Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Cheesecake Factory reported total revenues of $907 million for Q3 2025, finishing near the midpoint of the guidance range [11] - Adjusted net income margin was 3.7%, exceeding the high end of the guidance [12] - GAAP diluted net income per share was $0.66, while adjusted diluted net income per share was $0.68 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales at The Cheesecake Factory restaurants increased by 0.3%, with total sales reaching $651.4 million, up 1% from the prior year [4][12] - North Italia's total sales were $83.5 million, up 16% from the prior year, with comparable sales declining by 3% [10][12] - Flower Child experienced a 7% increase in comparable sales, translating into annualized AUVs of $4.6 million [10][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Cheesecake Factory's annualized unit volumes averaged over $12 million [4] - North Italia's annualized AUVs reached $7.3 million [9] - Flower Child's restaurant-level profit margins improved by 140 basis points year over year to 17.4% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open as many as 25 new restaurants in 2025 and 26 new restaurants in 2026, focusing on delivering exceptional food and service [6][17] - The strategic focus on menu innovation is seen as a key differentiator, with new menu offerings resonating well with consumers [5][8] - The company aims to enhance the guest experience through a dedicated rewards app, expected to launch in the first half of 2026 [78] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted a softer macro and consumer environment but emphasized stable overall performance and healthy demand for their concepts [4][20] - The company anticipates total revenues for Q4 2025 to be between $940 million and $955 million, reflecting a cautious outlook due to recent industry trends [15] - Management expressed confidence in navigating the dynamic macro environment, citing strong execution and a resilient business model [20] Other Important Information - The Cheesecake Factory's restaurant-level profit margin increased by 60 basis points year over year to 16.3% [5] - The company returned $13.8 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases [12] - Total available liquidity at the end of the quarter was approximately $556.5 million [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the caution in consumer behavior? - Management indicated that the caution is primarily related to traffic trends, with stable day parts but a slight decline in overall traffic [22] Question: Can you provide the breakdown of comps for The Cheesecake Factory and North Italia? - For The Cheesecake Factory, pricing was about 4%, traffic was negative 2.5%, and mix was positive [24] - For North Italia, pricing was 4%, mix was negative 1%, and traffic was negative 6% [25] Question: What is the outlook for commodity inflation in Q4? - Commodity inflation was flat in Q3, but is expected to rise to about 2% in Q4, primarily driven by beef prices [27] Question: How is the company addressing the lower price points in the menu? - Management plans to continue promoting lower price point items and menu innovation to attract customers [32] Question: Are there any changes in labor demand and retention? - The company has not seen changes in labor demand and continues to experience strong applicant flow and low turnover [75] Question: What are the expectations for the loyalty program and app? - The loyalty program is expected to contribute positively in 2026, with the app aimed at enhancing guest experience and engagement [82]