NORWICH – Renovations will begin next week and city officials were informed that a lease has been signed and approved, paving the way for a Denny’s Restaurant to replace Studebaker’s, which officially closed its doors in early January, in the Howard Johnson hotel.
In late April, city officials received payment for, and approved, a permit for construction of the front and rear signs for the new Denny’s restaurant.
Code Enforcement Officer Jason Lawrence, who met with a Denny’s representative Monday to review the building plans, reported that demolition on the interior could begin as early as this week, with renovations to follow, and a tentative opening date of July 1 has been announced.
If renovations have not been completed by July 1, the restaurant would aim to open the Monday prior to the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, according to Lawrence.
The new establishment will employ between 30 and 40 part-time and full-time positions.
Lawrence added that the existing pub would remain, as well as the banquet room and a small meeting room which will require some minor renovations.
City Mayor Joe Maiurano said he thinks “it’s wonderful and I can’t wait to get that first Grand Slam breakfast.”
“They’re a nationally known organization and that’s good for the downtown area,” stated Maiurano. “This just goes to show that we’re making progress downtown, and it’s a good sign that the local economy is shifting.”
Since it first opened in 1959, Denny’s has grown from a chain of 20 restaurants to over 1,500, employing 20,000 people worldwide.
“We’re excited about it and our guests are looking forward to it,” said Howard Johnson General Manager Dana Meyer.