Operations

Waba Grill posts best quarter in 15-year history

Provided by Waba Grill

April 27, 2021

WaBa Grill, a healthy rice bowl chains, has posted its top-performing sales quarter in the brand's 15-year history, with same-store sales up 21.3% over Q1 2020.

"After achieving such strong momentum in 2020, our Q1 record-breaking sales are a direct result of our dedicated franchisees who continue to take excellent care of their guests and the communities they serve," President and CEO Andrew Kim said in the release. "It's clear that the demand for healthy fast casual is on the rise, and I'm confident we will continue to achieve significant milestones throughout our 15th anniversary year and beyond."

A variety of factors contributed to the nearly 200-unit brand's success, including strong digital sales and the continuation of free delivery on any orders placed via the WaBa Rewards App through the end of January 2021, a systemwide promotion that began in March 2020, Kim said.

WaBa also introduced value-added promotions along with a new, and well received, wild-caught salmon recipe just in time for Lent.

On the corporate level, the brand made four major executive promotions including the appointment of Andrew Kim to president and CEO.

"We have many exciting developments lined up for the rest of 2021 including new menu introductions and continuing to expand the brand throughout California and into new states with the support of both new and existing WaBa Grill franchise partners," said Mark Finnegan, chief marketing and information officer, said in the release. "It really has been amazing to see the growth in sales and success that our franchisees have experienced over the past few years, we have so much to celebrate at Waba Grill."

WaBa Grill was founded in 2006, in City of Commerce, California.