RED ROBIN ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY THIRD QUARTER COMPARABLE RESTAURANT REVENUE; RESCHEDULES EARNINGS CALL TO NOVEMBER 18, 2026

Refranchising proceeds reduced debt, while higher average guest checks offset lower third-quarter traffic.

Rhea-AI Summary

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (RRGB) reported preliminary, unaudited third-quarter comparable restaurant revenue growth of 3.9% from a year earlier. For the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2026, average guest check rose 5.6% while guest traffic fell 1.7%.

The company completed three refranchising transactions covering 108 restaurants, generating approximately $89.4 million in cash proceeds, subject to customary adjustments. Proceeds reduced debt and supported refinancing. A five-year $115 million secured credit agreement completed October 2 includes a $25 million revolver and $90 million term loan.

Third-quarter earnings and the call moved from November 4 to November 18, 2026. Red Robin attributed the delay to transaction accounting and valuation work, not significant changes in financial condition or operating results. It plans a late-filing notification and expects to file its quarterly report within the permitted five-calendar-day extension.

10 points · 2 major

PositiveiHow this balance works

How this balance works

Rhea-AI gives every point it takes from this document a weight. Minor counts 1, Moderate 3 and Major 9, so one Major point outweighs several Minor ones. The bar adds up the weights on each side, and when neither side holds more than 65% of the total the balance reads Mixed.

It reads the document as published, with the same rules for every company, and it does not look at what the market expected or at how the stock traded, so a point can be objectively good on a day the stock falls.

Rhea-AI Sentiment measures something else, the tone of the wording.

How the balance worksHow Sentiment works

0 major · 9 points

Hollow bars mark forward-looking points. How the balance works

Positive

• Major pointRefranchising 108 restaurants through three transactions generated approximately $89.4 million, subject to customary adjustments. 52% of market cap
• Major pointCompleted refinancing provides a five-year $115 million facility, including a $25 million revolving credit line. 67% of market cap
• Moderate pointPreliminary, unaudited comparable revenue rose 3.9% year over year in the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2026.
• Minor pointRefranchising proceeds reduced outstanding debt and supported the completed refinancing.
• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited average guest check rose 5.6% year over year in the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2026.

5 minor points

• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited comparable revenue rose 1.5% year over year in the forty weeks ended October 4, 2026.
• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited average guest check rose 2.6% year over year in the forty weeks ended October 4, 2026.
• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited comparable revenue rose 1.3% year over year in the twelve weeks ended July 12, 2026.
• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited average guest check rose 1.7% year over year in the twelve weeks ended July 12, 2026.
• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited average guest check rose 1.4% year over year in the sixteen weeks ended April 19, 2026.

Negative

• Moderate pointPreliminary, unaudited guest traffic fell 1.7% year over year in the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2026.
• Minor pointThird-quarter earnings and call delayed from November 4 to November 18, 2026 for transaction accounting and valuation work.
• Minor point. Forward-looking: it has not happened yet and may not happen.Quarterly report requires a planned late-filing notification; filing is expected within the five-calendar-day extension.
• Minor pointRefinanced facility includes a $90 million term loan; initial loan and revolver interest is SOFR plus 325 basis points.
• Minor pointLoan and revolver interest varies with leverage: SOFR plus 275–350 basis points, with no SOFR floor.

4 minor points

• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited guest traffic fell 1.1% year over year in the forty weeks ended October 4, 2026.
• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited guest traffic fell 0.4% year over year in the twelve weeks ended July 12, 2026.
• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited comparable revenue fell 0.6% year over year in the sixteen weeks ended April 19, 2026.
• Minor pointPreliminary, unaudited guest traffic fell 2.0% year over year in the sixteen weeks ended April 19, 2026.

Key Figures

Comparable restaurant revenue: 3.9% Guest traffic: -1.7% Average guest check: 5.6% +5 more

Comparable restaurant revenue

3.9%

Increase for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2026, versus prior year

Guest traffic

-1.7%

Change for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2026, versus prior year

Average guest check

5.6%

Increase for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2026, versus prior year

Refranchised restaurants

108 restaurants

Completed through three transactions during the third quarter

Aggregate cash proceeds

$89.4 million

From the refranchising transactions; subject to customary adjustments

Credit agreement

$115 million

Five-year agreement; includes a $25 million revolving line and a $90 million term loan

Rescheduled earnings release and call

November 18, 2026

Moved from the previously scheduled November 4, 2026 date

Form 10-Q extension

Five calendar days

Extension period permitted under Rule 12b-25

Key Terms

form nt 10-q, rule 12b-25, sofr, basis points

4 terms

form nt 10-q regulatory

"file a Notification of Late Filing on Form NT 10-Q"

