Q3 2024 CAVA Group Inc Earnings Call
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the cover third quarter 2024 earnings Conference call. At this time all lines are in listen only mode. Following the.
Operator: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the CAVA third quarter 2024 earnings conference call. At this time, all lines are in listen only mode.
Operator: Following the presentation, we will conduct a question and answer session. If at any time during this call you require immediate assistance, please press star zero for the operator.
We will conduct a question and answer session.
Any time during this call are you acquire immediate assistance. Please press star zero for operator.
Operator: This call is being recorded on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.
It's being recorded on Tuesday November 12, 2024, I would now like to turn the conference over to Matt in a lot of itch. Please go ahead.
Matt Milanovich: I would now like to turn the conference over to Matt Milanovich. Please go ahead. Good afternoon and welcome to Cava's third quarter 2024 financial results conference call. Before we begin, if you do not already have a copy, the earnings release and related AK furnished with the SEC are available on our website at investor.cava.com. The purpose of this conference call is to give investors further details regarding the company's financial results. as well as a general update on the company's progress. You will find reconciliations of any non-GAAP financial measure discussed on today's call to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP to the extent available without unreasonable efforts in today's earnings release and supplemental deck, each of which is posted on the company's website.
Speaker Change: Good afternoon, and welcome to <unk> third quarter 2024 financial results Conference call.
Before we begin if you do not already have a copy of the earnings release and related 8-K furnished with the SEC are available on our website at Investor Dotcom Dotcom.
Speaker Change: The purpose of this conference call is to give investors further details regarding the company's financial results as.
Speaker Change: As well as a general update on the company's progress.
Speaker Change: You will find reconciliations of any non-GAAP financial measure discussed on today's call to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with GAAP.
Speaker Change: To the extent available without unreasonable efforts in today's earnings release and supplemental deck each of which is posted on the company's website.
Speaker Change: Before we begin let me remind everyone that this call will contain forward looking statements for this purpose any statements made during this call.
Matt Milanovich: Before we begin, let me remind everyone that this call will contain forward-looking statements. For this purpose, any statements made during this call that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors should be aware that any forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed here today. These risk factors are explained in detail in Cava's most recent annual report on Form 10-K. Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and other filings with the SEC. Please refer to these filings for a more detailed discussion of forward-looking statements and the risks and uncertainties of such statements.
Statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward looking statements investors should be aware that any forward looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties.
Speaker Change: That could cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed here today.
Speaker Change: These risk factors are explained in detail in Cabos. Most recent annual report on Form 10-K.
Speaker Change: Clearly report on Form 10-Q, and other filings with the SEC.
Speaker Change: Please refer to these filings for a more detailed discussion of forward looking statements and the risks and uncertainties of such statements.
Matt Milanovich: All forward-looking statements are made as of today, and except as required by law, CAVA undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments, or otherwise.
Speaker Change: All forward looking statements are made as of today and except as required by law Carver undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information future developments or otherwise.
Brett Schulman: And now I'll turn the call over to the company's co-founder and CEO, Brett Schulman. Thanks, Matt. And welcome to the call, everyone. In the third quarter, our results were once again exceptional and unmatched in the public restaurant sector. Our third quarter highlights include a 39% increase in Cava revenue with a $2.8 million AUV. Cava same restaurant sales growth of 18.1%, including traffic growth of 12.9%.
Speaker Change: And now I'll turn the call over to the Companys co founder and CEO Brett Feldman.
Brett Feldman: Thanks, Matt and welcome to the call everyone in the third quarter. Our results were once again exceptional and unmatched in the public restaurant sector.
Brett Feldman: Our third quarter highlights include a 39% increase in copper revenue with a $2 $8 million.
Brett Feldman: Carver same restaurant sales growth of 18, 1%, including traffic growth of 12, 9%.
Brett Schulman: 11 net new restaurants ending the quarter with 352 restaurants 21.4% increase year-over-year, adjusted EBITDA of $33.5 million, a 69% increase over the third quarter of 2023, net income of $18 million, a 163% increase over the third quarter of 2023, and $23.4 million in free cash flow during the quarter. The confluence of factors is coming together to fuel our growth. We believe our outsized performance and ability to deliver long-term value to our guests, team members, and shareholders are driven by the strength of our category-defining brand, the power of our unique and compelling value proposition, and our disciplined, relentless focus on execution.
Brett Feldman: 11, net new restaurants, ending the quarter with 352 restaurants, a 21, 4% increase year over year adjusted.
Brett Feldman: Adjusted EBITDA of $33 5 million, 869% increase over the third quarter of 2023 net income of $18 million, a 163% increase over the third quarter of 2023.
Brett Feldman: And $23 4 million and free cash flow during the quarter.
Brett Feldman: A confluence of factors coming together to fuel our growth, we believe our outsized performance and ability to deliver long term value to our guests team members and shareholders are driven by the strength of our category defining brands the power of our unique and compelling value proposition and our disciplined relentless focus on <unk>.
Brett Feldman: <unk>.
Brett Schulman: As the clear leader of Mediterranean cuisine, we are defining what is now emerging as America's next major cultural cuisine category. For the modern consumer who craves bold, adventurous flavors, is increasingly mindful of their well-being, and sees food as cultural currency and a form of self-expression, Mediterranean is meeting the moment. We believe the category is at a tipping point, and as evidenced by our accelerating growth in each market we enter, and with every restaurant we open. Cava was one of just a few publicly traded restaurant brands with strong traffic growth in the third quarter. It is clear that our value proposition, quality Mediterranean cuisine where taste and health unite, the convenience of our multi-channel format, and the experiences we provide across our physical and digital channels is resonating with consumers.
Brett Feldman: As the clear leader in Mediterranean cuisine, we are defining what is now emerging as Americas next major cultural cuisine category for.
Brett Feldman: For the modern consumer craves bolt adventurous flavors is increasingly mindful of their wellbeing and cease food as cultural currency any form of self expression Mediterranean is meeting the moment.
Brett Feldman: We believe the category is at a tipping point and as evidenced by our accelerating growth in each market. We enter in with every restaurant we opened.
Brett Feldman: Cabo is one of just a few publicly traded restaurant brands with strong growth in the third quarter. It.
Brett Feldman: It is clear that our value proposition quality Mediterranean cuisine, we're chasing out the unite the convenience of our multichannel format and the experiences we provide across our physical and digital channels is resonating with consumers.
Brett Feldman: We believe our Mediterranean hospitality as an increasingly powerful differentiator over.
Brett Schulman: We believe our Mediterranean hospitality is an increasingly powerful differentiator. Over the last two decades, as the world interacts more often with screens and people, we've lost 24 hours a month in personal connection. As technology and automation infiltrate everyday life and the front lines of more concepts, consumer touchpoints are becoming increasingly transactional, removing the joy in humanity from the experience. At Cava, we believe technology should enhance, not replace the human experience, and we're leveraging it to create warm, personal moments across our physical and digital channels and to support our team members in engaging and connecting with our guests.
Brett Feldman: Over the last two decades as the world interacts more often with screens and people. We've lost 24 hours a month and personal connection as.
Brett Feldman: As technology and automation infiltrate everyday life in the front lines with more concepts consumer touch points are becoming increasingly transactional removing the join humanity from the experience.
