Pilot Travel Centers LLC and Denny’s Corp. has unveiled plans for Denny’s to develop restaurants within Pilot Travel Centers across the U.S. This new relationship represents the joining of two of the nation’s largest companies in their respective categories.

“Developing restaurants along our nation’s highways has always been an important part of Denny’s heritage,” said Nelson Marchioli, Denny’s president and chief executive officer. “We are particularly pleased to establish a partnership of this magnitude because of Pilot Travel Centers’ extensive national presence. Denny’s customers, many of whom are highway travelers, will now have the opportunity to enjoy good food at a great value 24/7 while fulfilling all of their travel needs in one convenient location.”

The first Denny’s/Pilot location is under construction in Mount Vernon, Ill. Development of additional Denny’s restaurants in Pilot Travel Center locations is expected to begin early next year. The Denny’s restaurant within the Pilot Travel Center will be predominately based on Denny’s new prototype design with square footage and seating in line with a typical building.

“Our customers have requested more full-service restaurants, and we are pleased to respond through our partnership with Denny’s,” said Mark Hazelwood, executive vice president of sales and development of Pilot Travel Centers. “We plan to add 20-25 new travel centers per year, and for the full-service locations Denny’s is a good fit for that growth plan. We believe this partnership is a win-win-win for Pilot Travel Centers, Denny’s and our customers.”