Financials - April 2026
MTY Reports First Quarter Results for Fiscal 2026
April 10, 2026 06:00 ET
GAAP Measures:
Segment profits increased by 2% to reach $59.8 million during the quarter.
Net income attributable to owners increased to $36.9 million, or $1.62 per diluted share compared to $1.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share in Q1-25.
Cash flows provided by operating activities of $40.9 million compared to $64.6 million in Q1-25, a change of $23.7 million.
Long-term debt repayments $17.7 million more than doubled compared to the period in the prior year.
Management Key Performance Indicators:
Normalized adjusted EBITDA(1) remained steady at $60.1 million in the quarter, compared to $60.2 million in Q1-25.
Adjusted earnings per share(1) of $0.98 per diluted share, an increase of 13% compared to $0.87 in Q1-25.
Free cash flows net of lease payments(2) were $29.0 million or $1.27 per diluted share.
System sales(3) were $1.3 billion for the quarter.
Same stores sales(3) decreased by 2.5% during the quarter.
(1)This is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to the “Non-GAAP Measures” section at the end of this press release.(2)See section “Definition of supplementary financial measures” foundat the end of this press release.(3)See section “Definition of non-GAAP ratios” found in the Supplemental Information section for definition.
MONTREAL, April 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MTY Food Group Inc. (“MTY”, “MTY Group” or the “Company”) (TSX: MTY), one of the largest franchisors and operators of multiple restaurant concepts worldwide, reported today financial results for its first quarter of fiscal 2026 ended March 1, 2026 and declares a quarterly dividend of 37.0¢ per share, payable on May 15, 2026 to shareholders registered in the Company’s records at the end of the business day on May 5, 2026.
“Our asset-light, well diversified model continues to demonstrate its strong cash flow profile despite persistent macro economic headwinds,” said Eric Lefebvre, CEO of MTY. “Our results in the quarter reflect the depressed consumer sentiment during the period which is starting to show early signs of improvement in March. We continue to navigate this challenging environment, investing where appropriate and demonstrating cost discipline to put the business in a stronger position once consumer demand normalizes and improves.
Same store sales reflect this environment with a headwind of 2.5% as our Canadian operations showed greater resilience than the US and International segments. Our pipeline of store locations remains robust for 2026, with the normal seasonal activity in Q1 of higher closures post the holiday season.
We believe store locations will be a bright spot for 2026, continuing the trend from the second half of 2025. These new store locations are increasingly underpinned by experienced operators choosing to expand their footprint under MTY banners. We believe the strength of our brands and the experience of our team and franchise operators set us up to perform well once the consumer rebound is underway.”
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Kura Sushi USA Announces Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
April 07, 2026 16:06 ET
IRVINE, Calif., April 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (“Kura Sushi” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRUS), a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept, today announced financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended February 28, 2026.
Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 Highlights
Total sales were $80.0 million, compared to $64.9 million in the second quarter of 2025;
Comparable restaurant sales increased 8.6% for the second quarter of 2026 as compared to the second quarter of 2025;
Operating loss was $2.2 million, compared to an operating loss of $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2025;
Net loss was $1.7 million, or $(0.14) per diluted share, compared to net loss of $3.8 million, or $(0.31) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2025;
Adjusted net loss* was $0.5 million, or $(0.04) per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net loss* of $1.7 million or $(0.14) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2025;
Restaurant-level operating profit* was $14.6 million, or 18.2% of sales;
Adjusted EBITDA* was $5.5 million; and
One new restaurant opened during the fiscal second quarter of 2026.
*Adjusted net loss, Restaurant-level operating profit and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and are defined below under “Key Financial Definitions.” Please see the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures accompanying this release. See also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Hajime Uba, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Sushi, stated, “Entering this fiscal year, we knew that the second fiscal quarter would be critical regarding our ability to accomplish our stated goals, expectations and full-year guidance. Our fiscal second quarter was quite strong, with better-than-expected comparable sales performance and record-breaking labor leverage. This quarter is a great demonstration of the advantages that are unique to Kura, whether it’s our unmatched scale in the sushi space, our unique approach to technology, or the agility of our team members in building and implementing new initiatives.”
