On a quiet June 19th, the last Denny’s in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, closed its doors without fanfare.
Located on East Lincoln Highway in Langhorne, this closure marks the end of an era for local patrons.
For loyal fans of Denny’s famous breakfast sandwich, Moons Over My Hammy, satisfying cravings now means traveling to the Lehigh Valley, Delaware County, or New Jersey.
The Langhorne closure is part of a larger trend: 25 Denny’s locations shutting down this year alone, following 57 closures in 2023 and 60 in 2022, as reported in the company’s annual statements.
“Denny’s has 34 other locations in Pennsylvania,” noted the company, emphasizing the strategic business decision behind each closure amid changing economic conditions.
Robert Verostek, Denny’s EVP and CFO, attributed the closures to inflationary pressures, noting that rising costs for food and wages have increased the breakeven point for restaurants.
Industry Challenges
The restaurant industry at large has faced challenges in recent years, with rising prices impacting consumer visits and leading to closures across various chains.
Beyond Denny’s: Industry-Wide Impact
Other major chains like Applebee’s, TGI Fridays, and Boston Market have also closed locations recently, alongside smaller chains like BurgerFi, reflecting broader economic shifts.
State-Specific Challenges
In states like California, where minimum wages for fast food workers have surged to $20 per hour, chains like Rubio’s have shuttered multiple locations and filed for bankruptcy, underscoring regional economic dynamics.
Looking Ahead
As Denny’s and other chains navigate these economic challenges, the closure of the Langhorne location serves as a poignant reminder of the evolving dining landscape in America.