On-Track for “$4 Billion in 4 Years” Goal
Atlanta, GA (RestaurantNews.com) Arby’s, the first nationally franchised sandwich restaurant brand with more than 3,300 restaurants worldwide, has reported its first quarter 2015 sales results. Arby’s achieved significant system same-store sales (SSS) growth of 9.8% in the first quarter ending April 5, 2015 versus the prior year, outperforming within a sample of major QSR chains by an estimated 7.8 percentage points*, and representing the brand’s 18th consecutive quarter of SSS growth. Arby’s same-store sales growth was driven primarily by growth in transactions combined with a shift in mix towards more premium products on the menu.
The company also continued to make progress in the design and development of its new building formats including:
- Opening restaurants in three unique formats featuring the brand’s flexible new “Inspire” design: Urban Inline (downtown Pittsburgh); Traditional Stand-alone (Lehi, Utah); and an End Cap with Drive-thru (White House, Tenn.).
- The remodel and grand re-opening of a flagship location for Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. in Atlanta that features the “Inspire” design and improved operations through a new “Delight Line” that integrates production and service counters – reducing square footage requirements; and increasing operating efficiencies while improving the guest experience.
“We are off to a great start in 2015, continuing our momentum from last year,” said Paul Brown, CEO of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. “We have a compelling vision for the Arby’s® brand and a clear system-wide business strategy in place. These results validate our efforts to be the preferred destination for top-quality meats along with a Fast Crafted™ service experience that truly resonates with our guests.”
Arby’s also reiterated its goal to surpass $4 billion in system-wide total sales by the end of 2018. The goal represents a nearly 25% increase in system sales through a combination of average unit sales growth and new unit development. In 2014, system-wide sales totaled $3.26 billion.
Arby’s is accelerating new restaurant development in 2015 with its new “Inspire” restaurant designs representing the look and direction for the brand going forward. The variety of footprint options provides opportunities to open Arby’s restaurants in new community environments, such as shopping centers and high-density city areas.
In addition to new builds, Arby’s is remodeling existing restaurants across the system to the Inspire design and to date has remodeled nearly 40 restaurants and expects to remodel 180 total by the end of the year. On average, remodeled restaurants are experiencing sales increases of 15 percent or more, and in some cases more than 20 percent.
* Source: The NPD Group/SalesTrack® Weekly, numbers are estimates from a QSR aggregate of 45 chains Q1 2015 ending April 5, 2015.
About Arby’s
Arby’s, founded in 1964, is the first nationally franchised sandwich restaurant brand, with more than 3,300 restaurants worldwide. The Arby’s brand purpose is to “inspire smiles through delicious experiences.” Arby’s delivers on its purpose by celebrating the art of Meatcraft™ with a variety of high-quality proteins paired with crave-able sides, such as Curly Fries and Jamocha shakes. Arby’s® restaurants feature Fast Crafted™ service, a unique blend of quick-serve speed and value combined with the quality and made-for-you care of fast casual. Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. is the franchisor of the Arby’s Brand and is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. Visit Arbys.com for more information or socially connect with Arby’s at: Facebook, Twitter, Linked In and Instagram.
