Strong Q2 2026 results at Kura Sushi (KRUS) alongside CFO transition
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Kura Sushi USA reported strong fiscal second quarter 2026 results and announced the upcoming departure of its Chief Financial Officer. Sales rose to $80.0 million from $64.9 million a year earlier, with comparable restaurant sales up 8.6%. Operating loss narrowed to $2.2 million and net loss improved to $1.7 million, or $(0.14) per diluted share, while adjusted net loss was $0.5 million, or $(0.04) per share. Restaurant-level operating profit reached $14.6 million, or 18.2% of sales, and adjusted EBITDA was $5.5 million. The company opened one new restaurant in the quarter and now expects full-year 2026 sales between $333 million and $335 million, with 16 new restaurants and restaurant-level margins between 18.0% and 18.5%. CFO and Treasurer Jeffrey J. Uttz will resign effective April 28, 2026 to take another role in the restaurant industry; CEO Hajime Uba will serve as interim CFO while a search for a permanent successor is conducted.
Positive
- Strong top-line and margin improvement: Fiscal Q2 2026 sales grew to $80.0 million from $64.9 million with 8.6% comparable sales growth, operating loss nearly halved, and adjusted EBITDA doubling to $5.5 million, supporting full-year guidance of $333–$335 million in sales and 18.0–18.5% restaurant-level margins.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Strong Q2 growth and margin gains are partly offset by a CFO transition.
Kura Sushi USA delivered solid fiscal Q2 2026 growth, with sales rising to $80.0 million from $64.9 million and comparable restaurant sales up 8.6%. Operating loss narrowed to $2.2 million, and net loss improved to $1.7 million.
Profitability metrics strengthened: restaurant-level operating profit increased to $14.6 million, or 18.2% of sales, and adjusted EBITDA reached $5.5 million. Management reiterated and updated full-year 2026 guidance, targeting $333–$335 million in sales and restaurant-level margins of 18.0–18.5%, signaling confidence in ongoing expansion.
The announced departure of CFO Jeff Uttz on April 28, 2026 introduces some management-transition risk, though the company notes he is leaving for another industry role and cites no disagreements. CEO Hajime Uba will act as interim CFO while a replacement is sought. Future filings and results for fiscal 2026 will show how effectively Kura maintains its growth, margin targets, and unit expansion pace during this leadership change.
8-K Event Classification
Key Figures
Key Terms
Adjusted EBITDA financial
Restaurant-level operating profit financial
Comparable restaurant sales performance financial
Non-GAAP financial measures financial
Forward-looking statements regulatory
Pre-opening costs financial
Earnings Snapshot
For fiscal 2026, Kura Sushi expects total sales between $333 million and $335 million, about 16 new restaurants, general and administrative expenses near 12.0% of sales excluding litigation, and restaurant-level operating profit margins between 18.0% and 18.5%.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): |
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Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
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Trading |
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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
On April 7, 2026, Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (the “Company”) issued a press release disclosing earnings and other financial results for its fiscal second quarter ended February 28, 2026, and announcing that its management would review these results in a conference call at 5:00 p.m. (EDT) on April 7, 2026. A copy of the Company’s press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1.
The information furnished with Item 2.02 of this Current Report on Form 8-K, including Exhibit 99.1, shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any other filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.
Item 5.02 Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.
On April 2, 2026, Jeffrey J. Uttz notified the Company of his decision to resign as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, effective April 28, 2026. Mr. Uttz informed the Company that his decision to resign was in order to accept a new position within the restaurant industry, and was not the result of any disagreement or dispute with the Company or its management on matters relating to the Company’s strategy, operations, financial reporting, or other policies or practices. The Company has commenced an executive search for qualified candidates to fill the Chief Financial Officer position.
Hajime Uba, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer and as the Company's principal financial officer, effective upon Mr. Uttz’s resignation while the search for a permanent replacement is conducted. Mr. Uba will not receive any additional compensation for assuming the duties of Interim Chief Financial Officer and no changes were made to Mr. Uba’s employment agreement in connection with this appointment.
Biographical information for Mr. Uba can be found in the Company’s definitive proxy statement for its 2026 annual meeting of shareholders filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 10, 2025, and is incorporated herein by reference.
Mr. Uba has no family relationships with any director or executive officer of the Company, and he has no direct or indirect material interest in any transaction required to be disclosed pursuant to Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.
On April 7, 2026, the Company issued a press release announcing the resignation of Mr. Uttz as the Company’s Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer. A copy of the press release is being filed as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is hereby incorporated by reference.
