There’s still plenty of life in casual dining, if the second quarter performance of BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse is any indication.
BJ’s posted same-store sales growth of 5.6% and revenue growth of 8.2% for the quarter ended July 3. Traffic climbed 2.5% during the period.
BJ’s executives credited the chain’s new Slow Roast menu items, off-premise expansion and value-minded offerings with its robust growth for the quarter, which included 42 daily sales records and 23 weeks with best-ever sales.
Takeout, catering and delivery made up 7.6% of sales in Q2, BJ’s executives said during an earnings call, and off-premise is expected to grow by at least another 50% in coming years.
Outfitting servers with handheld tablets has increased appetizer, dessert and beverage sales, they said. Plus, the tablets are making it easier for consumers to engage with BJ’s loyalty program.
“[Tablets are] definitely helping us, from a guest perspective,” BJ’s CEO Greg Trojan said during the call.
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