Review of Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Total sales were $80.0 million compared to $64.9 million in the second quarter of 2025. Comparable restaurant sales increased 8.6%, consisting of traffic of 4.3% and a price/mix of 4.3% for the second quarter of 2026 as compared to the second quarter of 2025.
Food and beverage costs as a percentage of sales were 30.4% compared to 28.7% in the second quarter of 2025. The increase is primarily due to tariffs on imported ingredients, partially offset by increases in menu prices.
Labor and related costs as a percentage of sales were 30.7% compared to 34.8% in the second quarter of 2025. The decrease is primarily due to operational efficiencies, pricing and better sales leverage, partially offset by low-single digit wage inflation.
Occupancy and related expenses were $6.5 million compared to $5.1 million in the second quarter of 2025. The increase is primarily due to eleven new restaurants opening since the second quarter of 2025.
Other costs as a percentage of sales were 14.5% compared to 13.5% in the second quarter of 2025. The increase is primarily driven by higher marketing expenses and utilities.
General and administrative expenses were both $11.0 million in the second quarter of 2026 and 2025. An increase in compensation-related costs of $0.7 million and $0.2 million of other net expenses were offset by a decrease in litigation costs of $0.9 million. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 13.7%, as compared to 16.9% in the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to sales leverage.
Operating loss was $2.2 million compared to an operating loss of $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Income tax expense was $51 thousand compared to income tax expense of $38 thousand in the second quarter of 2025.
Net loss was $1.7 million, or $(0.14) per diluted share, compared to net loss of $3.8 million, or $(0.31) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2025.
Adjusted net loss* was $0.5 million, or $(0.04) per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net loss* of $1.7 million or $(0.14) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2025.
Restaurant-level operating profit* was $14.6 million, or 18.2% of sales, compared to $11.2 million, or 17.3% of sales, in the second quarter of 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA* was $5.5 million compared to $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Restaurant Development
During the fiscal second quarter of 2026, the Company opened one new restaurant in Pflugerville, Texas. Subsequent to February 28, 2026, the Company opened four new restaurants in Orange, California; Goodyear, Arizona; Union City, California and Wellington, Florida.
Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook
For the full fiscal year of 2026, the Company updates and reiterates the following annual guidance:
Total sales between $333 million and $335 million;
16 new restaurants, maintaining an annual unit growth rate above 20%, with average net capital expenditures per unit of approximately $2.5 million;
General and administrative expenses** as a percentage of sales to be approximately 12.0%, excluding litigation expenses.
Restaurant-level operating profit margins between 18.0 and 18.5%.
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Barfresh Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results
March 31, 2026 16:05 ET
Sets Revenue Records in Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025, with Revenue of $5.4 million and $14.2 million, Respectively
Provides First Quarter 2026 Revenue Guidance of $5.0 to $5.2 million Representing Up to 77% Growth Compared to Prior Year Period Driven by Arps Acquisition
Updates Full Year 2026 Revenue Guidance to $28 to $32 million and Full Year 2026 Adjusted EBITDA Guidance to $3.2-$3.8 million
Recently Secured $7.5 million in Strategic Financing to Accelerate Manufacturing Expansion; Facility Framework Supports Over $200 million in Future Revenue Capacity
LOS ANGELES, March 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barfresh Food Group Inc. (the “Company” or “Barfresh”) (Nasdaq: BRFH), a provider of frozen, ready-to-blend and ready-to-drink beverages, today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2025.
Management Comments
Riccardo Delle Coste, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, stated, “Fiscal 2025 was a transformational year for Barfresh by every measure. We delivered record annual revenue of $14.2 million, representing 33% year-over-year growth, including contribution from our Arps Dairy acquisition. With approximately 90% of our revenue mix now manufactured in our own facility, we are fulfilling orders that simply weren’t possible before the acquisition, and that’s exactly what the investment was designed to do. As we complete the transition to our new facility, now expected before year-end, and bring upgraded equipment fully online, we see a clear path to meaningful margin improvement in fiscal 2026.”
