BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) Rises After Q1 Traffic Gains Drive Same-Store Sales Growth

BJ’s Restaurants shares rose after the company reported first-quarter momentum, with management citing stronger guest traffic, menu changes and improved execution. CEO Lyle Tick said same-store sales increased 2.4%, driven primarily by 2.2% traffic growth. The company said upgraded burger and pizza offerings helped offset adverse winter weather and higher labor-related expenses. Restaurant-level operating margins remained stable, supported by cost controls and a shift in marketing spending toward digital channels and away from traditional media. BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) traded at $42.13 after the earnings update, up from $38.28 beforehand, a gain of about 10.1%. Investors are watching the impact of premium menu items, Pizookie meal-deal tiering, labor model changes, restaurant openings and remodels, as well as management’s ability to manage commodity inflation and seasonal marketing spending.