Comptoir Group has reported a marginal increase in sales and neutral EBITDA in its 2023 full year results.

The Lebanese, Middle Eastern and North African-inspired restaurant operator reported group revenue up by 1.4% to £31.5m (2022: £31.0m), and like-for-like sales up 1.3%.

Adjusted EBITDA was £0.1m (2022: £2.8m), while IFRS profit after tax was a loss of £1.6m loss (2022: £0.6m).

The results were described as in line with expectations, as the group put a consolidation strategy in place to rebuild post-pandemic, and manage inflationary pressures on wages, ingredients and utility costs.

Comptoir is currently trading in 28 stores, with 22 managed and six franchised.

Total system sales were £42.4m, an increase of 6.7% (2022:£39.8m), with a like for like system sales growth of 3%.

Gross profit was £24.7m, ahead on last year by £0.3m (2022: £24.4m).

There were new openings in Ealing (2023) and Southbank (2024), as well as switching Cheshire Oaks from a franchised to equity model and opening a new Shawa franchise in Abu Dhabi in 2024.

During the year, colleague retention improved, with 90% of teams trained in the company’s new ‘Generous Hospitality’ training.

All brands benefited from a total revamp of its menus to increase the mix of plant based options.

NPS scores grew to more than 74% on a rolling 12-month basis.

Comptoir has started a refurbishment program, with Duke of York Sq Chelsea reopening mid May with London Bridge and Westfield London to follow later this year.

All terraces have been refurbished ahead of the start of the season.

A new digital strategy came into force in March 24, with the launch of new websites, online booking systems and new online partnerships.

By Summer 2024 a new senior leadership team will be in place.

Beatrice Lafon, non-executive chair, said: “On behalf of the board, I would like to thank all our colleagues who worked tirelessly to transport our guests to a happy place, every time. We are proud of how well our colleagues are adapting to new ways of working, placing our famous hospitality and amazing food at the core of all they do. I would also like to thank our senior executive team, our old and new partners and shareholders for enabling all the changes to land successfully.

“We remain optimistic and cautious about 2024 as costs and prices continue to rise in high single and double digits and footfall remains both challenged and erratic. We are focussed on executing our plan well, to be in a strong position to capitalise on any demand recovery.

“The business enters 2024 with renewed energy and a new team, a balanced portfolio of brands and locations and a strong cash position.”