In part 2 of Sam's interview with Kelli Valade, CEO of Denny’s and Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, he talks with her about the business of Denny’s, its status as “America’s diner,” the potential she saw in the brand when she took the CEO reins in 2022, and her vision for the company going forward. They also talk about Keke’s Breakfast Cafe, the emerging fast-casual brand that Denny’s acquired right about the same time that Kelli joined the company, and the role it plays in franchisees’ success.

In this conversation, you’ll find out why:

• Your dine-in and digital guests could be completely different people
• Secondary concepts in your portfolio — even competitive ones — can make you a franchisor of choice
• Sustainable growth sometimes requires a course correction or reset
• You should teat your employees as if they are future world leaders — because some of them probably are
• Restaurants have a responsibility to provide mental health resources to teams

Have feedback or ideas for Take-Away? Email Sam at [email protected].