"As we advance our fiscal 2026 initiatives, we are making thoughtful progress on the integration and optimization of our 44,000-square-foot facility. We are building the right foundation for long-term success and this deliberate approach positions us for sustainable growth. The $7.5 million convertible note financing we secured subsequent to year-end enables us to own our manufacturing facility outright and complete this platform, which is capable of supporting over $200 million in annual revenue capacity. Given the updated facility timeline, we are adjusting our fiscal 2026 revenue and Adjusted EBITDA guidance to reflect a more conservative ramp-up schedule. However, we remain confident in the substantial year-over-year growth we will deliver based on our now combined businesses and the transformational nature of the platform we are building. Combined with continued traction in the education channel and the expanding reach of our product portfolio, we believe fiscal 2026 will represent a pivotal year that demonstrates the power and scalability of our integrated model.”
Fourth Quarter of 2025 Financial Results
Revenue for the fourth quarter of 2025 increased 94% year-over-year to $5.4 million, compared to $2.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2024. The increase in revenue was driven by the acquisition of Arps Dairy.
Gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2025 was 3%, compared to 26% for the fourth quarter of 2024. Adjusted gross margin for the fourth quarter of 2025 was 4%, compared to 30% for the fourth quarter of 2024. The decrease in gross margin is a result of transitioning Barfresh production to the Company’s new facility, which involved typical startup and implementation costs that temporarily impacted margins. Additionally, the Company continued Arps Dairy’s existing milk processing business, which operates at different margin profiles than the Company’s core business, but provides stable milk supply to support production and diversification. A reconciliation of Gross Profit to Adjusted Gross Profit is provided below.
Net loss for the fourth quarter of 2025 improved to $763,000, as compared to a loss of $852,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024. Selling, marketing and distribution for the fourth quarter of 2025 was $783,000, compared to $872,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024. G&A expenses for the fourth quarter of 2025 were $922,000, compared to $607,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $1.1 million for the fourth quarter of 2025, compared to a loss of $563,000 in the fourth quarter of 2024. A reconciliation of net loss to Adjusted EBITDA is provided below.
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Noodles & Company Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results
March 25, 2026 16:05 ET
Fourth Quarter 2025 Comparable Restaurant Sales Increased 6.6% System-Wide
First Quarter 2026 Comparable Restaurant Sales Increased Over 9% To Date
BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 25, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Noodles & Company (Nasdaq: NDLS) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 30, 2025, and provided a 2026 business outlook.
Key highlights for the fourth quarter of 2025 compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 include:
Total revenue increased 0.8% to $122.8 million from $121.8 million.
Comparable restaurant sales increased 6.6% system-wide, including a 7.3% increase for company-owned restaurants and a 3.8% increase for franchise restaurants.
Net loss was $6.8 million, or $1.16 loss per diluted share, compared to net loss of $9.7 million, or $1.70 loss per diluted share.
Operating margin was (3.3)% compared to an operating margin of (6.0)%.
Restaurant contribution margin(1) was 14.1% compared to a restaurant contribution margin of 11.2%.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased to $7.6 million compared to $4.0 million.
Key highlights for fiscal year 2025 compared to fiscal year 2024 include:
Total revenue increased 0.4% to $495.1 million from $493.3 million.
Comparable restaurant sales increased 4.1% system-wide, including a 4.3% increase for company-owned restaurants and a 3.2% increase for franchise restaurants.
Net loss was $42.6 million, or $7.36 loss per diluted share, compared to net loss of $36.2 million, or $6.37 loss per diluted share.
Operating margin was (6.4)% compared to an operating margin of (5.6)%.
Restaurant contribution margin(1) was 12.6% compared to a restaurant contribution margin of 13.2%.
Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $22.5 million compared to $23.6 million.
Two new company-owned restaurants opened and thirty-three closed in 2025. The Company had 423 restaurants at the end of 2025, comprised of 340 company-owned and 83 franchise restaurants.
