Sarah Senatore's questions to Bloomin' Brands Inc (BLMN) leadership • Q2 2025
Question
Isaiah, on for Sarah Senatore of Bank of America, asked about the decision to reduce advertising spend and sought clarity on labor cost pressures, including the impact of changing server-to-table ratios.
Answer
CEO Mike Spanos clarified that advertising spend was not reduced but made more efficient by cutting non-working marketing and focusing on high-ROI channels. On labor, he explained the server ratio change is a cost-neutral reallocation, not a new investment. CFO Michael Healy added that wage inflation has been stable at around 4%.