The information contained in this Item 7.01 shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such a filing.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.
(d) Exhibits
Exhibit No. |
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Description |
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99.1 |
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Earnings Press Release dated April 7, 2026 |
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99.2 |
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Press Release Regarding Chief Financial Officer Resignation dated April 7, 2026 |
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104 |
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Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
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KURA SUSHI USA, INC. |
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Date: |
April 7, 2026 |
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By: |
/s/ Jeffrey Uttz |
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Name: |
Jeffrey Uttz |
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Title: |
Chief Financial Officer |
Exhibit 99.1
For Immediate Release
Kura Sushi USA Announces Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Irvine, CA. April 7, 2026 – Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (“Kura Sushi” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRUS), a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept, today announced financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended February 28, 2026.
Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 Highlights
*Adjusted net loss, Restaurant-level operating profit and Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures and are defined below under “Key Financial Definitions.” Please see the reconciliation of non-GAAP measures accompanying this release. See also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Hajime Uba, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Sushi, stated, “Entering this fiscal year, we knew that the second fiscal quarter would be critical regarding our ability to accomplish our stated goals, expectations and full-year guidance. Our fiscal second quarter was quite strong, with better-than-expected comparable sales performance and record-breaking labor leverage. This quarter is a great demonstration of the advantages that are unique to Kura, whether it’s our unmatched scale in the sushi space, our unique approach to technology, or the agility of our team members in building and implementing new initiatives.”
Review of Fiscal Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Total sales were $80.0 million compared to $64.9 million in the second quarter of 2025. Comparable restaurant sales increased 8.6%, consisting of traffic of 4.3% and a price/mix of 4.3% for the second quarter of 2026 as compared to the second quarter of 2025.
Food and beverage costs as a percentage of sales were 30.4% compared to 28.7% in the second quarter of 2025. The increase is primarily due to tariffs on imported ingredients, partially offset by increases in menu prices.
Labor and related costs as a percentage of sales were 30.7% compared to 34.8% in the second quarter of 2025. The decrease is primarily due to operational efficiencies, pricing and better sales leverage, partially offset by low-single digit wage inflation.
Occupancy and related expenses were $6.5 million compared to $5.1 million in the second quarter of 2025. The increase is primarily due to eleven new restaurants opening since the second quarter of 2025.
Other costs as a percentage of sales were 14.5% compared to 13.5% in the second quarter of 2025. The increase is primarily driven by higher marketing expenses and utilities.
General and administrative expenses were both $11.0 million in the second quarter of 2026 and 2025. An increase in compensation-related costs of $0.7 million and $0.2 million of other net expenses were offset by a decrease in litigation costs of $0.9 million. As a percentage of sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 13.7%, as compared to 16.9% in the second quarter of 2025, primarily due to sales leverage.
Operating loss was $2.2 million compared to an operating loss of $4.6 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Income tax expense was $51 thousand compared to income tax expense of $38 thousand in the second quarter of 2025.
Net loss was $1.7 million, or $(0.14) per diluted share, compared to net loss of $3.8 million, or $(0.31) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2025.
Adjusted net loss* was $0.5 million, or $(0.04) per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net loss* of $1.7 million or $(0.14) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2025.
Restaurant-level operating profit* was $14.6 million, or 18.2% of sales, compared to $11.2 million, or 17.3% of sales, in the second quarter of 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA* was $5.5 million compared to $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2025.
Restaurant Development
During the fiscal second quarter of 2026, the Company opened one new restaurant in Pflugerville, Texas. Subsequent to February 28, 2026, the Company opened four new restaurants in Orange, California; Goodyear, Arizona; Union City, California and Wellington, Florida.
Fiscal Year 2026 Outlook
For the full fiscal year of 2026, the Company updates and reiterates the following annual guidance:
** See “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.
Conference Call
A conference call and webcast to discuss Kura Sushi’s financial results is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. EDT today. Hosting the conference call and webcast will be Hajime “Jimmy” Uba, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Uttz, Chief Financial Officer, and Benjamin Porten, SVP Investor Relations & System Development.
Interested parties may listen to the conference call via telephone by dialing 201-689-8471. A telephone replay will be available shortly after the call has concluded and can be accessed by dialing 412-317-6671; the passcode is 13759165. The webcast will be available at www.kurasushi.com under the investor relations section and will be archived on the site shortly after the call has concluded.
About Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Kura Sushi USA, Inc. is a leading technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept with 88 locations across 22 states and Washington DC. The Company offers guests a distinctive dining experience built on authentic Japanese cuisine and an engaging revolving sushi service model. Kura Sushi USA, Inc. was established in 2008 as a subsidiary of Kura
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Sushi, Inc., a Japan-based revolving sushi chain with more than 650 restaurants internationally and 45 years of brand history. For more information, please visit www.kurasushi.com.
Key Financial Definitions
Adjusted Net Income (Loss), a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net income (loss) before certain items, such as litigation expenses, that the Company believes are not indicative of its core operating results. Adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share represents adjusted net income (loss) divided by the number of diluted shares.
EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization expenses.
Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is defined as EBITDA plus stock-based compensation expense, non-cash lease expense and asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments, as well as certain items, such as litigation expenses that the Company believes are not indicative of its core operating results. Adjusted EBITDA margin is defined as adjusted EBITDA divided by sales.
Restaurant-level Operating Profit (Loss), a non-GAAP measure, is defined as operating income (loss) plus depreciation and amortization expenses; stock-based compensation expense; pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses which are considered normal, recurring, cash operating expenses and are essential to supporting the development and operations of restaurants; non-cash lease expense; and asset disposals, closure costs and restaurant impairments; less corporate-level stock-based compensation expense recognized within general and administrative expenses. Restaurant-level operating profit (loss) margin is defined as restaurant-level operating profit (loss) divided by sales.
Comparable Restaurant Sales Performance refers to the percent change in year-over-year sales for the comparable restaurant base. The Company includes restaurants in the comparable restaurant base that have been in operation for at least 18 full calendar months by the end of the accounting period presented due to new restaurants experiencing a period of higher sales upon opening. For restaurants that were temporarily closed the comparative period was also adjusted accordingly.
Non-GAAP Financial Measures
To supplement the financial statements presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company presents certain financial measures, such as adjusted net income (loss), EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA margin, restaurant-level operating profit (loss) and restaurant-level operating profit (loss) margin (“non-GAAP measures”) that are not recognized under GAAP. These non-GAAP measures are intended as supplemental measures of its performance that are neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. The Company is presenting these non-GAAP measures because the Company believes that they provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to its financial condition and operating results. These measures also may not provide a complete understanding of the operating results of the Company as a whole and such measures should be reviewed in conjunction with its GAAP financial results. Additionally, the Company presents restaurant-level operating profit (loss) because it excludes the impact of general and administrative expenses which are not incurred at the restaurant-level. The Company also uses restaurant-level operating profit (loss) to measure operating performance and returns from opening new restaurants.
The Company believes that the use of these non-GAAP financial measures provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing the Company’s financial measures with those of comparable companies, which may present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. However, you should be aware that restaurant-level operating profit (loss) and restaurant-level operating profit (loss) margin are financial measures which are not indicative of overall results for the Company, and restaurant-level operating profit (loss) and restaurant-level operating profit (loss) margin do not accrue directly to the benefit of stockholders because of corporate-level and certain other expenses excluded from such measures. In addition, you should be aware when evaluating these non-GAAP financial measures that in the future the Company may incur expenses similar to those excluded when calculating these measures. The Company’s presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that its future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. The Company’s computation of these non-GAAP financial measures may not be comparable to other similarly titled
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measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate these non-GAAP financial measures in the same fashion. Because of these limitations, these non-GAAP financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. The Company compensates for these limitations by relying primarily on its GAAP results and using these non-GAAP financial measures on a supplemental basis.
The Company believes that a quantitative reconciliation of the Company’s non-GAAP general and administrative expenses financial measure guidance to the most comparable financial measure calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP cannot be made available without unreasonable efforts. A reconciliation of this non-GAAP financial measure would require the Company to provide guidance for litigation expenses that cannot reasonably be predicted due to the fact that the timing and amount of such item is dependent on the timing and outcome of certain actions. For the same reasons, we are unable to address the probable significance of the unavailable information.
