Denny's On The Retreat

[Mulboyne]

[floatr][/floatr]Reuters: Seven & I to close 130 Denny's restaurants in Japan
Seven & I Holdings Co , Japan's largest retailing group, plans to close about 130 of the roughly 570 family restaurants run by unit Denny's Japan, the Nikkei business daily reported on Thursday. Seven & I spokesman Hirotake Hemmi said the retailer was considering closing restaurants among other measures to turn its struggling restaurant operations around, but that it had not yet disclosed any concrete figures. The company's restaurant business is the only one of five core divisions that is losing money, hurt by the ageing population and slack consumer spending, the Nikkei newspaper said. Seven & I will close the Denny's outlets over the next three years as part of a new medium-term business plan, the Nikkei said.

[gomichild]

The company's restaurant business is the only one of five core divisions that is losing money, hurt by the ageing population and slack consumer spending, the Nikkei newspaper said.

They really need to review their lousy menu and offer wi-fi to turn things around. They don't do anything to distinguish themselves from the others.

[Neo-Rio]

Denny's = Rip-off

[Mulboyne]

They have also been hit by the increasing number of fast food joints offering 24-hour service.

[baka tono]

Good I dont care if Dennys goes under. I like Royal Ho(st) better.

[eddie]

Denny's = Rip-off

erm...you can't spend over 1500 yen there...

i like dennys. but i like roy-ho better too. nice place to bring a magazine or book and take it easy for a while.

[xenomorph42]

Good I dont care if Dennys goes under. I like Royal Ho(st) better.

You`re joking right??! I am no big fan of Denny's, but their food is 10 times better than that crap Royal Host wheels out in my opinion. At least Denny's food has some flavor to it. "Royal Host" just puts out bland and I mean, bland food.
By the way, I have never tried Denny's in Japan, can anyone tell me if it's the same as back in the states or is the menu like Big Boy's, totally modified. How is the taste and the quality?

[DrP]

If Denny's had a Grand Slam menu I'd be there every day! I bet if they partnered with Krispey Kreme so you could get a KKK (KrispeyKremeKoffee) breakfast - so would every OL in Japan. The problem with Japanese marketing is that they just don't get it -- not even in their own country with their people. Denny's has simply failed to capitalize on it's brand and offer any kind of market differentiation, incentive or value other than 'ordinary' to their customers.

Same reason why 7-11 isn't doing so well. They are struggling especially to aquire younger demographic - meanwhile companies like Lawson's are stepping up the pace by sponsoring famous foreign music tours that hit smack in the 15 - 30 demo.

[Taro Toporific]

By the way, I have never tried Denny's in Japan, can anyone tell me if it's the same as back in the states or is the menu like Big Boy's, totally modified. How is the taste and the quality?

[SIZE="6"]
Not food.[/SIZE]

(Just bland ITO-YOKADO-Seven & i Food Systems crap)

[xenomorph42]

True that, if anything the Grand Slam is a pretty good value, well in the states at least. But you hit it, I can`t even begin to count how many restaurants, stores, products etc. that came from either the states or overseas and just didn`t make it. I remember when "Little Ceasars" came here, it lasted a good 6 months before it folded, too expensive and the way it was marketed with pizza the size of a knee cap and a measly tiny salad that came with a drink for little toddlers. From Ikea to Dunkin, Burger King, Cinnabon and on and on.
South Korea doesn`t seem to have that kind of problem, but their marketing strategy is very different as well as their approach towards American Cuisine.

[xenomorph42]

[SIZE="6"]
Not food.[/SIZE]

(Just bland ITO-YOKADO-Seven & i Food Systems crap)

Exactly my point. No wonder they are going under.

[AssKissinger]

When I first went to Denny's in Japan I nearly cried. I told the manager you need to take that fucking sign down because this ain't no Denny's.

[succubusqueen]

When I first went to Denny's in Japan I nearly cried. I told the manager you need to take that fucking sign down because this ain't no Denny's.

I so totally agree...the one time i went to Denny`s....i was so dissapointed. The menu was a piece of crap...bleh!...Nothing like the original Denny`s!:confused:

[Gilligan]

Denny's Japan deserves to die a painful death, if for nothing else, because they took a great breakfast restaurant and totally castrated it. Denny's is NOTHING without the Grand Slam.

And you know what, if McDonalds can sell the MegaMac, etc in Japan, Denny's can sell the Grand Slam in Japan. But since they choose not to... well, let's just say capitalism DOES work and be thankful.

[Iraira]

I so totally agree...the one time i went to Denny`s....i was so dissapointed. The menu was a piece of crap...bleh!...Nothing like the original Denny`s!:confused:

Ummmm..correct me if I'm wrong, but who really relishes the concept of eating at a "legitimate" Denny's? Assuming that you are white, and therefore will get seated within a reasonable period of time, does "Moons over My Hammy" get the saliva glands secreting?
Denny's is a step above Norms which is a step above the dumpster. Granted Denny's is open 24-7, with coffee ready to burn a hole in your esophagus, but in college, I had a Denny's waitress tell me that the Pee Wee Herman masturbation incident was a set up by the FBI, and that there are cameras in your VCR and TV to record everything you watch and do. Clearly, she was under the influence of Jello Biafra and not under the influence of the Lithium that she should be snorting during break time. Not that schizophrenia is contagious, but, I really didn't want her touching my food after that.