A Form NT 10-Q is a notice filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission when a company cannot file its quarterly report (Form 10-Q) on time. It explains the reason for the delay and when the company expects to file the missing report; investors use it like a traffic advisory that signals a pause or delay in receiving a company’s routine, audited financial update and related disclosures.

rule 12b-25 regulatory

"within the five-calendar-day extension period permitted under Rule 12b-25"

Rule 12b-25 is an SEC filing provision that lets a company notify regulators and the public that it cannot file a required periodic report (like a quarterly or annual report) on time and explains the reason for the delay. For investors, the notice is a formal heads-up that financial information will arrive late—similar to a company calling to say it will be late turning in homework—so it signals increased uncertainty and may affect trading and risk assessments until the filing is available.

sofr financial

"Interest on the term loan and revolving line of credit is based on SOFR"

The Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR) is a market benchmark that measures the cost of borrowing cash overnight using U.S. Treasury securities as collateral. Investors watch SOFR because it acts like a speedometer for short-term interest costs—affecting loan rates, bond yields and the pricing of interest-rate contracts—so movements change borrowing expenses, cash returns and the value of interest-sensitive investments.

basis points financial

"SOFR plus 275 to 350 basis points"

Basis points are a way to measure small changes in interest rates or percentages, where one basis point equals 0.01%. For example, if a loan's interest rate increases by 50 basis points, it's gone up by 0.50%. They help people understand tiny differences in rates that can add up over time, making financial comparisons clearer.

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB) ("Red Robin" or the "Company"), a casual dining restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today announced preliminary, unaudited comparable restaurant revenue results for the fiscal third quarter ended October 4, 2026.

Earnings Release and Conference Call Rescheduled to November 18th

During the third quarter of fiscal 2026, the Company completed significant refranchising transactions and refinanced its existing debt, representing important milestones in the execution of its strategic plan. Given the complexity of the accounting and valuation analyses associated with these transactions, the Company requires additional time to complete its financial statements and related disclosures.

The Company will reschedule its fiscal third quarter earnings release and conference call to Wednesday, November 18, 2026, which was previously scheduled for November 4, 2026.

The Company noted that the delay is unrelated to any significant changes in its financial condition or results of operations. The rescheduled earnings release and conference call will allow the Company to provide investors with a more comprehensive update on its financial results, the successful execution of these strategic initiatives, continued operational progress during the quarter, and updated guidance outlook under a more franchised ownership model.

The Company announced that it will file a Notification of Late Filing on Form NT 10-Q (the "Form NT 10-Q") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") under Rule 12b-25 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to extend the filing deadline for its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 4, 2026 (the "Form 10-Q").  The Company expects to file the Form 10-Q within the five-calendar-day extension period permitted under Rule 12b-25. 

Preliminary and Unaudited Comparable Restaurant Revenue

The following table presents the percentage change in comparable restaurant revenue in the third quarter of fiscal 2026:

	Increase (Decrease) Versus Prior Year
	Sixteen Weeks Ended		Twelve Weeks Ended		Twelve Weeks Ended		Forty Weeks Ended
	April 19, 2026		July 12, 2026		October 4, 2026		October 4, 2026
Guest traffic	(2.0) %		(0.4) %		(1.7) %		(1.1) %
Average guest check	1.4 %		1.7 %		5.6 %		2.6 %
Total change in comparable restaurant revenue	(0.6) %		1.3 %		3.9 %		1.5 %

Chief Executive Officer Comments

"Since launching our First Choice Plan in July 2025, we have remained focused on meaningfully strengthening our operating performance and financial position," said Dave Pace, Red Robin's President and Chief Executive Officer. "During the third quarter, we completed three refranchising agreements that generated significant proceeds. These proceeds were used to reduce outstanding debt and support the successful refinancing of our debt on attractive commercial terms. These transactions represent an important milestone for the Company and provide greater financial stability as we continue to execute our First Choice initiatives and advance our long-term strategic priorities."

Mr. Pace continued, "in addition, I am encouraged by the continued momentum in the third quarter, as same-store sales outperformed the industry. The 3.9% increase in same store sales benefited from the success of our Big Yummm value platform, which launched in July 2025. That platform provides an accessible entry point for guests while preserving the full Red Robin experience that guests have come to expect. This performance reinforces our confidence in the First Choice strategy and we remain focused on increasing frequency and engagement by delivering exceptional hospitality and a seamless guest experience. With a stronger financial foundation and improving operating trends, we believe Red Robin is well positioned to execute on its long-term priorities."

