Atlanta-based Ted's Montana Grill Announces Record-Breaking Year

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, November 14th, 2025

 Ted’s Montana Grill, a classic American restaurant known for made-from-scratch, elevated comfort food, announced strong 2025 performance marked by significant gain in sales, guest counts, guest sentiment, and industry-leading team member retention. 

This year marked the company’s most successful since its founding in 2002, driven by strong key performance indicators, exceptional team engagement, spirited pride in the brand, and increased shareholder value.

2025 Year-to-Date Performance Highlights:

  • Increased Same Restaurant Sales

o   2025 continues the company’s streak of five consecutive years of increased sales.

o   Year-over-year (YOY) same restaurant sales grew more than 5% driven primarily by higher guest counts.

  • Excellent Guest Sentiment

o   Achieved above 4.5 stars across internal guest sentiment metrics and online review platforms. 

  • Industry Leading Team Member and Management Retention

o   Ted’s achieved ‘Best in Class’ hourly turnover 28% better than the industry average.

o   Management turnover was lower than the industry average for the fourth year in a row with 2025 as the strongest year to date. 

o   98% of managers rated Ted’s an exceptional concept.

Ted’s success was driven by several strategic initiatives in 2025. The company launched an internal campaign focused on enhancing the guest experience with an “Only at Ted’s” approach. This included strengthening team development with focused training, morale-building efforts, leadership advancement, and continued operational excellence with sustainability and efficiency at the forefront. The brand also refreshed its team attire, introducing ties to elevate the restaurant’s classic, polished look.

Ted’s also introduced new Chef Features, craft cocktails, gluten-free offerings, and a refined to-go experience – enhancements that enriched the dining experience while staying true to its classic American, made-from-scratch comfort food for which it is known.

“At Ted’s, we don’t chase trends – we stay true to our roots,” said Ted’s Montana Grill President Kristi Martin. “Our team’s pride in our timeless identity, our feel-good food, and our genuine hospitality and commitment to who we’ve been since day one is the difference that only Ted’s can deliver.”

The brand also invested in a targeted marketing strategy spanning digital advertising, television, local campaigns, public relations, and influencer partnerships, effectively sharing Ted’s story with guests across the country.

Looking ahead, Ted’s will open its first Athens, Ga., location in 2026, with additional southeastern expansion planned over the next several years. The company will also continue supporting local communities, including contributions to impactful organizations such as Giving Kitchen, raising $60,000 over the past two years.

“Our growth model is based on perfecting our existing restaurants and building profitable, sustainable operations,” said George McKerrow, CEO and co-founder of Ted’s Montana Grill. “We believe in growing steadily and intentionally, prioritizing exceptional quality and flawless execution to keep our brand strong – far more effectively than rapid expansion ever could.”

McKerrow, an advisor to the Georgia Restaurant Association, was recently named one of Atlanta’s “Most Admired CEOs,” reflecting his commitment to the hospitality industry and the inspiration behind Ted’s. Kristi Martin was also recognized in the “Atlanta 500” for her significant impact in driving growth and operational excellence.