NORWICH – After seven years serving Norwich and surrounding communities, Studebaker’s Restaurant closed its doors Monday, according to Howard Johnson’s General Manager Dana Meyer. But while the eating establishment’s closure may be the end of the era for the hotel, it opens the door for the next phase in the facility’s development.

“The rumor about Denny’s is true,” explained Meyer, referring to speculation that the family-style restaurant chain, known for its round-the-clock breakfast offerings, would be opening a Norwich location.

According to the facility’s manager, the hotel’s parent company, Banta Properties, has been in negotiations with the franchise owner who operates the Denny’s location in Oneonta to lease the 96-seat restaurant.

For Meyer, who started as a server at Studebaker’s three years ago and worked her way up to general manager, closing the restaurant was difficult, particularly as it meant letting go eight full and part-time staff members. But it is also an exciting opportunity.