CHEESECAKE FACTORY INC, 10-Q filed on 5/4/2026
Quarterly Report
v3.26.1
Documents and Entity Information - shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 27, 2026
Document and Entity Information    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2026  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 0-20574  
Entity Registrant Name THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY INCORPORATED  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code DE  
Entity Tax Identification Number 51-0340466  
Entity Address, Address Line One 26901 Malibu Hills Road  
Entity Address, City or Town Calabasas Hills  
Entity Address, State or Province CA  
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 91301  
City Area Code 818  
Local Phone Number 871-3000  
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, par value $.01 per share  
Trading Symbol CAKE  
Security Exchange Name NASDAQ  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   49,685,363
Entity Central Index Key 0000887596  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-30  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Amendment Flag false  
v3.26.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
Current assets:    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 235,090 $ 215,729
Accounts and other receivables 77,311 109,718
Income taxes receivable 24,098 20,702
Inventories 50,563 53,969
Prepaid expenses 77,785 54,710
Total current assets 464,847 454,828
Property and equipment, net 890,037 869,696
Other assets:    
Intangible assets, net 251,964 251,806
Operating lease assets 1,456,883 1,444,753
Other 233,610 240,589
Total other assets 1,942,457 1,937,148
Total assets 3,297,341 3,261,672
Current liabilities:    
Accounts payable 66,922 62,714
Gift card liabilities 187,715 212,859
Operating lease liabilities 170,208 167,348
Other accrued expenses 287,577 265,275
Current portion of long-term debt 68,916 68,815
Total current liabilities 781,338 777,011
Long-term debt 562,077 561,259
Operating lease liabilities 1,340,539 1,332,413
Other noncurrent liabilities 154,161 154,562
Total liabilities 2,838,115 2,825,245
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
Stockholders' equity:    
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized; none issued
Common stock, $.01 par value, 250,000,000 shares authorized; 110,024,749 shares issued and 49,781,827 shares outstanding at March 31, 2026 and 109,546,812 shares issued and 49,635,893 shares outstanding at December 30, 2025 1,100 1,095
Additional paid-in capital 1,015,458 1,008,155
Retained earnings 1,447,805 1,412,942
Treasury stock inclusive of excise tax, 60,242,922 and 59,910,919 shares at cost at March 31, 2026 and December 30, 2025, respectively (2,003,891) (1,984,722)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (1,246) (1,043)
Total stockholders' equity 459,226 436,427
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 3,297,341 $ 3,261,672
v3.26.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS    
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized 5,000,000 5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued 0 0
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0.01 $ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized 250,000,000 250,000,000
Common stock, shares issued 110,024,749 109,546,812
Common stock, shares outstanding 49,781,827 49,635,893
Treasury stock, shares 60,242,922 59,910,919
v3.26.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME    
Revenues $ 978,833 $ 927,197
Costs and expenses:    
Food and beverage costs 212,250 202,261
Labor expenses 347,769 331,075
Other operating costs and expenses 264,353 246,425
General and administrative expenses 63,931 59,932
Depreciation and amortization expenses 27,984 26,082
Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses 829 378
Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses 1,202 998
Preopening costs 5,470 8,087
Total costs and expenses 923,788 875,238
Income from operations 55,045 51,959
Interest expense, net (1,995) (2,328)
Loss on extinguishment of debt   (15,891)
Other income, net 301 743
Income before income taxes 53,351 34,483
Income tax provision 3,803 1,542
Net income $ 49,548 $ 32,941
Net income per share:    
Basic (in dollars per share) $ 1.06 $ 0.69
Diluted (Note 10) (in dollars per share) $ 1.02 $ 0.67
Weighted-average shares outstanding:    
Basic (in shares) 46,585 47,526
Diluted (in shares) 48,455 49,284
v3.26.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME    
Net income $ 49,548 $ 32,941
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain:    
Foreign currency translation adjustment (203) 10
Other comprehensive (loss)/gain: (203) 10
Total comprehensive income $ 49,345 $ 32,951
v3.26.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
Common Stock
Additional Paid-in Capital
Retained Earnings
Treasury Stock
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Total
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2024 $ 1,084 $ 956,107 $ 1,317,828 $ (1,829,953) $ (1,611) $ 443,455
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2024 108,388          
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity            
Net income     32,941     32,941
Foreign currency translation adjustment         10 10
Cash dividends declared common stock, net of forfeitures     (13,081)     (13,081)
Stock-based compensation $ 6 7,629       7,635
Stock-based compensation (in shares) 574          
Common stock issued under stock-based compensation plans $ 2 10,801       10,803
Common stock issued under stock-based compensation plans (in shares) 230          
Treasury stock purchases, inclusive of excise tax       (142,358)   (142,358)
Ending balance at Apr. 01, 2025 $ 1,092 974,537 1,337,688 (1,972,311) (1,601) 339,405
Ending balance (in shares) at Apr. 01, 2025 109,192          
Beginning balance at Dec. 30, 2025 $ 1,095 1,008,155 1,412,942 (1,984,722) (1,043) 436,427
Beginning balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2025 109,547          
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity            
Net income $ 0 0 49,548 0 0 49,548
Foreign currency translation adjustment         (203) (203)
Cash dividends declared common stock, net of forfeitures     (14,685)     (14,685)
Stock-based compensation $ 5 7,062       7,067
Stock-based compensation (in shares) 472          
Common stock issued under stock-based compensation plans   241       241
Common stock issued under stock-based compensation plans (in shares) 6          
Treasury stock purchases, inclusive of excise tax       (19,169)   $ (19,169)
Treasury stock purchases, inclusive of excise tax (in shares)           300
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2026 $ 1,100 $ 1,015,458 $ 1,447,805 $ (2,003,891) $ (1,246) $ 459,226
Ending balance (in shares) at Mar. 31, 2026 110,025          
v3.26.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Increase (Decrease) in Temporary Equity [Roll Forward]    
Cash dividends declared common stock, net of forfeitures (in dollars per share) $ 0.3 $ 0.27
v3.26.1
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Cash flows from operating activities:    
Net income $ 49,548 $ 32,941
Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization expenses 27,984 26,082
Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses 432 138
Loss on debt extinguishment   15,891
Deferred income taxes 6,091 4,290
Stock-based compensation 7,014 7,581
Changes in assets and liabilities:    
Accounts and other receivables 36,288 32,304
Income taxes receivable/payable (3,396) (3,302)
Inventories 3,404 (2,379)
Prepaid expenses (23,103) (443)
Operating lease assets/liabilities (1,051) (20,376)
Other assets 2,157 1,714
Accounts payable 2,712 68
Gift card liabilities (25,142) (26,954)
Other accrued expenses 13,786 11,364
Cash provided by operating activities 96,724 78,919
Cash flows from investing activities:    
Additions to property and equipment (43,377) (42,816)
Additions to intangible assets (315) (537)
Cash used in investing activities (43,692) (43,353)
Cash flows from financing activities:    
Repayments on credit facility   (110,000)
Proceeds from long-term convertible debt   575,000
Repayment on long-term convertible debt, including premium on extinguishment   (289,800)
Issuance costs associated with long-term debt (1,163) (16,496)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 241 10,803
Common stock dividends paid (14,230) (12,485)
Treasury stock purchases, inclusive of excise tax (18,402) (141,359)
Cash (used in)/provided by financing activities (33,554) 15,663
Foreign currency translation adjustment (117) 6
Net change in cash and cash equivalents 19,361 51,235
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 215,729 84,176
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period 235,090 135,411
Supplemental disclosures:    
Interest paid 6,353 1,468
Income taxes paid [1] 1,098 788
Construction payable $ 26,098 $ 18,206
[1] Pursuant to ASU 2023-09, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, income taxes paid for fiscal 2026 are presented net of refunds received. Prior year disclosures are presented under previous guidance.
v3.26.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

1.   Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiaries (referred to herein collectively as the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”) and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions for the periods presented have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited financial statements presented herein include all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the period. However, these results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025 (“Annual Report”) filed with the SEC on February 23, 2026.

We utilize a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31 for financial reporting purposes. Fiscal year 2026 consists of 52 weeks and will end on December 29, 2026. Fiscal year 2025 ended on December 30, 2025 and was also a 52-week year.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Geopolitical and Other Macroeconomic Impacts to our Operating Environment

In recent years, our operating results have been impacted by geopolitical and macroeconomic events, causing supply chain challenges and significantly increased commodity and wage inflation. Our commodity and wage inflationary environment began returning to more historical levels in fiscal 2024.

