uWink Inc. (UWKI)

[scandalls]

uWink has done a good job of creating ways to get more people into their restaurant - and increase revenue. They have done two expansions. The first was the patio on the side of the restaurant, and recently the patio behind the restaurant. These added between 75 and 100 chairs, and revenue.

The new ROOM games are also increasing traffic on the traditionally slow late nights during the week. I've heard from a number of people that Trivia Thursday is a blast, and the crowds are reflecting this - they're even having to kick people out at closing time! According to the blog, we can expect a number of other "ROOM game" nights - and even more revenue.

I've also heard uWink is pushing private parties - kinda like Chuck E'Cheese - except for a much broader demographic - and way better food. These will, again, increase revenue during the normal slow times most restaurants experience.

uWink is working hard to develop a product with a broad appeal that will have people in the restaurant spending money ALL day, every day. Add in the additional revenue streams from games, merchandising, advertising, etc., we should see very high revenue per square foot - which should mean stong franchising sales in the future.

The restaurant people I speak to were surprised that uWink sold any franchises so soon - they thought it would take success at 2 or 3 restaurants before people would bite. uWink is saying we'll have 2 more open in the near future.... hopefully this will get the franchising sales moving again.