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 - Total revenue for Q1 2026 grew by 12% compared to the previous year, while adjusted EBITDA increased by 15% [4] - Same-store sales were nearly flat at -0.4%, with retail revenue up 1.4% and league revenue up 2.1% [4] - Capital expenditures (CapEx) for the quarter were $26 million, down from $42 million a year ago, reflecting tighter capital allocation [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail foot traffic showed strength, finishing nearly 1.5% up, while league participation increased over 2% [10] - The offline events business, primarily corporate bookings, was down 11%, impacting total comps by approximately 160 basis points [4] - Food and beverage revenue increased by 10%, significantly outpacing overall retail growth of 1.4% [41] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced strong performance in markets outside California and Washington, where layoffs impacted corporate events [27] - The events business in New York, Texas, and Florida showed strong results, contrasting with the challenges faced in California [27] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on improving free cash flow through disciplined cost management and capital efficiency [5] - A strategic real estate investment was made, acquiring land and buildings for 58 locations for $306 million, enhancing flexibility and reducing future rent exposure [5] - The company aims to expand its brand presence, with plans to reach 100 rebranded locations by the end of 2026 [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the recovery of the events business, noting October was the strongest month of the year for both offline and total events [4] - The company anticipates same-store sales growth of 1-5% for the year, with expectations for stronger performance in the fourth quarter [16] - Management highlighted the importance of enhancing food and beverage offerings to drive customer engagement and revenue [41] Other Important Information - The company completed a $1.7 billion refinancing, extending debt maturities to 2032 at an average weighted cost of capital of 7% [5] - The acquisition of two water parks and three family entertainment centers is expected to generate returns above historical averages [6] Q&A Session Summary Question: What are the drivers of Q1's flat comp? - Management noted strength in retail and league categories, with league participation up over 2% and food and beverage revenue from league bowlers reaching all-time highs [10][11] Question: How should we think about same-store sales for the rest of the year? - Management guided for same-store sales to remain in the range of 1-5%, with stronger performance expected in the fourth quarter [16] Question: What is the status of the Lucky Strike rebrand? - The company is on track to reach 100 rebranded locations by the end of the year, with positive results from rebranded properties [24][25] Question: How is the events business performing geographically? - The events business is strong in New York, Texas, and Florida, but facing challenges in California due to layoffs [27] Question: What is the outlook for food and beverage revenue? - Food and beverage revenue increased by 10% without price increases, driven by improved attachments and product quality [41][47] Question: What is the focus for the remainder of the year regarding acquisitions? - The company is prioritizing organic growth and free cash flow, with a focus on internal improvements rather than new acquisitions unless they are exceptional opportunities [51]