A couple sat down Friday morning to a heaping stack of pancakes, eggs, sausage paired with a vintage bottle of Dom Perignon Premier Cru champagne at a new diner that opened in the Financial District.
But this was no Smith’s morning feast, it was the exclusive $300 “Grand Cru Slam” special offered at one of America’s most beloved greasy spoons, Denny’s.
Suzanne and Jack Becton strolled into Denny’s, located in the heart of Wall Street, at 11 a.m. for various celebrations including Jack’s birthday and their one-year-anniversary.
“I’m usually the voice of reason,” Jack, who works at the ABC control network, fired back at his wife.
Before arriving, the couple had discussed splurging on the “Grand Cru Slam” special, which is just one of the specials offered at the chain’s first city location. The Nassau St. diner is lined with exposed brick and leather booths, hoping to fool Wall Street’s finest into thinking thinking they’re dining at one of Manhattan’s finest.
Denny’s barback, Amy Gilbert, enticed the Becton’s with a “cold bottle” ready to go as the two sat at the bar trying to decide what to do.
“Life’s too short,” Suzanne said. “You just have to go for it.”
After Gilbert gave them both a high five for being the first customers not only to be served a drink at the new establishment, but also to order the grand slam special, she brought the chilled silver bucket over to her “first victims.”
“Alright, it’s 11 a.m., let’s open some champagne!” she yelled before popping the cap off. “This a day you’ll never forget. Cheers!”
The slightly nervous couple clinked their glasses, took a sip and then a selfie of their big moment.
“That is good, love it,” Suzanne gushed. “Delicious and crisp.”
The expensive breakfast may have lost Suzanne her trip to Hawaii, but she said “the hash browns were worth it.”
Jack laughed at the giant bill, adding, “It’s funny, when I lived in Florida, Denny’s was the place you end in, not where you start out.”
A group of boozed-up gentlemen tried to order the fancy “Grand Cru Slam” at 5:30 a.m., but they had to settle for the typical grand slam because Denny’s can’t serve alcohol until 11 a.m.
“They were like, ‘It’s a shame you can’t serve it because that’s what stupid guys like us are going to come in and order,” said head bartender, Mike Capoferri. He said it was “heartbreaking” to spoil their fun, adding, “I love that people are ready to dive right in.”
While it still offers a simple fried egg or lumberjack special, the Nassau St. location also features a $9 “House” martini and other fancy drinks like a Manhattan Cream Soda Tap with bourbon, vermouth, maple and vanilla.
It will be open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight, going against the chain’s tagline “America’s diner is always open.”