Former Denny’s Executive Brings More than a Decade of Financial Leadership Experience
Eggs Up Grill, a South Carolina-based breakfast franchise, has named Kayla Money chief financial officer. Money brings more than a decade of financial leadership to the role, most recently leading enterprise forecasting and long-range financial planning for Denny’s. She now oversees Eggs Up Grill’s financial strategy, planning and analysis, budgeting and capital allocation to build on the brand’s strong 2025 performance, which included the opening of 18 new restaurants.
“Eggs Up Grill stood out to me because of its strong culture, impressive growth trajectory and clear commitment to its franchisees. The brand has built a loyal network and carved out a differentiated position in the ‘better breakfast’ space,” Money said. “This opportunity came at an exciting time, as the company is experiencing significant momentum. I was drawn to the opportunity to contribute to that growth while also helping strengthen the financial foundation for the future.
“I’m most excited about partnering with the leadership team and franchisees to support smart, sustainable growth. With more than 190 restaurants open and in development and strong same-store sales performance, there’s a tremendous opportunity to build on that momentum. I look forward to enhancing financial strategies that improve profitability, support franchisee success and position the brand for long-term value creation.”
Money credited her time with Denny’s for shaping her understanding of large-scale franchise systems, providing insights she utilizes in this new role. “That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the operational and financial levers that drive performance in franchising, and it reinforced my passion for the restaurant industry’s dynamic, people-driven nature. Eggs Up Grill can continue to stand out in the restaurant industry by staying true to our DNA that is deeply ingrained in our culture and continuing to focus on sustainable growth while supporting franchisees with the tools and insights they need to succeed. Combining strong unit economics with a differentiated guest experience is key to long-term growth.”
Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill, said Money’s extensive industry experience makes her the ideal leader to drive the breakfast franchise’s growth. “Her experience supporting enterprise growth and franchise system performance will help position Eggs Up Grill for its next chapter. As we continue to grow with experienced multi-unit and multi-brand operators, disciplined financial leadership will be critical in supporting franchisees as they scale responsibly,” Richardson said.
About Eggs Up Grill
Founded in 1977 in Pawleys Island, S.C., Eggs Up Grill is a daytime restaurant franchise brand that serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. The brand has grown to more than 100 locations nationwide, with more than 90 additional units in development or committed to open.
