• by Teresa Buyikian , August 3, 2023

Denny’s announced earlier this week the launch of a career development program for employees and aspiring restaurant industry professionals. The program, named GAIN, is part of a three-year commitment by Denny's to provide team members with opportunities for education and career advancement.

Elements of the program include GED accreditation, college credit for learning life skills, and help with career pathways for high school students.

Denny's has partnered with GEDWorks for an all-in-one GED solution, designed for flexibility and free for Denny's employees.

"Denny's is helping to create opportunities that may have otherwise been out of reach for our team members," said Denny's CEO Kelli Valade in a release.

Denny's team members will have access to classes specifically aimed at teaching life skills, including Personal Finance, Tech 101, Conflict Management and Communications. Some of these classes may be eligible to transfer into college credits for Denny’s employees pursuing a college degree.

To assist employees before they even reach college age, Denny's will offer career pathways for high schoolers to gain employment, learn and grow within the hospitality industry and assist them developing long-term career paths. Eucation consultant, Dr. Kim Cliett Long, has been tapped to advise Denny's on these initiatives.

This year the Spartanburg, S.C.-based family dining restaurant hits its 70th anniversary. Denny’s recently reported 2023 2^nd quarter earnings, with total operating revenue growing 1.7% to $116.9 million, compared to the prior year quarter. Its domestic system-wide same-restaurant sales grew 3.0%, compared to the equivalent fiscal period in 2022, including increases of 3.0% at domestic franchised restaurants and 3.0% at company restaurants.