UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark One)

 

[X]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 24, 2017March 29, 2020

 

OR

 

[  ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Commission file number 001-38250

 

 

FAT Brands Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 08-213026982-1302696

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

9720 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 500

Beverly Hills, CA 90212

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(310) 402-0600319-1850

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, $0.0001 par value per shareFATThe Nasdaq Stock Market LLC

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ] No [X]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes [X] No [  ]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer[  ]Accelerated filer[  ]
    
Non-accelerated filer[  ] (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)X]Smaller reporting company[  ]X]
    
Emerging growth company[X]  

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. [X]

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes [  ] No [X]

 

As of November 30, 2017,May 22, 2020, there were 10,000,00011,894,895 shares of common stock outstandingoutstanding.

 

 

EXPLANATORY NOTE

On May 13, 2020, FAT Brands Inc. (the “Company”, “we” and “our”) filed a Current Report on Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) indicating its reliance on the SEC order issued on March 4, 2020 (Release No. 34-88318) under Section 36 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), granting exemptions from specified provisions of the Exchange Act and certain rules thereunder, as amended and superseded by Release No. 34-88465 issued on March 25, 2020 (collectively, the “Order”).

The Company filed the Form 8-K indicating its intension to rely on the Order permitting extensions in filings due to circumstances related to the novel coronavirus pandemic (“COVID-19”). As stated in the Form 8-K, the Company required additional time to finalize its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as of and for the quarter ended March 29, 2020, (the “Quarterly Report”) by the original deadline of May 13, 2020 due to the outbreak of, and local, state and federal governmental responses to, COVID-19. The Company’s operations have experienced disruptions due to the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic including, but not limited to, suggested and mandated social distancing and shelter-in-place orders. The COVID-19-related shelter-in-place orders and resulting office closures have severely limited access to our facilities by our financial reporting and accounting staff and the staff of our auditor, and thus impacted the Company’s ability to fulfill required quarterly review processes and procedures on a timely basis.

In light of the impact of the factors described above, the Company was unable to compile and review certain information required in order to permit it to timely file the Quarterly Report by May 13, 2020, the original filing deadline, without unreasonable effort or expense. The Company relied on the Order in furnishing the Form 8-K by the original filing deadline of the Quarterly Report.

 

 
 

 

FAT BRANDS INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q

September 24, 2017March 29, 2020

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I.FINANCIAL INFORMATION4
Item 1.Financial Statements (Unaudited)1
Balance Sheet1
Statement of Operations2
Statement of Stockholder’s Equity3
Statement of Cash Flows4
  
FAT Brands Inc. and Subsidiaries:
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)4
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)58
Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations832
Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk2339
Item 4.Controls and Procedures2339
   
PART II.OTHER INFORMATION40
Item 1.Legal Proceedings2440
Item 1A.Risk Factors2441
Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds41
Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities3741
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures3741
Item 5.Other Information3741
Item 6.Exhibits3742
   
SIGNATURES3843

 

3

 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

FAT BRANDS INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETSHEETS

(dollars in thousands, except share data)

 

  September 24, 2017 
  (Unaudited) 
Assets   
    
Deferred offering costs (Note 2) $224 
     
Trade name  8 
Total assets $232 
     
Liabilities and STOCKholder’s Equity    
Current liabilities    
Accounts payable $31 
     
Total current liabilities  31 
     
Due to parent  201 
     
Total liabilities  232 
     
Commitments and contingencies (Note 4)    
     
Stockholder’s equity    
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 100 shares authorized, issued and outstanding  - 
Additional paid-in capital  - 
Retained earnings  - 
     
Total stockholder’s equity  - 
     
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity $232 

  March 29, 2020  December 29, 2019 
     (Audited) 
Assets        
Current assets        
Cash $4,626  $25 
Restricted cash  688   - 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $116 and $595, as of March 29, 2020 and December 29, 2019, respectively  2,288   4,144 
Trade notes receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $37, as of March 29, 2020 and December 29, 2019, respectively  267   262 
Assets classified as held for sale  5,077   5,128 
Other current assets  962   929 
Total current assets  13,908   10,488 
         
Non-current restricted cash  400   - 
Notes receivable – noncurrent, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $86 and $112, as of March 29, 2020 and December 29, 2019, respectively  1,774   1,802 
Due from affiliates  31,904   25,967 
Deferred income taxes  2,350   2,032 
Operating lease right of use assets  722   860 
Goodwill  10,912   10,912 
Other intangible assets, net  29,520   29,734 
Other assets  705   755 
Total assets $92,195  $82,550 
         
Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity        
Liabilities        
Current liabilities        
Accounts payable $7,036  $7,183 
Deferred income, current portion  930   895 
Accrued expenses  5,414   6,013 
Accrued advertising  754   762 
Accrued interest payable  295   1,268 
Dividend payable on preferred shares (includes amounts due to related parties of $186 and $149 as of March 29, 2020 and December 29, 2019, respectively)  1,767   1,422 
Liabilities related to assets classified as held for sale  3,299   3,325 
Current portion of operating lease liability  167   241 
Current portion of long-term debt  659   24,502 
Total current liabilities  20,321   45,611 
         
Deferred income – noncurrent  5,551   5,247 
Acquisition purchase price payable  4,134   4,504 
Preferred shares, net  15,425   15,327 
Deferred dividend payable on preferred shares (includes amounts due to related parties of $114 and $99 as of March 29, 2020 and December 29, 2019, respectively)  728   628 
Operating lease liability, net of current portion  593   639 
Long-term debt, net of current portion  42,435   5,216 
Other liabilities  -   - 
Total liabilities  89,187   77,172 
         
Commitments and contingencies (Note 17)        
         
Stockholders’ equity        
Common stock, $.0001 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; 11,876,659 and 11,860,299 shares issued and outstanding at March 29, 2020 and December 29, 2019, respectively  11,414   11,414 
Accumulated deficit  (8,406)  (6,036)
Total stockholders’ equity  3,008   5,378 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $92,195  $82,550 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

14

 

FAT BRANDS INC.

STATEMENTCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)thousands, except per share data)

Period from March 21, 2017 (inception) to September 24, 2017

 

Revenues$-
Expenses-
Income before income tax expense-
Income tax expense-
Net income$-

For the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

  2020  2019 
       
Revenue        
Royalties $3,309  $3,463 
Franchise fees  175   313 
Store opening fees  -   105 
Advertising fees  931   976 
Other income  8   16 
Total revenue  4,423   4,873 
         
Costs and expenses        
General and administrative expense  3,531   2,714 
Advertising expense  931   976 
Refranchising loss  539   518 
Total costs and expenses  5,001   4,208 
         
(Loss) income from operations  (578)  665 
         
Other expense        
Interest expense, net of interest income of $718 and $415 due from affiliates during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively  (1,622)  (1,686)
Interest expense related to preferred shares  (452)  (431)

Other (expense) income, net

  (16)  24 
Total other expense, net  (2,090)  (2,093)
         
Loss before income tax expense (benefit)  (2,668)  (1,428)
         
Income tax expense (benefit)  (298)  (718)
         
Net loss $(2,370) $(710)
         
Basic and diluted loss per common share $(0.20) $(0.06)
Basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding  11,868,842   11,636,433 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

25

 

FAT BRANDS INC.

STATEMENTCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER’SSTOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(Unaudited)

((dollars in thousands, except share data)

Period fromUnaudited

For the thirteen weeks ended March 21, 2017 (inception) to September 24, 201729, 2020

Common Stock

Additional

Paid-In

Retained
SharesAmountCapitalEarningsTotal
Balance at March 21, 2017 (inception)100$-$-$-$-
Net income-----
Balance at September 24, 2017100$-$-$-$-
  Common Stock       
        Additional          
     Par  paid-in     Accumulated    
  Shares  value  capital  Total  deficit  Total 
                   
Balance at December 29, 2019  11,860,299  $1  $11,413  $11,414  $(6,036) $5,378 
Net income  -   -   -   -   (2,370)  (2,370)
Issuance of common stock in lieu of director fees payable  16,360   -   75   75   -   75 
Share-based compensation  -   -   15   15   -   15 
Correction of recorded conversion rights associated with Series A-1 preferred shares  -       (90)  (90)  -   (90)
                         
Balance at March 29, 2020  11,876,659  $1  $11,413  $11,414  $(8,406) $3,008 

For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019

  Common Stock       
        Additional          
     Par  paid-in     Accumulated    
  Shares  value  capital  Total  deficit  Total 
                   
Balance at December 30, 2018  11,546,589  $1  $10,756  $10,757  $(5,018) $5,739 
Net loss  -   -   -   -   (710)  (710)
Common stock dividend  245,376   -   -   -   -   - 
Cash paid in lieu of fractional shares  -   -   (2)  (2)  -   (2)
Issuance of common stock in lieu of director fees payable  15,384   -   90   90   -   90 
Share-based compensation  -   -   81   81   -   81 
                         
Balance at March 31, 2019  11,807,349  $1  $10,925  $10,926  $(5,728) $5,198 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

36

 

FAT BRANDS INC.

STATEMENTCONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

(dollars in thousands)

Period from March 21, 2017 (inception) to September 24, 2017

 

Cash flows from operating activities
Net income$-
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows provided by operating activities:
Changes in current operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts payable31
Total adjustments31
Net cash flows provided by operating activities31
Cash flows from INVESTING activities
Payments for deferred offering costs and trade name(232)
Cash flows used in investing activities(232)
Cash flows from financing activities
Advances from parent201
Cash flows provided by financing activities201
Net increase in cash-
Cash, beginning of period-
Cash, end of period$-

For the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019 (Unaudited)

  2020  2019 
Cash flows from operating activities        
Net loss $(2,370) $(710)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operations:        
Deferred income taxes  (318)  100 
Depreciation and amortization  232   131 
Share-based compensation  15   81 
Change in operating right of use assets  183   27 
Accretion of loan fees and interest  241   1,032 
Accretion of preferred shares  7   16 
Accretion of purchase price liability  130   54 
Provision for (recovery of) bad debts  162   (91)
Change in:        
Accounts receivable  44   (206)
Trade notes receivable  -   16 
Prepaid expenses  (33)  (443)
Other  43   (51)
Accounts payable and accrued expense  (670)  1,244 
Accrued advertising  (8)  (536)
Accrued interest receivable from affiliate  (718)  (415)
Tax Sharing Agreement liability  (121)  (467)
Accrued interest payable  (973)  (1,541)
Dividend payable on preferred shares  444   162 
Deferred income  339   (266)
Total adjustments  (1,001)  (1,153)
Net cash used in operating activities  (3,371)  (1,863)
         
Cash flows from investing activities        
Change in due from affiliates  (5,091)  (1,400)
Proceeds from sale of refranchised restaurants  1,650   - 
Payments received on loans receivable  46   - 
Purchases of property and equipment  (18)  (23)
Net cash used in investing activities  (3,413)  (1,423)
         
Cash flows from financing activities        
Proceeds from borrowings and associated warrants, net of issuance costs  37,271   19,725 
Repayments of borrowings  (24,149)  (16,400)
Payments made on acquisition purchase price liability  (500)  - 
Change in operating lease liabilities  (149)  - 
Dividends paid in cash  -   (2)
Net cash provided by financing activities  12,473   3,323 
         
Net increase in cash and restricted cash  5,689   37 
Cash and restricted cash at beginning of period  25   653 
Cash and restricted cash at end of period $5,714  $690 
         
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:        
Cash paid for interest $1,571  $2,748 
Cash paid for income taxes $13  $50 
         
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and investing activities:        
Director fees converted to common stock $75  $90 
Income taxes receivable offset against amounts due from affiliates $(121) $(467)

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

7

 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIESRELATIONSHIPS

 

Organization and Nature of Business

FAT Brands Inc. (the Company“Company”) was formed as a Delaware corporation on March 21, 2017 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc. (“FCCGFCCG”). TheOn October 20, 2017, the Company was formed for the purpose of completing acompleted an initial public offering and related transactions,issued additional shares of common stock representing 20 percent of its ownership (the “Offering”). The Company’s common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FAT.” As of March 29, 2020, FCCG continues to control a significant voting majority of the Company.

The Company is a multi-brand franchisor specializing in fast casual and casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. As of March 29, 2020, the Company owns and franchises eight restaurant brands: Fatburger, Buffalo’s Cafe, Buffalo’s Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Ponderosa Steakhouses, Bonanza Steakhouses, Yalla Mediterranean and Elevation Burger. Combined, as of March 29, 2020, these brands have over 370 locations and more than 200 under development.

The Company licenses the right to use its brand names and provides franchisees with operating procedures and methods of merchandising. Upon signing a franchise agreement, the franchisor is committed to provide training, some supervision and assistance, and access to operations manuals. As needed, the franchisor will also provide advice and written materials concerning techniques of managing and operating the restaurants.

COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic, which continues to spread throughout the United States and other countries. As a result, Company franchisees have temporarily closed some retail locations, reduced or modified store operating hours, adopted a “to-go” only operating model, or a combination of these actions. These actions have reduced consumer traffic, all resulting in a negative impact to Company revenues. While the disruption to our business from the COVID-19 pandemic is currently expected to be temporary, there is a great deal of uncertainty around the severity and duration of the disruption, and also the longer-term effects on our business and economic growth and consumer demand in the U.S. and worldwide. The effects of COVID-19 may materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, liquidity and ability to service our existing debt, particularly if these effects continue in place for a significant amount of time.

Liquidity

The Company recognized a loss from operations of $578,000 during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and income from operations of $665,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019, respectively. The Company recognized net losses of $2,370,000 and $710,000 during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. The reduction in earnings is primarily due to reductions in revenues due to COVID-19 coupled with higher general and administrative costs.

On March 6, 2020, the Company completed a whole-business securitization (the “Securitization”) through the creation of a bankruptcy-remote issuing entity, FAT Brands Royalty I, LLC (“FAT Royalty”) in which FAT Royalty issued new notes (the “Securitization Notes”) pursuant to an indenture and the supplement thereto (collectively, the “Indenture”). Net proceeds from the issuance of the Securitization Notes were $37,314,000, which consisted of the combined face amount of $40,000,000, net of discounts of $246,000 and debt offering costs of $2,440,000 (See Note 10). A portion of the proceeds from the Securitization was used to repay the remaining $26,771,000 in outstanding balance under the Loan and Security Agreement and to acquire and continue certain businesses previously conducted by subsidiaries of FCCG. These planned transactions have occurred subsequentpay the Securitization debt offering costs. The remaining proceeds from the Securitization will be used for working capital.

Subsequent to the effective date of the accompanying financial statements, andMarch 29, 2020, as a result of COVID-19, the Company received proceeds from the Payroll Protection Program administered by the Small Business Administration. These loan proceeds relate to FAT Brands Inc. as well as five restaurant locations that are part of the Company’s refranchising program.

While the Company expects COVID-19 to negatively impact its business, results of operations, and financial statements reflectposition, the related financial impact cannot be reasonably estimated at this time. However, the Company believes that the Company has engaged only in organizational activitiesworking capital from the Securitization combined with receipts collected from the limited operations of its inception through September 24, 2017.franchisees, and disciplined management of the Company’ operating expenses will be sufficient for the twelve months of operations following the issuance of this Form 10-Q.

8

NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Presentation

Nature of operations –Each franchising subsidiary licenses the right to use its brand name and provides franchisees with operating procedures and methods of merchandising. Upon signing a franchise agreement, the franchisor is committed to provide training, some supervision and assistance, and access to operations manuals. As needed, the franchisor will also provide advice and written materials concerning techniques of managing and operating the restaurants.

 

The Company operates on a 52-week calendar and its fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Consistent with the industry practice, the Company measures its stores’ performance based upon 7-day work weeks. Using the 52-week cycle ensures consistent weekly reporting for operations and ensures that each week has the same days, since certain days are more profitable than others. The use of this fiscal year means a 53rd week is added to the fiscal year every 5 or 6 years. In a 52-week year, all four quarters are comprised of 13 weeks. In a 53-week year, one extra week is added to the fourth quarter. Both fiscal 2020 and 2019 are 52-week years.

Principles of consolidation – The accompanying interimconsolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company are unaudited and its subsidiaries. The accounts of Yalla Mediterranean have been prepared in conformity with the requirementsincluded since its acquisition on December 3, 2018. The operations of Regulation S-X promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), particularly Rule 10-01 thereof, which governs the presentation of interim financial statements. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. The accompanying interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the disclosures contained in the Company’s Offering Circular filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 23, 2017 (the “Offering Circular”). ThereElevation Burger have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies as describedincluded since its acquisition on June 19, 2019. Intercompany accounts have been eliminated in the Offering Circular.consolidation.

 

InUse of estimates in the Company’s opinion, all adjustments, comprised of normal recurring accruals necessary for the fair presentationpreparation of the interimconsolidated financial statements have been included in the accompanying financial statements. Operating results for the period from the Company’s inception through September 24, 2017 are not indicative of the results that may be expected for the remainder of the period ending December 31, 2017.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosuresdisclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates include the determination of fair values of certain financial instruments for which there is no active market, the allocation of basis between assets acquired, sold or retained, and valuation allowances for notes receivable and accounts receivable. Estimates and assumptions also affect the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

At September 24, 2017, certain Company officers and directors had indirect majority voting control of the Company.

 

NOTE 2 - DEFERRED OFFERING COSTSFinancial statement reclassification – Certain account balances from prior periods have been reclassified in these consolidated financial statements to conform to current period classifications.

 

During the period from inception through September 24, 2017,Credit and Depository Risks – Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company incurred coststo concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and accounts receivable. Management reviews each of its customer’s financial conditions prior to entry into a franchise or other agreement and believes that it has adequately provided for any exposure to potential credit losses. As of March 29, 2020, accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts, totaled $2,288,000 with no customer representing more than 10% of that amount. As of December 29, 2019, the Company had two customers each representing 20% of accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts.

The Company maintains cash deposits in connection with its organization and initial public offeringnational financial institutions. From time to time the balances for these accounts exceed the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s (“FDIC”) insured amount. Balances on interest bearing deposits at banks in the United States are insured by the FDIC up to $250,000 per account. As of March 29, 2020, the Company had uninsured deposits in the amount of $232,000. Of this$4,938,000. As of December 29, 2019, the Company had no accounts with a combined uninsured balance.

Restricted Cash –The Company has restricted cash consisting of funds required to be held in trust in connection with the Company’s Securitization. Current portion of restricted cash at March 29, 2020. consisted of $688,000 of funds required to be held in trust in connection with the Company’s securitized debt with no similar balances as of December 29, 2019. Non-current restricted cash of $400,000 at March 29, 2020, represents interest reserves required to be set aside for the duration of the securitized debt with no similar balances as of December 29, 2019.

9

Accounts receivable – Accounts receivable are recorded at the invoiced amount $8,000 was paymentand are stated net of an allowance for internet rights todoubtful accounts. The allowance for doubtful accounts is the trade name. The funds for these expenditures were provided by an advance from FCCGCompany’s best estimate of $201,000 and accounts payable in the amount of $31,000.probable credit losses in the existing accounts receivable. The deferred offering costs will be nettedallowance is based on historical collection data and current franchisee information. Account balances are charged off against the proceedsallowance after all means of the initial public offeringcollection have been exhausted and the intercompany advance will be repaid at that time.

NOTE 3 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTSpotential for recovery is considered remote.

