RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC 10-Q

ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations provides a narrative of our financial performance and condition that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. References to the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 refer to the twelve weeks ended October 5, 2025 and October 6, 2024, respectively. Description of Business Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the parent company for Red Robin International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, that together with its subsidiaries ("Red Robin," "we," "us," "our," or the "Company"), primarily operates, franchises, and develops full-service restaurants with 480 locations in North America. As of October 5, 2025, the Company owned 390 restaurants located in 39 states, and had 90 franchised restaurants in 13 states and one Canadian province. The Company operates its business as one operating and one reportable segment. Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of food and beverages at Company-owned restaurants. We also earn revenue from royalties and fees from franchised restaurants. Highlights for the Fiscal Third Quarter of 2025, Compared to the Fiscal Third Quarter of 2024: • Total revenues are $265.1 million, a decrease of $9.5 million. • Comparable restaurant revenue (1) decreased 1.2%, including recognition of deferred loyalty revenue. Excluding deferred loyalty revenue, comparable restaurant revenue (1) decreased 1.3%. • Net loss is $18.4 million, compared to a net loss of $18.9 million last year, a $0.5 million improvement. • Adjusted EBITDA (2) is $7.6 million compared to $4.2 million last year, an 81% increase. Highlights for the Year to Date Period of Fiscal 2025, Compared to the Year to Date Period of Fiscal 2024: • Total revenues are $941.2 million, a decrease of $22.2 million. • Comparable restaurant revenue (1) was unchanged during the year to date period including recognition of deferred loyalty revenue. Excluding deferred loyalty revenue, comparable restaurant revenue (1) increased 0.6%. • Net loss is $13.2 million, compared to a net loss of $37.8 million last year, a $24.6 million improvement. • Adjusted EBITDA (2) is $58.0 million compared to $31.2 million last year, an 86% increase. (1) Comparable restaurant revenue represents revenue from Company-owned restaurants that have operated for at least 18 months as of the beginning of the period presented. (2) See "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more details. Business Trends We continue to closely monitor evolving macroeconomic conditions, including the potential impacts of the federal government shutdown, ongoing inflationary pressures and uncertainty stemming from proposed and enacted trade policies such as tariffs. Although a significant portion of our supply chain is domestically sourced, we recognize that changes to trade regulations and tariff implementations could lead to increased costs for certain commodities and materials. Additionally, the broader implications of tariff-driven price increases could influence consumer spending habits and negatively affect our business. At this time, we do not anticipate a material adverse impact to our financial performance for the remainder of fiscal year 2025. Continued volatility in global trade and economic policy, however, presents a risk to both profitability and future demand. See "Item 1A. Risk Factors" below. Key Performance Indicators Restaurant revenue, compared to the same quarter in the prior year, is presented in the table below: (Dollars in millions) Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended Restaurant revenue for the period ended October 6, 2024 $ 270.6 $ 943.6 Increase (decrease) in comparable restaurant revenue (3.2) (0.3) Increase (decrease) in non-comparable and closed restaurant revenue (6.5) (17.3) Total increase (decrease) (9.7) (17.6) Restaurant revenue for the period ended October 5, 2025 $ 260.9 $ 926.0 15 Table of Contents Restaurant Data The following table details restaurant unit data for our Company-owned and franchised locations for the periods presented: Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Company-owned: Beginning of period 397 411 407 415 Opened during the period — — — — Closed during the period (7) (3) (17) (7) End of period 390 408 390 408 Franchised: Beginning of period 90 92 91 92 Opened during the period — — — — Closed during the period — — (1) — End of period 90 92 90 92 Total number of restaurants 480 500 480 500 16 Table of Contents The following table presents total Company-owned and franchised restaurants by state or province as of October 5, 2025: Company-Owned Restaurants Franchised Restaurants State: Arkansas 2 Alaska 3 Alabama 3 Arizona 17 1 California 56 Colorado 21 Connecticut 3 Delaware 4 Florida 16 Georgia 6 Iowa 5 Idaho 8 Illinois 15 Indiana 10 Kansas 5 Kentucky 3 Louisiana 1 Massachusetts 5 Maryland 11 Maine 2 Michigan 19 Minnesota 4 Missouri 7 3 Montana 1 North Carolina 16 Nebraska 4 New Hampshire 3 New Jersey 8 1 New Mexico 3 Nevada 6 New York 14 Ohio 15 3 Oklahoma 5 Oregon 15 5 Pennsylvania 11 20 Rhode Island 1 South Carolina 4 South Dakota 1 Tennessee 7 Texas 17 9 Utah 1 5 Virginia 17 Washington 36 Wisconsin 11 Province: British Columbia 11 Total 390 90 17 Table of Contents Results of Operations Operating results for each fiscal period presented below are expressed as a percentage of total revenues, except for the components of restaurant operating costs, which are expressed as a percentage of restaurant revenue. This information has been prepared on a basis consistent with our audited 2024 annual financial statements, and, in the opinion of management, includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the information for the periods presented. Our operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, and operating results for any period presented are not necessarily indicative of results for a full fiscal year. Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Revenues: Restaurant revenue 98.4 % 98.5 % 98.4 % 98.0 % Franchise revenue 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.3 Other revenue 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.7 Total revenues 100.0 100.0 100.0 100.0 Costs and expenses: Restaurant operating costs (1) (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below): Cost of sales 25.0 24.1 23.6 23.8 Labor 37.3 39.8 36.7 39.3 Other operating 18.8 18.4 18.0 17.8 Occupancy 9.0 8.8 8.6 8.5 Total restaurant operating costs 90.1 90.9 86.9 89.3 Depreciation and amortization 4.5 4.9 4.1 4.7 General and administrative 6.4 7.6 6.5 6.6 Selling 2.6 2.0 2.4 3.2 Other charges (gains), net 2.4 0.6 0.7 0.1 Income (loss) from operations (4.6) (4.7) 0.7 (2.0) Other expense (income): Interest expense 2.3 2.3 2.1 2.0 Interest (income) and other, net — (0.1) — (0.1) Income (loss) before income taxes (6.8) (6.9) (1.4) (3.9) Income tax provision (benefit) 0.1 — — — Net income (loss) (6.9) % (6.9) % (1.4) % (3.9) % Certain percentage amounts in the table above do not total due to rounding. (1) Expressed as a percentage of restaurant revenue. 18 Table of Contents Revenues Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (Dollars in thousands) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change Restaurant revenue $ 260,909 $ 270,605 (3.6) % $ 926,024 $ 943,630 (1.9) % Franchise revenue 3,265 3,007 8.6 % 10,940 12,635 (13.4) % Other revenue 954 1,026 (7.0) % 4,218 7,068 (40.3) % Total revenues $ 265,128 $ 274,638 (3.5) % $ 941,182 $ 963,333 (2.3) % Average weekly net sales volumes in Company-owned restaurants $ 55,207 $ 55,007 0.4 % $ 57,851 $ 57,261 1.0 % Total operating weeks (1) 4,726 4,920 (3.9) % 16,007 16,480 (2.9) % (1) Average weekly net sales volumes are calculated as the total restaurant revenue for all Company-owned Red Robin restaurants for each time period presented, divided by the number of operating weeks in the period. Restaurant revenue is comprised primarily of food and beverage sales. Restaurant revenue decreased $9.7 million, or 3.6%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, as compared to the comparable period of fiscal 2024. Comparable restaurant revenue decreased $3.2 million, or 1.2%, including the change in recognition of deferred loyalty revenue. Excluding the change in deferred loyalty revenue, comparable restaurant revenue decreased 1.3%. Comparable restaurant revenue includes a 3.0% decrease in guest count, offset in part by a 1.7% increase in average guest check. The increase in average guest check resulted from a 2.8% increase in net menu prices, partially offset by a 1.1% decrease from menu mix. The decrease in menu mix was primarily driven by guest adoption of our new value offering and growth in our catering business that contributes to a lower average guest check than our other channels. In addition, restaurant revenue decreased $6.5 million due to the closure of 18 locations compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Restaurant revenue decreased $17.6 million, or 1.9%, in the year to date period of fiscal 2025, as compared to the comparable period of fiscal 2024. Comparable restaurant revenue decreased $0.3 million, or 0.0% including change in recognition of deferred loyalty revenue. Excluding the change in deferred loyalty revenue, comparable restaurant revenue increased 0.6%. Comparable restaurant revenue includes a 4.5% increase in average guest check, offset in part by a 3.9% decrease in guest count. The increase in average guest check resulted from a 5.2% increase in net menu prices, partially offset by a 0.7% decrease from menu mix. The decrease in menu mix was primarily driven by growth in our catering business that contributes to a lower average guest check than our other channels. I n addition, restaurant revenue decreased $17.3 million due to the closure of 18 locations compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Franchise revenue increased by $0.3 million, or 8.6%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of fiscal 2024, primarily due to transfer fee revenue earned in conjunction with a franchisee to franchisee transaction. Franchise revenue decreased by $1.7 million, or 13.4%, in the year to date periods of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of fiscal 2024, driven by a decrease in the franchisee contribution rate for marketing programs and lower franchise royalties, offset partially by transfer fee revenue earned in conjunction with a franchisee to franchisee sale. Franchise restaurants reported a decrease of 2.1% in comparable