Diedrich Posts Smaller Quarterly Loss

Irvine coffee retailer Diedrich Coffee Inc. narrowed its losses in the first quarter as revenue increased slightly. The company said it lost $568,000, or 9 cents a share, for the three months ended April 28, compared with a net loss of $746,000, or 13 cents a share, for the first quarter last year. The company attributed the loss primarily to costs related to its ambitious national expansion plans, including the development of a franchise sales program. Revenue increased 3% to $6.1 million from $5.9 million. Sales at stores open at least a year increased 3.2%.