GEN Restaurant Group’s Earnings Call: Expansion Amid Challenges

GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. Class A ((GENK)) has held its Q3 earnings call. Read on for the main highlights of the call.

GEN Restaurant Group’s recent earnings call painted a mixed picture, with the company demonstrating robust expansion efforts and innovative growth initiatives, yet facing significant challenges. The sentiment expressed during the call was one of cautious optimism, as the company navigates the hurdles of same-store sales decline, increased costs, and a net loss. While international and grocery store expansions are promising, the financial strains and current market conditions present considerable obstacles.

Expansion and Growth Initiatives

GEN Restaurant Group has made significant strides in its expansion and growth initiatives, opening 15 new restaurants in the first nine months of 2025, surpassing their initial estimates. With a total of 17 stores planned for the year, the company is also venturing into the grocery sector by launching ready-to-cook Korean branded meats in over 600 stores, which is expected to drive substantial revenue growth.

International Expansion

The company has successfully opened six new restaurants in South Korea, capitalizing on lower construction and operational costs compared to their U.S. counterparts. This international expansion is a strategic move to enhance profitability and brand presence overseas.

Gift Card Sales Success

GEN’s brand strength is evident in the strong sales of gift cards at 95 Costco locations and 92 Sam’s Club locations. This success underscores the company’s ability to leverage its brand for additional revenue streams.

Labor Efficiency

The company reported improved labor efficiency, achieving a decrease in payroll and benefits as a percentage of company restaurant sales by 196 basis points compared to the third quarter of the previous year. This improvement is a positive step towards cost management.

Same-Store Sales Decline

A significant challenge for GEN Restaurant Group is the 9.9% decline in same-store sales for the third quarter, primarily due to reduced customer traffic following global tariff announcements. This decline highlights the impact of external economic factors on the company’s performance.

Increased Costs and Net Loss

The company reported a net loss before income taxes of $3.9 million for the third quarter, reflecting the higher costs associated with new restaurant development and inflationary pressures. This financial strain is a critical area of concern.

Decreased Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA

Restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA decreased to 15% of total revenue, down from 18.2% in the third quarter of 2024. This decline indicates challenges in maintaining profitability amidst rising costs.

High Construction Costs

The cost of opening new stores in the U.S. remains high, at approximately $2.5 million each, which continues to impact the company’s profitability. Managing these costs is crucial for future growth.

Forward-Looking Guidance

Looking ahead, GEN Restaurant Group provided detailed guidance, reporting a 2.7% year-over-year increase in total revenue to $50.4 million, despite the drop in same-store sales. The company remains focused on its expansion efforts, with 57 restaurants now in operation, including six in South Korea. The new grocery store initiative is anticipated to generate over $100 million in annual revenue over the next four to five years. GEN projects full-year revenue of $220 million to $225 million, with a targeted annual run rate of approximately $250 million by the end of 2025.

In summary, GEN Restaurant Group’s earnings call reflects a company in transition, balancing strong expansion efforts with the challenges of declining same-store sales and increased costs. While the international and grocery store initiatives offer promising growth avenues, the company must navigate the financial strains and market conditions to achieve its ambitious goals.