It looks like Denny’s may be joining the ranks of Papa John’s, Olive Garden and Red Lobster. And it’s got nothing to do with food.
Olive Garden and Red Lobster are cutting hours. Papa John’s warned of a price hike. Denny’s may be doing both.
John Metz, who owns about 40 Denny’s and Dairy Queen restaurants in Florida, announced Thursday that he would be adding a 5% surcharge and cutting hours in order to make workers ineligible for the mandated Obamacare. However, today there’s a lot of backpedaling.
Metz’ reps told ABC News that his plan was only speculative and that he never really intended to impose the surcharge or hours cut. Denny’s corporate HQ was also quick to distance itself from Metz.
“While we respect the decision of an independent business owner to speak out on this topic, these statements do not capture the respect by Denny’s, the Denny’s Franchisee Association or our franchise community at large for our hardworking employees or for our valued customers,” according to a statement from the corporate office.
Though there is some perceived damage control going on regarding Metz’s remarks, it’d be hard to be surprised if a surcharge or cut in hours came about. After all, Metz himself hasn’t come forward to deny the remarks.
Have you considered cutting hours for employees or increasing costs for your services? Let us know your game plan for tackling Obamacare in the comments below.