(1)Restaurant contribution margin and adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations of operating income (loss) to restaurant contribution margin and net loss to adjusted EBITDA are included in the accompanying financial data. See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
Joe Christina, President and Chief Executive Officer of Noodles & Company, remarked, “We are thrilled to report that the momentum we generated in the fourth quarter with nearly 7% same store sales growth and a near doubling of Adjusted EBITDA has further accelerated as we entered 2026, with quarter-to-date comparable sales growth of over 9%. We have now had seven consecutive months of comparable restaurant sales growth over 4% with average monthly comp growth of over 7% during that timeframe.”
Christina continued, “These results are a direct reflection of the progress we made in the second half of 2025 and the deliberate decisions we took to strengthen the business. This included a strong favorable customer response to the new menu we introduced last year, which has been amplified by the introduction of the value oriented Delicious Duos offering and the success of craveable limited time offers including our first ever Ramen dish and the return of our popular Steak Stroganoff. This all has appealed to not only our loyalty members but also has introduced Noodles to new customers. Additionally, we have closed underperforming stores which has resulted in a material transfer of sales to nearby Noodles locations driven by our strong off-premise business. This sales growth has raised the baseline average unit volumes, while also improving margins.”
Christina concluded, “We have built meaningful momentum by focusing on the fundamentals and executing with discipline to elevate the guest experience. When great food, strong operations, and targeted marketing that connects with guests come together, performance follows and that’s what we are seeing come to fruition. This is evidenced by the significant year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA in the fourth quarter of 2025 and our expectations for significant further growth in Adjusted EBITDA in 2026. We are confident that the foundation we built in 2025 and the strong acceleration of sales in early 2026 positions us for sustained growth throughout 2026 and beyond.”
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Thompson Restaurants Reports Strong 2025 Growth, Outlines Expansion Into New Markets and Non-Traditional Venues in 2026
Mar 24, 2026, 08:30 ET
Company posts double-digit revenue growth and outlines airport, market and concept expansion
RESTON, Va., March 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thompson Restaurants, a division of Thompson Hospitality, one of the nation's largest family-run food service companies, reported a 12% year-over-year revenue increase in 2025, driven by steady expansion, continued brand development and strong operational execution across its concepts.
The company's portfolio includes brands such as Milk & Honey, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza, Matchbox and Austin Grill, spanning full-service fine dining, family dining, and other restaurant formats. In 2025, Thompson Restaurants opened or converted 11 locations and is continuing to build toward a pace of roughly one new opening per month. The company's long-term goal is to reach 100 locations by the end of 2027 through a mix of organic growth, strategic acquisitions and non-traditional locations such as airports and college campuses.
"Our 2025 performance reflects our ability to scale thoughtfully while maintaining strong execution across a diverse set of concepts," said Alex Berentzen, chief operating officer of Thompson Restaurants. "The strength of our team and our operating model positions us well to support continued growth without compromising quality or guest experience."
A significant driver behind the company's momentum has been the continued growth of Milk & Honey, its Southern-inspired concept. The brand added five locations in 2025, bringing its total footprint to 19 restaurants. Expansion will continue in 2026, with four new locations currently in development.
Beyond traditional retail sites, Thompson Restaurants is expanding further into non-traditional venues in 2026. In collaboration with SSP America, a division of SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage brands in travel locations worldwide, the company plans to open Wiseguy Pizza and Makers Union locations at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, strengthening its presence in high-traffic transportation hubs.
Geographic growth will also extend beyond the Washington region. The company is advancing expansion plans in the Tidewater area of Virginia and is evaluating opportunities in Pennsylvania and North Carolina as part of a broader multi-state growth strategy.
Brand development will remain a focus in the coming year. The company successfully launched the return of Austin Grill, the Tex-Mex concept with long-standing roots in the Washington region, with a new location now open in Potomac Falls, Virginia. Ms. Peach's also made its debut in late 2025. Ms. Peach's Southern Kitchen is a tribute to Hattie Warren, the grandmother of Thompson Hospitality founder Warren Thompson, whose dedication to community and family laid the foundation for the brand. In addition, Thompson Restaurants introduced Velocity Bar + Kitchen in 2026, a new full-service concept building on the success of Velocity Wings and designed to broaden the brand into a more elevated, everyday sit-down dining format.
