Expansion Throughout Texas Proves Strong, Continued Growth in the StateCERRITOS, Calif., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. (“GEN” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: GENK), owner of GEN Korean BBQ, a fast-growing casual dining concept with an extensive menu and signature “grill at your table” experience, today announced the opening of its Waco, Texas location. This opening represents the Company’s 8th new restaurant in 2025. “Continuing our expansion in Texas is a result of our strong perf ...

Milestone Marks GEN’s Entry into Global Market and 50th Location, Signaling Strong Growth and Continued Expansion MomentumCERRITOS, Calif., June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. (“GEN” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: GENK), owner of GEN Korean BBQ, a fast-growing casual dining concept with an extensive menu and signature “grill at your table” experience, today announced the grand opening of its first international location in Ilsan, South Korea. “We are excited to return to our roots as we ...

Core Insights - GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. reported a strong start to 2025 with the opening of six new restaurants, including a dual-concept location in Austin, Texas, combining GEN Korean BBQ and Kan Sushi [4][8] - The company anticipates total revenue for the year to be between $245 million and $250 million, with a restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA margin projected between 17% and 18% [5][8] - Despite a cautious consumer spending environment, the company achieved a 13% increase in total revenue year-over-year for Q1 2025, reaching $57.3 million compared to $50.8 million in Q1 2024 [6][8] Financial Performance - Total revenue increased by 13.0% to $57.3 million in Q1 2025 compared to $50.8 million in Q1 2024 [6][8] - Restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.0% to $9.0 million from $8.4 million in the prior year [8] - The company reported a net loss before income taxes of $2.1 million, equating to $(0.06) per diluted share, compared to a net income of $3.8 million or $0.11 per diluted share in Q1 2024 [11][32] Operational Highlights - The company opened six new locations in Q1 2025, bringing the total to 49 locations across eleven states [8][25] - Comparable restaurant sales decreased by 0.7% in Q1 2025, a slight improvement from a 5.6% decline for all of 2024 [8][25] - The company has a robust development pipeline, aiming to open 12 to 13 new restaurants in fiscal 2025, including three international locations in South Korea [5][8] Cost and Expense Analysis - Total restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of revenue increased by 120 basis points to 88.0% in Q1 2025 from 86.8% in Q1 2024 [7][8] - General and administrative expenses increased to $5.6 million, or 9.8% of total revenue, reflecting increased personnel for new restaurant development and additional marketing expenditures [10][8] - Pre-opening expenses rose to $2.6 million in Q1 2025 from $1.9 million in Q1 2024 due to the opening of six new restaurants [17][8] Cash Position and Liquidity - As of March 31, 2025, the company had $15.4 million in cash and cash equivalents, with no material long-term debt and full access to a $20 million line of credit [13][8] - The company maintains a strong cash flow position, which supports its strategic priorities for growth [5][8]

Core Viewpoint - GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. will hold a conference call on May 13, 2025, to discuss its financial results for Q1 2025, which ended on March 31, 2025 [1] Company Overview - GEN Korean BBQ is one of the largest Asian casual dining restaurant concepts in the U.S., founded in 2011 by two Korean immigrants in Los Angeles [3] - The brand has expanded to over 40 company-owned locations, offering a unique dining experience where guests grill their own meals at the table [3] - The menu features traditional Korean and Korean-American dishes, including high-quality meats, poultry, seafood, and mixed vegetables [3] - The restaurant's modern décor and lively atmosphere create an engaging and interactive dining experience appealing to a broad demographic [3] Conference Call Details - The conference call will be hosted by Chairman and CEO David Kim and CFO Tom Croal, followed by a Q&A session [2] - Date and Time: May 13, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (2:00 p.m. Pacific time) [2] - Dial-in numbers: Toll-free 1-844-825-9789, International 1-412-317-5180, with Conference ID 10199261 [2] - A live webcast will be available, and a replay will be accessible through the investor relations section of the company's website [3]

Core Insights - GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. has opened its first location in North Carolina, marking a significant milestone in its strategic growth plan [2] - The new restaurant is located in Cary, strategically positioned to serve a thriving population in the Triangle region of North Carolina [2][3] - GEN Korean BBQ operates over 40 company-owned locations across the United States, offering a unique dining experience where guests grill their own meals at the table [3] Company Overview - GEN Korean BBQ is one of the largest Asian casual dining restaurant concepts in the U.S., founded in 2011 by two Korean immigrants in Los Angeles [3] - The restaurant features an extensive menu that includes traditional Korean and Korean-American dishes, focusing on high-quality meats, poultry, seafood, and mixed vegetables [3] - The dining experience is characterized by modern décor and a lively atmosphere, appealing to a broad segment of the population [3]

Core Viewpoint - GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. has announced a stock repurchase program authorizing the repurchase of up to $5.0 million worth of its Class A common stock, indicating confidence in its financial position and commitment to shareholder value [1][2]. Stock Repurchase Program - The stock repurchase program allows the company to buy back shares through various means, including open market transactions and privately negotiated transactions, with the timing and number of shares to be determined at the company's discretion [2]. - The program may be suspended or discontinued at any time, and there is no obligation for the company to acquire a specific number of shares [1][2]. Trading Plan - The company plans to adopt a trading plan in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act, which will allow for repurchases during periods when the company might otherwise be restricted from trading due to insider trading laws [3]. - This trading plan will be managed by an independent broker and will adhere to specific price, market volume, and timing restrictions [3]. Company Overview - GEN Korean BBQ is one of the largest Asian casual dining concepts in the U.S., founded in 2011, with over 40 company-owned locations [4]. - The restaurant offers a unique dining experience where guests grill their own meals at the table, featuring a menu that includes traditional Korean and Korean-American dishes [4]. - The brand's modern décor and lively atmosphere cater to a broad demographic, enhancing its appeal in the casual dining market [4].