Denny's Corporation, which owns and operates the Denny’s and the Keke’s brands, has entered an expansive test agreement with Franklin Junction, a virtual restaurant services provider.

Franklin Junction will collaborate with 250 Denny's restaurants in the US to grant these locations geographic exclusivity and bolster Denny's market presence through its Host Kitchen platform.

Through its virtual restaurant model, Franklin Junction's Host Kitchen platform provides restaurant companies with a capital-free means of expanding into new countries.

Its Host Kitchen concept leverages underutilised kitchen space to fulfil delivery orders for a range of restaurant concepts.

Franklin Junction’s technology suite offers advanced e-commerce solutions powered by AI. These include tools for AI-driven matchmaking, order generation, order aggregation and operations solutions for supply chain, training, marketing, quality control and accounting.

Denny’s president and CEO Kelli Valade said: “Our off-premises sales channels are a unique strength for Denny’s, and we are excited about the opportunity to further advance our leadership position in the market.

“This new partnership with Franklin Junction will allow us to deliver even more amazing experiences to guests.”

Franklin Junction CEO and co-founder Rishi Nigam said: “We are excited to collaborate with Denny’s to host new virtual concepts through their vast restaurant footprint.

“With our groundbreaking Host Kitchen platform, we are revolutionising the way restaurants expand market share, and this relationship marks an exciting milestone in our mission to redefine restaurant economics and the future of dining.”

Franklin Junction operates across North America, Europe and Asia.

By the end of 2023 there were 1,573 Denny's locations worldwide, of which 1,508 were franchised or licensed locations and 65 were owned and operated by the corporation.