The impact of ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic events, including evolving government policies and global trade and tariff dynamics, could lead to further wage inflation, product and services cost inflation, disruptions in the supply chain, staffing challenges, shifts in consumer behavior and delays in new restaurant openings. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters may further exacerbate a number of these factors. For more information regarding the risks to our business relating to the geopolitical and macroeconomic events, see Part II, Item 1A of this report “Risk Factors,” and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Topic 470): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments, which clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an induced conversion. The ASU also clarifies that the induced conversion guidance applies to a convertible debt instrument that is not currently convertible as long as it had a substantive conversion feature as of both its issuance date and the date the inducement offer is accepted. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The amendment should be applied prospectively. However, retrospective application is permitted. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the prospective transition method, and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, which provides a practical expedient permitting an entity to assume that conditions at the balance sheet date remain unchanged over the life of the asset when estimating expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and for interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in the ASU should be applied prospectively. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the practical expedient, and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which amends certain aspects of the accounting and disclosure for internal-use software costs. The ASU removes all references to prescriptive and sequential software development stages. The ASU requires entities to begin capitalizing software costs when management authorizes and commits to funding the software project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used for its intended purpose. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments can be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or via a modified prospective transition method. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the prospective transition method and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires more detailed disclosures of certain categories of expenses such as inventory purchases, employee compensation and depreciation that are components of existing expense captions presented on the face of the income statement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment should be applied prospectively. However, retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on our disclosures.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements, which clarifies interim disclosure requirements by improving the navigability of the required interim disclosures and clarifying when that guidance is applicable. The standard is effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on our disclosures.

v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Fair Value Measurements  
Fair Value Measurements

2.   Fair Value Measurements

Fair value measurements are estimated based on valuation techniques and inputs categorized as follows:

●Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities
●Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities
●Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists, therefore requiring us to develop our own assumptions

The following tables present the components and classification of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

​

  ​ ​ ​

Level 1

  ​ ​ ​

Level 2

  ​ ​ ​

Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

Non-qualified deferred compensation assets

​

$

123,554

​

$

—

​

$

—

Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities

​

​

(124,491)

​

​

—

​

​

—

Acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(25,514)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

December 30, 2025

​

  ​ ​ ​

Level 1

  ​ ​ ​

Level 2

  ​ ​ ​

Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Non-qualified deferred compensation assets

​

$

126,142

​

$

—

​

$

—

Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities

​

​

(125,208)

​

​

—

​

​

—

Acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(24,628)

​

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities categorized as Level 3 (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

Thirteen

  ​ ​ ​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Beginning balance

​

$

24,628

​

$

20,155

Payment

​

​

—

​

​

—

Change in fair value

​

 

886

​

 

682

Ending balance

​

$

25,514

​

$

20,837

​

The fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liability was based on estimated future revenues, margins and probability of achievement, recent performance, discount rate and has no minimum or maximum payment. During the first three months of fiscal 2026 and 2025, we did not make any payments, pursuant to the Fox Restaurant Concept LLC (“FRC”) acquisition agreement.

The fair values of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, income taxes receivable, prepaid expenses, accounts payable, income taxes payable and other accrued liabilities approximate their carrying amounts due to their short duration. The fair value of our Revolver Facility (as defined below) approximates carrying value due to the variable interest rate.

As of March 31, 2026, we had $69.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2026 (“2026 Notes”) outstanding. The estimated fair value of the 2026 Notes based on a market approach as of March 31, 2026, was approximately $68.4 million and was determined based on the estimated or actual bids and offers of the 2026 Notes in an over-the-counter market on the last business day of the reporting period. The decrease in the fair value of the 2026 Notes was primarily due to a decrease in our stock price from the date of the issuance of the 2026 Notes. As of March 31, 2026, we had $575.0 million aggregate principal amount of convertible senior notes due 2030 (“2030 Notes”) outstanding. The estimated fair value of the 2030 Notes based on a market approach as of March 31, 2026, was approximately $581.3 million and was determined based on the estimated or actual bids and offers of the 2030 Notes in an over-the-counter market on the last business day of the reporting period. The increase in the fair value of the 2030 Notes was primarily due to an increase in our stock price from the date of the issuance of the 2030 Notes. See Note 5 for further discussion of the 2026 Notes and 2030 Notes.

v3.26.1
Inventories
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Inventories  
Inventories

3.   Inventories

Inventories consisted of (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

December 30, 2025

Restaurant food and supplies

​

$

26,911

​

$

28,736

Bakery finished goods and work in progress

​

 

13,867

​

 

14,896

Bakery raw materials and supplies

​

 

9,785

​

 

10,337

Total

​

$

50,563

​

$

53,969

​

v3.26.1
Gift Cards
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Gift Cards  
Gift Cards

4.   Gift Cards

The following tables present information related to gift cards (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

Gift card liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

Beginning balance

 

$

212,859

 

$

226,810

Activations

​

​

16,976

​

​

20,673

Redemptions and breakage

​

​

(42,120)

​

​

(47,628)

Ending balance

 

$

187,715

 

$

199,855

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

Gift card contract assets: (1)

​

​

​

​

​

​

Beginning balance

​

$

17,958

 

$

18,447

Deferrals

​

​

2,351

​

​

2,368

Amortization

​

​

(3,476)

​

​

(3,735)

Ending balance

​

$

16,833

 

$

17,080

(1)

Included in prepaid expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

v3.26.1
Debt
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Debt  
Debt

5.   Debt

Revolving Credit Facility

On March 26, 2026, we entered into a Fifth Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (the “Loan Agreement” and the revolving credit facility provided thereunder, the “Revolver Facility”). The Revolver Facility, which matures on March 26, 2031, provides us with revolving loan commitments that total $400 million, of which $85 million may be used for issuances of letters of credit and $10 million for swingline loans. The Revolver Facility contains (i) a commitment increase feature that, subject to certain conditions precedent, could provide for an additional $200 million in revolving loan commitments and (ii) a feature that permits the letter of credit issuers thereunder to increase their letter of credit sublimits by $25 million in the aggregate.

Our obligations under the Revolver Facility are unsecured. Certain of our material subsidiaries have guaranteed our obligations under the Revolver Facility on an unsecured basis.

As of December 31, 2024, we had net availability for borrowings of $256.5 million, based on a $110.0 million outstanding debt balance and $33.5 million in standby letters of credit under the Revolver Facility. In the first quarter of fiscal 2025 we repaid $110.0 million on the Revolver Facility. As of March 31, 2026, we had net availability for borrowings of $366.5 million, based on no outstanding debt balance and $33.5 million in standby letters of credit under the Revolver Facility.

Under the Revolver Facility, we are subject to the following financial covenants as of the last day of each fiscal quarter: (i) a maximum ratio of net adjusted debt to earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization and rent (“EBITDAR”) (the “Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio”) of 4.25 to 1.00 and (ii) a minimum ratio of EBITDAR to interest and rent expense (“EBITDAR Ratio”) of 1.90 to 1.00. The Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio includes a rental expense multiplier of six. As of March 31, 2026, we were in compliance with all the foregoing covenants in effect at that date.

Borrowings under the Loan Agreement bear interest, at the Company’s option, at a per annum rate equal to either: (i) (A) the forward-looking term rate based on secured overnight financing rate (“SOFR”) that is published by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited (the “Term SOFR Rate”) plus (B) an applicable margin based on the Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio, ranging from 1.00% to 1.50%, or (ii) the sum of (A) the highest of (x) the rate of interest last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the prime rate in effect in the United States, (y) the greater of the rate calculated by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the federal funds effective rate or the rate that is published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as the overnight bank funding rate, in either case, plus 0.50%, and (z) the one-month Term SOFR Rate plus 1.00%, plus (B) an applicable margin based on the Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio, ranging from 0.00% to 0.50%. The Company will also pay a variable fee based on the Net Adjusted Leverage Ratio, ranging from 0.125% to 0.225%, on the daily amount of unused commitments under the Loan Agreement. Letters of credit bear fees that are equivalent to the interest rate margin that is applicable to revolving loans that bear interest at the Term SOFR Rate plus other customary fees charged by the issuing bank. We paid certain customary fees in conjunction with the Loan Agreement.

We are also subject to customary events of default that, if triggered, could result in acceleration of the maturity of the Revolver Facility. Subject to certain exceptions, the Loan Agreement contains a number of covenants and restrictions that, among other things, restrict the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to incur additional debt, pay dividends and make distributions, make certain investments and acquisitions, create liens, enter into agreements with affiliates, sell material assets, and merge or consolidate.

2030 Convertible Senior Notes

On February 28, 2025, we issued $575.0 million of 2030 Notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2030 Notes were approximately $558.5 million after deducting issuance costs of $16.5 million.

The 2030 Notes are senior, unsecured obligations and are (i) equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior in right of payment to the Company’s existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2030 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, and (to the extent we are not a holder thereof) preferred equity, if any, of our subsidiaries. The 2030 Notes were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, an indenture (the “2030 Indenture”), dated as of February 28, 2025, between us and U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee (the “2030 Note Trustee”).