Brett Feldman: However, we believe technology should enhance not replace the human experience and we're leveraging it to create warm personal moments across our physical and digital channels and to support our team members and engaging and connecting with our guests.
Brett Schulman: Our business is built on the idea of welcoming everyone to our table, and we are focused on creating the authentic human connections consumers are hungry for. This is core to our brand essence and our mission of bringing heart, health, and humanity to food, and it uniquely positions us to deliver genuine hospitality to our guests.
Brett Feldman: Our business is built on the idea of welcoming everyone to our table and we are focused on creating the authentic human connections consumers are hungry for this is core to our brand essence, and our mission of bringing heart health and humanity to food and it uniquely positions us to deliver genuine hospitality to our guests.
Brett Schulman: To deliver on these promises, we are intently and effectively executing across our strategic pillars. We've made significant progress, launching our Reimagined Loyalty Program nationwide to develop personal relationships with our guests, even as we scale. Just last week, we rolled out our new labor scheduling and deployment model ahead of schedule, positioning our team members to be in the right roles, at the right places, at the right moments, delivering exceptional guest experiences. On the culinary innovation front, we launched our first ever new flavor variation on our beloved pita. Achieving these milestones demonstrates our ability to execute, our focus on what matters, and the strength of our team.
Brett Feldman: To deliver on these promises we are intently and effectively executing across our strategic pillars. We've made significant progress launching our <unk> loyalty program nationwide to develop personal relationships with our guests even as we scale.
Brett Feldman: Just last week, we rolled out our new labor scheduling and deployment model ahead of schedule and positioning our team members to be in the right roles at the right places at the right moments delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Brett Feldman: On the culinary innovation front, we launched our first ever new flavor variation on our beloved pita chip.
Brett Feldman: Achieving these milestones demonstrates our ability to execute our focus on what matters and the strength of our team.
Brett Feldman: We continue to expand our Mediterranean way in communities across the country with 11 net new combo restaurants. During Q3, we are growing in new markets like Chicago and in existing markets, including Texas, California, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Oklahoma.
Brett Schulman: We continue to expand our Mediterranean way in communities across the country with 11 net new Cava restaurants during Q3. We are growing in new markets like Chicago and existing markets, including Texas, California, Virginia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Oklahoma. Our 2024 new restaurant class is our strongest yet, outperforming our expectations and giving us even more confidence in the proven portability of our category-defining brand. We have significant white space in front of us, and our 2025 restaurant pipeline is strong and growing.
Brett Feldman: Our 2024, new restaurant classes, our strongest yet outperforming our expectations and giving us even more confidence in the proven portability of our category defining brands.
Brett Feldman: We have significant white space in front of us and our 2025 restaurant pipeline is strong and growing.
Brett Schulman: On the heels of our successful market entry into Chicago, we are excited to announce that we expect to enter South Florida early next year and expand our Midwest presence with at least two additional new markets in 2025. Many of these restaurants will incorporate our new project soul design. For some time, we've been at the forefront of a contrarian point of view, that the demise of the dining room is greatly exaggerated. In addition to convenience, consumers are looking for warm, welcoming places to dine with family and friends. Project SOL expresses our Mediterranean hospitality and taps into guests' desire for human connection, including softer seating, more greenery, and a warmer brand palette.
Brett Feldman: On the heels of our successful market entry into Chicago, we are excited to announce that we expect to enter South Florida early next year and expand our Midwest presence with at least two additional new markets in 2025.
Brett Feldman: Many of these restaurants will incorporate our new projects sold design for some time, we've been at the forefront of a contrarian point of view with the demise of the dining room is greatly exaggerated.
Brett Feldman: In addition to convenience consumers are looking for warm welcoming places to die in with family and friends.
Brett Feldman: Project Sol expresses our Mediterranean hospitality and taps into guests' desire for human connection, including software ceding more greenery and a warmer brand pallet.
Brett Feldman: As we work to deepen personal relationships with guests even as we scale. We recently launched a re imagined loyalty rewards program, which includes an earn in bank points model with a menu of reward redemption options from our freshly made juices to Andres <unk>.
Brett Schulman: As we work to deepen personal relationships with guests, even as we scale, we recently launched our Reimagined Loyalty Rewards Program, which includes an earn and bank points model with a menu of reward redemption options from our freshly made juices to entrees. The program launched earlier than planned, further demonstrating this team's ability to execute and deliver on our commitment. The program has been well received, and since its launch, loyalty percentage of sales has grown more than 200 basis points. This initial phase of a multi-phased approach will grow our first party data and help us share our Mediterranean hospitality across platforms in ways that resonate with guests on a personal level.
Brett Feldman: Program launched earlier than planned further demonstrating this team's ability to execute and deliver on our commitments.
Brett Feldman: The program has been well received consensus launch loyalty percentage of sales has grown more than 200 basis points.
Brett Feldman: This initial phase of a multi phased approach will grow our first party data and help us share our Mediterranean hospitality across platforms and ways that resonate with guests on a personal level.
Brett Feldman: Building on our Mediterranean authority and strengthen culinary innovation, we continue to create new differentiated menu items, we know our classic pita chips are cult favorite and we recently launched our first ever new flavor garlic Ranch. This limited time, offering which combines a perfect blend of buttermilk knit garlic paprika.
Brett Schulman: Building on our Mediterranean authority and strength in culinary innovation, we continue to create new differentiated menu items. We know our classic pita chips are a cult favorite, and we've recently launched our first-ever new flavor, Garlic Ranch. This limited-time offering, which combines the perfect blend of buttermilk, mint, garlic, paprika, sea salt, and onion, has been incredibly well-received by guests and is driving incremental attachment. Garlic Ranch Pita Chips are trending on social media with over 12 million impressions across multiple platforms, along with 347 million earned media impressions. In addition, we continue to see strong incidence in stake more than four months after our nationwide loss.
Brett Feldman: <unk> has been incredibly well received by guests and is driving incremental attachment.
Brett Feldman: Garlic ranch pita chips are trending on social media with over 12 million impressions across multiple platforms, along with 347 million earned media impressions in.
Brett Feldman: In addition, we continue to see strong incidents and steak more than four months after our nationwide launch.
Brett Schulman: These initiatives are driving brand awareness, which is up 8 percentage points since the IPO, and growing with each new launch.
Brett Feldman: These initiatives are driving brand awareness, which is up eight percentage points since the IPO and growing with each new launch.
Brett Feldman: As we execute across the business, we recently launched a new labor scheduling and deployment model in all our restaurants.
Brett Schulman: As we execute across the business, we recently launched a new labor scheduling and deployment model in all our restaurants. I just got back from our operations summit in Dallas where area leaders participated in intensive training on the new model and deployment principles. This initiative aims to put the right people in the right places at the right moments, delivering exceptional guest experience. The new model reallocates ideal forecasted hours more effectively and efficiently with better alignment to team member tasks, channel mix, and revenue curve. Early results are promising, and we have identified opportunities to strategically invest in lower-volume restaurants to drive increased revenue over time.
Brett Feldman: Got back from our operations summit in Dallas, where area leaders participated in intensive training on the new model and deployment principles. This initiative is to put the right people in the right places at the right moments delivering exceptional guest experiences.
