Denny’s Corp. has tapped Christopher Bode as its new president and chief executive officer. The move caps a turbulent stretch for America’s Diner. Bode steps up from president and chief operating officer, bringing three decades in restaurants and a U.S. Navy veteran’s discipline. The Spartanburg, South Carolina-based chain announced the leadership shift on April 13, 2026. It coincides with the launch of Project Grand Slam , a 24-month overhaul aimed at culinary innovation, digital upgrades, and operational fixes. Bode replaces Kelli Valade, who departed in January 2026 for the Women’s Foodservice Forum after nearly four years steering through sales slumps and store closures. Bode knows the booths well. He logged nearly 14 years at Denny’s across two stints—from 2011 to 2022 as COO, then returning in September 2024. In between, he ran operations as president and COO at CKE Restaurants’ Hardee’s USA.…