Every town has someone like this: a teacher who keeps snacks in her desk for kids who come to school hungry, a coach who always finds room for one more kid who needs a place to belong or a volunteer who shows up every Saturday because the neighbors count on them. Denny’s wants to hear about that person. Whoever they are in your life, their story matters.
Denny’s opened nominations today for Denny’s Heroes: A Grand Slam Thank You. It’s a nationwide search for stories of generosity, resilience, leadership and service. Nominees can be educators, caregivers, first responders, coaches, veterans, volunteers, community supporters or anyone who’s always first to step up.
“Every day in our restaurants, we see what it means when someone remembers your name, notices when you need something or makes room for you,” said Chris Bode, Denny’s president and CEO. “Denny’s was built one hometown at a time, and we want to bring communities together to celebrate the people who make those hometowns stronger.”
What Winners Get
Denny’s plans to pick 30 heroes from all the nominations. Each one gets a Grand Slam Thank You: a Denny’s-catered celebration for up to 50 guests.
A local franchise owner will host each party in the winner’s hometown. That’s 30 real celebrations in 30 real communities, not just an online shoutout.
The 50-Year-Old Menu Item Behind It
This year’s campaign builds toward something bigger, too. In May 2027, Denny’s marks 50 years since it added the Grand Slam to menus at several Atlanta-area restaurants back in 1977. The chain created the dish to honor baseball legend Hank Aaron.
Not many restaurant chains manage to keep the classics alive for five decades. Denny’s built an entire identity around doing exactly that, one menu item at a time.
“The people we hope to honor will never call themselves heroes,” said Fasika Melaku, Denny’s chief people, enterprise communications and social impact officer. “They are too busy making sure someone is fed, safe, seen or given another chance.”
No one should have to become famous to hear the words, Melaku said, “We see you. We see the need you noticed, the care you gave and the people who are stronger because you showed up. What you did mattered.”
Nominations run through Oct. 30 at the official event website. It only takes a few minutes to enter.
If someone already came to mind while you read this, that’s exactly the point. Go tell Denny’s who they are, and why they matter.