NORWICH – Following months of renovations and remodeling, Denny’s Restaurant will officially open for business at 7 a.m. Monday morning, and fans of the eatery’s world famous Grand Slam Breakfast are in for a surprise.
Patrons occupying a seat at one of the first 100 tables served will receive one free Grand Slam per week for a year, said a Denny’s official, a total of 52 Grand Slams in all.
Approximately 100 employees hired by the national food chain reside locally, and all have nearly completed their preliminary training. So far, operations are running smoothly, said Abu Morshed, owner of the Norwich Denny’s.
“We think we’re going to do okay and we’re excited,” stated Morshed, who added the local restaurant will be “a community-oriented business.”
Denny’s Manager Anamul Kabir concurred, and said “it will be our pleasure to be involved with the community and take part in community events.”
Located in the former Studebaker’s Classic Grill and Pub in the Howard Johnson Hotel, 75 North Broad Street, the newly remodeled Denny’s will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and Morshed reported the adjacent bar should open for business in “the next couple of weeks.”
Mayor Joe Maiurano, a confessed Grand Slam junkie, considered the restaurant a “nice fit” for downtown, and believed they will do “quite well.”
“Anytime we can bring in a new business it’s a good thing,” the mayor said. “I’m extremely excited and I’m glad we got this done.”
Kabir and Morshed expressed their anticipation for Monday’s grand opening, and believed, due to the restaurant’s location and the services they will offer, this is a “win-win situation.”
“When we do well, our employees will do well and vice-versa,” said Morshed, who added the restaurant has seen overwhelming support from local residents and city officials alike.
“I just can’t wait for that first Grand Slam,” said Maiurano.