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BJ’s tests beer subscriptions, ways to boost seating and off-premise salesBJ’s tests beer subscriptions, ways to boost seating and off-premise sales

Casual-dining brand CEO Greg Trojan says ‘road to post-COVID normalcy will not be a straight line’

Ron Ruggless, Senior Editor

October 23, 2020

4 Min Read
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BJ’s Restaurants Inc. is testing beer subscriptions and ways to increase seating within COVID-19 capacity restrictions, executives said Thursday.

The Huntington Beach, Calif.-based casual-dining chain reported same-store sales declines of 30.2% in the third quarter ended Sept. 29.

“While I’m pleased with our progress on many fronts, we realize the road to post-COVID normalcy will not be a straight line,” said Greg Trojan, BJ’s CEO, in an earnings call. “I do know, however, that when we get there, our guests will be back in our restaurants in full force. The will and desire to dine out, enjoying food in a social setting is one of life’s real joys.”

Trojan said he expects BJ’s to gain back pre-pandemic in-restaurant volumes, which it is worki...

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About the Author

Ron Ruggless

Senior Editor, Nation’s Restaurant News / Restaurant Hospitality

Ron Ruggless serves as a senior editor for Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News (NRN.com) and Restaurant Hospitality (Restaurant-Hospitality.com) online and print platforms. He joined NRN in 1992 after working 10 years in various roles at the Dallas Times Herald newspaper, including restaurant critic, assistant business editor, food editor and lifestyle editor. He also edited several printings of the Zagat Dining Guide for Dallas-Fort Worth, and his articles and photographs have appeared in Food & Wine, Food Network and Self magazines. 

Ron Ruggless’ areas of expertise include foodservice mergers, acquisitions, operations, supply chain, research and development and marketing. 

Ron Ruggless is a frequent moderator and panelist at industry events ranging from the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators (MUFSO) conference to RestaurantSpaces, the Council of Hospitality and Restaurant Trainers, the National Restaurant Association’s Marketing Executives Group, local restaurant associations and the Horeca Professional Expo in Madrid, Spain.

Ron Ruggless’ experience:

Regional and Senior Editor, Informa Connect’s Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Hospitality (1992 to present)

Features Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1989-1991)

Restaurant Critic and Food Editor – Dallas Times Herald (1987-1988)

Editing Roles – Dallas Times Herald (1982-1987)

Editing Roles – Charlotte (N.C.) Observer (1980-1982)

Editing Roles – Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald (1978-1980)

Email: [email protected]

Social media:

Twitter@RonRuggless

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ronruggless

Instagram: @RonRuggless

TikTok: @RonRuggless

 

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