P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. said Monday its data breach, originally reported in June, has been contained, but credit card data may have been stolen from 33 of its full-service domestic Bistro restaurants.
In an update on its security microsite, the Scottsdale, Ariz.-based company said the earliest suspected breach occurred on Oct. 19 at some locations. The company said no fast-casual Pei Wei Asian Diner-branded restaurants were affected.
“The security compromise has been contained, and P.F. Chang's has been processing credit and debit card data securely at all locations since June 11,” said Rick Federico, chief executive of P.F. Chang’s, in a statement.
The 33 suspected restaurants across the United States and the dates regarding when data may have been compromised are listed on the website.
The company is also providing identity protection services to affected guests.
“We are committed to providing support and resources, including complimentary identity protection services, for all guests that may potentially be affected by the security compromise,” Federico said.
The company said the U.S. Secret Service first alerted it to the possible breach on June 10.
“An investigation into this incident was immediately initiated,” the company said. “Our team, including third-party forensics experts, has been working continuously to understand the nature and scope of the incident. This investigation is ongoing.”
P.F. Chang’s said it has been processing credit and debit card data securely since June 11, when the company immediately returned to using alternative manual-imprint credit card readers.
“The potentially stolen credit and debit card data includes the card number and in some cases also the cardholder's name and/or the card's expiration date,” the company said.
The company urged its customers to review credit card account statements for unusual activity, notify their credit card companies of any suspicious charges and monitor their credit reports.
P.F. Chang’s also established a confidential hotline to answer customer questions. That line, (877) 412-7152, is available Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Central Daylight Time.
At the end of 2013, the company had 211 U.S. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro units and sales of about $899.6 million, according to Nation’s Restaurant News’ Top 100 research. At the end of the same period, sister concept Pei Wei Asian Diner had 199 units, including eight franchised locations and systemwide U.S. sales of $332.6 million.
P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is owned by Centerbridge Partners L.P., a private-equity firm.
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