US diner chain Denny’s is to make another attempt to launch in the UK, after signing a franchise deal to open sites in Wales.
MCA understands that the company, which operates more than 2,100 restaurants in the US, has signed a franchise deal with Leon Esfahani to launch a site in Swansea, with a further opening planned for Cardiff.
Estfahani, is a former Pizza Hut franchisee and a franchisee for South Wales and the West Midlands for Starbucks.
Denny’s is currently advertising for area licensee managers for across the UK.
Talking to MCA in 2014, the company said it was actively seeking potential new franchisees” in the UK.
The group, which made an aborted attempt to launch in the UK in 2010, was then seeking franchisees with access to a minimum of $2.5m (£1.5m) in capital to operate an initial three sites under license.
It is thought it will look to make a regional debut through either its classic American Diner format or through its roadside Travel Centre concept.
In 2010, it announced plans to open up to 30 sites in the North West, with a similar number to be launched across the Midlands. However, it was unable to reach agreement with potential franchisee and the expansion plan was placed on the backburner.
