WKS Restaurant Group announced their recent acquisition of 94 Denny’s locations previously owned by QK Holdings, LLC, making WKS the largest franchisee in the Denny’s system with 127 locations across 10 states.

In addition to QK Holdings’ 94 Denny’s locations, WKS also purchased both support centers located in Arizona, and each of its 4,500 employees across its system are welcomed into the WKS family. Founded by Roland Spongberg in 1987, WKS Restaurant Group began with one El Pollo Loco location and 25 team members in Long Beach, Calif. Today, WKS employs over 10,000 people with 4,500 coming from the recent acquisition.

“We are excited to welcome our friends from QK into the WKS family. Denny’s is an iconic brand with a great heritage, and we are looking forward to building upon QK’s success,” said WKS Founder and Chief Executive Officer Roland Spongberg. “This is a great business and opportunity, and we are fortunate to be gaining so many great people with this merger, because it’s the people that make all the difference in creating a momentous experience in the restaurant industry.”

WKS attributes their rapid growth to hiring people who share their company values of integrity, loyalty, winning, service, and teamwork. The company is committed to making sure that employees are successful, empowered and impactful. Spongberg, who was recently named an EY Orange County Entrepreneur Of The Year, said “I’ve enjoyed watching the success of many, many team members who grow their careers and families through this business. I look forward to seeing even more with this acquisition.”

WKS is a family owned restaurant group headquartered in Cypress, California. WKS Restaurant Group is the largest franchisee of Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, as well as the largest Wendy’s franchisee in California. Corner Bakery Cafe and Blaze Pizza brands complete the WKS restaurant portfolio, which operates 287 restaurants across 16 states.  WKS employs over 10,000 team members.