 

IssuanceTrade notes receivable –Trade notes receivable are created when an agreement is reached to settle a delinquent franchisee receivable account and the entire balance is not immediately paid. Generally, trade notes receivable include personal guarantees from the franchisee. The notes are made for the shortest time frame negotiable and will generally carry an interest rate of Common Stock6% to 7.5%. Reserve amounts on the notes are established based on the likelihood of collection.

Assets classified as held for sale –Assets are classified as held for sale when the Company commits to a plan to sell the asset, the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition and an active program to locate a buyer at a reasonable price has been initiated. The sale of these assets is generally expected to be completed within one year. The combined assets are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, net of costs to sell and included as current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Assets classified as held for sale are not depreciated. However, interest attributable to the liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale and other related expenses are recorded as expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

 

On October 19, 2017,Goodwill and other intangible assets – Intangible assets are stated at the Company conducted a forward splitestimated fair value at the date of its common stock, par value $0.0001,acquisition and include goodwill, trademarks, and franchise agreements. Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, such as trademarks, are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment annually or more frequently if indicators arise. All other intangible assets are amortized over their estimated weighted average useful lives, which increased shares held by FCCGrange from nine to 8,000,000 shares. On October 20, 2017,twenty-five years. Management assesses potential impairments to intangible assets at least annually, or when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances indicate that the Company completed its initial public offering and issued 2,000,000 additional shares of its common stock at an offering price of $12.00 per share, for an aggregatecarrying amount of $24,000,000 (the “Offering”). The net proceedsan asset may not be recovered. Judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators and future cash flows related to intangible assets are based on operational performance of the Offering were approximately $21,200,000 after deducting the selling agent fees of approximately $1,780,800acquired businesses, market conditions and Offering expenses of approximately $1,019,200. The shares associated with the Offering constitute 20 percent of the currently outstanding common stock of the Company. The common stock of the Company trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FAT.”other factors.

 

The Reorganization TransactionsIncome taxes

In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company completed the following transactions, which are referred to collectively as the “Reorganization Transactions”:

Effective October 20, 2017, FCCG contributed two of its operating subsidiaries, Fatburger North America Inc. (“Fatburger”) and Buffalo’s Franchise Concepts Inc., (“Buffalo’s”) to the Company in exchange for an unsecured promissory note with a principal balance of $30,000,000, bearing interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, and maturing in five years (the “Related Party Debt”). The contribution was consummated pursuant to a Contribution Agreement between the Company and FCCG. Approximately $9,500,000 of the net proceeds from the Offering was used to repay a portion of Related Party Debt owed to FCCG.

FCCG agreed in March 2017 to acquire Homestyle Dining LLC from Metromedia Company and its affiliate (“Metromedia”) pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, as amended, which provided for a cash purchase price of $10,550,000 to be paid at closing. Effective October 20, 2017, the Company provided approximately $10,550,000 of the net proceeds from the Offering to FCCG to consummate the acquisition of Homestyle Dining LLC. In exchange, the Company received full ownership in the Homestyle Dining operating subsidiaries: Ponderosa Franchising Company, Bonanza Restaurant Company, Ponderosa International Development, Inc. and Puerto Rico Ponderosa, Inc. (collectively, “Ponderosa”). These subsidiaries conduct the worldwide franchising of the Ponderosa Steakhouse Restaurants and the Bonanza Steakhouse Restaurants.

Effective October 20, 2017, the Company entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with FCCG that provides that FCCG will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, file consolidated federal, California and Oregon (and possibly other jurisdictions where revenue is generated, at FCCG’s election) income tax returns with the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company will pay FCCG the amount that its tax liability would have been had it filed a separate return. As such, the Company accounts for income taxes as if it filed separately from FCCG.

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, the timing and amount of which are uncertain.

A two-step approach is utilized to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition by determining if the weight of available evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon tax authority examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon the ultimate settlement.

Franchise Fees: The franchise arrangement is documented in the form of a franchise agreement. The franchise arrangement requires the Company to perform various activities to support the brand that do not directly transfer goods and services to the franchisee, but instead represent a single performance obligation, which is the transfer of the franchise license. The services provided by the Company are highly interrelated with the franchise license and are considered a single performance obligation. Franchise fee revenue from the sale of individual franchises is recognized over the term of the individual franchise agreement. Unamortized non-refundable deposits collected in relation to the sale of franchises are recorded as deferred franchise fees.

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The franchise fee may be adjusted at management’s discretion or in a situation involving store transfers. Deposits are non-refundable upon acceptance of the franchise application. In the event a franchisee does not comply with their development timeline for opening franchise stores, the franchise rights may be terminated, and franchise fee revenue is recognized for non-refundable deposits.

Store opening fees – Prior to September 29, 2019, the Company recognized store opening fees in the amount of $35,000 to $60,000 from the up-front fees collected from franchisees upon store opening. The amount of the fee was dependent on brand and location (domestic versus international stores). The remaining balance of the up-front fees were then amortized as franchise fees over the life of the franchise agreement. If the fees collected were less than the respective store opening fee amounts, the full up-front fees were recognized at store opening. The store opening fees were based on out-of-pocket costs to the Company for each store opening and are primarily comprised of labor expenses associated with training, store design, and supply chain setup. International fees recognized were higher due to the additional cost of travel.

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company performed a study of other public company restaurant franchisors’ application of ASC 606 and determined that a preferred, alternative industry application exists in which the store opening fee portion of the franchise fees is amortized over the life of the franchise agreement rather than at milestones of standalone performance obligations in the franchise agreements. In order to provide financial reporting consistent with other franchise industry peers, the Company applied this preferred, alternative application of ASC 606 during the fourth quarter of 2019 on a prospective basis. As a result of the adoption of this preferred accounting treatment under ASC 606, the Company discontinued the recognition of store opening fees upon store opening and began accounting for the entire up-front deposit received from franchisees as described above inFranchise Fees.A cumulative adjustment to store opening fees and franchise fees was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019 for store opening fees recognized during the first three quarters of 2019. (See “Immaterial Adjustments Related to Prior Periods”,below.)

Royalties –In addition to franchise fee revenue, we collect a royalty calculated as a percentage of net sales from our franchisees. Royalties range from 0.75% to 6% and are recognized as revenue when the related sales are made by the franchisees. Royalties collected in advance of sales are classified as deferred income until earned.

Advertising – The Company requires advertising payments from franchisees based on a percent of net sales. The Company also receives, from time to time, payments from vendors that are to be used for advertising. Advertising funds collected are required to be spent for specific advertising purposes. Advertising revenue and associated expense is recorded on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Assets and liabilities associated with the related advertising fees are reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

Share-based compensation– The Company has a stock option plan which provides for options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. Options issued under the plan may have a variety of terms as determined by the Board of Directors including the option term, the exercise price and the vesting period. Options granted to employees and directors are valued at the date of grant and recognized as an expense over the vesting period in which the options are earned. Cancellations or forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. Stock options issued to non-employees as compensation for services are accounted for based upon the estimated fair value of the stock option. The Company recognizes this expense over the period in which the services are provided. Management utilizes the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to determine the fair value of the stock options issued by the Company. See Note 14 for more details on the Company’s share-based compensation.

Earnings per share – The Company reports basic earnings or loss per share in accordance with FASB ASC 260, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share is computed using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus the effect of dilutive securities during the reporting period. Any potentially dilutive securities that have an anti-dilutive impact on the per share calculation are excluded. During periods in which the Company reports a net loss, diluted weighted average shares outstanding are equal to basic weighted average shares outstanding because the effect of all potentially dilutive securities would be anti-dilutive.

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The Company declared a stock dividend on February 7, 2019 and issued 245,376 shares of common stock in satisfaction of the stock dividend (See Note 16). Unless otherwise noted, earnings per share and other share-based information for 2019 and 2018 have been adjusted retrospectively to reflect the impact of the stock dividend.

Immaterial Adjustments Related to Prior Periods

During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company identified two immaterial potential adjustments to its previously issued financial statements. These potential adjustments are (1) its assessment of the Series A-1 Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock and (2) its treatment of the store opening component of its franchise fees under ASC 606.

Based on its assessment of the Series A-1 Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock, the Company determined that an error occurred in the analysis of the rights that the holders of the Series A-1 Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock have with respect to the conversion of the securities into shares of the Company’s common stock. In our reassessment, the conversion rights did not represent a beneficial conversion feature as we had initially concluded at the time of issuance.

The Company originally adopted ASC 606 on January 1, 2018. During the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company performed a study of other public company restaurant franchisors’ application of ASC 606 and determined that a preferred, alternative industry application exists in which the store opening fee portion of the franchise fees is amortized over the life of the franchise agreement rather than at milestones of standalone performance obligations in the franchise agreements. In order to provide financial reporting consistent with other franchise industry peers, the Company applied this preferred, alternative application of ASC 606 during the fourth quarter of 2019 on a prospective basis.

In accordance with SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99, Materiality, codified in ASC 250 (“ASC 250”), Presentation of Financial Statements, and SAB 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Consolidated Statements of Income, Balance Sheets, Shareholders Equity and Cash Flows, also codified in ASC 250, management assessed the materiality of (1) the error in its treatment of the beneficial conversion feature related to the Series A-1 Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock and (2) the adoption of the preferential accounting treatment under ASC 606. Based on such analysis of quantitative and qualitative factors, the Company has determined that neither the error nor the adoption of the preferential accounting treatment under ASC 606, in aggregate or individually, were material to any of the reporting periods affected, and no amendments to previously filed 10-Q or 10-K reports with the SEC are required.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13,Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement.” This ASU adds, modifies and removes several disclosure requirements relative to the three levels of inputs used to measure fair value in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” The Company adopted this ASU on December 30, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15,Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40).The new guidance reduces complexity for the accounting for costs of implementing a cloud computing service arrangement and aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The Company adopted this ASU on December 30, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The FASB issued ASU 2019-12,Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes:This standard removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intraperiod allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. It also adds guidance in certain areas, including the recognition of franchise taxes, recognition of deferred taxes for tax goodwill, allocation of taxes to members of a consolidated group, computation of annual effective tax rates related to enacted changes in tax laws, and minor improvements related to employee stock ownership plans and investments in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for using the equity method. The Company adopted this ASU on December 30, 2019. The adoption of this standard did not have a material effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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NOTE 3. ACQUISITIONS AND SIGNIFICANT TRANSACTIONS

Acquisition of Elevation Burger

On June 19, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of EB Franchises, LLC, a Virginia limited liability company, and its related companies (collectively, “Elevation Burger”) for a purchase price of up to $10,050,000. Elevation Burger is the franchisor of Elevation Burger restaurants, with 44 locations in the U.S. and internationally.

The purchase price consists of $50,000 in cash, a contingent warrant to purchase 46,875 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share (the “Elevation Warrant”), and the issuance to the Seller of a convertible subordinated promissory note (the “Elevation Note”) with a principal amount of $7,509,816, bearing interest at 6.0% per year and maturing in July 2026. The Elevation Warrant is only exercisable in the event that the Company merges with FCCG. The Seller Note is convertible under certain circumstances into shares of the Company’s common stock at $12.00 per share. In connection with the purchase, the Company also loaned $2,300,000 in cash to the Seller under a subordinated promissory note (the “Elevation Buyer Note”) bearing interest at 6.0% per year and maturing in August 2026. The balance owing to the Company under the Elevation Buyer Note may be used by the Company to offset amounts owing to the Seller under the Elevation Note under certain circumstances. In addition, the Seller will be entitled to receive earn-out payments of up to $2,500,000 if Elevation Burger realizes royalty fee revenue in excess of certain amounts. As of the date of the acquisition, the fair market value of this contingent consideration totaled $531,000. As of March 29, 2020 and December 29, 2019, the contingent purchase price payable totaled $656,000 and $633,000, respectively, which includes the accretion of interest expense at an effective interest rate of 18%.

The purchase documents contain customary representations and warranties of the Seller and provides that the Seller will, subject to certain limitations, indemnify the Company against claims and losses incurred or suffered by the Company as a result of, among other things, any inaccuracy of any representation or warranty of the Seller contained in the purchase documents.

The preliminary assessment of the fair value of the net assets and liabilities acquired by the Company for the acquisition of Elevation Burger was estimated at $7,193,000. The allocation of the consideration to the preliminary valuation of net tangible and intangible assets acquired is presented in the table below (in thousands):

Cash $10 
Other assets  558 
Intangible assets  7,140 
Goodwill  521 
Current liabilities  (91)
Deferred franchise fees  (758)
Other liabilities  (187)
Total net identifiable assets $7,193 

The assessment of fair value is preliminary and is based on information that was available to management and through the end of the fiscal quarter. If additional information becomes available to management related to assets acquired or liabilities assumed subsequent to this preliminary assessment of fair value but not later than one year after the date of the acquisition, measurement period adjustments will be recorded in the period in which they are determined, as if they had been completed at the acquisition date. Descriptions of the Company’s assessment of impairment related to COVID-19 of the goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in this acquisition are located in Note 6.

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Yalla Mediterranean Transactions

On December 3, 2018, the Company entered into an Intellectual Property Purchase Agreement and License (the “IP Agreement”), and Master Transaction Agreement (the “Master Agreement”) with Yalla Mediterranean, LLC (“Yalla Med”), under which the Company agreed to acquire the intellectual property of the restaurant business of Yalla Mediterranean, LLC (the “Yalla Business”) and to acquire in the future seven restaurants currently owned by Yalla Med. Yalla Med owns and operates a fast-casual restaurant business under the brand name “Yalla Mediterranean,” specializing in fresh and healthy Mediterranean menu items, with seven upscale fast casual restaurants located in Northern and Southern California.

The Company, through a subsidiary, acquired the intellectual property used in connection with the Yalla Business pursuant to the IP Agreement. Under the terms of the IP Agreement, the purchase price for the intellectual property will be paid in the form of an earn-out, calculated as the greater of $1,500,000 or 400% of Yalla Income, which includes gross franchise royalties as well as other items, as defined in the IP Agreement. The seller can require the Company to pay the purchase price in up to two installments during the ten-year period following the acquisition. At the time of the acquisition, the purchase price recorded for the intellectual property was $1,790,000. As of March 29, 2020, and December 29, 2019, the purchase price payable totaled $2,239,000 and $2,154,000, respectively, which includes the accretion of interest expense at an effective interest rate of 19%.

Additionally, pursuant to the Master Agreement, the Company agreed to acquire the assets, agreements and other properties of each of the seven existing Yalla Mediterranean restaurants during a marketing period specified in the Master Agreement (the “Marketing Period”). The purchase price will be the greater of $1,000,000 or the sum of (i) the first $1,750,000 of gross sale proceeds received from the sale of the Yalla Mediterranean restaurants to franchisee/purchasers, plus (ii) the amount, if any, by which fifty percent (50%) of the net proceeds (after taking into consideration operating income or loss and transaction costs and expenses) from the sale of the Yalla Mediterranean restaurants exceeds $1,750,000. At the time of the acquisition, the purchase price recorded for the net tangible assets relating to the seven existing Yalla Mediterranean restaurants was $1,700,000. During the first quarter of 2020, the Company made a $500,000 payment against the acquisition price. As of March 29, 2020, and December 29, 2019, the purchase price payable totaled $1,239,000 and $1,718,000, respectively, which includes the accretion of interest expense at an effective interest rate of 5.4%.

The Company also entered into a Management Agreement under which its subsidiary will manage the operations of the seven Yalla Mediterranean restaurants and market them for sale to franchisees during the Marketing Period. Once a franchisee/purchaser has been identified, Yalla Med will transfer legal ownership of the specific restaurant to the Company’s subsidiary, which will then transfer the restaurant to the ultimate franchisee/purchaser who will own and operate the location. During the term of the Management Agreement, the Company’s subsidiary is responsible for operating expenses and has the right to receive operating income from the restaurants.

Based on the structure of the transactions outlined in the Master Agreement, the IP Agreement, and the Management Agreement, the Company has accounted for the transactions as a business combination under ASC 805.

The preliminary allocation of the total consideration recognized of $3,490,000 to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired in the Yalla Business is presented in the table below (in thousands):

Cash $82 
Accounts receivable  77 
Inventory  95 
Other assets  90 
Property and equipment  2,521 
Intangible assets  1,530 
Goodwill  263 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  (1,168)
Total net identifiable assets $3,490 

Descriptions of the Company’s assessment of impairment related to COVID-19 of the goodwill and other intangible assets acquired in this transaction are located in Note 6.

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nOTE 4. REFRANCHISING

As part of its ongoing franchising efforts, the Company may, from time to time, make opportunistic acquisitions of operating restaurants in order to convert them to franchise locations or acquire existing franchise locations to resell to another franchisee across all of its brands.

During the first quarter of 2019, the Company met all of the criteria requiring that certain assets used in the operation of certain restaurants be classified as held for sale. As a result, the following assets have been classified as held for sale on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2020 (in thousands):

  March 29, 2020 
    
Property, plant and equipment $1,910 
Operating lease right of use assets  3,167 
Total $5,077 

Operating lease liabilities related to the assets classified as held for sale in the amount of $3,299,000, have been classified as current liabilities on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 29, 2020.

During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020, the operating restaurants incurred restaurant costs and expenses, net of revenue of $539,000, compared to $518,000 in the prior period. There were no sales of refranchised restaurants by the Company during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 or March 31, 2019.

During the fiscal year ended December 29, 2019, a franchisee had entered into an agreement with the Company by which it agreed to sell two existing franchised locations to the Company for its refranchising program. Additionally, during the fiscal year, the Company had completed transactions to sell the two locations to new owners. During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020, as a result of COVID-19, the locations acquired from the existing franchisee became unavailable. The Company is evaluating the impact of the event and determining which existing operating restaurants will be used as a replacement for the new owners (See Note 20).

Note 5. NOTES RECEIVABLE

Notes receivable consist of trade notes receivable and the Elevation Buyer Note.

Trade notes receivable are created when a settlement is reached relating to a delinquent franchisee account and the entire balance is not immediately paid. Trade notes receivable generally include personal guarantees from the franchisee. The notes are made for the shortest time frame negotiable and will generally carry an interest rate of 6% to 7.5%. Reserve amounts, on the notes, are established based on the likelihood of collection. As of March 29, 2020, and December 29, 2019, these trade notes receivable totaled $250,000, which was net of reserves of $123,000.

The Elevation Buyer Note was funded in connection with the purchase of Elevation Burger (See Note 3). The Company loaned $2,300,000 in cash to the Seller under a subordinated promissory note bearing interest at 6.0% per year and maturing in August 2026. This Note is subordinated in right of payment to all indebtedness of the Seller arising under any agreement or instrument to which the Seller or any of its affiliates is a party that evidences indebtedness for borrowed money that is senior in right of payment to the Elevation Buyer Note, whether existing on the effective date of the Elevation Buyer Note or arising thereafter. The balance owing to the Company under the Elevation Buyer Note may be used by the Company to offset amounts owing to the Seller under the Elevation Note under certain circumstances. As part of the total consideration for the Elevation acquisition, the Elevation Buyer Note was recorded at a carrying value of $1,903,000, which was net of a discount of $397,000. As of March 29, 2020, and December 29, 2019, the balance of the Elevation Note was $1,790,000 and $1,814,000, which was net of a discount of $330,000 and $352,000, respectively. During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020, the Company recognized $53,000 in interest income, with no comparable activity in 2019.