restaurant revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 and a decrease of 2.2% for the year to date period of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. Other revenue decreased $0.1 million and $2.9 million in the third quarter and year to date periods of fiscal 2025, respectively, compared to the same periods of fiscal 2024. The decrease in the year to date period is primarily related to lower gift card breakage in the current year. Cost of Sales Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (In thousands, except percentages) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change Cost of sales $ 65,158 $ 65,105 0.1 % $ 218,344 $ 224,759 (2.9) % As a percent of restaurant revenue 25.0 % 24.1 % 0.9 % 23.6 % 23.8 % (0.2) % Cost of sales, which comprises food and beverage costs, is variable and generally fluctuates with sales volume. 19 Table of Contents Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant revenue increased 90 basis points for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 as compared to the comparable period in fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily driven by an increase in commodity prices in the current year, increased discounts related to our value offerings, and vendor credits that reduced cost of sales in 2024, partially offset by menu price increases and cost savings initiatives. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant revenue decreased 20 basis points for the year to date period of fiscal 2025 as compared to the comparable period in fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by cost saving initiatives and menu price increases, partially offset by an increase in commodity prices. Labor Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (In thousands, except percentages) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change Labor $ 97,238 $ 107,692 (9.7) % $ 340,005 $ 370,559 (8.2) % As a percent of restaurant revenue 37.3 % 39.8 % (2.5) % 36.7 % 39.3 % (2.6) % Labor costs include restaurant level hourly wages and management salaries as well as related taxes and benefits. Labor as a percentage of restaurant revenue decreased 250 basis points for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by ongoing efforts to increase hourly and management labor efficiency, reduced turnover and benefit from menu price increases, partially offset by wage inflation and deleverage from reduced guest counts. Labor as a percentage of restaurant revenue decreased 260 basis points for the year to date period of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by ongoing efforts to increase hourly and management labor efficiency, reduced turnover and benefit from menu price increases, partially offset by wage inflation and deleverage from reduced guest counts. Other Operating Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (In thousands, except percentages) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change Other operating $ 49,160 $ 49,740 (1.2) % $ 166,292 $ 168,014 (1.0) % As a percent of restaurant revenue 18.8 % 18.4 % 0.4 % 18.0 % 17.8 % 0.2 % Other operating costs include costs such as repair and maintenance costs, restaurant supplies, utilities, restaurant technology, and other miscellaneous costs. Other operating costs as a percentage of restaurant revenue increased 40 basis points for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 . The increase was primarily driven by higher third party commission expenses associated with the increase in third party delivery sales, vendor credits that reduced other operating costs in 2024, and deleverage from reduced guest counts, partially offset by benefit of menu price increases. Other operating costs as a percentage of restaurant revenue increased 20 basis points for the year to date period of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily driven by higher third party commission expenses associated with the increase in third party delivery sales, vendor credits that reduced other operating costs in 2024, and deleverage from reduced guest counts, partially offset by benefit of menu price increases. Occupancy Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (In thousands, except percentages) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change Occupancy $ 23,531 $ 23,826 (1.2) % $ 80,056 $ 79,850 0.3 % As a percent of restaurant revenue 9.0 % 8.8 % 0.2 % 8.6 % 8.5 % 0.1 % Occupancy costs include fixed rents, property taxes, common area maintenance charges, general liability insurance, contingent rents, and other property costs. 