Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for the fiscal first quarter were $73.5 million, compared to $64.5 million in the prior year period, representing a year-over-year increase of approximately 12.4% [9] - Comparable sales growth was negative 2.5%, with a negative traffic of 2.5% and flat price and mix [9] - Adjusted net loss was $2.8 million, or negative $0.23 per share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $1 million, or negative $0.08 per share in the prior year quarter [13] - Restaurant-level operating profit as a percentage of sales was 15.1%, compared to 18.2% in the prior year quarter [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened four new restaurants in the first quarter and has 10 units under construction, including locations in new markets [7] - Labor as a percentage of sales improved to 32.5% from 32.9% in the prior year period due to operational initiatives [6] - Cost of goods as a percentage of sales increased to 29.9% from 29% in the prior year quarter, impacted by tariffs [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales in the West Coast market were negative 2.8%, while the Southwest market saw negative 2.7% [9] - The company expects full-year costs to stabilize around 30% after considering tariffs and menu price adjustments [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to open 16 new restaurants in fiscal 2026, maintaining an annual unit growth rate above 20% [13] - Marketing efforts include a campaign with Kirby, coinciding with the release of Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2, and the introduction of a reservation system decoupled from the rewards program [7][8] - The company is focused on aggressive cost management, reducing G&A as a percentage of sales by 80 basis points on an adjusted basis [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving positive comparable sales for the year, citing strong performance in November and December [25] - The company anticipates that the pricing taken in November will continue to support sales growth and improve traffic [25] - Management noted that the broader industry is showing signs of improvement, which is encouraging for future performance [53] Other Important Information - The company has $78.5 million in cash, cash equivalents, and investments, with no debt [13] - General and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 13%, down from 13.5% in the prior year quarter [11] Q&A Session Summary Question: What led to the decision to decouple the reservation system from loyalty? - Management noted that more than half of visits by rewards members are through the reservation system, indicating better-than-expected uptake [20] Question: Do you expect positive comps in the February quarter? - Management confirmed expectations for positive comps in Q2, supported by strong performance in November and December [25] Question: How long would it take for tariff relief to impact financials? - Management indicated it would take 60 to 90 days to see benefits from reduced tariffs due to inventory turnover [30] Question: Can you comment on the impact of tariffs on other expense lines? - Management stated that tariffs have significantly impacted promotional costs, particularly for items sourced from overseas [100] Question: How are rewards members performing in terms of spending? - Management reported that rewards members spend about $6 more per person compared to non-members, with a significant increase in visit frequency [75] Question: What are the future planned promotions for the year? - Upcoming promotions include Sanrio for February and Jujutsu Kaisen for March and April [108]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q1 2026 were $73.5 million, up from $64.5 million in the prior year, with comparable sales growth of negative 2.5% [5][10] - Cost of goods sold as a percentage of sales increased to 29.9% from 29% in the prior year quarter, influenced by tariffs [5][11] - Labor costs as a percentage of sales decreased to 32.5% from 32.9% in the prior year, due to operational initiatives [5][11] - Net loss for the quarter was $3.1 million, or negative $0.25 per share, compared to a net loss of $1 million, or negative $0.08 per share in the prior year [12][13] - Adjusted net loss was $2.8 million, or negative $0.23 per share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $1 million, or negative $0.08 per share in the prior year [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened four new restaurants in Q1 2026, with ten more under construction [6] - Restaurant-level operating profit as a percentage of sales was 15.1%, down from 18.2% in the prior year quarter [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales in the West Coast market were negative 2.8%, and in the Southwest market, they were negative 2.7% [10] - Effective pricing for the quarter was 3.5%, with expectations for the second quarter to be 4.5% [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to open 16 new restaurants in fiscal 2026, maintaining an annual unit growth rate above 20% [14] - The company is focusing on aggressive cost management, reducing G&A as a percentage of sales by 80 basis points on an adjusted basis [4] - Marketing efforts include a campaign with Kirby, coinciding with the release of Kirby Air Riders for Switch 2, and the introduction of a reservation system [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving qualitative comparable sales for the year, with expectations for positive comps in Q2 [4][23] - The company noted that the first quarter created a strong foundation for growth, with momentum continuing into December [5][23] - Management acknowledged the impact of tariffs on costs but expressed optimism about negotiations with suppliers mitigating some of the pressures [28][81] Other Important Information - The company has $78.5 million in cash and no debt, indicating strong liquidity [13] - General and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales were 13%, down from 13.5% in the prior year quarter [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on decoupling the reservation system from loyalty - Management reported that over half of visits by rewards members are through the reservation system, indicating better-than-expected uptake [19] Question: Expectations for Q2 comps - Management expects positive comps for Q2, citing strong performance in November and December [23] Question: Impact of tariffs on food costs - Management indicated that it takes 4-6 months to see the impact of tariff changes on food costs due to inventory cycles [27] Question: Future promotions and collaborations - Management confirmed ongoing promotions with Kirby and upcoming collaborations with Sanrio and Jujutsu Kaisen [88] Question: Long-term growth target - Management did not revise the long-term growth target of 300 units in the U.S. but will provide updates as necessary [78]

