Denny's names new technology, operations leaders
Denny’s, Inc. has made two new changes to its C-suite.
The diner chain has announced that Minh Le has been named senior VP and chief technology officer, effective Sept. 23, and that Christopher Bode will return to the company as president and chief operating officer, effective Sept. 30. Bode will report directly to Kelli Valade, CEO of Denny’s, while Le will report to Robert Verostek, Denny’s chief financial officer.
In his new role, Le will oversee the entire technology ecosystem across both Denny’s and Keke’s Breakfast Café, with a focus on modernizing and integrating solutions to enhance guest experiences, improving operational efficiencies, and ensuring data security and compliance. Le has over 25 years of experience in steering large-scale technology transformations for major restaurant brands, including Checkers & Rally’s Drive-In Restaurants, CBC Restaurants, Romano’s Macaroni Grill and Darden Restaurants.
“Denny’s is investing in the future by building a comprehensive technology ecosystem that will empower our teams and elevate the guest experience,” said Le. “I’m excited to join this forward-thinking company and drive the technological innovations that will support Denny’s and Keke’s in a rapidly evolving industry.”
Bode is returning to Denny’s as president and chief operating officer, where he will oversee operations, marketing, finance and HR for both corporate and franchise restaurants. Bode, who served as Denny’s COO from 2014 to 2022, most recently led Hardee’s USA as president for the past two years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Chris and Minh into these critical leadership roles as we continue to drive our business forward,” said Valade. “Chris’s deep operational expertise and intimate understanding of our franchise community, coupled with Minh’s visionary approach to elevating our technology infrastructure, will empower us to not only remain competitive but to lead the industry with innovation and excellence.”
As of June 26, 2024, Spartanburg, S.C.-based Denny’s had a footprint that included 1,541 restaurants, 1,477 of which were franchised and licensed restaurants and 64 of which were company operated. The chain had 168 locations outside of the United States.
