The following is excerpted from the question-and-answer section of the transcript.
(Questions from industry analysts are provided in full, but answers are omitted - download the transcript to see the full question-and-answer session)
Question: Steve Silver - Argus Research Corporation - Analyst
: Thanks, operator, and thanks for taking my questions. Curious as to what your current thinking is on the state of the balance sheet, in particular,
with the focus on profitable growth and sub-franchise expansion in 2025, if there are any specific strategies you're employing to manage cash flow
while balancing growth and your debt obligations?
Question: Steve Silver - Argus Research Corporation - Analyst
: That's helpful. And one more, if I may. The price of coffee beans has been extremely volatile so far in 2025. I'm curious as to whether there are any
implications on your thinking about food and packaging costs and store contribution margins.
Question: Steve Silver - Argus Research Corporation - Analyst
: Okay, thank you so much for the color. I'll get back in the queue. Best of luck in 2025.
Question: Steve Silver - Argus Research Corporation - Analyst
: Okay. Thanks for taking the follow up. Okay. Just curious as to your current thinking about how the company is planning on driving product
innovation in 2025. You spoke a lot about the healthy food strategy evolving to meet customers' trends and demand. Just curious, your current
thinking about the speed at which you're able to bring new innovative products to the product menu.
Question: Steve Silver - Argus Research Corporation - Analyst
: Great. And then you mentioned during your answer about your loyal customers. I'm curious, given the fact that we are now into April of 2025,
whether there's any color you can provide directionally about the expansion of the loyalty program without giving any specific numbers just in
terms of the trend there, whether it's continuing from 2024 levels?
Question: Steve Silver - Argus Research Corporation - Analyst
: Great, that's very helpful. Thanks again.
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