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Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this press release or otherwise made by the Company’s management in connection with the subject matter of this press release are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors. This press release includes forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. These statements are not historical in nature and can generally be identified by such words as “target,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan,” “anticipate” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions. Management’s expectations and assumptions regarding future results are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to: the Company’s ability to successfully maintain increases in our comparable restaurant sales; the Company’s ability to successfully execute our growth strategy and open new restaurants that are profitable; the Company’s ability to expand in existing and new markets; the Company’s projected growth in the number of its restaurants; macroeconomic conditions and other economic factors; the Company’s ability to compete with many other restaurants; the Company’s reliance on vendors, suppliers and distributors, including its majority stockholder Kura Sushi, Inc.; changes in food and supply costs, including the impact of inflation and tariffs; concerns regarding food safety and foodborne illness; changes in consumer preferences and the level of acceptance of the Company’s restaurant concept in new markets; minimum wage increases and mandated employee benefits that could cause a significant increase in labor costs, as well as the impact of labor availability; the failure of the Company’s automated equipment or information technology systems or the breach of its network security; the loss of key members of the Company’s management team; the impact of governmental laws and regulations; volatility in the price of the Company’s common stock; and other risks and uncertainties as described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be found in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which are only current as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable law.
### #### ###
Investor Relations Contact:
Jeff Priester or Steven Boediarto
(657) 333-4010
investor@kurausa.com
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Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
(in thousands, except for per share data; unaudited)
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Three Months Ended February 28, |
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Six Months Ended February 28, |
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2026 |
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2025 |
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2026 |
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2025 |
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Sales |
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$ |
80,018 |
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$ |
64,894 |
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$ |
153,473 |
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$ |
129,350 |
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Restaurant operating costs: |
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Food and beverage costs |
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24,317 |
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18,630 |
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46,251 |
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37,297 |
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Labor and related costs |
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24,578 |
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22,593 |
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48,476 |
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43,828 |
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Occupancy and related expenses |
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6,518 |
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5,099 |
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12,356 |
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9,853 |
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Depreciation and amortization expenses |
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4,142 |
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3,286 |
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8,122 |
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6,377 |
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Other costs |
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11,589 |
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8,780 |
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23,394 |
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18,121 |
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Total restaurant operating costs |
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71,144 |
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58,388 |
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138,599 |
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115,476 |
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General and administrative expenses |
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10,967 |
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10,985 |
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20,518 |
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19,718 |
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Depreciation and amortization expenses |
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135 |
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110 |
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264 |
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219 |
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Total operating expenses |
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82,246 |
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69,483 |
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159,381 |
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135,413 |
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Operating loss |
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(2,228 |
) |
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(4,589 |
) |
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(5,908 |
) |
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(6,063 |
) |
Other expense (income): |
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Interest expense |
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15 |
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13 |
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33 |
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26 |
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Interest income |
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(582 |
) |
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(859 |
) |
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(1,256 |
) |
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(1,424 |
) |
Loss before income taxes |
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(1,661 |
) |
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(3,743 |
) |
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(4,685 |
) |
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(4,665 |
) |
Income tax expense |
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51 |
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38 |
