J. Alexander's Corp. reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the first quarter ended April 1, 2012. For the quarter, the company reported net sales of $42,711,000 against $40,749,000 a year ago. Operating income was $3,138,000 against $1,776,000 a year ago. Income before income taxes was $2,757,000 against $1,372,000 a year ago. Net income was $2,421,000 or $0.39 per diluted share against $1,062,000 or $0.18 per diluted share a year ago. For the fiscal year 2012, the company expects continued improvement in the same store sales and restaurant operating performance, but remains guarded in its outlook because of its concern over fuel prices and uncertainty in beef market prices, which have remained significantly higher than for the same period of the previous year.