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BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) grows Q1 2026 sales, lifts Adjusted EBITDA and reiterates outlook

Filing Impact
(Moderate)
Filing Sentiment
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. reported fiscal first quarter 2026 revenue of $358.1 million, up 2.9% from the prior year, driven by 2.4% comparable restaurant sales growth and a 2.2% increase in guest traffic. Restaurant level operating profit was $57.2 million with a 16.0% margin.

GAAP net income declined to $9.0 million, or $0.41 diluted EPS, versus $13.5 million and $0.58 a year earlier, reflecting higher depreciation, impairment and other costs. However, adjusted diluted EPS was $0.57 and Adjusted EBITDA rose 6.8% to $37.7 million.

The company repurchased about 151,000 shares for roughly $5.3 million and ended March 31, 2026 with $22.7 million in cash, $62.0 million of total debt and $372.5 million of shareholders’ equity. Management reiterated its 2026 outlook, including 1%–3% comparable sales growth and Adjusted EBITDA of $140–$150 million.

Positive

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Negative

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Insights

Modest sales growth with mixed profitability but full-year outlook reaffirmed.

BJ’s Restaurants delivered Q1 2026 revenue of $358.1 million, up 2.9%, on 2.4% comparable sales growth and 2.2% higher guest traffic. Operationally, restaurant level operating profit stayed solid at $57.2 million with a 16.0% margin.

GAAP profitability softened: net income declined to $9.0 million from $13.5 million as depreciation, impairment and other expenses rose, compressing operating margin from 4.3% to 3.0%. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted diluted EPS was $0.57, and Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.8% to $37.7 million, suggesting underlying cash generation improved.

Capital allocation remained active, with about $5.3 million used to repurchase roughly 151,000 shares and $85.6 million still authorized as of May 5, 2026. Management reiterated full-year 2026 guidance for 1–3% comparable sales growth, restaurant level operating profit of $221–$233 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $140–$150 million, and $85–$95 million in capital expenditures, framing Q1 as consistent with its longer-term plan.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Revenue $358.1 million Fiscal first quarter 2026, up 2.9% year over year
Comparable restaurant sales growth 2.4% First quarter 2026 vs first quarter 2025
Net income $9.0 million First quarter 2026; 2.5% of revenues
Diluted EPS $0.41 First quarter 2026 GAAP diluted net income per share
Adjusted diluted EPS $0.57 First quarter 2026 adjusted diluted net income per share
Adjusted EBITDA $37.7 million First quarter 2026; up 6.8% from $35.4 million
Share repurchases $5.3 million Cost to repurchase ~151,000 shares in Q1 2026
Total debt $62.0 million Balance at March 31, 2026
Comparable restaurant sales financial
"Comparable restaurant sales increased 2.4%, led by a 2.2% increase in guest traffic"
Comparable restaurant sales measure how much revenue changed at locations that were open for a set prior period, excluding new or closed outlets, so it shows like-for-like sales performance. Investors use it as an 'apples-to-apples' gauge of customer demand, pricing power and operational health—rising comparable sales suggest stronger underlying business, while declines can signal weakening traffic or pricing issues even if overall revenue grows due to new openings.
restaurant level operating profit financial
"Restaurant level operating profit(1) was $57.2 million, an increase of 2.8%"
Restaurant level operating profit measures how much money a single restaurant or group of restaurants makes from their day-to-day sales after paying direct costs like food, labor and utilities but before corporate overhead, rent, interest, taxes or one-time charges. Think of it as the profit from running the kitchen and dining room alone, like checking whether a corner shop’s till covers its bills. Investors use it to judge the core unit economics and whether growth is likely to translate into real company profits.
Adjusted EBITDA financial
"Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $37.7 million, an increase of 6.8% from $35.4 million"
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
stock-based compensation financial
"Stock-based compensation (1) ... Total stock-based compensation $ 2,567"
Stock-based compensation is when a company pays employees, directors or consultants with shares or the right to buy shares instead of or in addition to cash. It matters to investors because issuing stock or options spreads ownership thinner (like cutting a pie into more slices), which can reduce each existing share’s claim on profits and can also change reported earnings; investors watch it to assess true cost of running the business and how management is incentivized.
forward-looking statements regulatory
"Certain statements in the preceding paragraphs ... constitute “forward-looking” statements"
Forward-looking statements are predictions or plans that companies share about what they expect to happen in the future, like estimating sales or profits. They matter because they help investors understand a company's outlook, but since they are based on guesses and assumptions, they can sometimes be wrong.
Revenue $358.1 million 2.9% increase vs first quarter 2025
Comparable restaurant sales 2.4% up from 1.7% in first quarter 2025
Adjusted EBITDA $37.7 million 6.8% increase from $35.4 million
Guidance

