Survey Shows Pivotal Role of Grandparents in 21st Century Families

SPARTANBURG, S.C., Sept. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- American grandparents see their grandchildren a surprising 81 times a year on average – nearly seven times per month – according to a recent national survey sponsored by Denny's.

The survey, conducted by Kelton Research among 1,000 adults 18 and older, also found that 63 percent of adult Americans would like to spend even more time with their living grandparents.  Denny's sponsored the survey to shine a positive light on the relationships grandparents have with their families on the eve of National Grandparents Day, which will mark its 31st anniversary on Sept. 12.

"This study quantifies the vital part grandparents play in the structure of our families and the fabric of our society," said John Dillon, vice president of marketing and product development for Denny's.  "They serve as caretakers, family historians, teachers and many other important roles in today's evolving family landscape.  As America's leading family restaurant, Denny's is encouraging everyone to show appreciation to their grandparents on Sept. 12 by taking them out for a meal or doing something else to make their Grandparents Day extra special."

There are more than 70 million grandparents in the United States – more than one third of the U.S. population – with 1.7 million new grandparents joining the roster every year.  They lead 37 percent of all U.S. households (44 million), a number that is increasing at twice the average annual rate overall, and more than 4.5 million children are being raised in households headed by grandparents, according to AARP.

National Grandparents Day is a secular holiday celebrated in the United States on the first Sunday after Labor Day.  Signed as a proclamation by then-President Jimmy Carter in 1979, the purpose of Grandparents Day is to honor grandparents, to give grandparents an opportunity to show love for their children's children, and help children become aware of the strength, information and guidance older people can offer.

Denny's has long been a restaurant where people of any age can appreciate a wide array of menu choices served in a comfortable setting 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.   The 1,500-restaurant chain goes to even greater lengths to appeal to the appetites and budgets of families of all shapes, sizes and ages.

For those 50 years and older, Denny's offers AARP's 40 million members and their guests a 20 percent discount off their total check from 4 to 10 p.m., as well as a standing price of $1 for a cup of coffee every minute of every day.

And families with children appreciate Denny's Kids Eat Free program, which provides a free kids meal for up to two children ages 10 and under with the purchase of each adult entree of $2.50 or more.  The offer is good at participating locations from 4 to 10 p.m. on select days only, and menu items and prices may vary.

About Denny's

Denny's (Nasdaq: DENN) is one of America's largest full-service family restaurant chains, serving good honest food and every day value 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  Based in Spartanburg, S.C., Denny's currently operates more than 1,500 franchised and Company-owned restaurants across the United States, Canada, Latin America and New Zealand.  For more information, including news releases, franchising opportunities and investor relations, visit www.dennys.com.

SOURCE Denny's