Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a positive same-store sales comp of +0.3% and total revenue growth of +2.3% for the December quarter, driven by strength in retail and league businesses [4] - The company experienced a drag from the events business, which had been a significant issue in previous quarters, but showed improvement in January with strong double-digit results [4][5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail comp was just shy of 2% at 1.7%, while retail food sales grew by 10.9%, and retail non-alcoholic comp increased by 26.2% [28] - The events business, previously a drag, has shown organic growth in January and February, contributing positively to overall performance [11][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed on the acquisition of Raging Waters, the largest water park in California, which is expected to contribute significantly to EBITDA in the upcoming quarters [7] - The company operates approximately 100 Lucky Strike locations and plans to sunset the Bowlero brand by the end of the calendar year, simplifying its portfolio [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting towards a balanced approach that emphasizes both same-store sales growth and EBITDA expansion, with more targeted investments [6] - A refreshed AMF look is planned for rollout later this year, aiming to strengthen the brand's value-oriented offering and differentiate it from Lucky Strike [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving guidance despite challenges, citing strong January results and a favorable comp environment for the upcoming months [11][46] - The company is focused on optimizing costs and improving margins, particularly in the water park segment, which is expected to contribute positively in the fourth quarter [46] Other Important Information - The company made significant investments in marketing, resulting in a 200% increase in media impressions and a 28% increase in online revenue year-over-year [24] - The introduction of server tablets in locations has led to a 7% increase in average check size, indicating positive impacts from technology investments [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why didn't the company lower EBITDA guidance for the full year? - Management remains confident in achieving guidance due to improvements in the events business and strong performance in retail and leagues [10][11] Question: What was the impact of the corporate events business on margins in the second quarter? - Direct drags included a $6 million increase in center payroll and a $4 million increase in marketing investment, which affected profitability [15] Question: What initiatives have been made to rebuild the events business? - The company implemented dynamic pricing strategies and improved marketing partnerships, which have positively impacted the events business [19][20] Question: How did food and beverage sales trend during the quarter? - Retail food sales outperformed, while alcohol sales were down, prompting a shift towards zero-proof beverage offerings [28][29] Question: What are the prospects for growth in the water parks? - The company has plans for expansions and improvements in water parks, with expectations for significant revenue increases from these investments [50][52]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a positive same-store sales comp of +0.3% and total revenue growth of +2.3% for the December quarter [4] - The events business showed its best performance in years, ending nearly flat for the quarter, indicating a turnaround [4][5] - Investments in payroll, marketing, and activity levels were made to drive traffic, although not all spending generated the expected ROI, particularly in incremental labor [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail and leagues performed well, contributing to the overall revenue growth, while the events business began to recover [4] - Retail comp was reported at 1.7%, with food sales outperforming at +10.9%, while alcohol sales were down by 4.7% [29] - The company is focusing on a zero-proof beverage program, which has shown positive results, and plans to introduce new offerings like Dirty Soda and Boba drinks [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed on the acquisition of Raging Waters, which is expected to contribute significantly to EBITDA in the upcoming quarters [6] - The company operates approximately 100 Lucky Strike locations and plans to sunset the Bowlero brand by the end of the calendar year, simplifying its portfolio [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is shifting towards a balanced approach that emphasizes both same-store sales growth and EBITDA expansion, with more targeted investments [5] - A refreshed AMF look is planned for rollout later this year, aiming to strengthen its value-oriented offering and differentiate it from Lucky Strike [8] - The company aims to build critical mass in the Lucky Strike brand, expecting to reach 200 locations by the end of 2026, which will enhance marketing efforts [63][64] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in achieving EBITDA guidance despite challenges, citing strong performance in retail and leagues as well as a turnaround in the events business [10][12] - The company anticipates significant seasonal lift to earnings from its water parks and family entertainment centers as summer approaches [6][46] - Management acknowledged the impact of recent snowstorms on revenue but remains optimistic about the overall performance moving forward [70] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in marketing, resulting in a 200% increase in media impressions and a 28% increase in online revenue