sales and profits

Financing

In brief: Q3 results for Ruth’s Chris, Chuy’s, J. Alexander’s, STK

At a time of free-falling traffic for the industry, the smaller casual brands relied largely on pricing to improve results.

Financing

A discounting mistake cost a big Burger King operator $8M last quarter

Carrols Restaurant Group accidentally gave customers a bigger discount than they expected, hurting the operator’s sales and profits.

The decision follows an unprofitable quarter when traffic continued to slide.

The burger chain’s revenue fell more than 26% last quarter amid temporary store closures.

Between 30 and 40 stores are now expected to close by Jan. 1.

Management raised the possibility of an acquisition during a review of Q3 results, citing an abundance of cash.

The company also said a TV test proved better than expected.

The high-flying company plans to add two Jaggers units to the two that already open.

Same-store sales rose 10.2% last quarter with help from the popular menu item, which returns on Sunday.

The venture was one of several sales-boosting initiatives outlined by the casual chain after posting a slip in comps and profits for Q3. Also on tap: Tableside ordering via cell phone.

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