Strong Free Cash FlowSustained, growing free cash flow provides durable internal funding for store investment, maintenance, and selective expansion without heavy external financing. This strengthens resilience through cycles, supports shareholder returns, and enables reinvestment in customer experience.
Improving LeverageA steadily lower debt-to-equity ratio materially improves financial flexibility and reduces interest exposure. For a restaurant chain, this enables more conservative balance-sheet management, funding for remodels/franchise support, and less vulnerability to cost-of-debt shocks.
Solid Operating And Net MarginsMargins well above many casual-dining peers indicate operational efficiencies, pricing power, and favorable unit economics. Persistent margin strength supports return on capital, ability to absorb inflationary cost increases, and long-term profitability sustainability.