Why This Matters to Investors Spending at restaurants may not change dramatically for a few months, according to market watchers. The impact of some potential catalysts, such as the World Cup and tax code changes, likely won't emerge until spring or summer. Chipotle was a top restaurant investment pick for both Oppenheimer and Deutsche Bank, who say more limited- time offers and fresh sauces may drive diners to its restaurants. The restaurant's new high-protein menu, with smaller, lower-cost options, may al ...

Company to host fireside chat and investor meetings at the 28th Annual ICR ConferenceIRVINE, Calif., Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (“Kura Sushi” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRUS), a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept, today announced financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended November 30, 2025. Fiscal First Quarter 2026 Highlights Total sales were $73.5 million, compared to $64.5 million in the first quarter of 2025;Comparable restaurant sales decreased 2.5% for ...

Restaurant operators are navigating a market shaped by shifting consumer preferences, inflation-driven cost pressures and intense competition tied to location, pricing and labor availability. In this setting, Nathan's Famous, Inc. (NATH) and Ark Restaurants Corp. (ARKR) stand out as two consumer-facing food companies with brand-led foundations, but very different operating models that shape their risk and earnings profiles. Nathan’s Famous is primarily engaged in marketing its brand and selling products thr ...

Key Takeaways BROS reported elevated new shop productivity and record system-wide AUVs during Q3 2025.BROS cited transaction growth and positive customer reception in newer Midwest and Southeast markets.BROS highlighted operational investments and higher Order Ahead adoption supporting throughput.Dutch Bros Inc. (BROS) highlighted elevated new shop productivity during the third quarter of 2025, citing record system-wide AUVs and strong customer demand in newer markets, including the Midwest and Southeast. M ...

Key Takeaways Chipotle plans 350-370 new restaurants in 2026, accelerating unit growth well above historical opening levels.CMG reports new locations deliver about 80% first-year sales productivity and roughly 60% year-two returns.Chipotle says cannibalized restaurants typically recover within 12-13 months as expansion continues.Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (CMG) is entering a period of accelerated unit expansion, with management guiding to 350-370 new restaurant openings in 2026, marking a notable step-up ...

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The most talked about and market moving research calls around Wall Street are now in one place. Here are today's research calls that investors need to know, as compiled by The Fly.Top 5 Upgrades: Barclays upgraded Wayfair (W) to Overweight from Equal Weight with a price target of $123, up from $104. The company's market share accelerated in 2025 and should continue in 2026, the firm tells investors in a research note. Oppenheimer upgraded McDonald's (MCD) to Outperform from Perform with a $355 price ta ...

The Beloved Brand Expands Massachusetts Footprint with Boylston Street Opening First Watch Debuts on Boylston Street First Watch has officially opened its first downtown Boston location in the Back Bay neighborhood Breakfast, Brunch, Boston The downtown Boston restaurant features a Back Bay-inspired mural created exclusively for the Boylston Street location BOSTON, Jan. 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch, the leading daytime dining brand known for its chef-driven breakfast, brunch and lunch men ...