GEN Restaurant's Q4 2024: Key Contradictions on Revenue Projections, International Expansion, and Menu Strategy

These are the key contradictions discussed in GEN Restaurant's latest 2024Q4 earnings call, specifically including: Revenue and Restaurant Count Projections, International Expansion Plans, Negative Comps and Profitability, Premium Menu Strategy, and Restaurant Expansion Strategy:



Revenue Growth and New Restaurant Openings:
- GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. reported a record revenue of $208.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2024, exceeding the upper end of its 2024 guidance range and analyst expectations.
- The growth was primarily driven by continued success in new restaurant openings, with 9 new locations opened during the period.

Restaurant Level Adjust EBITDA Margin:
- The company achieved a restaurant level adjusted EBITDA margin approaching 18%, with total restaurant level adjusted EBITDA of $36.9 million.
- This performance was attributed to healthy unit-level economics and strong demand for its Korean barbecue offerings.

Strategic Expansions and Initiatives:
- GEN Restaurant Group embarked on several initiatives, including launching GEN gift cards at Costco locations and announcing international expansion to South Korea.
- These strategic moves were aimed at enhancing brand strength and positioning the company for future growth.

Comparable Sales and Restructuring Efforts:
- Despite comparable sales being down 5.6% year-over-year, the company proactively implemented pricing adjustments and enhanced training programs.
- These efforts resulted in comparable restaurant sales returning to growth, generating positive 1% comp figures in the first 2 months of 2025.