Same-store sales help Popeyes to strong first quarter

Strong same-store sales at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen and several additions to the chain’s menu helped its owner, Atlanta-based AFC Enterprises, end its first quarter with positive momentum.

The company, in earnings released Thursday, reported net income of $9.6 million or 40 cents a share for the quarter ended April 21. That compared to $8.3 million or 34 ccnts a share during the same period last year.

Popeyes expects to open a net 85 to 115 stores in 2013, compared to a net 66 stores in 2012, said Cheryl Bachelder, AFC’s chief executive officer. Same-store domestic sales grew 4.5 percent while those internationally increased 4.1 percent.

Bachelder said Popeyes strong numbers — the company has had positive same-store sales for 12 consecutive quarters — are the result of a strategy to increase the brand’s awareness, improve the customer experience and making franchisees happy by increasing store profitability.

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