Today, America’s Diner opened nominations for Denny’s Heroes: A Grand Slam Thank You, a nationwide search for stories of generosity, resilience, leadership, and service that have changed lives or made communities stronger.
Every town has a hero who never stops showing up. The teacher who keeps snacks in her desk because she knows which kids come to school hungry. The coach who always finds room for one more child who needs somewhere to belong. The volunteer who keep coming back every Saturday because they know their neighbors are counting on them.
If someone immediately came to mind, Denny’s wants to hear their story and celebrate it.
Nominations are open now through October 30 at dennysheroes.com.
“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, president and chief executive officer of Denny’s. “A Grand Slam Thank You carries that same care beyond our doors. Together with our franchise owners, we’ll bring the diner to 30 hometown celebrations honoring individuals who keep showing up for others. 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.”
A nomination may recognize one individual. Nominees may include educators, caregivers, first responders, coaches, veterans, volunteers, community supporters or anyone who is always the first to step forward when something needs to be done.
From the stories submitted, Denny’s will select 30 heroes to receive a “Grand Slam Thank You,” a Denny’s-catered hometown celebration for up to 50 guests hosted by a local franchise owner.
The celebration also looks ahead to an important milestone for America’s Diner. In May 2027, Denny’s will mark 50 years since the Grand Slam was first added to the menu in several Atlanta, Ga restaurants in celebration of baseball legend Hank Aaron. As that anniversary approaches, Denny’s Heroes: A Grand Slam Thank You carries the spirit of an iconic meal created to honor a hometown hero forward by recognizing a new generation of people making a difference in communities across the country.
“The people we hope to honor will never call themselves heroes. They are too busy making sure someone is fed, safe, seen or given another chance,” said Fasika Melaku, chief people, enterprise communications and social impact officer of Denny’s. “We’re asking people to stop for a moment and think about someone who has made a difference in their life, their family’s life or their community, and then tell us their story. No one should have to become famous to hear the words, ‘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.'”
Nominate your hero today at dennysheroes.com.