The 2030 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 2.00% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2025. The 2030 Notes will mature on March 15, 2030, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Before November 15, 2029, noteholders will have the right to convert their 2030 Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events, including but not limited to, the Company’s common stock trading above 130% of the conversion price for a specific period, the 2030 Notes per $1,000 in principal amount trading below 98% of the product of the trading price of the Company’s common stock and the conversion rate for a specific period, and certain fundamental changes to corporate structure. From and after November 15, 2029, noteholders may convert their 2030 Notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. We will have the right to elect to settle conversions either entirely in cash or in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. The kind and amount of consideration due upon conversion will be determined based on the conversion value of the 2030 Notes, measured proportionately for each trading day in an “Observation Period” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture) consisting of 35 trading days, and settled following the completion of that Observation Period. The consideration due in respect of each trading day in the Observation Period will consist of cash, up to at least the proportional amount of the principal amount being converted, and any excess of the proportional conversion value for that trading day that will not be settled in cash will be settled in shares of our common stock. The initial conversion rate is 14.1377 shares of our common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2030 Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $70.73 per share of our common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price will be subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events but will not be adjusted for regular quarterly dividends that do not exceed the dividend threshold (initially equal to $0.27 per share of common stock as defined in the 2030 Indenture). In addition, if certain corporate events that constitute a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture) occur, then the conversion rate will, in certain circumstances, be

increased for a specified period of time. As of March 31, 2026, the conversion rate for the 2030 Notes was 14.1444 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2030 Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $70.70 per share of common stock. In connection with the cash dividend that was declared by our Board of Directors (“Board”) on April 23, 2026, we will, on May 13, 2026, adjust the conversion rate (which is expected to increase) and the conversion price (which is expected to decrease) of the 2030 Notes in accordance with the terms.

The 2030 Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations described below), at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or after March 20, 2028 and on or before the 35th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, but only if (i) the notes are “Freely Tradable” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture), and all accrued and unpaid additional interest, if any, has been paid in full, as of the date we send the related redemption notice; and (ii) the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (1) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send such redemption notice; and (2) the trading day immediately before the date we send such redemption notice. However, we may not redeem less than all of the outstanding 2030 Notes unless at least $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2030 Notes are outstanding and not called for redemption as of the time we send the related redemption notice. The redemption price will be a cash amount equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date. In addition, calling any 2030 Note for redemption will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change with respect to that 2030 Note, in which case the conversion rate applicable to the conversion of that 2030 Note will be increased in certain circumstances if it is converted after it is called for redemption.

If certain corporate events that constitute a “Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture) occur, then, subject to a limited exception for certain cash mergers, noteholders may require us to repurchase their 2030 Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the 2030 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. The definition of Fundamental Change includes certain business combination transactions involving us and certain de-listing events with respect to our common stock.

The 2030 Notes have customary provisions relating to the occurrence of “Events of Default” (as defined in the 2030 Indenture), which include the following: (i) certain payment defaults on the 2030 Notes (which, in the case of a default in the payment of interest on the 2030 Notes, will be subject to a 30-day cure period); (ii) our failure to send certain notices under the 2030 Indenture within specified periods of time; (iii) our failure to comply with certain covenants in the 2030 Indenture relating to our ability to consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, lease or otherwise transfer, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of our assets and our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another person; (iv) a default by us in our other obligations or agreements under the 2030 Indenture or the 2030 Notes if such default is not cured or waived within 60 days after notice is given in accordance with the 2030 Indenture; (v) certain defaults by us or any of our significant subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money of at least $20.0 million; (vi) the rendering of certain judgments against us or any of our significant subsidiaries for the payment of at least $50.0 million, where such judgments are not discharged or stayed within 60 days after the date on which the right to appeal has expired or on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished; and (vii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization involving us or our significant subsidiaries.

If an Event of Default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to us (and not solely with respect to our significant subsidiary) occurs, then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the 2030 Notes then outstanding will immediately become due and payable without any further action or notice by any person. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then, the 2030 Note Trustee, by notice to us, or noteholders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of 2030 Notes then outstanding, by notice to us and the 2030 Note Trustee, may declare the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the 2030 Notes then outstanding to become due and payable immediately. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, we may elect, at our option, that the sole remedy for an Event of Default relating to certain failures by us to comply with certain reporting covenants in the 2030 Indenture consists exclusively of the right of the noteholders to receive special interest on the 2030 Notes for up to 180 days at a specified rate per annum not exceeding 0.50% on the principal amount of the 2030 Notes.

As of March 31, 2026, the 2030 Notes had a gross principal balance of $575.0 million and a balance of $562.1 million, net of unamortized issuance costs of $12.9 million. The net carrying value of the 2030 Notes is included in long-term debt within total liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Total amortization expense was $0.8 million and $0.3 million during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026 and April 1,2025, respectively and was included in interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The effective interest rate for the 2030 Notes was 2.57% as of March 31, 2026.

2026 Convertible Senior Notes

On June 15, 2021, we issued $345.0 million of 2026 Notes. The net proceeds from the sale of the 2026 Notes were approximately $334.9 million after deducting issuance costs of $10.1 million. On February 28, 2025, we used part of the net proceeds from the issuance of the 2030 Notes to repurchase approximately $276.0 million aggregate principal amount of the 2026 Notes in a privately-negotiated transaction for aggregate consideration of $289.8 million (the “2026 Note Repurchase Transaction”). The 2026 Note Repurchase Transaction was accounted for as a debt extinguishment. The 2026 Note Repurchase Transactions resulted in a $15.9 million loss on early debt extinguishment in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, of which $2.1 million consisted of unamortized issuance costs.

The 2026 Notes are senior, unsecured obligations and are (i) equal in right of payment with our existing and future senior, unsecured indebtedness; (ii) senior in right of payment to our existing and future indebtedness that is expressly subordinated to the 2026 Notes; (iii) effectively subordinated to our existing and future secured indebtedness, to the extent of the value of the collateral securing that indebtedness; and (iv) structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, and (to the extent we are not a holder thereof) preferred equity, if any, of our subsidiaries. The 2026 Notes were issued pursuant to, and are governed by, an indenture (the “Base Indenture”) between us and a trustee (“2026 Note Trustee”), dated as of June 15, 2021, as supplemented by a first supplemental indenture (the “Supplemental Indenture,” and the Base Indenture, as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture, the “2026 Indenture”), dated as of June 15, 2021, between the Company and the 2026 Note Trustee.

The 2026 Notes accrue interest at a rate of 0.375% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2021. The 2026 Notes will mature on June 15, 2026, unless earlier repurchased, redeemed or converted. Before February 17, 2026, noteholders will have the right to convert their 2026 Notes only upon the occurrence of certain events. From and after February 17, 2026, noteholders may convert their 2026 Notes at any time at their election until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date. We will have the right to elect to settle conversions either entirely in cash or in a combination of cash and shares of our common stock. However, upon conversion of any 2026 Notes, the conversion value, which will be determined over an “Observation Period” (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) consisting of 30 trading days, will be paid in cash up to at least the principal amount of the 2026 Notes being converted. The initial conversion rate is 12.7551 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2026 Notes, which represents an initial conversion price of approximately $78.40 per share of common stock. The conversion rate and conversion price will be subject to customary adjustments upon the occurrence of certain events. In addition, if certain corporate events that constitute a “Make-Whole Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) occur, then the conversion rate will, in certain circumstances, be increased for a specified period of time. As of March 31, 2026, the conversion rate for the 2026 Notes was 14.2316 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the 2026 Notes, which represents a conversion price of approximately $70.27 per share of common stock. In connection with the cash dividend that was declared by our Board on April 23, 2026, we will, on May 13, 2026, adjust the conversion rate (which is expected to increase) and the conversion price (which is expected to decrease) of the 2030 Notes in accordance with the terms.

The 2026 Notes are redeemable, in whole or in part (subject to certain limitations described below), at our option at any time, and from time to time, on or after June 20, 2024 and on or before the 30th scheduled trading day immediately before the maturity date, at a cash redemption price equal to the principal amount of the 2026 Notes to be redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the redemption date, but only if the last reported sale price per share of our common stock exceeds 130% of the conversion price on (i) each of at least 20 trading days, whether or not consecutive, during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on, and including, the trading day immediately before the date we send the related redemption notice; and (ii) the trading day immediately before the date we send such notice. However, we may not redeem less than all of the outstanding 2026 Notes unless at least $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 2026 Notes are outstanding and not called for redemption as of the time we send the related redemption notice. In addition, calling any Note for redemption will constitute a Make-Whole Fundamental Change with respect to that 2026 Note, in which case the conversion rate applicable to the conversion of that 2026 Note will be increased in certain circumstances if it is converted after it is called for redemption.

If certain corporate events that constitute a “Fundamental Change” (as defined in the 2026 Indenture) occur, then, subject to a limited exception for certain cash mergers, noteholders may require us to repurchase their 2026 Notes at a cash repurchase price equal to the principal amount of the 2026 Notes to be repurchased, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change repurchase date. The definition of Fundamental Change includes certain business combination transactions involving us and certain de-listing events with respect to our common stock.

