Restaurant Brands’ Four Divisions All Show Growth

Restaurant Brands’ Four Divisions All Show Growth In Third Quarter

Restaurants Brands’ four operating divisions all experienced positive same store sales growth in the third quarter.

For the 12 weeks to 29 November 2004, the company’s sales totaled $NZ70.0 million, $2.4 million or 3.5% up on the same period last year.

Chief executive Vicki Salmon said the result was very pleasing and that the steady, positive growth was continuing into the last quarter.

KFC sales were $38.3 million, up $0.7 million or 1.9% on the same quarter last year. On a same store basis sales were up 3.4% for the period. Store numbers remained at 87.

“This improved sales performance was achieved despite the withdrawal of the delivery business from some stores over the quarter,” Salmon said.

In particular, good growth occurred in KFC’s Family Meal business and its sub-brands, such as the Meteor product released as part of a particularly successful Hot ‘n’ Spicy chicken promotion.

“Continued innovation in our product development and sub-brands is having the desired impact on our KFC operations,” she said.

KFC sales year to date totalled $130.6 million, down 1.0% on the prior year.

Pizza Hut continued to grow both total and same store sales achieving its highest volume of pizza sales ever during the quarter, despite continuing competitive pressures. Same store sales for the quarter were up 0.2% as lower sales from infill-impacted stores were more than offset by continued strong growth in the rest of the business.

Vicki Salmon said that as part of Restaurant Brands focus on quality and food excellence, Pizza Hut released a new variation to the Stuffed Crust range (cream cheese) re-launched the chicken pizza range featuring whole chicken breast.

Total Pizza Hut sales for the quarter were $19.9 million, up $1.5 million (8.3%) on the same period last year. Year to date sales at $66.3 million were up $3.0 million (4.7%) on the prior year.

Salmon said five new delcos were opened at Hawera, Rangiora, Takanini, Albany and Cambridge bringing the number of Pizza Hut stores in New Zealand to 100.

Salmon said Starbucks Coffee enjoyed a 1.1% increase in same store sales growth to produce total sales for the quarter of $5.5 million, a 3.6% increase on last year’s $5.3 million.

Year to date Starbucks sales totaled $18.3 million, up 5.0% on prior year. Same store sales are up 4.0% on a year to date basis.

One new Starbucks store opened in Riccarton Mall, Christchurch, bringing the total to 37.

Steady growth continued in Pizza Hut Victoria’s operations with same store sales up 2.1% and total sales up 3.8% to $A5.8 million. Store numbers were constant at 51.

Year to date, sales in Victoria improved to $A20.5 million (up 4.0% on prior year).

Salmon said: “Our third quarter results show the business is tracking in the right direction and we expect this solid positive growth to continue”.

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