For fiscal 2026, management reiterates outlook for 1%–3% comparable restaurant sales growth, restaurant level operating profit of $221–$233 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $140–$150 million, capital expenditures of $85–$95 million, and share repurchases up to $50 million.

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  May 5, 2026

BJ'S RESTAURANTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

California0-2142333-0485615
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)(Commission File Number)(IRS Employer Identification No.)

 

7755 Center Avenue, Suite 300 
Huntington Beach, California92647
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

 

(714) 500-2400

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

 

   

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of Each Class Trading
Symbol
 Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, No Par Value BJRI NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter). Emerging growth company

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 
 
Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

 

On May 5, 2026, BJ’s Restaurants, Inc., a California corporation (the “Registrant” or the “Company”), announced its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026. The press release issued by the Registrant in connection with the announcement is attached to this report as Exhibit 99.1. The information in this Item 2.02 and Exhibits attached hereto are being furnished and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.
   
Exhibit No. Description
   
99.1 Press release dated May 5, 2026
104 Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
 
 

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 BJ'S RESTAURANTS, INC.
 (Registrant)
  
  
Date: May 5, 2026By: /s/ Lyle D. Tick        
  Lyle D. Tick
  Chief Executive Officer, President and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
  

 

EXHIBIT 99.1

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2026 Results

Delivers 2.4% Comparable Restaurant Sales Growth
Reiterates 2026 Financial Outlook

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., May 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2026 first quarter ended March 31, 2026.
        
Fiscal First Quarter 2026 Compared to First Quarter 2025

  • Total revenues increased 2.9% to $358.1 million
  • Comparable restaurant sales increased 2.4%, led by a 2.2% increase in guest traffic
  • Restaurant level operating profit(1) was $57.2 million, an increase of 2.8%, or $1.6 million, with restaurant level operating profit margin of 16.0%
  • Diluted net income per share was $0.41 and adjusted diluted net income per share(1) was $0.57
  • Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $37.7 million, an increase of 6.8% from $35.4 million
  • The Company repurchased and retired approximately 151,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $5.3 million

(1) Restaurant level operating profit, adjusted diluted net income per share, and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Reconciliations to GAAP measures and further information are set forth below.

“Our Q1 results underscore the continued momentum of our business, marked by our seventh consecutive quarter of sales and traffic growth, along with increased profitability,” commented Lyle Tick, Chief Executive Officer and President. “By executing against our four strategic priorities, we have significantly improved the business in the last 18 months, delivering consistent out-performance relative to industry benchmarks. While we are still in the early innings of our journey, the progress we’ve made in our menu, culture, and restaurant environment provides a strong foundation for the work ahead as we remain focused on long-term profitable growth,” concluded Tick.

Share Repurchase Program

During the first quarter of 2026, the Company repurchased and retired approximately 151,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $5.3 million. As of May 5, 2026, the Company had approximately $85.6 million available under its authorized share repurchase program.