Significant Q3 Transactions 

During the third quarter, the Company completed the refranchising of 108 Company-owned restaurants through three separate transactions with experienced franchise operators, generating approximately $89.4 million in aggregate cash proceeds, subject to customary adjustments. The transactions included 30 restaurants sold to Evergreen Dining LLC, 61 restaurants sold to Op Burgers, LLC, and 17 restaurants sold to Kuber Oregon, LLC and Kuber Washington, LLC.

In addition, the Company completed the refinancing of its secured credit facility on October 2, 2026. The five-year $115 million credit agreement provides for a $25 million revolving line of credit and a $90 million term loan. Interest on the term loan and revolving line of credit is based on SOFR plus 275 to 350 basis points, depending on the Company's leverage ratio, with no SOFR floor. The initial rate is SOFR plus 325 basis points. 

These transactions represent a significant milestone in the execution of the Company's First Choice plan, supporting debt reduction, strengthening the balance sheet and expanding the Company's franchise-operated restaurant base.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

Red Robin will host an investor conference call to discuss its third quarter of 2026 results, and outlook for fiscal 2026 on November 18th, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. ET. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 201-689-8560 which will be answered by an operator or by clicking Call Me. The conference call should be accessed at least 10 minutes prior to its scheduled start.

A replay will be available from approximately two hours after the end of the conference call and can be accessed by dialing 412-317-6671; the conference ID is 13762724. The replay will be available through Tuesday, December 1, 2026.

The call will be webcast live and later archived from the Company's Investor Relations website.

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB)

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (www.redrobin.com), is a casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1969 that operates through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., and under the trade name, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews. We believe nothing brings people together like burgers and fun around our table, and no one makes moments of connection over craveable food more memorable than Red Robin. We serve a variety of burgers and mainstream favorites to guests of all ages in a casual, playful atmosphere. In addition to our many burger offerings, Red Robin serves a wide array of salads, appetizers, entrees, desserts, signature beverages and Donatos® pizza at select locations. It's easy to enjoy Red Robin anywhere with online ordering available for to-go, delivery and catering. Sign up for the royal treatment by joining Red Robin Royalty® today and enjoy Bottomless perks and delicious rewards across nearly 500 Red Robin locations in the United States and Canada, including those operating under franchise agreements. Red Robin… YUMMM®!

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements in this press release, including statements regarding the Company's preliminary results for the third quarter of 2026; the anticipated timing of the Company's earnings release, conference call, and related filings; the Company's strategic initiatives, including the First Choice plan; and all other statements that are not historical facts are made under the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on assumptions believed by the Company to be reasonable and speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as "expect," "believe," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "project," "could," "should," "will," "outlook," or "estimate," or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update such statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after such date and cautions investors not to place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the statements, including but not limited to the following: the completion of normal quarter-end accounting procedures and adjustments with respect to our preliminary results for the third quarter of 2026; the effectiveness of the Company's strategic initiatives; the possibility that the Company may not fully realize the projected benefits of the refranchising and refinancing transactions; business disruption during the pendency of or following the transactions; the impact of the transactions on the Company's relationships with employees, franchisees, suppliers, landlords, and other third parties; the adequacy of cash flows and the cost and availability of capital or credit facility borrowings; the ability to service debt and comply with credit facility covenants; costs associated with lease obligations, including potential contingent lease liability; changes in consumer behavior or preference; geographic concentration in the Western United States; and actions taken by franchisees that could harm the Company's business or reputation. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements and risk factors described from time to time in the Company's Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, and Form 8-K reports (including all amendments to those reports) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/red-robin-announces-preliminary-third-quarter-comparable-restaurant-revenue-reschedules-earnings-call-to-november-18-2026-302926935.html

SOURCE Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

Why did Red Robin delay its third-quarter 2026 earnings release?

Red Robin said accounting and valuation analyses for its refranchising and debt refinancing transactions require additional time. The earnings release and conference call moved from November 4 to November 18, 2026. The company said the delay is unrelated to significant changes in financial condition or operating results.

What were RRGB's preliminary third-quarter 2026 comparable restaurant revenue results?

Preliminary, unaudited comparable restaurant revenue increased 3.9% year over year for the twelve weeks ended October 4, 2026. Average guest check increased 5.6%, while guest traffic declined 1.7%.

Who bought the restaurants in Red Robin's third-quarter 2026 refranchising transactions?

Evergreen Dining bought 30 restaurants, Op Burgers bought 61 restaurants, and Kuber Oregon and Kuber Washington bought 17 restaurants. These were the three completed transactions covering 108 company-owned restaurants.

What interest terms apply to Red Robin's refinanced credit facility?

The term loan and revolving credit line initially bear interest at SOFR plus 325 basis points. SOFR is the reference interest rate; the contractual spread ranges from 275 to 350 basis points, depending on leverage, with no SOFR floor. The five-year agreement was completed October 2, 2026.