BJ’s Restaurants Inc. said on Thursday that its profits rose more than 21 percent in the first quarter ended March 29, as the company operated more efficient restaurants.
Net income was $11.6 million, or 48 cents per share, rising from $9.6 million, or 37 cents per share, in the same period last year.
“BJ’s generated solid … top and bottom line results as we again delivered positive comparable restaurant sales while improving efficiencies and executing our long-term new restaurant opening plan,” BJ's CEO Greg Trojan said in a statement.
Same-store sales rose 0.6 percent in the quarter, the seventh straight quarter of increases, and coming on top of a 3.2-percent increase a year ago.
The increase in sales, combined with productivity efforts, led to improved restaurant operating margins of 20.1 percent — up 120 basis points over last year.
Revenue rose 8.1 percent in the quarter, to $243.4 million, from $225.1 million the previous year.
Trojan said the company plans to add 18 to 19 new restaurants this year. The chain currently operates 175 casual-dining restaurants.
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