20 Table of Contents Occupancy costs as a percentage of restaurant revenue for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 increased 20 basis points compared to the same period in fiscal 2024. The increase is primarily due to an increase in general liability insurance reserves, and deleverage from reduced guest counts, offset in part by menu price increases and reduced rent associated with the closure of 18 locations since the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Occupancy costs as a percentage of restaurant revenue for the year to date period of fiscal 2025 increased 10 basis points compared to the same period in fiscal 2024 . The increase is primarily due to the impact of increases in fixed rents and general liability insurance reserves, and deleverage from reduced guest counts, offset in part by menu price increases and reduced rent associated with the closure of 18 locations since the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Depreciation and Amortization Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (In thousands, except percentages) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change Depreciation and amortization $ 12,019 $ 13,330 (9.8) % $ 39,031 $ 44,886 (13.0) % As a percent of total revenues 4.5 % 4.9 % (0.4) % 4.1 % 4.7 % (0.6) % Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation on capital expenditures for restaurants and corporate assets as well as amortization of reacquired franchise rights, leasehold interests, and certain liquor licenses. For the third quarter of fiscal 2025, depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue decreased 40 basis points compared to the comparable period in fiscal 2024, primarily due to asset impairments and restaurant closures. For the year to date period of fiscal 2025, depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue decreased 60 basis points compared to the comparable period in fiscal 2024, primarily due to asset impairments, restaurant closures, and a sale-leaseback transaction that closed in the first quarter of fiscal 2024, reducing the depreciable asset base. 21 Table of Contents General and Administrative Expenses Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (In thousands, except percentages) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change General and administrative $ 16,912 $ 20,823 (18.8) % $ 61,320 $ 63,277 (3.1) % As a percent of total revenues 6.4 % 7.6 % (1.2) % 6.5 % 6.6 % (0.1) % General and administrative costs include all corporate and administrative functions. Components of this category include restaurant support center, regional, and franchise support salaries and benefits, travel, professional and consulting fees, corporate information systems, legal expenses, office rent, training, and Board of Directors' expenses. General and administrative costs in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 were $16.9 million, a decrease of $3.9 million compared to the comparable period in fiscal 2024. The decrease is primarily related to a reduction in team member costs associated with lower headcount and cost incurred for annual partner recognition events in the prior year, partially offset by higher accrued incentive compensation expense due to the Company's increased financial performance. General and administrative costs in the year to date period of fiscal 2025 were $61.3 million, a decrease of $2.0 million compared to the comparable period in fiscal 2024. The decrease is primarily related to a reduction in team member costs associated with lower headcount and cost incurred for annual partner recognition events in the prior year. This decrease is partially offset by higher accrued incentive compensation expense due to the Company's increased financial performance and higher costs associated with noncash stock-based compensation expense. Selling Expenses Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (In thousands, except percentages) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Percent Change Selling $ 6,797 $ 5,467 24.3 % $ 22,523 $ 31,052 (27.5) % As a percent of total revenues 2.6 % 2.0 % 0.6 % 2.4 % 3.2 % (0.8) % Selling costs are comprised of all marketing and advertising costs. Selling costs in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 were $6.8 million, an increase of $1.3 million compared to the comparable period in fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily driven by paid media spend in the current fiscal quarter as we support our new marketing strategy. Selling costs in the year to date period of fiscal 2025 were $22.5 million, a decrease of $8.5 million compared to the comparable period in fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by intentionally reduced paid media spend in the first half of the current fiscal year as we developed our new marketing strategy that launched in the third quarter. Interest Expense Interest expense for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 was $6.0 million and $6.3 million, respectively. The $0.3 million decrease was primarily due to less debt in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2024, offset partially by an increase in the weighted average interest rate to 14.3% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to 14.0% in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Average outstanding debt was $174.4 million and $191.6 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, respectively. Interest expense for the year to date period of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024 was $19.9 million and $18.9 million, respectively. The $1.0 million increase was primarily due to an increase in the weighted average interest rate to 14.2% in the year to date period of fiscal 2025 compared to 13.3% in the year to date period of fiscal 2024. Average outstanding debt was $180.3 million and $185.2 million for the year to date periods of fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, respectively. Income Tax Provision (Benefit) Income tax provision was $0.3 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2025, compared to an income tax benefit of $0.