看到长江日报近两天的"暗号餐馆"报道后，明建新很激动，他发现原来不是自己一个人在做这样的事。受其他爱心老板的启发，他决 定也公开贴出海报，让更多的人知晓。 A Z A F Y T T T T r and results of the results of the subject of the subject of the subject of the subject of the status and the secon F st and q | (1 文年 t the start n - I 0 7 the 千 E 【匀 R - 这儿 ul 42 T ilo । रू un do the local of the profes 茗记热干面馆老板明建新。记者史强 摄 茗记热干面馆位于武汉民主一街。7月3日上午10时许，面馆老板明建新拿出刚打印好的海报，细心贴在门口显眼处。海报上写着，只 要到店对工作人员说出"热干面单人餐"这个"暗号"，就可以得到一份"管饱"的热干面套餐。对此，正在用餐的食客和路人纷纷伸出大拇 指。 明建新是新洲人，开这家面馆已有12年。30年前，家境贫寒的他曾到外地打工，但几天没找到工作，连 ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 increased 18% year over year to $35.3 million, driven primarily by volume gains and new customer expansions [20][21] - Gross profit rose 23.1% to $9.2 million, with gross margin improving to 26.1% from 25% in the same quarter last year [21][22] - Net income increased 123% to $1.2 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, compared to $0.6 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the prior year [22][23] - Cash and cash equivalents grew to $12 million from $7.2 million, driven by $6 million in cash flow from operations [23][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved significant operational efficiency improvements, particularly in chicken operations, with capacity more than doubling year over year [11][12] - Trade promotion investments increased to a record 6% of gross revenue, up from 2% in the previous quarter, reflecting a strategic focus on brand building [15][20] - The company reported that in-house trimming processes are running 35% ahead of plan, contributing to margin enhancements [12][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is benefiting from a shift towards deli prepared foods as consumers opt for supermarket prepared meals due to rising restaurant prices [9][10] - Recent data indicates that over two-thirds of shoppers have purchased deli prepared meals recently, with millennials and Gen Z driving growth [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its foundational four Cs strategy: cost, controls, culture, and catapult, aiming for operational excellence and market share gains [10][11] - Strategic investments in production capabilities and automation are expected to deliver meaningful returns and support sustainable growth [25] - The company is actively evaluating potential M&A opportunities to enhance category leadership and expand capabilities [19][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining double-digit growth rates despite macroeconomic challenges, citing strong demand from retailers [28][30] - The company is optimistic about gross margin improvements, supported by hedging strategies and operational efficiencies [32][34] - Management highlighted the importance of profitable growth and the need to balance trade promotion investments with margin targets [30][38] Other Important Information - The company has refined its acquisition criteria, focusing on targets that enhance capabilities and scale operations [54][56] - The company is seeing increased inbound interest for potential acquisitions, indicating a strong pipeline of opportunities [54][56] Q&A Session Summary Question: Growth rate expectations for the rest of the year - Management remains confident in achieving double-digit growth rates, supported by strong retailer demand and consumer trends [28][30] Question: Gross margin outlook amidst chicken price volatility - Management believes that operational efficiencies and hedging strategies will help maintain gross margins despite commodity volatility [32][34] Question: In-house chicken trimming capabilities - Management confirmed that achieving 100% in-house trimming is feasible within the year, with operational capabilities already in place [42][45] Question: Future capital expenditures - Management indicated that while there are no major capital projects planned, smaller investments will continue to support operational needs [46][48] Question: M&A criteria changes - Management clarified that the focus remains on acquiring deli companies with manufacturing capabilities, with a strong pipeline of opportunities [54][56] Question: Costco promotions and opportunities - Management confirmed ongoing discussions for additional promotions with Costco and expressed optimism about the club channel's growth potential [60][62] Question: Pricing strategy and implementation - Management refrained from providing specific quantification on pricing changes but emphasized collaborative efforts with customers to maintain margins [66][68] Question: Update on Walmart, Kroger, and Target rollouts - Management reported positive progress with Walmart and ongoing discussions with Kroger and Target, highlighting the importance of diversifying customer relationships [74][76]