Denny's on Arsenal to reopen on Sunday

Late-night diners once again will have another choice in Watertown.

The renovated Denny's, 1142 Arsenal St., will reopen at 10 p.m. Sunday. It will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, said Nancy J. Groff, area director for G.B. Restaurants, Higley, Ariz.

"They've remodeled everything," she said. "We're very excited about coming here."

The new restaurant operators installed a new roof, repainted the inside and outside, and put in new tables and fixtures. Seating capacity is 192.

Since Nov. 11, about 100 employees have been going through training. Ms. Groff said they'll continue to hire workers.

"We're looking to provide people with fast, friendly service," she said. "We're trying to bring jobs for the area and a good relationship with the community."

Unlike the previous franchise, G.B. Restaurants did not seek a liquor license and will not have a lounge. The lounge was converted to a meeting room, which holds about 25 people.

"For businesses, we have a place for breakfast and lunch meetings," Ms. Groff said.

The previous franchise, Family Restaurants of Watertown Inc., Buffalo, closed the location in April. G.B. Restaurants secured the lease with owner CNL Net Lease Funding 2003 LLC, Orlando, Fla., during the summer.

Ms. Groff is in charge of eight restaurants in Syracuse and Watertown. G.B. Restaurants runs at least 25 other locations in New York and Arizona.

"The excitement for Denny's coming into the area is great to see," she said. "The area seems to be doing well economically."

Beginning at 7 a.m. Monday, the first 100 tables served will get 52 vouchers for Grand Slam breakfasts, good for a free breakfast each week for a year. Denny's trademark has two eggs, sausage, bacon and two pancakes.