Alicia Kelso

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

During Texas Roadhouse’s fourth quarter earnings call in February, executives shared concerns that a “breathtaking” confluence of factors — from inclement weather to high RSV and influenza cases — were impacting the beginning of Q1 and keeping sales flat. Not to worry. The chain rebounded and then some during the quarter, reporting a 9.6% increase in total revenue, to $1.45 million, and a same-store sales increase of 3.5%.

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Applebee’s was having a hard time finding much traction in 2024, despite pushing out promotions such as 50-cent mozzarella sticks and bringing back the Dollarita. Midway through the year, consumers starkly shifted their habits — becoming more discerning while seeking out holistic value. It forced Applebee’s to shift its strategy.

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Potbelly’s 0.9% same-store sales growth in the first quarter was “well ahead of expectations,” according to chief executive officer Bob Wright, and included shop-level margin expansion to 13.7%, an increase of 20 basis points versus last year. Further, systemwide sales were up approximately 4.8% year-over-year. During the company’s earnings call Wednesday after market, Wright said these results were driven in large part by its menu and “one, two, three punch” value strategy.

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Krispy Kreme’s shares plunged by nearly 25% early Thursday as the company reported weaker-than-expected first quarter earnings results. The company also pulled its full-year outlook and suspended its quarterly dividend so it could focus most of its efforts on paying down debt and strengthening the balance sheet. Cash and cash equivalents fell by more than $10 million at the end of the quarter to $18.7 million, while long-term debt increased by 10% to $935 million.

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Last year wasn’t too kind to Applebee’s. The company continued to turn in consecutive quarters of negative sales, with a same-store sales average of -4.25%. It watched its main competitor Chili’s dominate headlines with head-turning performances. And it lost some traction among value-seeking consumers — its core demographic — forcing an adjustment in the third and fourth quarters.