For its fourth quarter and year ending in late December 2025, Aegis Brands Inc. reported that its St Louis Bar & Grill chain delivered a strong finish to the year, highlighted by same store sales growth of 10.3 percent in the fourth quarter, marking a significant acceleration. System sales increased 12.1 percent to $34.7 million(Cdn), reflecting stronger guest traffic and the growing effectiveness of the brand’s promotional and operational initiatives. The fourth quarter performance represents one of the brand’s strongest same store sales results in recent years and demonstrates the impact of the company’s renewed focus on value-driven promotions, improved operational execution and enhanced franchisee engagement. Initiatives introduced earlier in the year gained traction in the second half, culminating in a meaningful increase in traffic and sales across the system during the quarter. For the full year, system sales were consistent with the prior year and same store sales declined 3.3 percent. During 2025, the company opened three new locations and closed three underperforming restaurants, maintaining 81 franchised locations at year end. As the company enters 2026, management is advancing four primary pillars intended to support continued same store sales and profitability growth. Aegis Brands plans to significantly expand its promotional calendar in 2026 and it has introduced the School of Extraordinary Hospitality, a program focused on developing best-in-class franchisees. In addition, renovated locations are generating meaningful increases in sales post-renovation. A refreshed environment drives higher guest satisfaction, and stronger performance, and with improving franchisee economics, the company is returning to disciplined new store development. Ontario remains a priority market, and Atlantic Canada locations continue to over-index relative to the broader network. “Over the past two years, we have focused on improving the underlying quality of the system,” said, President, CEO Steven Pelton. “By strengthening franchisee capability, accelerating renovations, expanding our promotional schedule and returning to disciplined new store growth, we believe the foundation is in place for continued same store sales and EBITDA improvement.” Aegis Brands owns and operates the St. Louis Bar & Grill brand and holds the master franchise for the Sweet Jesus ice cream brand in Canada. Aegis is focused on growing its portfolio through strategic partnerships, disciplined expansion, and operational excellence. Introduced in 1992 in Toronto featuring its signature wings, fries, and garlic dill sauce, the St Louis chain has over 80 locations across the country in highly visible 2200 to 3500 square foot locations. The chain continues to source franchisees in markets all across the country.
Aegis Brands, 703 Evans Ave., Etobicoke, Ontario M9C 5E9 (437/747-4334 www.aegisbrands.ca)
St. Louis Franchise Ltd. 2040 Yonge St., Suite 200B, Toronto, Ontario M4S 1Z9 (416/485-1094 www.stlouiswings.com)