Denny’s CEO Sets Turnaround Focus With Leadership Rule

On October 11, 2026, Denny’s CEO Christopher Bode explained to FOX Business how he is guiding the diner chain’s turnaround from the company’s leadership approach, using a mentor’s advice to focus on priorities with the greatest impact. Bode, who took over as Denny’s CEO this year, said former Dunkin’ Brands CEO Jon Luther taught him a principle that now shapes his management style. "Manage what you must, not what you can," said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO.

Bode said he shares the lesson with his leadership team daily as the company works to change its business trajectory.

"I now talk to my team about it daily, because what it means is there's so much that you can manage, but this is what you must manage in order to be able to change the trajectory of the business that you're running," said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO. Bode said maintaining focus remains a routine priority for his team.

"So we stay focused on that routinely," said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO. The Denny’s CEO warned that organizations can lose direction by taking on too many initiatives and described the problem as organizational creep.

"organizational creep" said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO. Bode said excessive priorities can harm organizations when leaders try to accomplish too many goals in a short time. "That's what really leads to the demise of organizations, because they try to be too much, too many, and accomplish too many things in a short period of time," said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO.

Denny’s turnaround effort is centered on five key pillars under the company’s broader Project Grand Slam strategy, according to Bode.

"Project Grand Slam," said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO. Bode said his team is working to prevent distractions while executing the company’s turnaround plan. "We keep the team laser-focused on that every day, and we don't allow the creep to come in," said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO.

Bode also highlighted franchisee relationships as a critical part of leadership, noting that franchise owners have significant financial commitments tied to their businesses.

"We have people that invest millions and millions of dollars, and you have to listen with a really good ear," said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO. He said franchisees carry major operating responsibilities, including financial obligations and employee costs.

"Those are the people that have taken all the risk. They sign the banknotes, they pay the people, they have utilities, they've all this stuff, all that pressure on them. I get a paycheck every week.

They don't." said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO. Bode said entrepreneurs and leaders should maintain humility throughout their careers and continue valuing franchise relationships.

"Franchisee relationships are important, and also stay humble right at the end of the day, particularly as your career continues to evolve over time," said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO. Bode followed that advice with a reminder about maintaining perspective. "Don't forget where you came from." said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO.

Bode said another leadership phrase influences how he approaches teamwork and organizational success.

"It's the power of ‘we,’ not the individual 'me,'" said Christopher Bode, Denny’s CEO.