Denny’s has officially closed its location at Coddingtown Mall on W. Steele Lane in Santa Rosa, part of a broader transition as the iconic chain, celebrating its 71-year legacy, moves into private ownership. This closure reduces the number of Denny’s franchises in Santa Rosa to just one, located on Baker Avenue, while Petaluma’s Denny’s on Petaluma Boulevard remains operational.
The closure of the Coddingtown restaurant is emblematic of a trend affecting Denny’s, which saw its Ukiah location at 105 Pomeroy St. shut down in 2023, soon to be replaced by a Habit Burger & Grill. Previously, in 2022, the Denny’s in Napa on Imola Road also ceased operations, highlighting a potential downsizing in the region. However, Denny’s establishments in Vallejo, Fairfield, and Cordelia remain open as of late November.
Signs at the now-closed Coddingtown Mall outlet directed patrons to the Baker Avenue location, but offered no additional details regarding the closure. The company’s decision to go private was announced on November 3, following a $620 million investment from firms TriArtisan Capital Advisors, Treville Capital, and Yadav Enterprises.
As part of its restructuring strategy, the investors indicated plans to close 150 of the chain’s lowest-performing restaurants by the end of 2025, although specific locations have not been officially identified. Despite the store closures, Denny’s has committed to exploring new openings across the country. This restructuring comes on the heels of a dramatic 47% surge in Denny’s stock following the announcement of the sale process, signaling positive investor sentiment.
TriArtisan Co-Founder and Managing Director Rhohit Manocha expressed optimism about the future, stating, “We look forward to working with Kelli and the rest of the Denny’s team and franchisees to provide resources and support the Company’s long-term strategic growth plans.”
Known for its around-the-clock service and beloved diner breakfasts, Denny’s boasts over 1,500 diners nationwide, with 348 located in California. The transition may bring challenges, but there is a hopeful outlook for revitalizing the brand and ensuring its continued presence in the food industry.