Denny's Q1 2025 Earnings Call: Key Contradictions in Consumer Behavior, Promotions, and Economic Impact

Macroeconomic environment and consumer behavior, value strategy and promotional offers, economic environment and consumer spending, BOGO promotion impact, and impact of egg surcharge on sales are the key contradictions discussed in Denny's latest 2025Q1 earnings call.



Value-driven Environment and Promotional Offers:
- Denny's reported a 3% decline in same-restaurant sales for Q1, with a sequential improvement in the latter part of the quarter.
- The company introduced the "Buy One Slam Get One for $1" promotional value offer, which was instrumental in regaining transactions and driving more lapsed and new customer trial.
- This strategy was implemented due to a highly aggressive value-driven environment and consumer pullback on spending.

Keke's Breakfast Cafe Growth:
- Keke's Breakfast Cafe delivered system-wide same-restaurant sales of positive 3.9% for the quarter, outperforming the BBI Family Dining Index in Florida by nearly 400 basis points.
- This growth was driven by off-premise growth, new compelling offers, marketing initiatives, and a strong focus on operations.
- Keke's expansion beyond Florida has been successful, with a high customer satisfaction rating and strong sales momentum.

Economic Challenges and Consumer Sentiment:
- Consumer sentiment remains negative due to fears around tariffs and higher prices of goods, impacting spending.
- The consumer pullback was more pronounced in households earning less than $50,000.
- These macro pressures led to a highly competitive environment with brands fighting for share by pushing harder on price and promotion.

Off-Premise Sales and Digital Enhancements:
- Off-premise sales contributed a 1% improvement in same-restaurant sales during Q1, now representing a 22% mix.
- This growth was primarily due to the launch of the third virtual brand, Banda Burrito, and digital investments.
- The company's digital enhancements improved traffic to its website and increased conversion rates by over 16%.