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2024. Income tax provision was $0.2 million in the year to date period of fiscal 2025 compared to an income tax provision of $0.0 million in the year to date of period of fi sc al 2024. The taxes recognized are immaterial as the Company has net operating losses and tax credits to reduce current taxes and a full valuation allowance against all deferred taxes, which collectively minimize the taxes paid and recognized. 22 Table of Contents Non-GAAP Financial Measures A reconciliation of Restaurant revenue to restaurant level operating profit is detailed in the table below: Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (Dollars in thousands) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Increase (Decrease) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Increase (Decrease) Restaurant revenue $ 260,909 $ 270,605 (3.6) % $ 926,024 $ 943,630 (1.9) % Restaurant operating costs: Cost of sales 65,158 65,105 0.1 % 218,344 224,759 (2.9) % Labor 97,238 107,692 (9.7) % 340,005 370,559 (8.2) % Other operating 49,160 49,740 (1.2) % 166,292 168,014 (1.0) % Occupancy 23,531 23,826 (1.2) % 80,056 79,850 0.3 % Total restaurant operating costs $ 235,087 $ 246,363 (4.6) % $ 804,697 $ 843,182 (4.6) % Restaurant level operating profit (1) $ 25,822 $ 24,242 6.5 % $ 121,327 $ 100,448 20.8 % (1) Restaurant level operating profit is a non-GAAP measure. See below for definition of and a reconciliation of restaurant level operating profit to Income from Operations and Income from Operations as a percentage of total revenues. Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (Dollars in thousands) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Increase (Decrease) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Increase (Decrease) Restaurant revenue $ 260,909 $ 270,605 (3.6) % $ 926,024 $ 943,630 (1.9) % Restaurant operating costs: (Percentage of Restaurant Revenue) (Basis Points) (Percentage of Restaurant Revenue) (Basis Points) Cost of sales 25.0 % 24.1 % 90 23.6 % 23.8 % (20) Labor 37.3 39.8 (250) 36.7 39.3 (260) Other operating 18.8 18.4 40 18.0 17.8 20 Occupancy 9.0 8.8 20 8.6 8.5 10 Total restaurant operating costs 90.1 % 90.9 % (80) 86.9 % 89.3 % (240) Restaurant level operating profit 9.9 % 9.0 % 90 13.1 % 10.6 % 250 Certain percentage and basis point amounts in the table above do not total due to rounding as well as restaurant operating costs being expressed as a percentage of restaurant revenue and not total revenues. 23 Table of Contents The following table summarizes net income (loss), income (loss) per diluted share, and adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share for the periods presented: Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (in thousands, except per share amounts) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Net income (loss) as reported $ (18,419) $ (18,876) $ (13,177) $ (37,825) Income (loss) per share - diluted: Net income (loss) as reported $ (1.03) $ (1.20) $ (0.74) $ (2.42) Stock-based compensation expense (1) 0.08 0.13 0.31 0.33 Other charges (gains), net: Gain on sale of restaurant property — — (0.07) (0.47) Asset impairment and restaurant closure costs, net 0.05 — (0.03) 0.11 Severance and executive transition 0.03 — 0.11 0.07 Litigation contingencies 0.18 0.02 0.18 0.07 Asset disposal and other, net 0.10 0.08 0.19 0.26 Income tax effect (0.11) (0.06) (0.18) (0.10) Adjusted net income (loss) per share - diluted (2) $ (0.70) $ (1.03) $ (0.23) $ (2.15) Weighted average shares outstanding: Basic 17,914 15,754 17,732 15,652 Diluted 17,914 15,754 17,732 15,652 (1) Consists of compensation expense associated with stock-based awards including phantom performance awards that may be settled in stock or cash at the Company’s option. (2) Beginning in the fiscal first quarter of 2025, the Company revised its definition of Adjusted net income (loss) to exclude noncash stock-based compensation expense. The Company believes this change provides investors with a better understanding of our financial performance from period to period. Previously reported results have been revised to reflect the new presentation. 24 Table of Contents The following table summarizes net income (loss), EBITDA, and adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented: Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (Dollars in thousands) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Net income (loss) as reported $ (18,419) $ (18,876) $ (13,177) $ (37,825) Interest expense, net 5,909 6,193 19,594 18,504 Income tax provision (benefit) 273 (98) 174 43 Depreciation and amortization 12,019 13,330 39,031 44,886 EBITDA (218) 549 45,622 25,608 Stock-based compensation expense (1) 1,405 2,122 5,483 5,151 Other charges (gains), net: Gain on sale of restaurant property — — (1,137) (7,425) Asset impairment and restaurant closure costs, net 911 3 (494) 1,728 Severance and executive transition 539 22 1,878 1,104 Litigation contingencies 3,155 271 3,178 1,047 Asset disposal, and other, net 1,821 1,236 3,421 4,033 Adjusted EBITDA (2) $ 7,613 $ 4,203 $ 57,951 $ 31,246 (1) Consists of compensation expense associated with stock-based awards including phantom performance awards that may be settled