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Note 6. GOODWILL and other intangible assets

Goodwill

Goodwill consists of the following (in thousands):

  March 29, 2020  December 29, 2019 
Goodwill:        
Fatburger $529  $529 
Buffalo’s  5,365   5,365 
Hurricane  2,772   2,772 
Ponderosa  1,462   1,462 
Yalla  263   263 
Elevation Burger  521   521 
Total goodwill $10,912  $10,912 

Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consist of trademarks and franchise agreements that were classified as identifiable intangible assets at the time of the brands’ acquisition by the Company or by FCCG prior to FCCG’s contribution of the brands to the Company at the time of the initial public offering (in thousands):

  March 29, 2020  December 29, 2019 
Trademarks:        
Fatburger $2,135  $2,135 
Buffalo’s  27   27 
Hurricane  6,840   6,840 
Ponderosa  7,230   7,230 
Yalla  1,530   1,530 
Elevation Burger  4,690   4,690 
Total trademarks  22,452   22,452 
         
Franchise agreements:        
Hurricane – cost  4,180   4,180 
Hurricane – accumulated amortization  (563)  (482)
Ponderosa – cost  1,640   1,640 
Ponderosa – accumulated amortization  (251)  (243)
Elevation Burger – cost  2,450   2,450 
Elevation Burger – accumulated amortization  (388)  (263)
Total franchise agreements  7,068   7,282 
Total Other Intangible Assets $29,520  $29,734 

The expected future amortization of the Company’s capitalized franchise agreements is as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal year:    
2020 $718 
2021  932 
2022  932 
2023  932 
2024  932 
Thereafter  2,622 
Total $7,068 

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In response to the adverse effects of COVID-19, we considered whether goodwill and other intangible assets needed to be evaluated for impairment as of March 29, 2020, specifically related to goodwill and the trademark assets. Given the uncertainty regarding the severity, duration and long-term effects of COVID-19, making estimates of the fair value of these assets at this time is significantly affected by assumptions related to ongoing operations including but not limited to the timing of lifting of restrictions on restaurant operating hours, in-house dining limitations or other restrictions that largely limited restaurants to take-out and delivery sales, customer engagement with our brands, the short-term and long-term impact on consumer discretionary spending, and overall global economic conditions. We considered the available facts and made qualitative and quantitative assessments and judgments for what we believed represent reasonably possible outcomes. Although the fair values of certain assets have declined since the time that the most recent annual impairment tests were conducted, we concluded it is more likely than not that neither goodwill nor tradename assets were impaired as of March 29, 2020. However, COVID-19 pandemic events will continue to evolve over time and the negative effects on the operations of our franchisees could prove to be worse than we currently estimate and lead us to record non-cash goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charges in the future periods.

Note 7. DEFERRED INCOME

Deferred income is as follows (in thousands):

  March 29, 2020  December 29, 2019 
       
Deferred franchise fees $5,730  $5,417 
Deferred royalties  377   422 
Deferred advertising revenue  374   303 
Total $6,481  $6,142 

Note 8. Income Taxes

Effective October 20, 2017, the Company entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with FCCG that provides that FCCG will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, file consolidated federal, California and Oregon (and possibly other jurisdictions where revenue is generated, at FCCG’s election) income tax returns with the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company will pay FCCG the amount that its current tax liability would have been had it filed a separate return. To the extent the Company’s required payment exceeds its share of the actual combined income tax liability (which may occur, for example, due to the application of FCCG’s net operating loss carryforwards), the Company will be permitted, in the discretion of a committee of its board of directors comprised solely of directors not affiliated with or interestedhaving an interest in FCCG, to pay such excess to FCCG by issuing an equivalent amount of its common stock in lieu of cash, valued at the fair market value at the time of the payment. In addition, anAn inter-company receivable of approximately $13,175,000$26,854,000 due from FCCG to Fatburger and Buffalo’sits affiliates will be applied first to reduce such excess income tax payment obligationobligations to FCCG under the Tax Sharing Agreement.

 

On October 20, 2017,For financial reporting purposes, the Company granted stock optionshas recorded a tax benefit calculated as if the Company files its tax returns on a stand-alone basis. The amount receivable from FCCG determined by this calculation of $121,000 was added to purchase 367,500 shares underamounts due from FCCG as of March 29, 2020. (See Note 12.)

Deferred taxes reflect the 2017 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plannet effect of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for calculating taxes payable on a stand-alone basis. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

  March 29, 2020  December 29, 2019 
Deferred tax assets (liabilities)        
Deferred income $1,642  $1,353 
Reserves and accruals  208   208 
Intangibles  (791)  (614)
Deferred state income tax  (105)  (91)
Tax credits  358   244 
Share-based compensation  192   192 
Fixed assets  (137)  (137)
Net operating loss carryforwards  1,023   894 
Other  (40)  (17)
Total $2,350  $2,032 

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Components of the income tax benefit are as follows (in thousands):

  Thirteen Weeks
Ended
March 29, 2020
  Thirteen Weeks
Ended
March 31, 2019
 
Current        
Federal $(118) $(467)
State  24   (175)
Foreign  114   (182)
   20   (824)
Deferred        
Federal  (249)  30 
State  (69)  76 
   (318)  106 
Total income tax expense (benefit) $(298) $(718)

Income tax provision related to directorscontinuing operations differ from the amounts computed by applying the statutory income tax rate to pretax income as follows (in thousands):

  Thirteen Weeks
Ended
  Thirteen Weeks
Ended
 
  March 29, 2020  March 31, 2019 
       
Tax benefit at statutory rate $(590) $(300)
State and local income taxes  (38)  (78)
Foreign taxes  121   (183)
Tax credits  (121)  183 
Dividends on preferred stock  280   (327)
Other  50   (13)
Total income tax expense (benefit) $(298) $(718)

As of March 29, 2020, the Company’s subsidiaries’ annual tax filings for the prior three years are open for audit by Federal and employees, each with an exercise price equalfor the prior four years for state tax agencies. The Company is the beneficiary of indemnification agreements from the prior owners of the subsidiaries for tax liabilities related to $12.00 per shareperiods prior to its ownership of the subsidiaries. Management evaluated the Company’s overall tax positions and subject to a three-year vesting requirement.has determined that no provision for uncertain income tax positions is necessary as of March 29, 2020.

 

AgreementNOTE 9. LEASES

The Company has recorded eight operating leases for corporate offices and for certain restaurant properties that are in the process of being refranchised. The Company is not a guarantor to Purchase Hurricane Grill & Wingsthe leases for the restaurant locations. The leases have remaining lease terms ranging from four months to 7.5 years. Five of the leases also have options to extend the term for 5 to 10 years. The Company recognized lease expense of $352,000 and $347,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. The weighted average remaining lease term of the operating leases (not including optional lease extensions) at March 29, 2020 was 5.7 years.

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Operating lease right of use assets and operating lease liabilities relating to the operating leases are as follows (in thousands):

  March 29, 2020  December 29, 2019 
       
Right of use assets $3,889  $4,076 
Lease liabilities $4,059  $4,206 

The operating lease right of use assets and operating lease liabilities include obligations relating to the optional term extensions available on the five restaurant leases based on management’s intention to exercise the options. At adoption of ASC 842, the discount rate used to calculate the carrying value of the right of use assets and lease liabilities was 15.9% as this was consistent with our incremental borrowing rate at the time.

The contractual future maturities of the Company’s operating lease liabilities as of March 29, 2020, including anticipated lease extensions, are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal year:    
2020 $797 
2021  870 
2022  898 
2023  924 
2024  684 
Thereafter  4,881 
Total lease payments  9,054 
Less imputed interest  4,995 
Total $4,059 

Supplemental cash flow information for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 related to leases is as follows (in thousands):

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities:    
Operating cash flows from operating leases $312 
Operating lease right of use assets obtained in exchange for new lease obligations:    
Operating lease liabilities $- 

Note 10. DEBT

Loan and Security Agreement

 

On November 14, 2017,January 29, 2019, the Company as borrower, and its subsidiaries and affiliates as guarantors, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan and Security Agreement”) with The Lion Fund, L.P. and The Lion Fund II, L.P. (collectively, “Lion”). Pursuant to the Loan and Security Agreement, the Company borrowed $20.0 million from Lion, and utilized the proceeds to repay the existing $16.0 million term loan from FB Lending, LLC plus accrued interest and fees, and provide additional general working capital to the Company.

The term loan under the Loan and Security Agreement was due to mature on June 30, 2020. Interest on the term loan accrued at an annual fixed rate of 20.0% and was payable quarterly. The Company was allowed to prepay all or a portion of the outstanding principal and accrued and unpaid interest under the Loan and Security Agreement at any time upon prior notice to Lion without penalty, other than a make-whole provision providing for a minimum of six months’ interest. The Company was required to prepay all or a portion of the outstanding principal and accrued unpaid interest under the Loan and Security Agreement in connection with certain dispositions of assets, extraordinary receipts, issuances of additional debt or equity, or a change of control of the Company.

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In connection with the Loan and Security Agreement, the Company issued to Lion a warrant to purchase up to 1,167,404 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at $0.01 per share (the “Lion Warrant”), exercisable only if the amounts outstanding under the Loan and Security Agreement were not repaid in full prior to October 1, 2019. If the Loan and Security Agreement was repaid in full prior to October 1, 2019, the Lion Warrant would be terminated in its entirety.

As security for its obligations under the Loan Agreement, the Company granted a lien on substantially all of its assets to Lion. In addition, certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and affiliates entered into a Guaranty (the “Guaranty”) in favor of Lion, pursuant to which they guaranteed the obligations of the Company under the Loan and Security Agreement and granted as security for their guaranty obligations a lien on substantially all of their assets.

The Loan and Security Agreement contained customary affirmative and negative covenants, including covenants that limited or restricted the Company’s ability to, among other things, incur other indebtedness, grant liens, merge or consolidate, dispose of assets, pay dividends or make distributions, in each case subject to customary exceptions. The Loan and Security Agreement also included customary events of default that included, among other things, non-payment, inaccuracy of representations and warranties, covenant breaches, events that result in a material adverse effect (as defined in the Loan and Security Agreement), cross default to other material indebtedness, bankruptcy, insolvency and material judgments. The occurrence and continuance of an event of default could have resulted in the acceleration of the Company’s obligations under the Loan and Security Agreement and an increase in the interest rate by 5.0% per annum.

On the issuance date, the Company evaluated the allocation of the proceeds between the Loan and Security Agreement and the Lion Warrant based on the relative fair values of each. Since the Lion Warrant only was to become effective if the amounts outstanding under the Loan and Security Agreement were not repaid in full prior to October 1, 2019, no value was assigned to it as of the grant date. The Company intended to refinance the debt prior to the beginning of the exercise period of the Lion Warrant.

On June 19, 2019, the Company amended its existing loan facility with Lion. The Company entered into a First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement (the “First Amendment”), which amended the Loan and Security Agreement originally dated January 29, 2019. Pursuant to the First Amendment, the Company increased its borrowings by $3,500,000 in order to fund the Elevation Buyer Note in connection with the acquisition of Elevation, acquire other assets and pay fees and expenses of the transactions. The First Amendment also added the acquired Elevation-related entities as guarantors and loan parties.

On July 24, 2019, the Company entered into a Membership Interest Purchasefirst amendment to the Lion Warrant, which extended the date on which the Lion Warrant was initially exercisable from October 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020, which coincided with the maturity date of the loans made under the Loan Agreement. The Lender Warrant was only exercisable if the amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement were not repaid in full prior to the Exercise Date.

The Company agreed to pay the Lenders an extension fee of $500,000 in the form of an increase in the principal amount loaned under the Loan and Security Agreement, and on July 24, 2019 entered into a second amendment to the Loan Agreement (the “Agreement”“Second Amendment”) to reflect this increase. Under the Second Amendment, the parties also agreed to amend the Loan and Security Agreement to provide for a late fee of $400,000 payable if the Company failed to make any quarterly interest payment by the fifth business day after the end of each fiscal quarter.

From January 6, 2020 through February 21, 2020, the Company entered into a series of amendments to the Lion Loan and Security Agreement (the “Third Through Seventh Amendments”), which granted five successive extensions of the due date for the payment of the quarterly interest payment which was originally due January 6, 2020 (the “January Quarterly Interest”). The final result of the Third Through Seventh Amendments, extended the due date for the payment of the January Quarterly Interest payment to March 13, 2020. The Company agreed to pay Lion a total extension fee of $650,000 with the interest payment. Upon payment of the January Quarterly Interest and the extension fee, Lion agreed to waive other late fees which may accrue relating to the payment and waive any default or event of default relating to the conversion of EB Franchises, LLC from a Virginia limited liability company to a Delaware limited liability company.

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On March 6, 2020, the Company repaid the Lion Loan and Security Agreement in full by making a total payment of approximately $26,771,000. This consisted of $24,000,000 in principle, approximately $2,120,000 in accrued interest and $651,000 in penalties and fees. As a result of the prepayment, the Lion Warrant was cancelled in its entirety.

The Company recognized interest expense on the Loan and Security Agreement of $1,783,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020, which includes $212,000 for amortization of all unaccreted debt offering costs at the time of the repayment and $650,000 in penalties and fees, representing an effective interest rate of 44.3%. The Company recognized interest expense on the Loan and Security Agreement of $720,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019, which included $32,000 for amortization of debt offering costs, representing an effective interest rate of 20.9%.

Elevation Note

On June 19, 2019, the Company completed the acquisition of Elevation Burger. A portion of the purchase price included the issuance to the Seller of a convertible subordinated promissory note (the “Elevation Note”) with a principal amount of $7,509,816, bearing interest at 6.0% per year and maturing in July 2026. The Elevation Note is convertible under certain circumstances into shares of the Company’s common stock at $12.00 per share. In connection with the valuation of the acquisition of Elevation Burger, the Elevation Note was recorded on the financial statements of the Company at $6,185,000, which is net of a loan discount of $1,295,000 and debt offering costs of $30,000. As of March 29, 2020, the carrying value of the Elevation Note was $5,772,000 which is net of the loan discount of $1,078,000 and debt offering costs of $63,000. The Company recognized interest expense relating to the Elevation Note during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 in the amount of $189,000, which included amortization of the loan discount of $71,000 and amortization of $3,000 in debt offering costs, with no comparable activity in the first quarter of 2019. The effective interest rate for the Elevation Note during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 was 13.1%.

The Company is required to make fully amortizing payments of $110,000 per month during the term of the Elevation Note. The Elevation Note is a general unsecured obligation of Company and is subordinated in right of payment to all indebtedness of the Company arising under any agreement or instrument to which Company or any of its Affiliates is a party that evidences indebtedness for borrowed money that is senior in right of payment. FCCG has guaranteed payment of the Elevation Note.

Securitization

On March 6, 2020, the Company completed a whole-business securitization (the “Securitization”) through the creation of a bankruptcy-remote issuing entity, FAT Brands Royalty I, LLC (“FAT Royalty”) in which FAT Royalty issued new notes (the “Securitization Notes”) pursuant to an indenture and the supplement thereto (collectively, the “Indenture”).

The new notes consist of the following:

Note  

Public

Rating

 Seniority Issue Amount  Coupon  First Call Date Final Legal Maturity Date
                
A-2  BB Senior $20,000,000   6.50% 4/27/2021 4/27/2026
B-2  B Senior Subordinated $20,000,000   9.00% 4/27/2021 4/27/2026

Net proceeds from the issuance of the Securitization Notes were $37,314,000, which consists of the combined face amount of $40,000,000, net of discounts of $246,000 and debt offering costs of $2,440,000. The discount and offering costs will be accreted as additional interest expense over the expected term of the Securitization Notes.

A portion of the proceeds from the Securitization was used to repay the remaining $26,771,000 in outstanding balance under the Loan and Security Agreement with Lion and to pay Securitization debt offering costs. The remaining proceeds from the Securitization will be used for working capital.

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While the Securitization Notes are outstanding, scheduled payments of principal and interest are required to be made on a quarterly basis. It is expected that the Securitization Notes will be repaid prior to the Final Legal Maturity Date, with the anticipated repayment date occurring in January 2023 for the A-2 Notes and October 2023 for the B-2 Notes (the “Anticipated Repayment Dates”). If the Company has not repaid or refinanced the Securitization Notes prior to the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date, additional interest expense will begin to accrue and all additional proceeds will be trapped for full amortization, as defined in the Indenture.

In connection with the Securitization, FAT Royalty and each of the FAT Brands Franchising Entities (as defined in the Indenture) entered into a Management Agreement with the Company, dated as of the Closing Date (the “Management Agreement”), pursuant to which the Company agreed to act as manager of FAT Royalty and each of the FAT Brands Franchise Entities. The Management Agreement provides for a management fee payable monthly by FAT Royalty to the Company in the amount of $200,000, subject to three percent (3%) annual increases (the “Management Fee”). The primary responsibilities of the manager are to perform certain franchising, distribution, intellectual property and operational functions on behalf of the FAT Brands Franchise Entities pursuant to the Management Agreement.

The Notes are secured by substantially all of the right, titleassets of FAT Royalty, including the equity interests in the FAT Brands Franchising Entities. The restrictions placed on the Company’s subsidiaries require that the Company’s principal and interest obligations have first priority, after the payment of the Management Fee and certain other FAT Royalty expenses (as defined in the Indenture), and amounts are segregated monthly to ensure appropriate funds are reserved to pay the quarterly principal and interest amounts due. The amount of monthly cash flow that exceeds the required monthly debt service is generally remitted to the membership interestsCompany. Once the required obligations are satisfied, there are no further restrictions, including payment of Hurricane AMT, LLC,dividends, on the cash flows of the subsidiaries. As of March 29, 2020, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any jurisdiction. No Notes or any interest or participation thereof may be reoffered, resold, pledged or otherwise transferred unless such Note meets certain requirements as described in the Indenture.

The Notes are subject to certain financial and non-financial covenants, including a Florida limited liability corporation (“Hurricane”)debt service coverage ratio calculation, as defined in the Indenture. In the event that certain covenants are not met, the Notes may become partially or fully due and payable on an accelerated schedule. In addition, the Company may voluntarily prepay, in part or in full, the Notes in accordance with the provisions in the Indenture.

As of March 29, 2020, the recorded balance of the Securitization Notes was $37,309,000, which is net of debt offering costs of $2,450,000 and original issue discount of $241,000. The Company recognized interest expense on the Securitization Notes of $288,000 for a purchase pricethe thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020, which includes $33,000 for amortization of $12,500,000. Hurricane isdebt offering costs and $5,000 for amortization of the franchisororiginal issue discount. The effective interest rate of Hurricane Grill & Wings and Hurricane BTW Restaurants. The original Hurricane Grill & Wings opened in Fort Pierce, Florida in 1995 and has expanded to over 60 restaurant locations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, New York, and Texas.the Securitization Notes was 9.3% for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020.

 

NOTE 4 – COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES & OFF-BALANCE SHEET RISKNote 11. PREFERRED STOCK

 

LitigationSeries B Cumulative Preferred Stock

On October 3 and October 4, 2019, the Company completed the initial closing of its continuous public offering (the “Series B Preferred Offering”) of up to $30,000,000 of units (the “Series B Units”) at $25.00 per Series B Unit, with each Series B Unit comprised of one share of 8.25% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) and 0.60 warrants (the “Series B Warrants”) to purchase common stock at $8.50 per share, exercisable for five years.

