Former Denny’s COO Christopher Bode is returning to the diner chain, this time with the title of president added to his business card.
Simultaneously, the company announced that it had hired Minh Le as SVP and chief technology officer, with responsibility for the tech stacks of both Denny’s and its smaller sister brand, Keke’s Breakfast Café. He previously oversaw the tech operations of Checkers & Rally’s Drive-In and earlier served in senior tech positions for Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Ignite Restaurant Group and Darden Restaurants.
Bode is returning to Denny’s after a two-year stint at burger-chain operator CKE Restaurants, where he rose to president of Hardee’s USA. He had worked at Denny’s for 11 years before moving to CKE.
He assumes the president’s duties at Denny’s from Kelli Valade, who remains CEO.
Bode will report to Valade, while Denny’s CFO Robert Verostek will be Le’s boss.
Valade characterized both appointments as important steps in the brand’s revitalization.
“We have been searching for the right president for Denny’s, someone who knows and loves the brand as much as we do,” she said in a statement. “I feel confident bringing Christopher into this role, and I look forward to him guiding our operational excellence.”
The company said the returning executive’s responsibilities will include overseeing the operations of both corporate and franchised stores. He’ll also be active in marketing, finance and human resources, according to the announcement.
Valade indicated that Le will steer Denny’s into the future technology-wise.
“Minh will make an impact through his leadership style, as he focuses on standing up our technology plans while making recommendations on how to best serve our guests, team members and franchisees,” she said.
The appointments come at a trying time for Denny’s and much of family dining. Traffic in the sector has slipped after two years of significant price inflation, and most major players in the market are striving to amp up their historic advantages of offering value and variety.
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