Brett Feldman: The new model reallocate ideal forecasted hours more effectively and efficiently with better alignment to team member tasks channel mix and revenue curves.
Early results are promising and we have identified opportunities to strategically invest in lower volume restaurants to drive increased revenue over time.
Brett Feldman: Consistent with our focus on supporting our teams are making restaurants easier to run we continue progressing on our multi year connected kitchen initiative.
Brett Schulman: Consistent with our focus on supporting our teams and making restaurants easier to run, we continue progressing on our multi-year Connected Kitchen Initiative. Our generative AI video technology monitors how quickly ingredients on the in-restaurant make line are being depleted and alerts the team in real time for prep and cook batch amounts. The test and learn phase of the AI video pilot is complete and we are now live in 4Restaurant. In addition, we have expanded our new kitchen display screen test to 25 locations. This test deploys new and improved digital order management capabilities for our second make lines, enhancing productivity and order accuracy.
Brett Feldman: Our generative AI video technology monitors how quickly ingredients on the in restaurant make lines are being depleted and alerts the team in real time for prep and Cook batch announce.
Brett Feldman: The test and learn phase of the AI video pilot is complete and we are now live in four restaurants.
In addition, we have expanded our new kitchen display screen test the 25 locations.
Brett Feldman: This test deploy new and improved digital order management capabilities for our second make lines enhancing productivity and order accuracy.
Brett Schulman: While both initiatives are in the very early stages, we believe they can improve quality and consistency, increase order accuracy, boost speed of service, and simplify prep and planning.
Brett Feldman: While both initiatives are in the very early stages, we believe they can improve quality and consistency increase order accuracy boost speed of service and simplify prep and planning.
Brett Feldman: As we execute our strategic initiatives expand our presence and create deeper human connections our broad appeal it continues to grow.
Brett Schulman: As we execute our strategic initiatives, expand our presence, and create deeper human connections, our broad appeal continues to grow. We are serving the needs of everyone, from athletes performing at the highest level, including feeding both the Dodgers and Yankees who played in the World Series, to people looking to reestablish their everyday health and wellness, like our guest Bob in Florida. After suffering a heart attack and spending 10 days in a coma, Bob's first stop on the way home from the hospital was our Jacksonville Riverside restaurant. He became a regular, incorporating our food into his months-long recovery process.
Brett Feldman: We are serving the needs of everyone from athletes performing at the highest level, including feeding both the Dodgers and Yankees, who played in the World series.
Brett Feldman: People looking to reestablish their everyday health and wellness like our guests Park in Florida.
After suffering a heart attack and spending 10 days in Tacoma Bob's first stop on the way home from the hospital was our Jacksonville Riverside restaurants at.
Brett Feldman: It became a regular incorporating our food into its month long recovery process.
Brett Schulman: He said that eating a Cava meal following his three times a week cardiac rehab sessions is what he looked forward to most. Bob wrote to us recently to thank our team members for making him feel so welcome, always greeting him with a warm smile, getting started on his bowl as soon as they saw him come through the door, and on one occasion, using the love button to give him a free meal. After he recovered, he and his wife ordered Cava catering for the cardiac ICU staff who cared for him.
Brett Feldman: He said that eating a combo meal. Following is three times a week cardiac rehab sessions with what do we look forward to most <unk>.
Brett Feldman: Bob Roadhouse recently to thank our team members for making them feel so welcome always reading him with a warm smile getting started on as well as soon as they saw them come through the door and on one occasion, using the love button to give them a free meal.
Speaker Change: After he recovered he and his wife ordered Carver catering for the cardiac ICU staff, who care for them.
Brett Schulman: Stories like Bob's demonstrate the power of our mission to bring heart, health, and humanity to food.
Speaker Change: Stories like Bobs demonstrates the power of our mission to bring heart health and humanity to food.
Brett Schulman: I want to thank our more than 10,000 team members who bring that mission to life every day, and whose work to define, and in many ways create, the Mediterranean category is coming to fruition.
Speaker Change: I want to thank our more than 10000 team members, who bring that mission to life every day and who has worked to define and in many ways create the Mediterranean category is coming to fruition we.
Brett Schulman: We have generated significant momentum, and as we continue to focus on sustainable growth, create exceptional experiences, and invest in our guests, team members, and infrastructure, we believe we are well positioned to capture the significant white space opportunity in front of us.
We have generated significant momentum and as we continue to focus on sustainable growth create exceptional experiences and invest in our guests team members and infrastructure. We believe we are well positioned to capture the significant white space opportunity in front of us with that I'll, let Tricia walk you through the financials.
Tricia Tolivar: With that, I'll let Tricia walk you through the finances. Thanks Brett. Cava revenue in the third quarter of 2024 grew 39 percent year over year to 241.5 million. During the quarter we opened 11 net new Cava restaurants or 73 net new Cava restaurants during or subsequent to the third quarter of 2023 bringing our total Cava restaurant count to 352. We continue to be pleased with our new restaurant openings which consistently exceed our expectations. Cava's same restaurant sales increased 18.1 percent, driven by a 12.9 percent increase from guest traffic and a 5.2 percent increase from menu price and product mix.
Tricia: Thanks, Brad.
Tricia: Revenue in the third quarter at 2024, 39% year over year to $241 5 million during the quarter. We opened 11 net new <unk> restaurants were 73, net new kind of a restaurant during or subsequent to the third quarter of 2023, bringing our total hover restaurant.
Tricia: 300, <unk>, we continue to be pleased with our new restaurant opening which consistently exceed our expectations.
Tricia: At the same restaurant sales increased 18, 1% driven by a 12, 9% increase from guest traffic and a <unk>.
Tricia: Five 2% increase from the menu price and product mix.
Tricia: Carver restaurant level profit in the third quarter was $61 8 million or 25, 6% of revenue versus $43 6 million or 25, 1% of revenue in the prior year, representing a 41, 9% increase.
Tricia Tolivar: Cava restaurant level profit in the third quarter was $61.8 million or 25.6% of revenue versus $43.6 million or 25.1% of revenue in the prior year, representing a 41.9% increase. This increase was due to leverage from higher sales, partially offset by incremental wage investments, and an increase in food, beverage, and packaging costs driven by our national rollout of steak in the middle of Q2 2024. Cava's food, beverage, and packaging costs were 29.9% of revenue, an increase of 50 basis points, as compared to the third quarter of 2023. This anticipated increase of the percent of revenue was the result of the launch of Stake in June.
Tricia: This increase was due to leverage from higher sales, partially offset by incremental wage investment and an increase in food beverage and packaging costs driven by our national rollout of stake in the middle of Q2 2024.
Tricia: Kind of a food beverage and packaging costs were 29, 9% of revenue an increase of 50 basis points.
Tricia: As compared to the third quarter of 2023.
Tricia: This anticipated increase as a percent of revenue was the result of the launch of stake in June.