The offering includes up to 1,200,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Series B Warrants initially exercisable to purchase up to an aggregate of 720,000 shares of our common stock. The shares of Series B Preferred Stock and Series B Warrants will be issued separately but can only be purchased together in the Series B Preferred Offering. Each Warrant will be immediately exercisable and will expire on the five-year anniversary of the date of issuance.

The Company will pay cumulative dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock from and including the date of original issuance in the amount of $2.0625 per share each year, which is equivalent to 8.25% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share. Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock will be payable quarterly in arrears based on the Company’s fiscal quarters.

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The Company may not redeem the Series B Preferred Stock before the first anniversary of the initial issuance date. After the first anniversary of the initial issuance date the Company has the option to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, for cash plus any accrued and unpaid dividends to the date of redemption at the following redemption price per share:

After the first anniversary and on or prior to the second anniversary at $27.50 per share
After the second anniversary and on or prior to the third anniversary at $26.125 per share
After the third anniversary at $25.00 per share

The Series B Preferred Stock will mature on the five-year anniversary of the initial issuance date or the earlier liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company. Upon maturity, the holders of Series B Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive cash redemption of their shares in an amount equal to $25.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock have the option to cause the Company to redeem all or any portion of their Series B Preferred Stock following the first anniversary of the initial issuance date for cash at the following redemption prices per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends:

After the first anniversary and on or prior to the second anniversary at $22.00 per share
After the second anniversary and on or prior to the third anniversary at $22.50 per share
After the third anniversary and on or prior to the fourth anniversary at $23.00 per share
After the fourth anniversary at $25.00 per share

The rights of holders of Series B Preferred Stock to receive their liquidation preference also will be subject to the proportionate rights of our Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock and any other class or series of our capital stock ranking in parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to liquidation.

As of March 29, 2020, there were 57,140 shares of Series B Preferred Stock outstanding.

The Company classified the Series B Preferred Stock as long-term debt because it contains an unconditional obligation requiring the Company to redeem the instruments at the maturity date or upon the election of the holders as described above in cash. The associated Series B Warrants have been recorded as additional paid-in capital. On the issuance date, the Company allocated the proceeds between the Series B Preferred Stock and the Series B Warrants based on the relative fair values of each.

As of March 29, 2020, the net Series B Preferred Stock balance was $1,090,000 including an unaccreted debt discount of $15,000 and unamortized debt offering costs of $324,000. The Company recognized interest expense on the Series B Preferred Stock of $48,000 for the fiscal quarter ended March 29, 2020, which includes accretion expense of the debt discount of $1,000 and amortization of debt offering costs of $19,000. The effective interest rate for the Series B Preferred Stock for 2020 was 17.7%.

 

As of September 24, 2017,Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock

On June 8, 2018, the Company was not involved in any adversarial legal proceedings.filed a Certificate of Designation of Rights and Preferences of Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series A Preferred Stock”) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the “Certificate of Designation”), designating a total of 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock. The subsidiaries acquiredCertificate of Designation contains the following terms pertaining to the Series A Preferred Stock:

Dividends– Holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive cumulative dividends on October 20, 2017 are involved in various legal proceedings occurringthe $100.00 per share stated liquidation preference of the Series A Preferred Stock, in the ordinary courseamount of business which management believes(i) cash dividends at a rate of 9.9% per year, plus (ii) deferred dividends equal to 4.0% per year, payable on the Mandatory Redemption Date (defined below).

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Voting Rights – As long as any shares of Series A Preferred Stock are outstanding and remain unredeemed, the Company may not, without the majority vote of the Series A Preferred Stock, (a) alter or change adversely the rights, preferences or voting power given to the Series A Preferred Stock, (b) enter into any merger, consolidation or share exchange that adversely affects the rights, preferences or voting power of the Series A Preferred Stock, (c) authorize or increase any other series or class of stock that has rights senior to the Series A Preferred Stock, or (d) waive or amend the dividend restrictions in Sections 3(d) or 3(e) of the Certificate of Designation. The Series A Preferred Stock will not have any other voting rights, except as may be provided under applicable law.

Liquidation and Redemption - Upon (i) the five-year anniversary of the initial issuance date (June 8, 2023), or (ii) the earlier liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company (the “Series A Mandatory Redemption Date”), the holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to cash redemption of their shares in an amount equal to $100.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.

In addition, prior to the Series A Mandatory Redemption Date, the Company may optionally redeem the Series A Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at the following redemption prices per share, plus any accrued and unpaid dividends:

(i)On or prior to June 30, 2021: $115.00 per share.
(ii)After June 30, 2021 and on or prior to June 30, 2022: $110.00 per share.
(iii)After June 30, 2022: $100.00 per share.

Holders of Series A Preferred Stock may also optionally cause the Company to redeem all or any portion of their shares of Series A Preferred Stock beginning any time after the two-year anniversary of the initial issuance date for an amount equal to $100.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, which amount may be settled in cash or Common Stock of the Company, at the option of the holder. If a material adverse effectholder elects to receive Common Stock, the shares will be issued based on the financial condition or operations20-day volume weighted average price of the Company.Common Stock immediately preceding the date of the holder’s redemption notice.

As of March 29, 2020, there were 100,000 shares of Series A Preferred stock outstanding, issued in the following two transactions:

(i)On June 7, 2018, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement for the issuance and sale (the “Offering”) of 800 units (the “Units”), with each Unit consisting of (i) 100 shares of the Company’s newly designated Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series A Preferred Stock”) and (ii) warrants (the “Series A Warrants”) to purchase 127 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at $7.83 per share. The sales price of each Unit was $10,000, resulting in gross proceeds to the Company from the initial closing of $8,000,000 and the issuance of 80,000 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and Series A Warrants to purchase 102,125 shares of common stock (the “Subscription Warrants”).

(ii)On June 27, 2018, the Company entered into a Note Exchange Agreement, as amended, under which it agreed with FCCG to exchange all but $950,000 of the remaining balance of the Company’s outstanding Promissory Note issued to the FCCG on October 20, 2017, in the original principal amount of $30,000,000 (the “Note”). At the time, the Note had an estimated outstanding balance of principal plus accrued interest of $10,222,000 (the “Note Balance”). On June 27, 2018, $9,272,053 of the Note Balance was exchanged for shares of capital stock of the Company and warrants in the following amounts (the “Exchange Shares”):

$2,000,000 of the Note Balance was exchanged for 200 Units consisting of 20,000 shares of Series A Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock of the Company at $100 per share and Series A Warrants to purchase 25,530 of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $7.83 per share (the “Exchange Warrants”); and
$7,272,053 of the Note Balance was exchanged for 1,010,420 shares of Common Stock of the Company, representing an exchange price of $7.20 per share, which was the closing trading price of the Common Stock on June 26, 2018.

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The Company classifies the Series A Preferred Stock as long-term debt because it contains an obligation to issue a variable number of common shares for a fixed monetary amount. As of March 29, 2020, the net Series A Preferred Stock balance was $9,919,000 which is net of an unaccreted debt discount of $71,000 and unamortized debt offering costs of $10,000.

The Company recognized interest expense on the Series A Preferred Stock of $355,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020, which includes accretion expense of $6,000 and $1,000 for the amortization of debt offering costs, representing an effective interest rate of 14.3%. The Company recognized interest expense on the Series A Preferred Stock of $354,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019, which includes accretion expense of $5,000 as well as $1,000 for the amortization of debt offering costs, representing an effective interest rate of 14.2%%.

 

LiquiditySeries A-1 Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock

FollowingOn July 3, 2018, the completionCompany filed with the Secretary of State of the Offering, franchising operationsState of Delaware a Certificate of Designation of Rights and Preferences of Series A-1 Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series A-1 Certificate of Designation”), designating a total of 200,000 shares of Series A-1 Fixed Rate Cumulative Preferred Stock (the “Series A-1 Preferred Stock”). As of March 29, 2020, there were 45,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock issued and outstanding. The Series A-1 Certificate of Designation contains the following terms pertaining to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock:

Dividends. Holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock will becomebe entitled to receive cumulative dividends on the major source$100.00 per share stated liquidation preference of liquiditythe Series A-1 Preferred Stock, in the amount of cash dividends at a rate of 6.0% per year.

Voting Rights. As long as any shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock are outstanding and remain unredeemed, the Company may not, without the majority vote of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, (a) materially and adversely alter or change the rights, preferences or voting power given to the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, (b) enter into any merger, consolidation or share exchange that materially and adversely affects the rights, preferences or voting power of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, or (c) waive or amend the dividend restrictions in Sections 3(d) or 3(e) of the Certificate of Designation. The Series A-1 Preferred Stock will not have any other voting rights, except as may be provided under applicable law.

Liquidation and Redemption. Upon (i) the five-year anniversary of the initial issuance date (July 3, 2023), or (ii) the earlier liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of the Company (the “Series A-1 Mandatory Redemption Date”), the holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock will be entitled to cash redemption of their shares in an amount equal to $100.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends. In addition, prior to the Mandatory Redemption Date, the Company may optionally redeem the Series A-1 Preferred Stock, in whole or in part, at par plus any accrued and unpaid dividends.

Holders of Series A-1 Preferred Stock may also optionally cause the Company to redeem all or any portion of their shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock beginning any time after the two-year anniversary of the initial issuance date for an amount equal to $100.00 per share plus any accrued and unpaid dividends, which amount may be settled in cash or Common Stock of the Company, at the option of the holder. If a holder elects to receive Common Stock, shares will be issued as payment for redemption at the rate of $11.75 per share of Common Stock.

As of March 29, 2020, there were 45,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock outstanding.

The Company classifies the Series A-1 Preferred Stock as long-term debt because it contains an obligation to issue a variable number of common shares for a fixed monetary amount.

As of March 29, 2020, the net Series A-1 Preferred Stock balance was $4,415,000 which is net of an unaccreted debt discount of $62,000 and unamortized debt offering costs of $23,000.

The Company recognized interest expense on the Series A-1 Preferred Stock of $50,000 for the Company. Management expects these sources, includingthirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020, which was net of an adjustment to the saledebt discount in the amount of new franchises, to generate adequate cash flow to meet the Company’s liquidity needs$19,000 as well as $2,000 for the 2017 fiscal year. Asamortization of debt offering costs, representing an effective interest rate of 4.6%. The Company recognized interest expense on the Series A-1 Preferred Stock of $77,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019, which included recognized accretion expense of $8,000, as well as $2,000 for the amortization of debt offering costs, representing an effective interest rate of 6.9%.

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The issuance of the Series A Preferred Stock and Series A-1 Preferred Stock was exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”) pursuant to the exemption for transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act and in reliance on similar exemptions under applicable state laws. Each of the investors in the Offering represented that it is an accredited investor within the meaning of Rule 501(a) of Regulation D and was acquiring the securities for investment only and not with a view towards, or for resale in connection with, the public sale or distribution thereof. The securities were offered without any general solicitation by the Company contemplates significant acquisitions, other sources of liquidity will be considered, including borrowings or placements of securities.its representatives.

Note 12. Related Party Transactions

Fatburger Debt CovenantDue from Affiliates

On June 1, 2010, FatburgerApril 24, 2020, the Company entered into an Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement with FCCG (“Intercompany Agreement”). The Company had previously extended credit to FCCG pursuant to a certain Intercompany Promissory Note (the “Original Note”), dated October 20, 2017, with an initial principal balance of $11,906,000. Subsequent to the issuance of the Original Note, the Company and certain of its affiliates becamedirect or indirect subsidiaries made additional intercompany advances in the aggregate amount of $10,523,000. Pursuant to the Intercompany Agreement, the revolving credit facility bears interest at a rate of 10% per annum, has a five-year term with no prepayment penalties, and has a maximum capacity of $35,000,000. All additional borrowings under the Intercompany Agreement are subject to a judgment payable to GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation (GEFFC) for approximately $4,300,000. No proceeds from the original loan had been received by Fatburger, however it is jointly and severally liable as a co-borrower. On October 11, 2011, GEFFC agreed to accept payments in full satisfactionapproval of the obligation totaling approximately $2,600,000 plusBoard of Directors, in advance, on a quarterly basis and may be subject to other conditions as set forth by the Company. The initial balance under the Intercompany Agreement totaled $21,067,000 including the balance of the Original Note, borrowings subsequent to the Original Note, accrued and unpaid interest at 5%income, and other adjustments through December 29, 2019. As of March 29, 2020, the balance receivable under the Intercompany Agreement was $26,854,000.

During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020, the Company recorded a receivable from FCCG in the amount of $121,000 under the Tax Sharing Agreement, which was added to the intercompany receivable. During the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019, the Company recorded a receivable from FCCG in the amount of $467,000 under the Tax Sharing Agreement. (See Note 8).

Effective July 5, 2018, the Company made a preferred capital investment in Homestyle Dining LLC, a Delaware limited liability corporation (“HSD”) in the amount of $4.0 million (the “Preferred Interest”). Subsequently, FCCG made payments totaling approximately $2,000,000, plus interest to GEFFC. The borrowers have not madeowns all of the payments required by the settlement agreement. On November 28, 2016, GEFFC sold the debt to an unrelated third party. On June 21, 2017, the debt was purchased by a limited partnershipcommon interests in which Andrew Wiederhorn, the CEOHSD. The holder of the Company,Preferred Interest is entitled to a general partner. Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.15% priority return on the outstanding balance of the investment (the “Preferred Return”). Any available cash flows from HSD on a quarterly basis are to be distributed to pay the accrued Preferred Return and repay the Preferred Interest until fully retired. On or before the five-year anniversary of the investment, the Preferred Interest is to be fully repaid, together with all previously accrued but unpaid Preferred Return. FCCG has agreedunconditionally guaranteed repayment of the Preferred Interest in the event HSD fails to indemnify FAT Brands Inc.do so. As of March 29, 2020, the balance receivable, including accrued and Subsidiaries from costs and liabilities which may arise from this matter.unpaid interest income, under the Preferred Interest was $5,050,000.

 

DividendsSeries B Cumulative Preferred Stock

The Company intends to declare quarterly dividends to holders of common stock. The declaration and payment of future dividends, if any, will be at the sole discretion of the board of directors and may be discontinued at any time. In determining the amount of any future dividends, the board of directors will take into account: (i) the Company’s consolidated financial results, available cash, future cash requirements and capital requirements, (ii) contractual, legal, tax and regulatory restrictions on, and implications of, the payment of dividends to stockholders, (iii) general economic and business conditions, and (iv) any other factors that the board of directors may deem relevant. The ability to pay dividends may also be restricted by the terms of any future credit agreement or any future debt or preferred equity securities of the Company or its subsidiaries.

No dividends have been declared or paid as of September 24, 2017.

Franchising operations

The Company is pursuing a growth strategy through developing additional franchising opportunities. Franchise development involves substantial risks that the Company intends to manage; however, it cannot be assured that present or future development will perform in accordance with the Company’s expectations or that any franchising activities will generate the Company’s expected returns on investment. The Company’s inability to expand franchises in accordance with planned expansion or to manage that growth could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s operations and financial condition. In addition, if its franchisees are unsuccessful in obtaining capital sufficient to fund this expansion, the timing of restaurant openings may be delayed and the Company’s operating results may be harmed.

Other

Following the Reorganization Transactions, the Company and its subsidiaries are parties to various operating leases for office space which expire through April 30, 2020. The leases provide for varying minimum annual rental payments including rent increases and free rent periods. The Company has future minimum rental payments under non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of one year or more of approximately $796,000 as of September 24, 2017.

There were no other off balance sheet arrangements in effect during the period from March 21, 2017, (inception) through September 24, 2017.

NOTE 5 – STOCK OPTIONS AND RIGHTS

 

On October 19,3 and October 4, 2019, the Company completed the initial closing of its continuous public offering (the “Series B Preferred Offering”) of up to $30,000,000 of units (the “Series B Units”) at $25.00 per Series B Unit, with each Series B Unit comprised of one share of 8.25% Series B Cumulative Preferred Stock (“Series B Preferred Stock”) and 0.60 warrants (the “Series B Warrants”) to purchase common stock at $8.50 per share, exercisable for five years. At the initial closing of the Preferred Offering, the Company completed the sale of 43,080 Series B Units for gross proceeds of $1,077,000.

As of March 29, 2020, the following reportable related persons participated in the initial closing of the Company’s Preferred Offering:

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Andrew Wiederhorn, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, acquired 20,000 Series B Units for $500,000 comprised of 20,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 12,000 Series B Warrants to purchase 12,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at $8.50 per share, and
Squire Junger, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, acquired 5,000 Series B Units for $125,000 comprised of 5,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 3,000 Series B Warrants to purchase 3,000 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at $8.50 per share.
In aggregate, Mr. Wiederhorn, Mr. Junger, and other related parties acquired 33,000 Series B Units for $825,000 comprised of 33,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock and 19,800 Series B Warrants to purchase 19,800 shares of the Company’s Common Stock at $8.50 per share.

Note 13. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

As of March 29, 2020, and December 29, 2019, the total number of authorized shares of common stock was 25,000,000, and there were 11,876,659 and 11,860,299 shares of common stock outstanding, respectively.

Below are the changes to the Company’s common stock during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020:

On February 11, 2020, the Company issued a total of 16,360 shares of common stock at a value of $4.585 per share to the non-employee members of the board of directors as consideration for accrued directors’ fees.

Note 14. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

Effective September 30, 2017, the Company adopted and approved the 2017 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the Plan“Plan”). The Plan is a comprehensive incentive compensation plan under which the Company can grant equity-based and other incentive awards to officers, employees and directors of, and consultants and advisers to, FAT Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries. The purpose of the Plan is to help attract, motivate and retain such persons and thereby enhance stockholder value. The Plan allows for management and the board of directors to award stock incentives to substantially all employees as a retention incentive and to ensure that employees’ compensation incentives are aligned with stock price performance. The Plan provides for a maximum of 1,000,0001,021,250 shares available for grant.

All of the stock options issued by the Company to date have included a vesting period of three years, with one-third of each grant vesting annually. The Company’s stock option activity for fiscal year ended March 29, 2020 can be summarized as follows:

  Number of Shares  Weighted Average Exercise Price  Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years) 
Stock options outstanding at December 29, 2019  722,481  $8.45   8.2 
Grants  -  $-   - 
Forfeited  (44,250) $8.01   8.5 
Expired  -  $-   - 
Stock options outstanding at March 29, 2020  678,231  $8.48   8.2 
Stock options exercisable at March 29, 2020  318,271  $9.88   7.9 

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The assumptions used in the Black-Scholes valuation model to record the stock-based compensation are as follows:

Including Non-Employee Options
Expected dividend yield4.00% - 10.43%
Expected volatility30.23% - 31.73%
Risk-free interest rate1.52% - 2.85%
Expected term (in years)5.50 – 5.75

The Company recognized share-based compensation expense in the amount of $15,000 and $81,000, respectively, during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019. As of March 29, 2020, there remains $104,000 of related share-based compensation expense relating to non-vested grants, which will be recognized over the remaining vesting period, subject to future forfeitures.

