Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The first quarter same-store sales for Jack in the Box decreased by 6.7%, with franchise restaurant same-store sales down 7% and company-owned same-store sales down 4.7% [17] - Jack's restaurant level margin percentage decreased to 16.1%, down from 23.2% [17] - Consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $68.2 million, down from $88.8 million in the prior year [23] - Earnings from continuing operations were $14.4 million for the first quarter of 2026, compared to $31 million for the same quarter a year ago [22] - GAAP diluted earnings per share from continuing operations for the first quarter was $0.75, compared to $1.61 in the same period of the prior year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Franchise level margin was $84.1 million or 38.6% of franchise revenues, compared to $97.1 million or 40.9% a year ago [19] - There were 6 restaurant openings and 14 restaurant closures in the quarter [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Food and packaging costs as a percentage of sales were 29.7% for the quarter, increasing 380 basis points from the prior year due to commodity inflation of 7.1% [18] - Labor costs as a percentage of sales were 35.3%, increasing 200 basis points from the prior year [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on simplifying the business and has made progress since the last quarter, including the sale of Del Taco and a significant paydown on debt [6][7] - The Jack OnTrack plan aims to bolster long-term financial performance by strengthening the balance sheet and positioning the company for sustainable growth [24] - The company is modernizing restaurants with cost-effective refreshes that improve curb appeal, generating modest sales lifts [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that Q1 results were choppy but broadly in line with expectations, with improvements starting in January [8] - The company expects steady improvement on the top line as it moves through 2026, focusing on fundamentals essential for sustainable growth [10] - Management remains confident that actions taken will lead to a stronger, more stable platform for growth [10] Other Important Information - The effective tax rate for continuing operations for the first quarter of 2026 was 32.4%, compared to 30% for the same quarter a year ago [22] - The company generated $10.9 million of proceeds from real estate sales in the first quarter, with associated gains of approximately $6.3 million [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Trends observed in January and impact of weather - Management noted that January showed meaningful improvements, with same-store sales performing better than in Q1, even factoring in weather impacts [31] Question: Chicago performance and labor inefficiencies - Management acknowledged ongoing challenges in Chicago, citing a tough labor market and the need to dial in operations after opening multiple restaurants [34] Question: Support for franchisees amid margin pressures - Management indicated that while franchisees are facing pressure on margins, they are not providing blanket assistance but are evaluating individual cases [40] Question: Price-value equation in the current environment - Management has been able to take more price on the company side while ensuring value for customers, including lowering prices on certain bundles [44] Question: Breakfast performance relative to competitors - Breakfast has remained consistent for the company, with all-day breakfast being a core offering [65] Question: Regional performance and California market challenges - Management noted that California has been challenging, impacting both sales and profitability due to labor pressures [84]