Tricia Tolivar: Common Labor and related costs were 25.4%, up 10 basis points from the third quarter of 2023. This increase reflects investments in our team member wages of 8%, including the impact from AB 1228, which we chose not to offset with a menu price increase to the guests, partially offset by leverage from increased sales compared to the prior year. Cava occupancy and related expenses were 6.8% of revenue, an improvement of 110 basis points from the third quarter of 2023 due to increased sales leverage. Cava. Other operating expenses were 12.3% of revenue and flat to the third quarter of 2023, primarily due to operating leverage associated with higher sales, offset by investments in the integrity of our physical spaces in support of our increased restaurant volume.
Tricia: Labor and related costs were 25, 4% up 10 basis points in the third quarter of 2023 net increase we expect investments in our team member wages of 8%, including the impact from <unk> top 28, which we chose not to offset with the menu price increase to the <unk>.
Tricia: <unk>, partially offset by leverage from increased sales compared to the prior year.
Tricia: However, occupancy and related expenses were six 8% of revenue.
Tricia: At 110 basis points to the third quarter of 2023 due to increased sales leverage.
Tricia: However, other operating expenses were 12, 3% of revenue and flat to the third quarter of 2023.
Tricia: Primarily due to operating leverage associated with higher sales offset by investments in the integrity of our physical spaces in support of our increased restaurant volumes.
Tricia: Shifting to overall performance, our general and administrative expense for the quarter, excluding stock based compensation were $26 3 million compared to $21 3 million in the third quarter of 2023. However.
Tricia Tolivar: Shifting to overall performance, our general and administrative expenses for the quarter excluding stock-based compensation were 26.3 million compared to 21.3 million in the third quarter of 2023. However, as a percentage of revenue, we experienced an improvement of 130 basis points due to leverage from higher sales, partially offset by the timing of performance-based incentive compensation and investment to support future growth. Adjusted EBITDA including the burden of pre-opening costs for the quarter was $33.5 million, an increase of 69.2% versus the third quarter of 2023. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by the number and continued strength of new restaurant openings, 18.1% Calvacane restaurant sales growth and leverage in G&A.
Tricia: However, as a percentage of revenue we experienced an improvement of 130 basis points due to leverage from higher sales, partially offset by the timing of performance based incentive compensation and investments to support future growth.
Tricia: Adjusted EBITDA, including the burden of pre opening costs for the quarter with $33 5 million, an increase of 69, 2% versus the third quarter at 2023.
Tricia: The increase in adjusted EBITDA was driven by the number and continued strength of new restaurant openings 18, 1% same restaurant sales growth and leverage in G&A.
Tricia: During the third quarter of 2024, where we reported $18 million of net income compared with net income of $6 8 million in the third quarter of 2023.
Tricia Tolivar: During the third quarter of 2024, we reported $18 million of net income compared with net income of $6.8 million in the third quarter of 2023. This represents an increase of 162.9 percent, further exemplifying the power of our unit economic model. We reported diluted earnings per share of $0.15 in the quarter compared with diluted earnings per share of $0.06 in the third quarter of 2023.
Tricia: This represents an increase of 162, 9%.
Tricia: Theyre exemplifying the power of our unit economic model.
Tricia: We reported diluted earnings per share of <unk> 15 in the quarter compared with diluted earnings per share of six in the third quarter of 2023.
Tricia: Shifting over to liquidity at the end of the quarter, we had zero debt outstanding 367 $2 million in cash on hand, and access to a 75 million undrawn revolver with an option to increase our liquidity if needed.
Tricia Tolivar: Shifting over to liquidity, at the end of the quarter, we had zero debt outstanding, $367.2 million in cash on hand, and access to a $75 million undrawn revolver, with an option to increase our liquidity if needed. We delivered cash flow from operations of $43.9 million compared to $26 million during the third quarter of 2023. This increase was primarily driven by our improved operations generating increased profitability across the fleet. Total company free cash flow was $23.4 million in the current quarter, an increase of $32.5 million compared to the third quarter of 2023.
We delivered cash flow from operations at $43 9 million compared to $26 million during the third quarter of 2023.
Tricia: This increase was primarily driven by our improved operations generating increased profitability across the fleet.
Tricia: Total company free cash flow was $23 4 million in the current quarter, an increase of $32 5 million compared to the third quarter of 2023.
Tricia: Now to our outlook for full year 2024, we expect the following 50.
Tricia Tolivar: Now to our outlook for full year 2024. We expect the following. 56 to 58 net new Cava restaurant opening. have a same restaurant sales growth of 12% to 13%. Cava restaurant level profit margin between 24.5% to 25%. Pre-opening costs between $12 and $13 million, and adjusted EBITDA including the burden of pre-opening costs between $121 to $126 million. In our prior earnings call, we embedded into our guidance the potential headwinds for macroeconomic and election-related uncertainty. Given the strength of our business and visibility to date, our current guidance now removes those uncertainties.
Tricia: <unk> 56 to 58, net new Carver restaurant openings.
Tricia: Same restaurant sales growth of 12% to 13%.
Tricia: Kind of a restaurant level profit margin.
Tricia: Between.
Tricia: 24, 5% to 25%.
Tricia: Pre opening costs between 12 and $13 million.
Tricia: And adjusted EBITDA, including the burden of pre opening cost between $121 million to $126 million.
Tricia: In our prior earnings call, we embedded into our guidance the potential headwinds from macroeconomic and election related uncertainty given the strength of our business and visibility to date.
Tricia: Our guidance now removes the uncertainty.
Tricia Tolivar: I want to take a moment to provide an update on tax expectations. As I explained last quarter, we historically have had a full valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, primarily relating to net operating loss carry forwards, which has resulted in immaterial tax expense. Based on our continued positive profitability trends, it is reasonably possible that we will be in a position to release the valuation allowance in Q4, which will result in a one-time significant P&L benefit as a reduction to tax expense. Keep in mind, we expect our cash taxes to continue to be immaterial until we fully utilize our net operating losses.
Tricia: I wanted to take a moment to provide an update on tax expectations as I explained last quarter. We historically have had a full valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, primarily relating to net operating loss carryforwards, which has resulted in immaterial tax expense.
Tricia: Based on our continued positive profitability trend. It is reasonably possible that we will be in a position to release the valuation allowance in Q4, which will result in a one time significant P&L benefit as a reduction to tax expense.
Tricia: Keep in mind, we expect our cash taxes to continue to be immaterial until we fully utilize our net operating losses.
Tricia: Looking ahead into 2025, we expect net new restaurant unit growth of at least 17% given the visibility and strength of our pipeline.
Tricia Tolivar: Looking ahead to 2025, we expect net new restaurant unit growth of at least 17% given the visibility and strength of our pipeline. In 2025, we expect restaurant-level margins consistent with 2024 and will use any improved leverage to continue to invest in our team members and guests.
Tricia: In 2025, we expect restaurant level margins consistent with 2024 and leave any improved leverage to continue to invest in our team members and guests.
Tricia Tolivar: We will provide further details around 2025 guidance in our next earnings call.
Tricia: We will provide further details around 2025 guidance in our next earnings call.
Tricia: Before turning to Q&A as Brad had mentioned, we recently had the opportunity to attend our operations some in Dallas, where we gathered with field operation leadership from across the country, the passion and dedication to our mission of bringing heart health and many did seed was truly an inspiration we're excited about the tools.
