John Miller, president and CEO of Denny’s Corp. has been named the winner of the 2017 Norman Award, presented by Nation’s Restaurant News.
The award, named for the late industry pioneer Norman Brinker, who founded Brinker International Inc., honors a restaurant executive who consistently mentors and inspires future leaders.
Miller will be honored at the Annual Awards Gala at the MUFSO conference on Oct. 2.
Miller joined Denny’s in 2011, and has more than 30 years of experience in the restaurant industry, including 17 years in management roles at Brinker International, which operates the Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy casual-dining chains.
Under Miller’s guidance, the family-dining chain Denny’s has improved the quality of menu items, added more healthful dishes, rolled out a remodeling plan, enhanced customer service and committed itself to creating a more diverse workplace. The Spartanburg, S.C.-based operator has more than 1,700 locations around the world, and combined systemwide sales of $2.8 billion, according to the company.
In fiscal 2016, Denny’s reported a domestic systemwide same-store sales increase of 0.9 percent, the opening of 50 restaurants and the completion of 240 remodels.
NRN has previously named Miller a Golden Chain Award winner in 2015, and a Power List member in 2016.
Previous Norman Award winners have included industry leaders such as Philip J. Hickey Jr., J. Patrick Doyle, Cheryl Bachelder and Sally Smith.
Contact Marcella Veneziale at [email protected].
