SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 26, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kona Grill, Inc. (Nasdaq:KONA), an American grill and sushi bar, today reported results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2010.
Third Quarter 2010 Highlights Include:
- Restaurant sales increased 7.1% to $21.6 million
- Same-store sales were flat
- Restaurant operating profit margin of 12.8%
- Average weekly sales for restaurants not in the same-store sales base increased 4.3%
"Both top and bottom-line results exceeded the high end of our guidance for the quarter, reflecting stronger same-store sales than we had originally projected. We continue to see positive sales momentum into October as well, and we are confident that we can finish the year strong if current trends continue. We continue to be excited by the positive response to our various marketing and menu improvement efforts and believe that these investments will go a long way in building the foundation for the long-term success of Kona Grill," said Marc Buehler, Chief Executive Officer of Kona Grill.
Third Quarter 2010 Financial Results
Restaurant sales increased 7.1% to $21.6 million from $20.2 million during the same quarter last year. The increase in restaurant sales during the third quarter reflects additional revenue from two restaurants opened since August 2009. Same-store sales were flat during the third quarter of 2010 compared to a decrease of 9.9% in the prior year period.
Average weekly sales for the 20 restaurants in the comparable base were $71,664 during the third quarter of 2010, compared to $71,690 in the prior year period. Average weekly sales for restaurants not in the comparable base were $58,542 during the third quarter of 2010 versus $56,138 last year.
Net loss for the third quarter of 2010 was $0.4 million, or $0.05 per share compared to a net loss of $1.0 million, or $0.11 per share, for the same period last year.
Financial Guidance
For the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company forecasts restaurant sales of $20.6 million to $21.6 million and a net loss of $0.6 million to $1.1 million, or $0.07 to $0.12 per share.
Conference Call
The Company will host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2010 financial results today at 5:00 PM ET. The call will be webcast live from the Company's website at www.konagrill.com under the investor relations section. Listeners may also access the call by dialing 800-967-7134 or 719-457-2654 for international callers. A replay of the call will be available until Tuesday, November 2, 2010, by dialing 877-870-5176 or 858-384-5517 for international callers; the password is 4855317.
About Kona Grill
Kona Grill features American favorites with an international influence and award-winning sushi in a casually elegant atmosphere. Kona Grill owns and operates 25 restaurants, guided by a passion for quality food and personal service. Restaurants are currently located in 16 states: Arizona (Chandler, Gilbert, Phoenix, Scottsdale); Colorado (Denver); Connecticut (Stamford); Florida (Tampa, West Palm Beach); Illinois (Lincolnshire, Oak Brook); Indiana (Carmel); Louisiana (Baton Rouge); Maryland (Baltimore); Michigan (Troy); Minnesota (Eden Prairie); Missouri (Kansas City); Nebraska (Omaha); New Jersey (Woodbridge); Nevada (Las Vegas); Texas (Austin, Dallas, Houston, Sugar Land, San Antonio); Virginia (Richmond). For more information, visit www.konagrill.com.
The Kona Grill, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=7895
Forward-Looking Statements
The financial guidance we provide for our fourth quarter 2010 results, statements about our beliefs regarding profits and stockholder value, and certain other statements contained in this press release are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, or performance and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not purely historical. We have attempted to identify these statements by using forward-looking terminology such as "may," "will," "anticipates," "expects," "believes," "intends," "should," or comparable terms. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are based on information available to us on the date of this release and we assume no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for any reason. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties associated with forward-looking statements and the discussion of risk factors contained in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONTACT: ICR Raphael Gross 203.682.8253