Note 15. WARRANTS

 

As of March 29, 2020, the Company had issued the following outstanding warrants to purchase shares of its common stock:

Warrants issued on October 20, 2017 to purchase 81,700 shares of the Company’s stock granted to the selling agent in the Company’s initial public offering (the “Common Stock Warrants”). The Common Stock Warrants are exercisable commencing April 20, 2018 through October 20, 2022. The exercise price for the Common Stock Warrants is $14.69 per share, and the Common Stock Warrants were valued at $124,000 at the date of grant. The Common Stock Warrants provide that upon exercise, the Company may elect to redeem the Common Stock Warrants in cash by paying the difference between the applicable exercise price and the then-current fair market value of the common stock.
Warrants issued on June 7, 2018 to purchase 102,125 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $7.83 per share (the “Subscription Warrants”). The Subscription Warrants were issued as part of the Subscription Agreement (see Note 11). The Subscription Warrants were valued at $87,000 at the date of grant. The Subscription Warrants may be exercised at any time or times beginning on the issue date and ending on the five-year anniversary of the issue date.

Warrants issued on June 27, 2018 to purchase 25,530 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $7.83 per share (the “Exchange Warrants”). The Exchange Warrants were issued as part of the Exchange (See Note 11). The Exchange Warrants were valued at $25,000 at the date of grant. The Exchange Warrants may be exercised at any time or times beginning on the issue date and ending on the five-year anniversary of the issue date.
Warrants issued on July 3, 2018 to purchase 57,439 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $7.83 per share (the “Hurricane Warrants”). The Hurricane Warrants were issued as part of the acquisition of Hurricane. The Hurricane Warrants were valued at $58,000 at the date of grant. The Hurricane Warrants may be exercised at any time or times beginning on the issue date and ending on the five-year anniversary of the issue date.
Warrants issued on July 3, 2018 to purchase 509,604 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $7.20 per share (the “Lender Warrant”). The Lender Warrant was issued as part of the $16 million credit facility with FB Lending, LLC (See Note 10). The Lender Warrant was valued at $592,000 at the date of grant. The Lender Warrant may be exercised at any time or times beginning on the issue date and ending on the five-year anniversary of the issue date.
Warrants issued on July 3, 2018 to purchase 66,691 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $7.20 per share (the “Placement Agent Warrants”). The Placement Agent Warrants were issued to the placement agents of the $16 million credit facility with FB Lending, LLC (See Note 10). The Placement Agent Warrants were valued at $78,000 at the date of grant. The Placement Agent Warrants may be exercised at any time or times beginning on the issue date and ending on the five-year anniversary of the issue date.

Warrants issued on June 19, 2019, in connection with the acquisition of Elevation Burger (See Note 3), to purchase 46,875 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $8.00 per share (the “Elevation Warrant”), exercisable for a period of five years, but only in the event of a merger of the Company and FCCG, commencing on the second business day following the potential merger and ending on the five year anniversary thereafter, at which time the Elevation Warrant shall terminate The Elevation Warrants were not valued at the date of grant due to the contingency relating to their exercise.
Warrants issued between October 3, 2019 and December 29, 2019, in connection with the sale of Series B Units (See Note 11), to purchase 34,284 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $8.50 per share (the “Series B Warrants”), exercisable for a period of five years from October 3, 2019. The outstanding Series B Warrants were valued at $21,000 at the date of grant.

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The Company’s warrant activity for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 is as follows:

   

Number of

Shares

  

Weighted

Average

Exercise Price

  

Weighted

Average

Remaining

Contractual

Life (Years)

 
Warrants outstanding at December 29, 2019   2,091,652  $3.57   4.2 
Grants   -   -   - 
Exercised   -   -   - 
Forfeited   (1,167,404) $0.01   5.0 
Expired   -   -   - 
Warrants outstanding at March 29, 2020   924,248  $8.08   3.3 
Warrants exercisable at March 29, 2020   877,373  $8.08   3.2 

The range of assumptions used to establish the value of the warrants using the Black-Scholes valuation model are as follows:

Warrants
Expected dividend yield4.00% - 6.63%
Expected volatility30.23% - 31.73%
Risk-free interest rate0.99% - 1.91%
Expected term (in years)3.80 - 5.00

Note 16. DIVIDENDS ON COMMON STOCK

Our Board of Directors did not declare a dividend during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020.

The Company declared a stock dividend on February 7, 2019 equal to 2.13% on its common stock, representing the number of shares equal to $0.12 per share of common stock based on the closing price as of February 6, 2019. The stock dividend was paid on February 28, 2019 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 19, 2019. The Company issued 245,376 shares of common stock at a per share price of $5.64 in satisfaction of the stock dividend. No fractional shares were issued, instead the Company paid stockholders cash-in-lieu of shares.

Note 17. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation

Eric Rojany, et al. v. FAT Brands Inc., et al., Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC708539, andDaniel Alden, et al. v. FAT Brands Inc., et al., Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC716017.

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On June 7, 2018, FAT Brands, Inc., Andrew Wiederhorn, Ron Roe, James Neuhauser, Edward H. Rensi, Marc L. Holtzman, Squire Junger, Silvia Kessel, Jeff Lotman, Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc., and Tripoint Global Equities, LLC (collectively, the "Original Defendants") were named as defendants in a putative securities class action lawsuit entitledRojany v. FAT Brands, Inc., Case No. BC708539 (the "RojanyCase"), in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles. On July 31, 2018, theRojanyCase was designated as complex, pursuant to Rule 3.400 of the California Rules of Court, and assigned the matter to the Complex Litigation Program. On August 2, 2018, the Original Defendants were named defendants in a second putative class action lawsuit,Alden v. FAT Brands, Case No. BC716017 (the "Alden Case"), filed in the same court. On September 24, 2017, no awards had been granted17, 2018, theRojanyandAldenCases were consolidated under the Plan.RojanyCase number. On October 10, 2018, plaintiffs Eric Rojany, Daniel Alden, Christopher Hazelton-Harrington and Byron Marin ("Plaintiffs") filed a First Amended Consolidated Complaint against FAT Brands, Inc., Andrew Wiederhorn, Ron Roe, James Neuhauser, Edward H. Rensi, Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc., and Tripoint Global Equities, LLC (collectively, "Defendants"), thereby removing Marc L. Holtzman, Squire Junger, Silvia Kessel and Jeff Lotman as defendants. On November 13, 2018, Defendants filed a Demurrer to First Amended Consolidated Complaint. On January 25, 2019, the Court sustained Defendants’ Demurrer to First Amended Consolidated Complaint with Leave to Amend in Part. Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on February 25, 2019. On March 27, 2019, Defendants filed a Demurrer to the Second Amended Consolidated Complaint. On July 31, 2019, the Court sustained Defendants’ Demurrer to the Second Amended Complaint in Part, narrowing the scope of the case. Defendants filed their Answer to the Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on November 12, 2019. On January 29, 2020, Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Class Certification. Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification is fully briefed, and the hearing on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification is set for September 10, 2020. Defendants dispute Plaintiffs’ allegations and will continue to vigorously defend themselves in this litigation.

Adam Vignola, et al. v. FAT Brands Inc., et al., United States District Court for the Central District of California, Case No. 2:18-cv-07469.

On August 24, 2018, the Original Defendants were named as defendants in a putative securities class action lawsuit entitledVignola v. FAT Brands, Inc., Case No. 2:18-cv-07469-PSG-PLA, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On October 23, 2018, Charles Jordan and David Kovacs (collectively, "Lead Plaintiffs") moved to be appointed lead plaintiffs, and the Court granted Lead Plaintiffs’ motion on November 16, 2018. On January 15, 2019, Lead Plaintiffs filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint against the Original Defendants. The allegations and claims for relief asserted inVignolaare substantively identical to those asserted in theRojanyCase. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss First Amended Class Action Complaint, or, in the Alternative, to Stay the Action In Favor of a Prior Pending Action. On June 14, 2019, the Court denied Defendants’ motion to stay but granted Defendants’ motion to dismiss the First Amended Class Action Complaint, with Leave to Amend. Lead Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Class Action Complaint on August 5, 2019. On September 9, 2019, Defendants’ filed a Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended Class Action Complaint. On December 17, 2019, the Court granted Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended Class Action Complaint in Part, Without Leave to Amend. The allegations remaining inVignolaare substantively identical to those remaining in theRojanyCase. Defendants filed their Answer to the Second Amended Class Action Complaint on January 14, 2020. On December 27, 2019, Lead Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Class Certification. By order entered March 16, 2020, the Court denied Lead Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification. By order entered April 1, 2020, the Court set various deadlines for the case, including a fact discovery cut-off of December 29, 2020, expert discovery cut-off of February 23, 2021 and trial date of March 30, 2021. Defendants dispute Lead Plaintiffs’ allegations and will continue to vigorously defend themselves in this litigation

The Company is obligated to indemnify its officers and directors to the extent permitted by applicable law in connection with the above actions, and has insurance for such individuals, to the extent of the limits of the applicable insurance policies and subject to potential reservations of rights. The Company is also obligated to indemnify Tripoint Global Equities, LLC under certain conditions relating to theRojany andVignolamatters. These proceedings are ongoing and the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters. There can be no assurance that the defendants will be successful in defending against these actions.

The Company is involved in other claims and legal proceedings from time-to-time that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources.

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Operating Leases

The Company leases corporate headquarters located in Beverly Hills, California comprising 6,137 square feet of space, pursuant to a lease that expires on September 29, 2025, as well as an additional 2,915 square feet of space pursuant to a lease amendment that expires on February 29, 2024. The Company leases 1,775 square feet of space in Plano, Texas for pursuant to a lease that expires on March 31, 2021. As part of the acquisition of Elevation Burger, the Company assumed a lease of 5,057 square feet of space in Falls Church, Virginia that expires on December 31, 2020. The Company subleases approximately 2,500 square feet of this lease to an unrelated third party. The Company is not a guarantor to the leases of the Yalla restaurants that are being refranchised.

The Company believes that all existing facilities are in good operating condition and adequate to meet current and foreseeable needs.

Note 18. geographic information AND MAJOR FRANCHISEES

Revenues by geographic area are as follows (in thousands):

  Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 29, 2020
  Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 31, 2019
 
United States $3,709  $4,011 
Other countries  714   862 
Total revenues $4,423  $4,873 

Revenues are shown based on the geographic location of our franchisees’ restaurants. All our assets are located in the United States.

During the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, no individual franchisee accounted for more than 10% of the Company’s revenues.

NOTE 19. OPERATING SEGMENTS

With minor exceptions, the Company’s operations are comprised exclusively of franchising a growing portfolio of restaurant brands. This growth strategy is centered on expanding the footprint of existing brands and acquiring new brands through a centralized management organization which provides substantially all executive leadership, marketing, training and accounting services. While there are variations in the brands, the nature of the Company’s business is fairly consistent across its portfolio. Consequently, management assesses the progress of the Company’s operations as a whole, rather than by brand or location which become more significant as the number of brands has increased.

As part of its ongoing franchising efforts, the Company will, from time to time, make opportunistic acquisitions of operating restaurants in order to convert them to franchise locations. During the refranchising period, the Company may operate the restaurants.

The Company’s chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is the Chief Executive Officer. The CODM reviews financial performance and allocates resources at an overall level on a recurring basis. Therefore, management has determined that the Company has one operating and reportable segment.

NOTE 20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Pursuant to FASB ASC 855, Management has evaluated all events and transactions that occurred from March 29, 2020 through the date of issuance of these financial statements. During this period, the Company did not have any significant subsequent events other than those described below:

Refranchising

During the fiscal year ended December 29, 2019, a franchisee had entered into an agreement with the Company by which it agreed to sell two existing franchised locations to the Company for its refranchising program. Additionally, during the fiscal year, the Company had completed transactions to sell the two locations to new owners. Subsequent to March 29, 2020, as a result of COVID-19, the locations acquired from the existing franchisee became unavailable. The Company is evaluating the impact of the event and determining which existing operating restaurants will be used as a replacement for the new owners (See Note 3 – 4).

Payroll Protection Program Loans

Subsequent Events).to March 29, 2020, as a result of COVID-19, the Company received proceeds from the Payroll Protection Program administered by the Small Business Administration. These loan proceeds totaled $1.5 million and relate to FAT Brands Inc. as well as five restaurant locations that are part of the Company’s refranchising program.

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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following discussion and analysis of our results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and capital resources should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, as applicable. Certain statements contained hereinmade or incorporated by reference in this report and certain statements contained in futureour other filings by the Company with the SEC may not be based on historical factsSecurities and are “Forward-Looking Statements”Exchange Commission, in our press releases and in statements made by or with the approval of authorized personnel constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Allamended, or the Exchange Act, and are subject to the safe harbor created thereby. Forward-looking statements reflect intent, belief, current expectations, estimates or projections about, among other thanthings, our industry, management’s beliefs, and future events and financial trends affecting us. Words such as “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “seeks,” “estimates,” “may,” “will” and variations of these words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of historical facts containedfuture events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, are forward-looking statements. Although we believe the expectations reflected in any forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Therefore, our actual results could differ materially and adversely from those expressed in any forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including but not limited to, COVID-19. These differences can arise as a result of the risks described in the section entitled “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 28, 2020 “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this Form 10-Qreport, as well as other factors that may be forward-looking statements. Statements regardingaffect our futurebusiness, results of operations, andor financial position, business strategycondition. Forward-looking statements in this report speak only as of the date hereof, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including, among others, statements regarding the Reorganization Transactions, expected new franchisees, brands, store openings and future capital expenditures are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements in documents incorporated by terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “could,” “intends,” “targets,” “projects,” “contemplates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:

our inability to manage our growth;
the actions of our franchisees;
our inability to maintain good relationships with our franchisees;
our inability to successfully add franchisees, brands and new stores, and timely develop and expand our operations;
our inability to protect our brands and reputation;
our inability to adequately protect our intellectual property;
success of our advertising and marketing campaigns;
our inability to protect against security breaches of confidential guest information;
our business model being susceptible to litigation;
competition from other restaurants;
shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food products;
our vulnerability to increased food commodity costs;
our failure to prevent food safety and food-borne illness incidents;
changes in consumer tastes and nutritional and dietary trends;
our dependence on key executive management;
our inability to identify qualified individuals for our workforce;
our vulnerability to labor costs;
our inability to comply with governmental regulation;
violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws;
our inability to maintain sufficient levels of cash flow, or access to capital, to meet growth expectations; and
FCCG’s control of us.

These forward-looking statementsreference speak only as of the date of this Form 10 Q. Except as may bethose documents. Unless otherwise required by law, the Company does notwe undertake and specifically disclaims anyno obligation to publicly releaseupdate or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. In light of these risks and uncertainties, we cannot assure you that the forward-looking statements contained in this report will, in fact, transpire.

COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) as a pandemic, which continues to spread throughout the United States and other countries. As a result, Company franchisees have temporarily closed some retail locations, reduced or modified store operating hours, adopted a “to-go” only operating model, or a combination of these actions. These actions have reduced consumer traffic, all resulting in a negative impact to Company revenues. While the disruption to our business from the COVID-19 pandemic is currently expected to be temporary, there is a great deal of uncertainty around the severity and duration of the disruption, and also the longer-term effects on our business and economic growth and consumer demand in the U.S. and worldwide. The effects of COVID-19 may materially adversely affect our business, results of any revisionsoperations, liquidity and ability to service our existing debt, particularly if these effects continue in place for a significant amount of time. As additional information becomes available regarding the potential impact and the duration of the negative financial effects of the current pandemic, the Company may determine that an impairment adjustment to the recorded value of trademarks, goodwill and other intangible assets may be made to any Forward-Looking Statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.necessary.

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Financial Statements of FAT Brands Inc. and the notes thereto included elsewhere in this filing. References in this filing to “the Company,” “we,” “our,” and “us” refer to FAT Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries unless the context indicates otherwise.

Executive Overview

 

Business overview

 

FAT Brands Inc., formed in March 2017 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fog Cutter Capital Group, Inc. (“FCCG”), is a leading multi-brand restaurant franchising company that develops, markets, and acquires predominantly fast casual restaurant concepts around the world. On October 20, 2017, we completed an initial public offering and issued additional shares of common stock representing 20 percent of our ownership (the “Offering”). As of March 29, 2020, FCCG continues to control a significant voting majority of the Company.

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As a franchisor, we generally do not own or operate restaurant locations, but rather generate revenue by charging franchisees an initial franchise fee as well as ongoing royalties. Since it requires relatively small investments in tangible assets, thisThis asset light franchisor model provides the opportunity for strong profit margins and an attractive free cash flow profile while minimizing restaurant operating company risk, such as long-term real estate commitments or capital investments. Our scalable management platform enables us to add new stores and restaurant concepts to our portfolio with minimal incremental corporate overhead cost, while taking advantage of significant corporate overhead synergies. The acquisition of additional brands and restaurant concepts as well as expansion of our existing brands are key elements of our growth strategy.

 

FAT Brands Inc. was formed onAs of March 21, 2017 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc. (“FCCG”). As described in more detail below, in connection with our initial public offering, two other subsidiaries of FCCG,29, 2020, the Company owns eight restaurant brands: Fatburger, North America, Inc. (“Fatburger”)Buffalo’s Cafe, Buffalo’s Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Ponderosa and Buffalo’s Franchise Concepts, Inc. (“Buffalo’s”) were contributed to us by FCCG as operating subsidiaries on October 20, 2017. FatburgerBonanza Steakhouses, Elevation Burger and Buffalo’s were historically under a cost-sharing and reimbursement arrangement with FCCG. After the transfer of these entities to our control, the cost-sharing and reimbursement arrangement with FCCG was terminated and all employees were moved to FAT Brands Inc. or our subsidiaries as appropriate. The historical financial statements are expected to be consistent with the new FAT Brands Inc. entity, inYalla Mediterranean, that reimbursement expense and direct employee costs both appear under general and administrative expenses and are expected to be materially the same amounts going forward.have over 370 locations.

Operating segments

 

In March 2017, FCCG agreed to acquire Homestyle Dining LLC from Metromedia CompanyWith minor exceptions, our operations are comprised exclusively of franchising a growing portfolio of restaurant brands. Our growth strategy is centered on expanding the footprint of existing brands and its affiliate (“Metromedia”) pursuant toacquiring new brands through a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, as amended,centralized management organization which provided for a cash purchase price of $10,550,000 to be paid at closing. Effective October 20, 2017, we provided approximately $10,550,000 of the net proceeds from the Offering to FCCG to consummate the acquisition of Homestyle Dining LLC. In exchange, we received full ownershipprovides substantially all executive leadership, marketing, training and accounting services. While there are variations in the Homestyle Dining operating subsidiaries: Ponderosa Franchising Company, Bonanza Restaurant Company, Ponderosa International Development, Inc. and Puerto Rico Ponderosa, Inc. (collectively, “Ponderosa”). These subsidiaries conductbrands, the worldwide franchisingnature of our business is fairly consistent across our portfolio. Consequently, our management assesses the Ponderosa Steakhouse Restaurants andprogress of our operations as a whole, rather than by brand or location, which has become more significant as the Bonanza Steakhouse Restaurants.number of brands has increased.

 

We intend to acquire additional restaurant franchising conceptsOur chief operating decision maker (“CODM”) is our Chief Executive Officer. Our CODM reviews financial performance and allocates resources at an overall level on a recurring basis. Therefore, management has determined that will allow us to offer additional food categoriesthe Company has one operating and expand our geographic footprint.reportable segment.

