During its first-quarter review in May, BJ’s Restaurants CEO Gregory Trojan said the 194-unit chain was reworking its take-out packaging and large party menu options as it continued to test third-party delivery.
That process took another step Monday with the announcement that DoorDash and BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse were joining forces to bring the brand’s menu to 61 locations in 12 metro areas. In some cities, guests can order as late as 1 a.m.
“We are excited to combine BJ’s vast selection of food and beverages with the convenience and reliability of DoorDash,” Trojan says in a statement. “This partnership gives us tremendous opportunity to bring our broad menu to new and existing guests, who are looking for a variety of items to meet their delivery needs.”
The initial launch will take place in Northern California, Southern California, Las Vegas, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Denver, Indianapolis, Washington D.C., Miami, Columbus, and Seattle.
“We are excited to partner with BJ’s to provide families across the U.S. with simpler and more convenient ways to get their favorite pizzas, entrees and drinks,” says Tony Xu, CEO of DoorDash. “Our goal is to offer delivery from the very best restaurants in every city and our partnership with BJ’s brings us one step closer to meeting that vision.”
The move should accelerate BJ’s recent momentum. The company bested Wall Street expectations with first-quarter earnings of $9.3 million and adjusted earnings of 42 cents per share, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 34 cents by more than 20 percent. Revenues rose nearly 6 percent year-over-year to $257.8 million.
Comparable sales declined 1.3 percent after falling 2.2 percent in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Some of the improvement was credited to BJ’s new slow-roasting ovens, as well as Daily Brewhouse Specials technology innovations such as server handheld ordering tablets and the chain’s mobile app and online ordering system.
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. owns and operates 194 casual dining restaurants under the BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery, BJ’s Pizza & Grill, and BJ’s Grill brand names.
