Denny’s in Pendleton has shut down.
Owner Jerry Fouts said the family dining restaurant closed Monday, Oct. 14, resulting in 25 employees losing their jobs.
“It’s difficult,” Fouts said. “You know, it’s difficult for employees. Some of them took it fairly well and some a little harder.”
Fouts said the reason for closing was because the lease ran out and with inflation and economic conditions since the pandemic the costs of business was strenuous.
“So with the lease ending, we decided to close,” he said. “We’re just at a point where we aren’t financially suitable anymore.”
At the front entrance of the restaurant, the Denny’s management team posted a letter to customers regarding their closing:
“Dear Pendleton Community,
“It is with heavy hearts we announce that we have closed our doors. This was not a decision we made lightly. We would like to thank the Pendleton community for their continued support while we were here to serve them.”
Outside the back kitchen entrance, movers were loading boxes and restaurant equipment into a moving van and pickup. Fouts said his team will be cleaning up and hauling things out for another week or so.
The family restaurant, known for serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, operated for more than three decades off Highway 395 at 610 Tutuilla Creek Road, next to the Motel 6 and across the street from Olney Cemetery.
“I want to thank the public for their support,” Fouts said. “For taking care of us for many years and our employees, who are outstanding people and worked hard for us.”
I’m sad
We will miss going there to eat after all these years ,that place was always hopping business was good the employees were Awesome always there with their smiles and to help you we will miss seeing them also! Good luck to you all
This is so sad. I’m going to miss this restaurant.