Overall sales are expected to rise about 3% this year, with the low end of its prior forecast of up to 5%, the company said in a statement Thursday. Same-store sales, a metric that tracks stores open at least 15 months, rose 0.2% in the third quarter. Analysts were calling for much faster growth.

Wendy’s has sought to fuel its growth by strengthening its breakfast and late-night businesses, including through deals and increased advertising, while seeking to recruit more users to its digital app. The company has also launched humorous marketing campaigns, including on the McBroken website, which displays where McDonald’s Corp. ice cream machines are located. are down and redirects customers to the nearest Wendy’s.

Customer numbers declined during the quarter, Wendy’s said, noting that the burger chain needs to do more to attract diners struggling with high inflation. Earnings per share were roughly in line, while revenue exceeded expectations.