Tricia Tolivar: Before turning to Q&A, as Brett had mentioned, we recently had the opportunity to attend our Operations Summit in Dallas, where we gathered with field operations leadership from across the country. Their passion and dedication to our mission of bringing heart, health, and humanity to food was truly an inspiration. We're excited about the tools and strategies we've introduced to help make life easier for our teams and elevate the guest experience.
Tricia: And strategies, we've introduced to help make life easier for our teams and elevate the guest experience.
Operator: And with that, I'll pass it over to the operator. Thank you.
Tricia: And with that I'll pass it over to the operator.
Speaker Change: Thank you.
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session. Should you have a question, please press the star button followed by the number one on your touchtone phone. You will hear a prompt indicating your hand has been raised. Please note that we are limiting each participant to one question at a time. If you have additional questions, you may re-enter the queue by pressing star 1. After your first question has been answered. If you do not wish to participate, please press star 2. If you are using a speakerphone, please lift the handset before pressing any keys.
Speaker Change: Ladies and gentlemen, we will now begin the question and answer session should you have a question. Please press <unk>.
Speaker Change: The start button, followed by the number one on your Touchtone phone, you'll hear a prompt indicating your hand, that's been raised please.
Speaker Change: Please note that we are limiting each participant to one question at a time.
Speaker Change: Additional questions you may re enter the queue by pressing star one again.
Speaker Change: First question has been answered.
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Operator: One moment, please, for your first question.
Brian Harbour: Your first question comes from the line of Brian Harbour of Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead. Yeah, thank you. Hi, guys. I'm glad to see everything continuing to go really well. I wanted to pick up on sort of one comment you made.
Speaker Change: Your first question comes from the line of Brian Harper of Morgan Stanley. Please go ahead.
Brian Harper: Yeah. Thank you hi, guys.
Speaker Change: But good to see everything continues to go really well.
Speaker Change: Wanted to pick up on the sort of one comment you made.
Speaker Change: Just about the new labor scheduling model in kind of early lessons from that and how.
Brett Schulman: about the new labor scheduling model and kind of early lessons from that and how you thought that there were also some things that could kind of help drive AUVs in some of your lower volume stores. Could you elaborate on that and sort of, you know, how you think about that opportunity into next year and how that could sort of be an ongoing same-store sale?
Speaker Change: You thought that there were also some things that could kind of help drive <unk> in some of your lower volume stores could you elaborate on that and sort of how you think about that opportunity and to into.
Speaker Change: Into next year, and how that could sort of be an ongoing same store sales forever.
Brian Harper: Yeah, Hey, Brian So the new labor and deployment model really takes for the most part existing hours in the restaurant and redeploy them into peak periods.
Brett Schulman: Hey Brian. So the new labor and deployment model really takes, for the most part, existing hours in the restaurant and redeploys them into peak periods. And then also creating significant clarity around the roles and where they should be placed during What we found during the pilot is in that some of our lower volume restaurants, when we added a little bit more labor to the restaurants, we saw a modest increase in restaurant sales, as well as overall an improvement in guest scores and experience, and so that's where we think we might have an opportunity, but it's a small portion of the overall portfolio and just an example of the early lessons and how they might help drive our average The real thing about the labor and deployment model is that we're really excited to see it improve speed and service, and that's something that's going to benefit the guests as well as Cava.
Brian Harper: And then also creating significant clarity around the rules and where they should be placed during those peak times. What we found during the pilot is in that some of our lower volume restaurants.
Brian Harper: We added a little bit more labor to the restaurants, we saw modest increase in restaurant sales as well as overall an improvement in guest scores and experience and so that's where we think we might have an opportunity, but it's a small portion of the overall portfolio and just.
Brian Harper: Example of the early lessons and how they might help drive our average weekly sales as we move into 2025, the real thing about the labor model and the labor and deployment model is that we're really excited to see it improve speed and service and that's something that's going to benefit the guests as well as karma.
Chris O'Call: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Chris O'Call, Stifle. Please go ahead. Yeah, thanks.
Speaker Change: Thank you.
Speaker Change: Your next question comes from the line of Chris <unk> Stifel. Please go ahead.
Speaker Change: Yeah. Thanks, Brett.
Brett Schulman: Brett, I was hoping you could help us just understand how you're thinking about comp drivers for next year as you think about, you know, beginning to lap some of the success you've had this year and what you believe may be some of the more important drivers to maintaining kind of this momentum. Yeah, hey, Chris, thanks for the question. You know, it really is consistent with what we've talked about in the past, having one or two tentpole moments with a couple of seasonal moments to continue to bring newness and excitement to our guests, as well as keep things simple for our restaurant operations.
Speaker Change: Brent I was hoping you could help us just understand how you're thinking about comp drivers for next year as you think about beginning to lap some of the success you've had this year and what you believe maybe some of the more important.
Speaker Change: Drivers to maintaining kind of this momentum.
Speaker Change: Yeah, Hey, Chris Thanks for the question.
Speaker Change: It really is consistent with what we've talked about in the past, having one or two tent pole moments with a couple seasonal moments to continue to bring newness and excitement to our guests as well as keep things simple for our restaurant operations.
Brett Schulman: So we see those drivers. We see loyalty. Remember, we just launched it as the first phase of a multi-phase program. And so there's other opportunities to enhance the loyalty experience. You certainly have steak in the first half. Remember, we didn't launch it until the middle of Q2. And I'm really excited to see the impact of our garlic ranch pita chip launch, which is the first flavor innovation of what is a true fan favorite in our craveable pita chips. So we think there's opportunity to bring additional flavor innovation in the coming months and years to our guests.
Speaker Change: So we see those drivers we see loyalty remember, we just launched it as the first phase of a multi phase.
Speaker Change: Program and so there is other opportunities to enhance the loyalty experience you certainly have stake in the first half remember we didn't launch it until the middle of Q2, and I'm really excited to see the the.
Speaker Change: The impact of our garlic ranch Pita chip launch, which is the first flavor innovation of what is a true fan favorite and our craveable Pita chips. So we think there is opportunity to bring additional flavor innovation in the coming months and years to our guests.
Speaker Change: Great. Thanks, Congratulations guys.
Chris O'Call: Great, thanks.
Chris O'Call: Congratulations, guys.
Andrew Charles: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Charles of TD Cowen. Please go ahead. Thank you. This is Zach Ogden on for Andrew. Just hoping you could help us dissect the sequential increase in stem cell cells from 2q to 3q. I guess how much of that was an underlying acceleration versus an easier comparison. Thank you. Yeah, so when you look at same restaurant sales from Q2 to Q3 and look at it on a two-year basis, you really see consistency in the trends overall. So the two-year stack was about 33 in Q2 and about 32 in Q3, so really consistency in what we've been able to deliver and how we're serving the guests.
Speaker Change: Yes.
Speaker Change: Your next question comes from the line of Andrew Charles of TD Cowen. Please go ahead.
Speaker Change: Thank you. This is Dan on for Andrew I was just hoping you could help us dissect the sequential increase in same store sales from <unk> I guess, how much of that wasn't underlying acceleration versus an easier comparison.
Speaker Change: So when you look at same restaurant sales from Q2 to Q3 and look at it on a two year basis, you really see consistency in the trends overall, so the two year stack was about 33 in Q2 and about 32 in Q3, so really consistency and what we have been able to deliver.
