BJ's Restaurants Expands in Florida - Analyst Blog

Casual dining restaurateur BJ's Restaurants, Inc. BJRI remains committed to expand its footprint in the U.S. The company recently opened another restaurant in Orlando, FL — the fourth restaurant opening this year. The restaurant, opened under the company's popular brand name BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse, is spread over an area of 8,500 square feet.

The new restaurant is located at the junction of Sand Lake and International Drive at the entrance to Orlando's Convention Center corridor. It can accommodate 280 diners and serves the popular BJ's menu including pizzas, beers, appetizers, entrees, pastas, sandwiches, salads and desserts.

Among the casual dining chains, BJ's Restaurants is one of the few that have been expanding amid a sluggishly recovering economy. With the resurgence in consumer confidence, management accelerated its unit openings. The restaurateur plans to open 11 units, this year, with the next opening scheduled for mid-May in Palm Beach, FL.

The Florida economy is expected to lead the U.S. in job growth, and overall economic recovery in 2014 and BJ's Restaurants is seeking to capitalize on the demand. The company plans to stay afloat in the highly competitive restaurant market in the state with extensive menu offerings and innovative pricing.

BJ's Restaurants currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Investors interested in the restaurant industry may consider other better-ranked stocks such as Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. BWLD, Burger King Worldwide, Inc. BKW and Jack in the Box Inc. JACK. While Buffalo Wild Wings sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Burger King and Jack in the Box have a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).