Maggiano’s same-store sales increased 21% last quarter. / Photo: Shutterstock
Commonly known as a destination for special occasions, Maggiano is becoming an option for those who would rather stay.
Out-of-store sales for the 53-unit Italian chain rose a whopping 81% in the last quarter compared to pre-pandemic levels, while same-store sales increased 21% in the period ended December 28.
According to management, the reason takeout businesses are so influential is that they attract a very different audience than eat-ins.
Kevin Hochman, CEO of Maggiano’s parent company, Brinker International, said on Wednesday’s earnings call:
This means that sales have increased significantly, which is reflected in Maggiano’s strong composition.
Not only that, but off-premises customers tend to become regular customers more often than on-premises customers, Hochman said.
Despite the easing of the pandemic, takeout sales across the industry have remained stable, providing many restaurants with a new source of growth. It amazes many observers that even high-priced delivery businesses are holding up.
Brinker CFO Joe Taylor said: “I think the demographic that uses it probably skews towards the more economic side of the equation.
Together, deliveries and pickups accounted for approximately 27% of Maggiano’s sales in the fourth quarter.
It was an impressive holiday season highlight for the chain. Traffic he increased by 8.4% and Eat He performed well across all channels, including Inns and Banquets. The mix was also good. Meanwhile, prices rose 7.7% year-on-year.
All of this makes Blinker executives happy with the brand.
“With the strong recovery in our core business and the progressiveness of our rapidly growing off-premises channel, coupled with an improved business model, we are very excited about the future for Maggiano’s,” said Hochman.
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