Residents Stunned By Denny's Sudden Closure

For a large number of loyal Denny’s customers, an 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper taped to the door delivered the news that they had lost one of their favorite eateries.

“This location is now permanently closed,” the sign read. The dark dining room and the missing “Denny’s” sign once attached to the front of the building at 21316 Pathfinder Road were more obvious signs that the business that served Diamond Bar for many years was now gone.

“No way!” said resident Valerie Goyer, reacting to the news. “That's our favorite place to get breakfast for dinner. In fact we were there a week ago and no one said a word.”

Among more than a dozen residents who have noted the closure to Diamond Bar Patch, many said they had just visited the location the week of Aug. 6. The closure came totally by surprise.

When contacted, the owners of that franchise could not immediately comment, but would try to get Diamond Bar Patch a comment soon. If and when they do, Patch will update the story.

The building, which is across from Diamond Bar High School and is tucked behind an office building and a Chevron gas station, will not sit vacant however, city officials said.

The building is slated for a new tutoring center, according to Cecilia Arrellano, public information coordinator for the city.

City staff recently reviewed and approved a plot plan for tenant improvements to place the private educational facility there, she said.

“Aside from a staff member seeing or hearing about it, the city typically learns of a business closure when a new tenant is applying for a new business license or requesting plans for improvements, as was the case with Denny’s,” Arrellano said.

Some residents expressed frustration over the loss of the restaurant.

“There goes our midnight hang out,” wrote resident Linda Russell adding that her husband, like several other residents checked on the business and saw a water shut off notice also placed on the door.

“My family goes there often,” resident Jacy Wahba wrote. “It's the only breakfast place close enough to walk to. Wow DB really needs some help with retaining its food places.”