Denny’s hired Christopher Bode as its president and chief operating officer, effective Sept. 30, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Bode has served as president of Hardee’s USA since October 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile. He previously served as COO at Hardee’s parent company, CKE Restaurants, for about a year. Bode will succeed Alex Williams, who was hired as Denny’s COO in May 2023. 

Bode’s appointment will bring the executive back to the chain, where he was COO from 2011 to 2022. During that time, he led field operations, learning operations services and restaurant openings, per his LinkedIn profile. The bulk of his career was spent at Dunkin’ Brands, where he worked for over 20 years in various development roles.

Denny’s continues to face declining same-restaurant sales. The chain has faced a highly competitive environment, CEO Kelli Valade said during a July earnings call. 

To help boost sales, the chain expanded its Banda Burrito virtual brand to over 300 restaurants and brought back its $2, $3, $4, $6, $8 value meal in late summer with the addition of a $10 option, Valade said. The company plans to open 30 to 40 restaurants this year, including 12 to 16 Keke’s restaurants, CFO Robert Verostek said during the July call. 

Valade, who has served as president concurrently with her CEO role since August 2023, will retain her other responsibilities, per the SEC filing.