Speaker Change: And how we're serving the guests centers as you know keep in mind Q3 had a 12, 9% traffic growth so really strong momentum.
Tricia Tolivar: And as you know, keep in mind Q3 had a 12.9% traffic growth, so really strong momentum with our guests and how much they enjoy Cava.
Speaker Change: With our guests and how much they enjoy comma.
Speaker Change: Alright, great. Thank you.
Tricia Tolivar: All right, great, thank you.
Speaker Change: Your next question comes from the line of David Tarantino of Baird. Please go ahead.
David Tarantino: Your next question comes from the line of David Tarantino, Burt, please go ahead. Hi, good afternoon and congratulations on great results. Tricia, I wanted to follow up on a comment you made about restaurant margin for next year, you know, being similar to what you're expecting to deliver this year with a mindset that you're going to continue to invest. So I guess the bigger question is, you know, it makes sense to continue investing at this stage of growth, but I guess, how do you think about restaurant margin longer term? And perhaps maybe you can frame up what's needed to drive that higher in terms of same store sales or however you want to frame it.
David Tarantino: Hi, good afternoon, and congratulations on great results.
Speaker Change: Sure sure I wanted to follow up on a comment you made about restaurant margin for next year being similar to what you are expecting to deliver this.
Speaker Change: This year with a mindset that youre going to continue to invest so I guess the bigger question is you know it makes sense to continue investing at this stage of growth, but I guess, how do you think about restaurant margin longer term and perhaps maybe you can frame up what's needed to drive that higher and.
Speaker Change: The same store sales or however, you want to frame it up.
Speaker Change: Yeah, Thanks, David So.
Tricia Tolivar: Yeah, thanks, David. So certainly, as we think about our restaurant level margins, a 25 restaurant level margin is really an outstanding performance in general, as the way we see it in the market today. We do know that as AUVs increase, there's leverage in this model. If you look at our labor model itself, it's like the Henry Ford production line, and you really have a lot of momentum with it. We just want to make sure that we don't overheat the engine and don't over earn in the short term. So we want to make those continued investments, and really give back to our team members and our guests as much as we can so that we can drive long term value over time.
Speaker Change: Certainly as we think about our restaurant level margins of 25 restaurant level margin is really an outstanding performance in general is the way we see it in the market today, we do know that as a <unk> increase theres leverage in the model. If you look at our labor model itself is like.
Speaker Change: Henry Ford production line, and you really have a lot of momentum with it we just want to make sure that we don't overheat, Dan Jim and Don over earn in the short term so I want to make those continued investments.
Speaker Change: And really give back to our team members and our guests as much as we can so that we can drive long term value over time, but this model is pretty powerful and it does have the opportunity to leverage we just want to make sure we do it mindfully.
Tricia Tolivar: But this model is pretty powerful, and it does have the opportunity to leverage, we just want to make sure we do it.
Speaker Change: Great makes sense. Thank you.
Jon Tower: Great, makes sense. Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Jon Tower of Citi. Please go ahead. Oh, hey, guys. Thanks for taking the question. Brett, you had mentioned earlier in the call, the idea that your brand awareness is up roughly eight points since the IPO. And I'm just curious, you could kind of drill down into where that's coming from. Specifically, I mean, I think that you're probably seeing across all demographics, but are you seeing any key demographics, whether it's ages or household incomes, in particular, kind of pulse up relative to what you'd seen pre IPO?
Speaker Change: Your next question comes from the line of John <unk> of Citi. Please go ahead.
Speaker Change: Oh, Hey, guys. Thanks for taking the question.
Speaker Change: Brett you had mentioned earlier in the call. The idea that your brand awareness is up roughly eight points since the IPO and I'm just curious if you could kind of drill down into.
Speaker Change: Where that's coming from specifically I mean, I think that you're probably seeing across all demographics, but are you seeing any key demographics, whether it's <unk> or household incomes in particular.
Speaker Change: <unk> up relative to what you'd seen pre IPO.
Speaker Change: Hey, John Thanks for the question I mean, it's been pretty consistent across all age groups. All income strata in fact, as we've been growing across the country, we've been able to really broaden out our appeal down the income strata, what I will say is as to awareness, specifically certainly gen Z and even gen Alpha we've seen great.
Brett Schulman: Hey, John, thanks for the question. I mean, it's been pretty consistent across all age groups, all income strata. In fact, as we've been growing across the country, we've been able to really broaden out our appeal down the income strata. What I will say is, as to awareness, specifically, certainly Gen Z and even Gen Alpha, we've seen great growth in those customer segments, given some of the momentum we have on social channels and the exceptional work our marketing team has done and our social team. has done to proliferate awareness and really connect with guests on those channels.
Speaker Change: Growth in those customer segments, given some of the momentum we have on social channels and the exceptional work our marketing team has done and our social team has done to proliferate awareness awareness and really connect with guests on those channels. So.
Brett Schulman: So our younger cohorts are definitely growing quicker, but we are growing across all cohorts.
Speaker Change: Our younger cohorts are definitely growing quicker, but we are growing across all cohorts.
Speaker Change: Got it thank you.
Jeffrey Bernstein: Got it, thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Jeffrey Bernstein of Barclays. Please go ahead. Great, thanks very much. I think in your comments about the 2025 outlook, you also mentioned unit growth, which I believe is 17% plus. I think that's relative to the 15% that you guys have talked about, maybe annual over the next number of years.
Speaker Change: Your next question comes from the line of Jeff.
Speaker Change: Bernstein of Barclays. Please go ahead.
Speaker Change: Great. Thank you very much.
Speaker Change: And your comments about the 2025 outlook you also mentioned unit growth.
Speaker Change: I believe it's 17% plus.
Speaker Change: That's relative to the 15% that you guys have talked about maybe annual over the next number of years I'm. Just wondering how do you think about that more broadly.
Brett Schulman: I'm just wondering, how do you think about that more broadly in terms of being the right level? Whether there are some guardrails, not to say you should be growing faster, but what are the guardrails that keep it at that range? And maybe how are you thinking about the new versus existing markets? I know you mentioned a couple of markets that you were excited for for next year. So just trying to figure out the balance of new versus existing as we try and understand brand recognition.
Speaker Change: In terms of being the right level, whether there is some guardrails.
Speaker Change: Please be growing faster, but what kind of what are the kind of the guardrails that keep it up at that range.
Speaker Change: And maybe how you're thinking about the new versus existing markets. I know you mentioned a couple of markets that you were excited for for next year. So just trying to figure out the balance of new versus existing as we try and understand brand recognition. Thank you.
Speaker Change: Hey, Jeff So yes, we did indicate that in 2025, we anticipate growth and new unit growth of at least 17% over our base in 2024, and that's really driven by the visibility and the strength of the pipeline that we have in 2025 and so when we are thinking.
Brett Schulman: Hey, Jeff. So yes, we did indicate that in 2025, we anticipate growth, a new unit growth of at least 17% over our base in 2024. And that's really driven by the visibility and the strength of the pipeline that we have in 2025.
Brett Schulman: And so when we are thinking about it, we also want to make sure that we've got a good balance of growth in new and existing markets. And our new markets are performing really, really well. And so that gives us the opportunity to lean in there, but still create that balance. So we don't over index and put too much strain on the system overall.
