Fast food franchise operator Restaurant Brands has seen a modest rise in third quarter sales, as its rejuvenated KFC chain and store closures offset ongoing declines at its pizza operation.
The company says total sales rose 0.8% to $69.6 million in the 12 weeks to the beginning of December, compared to the same period a year ago.
Sales at stores which have been open for at least a year did slightly better, rising 1.1% percent.
Restaurant Brands has been actively trying to combat reducing consumer spending and rising costs, by sprucing up its KFC stores, tweaking menus and prices to attract people, and closing poorly performing stores.
That strategy is paying off, though results across its three chains - KFC, Pizza Hut and Starbucks Coffee- are uneven.
The company's star performer, KFC, which makes up two-thirds of revenue, had a 5% rise in sales in the third quarter due to successful additions to its menus, promotions and a focus on keeping costs down.
Pizza Hut sales fell once again, though Restaurant Brands says there are initial signs of sales stabilising, due to significant changes to its menus, as it tries to wrestle the initiative back from rivals such as Dominos.
Starbucks sales also declined, though fewer outlets helped push up same store sales.
Restaurant Brands closed 10 stores, which it says will boost earnings.
