WaBa Grill Reports 11% Growth in Q1

WaBa Grill Franchise Corp. reported first-quarter total system sales grew 11% from a year ago, signaling an upcoming third year of record annual sales for the rice bowl chain according to officials.  

Newly based in Anaheim Hills, the chain credits the Q1 growth to its rising digital sales which includes online orders, third party deliveries and the WaBa Rewards app. The app saw almost 60,000 new downloads during the quarter as digital sales make up nearly 25% of total sales.  

“As the WaBa brand continues to grow and evolve, our success is being driven by a steadfast commitment to a bold and healthy menu, important technology investments and an operational system that delivers ongoing value to our guests,” Chief Executive Andrew Kim said in a statement. 

Nearing its goal of 200 locations, WaBa recently confirmed a 13-store development deal with the Ontario-based franchise group Bajwa Group of Cos.  

Bajwa franchisees Harsimran “Sim” Nagra and Jerry Bajwa now have territory rights to develop Waba Grill locations across Central California in new and existing markets. This marks the chain’s continuing expansion outside of Southern California.