Denny’s has formed a five-year partnership with 14 organizations that focus on five key pillars – human and civil rights, business diversity, education, community involvement, and the cultivation of an inclusive pipeline. As part of the Denny’s Community Alliance initiative, the chain is allocating $3.3 million to its new partner organizations to create local initiatives across the country, such as providing meals to underserved neighborhoods through the Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner.
Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade kicked off the effort this week with a $500,000 scholarship gift to the St. Thomas University Benjamin L. Crump College of Law. Other organizations that are part of this initiative include the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, League of Latin American Citizens, NAACP, National Urban League, National Action Network, United States Hispanic Leadership Institute, and more. Denny’s is also partnering with the National Minority Supplier Development Council, US Pan Asian Chamber of Commerce, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Business Enterprise National Council, National Veteran Business Development Council, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Disability:IN.
“With the establishment of Denny’s Community initiative, we are continuing our work to connect with our guests and others in our communities,” Valade said in a statement. “Our partners are the embodiment of service and how to prioritize equity. We are honored to create this alliance that will impact and address challenges facing our society while breaking barriers to create a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world for all.”
Denny’s groundwork for the Community initiative began over 30 years ago when the company partnered with the NAACP, HACR, and 24 civil rights organizations and nonprofit groups to drive positive change in the communities it serves. These efforts have included over $2 billion in investments in diverse-owned businesses and donations exceeding $2.5 million in scholarships. The impetus behind the Community launch was to create alliances to leaders and organizations that represent historically marginalized communities and drive social change.
“Bottom line: we are committed to serving communities everywhere – and all are welcome. We are proud to embark on this ambitious Community journey with our esteemed colleagues and partners to address social injustice in the restaurant industry and beyond, as well as create equitable access and opportunities for all particularly in the areas of education and economic empowerment,” April Kelly-Drummond, Denny’s vice president and chief inclusion and community engagement officer, said in a statement.
Denny’s new commitment comes as DEI initiatives have been declining after a 2020-2021 peak. According to Ziprecruiter, there was a 63% drop in DEI job postings in 2023. A report from CPL’s Talent Evolution Group found that 42% of c-suite business leaders perceive DEI as a “minimal priority.”
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]