Denny's Japan deserves to die a painful death, if for nothing else, because they took a great breakfast restaurant and totally castrated it. Denny's is NOTHING without the Grand Slam.

After eating one, I ended up taking one in the commode.

[Gilligan]

After eating one, I ended up taking one in the commode.

Hey, if you're not ready for greasy American diner food, you're not ready for greasy American diner food. But don't blame diner.

[ttjereth]

Ummmm..correct me if I'm wrong, but who really relishes the concept of eating at a "legitimate" Denny's? Assuming that you are white, and therefore will get seated within a reasonable period of time, does "Moons over My Hammy" get the saliva glands secreting?
Denny's is a step above Norms which is a step above the dumpster. Granted Denny's is open 24-7, with coffee ready to burn a hole in your esophagus, but in college, I had a Denny's waitress tell me that the Pee Wee Herman masturbation incident was a set up by the FBI, and that there are cameras in your VCR and TV to record everything you watch and do. Clearly, she was under the influence of Jello Biafra and not under the influence of the Lithium that she should be snorting during break time. Not that schizophrenia is contagious, but, I really didn't want her touching my food after that.


After eating one, I ended up taking one in the commode.

I'm with you. I've never understood the appeal of Denny's or IHOP back home. Anytime I've eaten at either it's made me feel awful afterwards.

And I like (real) diners...

[Iraira]

[quote="Gilligan"]Hey, if you're not ready for greasy American diner food, you're not ready for greasy American diner food. But don't blame diner. ]

I've consumed more Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, more Albertos "there is a burrito under that grease layer" and more quasi-Chinese takeout "I'll have the stir-fried MSG" than Keith Richards has done drugs....but Denny's always seemed to kill my intestines worse than gargling with the water that a Tijuana donkey show star douched with. Maybe it's psychological.

In any event, with Denny's on the way out, how happy are RoyHo, Saizeria, and Jonathan's?

[ttjereth]

I've consumed more Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles, more Albertos "there is a burrito under that grease layer" and more quasi-Chinese takeout "I'll have the stir-fried MSG" than Keith Richards has done drugs....but Denny's always seemed to kill my intestines worse than gargling with the water that a Tijuana donkey show star douched with. Maybe it's psychological.

In any event, with Denny's on the way out, how happy are RoyHo, Saizeria, and Jonathan's?

Having spent most of my formative consumer years in Philly, it was generally either Chinese, diners or Pizza/steak places (maybe the occasional Taco Bell) for me, but yeah, same thing. Denny's and IHOP never failed to send me running for the nearest toilet.

When I moved out to boonies Hardy's had the same effect.

God, I'd kill a decent number of people for a cheese steak right about now...

[Gilligan]

God, I'd kill a decent number of people for a cheese steak right about now...

Ahhh, the Philly Cheesesteak. Truly one of the world's great gustatory treats. And about the only good thing to come out of Philadelphia in the last 200 years.

[ttjereth]

Ahhh, the Philly Cheesesteak. Truly one of the world's great gustatory treats. And about the only good thing to come out of Philadelphia in the last 200 years.

There's plenty of other good things. Scrapple, Philadelphia water ice, the Flyers, me, etc

[AssKissinger]

Real Denny's in America is awesome! Iraira

Ummmm..correct me if I'm wrong, but who really relishes the concept of eating at a "legitimate" Denny's? Assuming that you are white, and therefore will get seated within a reasonable period of time, does "Moons over My Hammy" get the saliva glands secreting?
Denny's is a step above Norms which is a step above the dumpster. Granted Denny's is open 24-7, with coffee ready to burn a hole in your esophagus, but in college, I had a Denny's waitress tell me that the Pee Wee Herman masturbation incident was a set up by the FBI, and that there are cameras in your VCR and TV to record everything you watch and do. Clearly, she was under the influence of Jello Biafra and not under the influence of the Lithium that she should be snorting during break time. Not that schizophrenia is contagious, but, I really didn't want her touching my food after that.

That waitress was fuckin' full on about PeeWee the feds totally did have him set up. You should open your mind and your ears and try to learn something the next time you're down for a Grand Slam. And fuck you for dissin' Denny's!!!

[Mulboyne]

Denny's isn't my dining venue of choice in Japan but there seem to be a lot of backseat drivers here claiming that their problem lies with their failure to follow the US menu when they had decades of success by not following it. It was only in 1969 that the law changed and allowed foreign capital to invest in restaurants in Japan and no-one knew what would work and what wouldn't. It is easy to look at chains like McDonalds and KFC who followed the manual/menu and survived while forgetting the likes of Berni Inn, Hardee's, Pizza Inn, Orange Julius, Tastee Freeze and Arby's who all failed. Denny's thought they were pretty smart by localizing the menu from the beginning - a strategy McDonalds later followed - and they did well enough to spawn a fair number of imitators over the years.