in stock or cash at the Company’s option. (2) Beginning in the fiscal first quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company revised its definition of Adjusted EBITDA to exclude noncash stock-based compensation expense. The Company believes this change provides investors with a better understanding of our financial performance from period to period. Previously reported results have been revised to reflect the new presentation. We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income (loss) per share-diluted are supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by or presented in accordance with GAAP. We believe these non-GAAP measures give the reader additional insight into the ongoing operational results of the Company, and are intended to supplement the presentation of the Company's financial results in accordance with GAAP. Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted net income (loss) and Adjusted net income (loss) per share-diluted exclude the impact of non-operating or nonrecurring items including changes in estimates, asset impairments, litigation contingencies, gains (losses) on debt extinguishment, restaurant and office closure costs, gains (losses) on restaurant sales, severance and executive transition costs, stock-based compensation expense and other non-recurring, non-cash or discrete items; net of income tax impacts. Other companies may define these non-GAAP measures differently, and as a result may not be directly comparable to those of other companies. Adjusted net income (loss) per share-diluted and Adjusted EBITDA should be considered in addition to, and not as a substitute for, net income (loss) as reported in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of performance. 25 Table of Contents The following table summarizes Income (loss) from operations and Restaurant level operating profit for the periods presented: Twelve Weeks Ended Forty Weeks Ended (Dollars in thousands) October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Income (loss) from operations $ (12,113) (4.6)% $ (12,877) (4.7)% $ 6,765 0.7% $ (19,551) (2.0)% Less: Franchise revenue 3,265 1.2% 3,007 1.1% 10,940 1.2% 12,635 1.3% Other revenue 954 0.4% 1,026 0.4% 4,218 0.4% 7,068 0.7% Add: Other charges (gains), net 6,426 2.4 1,532 0.6% 6,846 0.7 487 0.1% General and administrative expenses 16,912 6.4 20,823 7.6% 61,320 6.5 63,277 6.6% Selling 6,797 2.6 5,467 2.0% 22,523 2.4 31,052 3.2% Depreciation and amortization 12,019 4.5 13,330 4.9% 39,031 4.1 44,886 4.7% Restaurant level operating profit $ 25,822 9.9% $ 24,242 9.0% $ 121,327 13.1% $ 100,448 10.6% The Company believes restaurant level operating profit is an important measure for management and investors because it is widely regarded in the restaurant industry as a useful metric by which to evaluate restaurant level operating efficiency and performance. The Company defines restaurant level operating profit to be income from operations less franchise revenue and other revenue, plus other charges (gains), net, pre-opening costs, selling costs, general and administrative expenses, and depreciation and amortization. The measure includes restaurant level occupancy costs that include fixed rents, percentage rents, common area maintenance charges, real estate and personal property taxes, general liability insurance, and other property costs, but excludes depreciation and amortization expense, substantially all of which is related to restaurant level assets, because such expenses represent historical sunk costs which do not reflect current cash outlay for the restaurants. The measure also excludes costs associated with selling, general and administrative functions, and pre-opening costs, as well as other charges (gains), net because these costs are non-operating or nonrecurring and therefore not related to the ongoing operations of its restaurants. Restaurant level operating profit is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation, or as an alternative, to income (loss) from operations as an indicator of financial performance. Restaurant level operating profit as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies in the Company's industry. 26 Table of Contents Liquidity and Capital Resources Our primary sources of liquidity are cash from operations, cash and cash equivalents on hand, and availability under our revolving Credit Facility. Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased $8.5 million to $30.9 million as of October 5, 2025, from $39.4 million at the beginning of the fiscal year. As of October 5, 2025, the Company had approximately $50.7 million in liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents and $29.0 million available borrowing capacity under our credit facility. Cash Flows The table below summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for each period presented (in thousands): Forty Weeks Ended October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 26,003 $ 1,840 Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (18,976) 4,873 Net cash (used in) financing activities (15,555) (7,990) Net change in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash $ (8,528) $ (1,277) Operating Cash Flows Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased $24.2 million to $26.0 million for the year to date period of fiscal 2025 compared to $1.8 million for the comparable period in fiscal 2024. