<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>

<!--XBRL Document Created with the Workiva Platform-->
<!--Copyright 2023 Workiva-->
<!--r:23a36ccf-690a-4ec4-9ac1-0749c96721e1,g:1c5d1045-89f2-449c-bfcd-d76b9b40cf88-->
<xs:schema xmlns:xs="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema" xmlns:link="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:denn="http://www.dennys.com/20230927" xmlns:xbrli="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" xmlns:dtr-types="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31" xmlns:dtr-types1="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2020-01-21" attributeFormDefault="unqualified" elementFormDefault="qualified" targetNamespace="http://www.dennys.com/20230927">
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/srt/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/srt/2023/elts/srt-2023.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://fasb.org/us-gaap/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2023/elts/us-gaap-2023.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xlink-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/instance" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-instance-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2020-01-21" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2020-01-21/types.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31" schemaLocation="https://www.xbrl.org/dtr/type/2022-03-31/types.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2023/dei-2023.xsd"/>
  <xs:import namespace="http://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023" schemaLocation="https://xbrl.sec.gov/ecd/2023/ecd-2023.xsd"/>
  <xs:annotation>
    <xs:appinfo>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="denn-20230927_lab.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/labelLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="denn-20230927_pre.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="denn-20230927_cal.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/calculationLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:linkbaseRef xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xlink:arcrole="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink/properties/linkbase" xlink:href="denn-20230927_def.xml" xlink:role="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/definitionLinkbaseRef" xlink:type="simple"/>
      <link:roleType id="CoverPage" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/CoverPage">
        <link:definition>0000001 - Document - Cover Page</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets">
        <link:definition>0000002 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical">
        <link:definition>0000003 - Statement - Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofOperations" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofOperations">
        <link:definition>0000004 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Operations</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncome" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncome">
        <link:definition>0000005 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical">
        <link:definition>0000006 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofShareholdersDeficit" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofShareholdersDeficit">
        <link:definition>0000007 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Deficit</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsofCashFlows">
        <link:definition>0000008 - Statement - Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IntroductionandBasisofPresentation" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/IntroductionandBasisofPresentation">
        <link:definition>0000009 - Disclosure - Introduction and Basis of Presentation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPolicies">
        <link:definition>0000010 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Receivables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/Receivables">
        <link:definition>0000011 - Disclosure - Receivables</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillandIntangibleAssets" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssets">
        <link:definition>0000012 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherCurrentLiabilities" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/OtherCurrentLiabilities">
        <link:definition>0000013 - Disclosure - Other Current Liabilities</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstruments" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstruments">
        <link:definition>0000014 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LongTermDebt" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/LongTermDebt">
        <link:definition>0000015 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="Revenues" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/Revenues">
        <link:definition>0000016 - Disclosure - Revenues</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNet" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNet">
        <link:definition>0000017 - Disclosure - Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedCompensation" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ShareBasedCompensation">
        <link:definition>0000018 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxes" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/IncomeTaxes">
        <link:definition>0000019 - Disclosure - Income Taxes</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NetIncomePerShare" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/NetIncomePerShare">
        <link:definition>0000020 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersDeficit" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ShareholdersDeficit">
        <link:definition>0000021 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Deficit</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="CommitmentsandContingencies" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/CommitmentsandContingencies">
        <link:definition>0000022 - Disclosure - Commitments and Contingencies</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SupplementalCashFlowInformation" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformation">
        <link:definition>0000023 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformation" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/SegmentInformation">
        <link:definition>0000024 - Disclosure - Segment Information</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/SummaryofSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies">
        <link:definition>9954471 - Disclosure - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ReceivablesTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ReceivablesTables">
        <link:definition>9954472 - Disclosure - Receivables (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsTables">
        <link:definition>9954473 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/OtherCurrentLiabilitiesTables">
        <link:definition>9954474 - Disclosure - Other Current Liabilities (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsTables">
        <link:definition>9954475 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LongTermDebtTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/LongTermDebtTables">
        <link:definition>9954476 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenuesTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/RevenuesTables">
        <link:definition>9954477 - Disclosure - Revenues (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetTables">
        <link:definition>9954478 - Disclosure - Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedCompensationTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationTables">