The 2026 Notes have customary provisions relating to the occurrence of “Events of Default” (as defined in the 2026 Indenture), which include the following: (i) certain payment defaults on the 2026 Notes (which, in the case of a default in the payment of interest on the 2026 Notes, will be subject to a 30-day cure period); (ii) our failure to send certain notices under the 2026 Indenture within specified periods of time; (iii) our failure to comply with certain covenants in the Indenture relating to our ability to consolidate with or merge with or into, or sell, lease or otherwise transfer, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or substantially all of our assets and our subsidiaries, taken as a whole, to another person; (iv) a default by us in our other obligations or agreements under the 2026 Indenture or the 2026 Notes if such default is not cured or waived within 60 days after notice is given in accordance with the 2026 Indenture; (v) certain defaults by us or any of our significant subsidiaries with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money of at least $20,000,000; (vi) the rendering of certain judgments against us or any of our significant subsidiaries for the payment of at least $25,000,000, where such judgments are not discharged or stayed within 60 days after the date on which the right to appeal has expired or on which all rights to appeal have been extinguished; and (vii) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency and reorganization involving us or any of our significant subsidiaries.

If an Event of Default involving bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization events with respect to us (and not solely with respect to a significant subsidiary of ours) occurs, then the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the 2026 Notes then outstanding will immediately become due and payable without any further action or notice by any person. If any other Event of Default occurs and is continuing, then, the 2026 Note Trustee, by notice to us, or noteholders of at least 25% of the aggregate principal amount of 2026 Notes then outstanding, by notice to us and the 2026 Note Trustee, may declare the principal amount of, and all accrued and unpaid interest on, all of the 2026 Notes then outstanding to become due and payable immediately. However, notwithstanding the foregoing, we may elect, at our option, that the sole remedy for an Event of Default relating to certain failures by us to comply with certain reporting covenants in the 2026 Note Indenture consists exclusively of the right of the noteholders to receive special interest on the 2026 Notes for up to 180 days at a specified rate per annum not exceeding 0.50% on the principal amount of the 2026 Notes.

As of March 31, 2026, the 2026 Notes had a gross principal balance of $69.0 million and a balance of $68.9 million, net of unamortized issuance costs of $0.1 million. The net carrying value of the 2026 Notes is included in current portion of long-term debt within total current liabilities on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Total amortization expense was $0.1 million and $0.4 million during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025, respectively and was included in interest expense, net in the condensed consolidated statements of income. The effective interest rate for the 2026 Notes was 0.96% as of March 31, 2026.

v3.26.1
Leases
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Leases  
Leases

6.   Leases

Components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

Operating

​

$

43,694

​

$

41,112

Variable

​

​

24,239

​

​

22,832

Short-term

​

​

38

​

​

38

Total

​

$

67,971

​

$

63,982

​

Supplemental information related to leases (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​

April 1, 2025

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

Operating cash flows for operating leases

​

$

42,986

​

$

53,736

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

​

​

20,113

​

​

38,772

​

v3.26.1
Commitments and Contingencies
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Commitments and Contingencies.  
Commitments and Contingencies

7.   Commitments and Contingencies

On June 7, 2024, the Internal Revenue Service issued its examination report for tax years 2015 through 2020 in which it proposed to disallow a portion of our depreciation deductions and domestic production activity deductions and to assess penalties. On August 12, 2024, we submitted protest memoranda indicating our disagreement with a majority of the findings in the examination report, and our case is now under the jurisdiction of the Appeals Division (“Appeals”). Appeals conferences were held during fiscal 2025, and based on the current status of this matter, we have reserved an immaterial amount.

Within the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to private lawsuits, government audits and investigations, administrative proceedings and other claims. These matters typically involve claims from customers, staff members and others related to operational and employment issues common to the foodservice industry. A number of these claims may exist at any given time, and some of the claims may be pled as class actions. From time to time, we are also involved in lawsuits with respect to infringements of, or challenges to, our registered trademarks and other intellectual property, both domestically and abroad. We could be affected by adverse publicity and litigation costs resulting from such allegations, regardless of whether they are valid or whether we are legally determined to be liable.

At this time, we believe that the amount of reasonably possible losses resulting from final disposition of any pending lawsuits, audits, investigations, proceedings and claims will not have a material adverse effect individually or in the aggregate on our financial position, results of operations or liquidity. It is possible, however, that our future results of operations for a particular quarter or fiscal year could be impacted by changes in circumstances relating to lawsuits, audits, proceedings or claims. Legal costs related to such claims are expensed as incurred.

v3.26.1
Stockholders' Equity
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Stockholders' Equity  
Stockholders' Equity

8.   Stockholders’ Equity

Common Stock – Dividends and Share Repurchases

On February 12, 2026, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share which was paid on March 17, 2026 to the stockholders of record of each share of our common stock at the close of business on March 4, 2026. Future decisions to pay or to increase or decrease dividends are at the discretion of the Board and will be dependent on our operating performance, financial condition, capital expenditure requirements, limitations on cash distributions pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement and applicable law, and such other factors that the Board considers relevant. (See Notes 5 and 12 for further discussion of our debt and dividends declared subsequent to March 31, 2026, respectively.)

On February 12, 2026, our Board increased the authorization to repurchase our common stock by 5.0 million shares to 66.0 million shares. Under this authorization, we have cumulatively repurchased 60.2 million shares at a total cost of $2,002.8 million, excluding excise tax, through March 31, 2026, with 0.3 million shares repurchased at a cost of $19.2 million, excluding excise tax, during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026. Our objectives with regard to share repurchases have been to offset the dilution to our shares outstanding that result from equity compensation grants and to supplement our earnings per share growth.

Our share repurchase program does not have an expiration date, does not require us to purchase a specific number of shares and may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time. Share repurchases may be made from time to time in open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions, accelerated share repurchase programs, issuer self-tender offers or otherwise. Future decisions to repurchase shares are at the discretion of the Board and are based on several factors, including current and forecasted operating cash flows, capital needs associated with new restaurant development and maintenance of existing locations, dividend payments, debt levels and cost of borrowing, obligations associated with the FRC acquisition agreement, our share price and current market conditions. The timing and number of shares repurchased are also subject to legal constraints and covenants under the Loan Agreement that limit share repurchases based on a defined ratio. (See Note 5 for further discussion of our debt.)

v3.26.1
Stock-Based Compensation
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Stock-Based Compensation  
Stock-Based Compensation

9.   Stock-Based Compensation

We maintain stock-based incentive plans under which incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted shares and restricted share units may be granted to staff members, consultants and non-employee directors.

On March 26, 2025, our Board approved an amendment to our The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”) to increase the number of shares of common stock authorized for issuance under the Plan by 6.0 million shares to 13.15

million shares from 7.15 million shares (the “Plan Amendment”). This Plan Amendment was approved by our stockholders at our 2025 annual meeting held on May 22, 2025.

The following table presents information related to stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Labor expenses

​

$

2,773

​

$

2,437

Other operating costs and expenses

​

​

98

​

​

99

General and administrative expenses

​

​

4,143

​

​

5,045

Total stock-based compensation

​

​

7,014

​

​

7,581

Income tax benefit

​

​

1,730

​

​

1,870

Total stock-based compensation, net of taxes

​

$

5,284

​

$

5,711

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Capitalized stock-based compensation (1)

​

$

53

​

$

54

(1)It is our policy to capitalize the portion of stock-based compensation costs for our internal development department that relates to capitalizable activities such as the design and construction of new restaurants, remodeling existing locations and equipment installation. Capitalized stock-based compensation is included in property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

Stock Options

We did not issue any stock options during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and fiscal 2025. Stock option activity during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026 was as follows:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Weighted-

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Average

​

​

​

​

​

​

Weighted-

​

Remaining

​

​

​

​

​

​

Average

​

Contractual

​

Aggregate

​

  ​ ​ ​

Shares

  ​ ​ ​

Exercise Price

  ​ ​ ​

Term

  ​ ​ ​

Intrinsic Value (1)

​

​

(In thousands)

​

(Per share)

​

(In years)

​

(In thousands)

Outstanding at December 30, 2025

​

471

​

$

41.08

​

4.1

​

$

4,203.7

Granted

 

—

​

​

—

​

​

​

​

​

Exercised

 

(6)

​

​

40.16

​

​

​

​

​

Forfeited or cancelled

 

—

​

​

—

​

​

​

​

​

Outstanding at March 31, 2026

​

465

​

$

41.09

​

3.9

​

$

6,346.6

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Exercisable at March 31, 2026

 

400

​

$

41.87

​

3.3

​

$

5,150.5

(1)Aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between our closing stock price at fiscal period end and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options and represents the pre-tax amount that would have been received by the option holders, had they all exercised their options on the fiscal period-end date.

