Cracker Barrel(CBRL) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $845.1 million, up 2.6% YoY [34] - Restaurant revenues increased 3.4% to$ 683.3 million, while retail revenues decreased 0.8% to $161.8 million [34] - Comparable store restaurant sales increased 2.9% YoY, with pricing contributing approximately 4.7% [35] - Adjusted EBITDA was$ 45.8 million, or 5.4% of total revenue, compared to $43.9 million, or 5.3% of total revenue in the prior year quarter [47] - Hourly turnover improved by 17 percentage points [13] Business Line Performance - Off-premise sales accounted for 18.4% of restaurant sales [36] - Comparable store retail sales decreased 1.6% YoY, with declines in decor and toys categories partially offset by increases in kitchen food and bed and bath categories [37] - Retail cost of goods sold decreased by 70 basis points to 49.7% of retail sales, driven by higher vendor allowances and initial margin [39] Market Performance - The company outperformed the Black Box Casual Dining Industry by 290 basis points in comparable store sales [11] - Dinner traffic improved by over 600 basis points compared to the prior year quarter and 200 basis points compared to Q4 [20] - The Northeast and Midwest regions showed stronger performance, while Texas was relatively softer [141] Strategic Direction and Industry Competition - The company's transformation plan focuses on five pillars: refining the brand, enhancing the menu, evolving the store and guest experience, winning in digital and off-premise, and elevating the employee experience [15] - Menu innovation, including new items like Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie and Pot Roast, has driven traffic growth, particularly at dinner [17][20] - The company is testing and learning with remodels, with 25 to 30 remodels and 25 to 30 refreshes expected in FY 2025 [29] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management is optimistic about the progress of the transformation plan, with initiatives gaining traction and momentum [32] - The company expects total revenue of$ 3.4 billion to $3.5 billion for FY 2025, with pricing contributing approximately 5% [51] - Adjusted EBITDA for FY 2025 is expected to be between$ 200 million and $250 million, excluding consulting fees and proxy contest expenses [53] Other Important Information - The company declared a quarterly dividend of$ 0.25 per share, payable on February 12, 2025 [49] - Capital expenditures for FY 2025 are expected to be between $160 million and$ 180 million [55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thanksgiving Week Performance and Q2 Momentum [57] - Thanksgiving week results were in line with expectations, with a focus on improving the guest and employee experience [58][59] - The company is pleased with Q2 performance so far, with a focus on dine-in occasions [60] Question: Loyalty Program Performance [62] - The loyalty program has over 6 million members, with members visiting more frequently and spending more than non-members [63] - The program has shown success in driving incremental retail sales through targeted offers [64] Question: Efficiency Efforts and Back-of-House Optimization [67] - Initial efficiency efforts are focused on labor productivity and job satisfaction, with potential benefits in waste reduction and employee experience [69] - The company expects $50 million to$ 60 million in structural cost savings over three years [69] Question: Retail Business Outlook and Gross Margins [71] - The retail business faces industry headwinds but remains a key differentiator for the brand [72] - Retail margins were strong in Q1 but are expected to be slightly unfavorable for the full year due to industry challenges [77] Question: Gift Card Breakage and Atypical Items [80] - The $6 million gift card breakage benefit is a timing impact and will largely be offset in Q2 [83] - Atypical items, including reserve increases and legal settlements, resulted in a net drag of$ 3.3 million to EBITDA [86] Question: Remodel Program and Performance [93] - The company is testing different remodel tiers and refreshes, with 25 to 30 remodels and 25 to 30 refreshes planned for FY 2025 [96] - The company is focused on understanding the economics and efficacy of the remodel spend before making final decisions on the program's scope [97] Question: Menu Innovation and Marketing [103] - Menu innovation is driven by guest feedback and culinary team efforts, with new items like Pot Roast and Hashbrown Casserole Shepherd's Pie resonating strongly [104][108] - Marketing efforts are being refined under a new CMO, with a focus on targeted communication and loyalty program integration [114][115] Question: Average Check Growth and Value Perception [121] - Average check growth was 5.8% in Q1, with 4.7% from pricing and 1.1% from favorable mix [123] - The company's value proposition is supported by menu abundance and loyalty program benefits, with value scores improving [131][134] Question: Regional Performance and Remodel Initiatives [140] - Regional performance was steady, with stronger results in the Northeast and Midwest [141] - The company is in the early stages of its transformation plan, with some initiatives moving from "transform" to "run" status, such as pricing and loyalty [145][146]