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities is primarily attributabl e to the increase in restaurant level profitability and reduced selling expenses. Investing Cash Flows Net cash flows used in investing activities was $19.0 million for the year to date period of fiscal 2025, as compared to net cash flows provided by investing activities of $4.9 million for the comparable period in fiscal 2024. The $23.9 million decrease in cash flows from investing activities is primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures and lower proceeds from the sale of restaurant locations in the current year period as compared to the prior year period. The following table lists the components of our capital expenditures for the periods presented (in thousands): Forty Weeks Ended October 5, 2025 October 6, 2024 Restaurant improvement capital and other $ 13,522 $ 9,772 Technology, infrastructure, and other 11,550 9,642 Total capital expenditures $ 25,072 $ 19,414 Financing Cash Flows Net cash flows used in financing activities was $15.6 million for the year to date period of fiscal 2025, as compared to $8.0 million for the comparable period in fiscal 2024. Cash flows used in financing activities in the year to date period of fiscal 2025 primarily relate to the repayment of debt with cash flow from operations and net proceeds from the sale of three restaurant locations. Cash flows used in financing activities in the comparable period in fiscal 2024 primarily relate to the net repayment of debt with the net proceeds from the sale-leaseback transaction. Credit Facility As of October 5, 2025, the Company had outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of $177.7 million. As of October 5, 2025, the Company had $29.0 million of available borrowing capacity under its Credit Facility and $8.8 million of letters of credit issued against cash collateral. The Company's cash collateral is reported in Restricted cash on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 6 for more information regarding our borrowings. Covenants We are subject to a number of customary covenants under our Credit Facility, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, stock repurchases, sales of assets, and dividend payments, as well as a net total leverage ratio covenant. As of October 5, 2025, we were in compliance with all debt covenants. 27 Table of Contents Working Capital We typically maintain current liabilities in excess of our current assets, which results in a working capital deficit. We are able to operate with a working capital deficit because restaurant sales are primarily conducted on a cash or credit card basis. Rapid turnover of inventory results in limited investment in inventories, and cash from sales is usually received before related payables for food, supplies, and payroll become due. In addition, receipts from the sale of gift cards are received well in advance of related redemptions. Rather than maintain higher cash balances that would result from this pattern of operating cash flows, we typically utilize operating cash flows in excess of those required for currently maturing liabilities to pay for capital expenditures, debt repayment, or to repurchase stock. When necessary, we utilize our Credit Facility to satisfy short-term liquidity requirements. We believe our future cash flows generated from restaurant operations combined with our borrowing capacity under the Credit Facility, and cash on hand, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures over the next 12 months. Share Repurchase On August 9, 2018, the Company's board of directors authorized the Company's current share repurchase program of up to a total of $75.0 million of the Company's common stock. The share repurchase authorization will terminate upon completing repurchases of $75.0 million of common stock unless otherwise terminated by the board. Pursuant to the repurchase program, purchases may be made from time to time at the Company's discretion and the Company is not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock. From the date of the current program approval through October 5, 2025, we have repurchased a total of 1,088,588 shares at an average price of $15.18 per share for an aggregate amount of $16,520,000. The Company completed no share repurchases during the periods presented. Accordingly, as of October 5, 2025, we had $58.5 million of availability under the current share repurchase program. Our Credit Agreement limits our ability to repurchase shares to certain conditions set forth by the lenders in the Credit Facility. Seasonality Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Sales in most of our restaurants were historically higher during the spring and summer months and winter holiday season. The timing of holidays and school vacations, as well as severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather, or climate extremes may affect the seasonal operating results in the areas impacted. As a result, our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly due to seasonality, and seasonality of sales may shift over time. Accordingly, results for any one quarter or year are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year. Contractual Obligations There were no other material changes outside the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations since the filing of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2024. See Note 8. Critical Accounting Estimates Critical accounting estimates are those we believe are both significant and that require us to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because we need to estimate the effect of inherently uncertain matters. