Joseph D Russell

Denny's Inc., the Spartanburg, S.C.-based restaurant chain, found itself in the news this spring after a number of black consumers alleged discriminatory treatment by employees at its restaurants in California and Maryland. In March, Denny's and the U.S. Department of Justice signed an agreement that Jerome J. Richardson, chairman of Flagstar Cos. Inc., Denny's corporate parent, has described as an "affirmation of our commitment to treating all customers fairly."

Denny's Inc., the Spartanburg, S.C.-based restaurant chain, found itself in the news this spring after a number of black consumers alleged discriminatory treatment by employees at its restaurants in California and Maryland. In March, Denny's and the U.S. Department of Justice signed an agreement that Jerome J. Richardson, chairman of Flagstar Cos. Inc., Denny's corporate parent, has described as an "affirmation of our commitment to treating all customers fairly."

Denny's restaurant chain, beset by allegations of discrimination against black customers, said Tuesday that it has appointed a civil rights monitor who will be based at the company's corporate office in Irvine. As part of an agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, Denny's appointed Joseph D. Russell to the newly created post. Russell, who owned a business consulting firm in San Diego, will oversee sensitivity training for Denny's employees and monitor random testing for bias.