 

AsResults of October 20, 2017, we operate the Fatburger, Buffalo’s and Ponderosa restaurant concepts with 292 total locations across 25 states and 19 countries. While our existing footprint covers 18 countries in which we have franchised restaurants open and operational as of October 20, 2017, our overall footprint (including development agreements for proposed stores in new markets and nine countries where our brands previously had a presence that we intend to resell to new franchisees) covers 27 countries. For each of our current restaurant brands and those that we will seek to acquire, the ability to expand the overall concept footprint, both domestically and internationally, is of critical importance and a primary acquisition evaluation criterion. We believe that our restaurant concepts have meaningful growth potential and appeal to a broad base of consumers globally.Operations

 

We operate on a 52-week or 53-week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday of the calendar year. In a 52-week fiscal year, each quarter contains 13 weeks of operations; inoperations. In a 53-week fiscal year, each of the first, second and third quarters includes 13 weeks of operations and the fourth quarter includes 14 weeks of operations, which may cause our revenue, expenses and other results of operations to be higher due to an additional week of operations.

Operating segments

Effective with our initial public offering The 2020 and the acquisitions that followed, our operating segments are:

(i)The Fatburger Franchise Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Fatburger concept.
(ii)The Buffalo’s Franchise Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Buffalo’s Café and Buffalo’s Express concepts.
(iii)The Ponderosa Franchise Division which includes our worldwide operations of the Bonanza and Ponderosa Steakhouse concepts.

Key Performance Indicators

To evaluate the performance of our business, we utilize a variety of financial and performance measures, which2019 fiscal years are typically calculated on a system-wide basis. These key measures include new store openings, average unit volumes and same-store sales growth in addition to the general income statement line items such as revenues, general and administrative expenses, income before income tax expense and net income.

New store openings -The number of new store openings reflects the number of stores opened during a particular reporting period. The total number of new stores per year and the timing of stores openings has, and will continue to have, an impact on our results.

Average unit volumes -Average Unit Volumes for any 12-month period consist of the average sales of all stores over that period that have been open a full year. Average unit volumes are calculated by dividing total sales from all stores open a full year by the number of stores open during that period. The measurement of AUVs allows us to assess changes in guest traffic and per transaction patterns at our stores.

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Same-store sales growth -Same-store sales growth reflects the change in year-over-year sales for the comparable store base, which we define as the number of stores open for at least one full fiscal year. Given our focused marketing efforts and public excitement surrounding each opening, new stores often experience an initial start-up period with considerably higher than average sales volumes, which subsequently decrease to stabilized levels after three to six months. Thus, we do not include stores in the comparable store base until they have been open for at least one full fiscal year. We expect that this trend will continue for the foreseeable future as we continue to open and expand into new markets.

Subsequent Events

Issuance of Common Stock

On October 19, 2017, the Company conducted a forward split of its common stock, par value $0.0001, which increased shares held by FCCG to 8,000,000 shares. On October 20, 2017, the Company completed its initial public offering and issued 2,000,000 additional shares of its common stock at an offering price of $12.00 per share, for an aggregate amount of $24,000,000 (the “Offering”). The net proceeds of the Offering were approximately $21,200,000 after deducting the selling agent fees of approximately $1,780,800 and Offering expenses of approximately $1,019,200. Details of the Offering are described in our Regulation A Offering Statement on Form 1-A, and are incorporated herein by this reference. Our common stock trades on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “FAT.”

The Reorganization Transactions

Subsequent to the closing of the Offering, we completed the following transactions, which are referred to collectively as the “Reorganization Transactions”:

Effective October 20, 2017, FCCG contributed two of its operating subsidiaries, Fatburger North America Inc. and Buffalo’s Franchise Concepts Inc., to us in exchange for an unsecured promissory note with a principal balance of $30,000,000, bearing interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, and maturing in five years (referred to as the “Related Party Debt”). The contribution was consummated pursuant to a Contribution Agreement between us and FCCG. Approximately $9,500,000 of the net proceeds from the Offering was used to repay a portion of Related Party Debt owed to FCCG.

In March 2017, FCCG agreed to acquire Homestyle Dining LLC from Metromedia pursuant to a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement, as amended, which provided for a cash purchase price of $10,550,000 to be paid at closing. Effective October 20, 2017, we provided approximately $10,550,000 of the net proceeds from the Offering to FCCG to consummate the acquisition of Homestyle Dining LLC. In exchange, we received full ownership in Ponderosa, which conduct the worldwide franchising of the Ponderosa Steakhouse Restaurants and the Bonanza Steakhouse Restaurants.

Effective October 20, 2017, we entered into a Tax Sharing Agreement with FCCG that provides that FCCG will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, file consolidated federal, California and Oregon (and possibly other jurisdictions where revenue is generated, at FCCG’s election) income tax returns with us and our subsidiaries. We will pay to FCCG the amount that our tax liability would have been had we filed a separate return. To the extent our required payment exceeds our share of the actual combined income tax liability (which may occur, for example, due to the application of FCCG’s net operating loss carryforwards), we will be permitted, in the discretion of a committee of our board of directors comprised solely of directors not affiliated with or interested in FCCG, to pay such excess to FCCG by issuing an equivalent amount of our common stock in lieu of cash, valued at the fair market value at the time of such payment. In addition, our inter-company receivable of approximately $13,175,000 due from FCCG to Fatburger and Buffalo’s will be applied first to reduce such excess income tax payment obligation to FCCG under the Tax Sharing Agreement.

On October 20, 2017, the Company granted stock options for 367,500 shares under the 2017 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan to directors and employees, each with an exercise price equal to $12.00 per share and subject to a three-year vesting requirement.

Agreement to purchase Hurricane Grill & Wings

On November 14, 2017, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) to purchase the membership interests of Hurricane AMT, LLC, a Florida limited liability corporation (“Hurricane”), for a purchase price of $12,500,000. Hurricane is the franchisor of Hurricane Grill & Wings and Hurricane BTW Restaurants. The original Hurricane Grill & Wings opened in Fort Pierce, Florida in 1995 and has expanded to over 60 restaurant locations in Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, New York, and Texas.

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Results of Operations

Prior to the closing of the Reorganizing Transactions, in which we became the parent company for Fatburger and Buffalo’s, we were under common control with these companies as subsidiaries of FCCG. The following unaudited information presents the combined operating results of Fatburger and Buffalo’s for the 39 weeks and the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016, respectively.

The following tables summarize key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated:

(In thousands)

  39 weeks ended September 24, 2017  39 weeks ended September 25, 2016 
  Fatburger  Buffalo’s  Combined  Fatburger  Buffalo’s  Combined 
  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
Statement of operations data:                  
                   
Revenues                        
Royalties $3,580  $920  $4,500  $3,540  $1,021  $4,561 
Franchise fees  1,683   430   2,113   3,128   255   3,383 
Management fee  47   -   47   59   -   59 
Total revenues  5,310   1,350   6,660   6,727   1,276   8,003 
                         
General and administrative expenses  1,852   503   2,355   2,365   491   2,856 
                         
Income from operations  3,458   847   4,305   4,362   785   5,147 
                         
Other income (expense)  (23)  -   (23)  (32)  36   4 
                         
Income before income tax expense  3,435   847   4,282   4,330   821   5,151 
                         
Income tax expense  1,264   277   1,541   1,613   269   1,882 
                         
Net income $2,171  $570  $2,741  $2,717  $552  $3,269 

(In thousands)

  13 weeks ended September 24, 2017  13 weeks ended September 25, 2016 
  Fatburger  Buffalo’s  Combined  Fatburger  Buffalo’s  Combined 
  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
Statement of operations data:                        
                         
Revenues                        
Royalties $1,205  $308  $1,513  $1,162  $328  $1,490 
Franchise fees  529   325   854   1,453   -   1,453 
Management fee  17   -   17   14   -   14 
Total revenues  1,751   633   2,384   2,629   328   2,957 
                         
General and administrative expenses  552   187   739   755   125   880 
                         
Income from operations  1,199   446   1,645   1,874   203   2,077 
                         
Other income (expense)  (27)  -   (27)  3   -   3 
                         
Income before income tax expense  1,172   446   1,618   1,877   203   2,080 
                         
Income tax expense  444   142   586   673   66   739 
                         
Net income $728  $304  $1,032  $1,204  $137  $1,341 

Results of Operations of Fatburger North America

For the 39 Weeks Ended September 24, 2017, as Compared to the 39 Weeks Ended September 25, 2016

Net Income- Net income of Fatburger for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 decreased by $546,000 or 20.1% to $2,171,000 compared to $2,717,000 for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower recognized franchise fees in the amount of $1,445,000, partially offset by a reduction in general and administrative expenses of $513,000 and a lower provision for income taxes of $349,000.

Revenues- Fatburger’s revenues consist of royalty fees, franchise fees and management fees. Fatburger had revenues of $5,310,000 and $6,727,000 for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016, respectively. The $1,417,000 or 21.1% decrease in revenues from the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016 to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 was primarily driven by a decrease in franchise fees recognized. The recognition of previously collected franchise fees into income can vary significantly from year to year based upon the number of new store openings and other triggering events.

General and Administrative Expenses- General and administrative expenses of Fatburger consist primarily of payroll, consulting fees and an allocation of corporate overhead from FCCG. General and administrative expenses for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 decreased $513,000 or 21.7% to $1,852,000, as compared to $2,365,000 for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016. This was primarily the result of a decrease in allocated corporate overhead from FCCG of $224,000; a reduction in salaries of $220,000; and a reduction in the amount of uncollectable receivables in the amount of $62,000 for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 compared with the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016.

New Store Openings-For the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017, our Fatburger franchisees opened 14 stores as compared to 4 stores for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016.

Same-store sales growth-Adjusted same-store sales in our core domestic market (representing approximately 69% of revenues for 2016) grew by positive 7.9% for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017, compared to growth of 0.4% for the for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016. Overall Fatburger same-store sales, including international stores in their local currency were positive 1.1% for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and negative 5.0% for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016. These results reflect the deterioration in macroeconomic conditions in Canada and the Middle East due to the decline in oil prices, as well as increased competition internationally. The same-store sale results exclude two restaurants which were subject to extraordinary adverse operating conditions in 2015, 2016 and 2017 related to construction blocking direct access or visibility to the restaurant and political sanctions affecting the supply chain and the related local economy. The Fatburger restaurant on the Las Vegas Strip was affected by extensive construction on Las Vegas Blvd. The Fatburger restaurant located in Doha, Qatar in the Pearl District was affected by extensive construction and political sanctions affecting the supply chain and related local economy. If these restaurants were included the same-store sales data, the change in same-store sales for our core domestic market would be positive 5.4% for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and negative 0.6% for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016, and same-store sales system-wide would be negative 0.4% for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and negative 5.4% for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016.

For the 13 Weeks Ended September 24, 2017, as Compared to the 13 Weeks Ended September 25, 2016

Net Income- Net income of Fatburger for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 decreased by $476,000 or 39.5% to $728,000 compared to $1,204,000 for the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower recognized franchise fees in the amount of $924,000, partially offset by a reduction in general and administrative expenses of $203,000 and a lower provision for income taxes of $229,000.

Revenues- Fatburger had revenues of $1,751,000 and $2,629,000 for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016, respectively. The $878,000 or 33.4% decrease in revenues from the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016 to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 was primarily the result of the decrease in recognized franchise fees.

General and Administrative Expenses- General and administrative expenses for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 decreased $203,000 or 26.9% to $552,000 as compared to $755,000 for the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016. This was primarily the result of a decrease in salary expense of $95,000 and a reduction in the amount of uncollectable receivables of $90,000.

New Store Openings-Forthe 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017, our Fatburger franchisees opened 3 stores as compared to 1 store forthe 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources of Fatburger North America

Fatburger funds its operations primarily through franchise fees and royalties.We believe that cash provided by operating activities are adequate to fund our working capital obligations for the next 12 months. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.

As of September 24, 2017, Fatburger had current assets of $494,000 comprised primarily of accounts receivables. This compares with current assets of $568,000 as of December 25, 2016.

Fatburger had current liabilities of $4,854,000 comprised of deferred income of $1,877,000; accounts payable of $1,421,000 and accrued expenses of $1,556,000, as of September 24, 2017. This compares with current liabilities of $3,547,000 comprised of deferred income of $1,339,000; accounts payable of $1,070,000; and accrued expenses of $1,138,000 as of December 25, 2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements of Fatburger North America

Fatburger does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.52-week years.

 

Results of Operations of Buffalo’s Franchise ConceptsFAT Brands Inc.

 

ForThe following table summarizes key components of our combined results of operations for the 39 Weeks Ended September 24, 2017, as Comparedthirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019. The results of Elevation Burger were not included in the operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019 because that subsidiary was acquired by the Company subsequent to the 39 Weeks Ended September 25, 2016that date.

(In thousands)

  For the thirteen weeks ended 
  March 29, 2020  March 31, 2019 
       
Statement of operations data:        
         
Revenues        
Royalties $3,309  $3,463 
Franchise fees  175   313 
Store opening fees  -   105 
Advertising fees  931   976 
Other revenue  8   16 
Total revenues  4,423   4,873 
         
Costs and expenses        
General and administrative expenses  3,531   2,714 
Advertising expenses  931   976 
Refranchising restaurant costs and expenses, net of revenue  539   518 
Costs and expenses  5,001   4,208 
         
 (Loss) income from operations  (578)  665 
         
Other expense, net  (2,090)  (2,093)
         
Loss before income tax (benefit) expense  (2,668)  (1,428)
         
Income tax (benefit) expense  (298)  (718)
         
Net loss $(2,370) $(710)

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Net Income –Loss- Net income of Buffalo’sloss for the 39thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2017 increased by $18,000 or 3.3% to $570,000, as compared to $552,000March 29, 2020 totaled $2,370,000 consisting of revenues of $4,423,000 less costs and expenses of $5,001,000, other expense of $2,090,000 and income tax benefit of 298,000. Net loss for the 39thirteen weeks ended September 25, 2016. The increase was primarily attributable to an increase in revenueMarch 31, 2019 totaled $710,000 consisting of $74,000 or 5.8%, which was partially offset by increases in generalrevenues of $4,873,000 less costs and administrative expenses of $12,000 or 2.4%; a decrease in$4,208,000, other expense of $2,093,000 and income tax benefit of $36,000 and an increase in the provision for income taxes of $8,000.$718,000.

 

Revenues Buffalo’s revenues- Revenues consist of royaltyroyalties, franchise fees, advertising fees and management fees. We had revenues of $4,423,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 compared to $4,873,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019. The decrease of $450,000 reflects the beginning negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on royalties from restaurant sales and the adoption of a preferred application of ASC 606 related to the recognition of franchise fees. Buffalo’s had revenuesand store opening fees (See Note 2 in the accompanying financial statements).

Costs and Expenses Costs and expenses consist primarily of $1,350,000general and $1,276,000 foradministrative costs, advertising expense and refranchising restaurant operating costs, net of associated sales. Our costs and expenses increased from $4,208,000 in the 39first quarter of 2019 to $5,001,000 in the first quarter of 2020.

For the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2017March 29, 2020, our general and September 25, 2016, respectively.administrative expenses totaled $3,531,000. For the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2019, our general and administrative expenses totaled $2,714,000. The increase in revenuethe amount of $74,000 is$817,000 was primarily the result of increases in recognizedcompensation expenses and public company expenses. Amortization of franchise feesagreements acquired in 2017connection with Elevation Burger also contributed to the increase in general and administrative expenses.

During the first quarter of $175,000. This increase was partially reduced by lower royalties2020, our refranchising efforts resulted in 2017restaurant operating costs and expenses, net of associated sales in the amount of $101,000 due primarily$539,000 compared to $518,000 during the comparable period of 2019.

Advertising expenses totaled $931,000 during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019 compared to $976,000 during the first quarter of 2019. These expenses generally correspond to the closureadvertising fees recorded as revenue.

Other Expense –Other expense for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 totaled $2,090,000 compared to $2,093,000 for the period ended March 31, 2019. These expenses consisted primarily of two long-standing franchise locations in Atlanta, Georgianet interest expense of $2,074,000 and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.$2,117,000 for the 2020 and 2019 periods, respectively.

 

General and Administrative ExpensesIncome Tax BenefitGeneral and administrative expensesWe recorded an income tax benefit in the amount of Buffalo’s primarily consist of payroll, consulting fees$298,000 for the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 and an allocationincome tax benefit of corporate overhead from FCCG. General and administrative expenses$718,000 for the 39thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2017 increased by $12,000 or 2.4% to $503,000 as compared to $491,000March 31, 2019. These tax results were based on a net loss before taxes of 2,668,000 and $1,428,000 for the 39thirteen weeks ended September 25, 2016. This increase was primarilyMarch 29, 2020 and March 31, 2019, respectively. Non-deductible expenses, such as accrued and paid dividends on preferred stock, reduced the result of an increase in the corporate overhead allocation of $13,000 and an increase in consulting fees of $108,000 which was partially offset by decreases in salary and wage expenses of $106,000benefit for the 2017current period compared with the 2016 period.as a percentage of pre-tax loss.

 

New Store Openings –There were no new stores opened byLiquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity is a measurement of our Buffalo’s Cafe franchiseesability to meet potential cash requirements, including ongoing commitments to repay borrowings, fund business operations, acquisitions, and expansion of franchised restaurant locations and for other general business purposes. In addition to our cash on hand, our primary sources of funds for liquidity during the 39thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2017,March 29, 2020 consisted of cash provided by borrowings.

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We are involved in a world-wide expansion of franchise locations, which will require significant liquidity, primarily from our franchisees. If real estate locations of sufficient quality cannot be located and either leased or purchased, the timing of restaurant openings may be delayed. Additionally, if we or our franchisees cannot obtain capital sufficient to fund this expansion, the timing of restaurant openings may be delayed.

We also plan to acquire additional restaurant concepts. These acquisitions typically require capital investments in excess of our normal cash on hand. We would expect that future acquisitions will necessitate financing with additional debt or equity transactions. If we are unable to obtain acceptable financing, our ability to acquire additional restaurant concepts may be negatively impacted.

As of March 29, 2020, we had cash and restricted cash of $5,714,000. On March 6, 2020, the Company completed a whole-business securitization (the “Securitization”) through the creation of a bankruptcy-remote issuing entity, FAT Brands Royalty I, LLC (“FAT Royalty”) in which FAT Royalty issued new notes (the “Securitization Notes”) pursuant an indenture and the supplement thereto (collectively, the “Indenture”). Net proceeds from the issuance of the Securitization Notes were $37,314,000, which consists of the combined face amount of $40,000,000, net of discounts of $246,000 and debt offering costs of $2,440,000 (See “Liquidity”in Note 1. Organization and Relationship in the accompanying consolidated financial statements). A portion of the proceeds from the Securitization was used to repay the remaining $26,771,000 in outstanding balance under the Loan and Security Agreement and to pay the debt offering costs related to the Securitization. The remaining proceeds from the Securitization will be used for working capital. We expect that the working capital from the Securitization combined with receipts collected from the limited operations of our franchisees due to COVID-19 and the disciplined management of the Company’s operating expenses will be sufficient to meet our current liquidity needs.

Subsequent to March 29, 2020, as a result of COVID-19, the Company received proceeds from the Payroll Protection Program administered by the Small Business Administration. These loan proceeds totaled $1.5 million and relate to FAT Brands Inc. as well as five restaurant locations that are part of the Company’s refranchising program.

Comparison of Cash Flows

Our cash and restricted cash balance was $5,714,000 as of March 29, 2020, compared to two new stores opened$25,000 as of December 29, 2019.

