Part 9/12:
The price of breakfast staples has soared in California— the famous Grand Slam, once costing less than $8, now costs upwards of $15. The economic squeeze has pushed working-class families and seniors off the dining table in favor of cheaper alternatives. For example, a family of four that once spent about $35 on breakfast now faces bills exceeding $60, making regular visits unaffordable for many.
The Decline of California’s Iconic Denny’s
Perhaps most tragic is the retreat of Denny's from its birthplace—California. Once home to hundreds of the chain's locations, the state’s Denny’s have fallen to just over 340 by early 2026 from approximately 354 at the start of 2025.