The total intrinsic value of options exercised during both the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026 and April 1, 2025 was $0.1 million. As March 31, 2026, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock options was $0.8 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years.

Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units

Restricted share and restricted share unit activity during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026 was as follows:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Weighted-

​

​

​

​

Average

​

  ​ ​ ​

Shares

  ​ ​ ​

Fair Value

​

​

(In thousands)

​

(Per share)

Outstanding at December 30, 2025

 

3,176

​

$

41.31

Granted

 

520

​

​

60.35

Vested

 

(493)

​

​

41.83

Forfeited

 

(48)

​

​

39.06

Outstanding at March 31, 2026

 

3,155

​

$

44.40

​

Fair value of our restricted shares and restricted share units is based on our closing stock price on the date of grant. The weighted average fair value for restricted shares and restricted share units issued during the first quarter of fiscal 2026 and 2025 was $60.35 and $51.89, respectively. The fair value of shares that vested during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026, and April 1, 2025, was $20.6 million and $22.4 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2026, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested restricted shares and restricted share units was $84.5 million, which we expect to recognize over a weighted-average period of approximately 3.0 years.

v3.26.1
Net Income Per Share
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Net Income Per Share  
Net Income Per Share

10.   Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period, reduced by unvested restricted stock awards. As of both March 31, 2026 and April 1, 2025, an aggregate of 3.2 million and 3.3 million shares, of restricted stock and restricted stock units issued were unvested, respectively, and, therefore, excluded from the calculation of basic earnings per share for the fiscal periods ended on those dates.

Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period. Common stock equivalents for the 2026 Notes and 2030 Notes are determined by application of the if-converted method, and common stock equivalents for outstanding stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units are determined by application of the treasury stock method.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

​

​

(In thousands, except per share data)

Net income

​

$

49,548

​

$

32,941

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

​

​

46,585

​

​

47,526

Dilutive effect of equity awards (1)

​

​

1,870

​

​

1,758

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

​

​

48,455

​

​

49,284

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Basic net income per share

​

$

1.06

​

$

0.69

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Diluted net income per share

​

$

1.02

​

$

0.67

(1)Shares of common stock equivalents related to outstanding stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units of 0.6 million and 0.8 million for March 31, 2026, and April 1, 2025, respectively, were excluded from the diluted calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect. No shares of common stock equivalents related to the 2026 Notes or 2030 Notes were included in the diluted calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect.
v3.26.1
Segment Information
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Segment Information  
Segment Information

11.   Segment Information

Our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Financial Officer. Our CODM allocates resources and evaluates the performance of each operating segment based on the segment’s revenue and income/(loss) from operations, comparing actual results to historical and previously forecasted financial information. Significant expenses are expenses that are regularly provided to the CODM and are included in segment income/(loss). Our operating segments are aligned with our strategic priorities and are the businesses for which our CODM reviews discrete financial information for decision-making purposes. They are comprised of The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, North Italia, Flower Child, the other FRC brands and our bakery division. Based on quantitative thresholds set forth in ASC 280, “Segment Reporting,” The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants, North Italia and the other FRC brands are the only businesses that meet the criteria of a reportable operating segment. The remaining operating segments (Flower Child and our bakery division) along with our businesses that do not qualify as operating segments are combined in Other. Unallocated corporate expenses, capital expenditures and assets are also combined in Other.

Segment information is presented below (in thousands):

For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Cheesecake

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Factory

​

North

​

Other

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

Restaurants

  ​ ​ ​

Italia

  ​ ​ ​

 FRC

  ​ ​ ​

Other

  ​ ​ ​

Total

Revenues

​

$

690,473

​

$

89,479

​

$

104,522

​

$

94,359

​

$

978,833

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Costs and expenses:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Food and beverage costs

 

​

151,158

​

​

20,264

​

​

23,032

​

​

17,796

​

​

212,250

Labor expenses

 

​

238,354

​

​

33,421

​

​

39,169

​

​

36,825

​

​

347,769

Other operating costs and expenses

 

​

180,297

​

​

24,717

​

​

30,664

​

​

28,675

​

​

264,353

General and administrative expenses

 

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

63,931

​

​

63,931

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

​

17,170

​

​

3,194

​

​

3,365

​

​

4,255

​

​

27,984

Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses

 

​

557

​

​

—

​

​

2

​

​

270

​

​

829

Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses

 

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

316

​

​

886

​

​

1,202

Preopening costs

 

​

1,415

​

​

1,914

​

​

1,731

​

​

410

​

​

5,470

Total costs and expenses

 

​

588,951

​

​

83,510

​

​

98,279

​

​

153,048

​

​

923,788

Income/(loss) from operations

​

$

101,522

​

$

5,969

​

$

6,243

​

$

(58,689)

​

$

55,045

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Capital expenditures

​

$

22,000

​

$

7,593

​

$

8,791

​

$

4,993

​

$

43,377

​

For the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2025

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Cheesecake

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Factory

​

North

​

Other

​

  ​

​

​

  ​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

Restaurants

  ​ ​ ​

Italia

  ​ ​ ​

FRC

  ​ ​ ​

Other

  ​ ​ ​

Total

Revenues

​

$

672,734

​

$

83,410

​

$

87,424

​

$

83,629

​

$

927,197

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Costs and expenses:

​

 

  ​

​

 

  ​

​

 

  ​

​

 

  ​

​

 

  ​

Food and beverage costs

​

 

147,655

​

​

18,415

​

​

19,149

​

​

17,042

​

 

202,261

Labor expenses

​

 

233,391

​

​

31,917

​

​

31,562

​

​

34,205

​

 

331,075

Other operating costs and expenses

​

 

174,604

​

​

22,620

​

​

25,565

​

​

23,636

​

 

246,425

General and administrative expenses

​

 

—

​

 

—

​

 

—

​

 

59,932

​

 

59,932

Depreciation and amortization expenses

​

 

16,226

​

 

2,798

​

 

3,035

​

 

4,023

​

 

26,082

Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses

​

 

75

​

 

—

​

 

300

​

 

3

​

 

378

Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses

​

 

—

​

 

—

​

 

316

​

 

682

​

 

998

Preopening costs

​

 

1,350

​

 

2,680

​

 

2,793

​

 

1,264

​

 

8,087

Total costs and expenses

​

 

573,301

​

 

78,430

​

 

82,720

​

 

140,787

​

 

875,238

Income/(loss) from operations

​

$

99,433

​

$

4,980

​

$

4,704

​

$

(57,158)

​

$

51,959

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Capital expenditures

​

$

26,151

​

$

6,130

​

$

2,680

​

$

7,855

​

$

42,816

​

The following table presents information related to segment assets (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

December 30, 2025

Total assets:

​

​

​

​

​

​

The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants

​

$

1,598,692

​

$

1,636,027

North Italia

​

​

455,939

​

​

441,827

Other FRC

​

 

457,173

​

 

447,978

Other

​

 

785,537

​

 

735,840

Total

​

$

3,297,341

​

$

3,261,672

​

v3.26.1
Subsequent Events
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Subsequent Events  
Subsequent Events

12.   Subsequent Events

On April 23, 2026, our Board declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.30 per share to be paid on May 26, 2026, to the stockholders of record of each share of our common stock at the close of business on May 13, 2026.

​

v3.26.1
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Pay vs Performance Disclosure    
Net Income (Loss) $ 49,548 $ 32,941
v3.26.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
v3.26.1
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies  
Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated and its wholly owned subsidiaries (referred to herein collectively as the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our”) and are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). All intercompany accounts and transactions for the periods presented have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited financial statements presented herein include all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for the fair statement of the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the period. However, these results are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for any other interim period or for the full fiscal year. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025 (“Annual Report”) filed with the SEC on February 23, 2026.

We utilize a 52/53-week fiscal year ending on the Tuesday closest to December 31 for financial reporting purposes. Fiscal year 2026 consists of 52 weeks and will end on December 29, 2026. Fiscal year 2025 ended on December 30, 2025 and was also a 52-week year.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions for the reporting periods covered by the financial statements. These estimates and assumptions affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the disclosure of contingent liabilities. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Geopolitical and Other Macroeconomic Impacts to our Operating Environment

Geopolitical and Other Macroeconomic Impacts to our Operating Environment

In recent years, our operating results have been impacted by geopolitical and macroeconomic events, causing supply chain challenges and significantly increased commodity and wage inflation. Our commodity and wage inflationary environment began returning to more historical levels in fiscal 2024.

