread, assorted meats and cheese, eggs and toilet paper, at select locations across the country. Orders for pick-up or delivery can be placed online, via the Denny’s app or by phone. 

The fast-casual chain is also offering make-at-home meal kits at participating locations throughout the country. Kits include all the ingredients for a meal with simple assembly instructions. With prices starting at $12.99, the kits can serve a minimum of four and in some packages, up to eight. Meal themes include breakfast, chicken & rice dinner, and apple crisp dessert.

"Denny's is committed to finding new and innovative ways to continue to feed our communities, especially during this time when we're practicing social distancing and staying at home," said John Dillon, chief brand officer for Denny's. "We hope that our Denny's Market meal kits and grocery program helps alleviate the need to go to overcrowded grocery stores and make mealtime a little easier."  

Several other fast-casual retailers have been selling their ingredients to grocery shoppers as a way to recapture some of the dine-in sales lost to COVID-19 restrictions. These include McDonald’s Australia, Subway, and Panera.

Denny's operates more than 1,700 franchised, licensed, and company-owned restaurants across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, and globally.