Speaker Change: Thinking about it we also want to make sure that we've got a good balance of growth in new and existing markets and our new markets are performing really really well and so that gives us the opportunity to lean in there, but still create that balance that we don't over index and put too much strain on the system overall and in general the other governor important factor in.
Brett Schulman: And in general, the other governor important factor in ensuring that we've got the proper growth is having the right GM to open those restaurants. And so for 2025, we feel really good about our pipeline of GM to be able to meet that 17%, at least 17% in that year. And then we'll continue to provide updates and refinements for the years ahead as we get closer to that goal.
Speaker Change: Ensuring that we've got the proper growth is having the right GM to open those restaurants and so for 2025, we feel really good about our pipeline of gms to be able to meet that 17% at least 17% in that year and then we'll continue to them.
Speaker Change: <unk> updates and refinements for the years ahead as we get closer.
Speaker Change: And has there been any change in terms of the returns on the on the newest units, whether it's close to build or presumably the stronger volumes and the color in terms of those financial metrics around these new stores.
Brett Schulman: And has there been any change in terms of the returns on the newest units, whether it's cost to build or presumably the stronger volumes, any color in terms of those financial metrics around these new stores? So our realistic design and construction teams have done a great job managing the cost to build and really hitting our targets in a nice way. And then, as we mentioned, our new restaurants themselves are opening very strong and exceeding our expectations. So what that's resulting in is higher cash-on-cash returns even earlier than we anticipated. So seeing really strong results both on the sales line as well as the overall restaurant-level margin in those new locations.
Speaker Change: So our real estate design and construction team have done a great job managing the cost to build and really hitting our targets and in a nice way and then as we mentioned our new restaurants themselves are opening very strong and exceeding our expectations. So what that's resulting in is higher cash on cash returns even earlier.
Speaker Change: And then we anticipated so seeing really strong results both on the sales line as well as the overall restaurant level margin in those new locations and been consistent all of the markets that opened last.
Brett Schulman: It's been consistent with all of the markets that we've opened last year and this year. The real momentum has to go and expand into that enormous white space that we have ahead of us.
Speaker Change: Last year, and this year and it really gives us.
Speaker Change: General momentum as you go in Canada that enormous white space that we have ahead of us.
Speaker Change: Thank you.
Brian Vaccaro: Thank you. Your next question comes from the line of Brian Vaccaro, Framon James. Please go ahead. Hi, thanks. Good evening. Just some, I was going to circle back to the comps, if I could, and I assume very broad strength. It's pretty broad, but I'm just curious if you're seeing outsized growth at dinner versus lunch. And then, you noted the class of twenty four being the strongest yet. Could you level set where new unit AUVs are shaking out? However, you'd be willing to quantify that. Thank you.
Speaker Change: Your next question comes from the line of Brian Brian Vaccaro Raymond James. Please go ahead.
Brian Vaccaro: Hi, Thanks, Good evening, just some was going to circle back to the comps if I could and I assume very broad strength is pretty broad, but I'm just curious if youre seeing outsized growth at dinner versus lunch.
Brian Vaccaro: And then you noted that the class of 24 being the strongest yet could you level set where new unit <unk> are shaking out however, you'd be willing to quantify that thank you.
Brett Schulman: Yeah, so back to your question around comps, I mean, we're seeing strengths in every vintage, every geography, suburban, urban, all income cohorts. So really finding strengths across the board itself. Regarding dinner and lunch, I'm seeing some improvement, but a really good balance between the two. So dinner's increasing modestly, but there's nothing outsized in any one area that's driving the comp overall. And really when you even look at our new restaurants in the pipeline, they're driving comp, but that's not what's driving the overall growth in general. So in regards to AUV, we have shared that they're exceeding our expectations.
Speaker Change: Yeah. So back to your question around comps I mean, we're seeing constraints and every vintage every geography suburban urban all income cohorts are really finding strength across the board itself.
Speaker Change: Regarding dinner and lunch.
Speaker Change: Seeing some improvement, but a really good balance between the two so generally increasing modestly but theres nothing outsized in any one area that's driving the comp overall and really when you even look at our new restaurants.
Speaker Change: In the pipeline they are driving comp, but that's not what's driving the overall growth in general so and as it regards to AAV. We have shared that they are exceeding our expectations. I think you can back into the productivity and let's see how strong they are performing but haven't given specific numbers on that.
Brett Schulman: I think you can back into the productivity and see how strong they're performing, but haven't given specific numbers on that. Thank you.
Speaker Change: Thank you.
Speaker Change: Your next question comes from the line of Ivan <unk> of Jefferies. Please go ahead.
Ivan Yu: Your next question comes from the line of Ivan Yu of Jeffreys. Please go ahead. Great. Thanks for taking my question. I just wanted to go back to the same sort of sales again. Would you be willing to unpack maybe the contribution from steak in the quarter? Is it mostly sort of incremental traffic and guest acquisition? Or is it also balanced against maybe increased frequency or trade up from the existing guest? And I know steak sort of filled a perceived gap in the menu.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Speaker Change: Great. Thanks for taking my question I just wanted to go back on we will go back to the same store sales again.
Speaker Change: Would you be willing to unpack, maybe the contribution from stake in the quarter or is it mostly sort of incremental traffic and guest acquisition or is it also balanced against maybe.
Speaker Change: Increased frequency or trade up from the existing guest and.
Speaker Change: I know stake sort of filled up a perceived gap in the menu and going forward I guess, how should we think about menu innovation.
Ivan Yu: And going forward, I guess, how should we think about menu innovation, whether it's in proteins or maybe some of the secondary items?
Speaker Change: Whether it's in proteins or or maybe some of some of the secondary items.
Tricia Tolivar: Now I'll speak to the components of comp and how it relates to steak and I'll pass it over to Brett to talk about the menu. So when you look at our overall performance we shared the traffic at 12.9%, certainly there is a piece of that related to stake but not a significant component. And then when you look at price-mix combined, mix was about 2% and stake did have some impact in that because of the premium associated with it.
Speaker Change: Yeah, I'll speak to the components of comp inherent relates to steak and I'll pass over to Brad to talk about the menu innovation component of it.
Brad: So when you look at our overall performance we shared the traffic at 12, 9% certainly there was a piece of that related to stake, but not a significant component.
Speaker Change: And then when you look at price mix combined mix was about excuse me. When you look at the mix component that was around 2% and stake did have some impact on that because of the premium associated with it.
Brett Schulman: Hey Ivan, it's Brett. Regarding menu innovation, my partner, my co-founder Ted Zinocristos is our Chief Concept Officer, and he leads our Culinary Innovation Team, and they've been building a multi-year pipeline of innovation that we see opportunity in all categories across the serving line, whether that's the main section, the bases, the grains, the greens, the toppings, as well as in attachments. As you saw with Garlic Ranch Pita Chips, we believe Pita Chips can be a flavor platform with multiple opportunities to come behind Garlic Ranch with other exciting new products for our guests.
Speaker Change: And that spread regarding menu innovation my partner or my co founder Ted as you know because to us as our Chief concept officer and he leads our culinary innovation team and they have been building a multi year pipeline of innovation that we see opportunity in all categories across the serving line whether thats the main section.
