News

Is Cosi bouncing back?

Estimated systemwide comparable restaurant sales for the 2015 period 11 reveal healthy growth.

December 10, 2015

Cosi, which has suffered from sliding sales over the past few months, reported good news this week. Estimated systemwide comparable restaurant sales for the 2015 period 11, as measured for restaurants in operation for more than 15 months, recorded an aggregate increase of 0.7 percent as compared to the 2014 period 11. The chain also opened its sixth Costa Rica location.

"We recorded sales growth in most of our corporate and franchised markets, strengthening our momentum going into 2016," said RJ Dourney, Così president and CEO. "I remain confident our focus on execution and guest service, along with our marketing strategy, will continue to drive traffic and contribute to the cash flow improvements we are already seeing."

On the first three Fridays in November, Così issued a challenge to New Yorkers — together let’s #feedthecity. Così participated in this challenge by offering free sandwiches and encouraging guests to make donations to the Food Bank for New York City.

"The #feedthecity campaign reintroduced consumers to Così while giving back to our community. The campaign generated trial by new guests which had a residual impact on new transaction growth post-promotion," said Dourney. "New Yorkers responded to our challenge by visiting our restaurants and sharing their generosity. We gave away thousands of sandwiches over the three weeks and received donations to cover 20,000 meals for those in need. We appreciate the efforts of all those involved for making this event a success."

Growing in Costa Rica

The chain has opened its sixth restaurant in Costa Rica at Nuevo City Plaza al lado del Cine in Santa Ana. 

"We are pleased to announce the opening of another new Così restaurant by our franchise partner Fast Casual," Dourney said. "Fast Casual has done an outstanding job of building the brand in Costa Rica, and we remain excited about the acceptance of the Così menu and dining experience in this market."

This location is the sixth of eight restaurants Fast Casual expects to open in Costa Rica.