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Buffets, Inc. Delivers Strongest Sales Results In Seven Years
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Family Focus Garners Systemwide Increases
Buffets, Inc. Delivers Strongest Sales Results In Seven Years
| Greer,
SC � April 2013 / Hospitality 1ST / Buffets,
Inc., parent company of Old
Country Buffet®, Hometown®
Buffet, Country Buffet®,
Ryan�s®,
and Fire Mountain®
restaurants, which are popular for their family dining experience, reported
sales up 1.7% for the quarter ending April 3, 2013**,
the best year-over-year quarterly comparable sales performance in seven
years. Company officials attribute the improvement to the fast track implementation
of its turnaround blueprint entitled the �Plan to Win� that was launched
last July.
|  Anthony
Wedo, brought into the chain last year as Chief Executive Officer to
lead the turnaround, said, �The third quarter�s positive results are due
to a renewed focus on the guest. We have focused on everything from improved
operations to renovated facilities and new menu offerings in order to place
the guest front and center in all that we do.�
Wedo noted that, as a result of debt restructuring, the company is now virtually debt free thereby allowing it to reinvest in the brands� menu, facilities and consumer programs. �Our
positive results, especially when compared to significantly negative results
across the industry, are proof that our guest-first strategy works and
that we are starting to pick up momentum,� said Wedo.
�The launch of Mongolian Stir Fry has improved our Freshness, Quality and �Intent to Visit� ratings because consumers are giving us high marks for creating customized meals, made just for them,� said Abelkop. �The Real Favorites Menu is all about focusing on what our guests love. Since we use small batch cooking, we can ensure serving fresh, delicious food consistently. As an added benefit to our business model, our Favorites Menu has streamlined our operating platform which has allowed for consolidated purchasing power as well.� Abelkop remarked that Thursday Family Nights, supported by branded partnerships with popular Scholastic Media children�s properties Clifford, Word Girl and 39 Clues, have generated significant double-digit sales and transactional growth for the brands. �We have transformed our menu to showcase our product freshness and variety. Young families are our core demographic and as we strengthen our connection with them, the system benefits,� Abelkop said. About
Buffets, Inc.
**This was the 3rd quarter of FY 2013 for Buffets, Inc. Media
Contacts:
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Jason
Abelkop, Chief Marketing Officer for Buffets, Inc., attributed the
success to specific guest-centered innovations rolled out within the year.
Specifically, the company has introduced Fresh For You �action�
stations featuring Mongolian Stir Fry, the �Real Favorites Menu� delivering
more of what guests want, and the very popular Thursday Family Nights.