2026 Financial Outlook

For fiscal 2026, management reiterates the following outlook:

  • Comparable restaurant sales growth of 1% to 3%
  • Restaurant level operating profit of $221 million to $233 million
  • Adjusted EBITDA of $140 million to $150 million
  • Capital expenditures of $85 million to $95 million
  • Share repurchases up to $50 million, depending on market conditions

Actual results may differ materially from the 2026 Financial Outlook set forth above as a result of, among other things, the factors described under the “Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer” below.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. will conduct a conference call on its first quarter 2026 earnings release today, May 5, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Eastern Time). Management will discuss the financial results and host a question-and-answer session. In addition, a live audio webcast of the call will be accessible to the public on the “Investors” page of the Company’s website located at http://www.bjsrestaurants.com, and a recording of the webcast will be archived on the site for 30 days following the live event. Please allow 15 minutes to register and download and install any necessary software.

About BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. is a national casual dining brand with brewhouse roots. Founded in 1978, BJ’s owns and operates over 200 restaurants across 31 states, combining high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, sincere service, moderate prices and a fresh atmosphere. The brand’s chef-crafted menu offers something for everyone, from its signature deep-dish pizzas and slow-roasted entrees and wings to its often imitated but never replicated world-famous Pizookie® dessert. As the most decorated restaurant-brewery in the country and winner of the 2025 Vibe Vista Award for Best Beer Program and 2024 Best Overall Beverage Program, BJ’s has been a pioneer in craft brewing since 1996, serving award-winning proprietary handcrafted beers brewed at operations in four states and by independent third-party craft brewers. All BJ’s locations offer dine in, take out, delivery and large party catering, providing guests with multiple ways to enjoy the experience at BJ’s. Whether you’re gathering with family for dinner, catching the game with friends or celebrating life’s special moments, BJ’s creates the perfect backdrop for connection and community. To learn more, visit www.bjsrestaurants.com or follow @bjsrestaurants on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

Certain statements in the preceding paragraphs and all other statements that are not purely historical constitute “forward-looking” statements for purposes of the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Such statements include, but are not limited to, those regarding our anticipated comparable restaurant sales, restaurant level operating profit, Adjusted EBITDA, capital expenditures and share repurchases, as well as the success of various sales-building and productivity initiatives, future guest traffic trends, on and off-premise sales trends, cost savings initiatives and the number and timing of new restaurants expected to be opened in future periods. These “forward-looking” statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results to be materially different from those projected or anticipated. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: (i) any inability or failure to successfully and adequately address and offset rising costs, including the effects of tariffs and increases in energy, labor, construction and other operational costs, as well as changes in macroeconomic conditions and consumer spending, (ii) any inability to manage new restaurant openings, (iii) construction delays, (iv) wage inflation and competitive labor market conditions which may result in staffing shortages, (v) the impact of any union organizing efforts at our restaurants and our responses to such efforts, (vi) increases in minimum wage and other employment related costs, including compliance with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and minimum salary requirements for exempt team members, (vii) the effect of credit and equity market disruptions on our ability to finance our continued expansion on acceptable terms, (viii) food quality and health concerns and the effect of negative publicity about us, our restaurants, other restaurants, or others across the food supply chain, due to food borne illness or other illnesses or other reasons, whether or not accurate, (ix) factors that disproportionately impact California, Texas and Florida, where a substantial number of our restaurants are located, (x) restaurant and brewery industry competition, (xi) impact of certain brewing business considerations, including without limitation, dependence upon suppliers, third party contractors and distributors, and related hazards, (xii) consumer spending trends in general for casual dining occasions, (xiii) potential uninsured losses and liabilities due to limitations on insurance coverage, (xiv) fluctuating commodity costs and availability of food in general and certain raw materials related to the brewing of our craft beers and energy requirements, (xv) government regulations and licensing costs, including beer and liquor regulations, (xvi) loss of key personnel, (xvii) inability to secure acceptable sites, (xiii) legal proceedings, (xix) the success of our key sales-building and related operational initiatives, (xx) any failure of our information technology or security breaches with respect to our electronic systems and data, and (xxi) numerous other risks discussed in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its recent reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K.

The “forward-looking” statements contained in this press release are based on current assumptions and expectations, and BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update or alter its “forward-looking” statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For further information, please contact ICR at (332) 242-4370 or at InvestorRelations@BJRI.com.