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87 |
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77 |
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Net loss |
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$ |
(1,712 |
) |
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$ |
(3,781 |
) |
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$ |
(4,772 |
) |
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$ |
(4,742 |
) |
Net loss income per Class A and Class B shares |
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Basic |
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$ |
(0.14 |
) |
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$ |
(0.31 |
) |
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$ |
(0.39 |
) |
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$ |
(0.40 |
) |
Diluted |
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$ |
(0.14 |
) |
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$ |
(0.31 |
) |
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$ |
(0.39 |
) |
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$ |
(0.40 |
) |
Weighted average Class A and Class B shares outstanding |
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Basic |
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12,120 |
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12,073 |
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12,116 |
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11,737 |
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Diluted |
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12,120 |
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12,073 |
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12,116 |
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11,737 |
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Other comprehensive loss: |
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Unrealized gain on short-term investments |
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$ |
6 |
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— |
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$ |
46 |
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— |
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Comprehensive loss |
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$ |
(1,706 |
) |
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$ |
(3,781 |
) |
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$ |
(4,726 |
) |
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$ |
(4,742 |
) |
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Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Selected Balance Sheet Data and Selected Operating Data
(in thousands, except restaurants and percentages; unaudited)
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February 28, 2026 |
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August 31, 2025 |
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Selected Balance Sheet Data: |
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Cash and cash equivalents |
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$ |
26,605 |
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$ |
47,498 |
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Total assets |
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$ |
460,980 |
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$ |
430,942 |
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Total liabilities |
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$ |
232,169 |
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$ |
199,872 |
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Total stockholders’ equity |
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$ |
228,811 |
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$ |
231,070 |
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Three Months Ended February 28, |
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Six Months Ended February 28, |
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2026 |
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2025 |
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2026 |
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2025 |
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Selected Operating Data: |
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Restaurants at the end of period |
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84 |
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73 |
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84 |
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73 |
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Comparable restaurant sales performance |
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8.6 |
% |
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(5.3 |
)% |
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3.0 |
% |
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(1.6 |
)% |
EBITDA |
|
$ |
2,049 |
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|
$ |
(1,193 |
) |
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$ |
2,478 |
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$ |
533 |
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Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
5,460 |
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$ |
2,674 |
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$ |
7,895 |
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$ |
6,246 |
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Adjusted EBITDA margin |
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6.8 |
% |
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|
4.1 |
% |
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5.1 |
% |
|
|
4.8 |
% |
Operating loss |
|
$ |
(2,228 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,589 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,908 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,063 |
) |
Operating loss margin |
|
|
(2.8 |
)% |
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(7.1 |
)% |
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(3.9 |
)% |
|
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(4.6 |
)% |
Restaurant-level operating profit |
|
$ |
14,566 |
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$ |
11,217 |
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$ |
25,654 |
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$ |
22,931 |
|
Restaurant-level operating profit margin |
|
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18.2 |
% |
|
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17.3 |
% |
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|
16.7 |
% |
|
|
17.7 |
% |
7 | Page
Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Reconciliation of Net Loss and Net Loss Per Diluted Share to
Adjusted Net Loss and Adjusted Net Loss Per Diluted Share
(in thousands, except for per share data; unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended February 28, |
|
|
Six Months Ended February 28, |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||||
Net loss |
|
$ |
(1,712 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,781 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,772 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,742 |
) |
Litigation(3) |
|
|
1,210 |
|
|
|
2,105 |
|
|
|
1,453 |
|
|
|
2,105 |
|
Adjusted net loss |
|
$ |
(502 |
) |
|
$ |
(1,676 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,319 |
) |
|
$ |
(2,637 |
) |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Net loss per Class A and Class B diluted shares |
|
