BJ's Restaurants, Inc. reported that it has targeted a 12% capacity increase for 2014. With the 2014 development plan calling for more restaurant openings in the first half of the year, the company anticipates achieving this target by opening 15 new restaurants during fiscal 2014, compared to the 17 new restaurants (including one relocated restaurant) opened in fiscal 2013. Additionally, the company expects 9 of the new restaurants will be BJ's new 7,300 square foot prototype, which will cost approximately $1 million less than the current prototype. The company plans to open more restaurants in this mid-Atlantic region during the next few years and thereby establish a solid base of operations to support BJ's further expansion on the East Coast.

The company reported unaudited comparable restaurant sales results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013. Comparable restaurant sales for the fourth quarter of 2013 decreased approximately 2.7% compared to a 3.0% increase in the same quarter last year. The decline in comparable restaurant sales is primarily due to an estimated 2.3% reduction in guest traffic and a decrease in the average guest check of approximately 0.4%, reflecting increased discounting and higher promotional activity compared to the same quarter last year.

Based on preliminary revenues and higher promotional and marketing-related expenses for the quarter, the company expects to report fully diluted net income per share in the range of $0.05 to $0.07, excluding any potential non-cash charges, for the fourth quarter 2013. For the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2013, the company expects to report revenues of approximately $199.8 million, an increase of approximately 8%, compared to $184.8 million for the same quarter of the prior year.