Revenue Growth
Total consolidated GAAP revenues increased 0.8% year-over-year to $212.8 million (from $211.1 million), helped by a fiscal calendar shift (New Year's Eve moved into FY2026) and contributions from new openings/conversions.
Adjusted EBITDA and Operating Income Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA rose 12.1% to $28.8 million year-over-year. Operating income increased approximately 30% to $13.9 million (from $10.7 million), driven by improved restaurant-level performance and lower integration costs.
Restaurant Operating Profit and Margin Improvement
Restaurant operating profit grew 11% to ~$40 million and restaurant operating profit margin expanded by 100 basis points to ~19% (19.1% excluding closed growth concepts), reflecting menu optimization, supply-chain efficiencies, and labor improvements.
Food Cost and COGS Improvement
Company-owned restaurant cost of sales improved by 140 basis points to 19.4% (from 20.8%), driven by contracted beef pricing, menu optimization, integration synergies and supply chain actions.
Strong Brand-Level Margin Gains
STK restaurant operating profit margins expanded ~280 basis points to 21%; Benihana margins improved ~130 basis points to 21%, indicating successful operational and mix improvements at the brand level.
Cash Flow and Debt Reduction Progress
Cash flow from operations strengthened to $22 million (vs. $9 million prior year). The company repaid $2 million under the credit agreement and $7 million on the revolver, leaving the revolver balance at zero and $33.7 million available capacity.
Capital Efficiency and Lower CapEx
Capital expenditures, net of tenant improvement allowances, were 22% lower year-over-year at $10 million in Q1, as the company prioritizes projects with average build-outs of ~$1.5 million or less to support capital-efficient growth.
Positive Early Q2 Momentum & Holiday Wins
Consolidated comparable sales sequentially improved and were positive through the first five weeks of Q2; Valentine’s Day was record-breaking and Easter sales were up high single digits vs. prior year. Management expects strong Mother’s Day and graduations.
Loyalty & Off-Premises Growth
Friends with Benefits loyalty program is accelerating organically at ~8,000 new members per week, with loyalty members showing higher spend per visit. Off-premises (takeout/delivery) remains in the low double-digits mix, with ongoing focus on increasing pickup.
Portfolio Optimization & Conversion Win
Conversion strategy validated: RA Sushi->STK Scottsdale now at ~ $7M run-rate (up ~$4M vs prior ~$3-4M) after ~$1M conversion cost — ~4x return on invested capital. The pipeline includes conversions expected to generate meaningful incremental EBITDA and revenue.