The DFA is highly recognized throughout all franchisee communities as being one of the most solid, reputable, well organized and administered associations in the industry. We offer more to our members than any other association of its kind. Whether you’re an Allied Partner or Franchisee, joining the DFA is the best way to stay informed, have access to the latest contacts, and market directly to your audience. Denny’s, the largest full-service family restaurant chain in the United States, opened its first restaurant in the U.S. in 1953. At year-end 2000, there were 1,822 Denny’s restaurants: 736 were owned and operated by the ‘Denny’s Corporate’, 1,067 by franchisees and 19 were operated under licensing agreements. Denny’s ended 2000 with total system-wide sales of $2.23 billion. – making Denny’s one of the largest food service companies in America.