year-over-year [22] - The company is focused on optimizing labor costs and marketing efficiency to improve profitability [35][38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why didn't the company lower EBITDA guidance for the full year? - Management expressed confidence in achieving guidance due to a turnaround in the events business and strong performance in retail and leagues [10][11] Question: What were the main drags on margins in the second quarter? - Direct drags included increased payroll costs, marketing investments, and labor inefficiencies [15] Question: What initiatives have been made to rebuild the events business? - Dynamic pricing strategies were implemented, which helped recover from previous declines in the events business [19][20] Question: How did food and beverage sales trend during the quarter? - Retail food sales grew by 10.9%, while alcohol sales were down, prompting a shift towards zero-proof beverage offerings [29][30] Question: What are the prospects for growth in the water parks? - The company has plans for expansions and improvements in its water parks, which are expected to yield high returns [51][55] Question: How should investors think about the next 50 Lucky Strike conversions? - The upcoming conversions are expected to follow a similar pattern to the first 100, with a focus on building brand presence in various markets [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 of fiscal 2024, comparable store sales decreased by 9.4% year-over-year on a like-for-like basis [32] - Revenue for the quarter was $535 million, with a net income of $9 million, or $0.25 per diluted share, and adjusted net income of $27 million, or $0.69 per diluted share [32] - Adjusted EBITDA was $127 million, resulting in an adjusted EBITDA margin of 23.8% [32] - Operating cash flow for the quarter was $108.9 million, ending with $6.9 million in cash and $503.5 million available under a $650 million revolving credit facility [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is focusing on a "back to basics" strategy, unwinding previous leadership's changes in marketing, operations, and menu offerings [11][15] - The reintroduction of TV advertising and the classic eat and play combo promotion has shown positive results in increasing check sizes [17][18] - The company completed 44 remodels under its program, with a more measured approach planned for the first half of 2025 [21][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened five new stores in Q4, totaling 14 new stores for fiscal 2024, including its first international franchise location in India [28][29] - The company has entered into 35 franchise partnership agreements, anticipating at least six additional franchise units to open in the next 12 months [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The current leadership is focused on improving revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow through strategic changes and operational improvements [12][13] - The company plans to open 10 to 12 new stores in fiscal 2025, with a renewed focus on high ROI initiatives and a more disciplined remodel program [39][40] - The leadership acknowledges the need to enhance competitive differentiation while correcting past mistakes [82] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about improving trends in March and April, indicating a recovery from the fourth quarter's performance [12][44] - The leadership is aware of macroeconomic challenges but believes that strengthening the business will mitigate these effects [78][114] - The company is committed to converting operating cash flow into free cash flow while maintaining a strong balance sheet [114] Other Important Information - The company repurchased nearly 3 million shares for approximately $85 million in Q4, totaling 5 million shares for fiscal 2024 [34] - The company completed sale-leaseback transactions generating $111 million in proceeds, totaling approximately $185 million for fiscal 2024 [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Improvements seen in March and April - Management noted that March and April showed marked improvements in traffic and ticket sales, indicating a positive trend [44] Question: CapEx and leaseback cash against CapEx - Management confirmed that the $220 million CapEx guidance assumes typical tenant improvements and sale-leasebacks [50][53] Question: Back-to-basics strategy and cost structure implications - The strategy involves smarter spending on marketing and a focus on core offerings without significantly increasing costs [57][59] Question: Value proposition for the brand - Management is re-evaluating the gaming value proposition and testing ways to enhance guest experience while maintaining value [67] Question: Recent traffic and sales pressures breakdown - Management indicated that recent pressures were a mix of macroeconomic factors and self-inflicted issues, with a focus on correcting past mistakes [76] Question: Competitive environment and top-line struggles - Management believes that execution issues were the primary cause of struggles, rather than competitive pressures [98] Question: Lower-income consumer trends - Management noted that while trends were unfavorable for lower-income consumers, recent marketing efforts may help drive visitation from this demographic [88] Question: CapEx outlook and breakdown - Management provided flexibility in capital spending and indicated that they would tighten up the breakdown of CapEx categories in the coming weeks [92] Question: Remodel hurdle rates and TV advertising mix - The remodel hurdle rate is expected to be lowered to mid to high single digits, with a return to a 50% mix of TV advertising [110][108]