OREANDA-NEWS. April 16, 2012. OJSC Rosinter Restaurants Holding (Rosinter), the leading casual dining restaurant chain in Russia and CIS (RTS and MICEX ticker: ROST), announces its trade update for March and first quarter of 2012. The release is published at www.rosinter.com, reported the press-centre of Rosinter.

March 2012 Highlights
 
In March 2012 consolidated net operating revenue increased by 3.9% in ruble terms driven by recovery in same-store sales and growing contribution of recently opened restaurants.

Gross revenue of comparable stores (SSSG) grew in March 2012 by 0.8% driven by 5.7% average check growth partially offset by 4.6% traffic reduction.

IL Patio franchise outlet opened in new city – Penza, Russia – expanding the network coverage to 45 cities in 10 countries.

IQ 2012 Highlights
 
In IQ 2012 consolidated net operating revenue increased by 4.2% in ruble terms as compared to the same period of 2011.

Gross revenue of comparable stores (SSSG) stayed flat versus prior year driven by 5.3% average check growth offset by 5.1% decrease in number of transactions.

Restaurant network stood at 382 outlets, while franchise component increased to 132 outlets from 127 stores at the beginning of 2012.

Andrey Astakhov, Chief Financial Officer, commented:
“In the first quarter of 2012 Rosinter posted consolidated net operating revenue of 2,465 million rubles, which is 4.2% higher than in the same period of prior year. Gross revenue of comparable stores increased by 0.8% yoy in March 2012 and stayed flat for the full first quarter even despite relatively weak results in February.
 
During the quarter we have opened on gross basis 3 new corporate and 9 new franchise outlets. In March we opened first franchise restaurant in new city – Penza, Russia – which expanded our network coverage to 45 cities in 10 countries. At the same time we optimized our portfolio by closing a number of non-profitable outlets. Accounting for closures, our restaurant count stood at 382 stores, while franchise component increased to 132 restaurants.

We continue to focus our efforts on delivering high quality guest experience. In the first quarter we have launched new marketing campaigns, including “Yin & Yang” menu offering in Planet Sushi with a big component of digital media and “Pizza-Pasta Mania” in IL Patio with new TV advertisement activities. Going forward these efforts will allow us to attract new loyal customers and further improve sales trend”.