Cracker Barrel(CBRL) - 2025 Q3 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3, total revenue was $821.1 million, up 0.5% from the prior year quarter [21] - Restaurant revenue increased by 1.2% to$ 679.3 million, while retail revenue decreased by 2.7% to $141.8 million [22] - Comparable store restaurant sales grew by 1%, while comparable store retail sales decreased by 3.8% [22] - Adjusted EBITDA was$ 48.1 million, or 5.9% of total revenue, compared to $47.9 million, or 5.9% of total revenue in the prior year [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Restaurant cost of goods sold was 26.2% of restaurant sales, up from 25.9% in the prior year, primarily due to menu mix and commodity inflation [23] - Retail cost of goods sold was 48.9% of retail sales, down from 49% in the prior year, driven by higher vendor allowances [24] - Labor and related expenses were 37.1% of revenue, down from 37.8% in the prior year, due to improved productivity [25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Off-premise sales accounted for 19.1% of restaurant sales, compared to 18.9% in the prior year [22] - Pricing for the quarter was approximately 4.9%, consisting of 1.5% carry forward pricing from fiscal 2024 and 3.4% new pricing from fiscal 2025 [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on brand refinement and enhancing guest engagement through various initiatives, including partnerships and promotions [11][12] - The transformation plan is aimed at driving relevancy, delivering food and experiences guests love, and growing profitability [19] - The company is leveraging AI technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness across various operations [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged challenges in the macroeconomic environment but expressed confidence in executing the business and transforming for the future [18] - The company raised its guidance for total revenue and adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2025, reflecting positive trends and strong start to Q4 [30][31] Other Important Information - The company is actively working to mitigate tariff impacts, with approximately one-third of retail products sourced from China [17] - The board declared a quarterly dividend of$ 0.25 per share payable on August 13, 2025 [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: What does a strong start to Q4 mean in the context of the 1% restaurant same-store sales number reported in Q3? - Management noted improving trends from Q3 into Q4, particularly pleased with the Campfire promotion resonating with guests [33][34] Question: Can you provide more detail on managing expenses in Q3? - Management indicated that they adjusted discretionary expenses and G&A to align with the challenges faced in Q3 [35][36] Question: How do you view G&A as a percent of sales for the upcoming year? - Management stated that fiscal 2025 is an investment year, and G&A will return to historical levels as the transformation plan progresses [38] Question: Can you share average check size and mix benefits for Q3? - The average check was up 6.6% for the quarter, with 4.9% from pricing and 1.7% from mix [40][41] Question: What is the anticipated impact of tariffs on Q4? - Management expects a $5 million net tariff impact on Q4 EBITDA, with ongoing efforts to mitigate this through vendor negotiations and alternate sourcing [30][51] Question: Can you elaborate on the back of house optimization initiative? - The initiative aims to improve food quality and ease of operations, with expectations for benefits to flow through in Q4 and into fiscal 2026 [61][65] Question: What have you learned from the remodeling initiatives? - Management indicated that they will provide more insights in September regarding the impact of remodels and future plans [70]