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.31 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.39 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.40 |
) |
Litigation(3) |
|
|
0.10 |
|
|
|
0.17 |
|
|
|
0.12 |
|
|
|
0.18 |
|
Adjusted net loss per Class A and Class B diluted shares |
|
$ |
(0.04 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.14 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.27 |
) |
|
$ |
(0.22 |
) |
Weighted average Class A and Class B shares outstanding |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Diluted shares |
|
|
12,120 |
|
|
|
12,073 |
|
|
|
12,116 |
|
|
|
11,737 |
|
Adjusted diluted shares |
|
|
12,120 |
|
|
|
12,073 |
|
|
|
12,116 |
|
|
|
11,737 |
|
8 | Page
Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
(in thousands; unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended February 28, |
|
|
Six Months Ended February 28, |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||||
Net loss |
|
$ |
(1,712 |
) |
|
$ |
(3,781 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,772 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,742 |
) |
Interest income, net |
|
|
(567 |
) |
|
|
(846 |
) |
|
|
(1,223 |
) |
|
|
(1,398 |
) |
Income tax expense |
|
|
51 |
|
|
|
38 |
|
|
|
87 |
|
|
|
77 |
|
Depreciation and amortization expenses |
|
|
4,277 |
|
|
|
3,396 |
|
|
|
8,386 |
|
|
|
6,596 |
|
EBITDA |
|
|
2,049 |
|
|
|
(1,193 |
) |
|
|
2,478 |
|
|
|
533 |
|
Stock-based compensation expense(1) |
|
|
1,196 |
|
|
|
1,081 |
|
|
|
2,295 |
|
|
|
2,207 |
|
Non-cash lease expense(2) |
|
|
1,005 |
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
1,669 |
|
|
|
1,401 |
|
Litigation(3) |
|
|
1,210 |
|
|
|
2,105 |
|
|
|
1,453 |
|
|
|
2,105 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA |
|
$ |
5,460 |
|
|
$ |
2,674 |
|
|
$ |
7,895 |
|
|
$ |
6,246 |
|
Adjusted EBITDA margin |
|
|
6.8 |
% |
|
|
4.1 |
% |
|
|
5.1 |
% |
|
|
4.8 |
% |
9 | Page
Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Reconciliation of Operating Loss to Restaurant-level Operating Profit
(in thousands; unaudited)
|
|
Three Months Ended February 28, |
|
|
Six Months Ended February 28, |
|
||||||||||
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
|
2026 |
|
|
2025 |
|
||||
Operating loss |
|
$ |
(2,228 |
) |
|
$ |
(4,589 |
) |
|
$ |
(5,908 |
) |
|
$ |
(6,063 |
) |
Depreciation and amortization expenses |
|
|
4,277 |
|
|
|
3,396 |
|
|
|
8,386 |
|
|
|
6,596 |
|
Stock-based compensation expense(1) |
|
|
1,196 |
|
|
|
1,081 |
|
|
|
2,295 |
|
|
|
2,207 |
|
Pre-opening costs(4) |
|
|
341 |
|
|
|
545 |
|
|
|
604 |
|
|
|
901 |
|
Non-cash lease expense(2) |
|
|
1,005 |
|
|
|
681 |
|
|
|
1,669 |
|
|
|
1,401 |
|
General and administrative expenses |
|
|
10,967 |
|
|
|
10,985 |
|
|
|
20,518 |
|
|
|
19,718 |
|
Corporate-level stock-based compensation in general and administrative expenses |
|
|
(992 |
) |
|
|
(882 |
) |
|
|
(1,910 |
) |
|
|
(1,829 |
) |
Restaurant-level operating profit |
|
$ |
14,566 |
|
|
$ |
11,217 |
|
|
$ |
25,654 |
|
|
$ |
22,931 |
|
Operating loss margin |
|
|
(2.8 |
)% |
|
|
(7.1 |
)% |
|
|
(3.9 |
)% |
|
|
(4.6 |
)% |
Restaurant-level operating profit margin |
|
|
18.2 |
% |
|
|
17.3 |
% |
|
|
16.7 |
% |
|
|
17.7 |
% |
10 | Page
Exhibit 99.2
For Immediate Release
Kura Sushi USA Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer
Irvine, CA. April 7, 2026 – Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (“Kura Sushi” or the “Company”), (NASDAQ: KRUS), a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept, today announced that Jeff Uttz, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, will depart from the Company effective April 28, 2026 to accept a new position within the restaurant industry. Kura Sushi has commenced an executive search for qualified candidates to fill the Chief Financial Officer position. Hajime Uba, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, will serve as Interim Chief Financial Officer and as the Company’s principal financial officer, effective upon Mr. Uttz’s resignation while the search for a permanent replacement is conducted.
“Jeff has been an invaluable partner to me and to Kura Sushi over the past four years with his strategic insight and financial leadership instrumental to our growth journey as a public company,” said Hajime Uba, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kura Sushi. “While we will miss his expertise and partnership, we are grateful for all he has contributed to our success. On behalf of everyone at Kura, we would like to wish Jeff the best of luck and success in his future endeavors. As we move forward, while we have accomplished much already, we believe we are only scratching the surface of our potential as we continue our unit expansion to drive long-term sustainable growth. We are committed to identifying the right person for our next CFO as we work to capture the opportunities ahead.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as the CFO of Kura Sushi over the past four years,” said Jeff Uttz. “During this time, we have grown Kura from 39 locations to 88 locations across 22 states to date, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together as a team. More importantly, I believe the company is just getting started and the team is exceptionally well-positioned for the substantial growth ahead. I want to thank Jimmy, the Board, and every member of the Kura family for their partnership and trust. The future for Kura is bright and I look forward to seeing the next chapter of growth for the brand as you capture the immense opportunities ahead.”
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for historical information contained herein, the statements in this press release or otherwise made by our management in connection with the subject matter of this press release are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) and involve risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on various important factors. This press release includes forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current estimates or expectations of future events or future results. These statements are not historical in nature and can generally be identified by such words as “target,” “may,” “might,” “will,” “objective,” “intend,” “should,” “could,” “can,” “would,” “expect,” “believe,” “design,” “estimate,” “continue,” “predict,” “potential,” “plan,” “anticipate” or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions. Management’s expectations and assumptions regarding future results are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in the forward-looking statements included in this press release. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to risks and uncertainties as described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). These and other factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release can be found in the Company’s other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which are only current as of the date they are made. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, except as may be required by applicable law.
About Kura Sushi USA, Inc.
Kura Sushi USA, Inc. is a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept with 88 locations across 22 states and Washington DC. The Company offers guests a distinctive dining experience built on authentic Japanese cuisine and an engaging revolving sushi service model. Kura Sushi USA, Inc. was established in 2008 as a subsidiary of Kura Sushi, Inc., a Japan-based revolving sushi chain with more than 650 restaurants internationally and 45 years of brand history. For more information, please visit http://www.kurasushi.com.
Investor Relations Contact:
Jeff Priester or Steven Boediarto
(657) 333-4010
investor@kurausa.com
2 | Page