        <link:definition>9954479 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NetIncomePerShareTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables">
        <link:definition>9954480 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersDeficitTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ShareholdersDeficitTables">
        <link:definition>9954481 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Deficit (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationTables">
        <link:definition>9954482 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationTables" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/SegmentInformationTables">
        <link:definition>9954483 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Tables)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IntroductionandBasisofPresentationDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/IntroductionandBasisofPresentationDetails">
        <link:definition>9954484 - Disclosure - Introduction and Basis of Presentation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ReceivablesReceivablesNetDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ReceivablesReceivablesNetDetails">
        <link:definition>9954485 - Disclosure - Receivables - Receivables, Net (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsScheduleofChangesinCarryingAmountsofGoodwillDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsScheduleofChangesinCarryingAmountsofGoodwillDetails">
        <link:definition>9954486 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Changes in Carrying Amounts of Goodwill (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsFiniteLivedandIndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>9954487 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/GoodwillandIntangibleAssetsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9954488 - Disclosure - Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/OtherCurrentLiabilitiesDetails">
        <link:definition>9954489 - Disclosure - Other Current Liabilities (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsScheduleofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsScheduleofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaRecurringBasisDetails">
        <link:definition>9954490 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsScheduleofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaNonRecurringBasisDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsScheduleofFinancialAssetsandLiabilitiesMeasuredatFairValueonaNonRecurringBasisDetails">
        <link:definition>9954491 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Schedule of Financial Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Non - Recurring Basis (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/FairValueofFinancialInstrumentsNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9954492 - Disclosure - Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/LongTermDebtNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9954493 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="LongTermDebtInterestRateSwapsDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/LongTermDebtInterestRateSwapsDetails">
        <link:definition>9954494 - Disclosure - Long-Term Debt - Interest Rate Swaps (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenuesScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenueDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/RevenuesScheduleofDisaggregationofRevenueDetails">
        <link:definition>9954495 - Disclosure - Revenues - Schedule of Disaggregation of Revenue (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenuesScheduleofComponentsofLeaseIncomeDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/RevenuesScheduleofComponentsofLeaseIncomeDetails">
        <link:definition>9954496 - Disclosure - Revenues - Schedule of Components of Lease Income (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenuesScheduleofComponentsoftheChangeinDeferredFranchiseRevenueDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/RevenuesScheduleofComponentsoftheChangeinDeferredFranchiseRevenueDetails">
        <link:definition>9954497 - Disclosure - Revenues - Schedule of Components of the Change in Deferred Franchise Revenue (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenuesChangeInContractAssetsDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/RevenuesChangeInContractAssetsDetails">
        <link:definition>9954498 - Disclosure - Revenues - Change In Contract Assets (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="RevenuesNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/RevenuesNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9954499 - Disclosure - Revenues - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetScheduleofOperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetScheduleofOperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetDetails">
        <link:definition>9954500 - Disclosure - Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net - Schedule of Operating Gains Losses and Other Charges, Net (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9954501 - Disclosure - Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetScheduleofRestructuringChargesandExitCostsDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/OperatingGainsLossesandOtherChargesNetScheduleofRestructuringChargesandExitCostsDetails">
        <link:definition>9954502 - Disclosure - Operating (Gains), Losses and Other Charges, Net - Schedule of Restructuring Charges and Exit Costs (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedCompensationScheduleofTotalSharebasedCompensationDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationScheduleofTotalSharebasedCompensationDetails">
        <link:definition>9954503 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Schedule of Total Share-based Compensation (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ShareBasedCompensationNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9954504 - Disclosure - Share-Based Compensation - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="IncomeTaxesDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/IncomeTaxesDetails">
        <link:definition>9954505 - Disclosure - Income Taxes (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="NetIncomePerShareDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/NetIncomePerShareDetails">
        <link:definition>9954506 - Disclosure - Net Income Per Share (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersDeficitNarrativeDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ShareholdersDeficitNarrativeDetails">
        <link:definition>9954507 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Deficit - Narrative (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="ShareholdersDeficitComponentsofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/ShareholdersDeficitComponentsofAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossDetails">
        <link:definition>9954508 - Disclosure - Shareholders' Deficit - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/SupplementalCashFlowInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9954509 - Disclosure - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
      <link:roleType id="SegmentInformationDetails" roleURI="http://www.dennys.com/role/SegmentInformationDetails">
        <link:definition>9954510 - Disclosure - Segment Information (Details)</link:definition>
        <link:usedOn>link:presentationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:calculationLink</link:usedOn>
        <link:usedOn>link:definitionLink</link:usedOn>
      </link:roleType>
    </xs:appinfo>
  </xs:annotation>