The impact of ongoing geopolitical and macroeconomic events, including evolving government policies and global trade and tariff dynamics, could lead to further wage inflation, product and services cost inflation, disruptions in the supply chain, staffing challenges, shifts in consumer behavior and delays in new restaurant openings. Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters may further exacerbate a number of these factors. For more information regarding the risks to our business relating to the geopolitical and macroeconomic events, see Part II, Item 1A of this report “Risk Factors,” and “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2025.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, Debt - Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Topic 470): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments, which clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as an induced conversion. The ASU also clarifies that the induced conversion guidance applies to a convertible debt instrument that is not currently convertible as long as it had a substantive conversion feature as of both its issuance date and the date the inducement offer is accepted. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025, with early adoption permitted. The amendment should be applied prospectively. However, retrospective application is permitted. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the prospective transition method, and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, which provides a practical expedient permitting an entity to assume that conditions at the balance sheet date remain unchanged over the life of the asset when estimating expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets. This ASU is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and for interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The amendments in the ASU should be applied prospectively. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the practical expedient, and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software, which amends certain aspects of the accounting and disclosure for internal-use software costs. The ASU removes all references to prescriptive and sequential software development stages. The ASU requires entities to begin capitalizing software costs when management authorizes and commits to funding the software project and it is probable that the project will be completed and the software will be used for its intended purpose. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. The amendments can be applied prospectively, retrospectively, or via a modified prospective transition method. We adopted this ASU in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 using the prospective transition method and adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40), which requires more detailed disclosures of certain categories of expenses such as inventory purchases, employee compensation and depreciation that are components of existing expense captions presented on the face of the income statement. The amendment is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026. Early adoption is permitted. The amendment should be applied prospectively. However, retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on our disclosures.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements, which clarifies interim disclosure requirements by improving the navigability of the required interim disclosures and clarifying when that guidance is applicable. The standard is effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating this ASU to determine its impact on our disclosures.

v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurements (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Fair Value Measurements  
Schedule of components and classification of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis

The following tables present the components and classification of our assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

​

  ​ ​ ​

Level 1

  ​ ​ ​

Level 2

  ​ ​ ​

Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

​

Non-qualified deferred compensation assets

​

$

123,554

​

$

—

​

$

—

Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities

​

​

(124,491)

​

​

—

​

​

—

Acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(25,514)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

December 30, 2025

​

  ​ ​ ​

Level 1

  ​ ​ ​

Level 2

  ​ ​ ​

Level 3

Assets/(Liabilities)

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Non-qualified deferred compensation assets

​

$

126,142

​

$

—

​

$

—

Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities

​

​

(125,208)

​

​

—

​

​

—

Acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

(24,628)

Schedule of reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities categorized as Level 3

The following table presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of the fair value of the acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liabilities categorized as Level 3 (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

Thirteen

  ​ ​ ​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Beginning balance

​

$

24,628

​

$

20,155

Payment

​

​

—

​

​

—

Change in fair value

​

 

886

​

 

682

Ending balance

​

$

25,514

​

$

20,837

v3.26.1
Inventories (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Inventories  
Schedule of inventories

Inventories consisted of (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

December 30, 2025

Restaurant food and supplies

​

$

26,911

​

$

28,736

Bakery finished goods and work in progress

​

 

13,867

​

 

14,896

Bakery raw materials and supplies

​

 

9,785

​

 

10,337

Total

​

$

50,563

​

$

53,969

​

v3.26.1
Gift Cards (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Gift Cards  
Schedule of gift card liabilities

The following tables present information related to gift cards (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

Gift card liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

Beginning balance

 

$

212,859

 

$

226,810

Activations

​

​

16,976

​

​

20,673

Redemptions and breakage

​

​

(42,120)

​

​

(47,628)

Ending balance

 

$

187,715

 

$

199,855

Schedule of gift card contract assets

The following tables present information related to gift cards (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

Gift card contract assets: (1)

​

​

​

​

​

​

Beginning balance

​

$

17,958

 

$

18,447

Deferrals

​

​

2,351

​

​

2,368

Amortization

​

​

(3,476)

​

​

(3,735)

Ending balance

​

$

16,833

 

$

17,080

(1)

Included in prepaid expenses on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

v3.26.1
Leases (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Leases  
Schedule of components of lease expense

Components of lease expense were as follows (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

Operating

​

$

43,694

​

$

41,112

Variable

​

​

24,239

​

​

22,832

Short-term

​

​

38

​

​

38

Total

​

$

67,971

​

$

63,982

Schedule of supplemental information related to leases

Supplemental information related to leases (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​

April 1, 2025

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:

​

​

​

​

​

​

Operating cash flows for operating leases

​

$

42,986

​

$

53,736

Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

​

​

20,113

​

​

38,772

​

v3.26.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Stock-Based Compensation  
Schedule of information related to stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures

The following table presents information related to stock-based compensation, net of forfeitures (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Labor expenses

​

$

2,773

​

$

2,437

Other operating costs and expenses

​

​

98

​

​

99

General and administrative expenses

​

​

4,143

​

​

5,045

Total stock-based compensation

​

​

7,014

​

​

7,581

Income tax benefit

​

​

1,730

​

​

1,870

Total stock-based compensation, net of taxes

​

$

5,284

​

$

5,711

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Capitalized stock-based compensation (1)

​

$

53

​

$

54

(1)It is our policy to capitalize the portion of stock-based compensation costs for our internal development department that relates to capitalizable activities such as the design and construction of new restaurants, remodeling existing locations and equipment installation. Capitalized stock-based compensation is included in property and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets.
Schedule of stock option activity

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Weighted-

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Average

​

​

​

​

​

​

Weighted-

​

Remaining

​

​

​

​

​

​

Average

​

Contractual

​

Aggregate

​

  ​ ​ ​

Shares

  ​ ​ ​

Exercise Price

  ​ ​ ​

Term

  ​ ​ ​

Intrinsic Value (1)

​

​

(In thousands)

​

(Per share)

​

(In years)

​

(In thousands)

Outstanding at December 30, 2025

​

471

​

$

41.08

​

4.1

​

$

4,203.7

Granted

 

—

​

​

—

​

​

​

​

​

Exercised

 

(6)

​

​

40.16

​

​

​

​

​

Forfeited or cancelled

 

—

​

​

—

​

​

​

​

​

Outstanding at March 31, 2026

​

465

​

$

41.09

​

3.9

​

$

6,346.6

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Exercisable at March 31, 2026

 

400

​

$

41.87

​

3.3

​

$

5,150.5

(1)Aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between our closing stock price at fiscal period end and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options and represents the pre-tax amount that would have been received by the option holders, had they all exercised their options on the fiscal period-end date.
Schedule of restricted share and restricted share unit activity

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Weighted-

​

​

​

​

Average

​

  ​ ​ ​

Shares

  ​ ​ ​

Fair Value

​

​

(In thousands)

​

(Per share)

Outstanding at December 30, 2025

 

3,176

​

$

41.31

Granted

 

520

​

​

60.35

Vested

 

(493)

​

​

41.83

Forfeited

 

(48)

​

​

39.06

Outstanding at March 31, 2026

 

3,155

​

$

44.40

v3.26.1
Net Income Per Share (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Net Income Per Share  
Schedule of basic and diluted net income per share

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Thirteen

​

Thirteen

​

​

Weeks Ended

​

Weeks Ended

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

April 1, 2025

​

​

(In thousands, except per share data)

Net income

​

$

49,548

​

$

32,941

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

​

​

46,585

​

​

47,526

Dilutive effect of equity awards (1)

​

​

1,870

​

​

1,758

Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding

​

​

48,455

​

​

49,284

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Basic net income per share

​

$

1.06

​

$

0.69

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Diluted net income per share

​

$

1.02

​

$

0.67

(1)Shares of common stock equivalents related to outstanding stock options, restricted stock and restricted stock units of 0.6 million and 0.8 million for March 31, 2026, and April 1, 2025, respectively, were excluded from the diluted calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect. No shares of common stock equivalents related to the 2026 Notes or 2030 Notes were included in the diluted calculation due to their anti-dilutive effect.
v3.26.1
Segment Information (Tables)
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Segment Information  
Schedule of segment information

Segment information is presented below (in thousands):

For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2026

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Cheesecake

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Factory

​

North

​

Other

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

Restaurants

  ​ ​ ​

Italia

  ​ ​ ​

 FRC

  ​ ​ ​

Other

  ​ ​ ​

Total

Revenues

​

$

690,473

​

$

89,479

​

$

104,522

​

$

94,359

​

$

978,833

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Costs and expenses:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Food and beverage costs

 

​

151,158

​

​

20,264

​

​

23,032

​

​

17,796

​

​

212,250

Labor expenses

 

​

238,354

​

​

33,421

​

​

39,169

​

​

36,825

​

​

347,769

Other operating costs and expenses

 

​

180,297

​

​

24,717

​

​

30,664

​

​

28,675

​

​

264,353

General and administrative expenses

 

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

63,931

​

​

63,931

Depreciation and amortization expenses

 

​

17,170

​

​

3,194

​

​

3,365

​

​

4,255

​

​

27,984

Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses

 

​

557

​

​

—

​

​

2

​

​

270

​

​

829

Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses

 