"We've always believed that restaurants are about more than food, they are about culture, connection and community," said Warren Thompson, founder and chairman of Thompson Hospitality. "As we grow Thompson Restaurants, our focus remains on building brands that have meaning and longevity while creating opportunities for our teams and the communities where we operate."
In 2025, Thompson Restaurants launched Thompson Table Rewards, a loyalty program that allows guests to earn and redeem points across all 15 brands. The free-to-join program awards one point for every dollar spent, with redemption options ranging from complimentary desserts to $50 rewards. Members also receive birthday benefits and a $5 registration bonus. Since launching, the program has enrolled more than 200,000 members.
As it enters 2026, Thompson Restaurants is actively evaluating partnerships and acquisition opportunities with regional operators in the DMV and South Florida, with a particular focus on non-vented concepts such as coffee and bakery/bagel/sweets, as well as select ethnic food categories.
For more information on Thompson Restaurants visit thompsonrestaurants.com.
About Thompson Restaurants Founded in 1992, Thompson Restaurants owns and operates restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Ohio and South Florida. As part of Thompson Hospitality, a family-run organization, has catered to client, customer and community relationships for over three decades. Led by President and Founder Warren Thompson, Thompson Restaurants owns and operates 15 beloved brands across more than 70 locations including Makers Union, matchbox, Big Buns Damn Good Burgers, Hen Quarter, Milk & Honey, Wiseguy Pizza and is rapidly expanding to different markets across the U.S. For more information, visit thompsonrestaurants.com
About SSP America SSP America is a division of SSP Group plc (LSE: SSPG), a global leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations employing 49,000 colleagues in around 3,000 units across 38 countries. We specialize in designing, creating, and operating a diverse range of food and drink outlets in airports, train stations, and other travel hubs across six formats: sit-down and quick service restaurants, bars, cafes, lounges, and food-led convenience stores. Our extensive portfolio of brands features a mix of international, national, and local brands, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients and customers.
Our purpose is to be the best part of the journey, and our focus is on making every journey taste better – bringing great food and welcoming hospitality to travelers across the globe. Sustainability is crucial for our long-term success, and we aim to deliver a positive impact for our business while uniting stakeholders to promote a sustainable food travel sector.
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Darden Restaurants Reports Fiscal 2026 Third Quarter Results; Declares Quarterly Dividend; And Updates Fiscal 2026 Financial Outlook
Mar 19, 2026, 07:00 ET
ORLANDO, Fla., March 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) today reported its financial results for the third quarter ended February 22, 2026.
Third Quarter 2026 Financial Highlights, Comparisons Versus Same Fiscal Quarter Last Year
Total sales increased 5.9% to $3.3 billion, driven by a blended same-restaurant sales1 increase of 4.2% and sales from 31 net new restaurants
Reported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.68
Excluding $0.05 of closed restaurant and other costs related to the exploration of strategic alternatives for the Bahama Breeze brand2, $0.16 of impairment due to restaurant closures3 and $0.06 of income tax adjustments and benefits, adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.95, an increase of 5.4%4
The Company repurchased $127 million of its outstanding common stock
"We delivered a strong quarter," said Darden President & CEO Rick Cardenas. "We continue to outperform the industry same-restaurant sales benchmark, and this quarter we widened that gap as Olive Garden, LongHorn Steakhouse, Yard House, and Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen each significantly exceeded the benchmark. Across all our brands, we're seeing historically high team member and manager retention, which is enabling consistent execution and strong guest satisfaction. I'm proud of our teams, as we continue to execute our proven strategy to grow sales, manage costs, and deliver value for guests and shareholders."
Segment Performance
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company changed its reporting of segment profit to exclude pre-opening costs. Fiscal 2025 figures were recast for comparability. Segment profit represents sales, less costs for food and beverage, restaurant labor, restaurant expenses and marketing expenses. Segment profit excludes non-cash real estate related expenses. Sales and profits from Chuy's restaurants are included within the Other Business segment from the date of acquisition forward.
Dividend Declared
Darden's Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.50 per share on the Company's outstanding common stock. The dividend is payable on May 1, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on April 10, 2026.
Share Repurchase Program
During the quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 0.7 million shares of its common stock for a total of $127 million. As of the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company had $516 million remaining under the current $1 billion repurchase authorization.