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experiences and various other factors we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates, including our estimates of future restaurant level cash flows, which are subject to the current economic environment and potentially unknown future events, and we might obtain different results if we use different assumptions or conditions. We had no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates which were disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2024. 28 Table of Contents Forward-Looking Statements Certain information and statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 codified at Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements which are other than statements of historical facts. These statements may be identified, without limitation, by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "future," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "will," "would," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this report relate to, among other things: our business objectives and strategic plans; strategies with respect to financial flexibility; capital structure initiatives; our refinancing efforts, including but not limited to the amendment to our credit agreement; our financial condition, including working capital, and the ability of our future cash flows from restaurant operations and our borrowing capacity to satisfy our anticipated cash requirements and fund capital expenditures; our expectations about restaurant operating costs, including labor, food, supplies, and other commodities, as well as interest rates, and our ability to mitigate potential increases in such costs; our expectations about anticipated uses of, and risks associated with, future cash flows, liquidity, capital expenditures, other capital deployment opportunities, and taxes; the seasonality of our business; and our purchase commitments and lease and litigation contingencies and the adequacy of our reserves for legal matters. Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such expectations may prove to be materially incorrect due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties. In some cases, information regarding certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from a forward-looking statement appears together with such statement. In addition, the factors described under Item 1A Risk Factors, as well as other possible factors not listed, could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, the effectiveness of the Company's strategic initiatives, including our strategic plan, labor and service models, and operational improvement initiatives and our ability to execute on such strategic initiatives; the global and domestic economic and geopolitical environment including tariffs, counter-tariffs and other trade barriers; our ability to effectively compete in the industry and attract and retain guests; the adequacy of cash flows and the cost and availability of capital or credit facility borrowings; our ability to service our debt and comply with the covenants in our credit facility; a privacy or security breach or a failure of our information technology systems; the effectiveness and timing of the Company's marketing and branding strategies and impact on reputation, including the loyalty program and social media platforms; changes in consumer preferences; leasing space including the location of such leases in areas of declining traffic; changes in cost and availability of commodities and the uncertain impact of tariffs or other potential disruptions in the supply chain; interruptions in the delivery of food and other products from third parties; pricing increases and labor costs; changes in consumer behavior or preference; aging technology infrastructure; expanding our restaurant base; maintaining and improving our existing restaurants; potential acquisitions or refranchising of our restaurants; our geographic concentration in the Western United States; the retention of our management team; our ability to recruit, staff, train, and retain our workforce; operating conditions, including adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, pandemics, and other events affecting the regions where our restaurants are operated; actions taken by our franchisees that could harm our business or reputation; negative publicity regarding food safety or health concerns; protection of our intellectual property rights; changes in laws and regulations affecting the operation of our restaurants; and an increase in litigation or legal claims by team members, franchisees, customers, vendors, stockholders, and others; and the other Risk Factors described from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2024. All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances. 29 Table of Contents