Denny's Restaurants Close in Minnesota and Wisconsin Due to Franchisee Debt

Franchisee M15 Inc. has closed all of its Denny's restaurants across Minnesota and Wisconsin, Fast Company confirmed. The franchisee reportedly stated that it can no longer meet payroll or purchase supplies due to accumulating unsustainable debt and plans to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

A Denny's spokesperson confirmed the closures, stating the company was "saddened to learn of the closure" and is "working with urgency alongside our franchise network to explore every viable path to reopen as many of these restaurants as we can."

The closures impacted five locations: four in Minnesota (Maplewood, Burnsville, Roseville, North Branch) and one in Hudson, Wisconsin. M15 Inc. reportedly notified employees of the immediate closure and warned that it might not have sufficient funds to cover all final payroll obligations.

Manny Trewn, the franchisee group's representative, expressed sadness over the decision and hope that the locations might reopen under new ownership and continue serving their communities as Denny's restaurants.