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A Denny’s restaurant is expected to open by the end of the year at Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas. A sign is seen Aug. 1, 2012.
By Conor Shine (contact) 
Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012 | 2 a.m.
In the age of Facebook and Twitter, Denny’s restaurant is trying to bring the original social network — the diner — back to prominence.
To further the effort, the company plans to open a new, 6,432-square-foot “flagship” location in Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas, which will see a number of new bars and restaurants open over the next year, including the 80,000-square-foot Krave Massive nightclub one floor up at Neonopolis.
“We already have two wonderful diners on the Strip. For us there was no better place to bring a unique Denny’s than to Fremont Street, with all the revitalization going on down there,” said Denny’s Chief Marketing Officer Frances Allen. “What we want to do is emphasize that the diner is the original social network. It was that sort of ecumenical social scene where everybody converged.”
Allen said the one-of-a-kind Denny’s will feature “over the top Vegas décor,” anchored by a wedding chapel in the middle of the dining space.
Denny's has leased 6,400 square feet at the Neonopolis mall in downtown Las Vegas, pictured here on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2012.
“It’s unique. It’s different. It’s going to be an icon within Vegas. People are going to want to travel to see this Denny’s,” she said. “The wedding scene is such a part of Vegas, and who doesn’t want a wedding cake made out of pancakes?”
Allen said Denny’s at Neonopolis will aim to capitalize on Las Vegas’ 24/7 lifestyle, catering to everyone from the early-risers on their way to play the slots to the late-night bar hoppers looking for some post-party grub.
“People are out 24/7, and we’re a 24/7 restaurant. It’s a perfect fit,” she said.
All Denny’s food staples will be on the menu, Allen said, with a few new items plus the addition of a full-service bar.
The restaurant should open toward the end of the year, she said.
“It’s going to have all the things you love about Denny’s,” she said, “combined with the fun vibrancy of the area and some unexpected twists, as well.”
DT has always lacked foodery that were not part of the casinos...Yes, you could get a cheap ham & eggs - but not until 12 AM...All of these outlets are good for the downtown experience and taking away the monopoly of food vedors inside the casinos.
Give me One Great Jersey Diner and you can take all of the chain operators away. Las Vegas has the Greatest Selection of Bad Breakfast Places On Earth. I can fix at home for 50 cents for the unimaginative food for which they want to charge me ten bucks.
Give ME a Reason (Imaginative Menu, Quality, Ambiance, View, Service, Cheap-But Great Food,etc..) why I should spend my money and I will come.
I'm sorry to hear this, though I look forward to seeing Neonopolis occupied again. A sort of low-rent chain with issues of racism in its past is not in keeping with the vision of a hip place for the artsy and the young.
In fact, this issue is something that some planners and politicians ought to actually put some thought into. When I walk or drive down Fremont East, it's bustling with young people and seems vibrant. However, when I amble down the Fremont St Experience I'm dismayed by its sleaziness.
There are two competing forces downtown, and the sleazy one is not going to help the city's core emerge as something that draws tourists and locals alike for its variety and cool and its mix of art and commerce as in the appealing cores of some cities.
One thing that might help is getting better music instead of has-been 70s rock bands or their imitators.
Because its VEGAS baby!!
Looking forward to this Denny's opening. That East end of Fremont Street is really looking up and this opening shows it.
snip and cook food, but it is some jobs so to each his own.
Commie Obama?
Some of you who want to make a valid argument or point really destroy your own credibility when you resort to this stuff.
The only problem is: You don't go to Denny's.....You END UP at Denny's
Denny's has ALWAY been on the low end of quality. It's cheap food. That's about it. People think they are getting quality? Go to any diner or cafe and order a side of bacon, then go to Denny's and do the same. I guarantee you the difference will amaze you.
I think the Denny's at Neonopolis is a good idea. Perfect spot. Not sure about the wedding chapel thing though.
My sister worked at a Denny's for a real long time. The place was always packed....until a new manager came in. Everything changed - the food, the service, you name it. I know the managers have to follow corporate rules on how to manage the restaurant, but some think they are above that. Managers can make or break a restaurant. We used to go there when we were in town(when she was working to harrass her :) and the food was always good and plentiful. And reasonable. This same Denny's is still open and seems to be always busy these days - maybe they got a new manager!!
Oh wonderful, oh wonderful. Upstairs at Neonopolis, the wotld's largest Gay nightclub to rival New York City's. The same Neonopolis, home to Drink and Drag...an establishment where folks gay and straight, are entertained by drag queens, and now a DENNYS WITH A WEDDING CHAPEL for all the hetero folks to show off how special they and their sanctified marriages are. Give me a break!
Wasn't this announced about 18 months' ago? There has been zero action on it since.
Something needs to help Fremont Street area not sure a Denny's is the answer. The Experience area is gone to crap, nothing but homeless, thugs with their pants on the ground and cheesy characters. Not exactly a place to take visitors to.
Desert: Sounds like you are getting the strip and Freemont mixed up.
@summerof69 not at all. They both are going down hill fast!
"Wasn't this announced about 18 months' ago? There has been zero action on it since."
Incorrect.