Denny’s and Finn Partners: allies in animal cruelty

Almost one year after launching a campaign to ban extreme confinement in Denny’s supply chain, Animal Equality has appealed to Finn Partners to use its influence to protect animals. 

Denny’s is a client of Finn Partners, a marketing and public relations firm aiming to “make a positive impact in the world.” Despite considering itself “champions of change,” the firm partnered with Denny’s just months after its animal cruelty scandal broke. 

Animal Equality is now launching a secondary campaign against Finn for its association with Denny’s, asking the firm to cut ties with the diner chain’s cruelty. President Sharon Núñez and Vice President Jose Valle will host a protest in New York City–the firm’s flagship location–on January 25, 2024. 

Those looking to take action at home can write messages to Finn Partners’ leadership and comment on their social media pages. 

Denny’s: ignoring animal cruelty for over a decade

Animal Equality launched its campaign against diner chain Denny’s in January of 2023, calling out the use of gestation crates in its supply chain. Gestation crates confine pregnant, mother pigs in spaces barely larger than their own bodies, leaving them unable to turn around or take more than a step forward for most of their lives. 

Gestation crates have been banned in eleven U.S. states and several nations, long considered one of the factory farming industry’s cruelest inventions. After committing to ending the use of gestation crates in its supply chain over ten years ago, Denny’s removed the commitment from its website altogether. 

Animal Equality hosted nationwide protests from Los Angeles to New York City, even renting a digital billboard in the iconic Times Square. Concerned consumers sent more than 53,000 messages to Denny’s leadership, all of which have been ignored. Denny’s only response was an obscene gesture directed at peaceful protesters in Kansas City. 

Animal Equality traveled to Denny’s headquarters in Spartanburg, South Carolina, to deliver a document representing consumers’ messages. They were met with hostility and turned away. 

Denny’s has refused to issue any further responses regarding its association with cruelty. 

Finn Partners: ethics in question

Months after Animal Equality launched a campaign against Denny’s, the chain partnered with Finn Partners for its public relations needs. Finn Partners claims to be constituted by “individuals with a heart and conscience who… make a positive impact in the world.”

In its 2023 joint press release, Finn Partners and Denny’s described their intentions to promote Denny’s “and all it has to offer…demonstrating how Denny’s helps communities, fosters togetherness, and creates opportunities while feeding minds, bodies, and souls across the U.S. and around the world.” They even describe how Denny’s is “engaging and delivering value to its core customers.” 

Kris Garvey Graves–Finn Partners’ Managing Partner–stated, “We have a tremendous opportunity to elevate Denny’s iconic status as America’s diner, inviting a new generation of diners to enjoy a menu full of new and craveable favorites.” 

Critics note that in addition to its ties with animal cruelty, Denny’s claims of “feeding minds, bodies, and souls” contradict current health and wellness guidelines. With its Grand Slam menu item clocking in at nearly 850 calories, its fat and sodium content have been considered the antithesis of longevity and wholesomeness. 

Love Veg: a wholesome approach

You can protect mother pigs trapped in the factory farming industry–all while protecting your own health–by choosing satisfying, delicious plant proteins. For inspiration, tips, and recipes sent straight to your inbox, simply head over to Love Veg and subscribe to our newsletter.