Dawn Lafreeda: From Waitress to the Largest Single-Owner Denny’s Franchisee – A Story of Resilience & Empowerment

Featured in Show Her the Money, Screening on March 8th | International Women’s Day Event Sponsored by Republic Bank

What does it take to go from waiting tables to owning the tables—thousands of them? Dawn Lafreeda knows. As the largest single-owner franchisee within the Denny’s restaurant chain, Dawn’s journey is one of determination, vision, and breaking barriers in male-dominated industries.

Her story is a testament to the power of investing in women, which is why she is featured in Show Her the Money—a documentary exposing the stark reality that women receive less than 2% of venture capital funding and highlighting the female investors and entrepreneurs working to change the game.

On March 8th at 6:30 PM, Louisville’s biggest screen will showcase Show Her the Money as part of an International Women’s Day event co-hosted by Woman-Owned Wallet and The B Scene, and presented by Republic Bank. Dawn’s story will be a focal point, showing what happens when women are given the financial resources to succeed.

Dawn Lafreeda: Defying the Odds in Business

Dawn’s journey started humbly—she began working as a waitress at age 16 and fell in love with the restaurant industry. But unlike most teenagers in the business, Dawn had bigger dreams. She didn’t just want to work in a restaurant—she wanted to own one.

At just 23 years old, she took a bold leap and purchased her first Denny’s franchise, using all the savings she had. What followed was an unstoppable climb—Dawn expanded her ownership to over 80 Denny’s locations across the country, making her the largest single-owner franchisee in the company’s history.

A Trailblazer in Business & Beyond

Dawn’s impact goes far beyond the restaurant industry. She is an active leader within Denny’s corporate structure, serving as:

• Director & Treasurer of the Board for the Denny’s Franchisee Association

• Member of the Development Brand Advisory Council

• Member of the Equipment Task Force

• Member of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee

She has received over 70 awards for her business acumen, leadership, and commitment to service, including:
🏆 Working Woman Magazine’s 500 Largest Women-Owned Businesses in the Country
🏆 Denny’s Operator of the Year
🏆 NAWBO Women’s Business Owner of the Year
🏆 The Equality Award from the Human Rights Campaign
🏆 The Presidential Leadership Award from Big Brothers Big Sisters

Dawn was also featured on Oprah Daily’s Power Shift program for her work supporting Dress for Success, a global nonprofit dedicated to helping women achieve economic independence.

Why Dawn’s Story Matters in Show Her the Money

Dawn Lafreeda did not have access to venture capital funding when she was growing her business—because, like most women entrepreneurs, she wasn’t given the same financial opportunities as her male counterparts. She had to build her empire without the kind of investments readily available to men.

Her story perfectly exemplifies why Show Her the Money is such a crucial film. The documentary not only highlights how difficult it is for women to secure funding, but it also spotlights the investors who are changing the system. Women like Dawn deserve access to capital, mentorship, and support—because when women succeed, entire communities benefit.

Join Us for the Show Her the Money Screening on March 8th

Dawn’s story, along with those of other trailblazing women investors and entrepreneurs, will be featured at the Louisville screening of Show Her the Money on March 8th at 6:30 PM, hosted by Woman-Owned Wallet and The B Scene, and presented by Republic Bank.

With Louisville’s skyline as a backdrop, the event will bring together business leaders, investors, and advocates committed to closing the gender investment gap and funding more women.

Women Entrepreneurs Deserve Funding. Now is the Time to Act.

Dawn Lafreeda’s journey proves that women don’t lack ambition, ideas, or work ethic—they lack access to capital. And when they receive the funding and opportunities they deserve, they build empires.

💡 Be part of the movement. Join us on March 8th at 6:30 PM for the Show Her the Money screening and help change the future of funding for women.

🚀 Learn more about Dawn Lafreeda and Show Her the Money at: showherthemoneymovie.com