Report Announcements Archives - Restaurant Research

Restaurant Finance & 2H:20 Valuation Update

by Wally Butkus | Feb 25, 2021 | Report Announcements | 0

RR’s Finance & Valuation report is based on survey responses (equally weighted) from 50 finance companies including traditional cash flow lenders, sale leaseback companies, SBA lenders and equipment finance companies and provides an overview of the state of restaurant finance, valuations and cap rates for 2H:20. While 2020 traditional restaurant financing volume of $7.9 billion represented a -24% y/y decrease reflecting diminished financing demand driven by government COVID-19 restrictions, lending is expected to pick back up in 2021.

Church’s Chicken

by Wally Butkus | Feb 15, 2021 | Report Announcements | 0

Church’s specializes in Southern-style, hand-battered, double-breaded fried bone-in chicken (available in Original & Spicy) which is marinated for 12 hours & freshly prepared throughout the day in small batches and complimented by its freshly baked home-style sides and scratch-made Honey Butter Biscuits to form a complete meal for individuals and families. The chain has a Southcentral geographic concentration (Texas roots) with a target market that includes lower income, urban families and value oriented young adults.

Remodel Programs 2021

by Wally Butkus | Feb 11, 2021 | Report Announcements | 0

Remodel data and analysis on 50+ national chains, including: (1) remodel progress/system condition; (2) investment costs; (3) post remodel sales increases; (4) franchisor remodel incentives; and (5) program scope.

Sonic

by Wally Butkus | Feb 5, 2021 | Report Announcements | 0

Sonic enjoys strong brand equity (particularly in core South & Central Plains markets) around its drive-in format with car stalls, friendly carhops and a plethora of specialty drinks & frozen treats. Its unique drive-in format increases the chance that every customer will be first in line, served by car hops (brand ambassadors) that help to generate high scores for friendliness. This format also allows customers to take their time ordering without concern about slowing a drive-thru line.

KFC

by Wally Butkus | Jan 9, 2021 | Report Announcements | 0

KFC is a leader in traditional hand-breaded, bone-in Southern fried chicken with considerable brand equity around its Original Recipe seasoning (top selling menu option) and Extra Crispy option. This iconic brand is distinguished by red & white striped buckets (featuring the Colonel’s portrait) which represent an indulgent, pampered home meal replacement option that works particularly well post-lockdown during a time when families have returned to the practice of eating together at home.

Pizza Hut

by Wally Butkus | Jan 7, 2021 | Report Announcements | 0

Pizza Hut enjoys substantial scale and strong brand equity as the 2nd largest national player in the $1B+ chain pizza segment by domestic system sales. The brand has historically been distinguished by its Pan Pizzas, Stuffed Crust products and fun innovation. Its ongoing repositioning towards a modern delivery concept includes a conversion of dine-in assets to smaller stores optimized for delivery to go with brand upgrades that include: product quality enhancements; stronger value offerings (including national price points); increased national ad spend to support value and its sports sponsorships; delivery speed improvements; and progress with Hut Rewards.

Carl’s Jr.

by Wally Butkus | Dec 17, 2020 | Report Announcements | 0

Carl’s Jr. is a regional chain with a West Coast orientation and a large burger mix. Key brand attributes include: affordable burgers with double patties; premium Thickburger Angus platform; charbroiling for burgers & certain chicken sandwiches; bold flavor options (addressing its large exposure to the Hispanic demo); hand-breaded chicken tenders; made-from-scratch biscuits; and milkshakes made with hand-scooped ice cream.

Dunkin’

by Wally Butkus | Dec 15, 2020 | Report Announcements | 0

Dunkin’s DNA is built around speed & convenience as a beverage led (traditional drip coffee) to-go brand with a mid-level positioning above c-store & QSR but below Starbucks. Dunkin’s famous coffee, donuts & munchkins are legendary in core Northeast markets and the brand’s coffee authority supports its expansion into espresso (2018 upgrade), cold brew & frozen coffee.