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For the second quarter ended Jan. 29, Cracker Barrel reported a same-store sales decrease of 21.9%, blaming COVID-19 spikes, dining room closures and restrictions around the holidays. The company was beginning to test virtual brands in late February.
For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 3, Domino’s reported same-store sales growth of 11.2% for its U.S. stores and 7.3% internationally. The brand had strong delivery momentum but a pressured carryout business.
For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 3, Wendy’s reported a same-store sales increase of 4.7% globally and 5.5% in the United States. The brand was continuing to bank on breakfast, expecting the daypart to grow to 10% of the sales mix by the end of 2021 from 7% in Q4.
For the fourth quarter ended Jan. 3, Fiesta Restaurant Group reported same-store sales decreases of 8.2% at Pollo Tropical and 10% at Taco Cabana. For both brands, this represented an improvement over the third quarter.
For the third quarter ended Dec. 31, Dine Brands Global reported a same-store sales decrease of 30.1% at IHOP and 17.6% at Applebee’s. Dine Brands’ CEO John Peyton in early March predicted a “restaurant renaissance” this summer.
For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 31, El Pollo Loco reported a same-store sales decrease of 0.2%, including a 3% decline for company-owned restaurants and a 1.8% increase for franchised restaurants. The brand was leaning into digital, including GPS-based curbside pickup, to speed service times.
For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 29, Del Taco reported a systemwide same-store sales increase of 3.8%. Company-owned stores had a 0.6% increase, while franchised stores had a 7.5% increase. In January, the brand unveiled its new “Fresh Flex” prototype, expanding real estate options and offering third-party delivery pickup areas, double drive-thrus and parking for dining in cars.
For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 29, Noodles & Company reported a same-store sales decrease of 4.7%, though executives said they expected same-store sales to increase by mid-to-high single digits in the first quarter of 2021. The company raised its third-party delivery premium as costs cut into profits — customers who order via a third party now pay a 15% premium.
For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 27, Papa John’s reported a same-store sales increase of 13.% in North American restaurants and 21.4% in international units. The company said new products helped the brand pass $1 million in average unit volumes for the first time.
For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 27, Ruth’s Hospitality Group reported a same-store sales decrease of 39.7%. The company said sales trends improved in October, but that new COVID-related dining restrictions led to worse sales in November and December. At the end of 2020, 91% of company-owned restaurants were open.
For the fourth quarter ended Dec. 27, Red Robin reported a same-store sales decrease of 29%, primarily driven by restrictions in dining room capacities in key states. In early March, the company said it expects its Donatos pizza collaboration to reach most company-owned units by 2023, with the potential to generate $60 million in additional annual sales.
