The Habit Restaurants Inc. reported a 2-percent increase in first-quarter same-store sales at company-owned locations, saying Wednesday that external messaging about everyday value, quality and service has broadened the brand’s reach.
The same-store sales increase for the quarter ended March 29 included a 4.6-percent increase in average check at company-owned units, which was offset by a 2.6-percent decrease in transactions.
Net income was $3.4 million, or 10 cents per share, compared with $3 million, or 8 cents per share, a year ago.
Revenue was $67 million for the quarter, rising from $54.6 million.
Russ Bendel, The Habit Restaurants president and CEO, said 2016 was off to a good start.
“During the quarter, we focused our external messaging on our everyday value, quality and service that has really been the hallmark of The Habit brand,” Bendel said. “To that end, we expanded our social media channels with very targeted engagement campaigns that have allowed us to expand our reach and increase awareness of limited-time offerings, as well as our everyday value positioning.”
The Irvine, Calif.-based chain also tripled its email database of CharClub members.
The company opened three Habit Burger Grill restaurants during the quarter, and plans to open 30 to 32 units for the year, along with the opening of four to six franchised locations. The chain ended the quarter with 145 restaurants in California, Arizona, Utah, New Jersey, Florida, Idaho, Virginia, Nevada and Washington.
For the year, Habit expects revenue between $286 million and $290 million, and a same-store sales increase of about 3 percent.
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