In this week’s foodservice IR report, 銚子丸 and Saizeriya were the winners. Both achieved higher customer traffic despite typhoons and inflation, with 銚子丸 announcing an upward revision and ハイデイ日高 expecting record-high operating profit.
According to the Japan Foodservice Association, foodservice sales remained solid in August at 104.9% of the year-earlier level, but weather risks affected operations, with the resulting divergence in customer traffic showing up in the figures. Strategies to attract customers and bold location decisions, rather than reliance solely on price increases, are emerging as key to outperforming this autumn.
銚子丸 raised its full-year forecast for the fiscal year ending February 2027. It is shifting its location strategy from roadside sites to locations near train stations and overseas expansion, while its high-value-added format, “Sushi Nigiriba,” featuring chef-prepared sushi at a counter, is contributing to results.
Saizeriya recorded a sharp 10.9% year-on-year increase in August same-store sales, with customer traffic up 9.2%. すかいらーくHD also posted a 4.6% increase, or 7.2% across all locations, extending the momentum of the major family-restaurant operator. Its ability to maintain low prices and attract customers is being well received.
Ahead of its first-half earnings announcement, ハイデイ日高 is expected to post record-high operating profit, supported by strong same-store sales. Locations near train stations and everyday pricing are driving demand for casual drinks and meals.
The common theme in this week’s developments is that strategies to attract customers, rather than reliance on successive price increases, are determining the winners and losers. 銚子丸’s shift toward urban and station-front locations and Saizeriya’s low-price strategy demonstrate their competitiveness in adverse conditions.