This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Over the past few years, Fat Brands built up a 19-brand portfolio through acquisitions of chains like Round Table Pizza and Johnny Rockets. But those deals came with a significant cost: over $1 billion in debt. While Fat was growing quickly, creating a development pipeline of 1,000 units, economic conditions soured. Consumers pulled back on spending, leading t ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $142 million, reflecting a 6.5% decrease from $152 million in the same period last year [12][30] - Adjusted EBITDA was $11.1 million compared to $18.2 million in the prior year quarter [13][32] - Net loss attributable to FAT Brands was $46 million or $2.73 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $38.3 million or $2.37 per share in the prior year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic system-wide sales outperformed international sales, with system-wide sales totaling $571.1 million, down 1.8% year-over-year [13] - The Casual Dining segment saw same-store sales increase approximately 1.6%, driven by Buffalo's Cafe and Ponderosa and Bonanza locations [14] - Factory revenue was off about 7%, attributed to lower same-store sales and the absence of Smoky Bones locations [53] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company observed an encouraging rebound in international locations towards the end of Q1, indicating potential for future growth [13] - Digital sales at Roundtable Pizza increased by 5% sequentially from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025 [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The growth strategy is based on three elements: organic expansion with over 1,000 new locations in the pipeline, strategic acquisitions, and enhancing production capabilities [14][15] - The company is focused on reducing leverage and improving cash flow, with plans to raise between $75 million and $100 million in equity in 2025 [10][11] - A remodeling initiative aims to refresh 5% of all stores in 2025, increasing to 10% in 2026 [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer confidence is mixed, with consumers being apprehensive and focused on value [40][41] - The company is optimistic about achieving its full annual equity target raise over the next twelve months despite current market volatility [10][11] - Management expects to see a significant reduction in litigation expenses in Q2 2025 [60] Other Important Information - The company has initiated a comprehensive executive search for a new CEO following the transition of Joe Hummel [9][73] - The foundation has awarded 10 grants in 2025, indicating a commitment to community engagement [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of cookie facility utilization increase - Management aims to increase the cookie facility's revenue from $15 million to $25 million annually with improved utilization [34][35] Question: Consumer focus on value - Management acknowledged that consumer confidence is event-driven and emphasized the importance of providing a great experience to justify prices [40][41] Question: Delay in equity raise post-Twin Peaks IPO - Management indicated that there is no immediate pressure to raise funds and is waiting for market conditions to improve [43][44] Question: Year-over-year impact of Smoky Bones - Management estimated a couple million dollars negative impact from Smoky Bones on adjusted EBITDA [66][67] Question: Timeline for new CEO search - Management stated that the executive search is progressing well and should conclude soon [73][74] Question: Incremental adjusted EBITDA from new stores and factory - Management expects to achieve the targeted incremental adjusted EBITDA over the next couple of years [76]