 
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands except for per share data)
  
 First Quarter Ended
 March 31, 2026
(unaudited)
April 1, 2025
(unaudited)
Revenues$358,118 100.0%$347,973 100.0%
Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization):    
Cost of sales 89,912 25.1  86,820 25.0 
Labor and benefits 129,878 36.3  125,652 36.1 
Occupancy and operating 81,166 22.7  79,911 23.0 
General and administrative 21,966 6.1  21,752 6.3 
Depreciation and amortization 22,812 6.4  18,277 5.3 
Restaurant opening 15 -  438 0.1 
Loss on disposal and impairment of assets, net 1,746 0.5  173 - 
Total costs and expenses 347,495 97.0  333,023 95.7 
Income from operations 10,623 3.0  14,950 4.3 
     
Other income (expense):    
Interest expense, net (1,088)(0.3) (1,230)(0.4)
Other expense, net (446)(0.1) (61)- 
Total other expense (1,534)(0.4) (1,291)(0.4)
Income before income taxes 9,089 2.5  13,659 3.9 
     
Income tax expense 55 -  167 - 
Net income$9,034 2.5%$13,492 3.9%
     
Net income per share:    
Basic$0.43  $0.59  
Diluted$0.41  $0.58  
     
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:    
Basic 21,157   22,683  
Diluted 21,892   23,284  
         

Percentages reflected above may not reconcile due to rounding.

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
Selected Consolidated Balance Sheet Information
(Dollars in thousands)
  
 March 31, 2026
(unaudited)

 December 30,
2025

Cash and cash equivalents$22,671  $23,781 
Total assets$999,067  $1,015,455 
Total debt$62,000  $85,000 
Shareholders’ equity$372,530  $366,193 
        

        

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
Unaudited Supplemental Information
(Dollars in thousands)
     
 First Quarter Ended
 March 31, 2026April 1, 2025
Stock-based compensation(1)    
Labor and benefits$865 0.2%$400 0.1%
General and administrative 1,702 0.5  1,550 0.4 
Total stock-based compensation$2,567 0.7%$1,950 0.6%
           
Operating Data    
Comparable restaurant sales % change 2.4%  1.7% 
Restaurants opened during period -   1  
Restaurants open at period-end 219   219  
Restaurant operating weeks 2,847   2,835  
         

(1) Percentages represent percent of total revenues and may not reconcile due to rounding.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

The Company is reporting certain non-GAAP financial results and related reconciliations to the corresponding GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP measures are not in accordance with, or a substitute for, measures prepared in accordance with GAAP and may be different from non-GAAP measures used by other companies. These measures should only be used to evaluate the Company’s results of operations in conjunction with corresponding GAAP measures.

Adjusted diluted net income per share is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents net income excluding adjustments intended to provide greater transparency of underlying performance and to allow investors to evaluate our business on the same basis as our management.

Restaurant level operating profit is equal to the revenues generated by our restaurants less their direct operating costs which consist of cost of sales, labor and benefits, and occupancy and operating costs. This performance measure primarily includes the costs that restaurant-level managers can directly control and excludes other operating costs that are essential to conduct the Company’s business, as detailed in the table below. Management uses restaurant level operating profit as a supplemental measure of restaurant performance. Management believes restaurant level operating profit is useful to investors in that it highlights trends in the operating results of our business that may not otherwise be apparent to investors when relying solely on GAAP financial measures.

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents the sum of net income adjusted for certain expenses and gains/losses detailed within the reconciliation below. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA as a supplemental measure of our performance. Management believes these measures are useful to investors in that they highlight cash flow and trends in the operating results of our business that may not otherwise be apparent to investors when relying solely on GAAP financial measures.

