Denny's, a well-known diner chain, began its journey in 1953 as a simple donut stand named Danny's Donuts in Lakewood, California. Founded by Harold Butler and Richard Jezak, it quickly evolved into a coffee shop, changing its name to Danny's Coffee Shops. In 1959, it became Denny's to avoid confusion with another similarly named business, establishing itself as a 24/7 restaurant and becoming a staple in American dining culture.