Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Denny's reported system-wide same restaurant sales of negative 1.3%, reflecting a sequential improvement of approximately 170 basis points from the first quarter [6][25] - Total operating revenue increased to $117.7 million compared to $115.9 million for the prior year quarter, driven by 12 additional Kiki's company cafes [33] - Adjusted net income per share was $0.09, with an effective income tax rate of 34.3% compared to 25.1% for the prior year quarter [36] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Denny's Company restaurants delivered flat same restaurant sales for the second quarter, while Kiki's achieved positive same restaurant sales of 4% compared to the prior year quarter [31][25] - Off-premise sales contributed a 1.5% improvement in same restaurant sales during Q2, representing 21% of total sales [10][28] - Kiki's average check increased approximately 6% during the second quarter, driven by pricing and off-premise growth [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The top four DMAs (Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Phoenix) represented nearly 30% of Denny's comp sales base but faced macroeconomic pressures, contributing to a reduction in system-wide same restaurant sales [7] - Denny's experienced a significant improvement in the 50,000 to 70,000 income cohort, indicating a shift in spending patterns [26][48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Denny's is focused on driving profitable traffic through value messaging and merchandising, with initiatives like the buy one, get one slam for a dollar deal [8][10] - The company is implementing a new points-based loyalty program aimed at increasing guest engagement and frequency [11][24] - Denny's is rationalizing its portfolio by closing underperforming restaurants, which has resulted in a franchise AUV increase of approximately 5% [12][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a choppy consumer environment with household incomes under pressure and volatile consumer sentiment [6][25] - There is optimism regarding the stabilization of the macro environment, which could positively impact sales initiatives [77] - The company expects to reach the low end of its same restaurant sales guidance range, supported by digital enhancements and strong off-premise sales [37][45] Other Important Information - Denny's opened three restaurants during the quarter and closed ten franchised restaurants, with average unit volumes of approximately one million dollars [28] - The company completed 14 remodels, bringing its company fleet to nearly 55 remodeled locations [29] - Denny's plans to resume share repurchases in the fourth quarter, aiming to achieve a guidance range of $15 to $25 million [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: What might July same store sales look like? - Management indicated that July has been volatile, but they are optimistic about achieving the lower end of the same store sales guidance due to upcoming initiatives [41][43] Question: Why did the 50,000 to 70,000 income cohort see the biggest improvement? - Management attributed this to effective promotions like the BOGO deal, which attracted new and lapsed users [48][49] Question: How is the value mix structured between everyday value and limited-time offers? - Management clarified that everyday value is crucial, but limited-time offers have also driven significant traffic, and they plan to continue testing new value propositions [53][56] Question: Can the buy one get one for $1 promotion return? - Management stated that while the promotion was successful, it was refreshed for summer with new offerings, but it could return depending on future conditions [91][93]