The following tables, which provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures, presented in this release, to the most directly comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 and April 1, 2025, are set forth below:

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
Supplemental Financial Information – Adjusted Diluted Net Income Per Share
(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)
           
 First Quarter Ended
 March 31, 2026April 1, 2025
Net income$9,034 2.5%$13,492 3.9%
     
Loss on disposal and impairment of assets, net 1,746 0.5  173         - 
Depreciation adjustment(1) 2,720 0.8  - - 
Tax effect of adjustments(2) (1,081)(0.3) (42)- 
After tax effect of adjustments 3,385 0.9  131 - 
     
Adjusted net income$12,419 3.5%$13,623 3.9%
         
Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding: 21,892   23,284  
Diluted net income per share (as reported)$0.41  $0.58  
Adjusted diluted net income per share$0.57  $0.59  

Percentages above represent percent of total revenues and may not reconcile due to rounding.

(1) Amount relates to a catch-up adjustment to depreciation expense.
(2) The tax effect is based on the Company’s annual statutory tax rate of 24.2% for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026 and April 1, 2025.

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
Supplemental Financial Information – Restaurant Level Operating Profit
(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)
  
 First Quarter Ended
 March 31, 2026April 1, 2025
Income from operations$10,623 3.0%$14,950 4.3%
General and administrative 21,966 6.1  21,752 6.3 
Depreciation and amortization 22,812 6.4  18,277 5.3 
Restaurant opening 15 -  438 0.1 
Loss on disposal and impairment of assets, net 1,746 0.5  173 - 
Restaurant level operating profit$57,162 16.0%$55,590 16.0%
           

Percentages above represent percent of total revenues and may not reconcile due to rounding.

BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
Supplemental Financial Information –Adjusted EBITDA
(Unaudited, dollars in thousands)
  
 First Quarter Ended
 March 31, 2026April 1, 2025
Net income$9,034 2.5%$13,492 3.9%
Interest expense, net 1,088 0.3  1,230 0.4 
Income tax expense 55 -  167 - 
Depreciation and amortization 22,812 6.4  18,277 5.3 
Stock-based compensation expense 2,567 0.7  1,950 0.6 
Other expense, net 446 0.1  61 - 
Loss on disposal and impairment of assets, net 1,746 0.5  173 - 
Adjusted EBITDA$37,748 10.5%$35,350 10.2%
           

Percentages above represent percent of total revenues and may not reconcile due to rounding.

FAQ

How did BJRI perform financially in Q1 2026?

BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) generated $358.1 million in revenue in Q1 2026, up 2.9% year over year. Comparable restaurant sales rose 2.4%, supported by 2.2% higher guest traffic, and restaurant level operating profit reached $57.2 million with a 16.0% margin.

What were BJRI’s earnings per share for Q1 2026?

In Q1 2026, BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) reported diluted net income per share of $0.41. On a non-GAAP basis, adjusted diluted net income per share was $0.57, reflecting adjustments for depreciation, impairment and related tax effects disclosed in the company’s reconciliations.

How did BJRI’s profitability change compared to Q1 2025?

BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) saw GAAP net income fall to $9.0 million from $13.5 million, with operating margin declining from 4.3% to 3.0%. However, Adjusted EBITDA increased 6.8% to $37.7 million, indicating stronger underlying operating performance despite higher non-cash and other costs.

What is included in BJRI’s 2026 financial outlook?

For fiscal 2026, BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) reiterates guidance for 1%–3% comparable restaurant sales growth, restaurant level operating profit of $221–$233 million, Adjusted EBITDA of $140–$150 million, capital expenditures of $85–$95 million, and share repurchases up to $50 million.

Did BJRI repurchase shares during Q1 2026 and what remains authorized?

Yes. During Q1 2026, BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) repurchased and retired approximately 151,000 shares of common stock for about $5.3 million. As of May 5, 2026, the company still had roughly $85.6 million available under its authorized share repurchase program.

What were BJRI’s key balance sheet figures at March 31, 2026?

At March 31, 2026, BJ’s Restaurants (BJRI) reported $22.7 million in cash and cash equivalents, $999.1 million in total assets, total debt of $62.0 million, and shareholders’ equity of $372.5 million, showing a modest equity increase from December 30, 2025.

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

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