[xenomorph42]

Denny's isn't my dining venue of choice in Japan but there seem to be a lot of backseat drivers here claiming that their problem lies with their failure to follow the US menu when they had decades of success by not following it. It was only in 1969 that the law changed and allowed foreign capital to invest in restaurants in Japan and no-one knew what would work and what wouldn't. It is easy to look at chains like McDonalds and KFC who followed the manual/menu and survived while forgetting the likes of Berni Inn, Hardee's, Pizza Inn, Orange Julius, Tastee Freeze and Arby's who all failed. Denny's thought they were pretty smart by localizing the menu from the beginning - a strategy McDonalds later followed - and they did well enough to spawn a fair number of imitators over the years.

I understand what you're trying to say, to a lesser degree, I agree about the fact that, they don`t have to follow the US menu, but at the same time, they don`t have to use the US name. What is the purpose of buying a restaurant chain trying to internationalize it(only in name)and not introduce the foods and product that made the restaurant famous in the first place. That kind of concept eludes me so badly! KFC is another example. Again, let`s use the S. Korean example: while they have their own versions of items on the menu in the US restaurant chains, they also have the traditional products. Popeye's in Korea is pretty much the same as back home as well as Dunkin Donuts and Krispy Kreme Carl's Jr.(Hardee's for the ill-informed)Outback, Bennigan's, that's just to name a few. They are successful, these establishments are packed. For Christ's sake, Chilli's is doing well, who'd ever thunk it. I never heard Koreans bitch and moan about the taste. So if Japanese want to keep their foods traditional, no problem, I am all for it. But wanting to import US food chains and then to butcher the food...for what? Either keep it authentic or just don`t use the name. Stick with Joyfull Gusto and Royal Host and whatever is truly Japanese family restaurants.

[Iraira]

Real Denny's in America is awesome! Iraira

That waitress was fuckin' full on about PeeWee the feds totally did have him set up. You should open your mind and your ears and try to learn something the next time you're down for a Grand Slam. And fuck you for dissin' Denny's!!!

I prefer to get my conspiracy theories from the homeless hanging outside Pink's Hot Dogs or Johnnie's Pastrami in LA.

[Greji]

I understand what you're trying to say, to a lesser degree, I agree about the fact that, they don`t have to follow the US menu, but at the same time, they don`t have to use the US name. What is the purpose of buying a restaurant chain trying to internationalize it(only in name)and not introduce the foods and product that made the restaurant famous in the first place.

I agree, although I don't think you and I would probably succeed in the Japanese family restaurant business as a result.

But, I do remember when Denny's first came to Japan, their menu carried most of the US items that I liked i.e. the paddie melt, french dip, etc, and had the feel of being in any Denny's in the Southwest US! Bare in mind that this was many, many years ago.

I went a long period without going to one of their outlets and the next time I did, the menu, might has well have been totally Japanese.

[AssKissinger]

Denny's isn't my dining venue of choice in Japan but there seem to be a lot of backseat drivers here claiming that their problem lies with their failure to follow the US menu when they had decades of success by not following it. It was only in 1969 that the law changed and allowed foreign capital to invest in restaurants in Japan and no-one knew what would work and what wouldn't. It is easy to look at chains like McDonalds and KFC who followed the manual/menu and survived while forgetting the likes of Berni Inn, Hardee's, Pizza Inn, Orange Julius, Tastee Freeze and Arby's who all failed. Denny's thought they were pretty smart by localizing the menu from the beginning - a strategy McDonalds later followed - and they did well enough to spawn a fair number of imitators over the years.

How dare you defend their decision to deny me terribly unhealthy huge breakfasts for ridiculously low prices.

[AssKissinger]

There was one family restaurant that I used to love it was so fucking cheap and the food was great but I can't seem to remember the name well enough to Google it. They had these carafes of red wine for like 500 yen and pizza and chicken wings and all that good stuff

it was called something like Santaria or something


anyone know??

[Iraira]

There was one family restaurant that I used to love it was so fucking cheap and the food was great but I can't seem to remember the name well enough to Google it. They had these carafes of red wine for like 500 yen and pizza and chicken wings and all that good stuff

it was called something like Santaria or something

anyone know??

Only found stuff regarding Santeria and Voodoo....interesting stuff. Anyone wanna give me a lock of their hair?

Do you mean "Saizeria"? If so, give me a lock of your hair.

[Greji]

Only found stuff regarding Santeria and Voodoo....interesting stuff. Anyone wanna give me a lock of their hair?

Do you mean "Saizeria"? If so, give me a lock of your hair.

I'd take a lock of Cecilia Cheung's hair! I love them bush babies!