The following table summarize key components of our consolidated cash flows for the 39thirteen weeks ended September 25, 2016.March 29, 2020 and March31, 2019:

 

Same-store Sales Growth –Same-store sales for Buffalo’s Cafe were positive 1%(In thousands)

For the Fiscal Years Ended

  March 29, 2020  March 31, 2019 
       
Net cash used in operating activities $(3,371) $(1,863)
Net cash used in investing activities  (3,413)  (1,423)
Net cash provided by financing activities  12,473   3,323 
Increase in cash flows $5,689  $37 

Operating Activities

Net cash used in operating activities was $3,371,000 during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 compared to $1,863,000 for the 39same period of 2019. Our net loss in 2020 was $2,370,000 compared to a net loss in 2019 of $710,000. The adjustments to reconcile these net losses to net used in operating activities were $1,001,000 in 2020 compared to $1,153,000 in 2019. The primary components of the adjustments included:

A $670,000 negative adjustment to cash due to a decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $659,000 compared to an increase of $1,244,000 in 2019;
A positive adjustment to cash due to accretion expense related to each of the following: (i) the term loan, (ii) the preferred shares, and (iii) the acquisition purchase price payables totaling $378,000 compared to $1,102,000 in 2019;
A positive adjustment to cash due to an increase in dividends payable on preferred stock of $444,000 compared to $162,000 in 2019;
A positive adjustment to cash due to an increase in deferred income of $339,000 compared to a decrease of $266,000 in 2019; and

A negative adjustment to cash due to an increase in accrued interest income due from an affiliate in the amount of $718,000 in 2020 compared to $467,000 in the 2019 period;

A negative adjustment to cash due to a decrease in accrued interest payable of $973,000 compared to a decrease of $1,541,000 in 2019.

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Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities totaled $3,413,000 during the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2017 and positive 2.8% forMarch 29, 2020 compared to a decrease of $1,423,000 during the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016. The softening in positive same-store sales for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 was primarily attributablesame period of 2019. During 2020, we made advances to adverse weather conditionsaffiliates in the Atlanta areaamount of $5,091,000 compared to advances of $1,400,000 during 2019. We also received proceeds from the sale of a refranchised location in the amount of $1,650,000 during the first quarter of 2017, which had a negative effect on customer traffic. We excluded four restaurants2020.

Financing Activities

Net cash from financing activities totaled $12,473,000 during the calculation of same-store sales because they were subject to extraordinary adverse operating conditions in 2016 and 2017, related to construction blocking direct access or visibility to the restaurant, changes in the alcohol laws or political sanctions affecting the supply chain and the related local economy: Hamilton Mill Atlanta, Canyon, Texas, The Ezdan Mall Doha, Qatar, and the Kingdom Mall Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. If these restaurants were included, the same-store sales system-wide would have been negative 2.2% for the 39thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2017 and negative 2.7% forMarch 29, 2020 compared to $3,323,000 during the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016.same period of 2019. Proceeds from borrowings were $17,546,000 higher in 2020 than in 2019. Our repayments of borrowings were $7,749,000 higher in 2020 than in 2019.

 

For the 13 Weeks Ended September 24, 2017, as Compared to the 13 Weeks Ended September 25, 2016Dividends

 

Net Income – Net incomeOur Board of Buffalo’s forDirectors did not declare a dividend during the 13thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2017 increased by $167,000 or 121.9%March 29, 2020.

On February 7, 2019, our Board of Directors declared a stock dividend equal to $304,000,2.13% on its common stock, representing the number of shares equal to $0.12 per share of common stock based on the closing price as comparedof February 6, 2019. The stock dividend was paid on February 28, 2019 to $137,000stockholders of record as of the close of business on February 19, 2019. The Company issued 245,376 shares of common stock at a per share price of $5.64 in satisfaction of the stock dividend. No fractional shares were issued, instead the Company paid stockholders cash totaling $1,670 for fractional interests based on the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016. market value of the common stock on the record date.

The increase was primarily attributabledeclaration and payment of future dividends, as well as the amount thereof, are subject to an increasethe discretion of our Board of Directors. The amount and size of any future dividends will depend upon our future results of operations, financial condition, capital levels, cash requirements and other factors. There can be no assurance that we will declare and pay dividends in revenue of $305,000 or 93.0%, which was partially offset by increases in general and administrative expenses of $62,000 or 49.6% and an increase in the provision for income taxes of $76,000.future periods.

 

Revenues –Securitization Buffalo’s revenues

On March 6, 2020, we completed a whole-business securitization (the “Securitization”) through the creation of a bankruptcy-remote issuing entity, FAT Brands Royalty I, LLC (“FAT Royalty”) in which FAT Royalty issued new notes (the “Securitization Notes”) pursuant to an indenture and the supplement thereto (collectively, the “Indenture”).

The new notes consist of royalty feesthe following:

Note  Public Rating Seniority Issue Amount  Coupon  First Call Date Final Legal Maturity Date
                
A-2  BB Senior $20,000,000   6.50% 4/27/2021 4/27/2026
B-2  B Senior Subordinated $20,000,000   9.00% 4/27/2021 4/27/2026

Net proceeds from the issuance of the Securitization Notes were $37,314,000, which consists of the combined face amount of $40,000,000, net of discounts of $246,000 and debt offering costs of $2,440,000. The discount and offering costs will be accreted as additional interest expense over the recognitionexpected term of franchise fees. Buffalo’s had revenuesthe Securitization Notes.

A portion of $633,000the proceeds from the Securitization was used to repay the remaining $26,771,000 in outstanding balance under the Loan and $328,000Security Agreement with Lion and to pay the Securitization debt offering costs. The remaining proceeds from the Securitization will be used for working capital.

36

In connection with the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017Securitization, FAT Royalty and September 25, 2016, respectively. The increase in revenueeach of $305,000 is primarily the result of increases in recognized franchise feesFAT Brands Franchising Entities (as defined in the 2017 periodIndenture) entered into a Management Agreement with the Company, dated as of $325,000. This increase was partially reducedthe Closing Date, pursuant to which the Company agreed to act as manager of the Issuer and each of the FAT Brands Franchise Entities. The Management Agreement provides for a Management Fee payable monthly by lower royalties inFAT Royalty to the 2017 periodCompany in the amount of $20,000 due primarily$200,000, subject to three percent (3%) annual increases. The primary responsibilities of the manager are to perform certain franchising, distribution, intellectual property and operational functions on behalf of the FAT Brands Franchise Entities pursuant to the closure of two long-standing franchise locations in Atlanta, Georgia and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Management Agreement.

 

13

GeneralWhile the Securitization Notes are outstanding, scheduled payments of principal and Administrative Expenses –―General and administrative expenses of Buffalo’s primarily consist of payroll, consulting fees and an allocation of corporate overhead from FCCG. General and administrative expensesinterest are required to be made on a quarterly basis. It is expected that the Securitization Notes will be repaid prior to the Final Legal Maturity Date, with the anticipated repayment date occurring in January 2023 for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 increased by $62,000 or 49.6% to $187,000 as compared to $125,000A-2 Notes and October 2023 for the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016. This increase was primarilyB-2 Notes (the “Anticipated Repayment Dates”). If the result of an increaseCompany has not repaid or refinanced the Securitization Notes prior to the applicable Anticipated Repayment Date, additional interest expense will begin to accrue and all additional proceeds will be trapped for full amortization, as defined in the corporate overhead allocationIndenture.

The Notes are secured by substantially all of $46,000;the assets of FAT Royalty, including the equity interests in the FAT Brands Franchising Entities. The restrictions placed on the Company’s subsidiaries require that the Company’s principal and interest obligations have first priority, after the payment of the Management Fee and certain other FAT Royalty expenses (as defined in the Indenture), and amounts are segregated monthly to ensure appropriate funds are reserved to pay the quarterly principal and interest amounts due. The amount of monthly cash flow that exceeds the required monthly debt service is generally remitted to the Company. Once the required obligations are satisfied, there are no further restrictions, including payment of dividends, on the cash flows of the subsidiaries.

The Notes have not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any jurisdiction. No Notes or any interest or participation thereof may be reoffered, resold, pledged or otherwise transferred unless such Note meets certain requirements as described in the Indenture.

The Notes are subject to certain financial and non-financial covenants, including a debt service coverage ratio calculation, as defined in the Indenture. In the event that certain covenants are not met, the Notes may become partially or fully due and payable on an increaseaccelerated schedule. In addition, the Company may voluntarily prepay, in consulting fees of $38,000 and an increasepart or in accounting costs of $14,000 which were partially offset by decreasesfull, the Notes in salary and wage expenses of $31,000 and other net decreases of $5,000.accordance with the provisions in the Indenture.

 

New Store Openings –There were no new stores opened by our Buffalo’s Cafe franchisees for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017orfor the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources of Buffalo’s Franchise ConceptsExpenditures

Buffalo’s funds its operations primarily through franchise fees and royalties.We believe that cash provided by operating activities are adequate to fund our working capital obligations for the next 12 months. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.

 

As of September 24, 2017, Buffalo’s had current assets of $62,000, comprised primarily of accounts receivables. This compares with current assets of $54,000 as of December 25, 2016. The increase in current assets was due to an increase in accounts receivables.

Buffalo’s had current liabilities of $403,000 comprised primarily of deferred income of $152,000, accounts payable of $171,000 and other accrued expenses of $80,000 as of September 24, 2017. This compares with current liabilities of $438,000 comprised of deferred income of $253,000, accounts payable of $97,000 and accrued expenses of $88,000 as of December 25, 2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements of Buffalo’s Franchise Concepts

Buffalo’s doesMarch 29, 2020, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity,material commitments for capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.expenditures.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates (Fatburger and Buffalo’s)

 

Franchise Fees: The franchise arrangement is documented in the form of a franchise agreement. The franchise arrangement requires us to perform various activities to support the brand that do not directly transfer goods and services to the franchisee, but instead represent a single performance obligation, which is the transfer of the franchise license. The services provided by us are highly interrelated with the franchise license and are considered a single performance obligation. Franchise fee revenue from the sale of individual franchises is recognized over the term of the individual franchise agreement. Unamortized non-refundable deposits collected in relation to the sale of franchises are recorded as deferred franchise fees.

The franchise fee may be adjusted at management’s discretion or in a situation involving store transfers. Deposits are non-refundable upon acceptance of the franchise application. In the event a franchisee does not comply with their development timeline for opening franchise stores, the franchise rights may be terminated, and franchise fee revenue is recognized for non-refundable deposits.

Store opening fees – Prior to September 29, 2019, we recognized store opening fees in the amount of $35,000 to $60,000 from the up-front fees collected from franchisees upon store opening. The amount of the fee was dependent on brand and location (domestic versus international stores). The remaining balance of the up-front fees were then amortized as franchise fees over the life of the franchise agreement. If the fees collected were less than the respective store opening fee amounts, the full up-front fees were recognized at store opening. The store opening fees were based on our out-of-pocket costs for each store opening and are primarily comprised of labor expenses associated with training, store design, and supply chain setup. International fees recognized were higher due to the additional cost of travel.

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During the fourth quarter of 2019, we performed a study of other public company restaurant franchisors’ application of ASC 606 and determined that a preferred, alternative industry application exists in which the store opening fee portion of the franchise fees is amortized over the life of the franchise agreement rather than at milestones of standalone performance obligations in the franchise agreements. In order to provide financial reporting consistent with other franchise industry peers, we applied this preferred, alternative application of ASC 606 during the fourth quarter of 2019 on a prospective basis. As a result of the adoption of this preferred accounting treatment under ASC 606, we discontinued the recognition of store opening fees upon store opening and began accounting for the entire up-front deposit received from franchisees as described above inFranchise Fees.A cumulative adjustment to store opening fees and franchise fees was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2019 for store opening fees recognized during the first three quarters of 2019. (See “Immaterial Adjustments Related to Prior Periods”,in Note 2 of the accompanying financial statements.)

Royalties:In addition to franchise fee revenue, we collect a royalty calculated as a percentage of net sales from our franchisees. Royalties range from 0.75% to 6% and are recognized as revenue when the related sales are made by the franchisees. Royalties collected in advance of sales are classified as deferred income until earned.

Advertising:We require advertising payments based on a percent of net sales from franchisees. We also receive, from time to time, payments from vendors that are to be used for advertising. Advertising funds collected are required to be spent for specific advertising purposes. Advertising revenue and associated expense is recorded on the consolidated statement of operations. Assets and liabilities associated with the related advertising fees are reflected in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Goodwill and other intangible assets:assets:Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives, such as trademarks, are not amortized but are reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators arise. No impairment has been identified for the years ended December 25, 2016 and prior.as of March 29, 2020.

 

RevenueAssets classified as held for sale –Assets are classified as held for sale when we commit to a plan to sell the asset, the asset is available for immediate sale in its present condition and an active program to locate a buyer at a reasonable price has been initiated. The sale of these assets is generally expected to be completed within one year. The combined assets are valued at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, net of costs to sell and included as current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Assets classified as held for sale are not depreciated. However, interest attributable to the liabilities associated with assets classified as held for sale and other expenses continue to be recorded as expenses in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations.

Income taxes: We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between financial reporting and tax reporting bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. Realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon future earnings, the timing and amount of which are uncertain.

We utilize a two-step approach to recognize and measure uncertain tax positions. The first step is to evaluate the tax position for recognition (Fatburger):Franchise fee revenue from salesby determining if the weight of individual franchisesavailable evidence indicates that it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon tax authority examination, including resolution of related appeals or litigation processes, if any. The second step is to measure the tax benefit as the largest amount that is more than 50% likely of being realized upon the ultimate settlement.

Share-based compensation: We have a stock option plan which provides for options to purchase shares of our common stock. For grants to employees and directors, we recognize an expense for the value of options granted at their fair value at the date of grant over the vesting period in which the options are earned. Cancellations or forfeitures are accounted for as they occur. Fair values are estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. For grants to non-employees for services, we revalue the options each reporting period while the services are being performed. The adjusted value of the options is recognized as revenue upon completion of training andan expense over the actual opening of a location. Typically, franchise fees are $50,000service period. See Note 14 in our consolidated financial statements for each domestic location and are collected 50% upon signing a deposit agreement and 50% at the signing of a lease and related franchise agreement. International franchise fees are typically $65,000 for each location, and are payable 100% upon signing a deposit agreement. The franchise fee may be adjusted at management’s discretion or in situations involving store transfers. Deposits are nonrefundable upon acceptance of the franchise application. These deposits are recorded as deferred income until the store opens. The company acknowledges that some of its franchisees have not complied with their development timelines for opening franchise stores. These franchise rights are terminated and franchise fee revenue is recognized for non-refundable deposits.more details on our share-based compensation.

 

In addition to franchise fee revenue, the Company collects a royalty of 2.5% to 6% of net sales from its franchisees. Royalties are recognized as revenue as the related sales are made by the franchisees. Royalties collected in advance are classified as deferred income until earned.

Revenue recognition (Buffalo’s): Franchise fee revenue from sales of individual franchises is recognized upon completion of training and the actual opening of a location. Typically, franchise fees are $50,000 for each domestic location and are collected 50% upon signing a deposit agreement and 50% at the signing of a lease and related franchise agreement. International franchise fees are typically $65,000 for each location, and are payable 100% upon signing a deposit agreement. The company typically charges a $25,000 co-brand conversion fee, in addition to the initial franchise fee.

The franchise fee may be adjusted at management’s discretion or in a situation involving store transfers. Deposits are non-refundable upon acceptance of the franchise application. These deposits are recorded as deferred income until store opens. The company acknowledges some of its franchisees have not compiled with their development timelines for opening franchise stores. These franchise rights are terminated and franchise fee revenue is recognized for non-refundable deposits.

In addition to franchise fee revenue, the company collects a royalty calculated as a percentage of net sales from its franchisees. Royalties are recognized as revenue when the related sales are made by the franchisees.

Advertising (Fatburger): Fatburger requires advertising payments from franchisees of 1.95% of net sales from Fatburger restaurants located in the Los Angeles marketing area and up to 0.95% of net sales from stores located outside of the Los Angeles marketing area. International locations pay 0.20% to 0.95%. The company also receives, from time to time, payments from vendors that are to be used for advertising. Since advertising funds collected are required to be spent for specific advertising purposes, no revenue or expense is recorded for advertising funds. Cumulative advertising expenditures in excess of collections are recorded as current assets and will be reimbursed by future advertising payments from franchises and other Fatburger affiliates. Cumulative collections in excess of advertising expenditures are recorded as accrued expenses and represent advertising funds collected which have not yet been spent on advertising activities.

Advertising (Buffalo’s): Buffalo’s generally requires advertising payments from franchisees of 2.0% of net sales from Buffalo’s Southwest Cafe restaurants. Co-branded restaurants generally pay 0.20% to 1.95%. The company also receives, from time to time, payments from vendors that are to be used for advertising. Since the company acts in a fiduciary role to collect and disburse these advertising funds, no revenue or expense is recorded. Advertising funds are segregated from other Company assets and the balance of the Buffalo’s Creative and Advertising Fund is recorded as an asset by the company with the offsetting advertising obligation recorded as a liability, Buffalo’s Creative and Advertising Fund - Contra.

Use of estimates: The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

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Recently IssuedAdopted Accounting Standards

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09, Revenue From Contracts With Customers (Topic 606), requiring an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods and services to customers. The updated standard will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective and permits the use of either a full retrospective or retrospective with cumulative effect transition method. In August 2015,2018, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, which defers2018-13,Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework – Changes to the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year, making it effectiveDisclosure Requirements for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The company is currently evaluating the effects adoption of this guidance will have on its financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, requiring a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases with a lease term of more than twelve months. Leases will continue to be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the recognition, measurement and presentation of expenses and cash flows arising from a lease.Fair Value Measurement. This ASU is effective for interimadds, modifies and annual period beginning afterremoves several disclosure requirements relative to the three levels of inputs used to measure fair value in accordance with Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.” The Company adopted this ASU on December 15, 2018 and requires a modified retrospective approach to adoption for lessees related to capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. Early adoption is permitted. The company does not currently have any leases that will have an impact on the financial statements or disclosures as a result of the adoption of this ASU.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. The new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017.30, 2019. The adoption of this standard isdid not expected to have a material impacteffect on the company’sCompany’s financial statements.

Results of Operations of Ponderosa

We were not affiliated with the Ponderosa entities until October 20, 2017. However, their future operations will be under our control. We are providing the following data regarding theposition, results of operations of Ponderosa for the 39 weeks and 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016 for informational purposes. The results of Ponderosa’s future operations as part of our consolidated group may be significantly different.

The following tables summarize key components of the results of operations of Ponderosa for the periods indicated:

  In thousands 
  39 Weeks ended  13 Weeks ended 
  September 24, 2017  September 25, 2016  September 24, 2017  September 25, 2016 
  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited)  (unaudited) 
Statement of operations:            
             
Revenues                
Royalties $3,202  $3,431  $1,106  $1,183 
Franchise fees  5   19   5   8 
Total revenues  3,207   3,450   1,111   1,191 
                 
General and administrative expense  2,009   1,965   674   644 
                 
Income from operations  1,198   1,485   437   547 
                 
Other income (expense)                
Interest income  19   18   19   5 
Other expense  -   -   (13)  - 
Total other income  19   18   6   5 
                 
Income before income tax expense  1,217   1,503   443   552 
                 
Income tax expense  52   80   18   29 
                 
Net income $1,165  $1,423  $425  $523 

Ponderosa results for the 39 Weeks Ended September 24, 2017, as Compared to the 39 Weeks Ended September 25, 2016

Net Income- Net income of Ponderosa for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 decreased by $258,000 or 18% to $1,165,000 compared to $1,423,000 for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower royalty fees in the amount of $229,000.

