For 40 years, Denny’s has been a staple in the Gilroy community. Now it has a new look to go with that tradition.
City officials, Chamber of Commerce representatives and members of the community were on hand at the 8425 San Ysidro Ave. location this morning for a ribbon cutting.
“This is good to see,” Mayor Don Gage told the crowd of about 30 people. “You see a lot of restaurants that last just three years. This place has been here for 40 years and is still serving the public.”
The first 100 people received a free Original Grand Slam breakfast, and prizes will be given out throughout the day. Denny’s will donate 10 percent of the proceeds to the Gilroy Youth Center.
The restaurant, which opened July 23, 1973, will have a number of special promotions in the coming months to celebrate the anniversary. In February, free Pancake Puppies will be given out when diners build custom entrées and free milkshakes will be served with any burger purchased.
The restaurant was redesigned with what Denny’s officials call a heritage style and is the first in the state to use that style, which features additional booths and bar-style seating.
“We’ve already heard a lot of positive comments from our guests,” said Javier Garcia, Gilroy Denny’s restaurant manager, who managed the store near Disneyland for 25 years before transferring to Gilroy.
Garcia’s been here just six months but says he enjoys the quiet, rural atmosphere of Gilroy.
“We are very excited to introduce the residents and visitors of Gilroy to the new and improved Denny’s,” said Steven Garcia, the general manager for Denny’s. “We have been part of this community for many years and look forward to continuing to be so for many years to come. We couldn’t think of a better way to mark this occasion than with a big celebration and giving back to our customers and neighbors.”
