Despite a tough couple of months at the beginning of the year, Mike Shumsky, chief executive of CiCi’s Pizza, thinks the 625-unit pizza buffet chain is doing well considering the effects of the economy on the restaurant industry.

“Year to date, we’re about even, a little less than even [in] same-store sales, but we consider that actually a pretty good result from an industry perspective,” Shumsky said.

In March, a $3.99 anniversary all-you-can-eat buffet promotion set CiCi's on the road to recovery, and Shumsky said the company is building on that momentum.

Shumsky sat down with Nation’s Restaurant News to discuss how the economy has impacted CiCi's consumer base, and what the chain has done to respond.

Curious how 2010 is shaping up for other restaurant operators? Check out “In Their Own Words” in the June 28 issue of Nation's Restaurant News, page 110, for takes on the economy, business and consumers.