  <xs:element id="denn_IncreaseDecreaseContractWithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" abstract="true" name="IncreaseDecreaseContractWithCustomerLiabilityRollForward" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_GoodwillAssetsHeldForSale" abstract="false" name="GoodwillAssetsHeldForSale" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetsMember" abstract="true" name="OperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_FranchiseEquipmentProgramsMember" abstract="true" name="FranchiseEquipmentProgramsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfUnrealizedGainsLossesOnDerivativesAfterTaxNet" abstract="false" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationOfUnrealizedGainsLossesOnDerivativesAfterTaxNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_FranchiseAgreementsMember" abstract="true" name="FranchiseAgreementsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_IntangibleAssetsAbstract" abstract="true" name="IntangibleAssetsAbstract" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:stringItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_OtherReceivablesMember" abstract="true" name="OtherReceivablesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_PropertyMember" abstract="true" name="PropertyMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_LongTermDebtAveragePercentageOutstanding" abstract="false" name="LongTermDebtAveragePercentageOutstanding" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_KekesBreakfastCafeMember" abstract="true" name="KekesBreakfastCafeMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_GiftCardRedemptionMember" abstract="true" name="GiftCardRedemptionMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_PropertyAndOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetsMember" abstract="true" name="PropertyAndOperatingLeaseRightOfUseAssetsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_ContractWithCustomerAssetsRevenueRecognizedNet" abstract="false" name="ContractWithCustomerAssetsRevenueRecognizedNet" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationOfUnrealizedGainsLossesTax" abstract="false" name="OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationOfUnrealizedGainsLossesTax" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_AccumulatedAmortizationFinancingLeaseROUAssets" abstract="false" name="AccumulatedAmortizationFinancingLeaseROUAssets" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_PerformanceSharesTotalShareholderReturnMember" abstract="true" name="PerformanceSharesTotalShareholderReturnMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfTargetAchievement" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPercentageOfTargetAchievement" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:percentItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherProductiveAssetsNetOfCosts" abstract="false" name="ProceedsFromSaleOfOtherProductiveAssetsNetOfCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_CashReceivedUponTermination" abstract="false" name="CashReceivedUponTermination" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeUnrealizedLossesMember" abstract="true" name="AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeUnrealizedLossesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardCompensationCostSharesGradedVestingBasis" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardCompensationCostSharesGradedVestingBasis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_AssetsHeldForUseMember" abstract="true" name="AssetsHeldForUseMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_ShareRepurchaseProgram2019Member" abstract="true" name="ShareRepurchaseProgram2019Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_EmployeeShareAwardsMember" abstract="true" name="EmployeeShareAwardsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeDedesignationOfAPortionOfInterestRateSwapsMember" abstract="true" name="AccumulatedGainLossNetCashFlowHedgeDedesignationOfAPortionOfInterestRateSwapsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_PerformanceSharesAdjustedEPSMember" abstract="true" name="PerformanceSharesAdjustedEPSMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_AccruedLiabilitiesForUnredeemedGiftCards" abstract="false" name="AccruedLiabilitiesForUnredeemedGiftCards" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_ContractWithCustomerAssetsAmountContributed" abstract="false" name="ContractWithCustomerAssetsAmountContributed" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="debit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_KitchenModernizationProgramForFranchiseRestaurantsMember" abstract="true" name="KitchenModernizationProgramForFranchiseRestaurantsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardCompensationCostSharesStraightLineBasis" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardCompensationCostSharesStraightLineBasis" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:sharesItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRMember" abstract="true" name="SecuredOvernightFinancingRateSOFRMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutElectionNumberOfAnnualInstallments" abstract="false" name="ShareBasedCompensationArrangementByShareBasedPaymentAwardPayoutElectionNumberOfAnnualInstallments" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:integerItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_DedesignatedInterestRateSwapsMember" abstract="true" name="DedesignatedInterestRateSwapsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_PerformanceSharesAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" abstract="true" name="PerformanceSharesAndRestrictedStockUnitsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_InterestRateSwaps20182026Member" abstract="true" name="InterestRateSwaps20182026Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_EffectiveInterestRateSwapsMember" abstract="true" name="EffectiveInterestRateSwapsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_DennysBrandMember" abstract="true" name="DennysBrandMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_PaymentToBuyOutCurrentTenantInitialOperatingLeaseDirectCosts" abstract="false" name="PaymentToBuyOutCurrentTenantInitialOperatingLeaseDirectCosts" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_CertainEmployeeShareAwardsMember" abstract="true" name="CertainEmployeeShareAwardsMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_BusinessAcquisitionAdditionalPurchasePriceDueToSeller" abstract="false" name="BusinessAcquisitionAdditionalPurchasePriceDueToSeller" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_CertainEmployeesMember" abstract="true" name="CertainEmployeesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_NonEmployeeMembersOfTheBoardMember" abstract="true" name="NonEmployeeMembersOfTheBoardMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_PaymentsToAcquireFranchisedLocationGross" abstract="false" name="PaymentsToAcquireFranchisedLocationGross" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseAssetsAndLiabilities" abstract="false" name="IncreaseDecreaseInOperatingLeaseAssetsAndLiabilities" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_InterestRateSwaps20182025Member" abstract="true" name="InterestRateSwaps20182025Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_VendorReceivablesMember" abstract="true" name="VendorReceivablesMember" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_InterestRateSwap20202033Member" abstract="true" name="InterestRateSwap20202033Member" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="duration" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="dtr-types1:domainItemType"/>
  <xs:element id="denn_LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacityAccordionFeature" abstract="false" name="LineOfCreditFacilityBorrowingCapacityAccordionFeature" nillable="true" xbrli:periodType="instant" xbrli:balance="credit" substitutionGroup="xbrli:item" type="xbrli:monetaryItemType"/>
</xs:schema>
