Cheesecake Factory Profit Jumps in Quarter

Bolstered by new restaurant openings, price increases and better weather, Cheesecake Factory Inc. reported a 16.7% jump in second-quarter profit.

The Calabasas-based operator of 77 casual dining spots reported net income of $17.8 million, or 34 cents a share, compared with $15.3 million, or 30 cents, a year earlier.

Revenue increased 24.5% to $234.9 million, and comparable sales -- not counting restaurants that opened within the last 12 months -- gained 4.5%

The earnings were released after the stock market closed. Cheesecake Factory shares ended the day up 48 cents, to $40.59, on Nasdaq.

-- Julie Tamaki

* Toymaker Jakks Pacific Inc. of Malibu said second-quarter profit doubled to $6.6 million, or 25 cents a share, on a 49% gain in sales, to $109.4 million.