Name in a breakfast restaurant chain - NYT Mini-Crossword Clue
Introduction
Today's clue, "Name in a breakfast restaurant chain," from the NYT Mini-Crossword is a classic example of a straightforward trivia question. It tests your knowledge of popular American brands. These types of clues are common in mini puzzles, serving as accessible entry points into the grid.
Clue Analysis
The clue can be broken down into a few key parts:
- "Name": This signals that we are looking for a proper noun, likely a person's name.
- "in a... chain": This tells us the name is part of a larger corporate brand, not a standalone restaurant.
- "breakfast restaurant": This is the most significant qualifier, narrowing the field to establishments known primarily for morning meals.
The structure implies we need to identify a famous breakfast chain and then extract the name from its title. For example, if the chain were "Wendy's," the answer would be "WENDY."
Thinking Approaches
A good strategy here is to brainstorm a list of well-known breakfast-focused restaurant chains in the U.S.:
- IHOP (International House of Pancakes)
- Waffle House
- Denny's
- Perkins Restaurant & Bakery
- Cracker Barrel
Next, we filter this list based on the "Name" part of the clue. Which of these contains a common name?
- IHOP: No name here.
- Waffle House: No name here.
- Denny's: Yes, "Denny" is a common name.
- Perkins: Yes, "Perkin" is a name, though less common.
- Cracker Barrel: No name here.
Between "Denny's" and "Perkins," "Denny's" is arguably more famous and its signature breakfast, the "Grand Slam," is a cultural touchstone. In a crossword, especially a Mini, the most common and recognizable answer is usually the correct one. If you had any crossing letters, they would quickly confirm the right choice.
Background Context
Denny's is an American diner-style restaurant chain that started as a coffee shop called Danny's Donuts in 1953. To avoid confusion with another local chain, founder Harold Butler changed the name to Denny's Coffee Shops in 1959, and shortened it to just Denny's in 1961. It's famous for being open 24 hours a day and serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner around the clock.
Conclusion
This clue was a direct test of brand recognition. By mentally listing major breakfast chains and identifying the one containing a person's name, the solver can quickly arrive at the correct answer. It's a great reminder that sometimes the most straightforward interpretation is the right one.