Workflow
The Cheesecake Factory(CAKE) - 2024 Q4 - Annual Report

Company Operations - The Cheesecake Factory operates 334 restaurants across the U.S. and Canada, including 216 locations of The Cheesecake Factory, 37 North Italia, and 32 Flower Child[9]. - The company operates two bakery facilities producing cheesecakes and other baked goods for its restaurants and third-party customers[9]. - The company operates a total of 33 restaurants across various international locations, including 6 in the United Arab Emirates and 8 in Mexico[39]. - The company employs approximately 47,900 people, with about 46,250 in restaurants and the remainder in corporate support and bakery operations[57]. - The company has dedicated corporate personnel to support international development and operations, emphasizing the importance of training for licensees[148]. Financial Performance - The Cheesecake Factory's average sales per restaurant for fiscal 2023 were approximately 12.2million,withaveragesalesperproductivesquarefootatabout12.2 million, with average sales per productive square foot at about 1,132[27]. - The average check per customer, including beverages and desserts, was approximately 30.54duringfiscal2023[20].NorthItaliarestaurantsachievedaveragesalesofapproximately30.54 during fiscal 2023[20]. - North Italia restaurants achieved average sales of approximately 7.8 million per location for fiscal 2023, with an average check of 33.60forlunchand33.60 for lunch and 43.25 for dinner[45]. - Flower Child restaurants reported average sales of approximately 4.1millionperlocationforfiscal2023,targeting154.1 million per location for fiscal 2023, targeting 15% to 20% average annual unit growth[46]. - The company recorded impairment of assets and lease terminations expense of 29.5 million during fiscal 2023, primarily related to three The Cheesecake Factory locations and one North Italia location[150]. Sales and Marketing - During fiscal 2023, alcoholic beverage sales accounted for 11% of total restaurant sales, while off-premise sales represented approximately 22%[15]. - Dessert sales accounted for approximately 17% of total sales during fiscal 2023, highlighting the importance of the company's dessert offerings[16]. - The Cheesecake RewardsTM program was launched nationally in 2023 to enhance customer engagement and drive incremental sales[71]. - The company generated approximately 15.1 billion media impressions in fiscal 2023 at minimal cost, leveraging public relations and social media strategies[72]. Expansion Plans - The company aims to expand its brand internationally and grow its other concepts, including North Italia and Flower Child[5]. - The company plans to open as many locations as possible that meet its site selection criteria, targeting approximately 300 company-owned restaurants domestically over time[23]. - The company plans to expand its North Italia concept to approximately 200 domestic locations over time, supporting a 20% average annual unit growth[45]. - The company operates 32 Flower Child locations and targets approximately 15% to 20% average annual unit growth for this concept[46]. Cost and Inflation - The company faced significant commodity and wage inflation, impacting operating results and contributing to increased costs[12]. - The company has experienced inflationary cost pressures, leading to price increases above historical levels to maintain restaurant-level margins[125]. - The company implemented price increases above historical levels in fiscal years 2022 and 2023 to offset significant inflationary cost pressures[19]. - Significant labor cost inflation has been experienced, driven by low unemployment and increased minimum wages, which may continue to impact financial performance[98]. Risks and Challenges - The company has identified risks related to economic conditions, labor costs, and public health emergencies that could adversely affect financial performance[8]. - The company experienced significant cost inflation due to supply shortages and transportation delays, largely attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic and exacerbated by geopolitical unrest[65]. - The ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic events may lead to shifts in consumer behavior and further operational challenges, adversely affecting financial performance[103]. - The company faces risks related to food safety, including potential contamination and food-borne illnesses, which could lead to litigation and damage reputation[104]. Technology and Operations - The company has implemented technology solutions for inventory management, labor management, and guest payment security to improve operational efficiency[69]. - The company utilizes a data warehouse architecture to provide insights into key operational metrics and performance indicators[67]. - The company maintains a focus on food safety and quality assurance, with its bakery facilities certified under the Safe Quality Food program[77]. Employee Relations - The company has been recognized on Fortune magazine's list of "100 Best Companies to Work For®" in 2023 for the tenth consecutive year, reflecting its commitment to employee satisfaction[21]. - The company has a fiscal 2023 internal management promotion rate of 41%, reflecting its commitment to staff development[53]. Legal and Compliance - The company is subject to various federal, state, and local laws and regulations, impacting operations including health, sanitation, and labor[79]. - The company is subject to various legal proceedings, including class action lawsuits, which could result in significant legal fees and adversely impact financial performance[154]. - The company faces potential legal liabilities and penalties related to data protection and privacy laws, which could adversely affect financial performance[166]. Financial Structure - The company completed the offering of 345.0millioninconvertibleseniornotesandissued345.0 million in convertible senior notes and issued 175.0 million in common stock, using net proceeds to fund approximately 457.3millionfortheconversionofSeriesAconvertiblepreferredstock[178].AsofJanuary2,2024,thecompanyhadapproximately457.3 million for the conversion of Series A convertible preferred stock[178]. - As of January 2, 2024, the company had approximately 475 million in consolidated indebtedness, which may limit its ability to obtain additional financing and increase vulnerability to adverse economic conditions[179]. - The company is subject to financial covenants under its Revolver Facility, including a maximum net adjusted debt to EBITDAR ratio of 4.25 and a minimum EBITDAR to interest and rent expense ratio of 1.90[175].