Fiscal 2026 Financial Outlook
The Company updated its full year financial outlook for fiscal 2026, which includes a 53rd week. This outlook includes the impact of the additional week. We will provide additional details during our investor conference call scheduled for this morning at 8:30 am ET.
Total sales growth of approximately 9.5%, including approximately 2% growth related to the 53rd week
Same-restaurant sales5 growth of approximately 4.5%
New restaurant openings of approximately 70
Total capital spending of $750 to $775 million
Total inflation of approximately 3.5%
An effective tax rate of approximately 12.5%
Adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations of $10.57 to $10.674, including:
Approximately $0.25 related to the addition of the 53rd week
Approximately 116.5 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding
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Pickleman's Gourmet Café Achieves 5% Same-Store Sales Growth and 10% Unit Expansion in 2025, Defying Industry Headwinds
Mar 18, 2026, 10:15 ET
Midwestern fast-casual brand credits a "Flight to Quality" and aggressive Sunbelt expansion for a milestone year.
KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe announced today a standout 2025 financial year, marked by a 5% system-wide increase in same-store sales and a 10% expansion in total unit count. During a challenging economic climate where much of the restaurant industry leaned into discounting and automation, Pickleman's achieved robust growth by doubling down on premium ingredients, a highly attractive business model, and deep community connections.
Entering 2026, nearly 75% of the brand's current franchisees are actively reinvesting to open new locations.
Pickleman’s Gourmet Café Achieves 5% Same-Store Sales Growth and 10% Unit Expansion in 2025, Defying Industry Headwinds
The brand's 10% unit expansion was driven by a major strategic move into the Texas market, where it recently inked multiple multi-unit development agreements, alongside the debut of the company's first non-traditional location in Arizona.
"2025 was a defining year that proved the resilience and strength of the Pickleman's model," said Doug Stritzel, Founder and CEO of Pickleman's. "In an economy where consumers are highly selective with their dining dollars, our franchisees delivered nearly 5% same-store sales growth. That doesn't happen by accident. It is a direct result of our operators executing at a high level and a consumer base that recognizes and rewards uncompromised quality."
Internal Growth and Franchisee Momentum Rather than chasing rapid, unsustainable unit counts, Pickleman's growth is heavily fueled by the success of its existing operators. Entering 2026, nearly 75% of the brand's current franchisees are actively reinvesting to expand their portfolios and open new locations across the Midwest and Sunbelt regions.
"Our growth is driven by our values and a commitment to quality that our franchisees deeply appreciate," Stritzel added. "Seeing top-tier operators continuously reinvest in the brand to build multi-unit portfolios is the ultimate validation of our four-wall economics and operational simplicity."
Differentiation Driving Profitability As legacy chains compromise product integrity to protect margins, Pickleman's is proving that premium standards drive unit economics. By executing a deliberate "Flight to Quality," the brand separates itself with an uncompromised food conscience—utilizing No Antibiotics Ever (NAE) proteins, whole-muscle meats, and a signature 7-ingredient bread. Crucially for franchise operators, Pickleman's pairs this premium menu with a completely "no-fryer" kitchen footprint. This eliminates grease, drastically reduces build-out costs, and creates a highly streamlined operational model that helped franchisees navigate inflationary pressures in 2025.
"We have always believed that if you serve food you're proud of, operate with integrity, and embed yourself in the local community, customers will respond," said Stritzel. "We refuse to serve anything we wouldn't comfortably serve to our own families, and that philosophy is the engine behind our success."
With its strong 2025 results as a foundation, Pickleman's enters 2026 positioned for sustained, responsible growth, actively seeking aligned franchise partners in key markets nationwide.
About Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe Founded by Doug Stritzel, Pickleman's Gourmet Cafe is a Midwestern fast-casual brand known for its toasted sandwiches, thin and crispy pizzas, artisan soups, and fresh salads. Driven by a "Flight to Quality" and a franchise-focused growth model, the brand operates with a commitment to clean ingredients, streamlined operations, and genuine community hospitality. For more information, visit www.picklemans.com.
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