​

—

​

​

—

​

​

316

​

​

886

​

​

1,202

Preopening costs

 

​

1,415

​

​

1,914

​

​

1,731

​

​

410

​

​

5,470

Total costs and expenses

 

​

588,951

​

​

83,510

​

​

98,279

​

​

153,048

​

​

923,788

Income/(loss) from operations

​

$

101,522

​

$

5,969

​

$

6,243

​

$

(58,689)

​

$

55,045

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Capital expenditures

​

$

22,000

​

$

7,593

​

$

8,791

​

$

4,993

​

$

43,377

​

For the thirteen weeks ended April 1, 2025

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

The

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Cheesecake

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Factory

​

North

​

Other

​

  ​

​

​

  ​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

Restaurants

  ​ ​ ​

Italia

  ​ ​ ​

FRC

  ​ ​ ​

Other

  ​ ​ ​

Total

Revenues

​

$

672,734

​

$

83,410

​

$

87,424

​

$

83,629

​

$

927,197

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Costs and expenses:

​

 

  ​

​

 

  ​

​

 

  ​

​

 

  ​

​

 

  ​

Food and beverage costs

​

 

147,655

​

​

18,415

​

​

19,149

​

​

17,042

​

 

202,261

Labor expenses

​

 

233,391

​

​

31,917

​

​

31,562

​

​

34,205

​

 

331,075

Other operating costs and expenses

​

 

174,604

​

​

22,620

​

​

25,565

​

​

23,636

​

 

246,425

General and administrative expenses

​

 

—

​

 

—

​

 

—

​

 

59,932

​

 

59,932

Depreciation and amortization expenses

​

 

16,226

​

 

2,798

​

 

3,035

​

 

4,023

​

 

26,082

Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses

​

 

75

​

 

—

​

 

300

​

 

3

​

 

378

Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses

​

 

—

​

 

—

​

 

316

​

 

682

​

 

998

Preopening costs

​

 

1,350

​

 

2,680

​

 

2,793

​

 

1,264

​

 

8,087

Total costs and expenses

​

 

573,301

​

 

78,430

​

 

82,720

​

 

140,787

​

 

875,238

Income/(loss) from operations

​

$

99,433

​

$

4,980

​

$

4,704

​

$

(57,158)

​

$

51,959

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Capital expenditures

​

$

26,151

​

$

6,130

​

$

2,680

​

$

7,855

​

$

42,816

​

The following table presents information related to segment assets (in thousands):

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

  ​ ​ ​

March 31, 2026

  ​ ​ ​

December 30, 2025

Total assets:

​

​

​

​

​

​

The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants

​

$

1,598,692

​

$

1,636,027

North Italia

​

​

455,939

​

​

441,827

Other FRC

​

 

457,173

​

 

447,978

Other

​

 

785,537

​

 

