News

Sales down at Cosi

Così Inc. reported this month that its estimated systemwide comparable restaurant sales are down for the 2015 Period 5.

June 17, 2015

Così Inc. reported this month that its estimated systemwide comparable restaurant sales are down for the 2015 Period 5, as measured for restaurants in operation for more than 15 months. The chain recorded an aggregate decline of -0.9 percent as compared to the 2014 Period 5. The breakdown in estimated comparable restaurant sales between company-owned and franchise-owned restaurants are as follows:

• Company-owned: 2.2 percent
• Franchise: -7.3 percent
• Total System: -0.9 percent

"Our momentum continues to be positive in the markets where we see the full impact of our initiatives," RJ Dourney, Cosi's president and CEO, said in a company announcement.  "At the same time, we know there are markets that require more attention. We are making progress in these markets but are not yet realizing the full benefit of our multiple initiatives.

“These initiatives are strong individually but in my opinion they are game-changing collectively.  We are focusing our efforts accordingly, and I remain confident we are moving forward operationally.”

Dourney also addressed the franchisee comparative sales, stating "three locations had a disproportionate impact on comparative restaurant sales of the franchise system in Period 5. On a small base of units, this had a negative impact; we are aggressively managing the situation."