Speaker Change: The base is the green is the Greens.
Speaker Change: The toppings as well as in attachments as you saw with garlic Ranch Pita chips, we believe pita chips can be a flavor platform with multiple opportunities to come behind garlic ranch with other exciting new products for our guests so whether it's beverages the dessert category, they're looking at each area as an <unk>.
Brett Schulman: So, whether it's beverages, the dessert category, they're looking at each area as an opportunity to bring newness and excitement to our guests while maintaining the discipline of the amount of ingredients we serve on the line and keeping operations simplified.
Speaker Change: Opportunity to bring newness and excitement to our guests while maintaining the discipline of the amount of ingredients, we serve on the line and keeping operations simplified.
Speaker Change: Great. Thank you very much.
Matt Curtis: Great, thank you very much. A.P. Morgan.
Speaker Change: J P. Morgan. Please go ahead.
Brett Schulman: Please go ahead. Hey, team. Good afternoon. Great results across. I just wanted to pick up on the new store volumes comment.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Speaker Change: Hey, David.
Speaker Change: Good afternoon, great results across.
Brian: I wanted to pick up on the new store volumes comment I mean, given the strong Brian Hello under strong awareness now how are you at Walgreens Youre thinking around the new market entry strategy, we can take South Florida for example.
Brett Schulman: I mean, given the strong brand hello and the strong awareness now, how are you evolving your thinking around the new market entry strategy? We can take South Florida, for example, versus how is it different from intensifying an existing market like Chicago, for example, and what specifically around pre-opening or marketing is driving this trend? Which you are implementing very well versus, say, a year ago. Yeah, so when you're talking about new restaurant openings, we've often shared our approach to have a very balanced pipeline. So with 10 to 20% in established markets and 20 to 30% in greenfield or brand new markets and the bulk of our openings in our growth and emerging markets.
Brian: How is it different some intensifying in existing markets like Chicago for example, on what specifically around three opening our marketing.
Speaker Change: Is driving this trend, which you are implementing very well, let's let's say year ago.
Speaker Change: Yeah, so when you're talking about new restaurant openings, we've often shared our approach to have a very balanced pipeline, so with 10% to 20% in established markets and 20% to 30% in greenfield or brand new markets and the bulk of their openings in our growth in emerging markets.
Brett Schulman: As you pointed out, our new restaurants have been performing really well. And so that gives us the opportunity to lean into those greenfield markets to perhaps the higher end of that range. And South Florida and the other markets next year will certainly be examples of that. And then when you think about marketing and pre-opening for those markets themselves, we haven't done a lot of incremental marketing to support our new restaurants that have opened in 2024. And in fact, in Chicago, there was some marketing we pulled back on because the restaurant was performing so well, we didn't want to hurt the restaurant and make sure that they were continuing to operate and deliver.
Speaker Change: As you pointed out our new restaurants have been performing really well and so that gives us the opportunity to lean into those greenfield markets, Tim perhaps the higher end of that range in South, Florida and the other markets next year will certainly be examples of that.
And then when you think about.
Speaker Change: Marketing and pre opening for those markets themselves, we haven't done a lot of incremental marketing to support our new restaurants that have opened in 2024 and in fact in Chicago. There was some market we pulled back on because the restaurant was performing so well we didn't want to.
Speaker Change: Hurt the restaurants and make sure that they were continuing to operate and deliver.
Brett Schulman: And so I don't anticipate a significant change in what we're doing from a marketing perspective. And keep in mind, our community days are a major component of our approach from a go to market standpoint, as well as our social media. These are both very effective, cost effective tools that help drive the momentum, increase the brand awareness, and really spread the word around CAVA and help our new restaurants perform in a meaningful way.
Speaker Change: So I don't anticipate a significant change.
Speaker Change: In what we're doing from marketing perspective, and keep in mind. Our community days are a major component of our approach from a go to market standpoint, as well as our social media and these are both very effective cost effective tools that help drive the momentum increase the brand awareness and really spread the word around cava.
Speaker Change: Help our new restaurants perform in a meaningful way.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Once again, ladies and gentlemen could you have a question. Please press star one on your Touchtone phone.
Operator: Once again, ladies and gentlemen, should you have a question, please press star 1 on your touchtone phone.
Speaker Change: The next question.
Matt Curtis: Your next question comes from the line of Matt Curtis of William Blair. Please go ahead. Hi, good evening. Just wanted to circle back on the loyalty program. I'm wondering if you could provide any details on what the impact on frequency or overall sales has been both in the quarter and what you had to stake on forward. Yes, so what we were able to notice in the quarter is that our loyalty sales as a percent of revenue increased by 200 basis points in the quarter. And while we're in early days and looking at frequency, we anticipate we'll have a benefit, but at this point not sharing any.
Speaker Change: <unk> comes from the line of Matt Curtis with William Blair. Please go ahead.
Speaker Change: Hi, good evening.
Speaker Change: Just wanted to circle back on the loyalty program.
Speaker Change: Wondering if you could provide any details.
Speaker Change: What's the impact on frequency of your overall sales.
Speaker Change: Both in the quarter.
Speaker Change: What do you anticipate going forward.
Speaker Change: Yes, so what we were able to notice in the quarter is that our loyalty sales as a percent of revenue increased by 200 basis points in the quarter and while we're in early days and looking at frequency. We anticipate we will have a benefit but at this point not sharing any frequency numbers on to answer that question. So really encouraged by what we saw in the test and we will.
Tricia Tolivar: for that question.
Tricia Tolivar: So really encouraged by what we saw on the test and we'll continue to keep a close eye on it and update you as we move forward.
Speaker Change: We keep a close eye on it and update you as we move forward.
Speaker Change: Okay. Thanks.
Speaker Change: There are no further questions at this time I would now like to turn the call back over to Brett Feldman cofounder and CEO. Please for final closing remarks. Please go ahead.
Operator: There are no further questions at this time.
Brett Schulman: I'd now like to turn the call back over to Brett Schulman, co-founder and CEO, for final closing remarks. Please go ahead. Thanks everyone for joining the call today.
Brett Feldman: Thanks, everyone for joining the call today as Mediterranean becomes the next major cultural cuisine category and as Carver continues to define it the white space opportunity ahead of US will only grow we are well positioned to make the most of that opportunity and deliver long term value. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team members. So I won't.
Brett Schulman: As Mediterranean becomes the next major cultural cuisine category, and as Cava continues to define it, the white space opportunity ahead of us will only grow. We are well positioned to make the most of that opportunity and deliver long term value thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team members. So I want to once again thank them for their relentless focus on execution, their dedication to creating the human connections modern consumers crave, and all they do to bring heart, health, and humanity to.
Brett Feldman: Once again, thank them for their relentless focus on execution their dedication to creating the human connections modern consumers crave and all they do to bring heart health and humanity to food. Thanks.
Brett Schulman: Thanks again for joining us and have a happy holiday season.
Brett Feldman: Thanks, again for joining us and have a happy holiday season.
Speaker Change: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference call for today, we thank you for participating and ask that you. Please disconnect your lines.
Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, this concludes your conference call for today. We thank you for participating and ask that you please disconnect your lines.
Speaker Change: Okay.
Speaker Change: [noise].