735,840

Total

​

$

3,297,341

​

$

3,261,672

​

v3.26.1
Significant Accounting Policies - Basis of Presentation (Details)
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies    
Length of fiscal year 364 days 364 days
v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurements (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
Level 1    
Assets/(Liabilities)    
Non-qualified deferred compensation assets $ 123,554 $ 126,142
Non-qualified deferred compensation liabilities (124,491) (125,208)
Level 3    
Assets/(Liabilities)    
Acquisition-related contingent consideration and compensation liability $ (25,514) $ (24,628)
v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurements - Beginning and ending amounts of the fair value (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Fair Value Measurements    
Change in fair value $ 1,202 $ 998
Level 3    
Fair Value Measurements    
Beginning balance 24,628 20,155
Change in fair value 886 682
Ending balance $ 25,514 $ 20,837
v3.26.1
Fair Value Measurements - Additional information (Details)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2026  
Fair Value Measurements  
Aggregate principal amount $ 69.0
Estimated fair value 68.4
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030  
Fair Value Measurements  
Aggregate principal amount 575.0
Estimated fair value $ 581.3
v3.26.1
Inventories (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
Inventories    
Restaurant food and supplies $ 26,911 $ 28,736
Bakery finished goods and work in progress 13,867 14,896
Bakery raw materials and supplies 9,785 10,337
Total $ 50,563 $ 53,969
v3.26.1
Gift Cards (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Gift card liabilities:    
Beginning balance $ 212,859 $ 226,810
Activations 16,976 20,673
Redemptions and breakage (42,120) (47,628)
Ending balance 187,715 199,855
Gift card contract assets:    
Beginning balance 17,958 18,447
Deferrals 2,351 2,368
Amortization (3,476) (3,735)
Ending balance $ 16,833 $ 17,080
v3.26.1
Debt - Revolving Credit Facility (Details)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
item
Apr. 01, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Debt      
Repayments on credit facility   $ 110,000  
Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
Repayments on credit facility   $ 110,000  
Net availability for borrowings $ 366,500   $ 256,500
Outstanding debt balance 0   110,000
Outstanding letters of credit 33,500   $ 33,500
Swingline Loans [Member]      
Debt      
Maximum commitments 10,000    
Letter of credit      
Debt      
Additional commitments available $ 25,000    
Base Rate | Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) 0.00%    
Base Rate | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) 0.50%    
Fourth Amendment | Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
Maximum commitments $ 400,000    
Maximum commitments, letter of credit sub-facility 85,000    
Additional commitments available $ 200,000    
Fourth Amendment | Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
Net adjusted leverage ratio 1    
EBITDAR ratio 1.9    
Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) 1.00%    
Commitment fee (as a percent) 0.125%    
Fourth Amendment | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
Net adjusted leverage ratio 4.25    
Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) 1.50%    
Commitment fee (as a percent) 0.225%    
Fourth Amendment | Overnight bank funding rate | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) 0.50%    
Fourth Amendment | One-month Term SOFR Rate | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
Credit facility, basis spread on variable rate (as a percent) 1.00%    
Amended Credit Agreement | Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility      
Debt      
EBITDAR ratio 1    
Multiplier of rent used to compute adjusted debt | item 6    
v3.26.1
Debt - Convertible Senior Notes (Details)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 15, 2026
USD ($)
Feb. 28, 2025
USD ($)
$ / shares
Jun. 15, 2021
USD ($)
$ / shares
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
D
$ / shares
Apr. 01, 2025
USD ($)
Debt          
Net proceeds from the sale         $ 575,000,000
Loss on debt extinguishment         15,891,000
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030          
Debt          
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued   $ 575,000,000      
Net proceeds from the sale   558,500,000      
Debt issuance costs   16,500,000      
Interest rate       2.00%  
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger       130.00%  
Observation period       35 days  
Number of threshold trading days | D       20  
Number of consecutive threshold trading days | D       30  
Minimum threshold aggregate principal amount of notes outstanding and not called for redemption       $ 150,000,000  
Cure period in case of a default in the payment of interest       30 days  
Threshold cured period in case of default in other obligations       60 days  
Threshold limit of default with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money       $ 20,000,000  
Threshold limit for occurrence of default in case of rendering of certain judgments against to company or on its subsidiaries       $ 50,000,000  
Minimum percentage of notice holders can give notice in case of default       25  
Maximum period of which noteholders to receive special interest as a remedy in case of default       180 days  
Special interest rate as a default remedy       0.5  
Gross principal balance outstanding       $ 575,000,000  
Outstanding debt balance       562,100,000  
Unamortized debt issuance costs       12,900,000  
Amortized debt issuance costs       $ 800,000 300,000
Effective interest rate       2.57%  
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030 | Minimum          
Debt          
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger       98.00%  
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2030 | Convertible Debt Securities | Common Stock          
Debt          
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued   $ 1,000   $ 1,000  
Conversion ratio   14.1377   14.1444  
Conversion price | $ / shares   $ 70.73   $ 70.7  
Threshold dividend (per share) | $ / shares       $ 0.27  
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2026          
Debt          
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued   $ 276,000,000 $ 345,000,000    
Net proceeds from the sale     334,900,000    
Debt issuance costs     $ 10,100,000    
Interest rate       0.375%  
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger       130.00%  
Observation period       30 days  
Number of threshold trading days | D       20  
Number of consecutive threshold trading days | D       30  
Minimum threshold aggregate principal amount of notes outstanding and not called for redemption       $ 150,000,000  
Cure period in case of a default in the payment of interest       30 days  
Threshold cured period in case of default in other obligations       60 days  
Threshold limit of default with respect to indebtedness for borrowed money       $ 20,000,000  
Threshold limit for occurrence of default in case of rendering of certain judgments against to company or on its subsidiaries       $ 25,000,000  
Minimum percentage of notice holders can give notice in case of default       25  
Maximum period of which noteholders to receive special interest as a remedy in case of default       180 days  
Special interest rate as a default remedy       0.5  
Gross principal balance outstanding       $ 69,000,000  
Outstanding debt balance       68,900,000  
Unamortized debt issuance costs       100,000  
Amortized debt issuance costs       $ 100,000 400,000
Effective interest rate       0.96%  
Convertible Senior Notes Due 2026 | Convertible Debt Securities | Common Stock          
Debt          
Aggregate principal amount of debt issued $ 1,000     $ 1,000  
Conversion ratio 12.7551     14.2316  
Conversion price | $ / shares     $ 78.4 $ 70.27  
2026 Note Repurchase Transaction          
Debt          
Unamortized debt issuance costs         2,100,000
Privately negotiated transaction for aggregate consideration   $ 289,800,000      
Loss on debt extinguishment         $ 15,900,000
v3.26.1
Leases (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Leases    
Operating $ 43,694 $ 41,112
Variable 24,239 22,832
Short-term 38 38
Total 67,971 63,982
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:    
Operating cash flows for operating leases 42,986 53,736
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities $ 20,113 $ 38,772
v3.26.1
Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Feb. 12, 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
Stockholders' Equity        
Cash dividends declared common stock, net of forfeitures (in dollars per share) $ 0.3 $ 0.27    
Repurchase common stock     5,000,000  
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased 66,000,000      
Repurchased shares since program inception 60,242,922     59,910,919
Value of treasury stock $ 2,003,891     $ 1,984,722
Shares repurchased during period 300,000      
Treasury stock repurchased during period $ 19,169 $ 142,358    
Q1 Dividend        
Stockholders' Equity        
Dividends payable, date declared Feb. 12, 2026      
Cash dividends declared common stock, net of forfeitures (in dollars per share) $ 0.3      
Dividends payable, payment date Mar. 17, 2026      
Dividends payable, date of record Mar. 04, 2026      
Treasury Stock        
Stockholders' Equity        
Value of treasury stock $ 2,002,800      
Treasury stock repurchased during period $ 19,200      
v3.26.1
Stock-Based Compensation (Details) - shares
shares in Thousands
Mar. 26, 2025
Mar. 25, 2025
Stock-Based Compensation    
Additional shares authorized for issuance under share-based compensation plan 6,000  
Shares authorized for issuance under share-based compensation plan 13,150 7,150
v3.26.1
Stock-Based Compensation - Net of forfeitures (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Stock-Based Compensation    
Total stock-based compensation $ 7,014 $ 7,581
Income tax benefit 1,730 1,870
Total stock-based compensation, net of taxes 5,284 5,711
Capitalized stock-based compensation 53 54
Labor expenses    
Stock-Based Compensation    
Total stock-based compensation 2,773 2,437
Other operating costs and expenses    
Stock-Based Compensation    
Total stock-based compensation 98 99
General and administrative expenses    
Stock-Based Compensation    
Total stock-based compensation $ 4,143 $ 5,045
v3.26.1
Stock-Based Compensation - Stock Options (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands
3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Dec. 30, 2025
Stock options      
Stock option activity, Shares      
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares) 471    
Exercised (in shares) (6)    
Outstanding at end of year (in shares) 465   471
Exercisable at end of year (in shares) 400    
Weighted Average Exercise Price      
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share) $ 41.08    
Exercised (in dollars per share) 40.16    
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share) 41.09   $ 41.08
Exercisable at end of year (in dollars per share) $ 41.87    
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In years)      
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (In years) 3 years 10 months 24 days   4 years 1 month 6 days
Exercisable at end of year (In years) 3 years 3 months 18 days    
Aggregate Intrinsic Value      
Outstanding at beginning of year $ 4,203,700    
Outstanding at end of year 6,346,600   $ 4,203,700
Exercisable at end of year 5,150,500    
Total intrinsic value of options exercised 100,000 $ 100,000  
Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense      
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expenses related to unvested stock options, restricted shares and restricted share units $ 800,000    
Expected weighted average period for recognition of compensation expense related to unvested stock option 2 years 7 months 6 days    
Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units      
Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units, Shares      
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares) 3,176    
Granted (in shares) 520    
Vested (in shares) (493)    
Forfeited (in shares) (48)    
Outstanding at end of year (in shares) 3,155   3,176
Fair value of shares vested $ 20,600,000 $ 22,400,000  
Weighted Average Fair Value      
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share) $ 41.31    
Granted (in dollars per share) 60.35 $ 51.89  
Vested (in dollars per share) 41.83    
Forfeited (in dollars per share) 39.06    
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share) $ 44.4   $ 41.31
Unrecognized Stock-based Compensation Expense      
Total unrecognized stock-based compensation expenses related to unvested stock options, restricted shares and restricted share units $ 84,500,000    
Expected weighted average period for recognition of compensation expense related to unvested stock option 3 years    
v3.26.1
Net Income Per Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Basic net income per common share:    
Net income $ 49,548 $ 32,941
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding 46,585 47,526
Basic net income per share $ 1.06 $ 0.69
Diluted net income per common share:    
Dilutive effect of equity awards 1,870 1,758
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 48,455 49,284
Diluted net income per share $ 1.02 $ 0.67
v3.26.1
Net Income Per Share - Additional Information (Details) - shares
shares in Millions
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Restricted Shares and Restricted Share Units    
Net Income Per Share    
Antidilutive securities excluded from calculation of basic earnings per share (in shares) 0.6 0.8
Common Stock    
Net Income Per Share    
Antidilutive securities excluded from calculation of basic earnings per share (in shares) 0.0  
Restricted stock    
Net Income Per Share    
Antidilutive securities excluded from calculation of basic earnings per share (in shares) 3.2 3.3
v3.26.1
Segment Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Thousands
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Dec. 30, 2025
Segment Information      
Revenues $ 978,833 $ 927,197  
Costs and expenses:      
Food and beverage costs 212,250 202,261  
Labor expenses 347,769 331,075  
Other operating costs and expenses 264,353 246,425  
General and administrative expenses 63,931 59,932  
Depreciation and amortization expenses 27,984 26,082  
Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses 829 378  
Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses 1,202 998  
Preopening costs 5,470 8,087  
Total costs and expenses 923,788 875,238  
Income/(loss) from operations 55,045 51,959  
Capital expenditures 43,377 42,816  
Total assets $ 3,297,341   $ 3,261,672
Number Of Reportable Segments Not Disclosed Flag true    
The Cheesecake Factory Restaurants      
Segment Information      
Revenues $ 690,473 672,734  
Costs and expenses:      
Food and beverage costs 151,158 147,655  
Labor expenses 238,354 233,391  
Other operating costs and expenses 180,297 174,604  
Depreciation and amortization expenses 17,170 16,226  
Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses 557 75  
Preopening costs 1,415 1,350  
Total costs and expenses 588,951 573,301  
Income/(loss) from operations 101,522 99,433  
Capital expenditures 22,000 26,151  
Total assets 1,598,692   1,636,027
North Italia      
Segment Information      
Revenues 89,479 83,410  
Costs and expenses:      
Food and beverage costs 20,264 18,415  
Labor expenses 33,421 31,917  
Other operating costs and expenses 24,717 22,620  
Depreciation and amortization expenses 3,194 2,798  
Preopening costs 1,914 2,680  
Total costs and expenses 83,510 78,430  
Income/(loss) from operations 5,969 4,980  
Capital expenditures 7,593 6,130  
Total assets 455,939   441,827
Other FRC      
Segment Information      
Revenues 104,522 87,424  
Costs and expenses:      
Food and beverage costs 23,032 19,149  
Labor expenses 39,169 31,562  
Other operating costs and expenses 30,664 25,565  
Depreciation and amortization expenses 3,365 3,035  
Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses 2 300  
Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses 316 316  
Preopening costs 1,731 2,793  
Total costs and expenses 98,279 82,720  
Income/(loss) from operations 6,243 4,704  
Capital expenditures 8,791 2,680  
Total assets 457,173   447,978
Other      
Segment Information      
Revenues 94,359 83,629  
Costs and expenses:      
Food and beverage costs 17,796 17,042  
Labor expenses 36,825 34,205  
Other operating costs and expenses 28,675 23,636  
General and administrative expenses 63,931 59,932  
Depreciation and amortization expenses 4,255 4,023  
Impairment of assets and lease termination expenses 270 3  
Acquisition-related contingent consideration, compensation and amortization expenses 886 682  
Preopening costs 410 1,264  
Total costs and expenses 153,048 140,787  
Income/(loss) from operations (58,689) (57,158)  
Capital expenditures 4,993 $ 7,855  
Total assets $ 785,537   $ 735,840
v3.26.1
Subsequent Events (Details) - $ / shares
3 Months Ended
Apr. 23, 2026
Mar. 31, 2026
Apr. 01, 2025
Subsequent Events      
Quarterly cash dividend declared (in dollars per share)   $ 0.3 $ 0.27
Subsequent Events | Q2 Dividends      
Subsequent Events      
Dividends payable, date declared Apr. 23, 2026    
Quarterly cash dividend declared (in dollars per share) $ 0.3    
Dividends payable, payment date May 26, 2026    
Dividends payable, date of record May 13, 2026