Revenues- Ponderosa’s revenues consist of royalty fees and franchise fees. Ponderosa had revenues of $3,207,000 and $3,450,000 for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016, respectively. The $243,000 or 7.0% decrease in revenues from the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016 to the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 was primarily driven by a decrease in royalty revenue due to a reduced number of franchised steakhouses in the 2017 period.

General and Administrative Expense- General and administrative expense of Ponderosa consists primarily of payroll, management fees and professional fees. General and administrative expenses for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 increased $44,000 or 2.2% to $2,009,000, as compared to $1,965,000 for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016. This was primarily the result of an increase in professional fees.

New Store Openings-For the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017, Ponderosa franchisees opened 1 location as compared to 2 locations for the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2016.

Income Tax Expense-Ponderosa has historically been operating in pass-through entities for income tax purposes, meaning that taxable income is not recognized at the entity level, but passed through to the shareholders. As a result, the tax expense at the Ponderosa level is generally incurred only from taxing authorities who do not recognize the pass-through feature of United States federal tax laws. Following our acquisition of Ponderosa, the pass-through status for tax purposes will terminate and Ponderosa will generally become subject to income tax expense.

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Ponderosa results for the 13 Weeks Ended September 24, 2017, as Compared to the 13 Weeks Ended September 25, 2016

Net Income- Net income of Ponderosa for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 decreased by $98,000 or 18.7% to $425,000 compared to $523,000 for the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to lower royalty fees in the amount of $77,000 resulting from a reduction in the number of operating restaurants in 2017.

Revenues- Ponderosa had revenues of $1,111,000 and $1,191,000 for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and September 25, 2016, respectively. The $80,000 or 6.7% decrease in revenues from the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016 to the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 was primarily the result of the decrease in royalties.

General and Administrative Expenses- General and administrative expenses for the 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017 increased $30,000 or 4.7% to $674,000 as compared to $644,000 for the 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016. This was primarily the result of an increase in professional fees.

New store openings-Forthe 13 weeks ended September 24, 2017, Ponderosa franchisees opened 1 store as compared to 2 stores forthe 13 weeks ended September 25, 2016.

Liquidity and Capital Resources of Ponderosa North America

Ponderosa funds its operations primarily through franchise fees and royalties.We believe that cash provided by operating activities are adequate to fund our working capital obligations for the next 12 months. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.

As of September 24, 2017, Ponderosa had current assets of $583,000 comprised of cash in the amount of $117,000 and accounts receivables in the amount of $466,000. This compares with current assets of $617,000 as of December 25, 2016.

Ponderosa did not have any current liabilities as of September 24, 2017 or December 25, 2016.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements of Ponderosa North America

Ponderosa does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

Pro forma Consolidated Financial Informationflows.

 

The following financial information presents the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheetsFASB issued ASU No. 2018-15,Intangibles-Goodwill and unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of continuing operations as of andOther-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40).The new guidance reduces complexity for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017,accounting for costs of implementing a cloud computing service arrangement and aligns the year ended December 25, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”) based uponrequirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the consolidated historical financial statements of Fatburger, Buffalo’s and Ponderosa after giving effectrequirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to the following transactions (“Transactions”):

the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of common stock in the initial public offering of FAT Brands Inc. at $12.00 per share; and
the Reorganization Transactions.

develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal use software license). The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and the year ended December 25, 2016 give effect to the Transactions as if each of them had occurredCompany adopted this ASU on December 28, 2015.30, 2019. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet asadoption of September 24, 2017 gives effect to the Transactions as if each of them had occurred on September 24, 2017.

We have derived the unaudited pro forma consolidated statement of operations for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and the year ended December 25, 2016 from the unaudited financial statements of Fatburger North America, Inc. and the consolidated financial statements of Buffalo’s Franchise Concepts, Inc. and Subsidiary for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017 and the audited financial statements of Fatburger North America, Inc. and the consolidated financial statements of Buffalo’s Franchise Concepts, Inc. and Subsidiary for the year ended December 25, 2016.

The pro forma adjustments related to the Reorganization Transactions and the Offering are described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information, and principally include the following:

Issuance of shares of our common stock to the purchasers in the Offering in exchange for net proceeds of approximately $21,200,000, reflecting that the shares were sold at $12.00 per share and after deducting Selling Agent fees and Offering expenses.
Contribution by FCCG of two of its operating subsidiaries, Fatburger North America Inc. and Buffalo’s Franchise Concepts Inc., to FAT Brands Inc. in exchange for an unsecured promissory note with a principal balance of $30,000,000, bearing interest at a rate of 10.0% per annum, and maturing in five years (the “Related Party Debt”).
Consummation by FCCG of the acquisition of Homestyle Dining LLC, and transfer of the four Ponderosa operating subsidiaries to FAT Brands Inc. as new operating subsidiaries (the “Ponderosa Acquisition”).

Application of the net proceeds of the Offering as follows:

(i) $10,550,000 to fund the Ponderosa Acquisition by FCCG; and

(ii) $9,500,000 to repay a portion of Related Party Debt owed to FCCG.

Entering into a Tax Sharing Agreement with FCCG that provides that FCCG will, to the extent permitted by applicable law, file consolidated federal, California and Oregon (and possibly other jurisdictions where revenue is generated, at FCCG’s election) income tax returns with us and our subsidiaries. We will pay to FCCG the amount that our tax liability would have been had we filed a separate return and not been consolidated with FCCG. To the extent our required payment exceeds our share of the actual consolidated income tax liability (which may occur due to the application of FCCG’s net operating loss carryforwards), we will be permitted to reimburse FCCG in cash or, at the election of a committee of our board of directors comprised solely of directors not affiliated with or interested in FCCG, we may issue to FCCG an equivalent amount of our common stock in lieu of cash, valued at the fair market value of our common stock at the time of such payment. In addition, our inter-company receivable of approximately $13,175,000 due from FCCG (recorded as “due from affiliates”) will be applied first to reduce such excess income tax payment obligation to FCCG under the Tax Sharing Agreement.

The pro forma adjustments related to the acquisition of Ponderosa are described in the notes to the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information, and principally includes the assumption that Ponderosathis standard did not have any cash or related party indebtedness when they were acquired.

As a new public company, we will be implementing additional procedures and processes formaterial effect on the purposeCompany’s financial position, results of addressing the reporting and internal control and other standards and requirements applicable to public companies. We expect to incur additional annual expenses related to these steps and, among other things, additional directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, director fees, reporting requirements of the SEC, transfer agent fees, hiring additional accounting, legal and administrative personnel, increased auditing and legal fees and similar expenses. We have not included any pro forma adjustments relating to these added costs.

The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and methodologies that are factually supportable and directly related to the Reorganization Transactions. The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information includes various estimates which are subject to material change and may not be indicative of what our operations or financial position would have been had the Reorganization Transactions taken place on the dates indicated, or that may be expected to occur in the future.

FAT Brands Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations
For the 39 weeks Ended September 24, 2017cash flows.

 

(In thousands)

  Predecessor Entities  FAT Brands     The  Acquisition  Pro Forma 
  Fatburger  Buffalo’s  Inc.  Ponderosa  Offering  Adjustments  Consolidated 
                      
Revenues                            
Royalties $3,580  $920  $4,500  $3,202  $-  $-  $7,702 
Franchise fees  1,683   430   2,113   5   -   -   2,118 
Management fee  47   -   47   -   -   -   47 
Total revenues  5,310   1,350   6,660   3,207   -   -   9,867 
                             
General and administrative expenses  1,852   503   2,355   2,009   653   -   5,017 
                             
Income (loss) from operations  3,458   847   4,305   1,198   (653)  -   4,850 
                             
Other income (expense)                            
Interest income (expense), net  -   -   -   19   713   (1,304)  (572)
Other expense  (23)  -   (23)  -   -   -   (23)
Total other income (expense)  (23)  -   (23)  19   713   (1,304)  (595)
                             
Income (loss) before income tax expense  3,435   847   4,282   1,217   60   (1,304)  4,255 
                             
Income tax expense (benefit)  1,264   277   1,541   52   21   (83)  1,531 
                             
Net income (loss) $2,171  $570  $2,741  $1,165  $39  $(1,221) $2,724 

FAT Brands Inc.
Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated StatementThe FASB issued ASU 2019-12,Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes:This standard removes certain exceptions for recognizing deferred taxes for investments, performing intraperiod allocation and calculating income taxes in interim periods. It also adds guidance in certain areas, including the recognition of Operations
Forfranchise taxes, recognition of deferred taxes for tax goodwill, allocation of taxes to members of a consolidated group, computation of annual effective tax rates related to enacted changes in tax laws, and minor improvements related to employee stock ownership plans and investments in qualified affordable housing projects accounted for using the Year Endedequity method. The Company adopted this ASU on December 25, 2016

(In thousands)

  Predecessor Entities  FAT Brands     The  Acquisition  Pro Forma 
  Fatburger  Buffalo’s  Inc.  Ponderosa  Offering  Adjustments  Consolidated 
                      
Revenues                            
Royalties $4,632  $1,349  $5,981  $4,429  $-  $-  $10,410 
Franchise fees  3,750   255   4,005   40   -   -   4,045 
Management fee  75   -   75   -   -   -   75 
Total revenues  8,457   1,604   10,061   4,469   -   -   14,530 
                             
General and administrative expenses  2,932   663   3,595   2,565   871   -   7,031 
                             
Income (loss) from operations  5,525   941   6,466   1,904   (871)  -   7,499 
                             
Other income (expense)                            
Interest income (expense), net  -   -   -   25   950   (1,868)  (893)
Other income  -   36   36   40   -   -   76 
Total other income (expense)  -   36   36   65   950   (1,868)  (817)
                             
Income (loss) before income tax expense  5,525   977   6,502   1,969   79   (1,868)  6,682 
                             
Income tax expense (benefit)  1,979   319   2,298   93   28   (57)  2,362 
                             
Net income (loss) $3,546  $658  $4,204  $1,876  $51  $(1,811) $4,320 

FAT Brands Inc.

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

As30, 2019. The adoption of September 24, 2017

(In thousands)

  Predecessor Entities  FAT
Brands
     The  Acquisition  Pro Forma 
  Fatburger  Buffalo’s  Inc.  Ponderosa  Offering  Adjustments  Consolidated 
                      
Assets                            
Current Assets                            
Cash $-  $-  $-  $117  $11,700  $(10,667) $1,150 
Accounts receivable, net  486   62   -   466   -   -   1,014 
Other current assets  8   -   -   -   -   -   8 
Total current assets  494   62   -   583   11,700   (10,667)  2,172 
                             
Due from affiliates  10,667   2,508   (201)  -   201   -   13,175 
Deferred income taxes  1,266   109   -   -   -   -   1,375 
Notes receivable, net  -   -   -   434   -   -   434 
Trademarks  2,135   30   8   959   -   8,817   11,949 
Deferred offering costs  -   -   224   -   (224)  -     
Goodwill  529   5,365   -   -   -   -   5,894 
Buffalo’s creative and advertising fund  -   369   -   -   -   -   369 
Total assets $15,091  $8,443  $31  $1,976  $11,677  $(1,850) $35,368 
                             
Liabilities and Stockholder’s Equity                            
Current liabilities                            
Accounts payable $1,421  $171  $31  $-  $(23) $-  $1,600 
Accrued expenses  1,556   80   -   -   -   -   1,636 
Deferred income  1,877   152   -   -   -   -   2,029 
Note payable - affiliate  -   -   -   -   (9,500)  30,000   20,500 
Total current liabilities  4,854   403   31   -   (9,523)  30,000   25,765 
                             
Deferred income – noncurrent  1,239   213   -   126   -   -   1,578 
Buffalo’s creative and advertising fund - contra  -   369   -   -   -   -   369 
Total liabilities  6,093   985   31   126   (9,523)  30,000   27,712 
                             
Commitments and contingencies                            
                             
Stockholder’s equity                            
Common stock  -   -   -   -   -   -   - 
Additional paid-in capital  3,500   5,139   -   -   21,200   (29,839)  - 
Partners’ equity  -   -   -   1,850   -   (1,850)  - 
Retained earnings  5498   2,319   -   -   -   (161)  7,656 
Total stockholder’s equity  8,998   7,458   -   1,850   21,200   (31,850)  7,656 
                             
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity $15,091  $8,443  $31  $1,976  $11,677  $(1,850) $35,368 

NOTES TO UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Basis of presentation –The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements are basedthis standard did not have a material effect on the historicalCompany’s financial statements of FAT Brands, Fatburger, Buffalo’s and Ponderosa, as adjusted to give effect to the acquisition of Ponderosa. The unaudited pro forma consolidated statementsposition, results of operations for the 39 weeks ended September 24, 2017, and the twelve months ended December 25, 2016 give effect to the acquisitions as if they had occurred on December 28, 2015. The unaudited pro forma consolidated balance sheet as of September 24, 2017 gives effect to the acquisitions as if they had occurred on September 24, 2017.or cash flows.

 

(2) Preliminary purchase price allocation – On March 10, 2017, FCCG entered into an agreement to acquire the parent company of Ponderosa for total consideration of approximately $10,550,000. A portion of our Offering proceeds were provided to FCCG to complete the acquisition and we became the parent company for the Ponderosa operating entities. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information includes various assumptions, including those related to the preliminary purchase price allocation of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed of Ponderosa and Bonanza based on management’s best estimates of fair value. The final purchase price allocation may vary based on final appraisals, valuations and analyses of the fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. Accordingly, the pro forma adjustments are preliminary and have been made solely for illustrative purposes.

The following table shows the preliminary allocation of the purchase price for Ponderosa to the acquired identifiable assets:

(In thousands)

Total purchase price $10,550 
Accounts receivable $466 
Notes receivable  434 
Trademarks  9,776 
Deferred income  (126)
Total identifiable assets $10,550 

(3) Trademarks – We based our preliminary estimate of trademarks that we expect to recognize as part of the acquisitions on the purchase price that we have entered into with the sellers. However, these estimates are preliminary, as we have not analyzed all the facts surrounding the business acquired and therefore have not been able to finalize the accounting for these transactions. These estimates will be refined once a third-party valuation is completed.

(4) Cash Received from IPO – Net proceeds from the Offering were approximately $21,200,000, based on the initial public offering price of $12.00 per share, and after deducting estimated cash selling agent fees of $1,780,800 and estimated Offering expenses of $1,019,200.

(5) Pro forma adjustments – The pro forma adjustments are based on our preliminary estimates and assumptions that are subject to change. The following adjustments have been reflected in the unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information:

Adjustments to the pro forma condensed statement of operations

(a)Reflects the income tax effect of pro forma adjustments based on the estimated blended statutory tax rate of 36.0%.
(b)Reflects the $20,500,000 Related Party Debt accruing annual interest expense at 10% and the average balance of the inter-company credit accruing annual interest income at 10%.
(c)Increase in compensation expenses related to the grant of 367,500 stock options which were issued under the 2017 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan to directors and employees upon consummation of the Offering. This amount was calculated assuming the stock options were granted on December 28, 2015 at an exercise price equal to the offering price of $12.00 per share. The grant date fair value was determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model using the following assumptions:

Expected volatility31.73%
Expected dividend yield4.00%
Expected term (in years)3.0
Risk-free interest rate1.01%

Adjustments to the pro forma condensed consolidated balance sheet

(d)Acquisition of Ponderosa was cash-free and debt-free at closing.
(e)Reflects the assumed value of trademarks acquired in the purchase of Ponderosa, pending third party valuation.
(f)Issuance of $30,000,000 note to FCCG for the contribution of Fatburger and Buffalo’s, and payment of $9,500,000 in principal amount of this note from proceeds of the Offering.
(g)Costs associated with the Offering were charged against the proceeds of the Offering, with a corresponding reduction to additional paid-in capital from the Offering.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not Required.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, after evaluating the effectiveness of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of September 24, 2017,March 29, 2020, have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and designed to ensure that material information relating to us and our Combinedcombined subsidiaries is accumulated and communicated to our management to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

The Company doesWe do not expect that itsour disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all error and all fraud. A control procedure, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control procedures are met. Because of the inherent limitations in all control procedures, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the control. The CompanyWe considered these limitations during the development of its disclosure controls and procedures and will continually reevaluate them to ensure they provide reasonable assurance that such controls and procedures are effective.

 

Changes in internal control over financial reporting

 

There were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting in connection with an evaluation that occurred during the third quarter ending September 24, 2017thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We Eric Rojany, et al. v. FAT Brands Inc., et al., Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC708539, andDaniel Alden, et al. v. FAT Brands Inc., et al., Superior Court of California for the County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC716017.

On June 7, 2018, FAT Brands, Inc., Andrew Wiederhorn, Ron Roe, James Neuhauser, Edward H. Rensi, Marc L. Holtzman, Squire Junger, Silvia Kessel, Jeff Lotman, Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc., and Tripoint Global Equities, LLC (collectively, the "Original Defendants") were named as defendants in a putative securities class action lawsuit entitledRojany v. FAT Brands, Inc., Case No. BC708539 (the "RojanyCase"), in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles. On July 31, 2018, theRojanyCase was designated as complex, pursuant to Rule 3.400 of the California Rules of Court, and assigned the matter to the Complex Litigation Program. On August 2, 2018, the Original Defendants were named defendants in a second putative class action lawsuit,Alden v. FAT Brands, Case No. BC716017 (the "Alden Case"), filed in the same court. On September 17, 2018, theRojanyandAldenCases were consolidated under theRojanyCase number. On October 10, 2018, plaintiffs Eric Rojany, Daniel Alden, Christopher Hazelton-Harrington and Byron Marin ("Plaintiffs") filed a First Amended Consolidated Complaint against FAT Brands, Inc., Andrew Wiederhorn, Ron Roe, James Neuhauser, Edward H. Rensi, Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc., and Tripoint Global Equities, LLC (collectively, "Defendants"), thereby removing Marc L. Holtzman, Squire Junger, Silvia Kessel and Jeff Lotman as defendants. On November 13, 2018, Defendants filed a Demurrer to First Amended Consolidated Complaint. On January 25, 2019, the Court sustained Defendants’ Demurrer to First Amended Consolidated Complaint with Leave to Amend in Part. Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on February 25, 2019. On March 27, 2019, Defendants filed a Demurrer to the Second Amended Consolidated Complaint. On July 31, 2019, the Court sustained Defendants’ Demurrer to the Second Amended Complaint in Part, narrowing the scope of the case. Defendants filed their Answer to the Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on November 12, 2019. On January 29, 2020, Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Class Certification. Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification is fully briefed, and the hearing on Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification is set for September 10, 2020. Defendants dispute Plaintiffs’ allegations and will continue to vigorously defend themselves in this litigation.

Adam Vignola, et al. v. FAT Brands Inc., et al., United States District Court for the Central District of California, Case No. 2:18-cv-07469.

On August 24, 2018, the Original Defendants were named as defendants in a putative securities class action lawsuit entitledVignola v. FAT Brands, Inc., Case No. 2:18-cv-07469-PSG-PLA, in the United States District Court for the Central District of California. On October 23, 2018, Charles Jordan and David Kovacs (collectively, "Lead Plaintiffs") moved to be appointed lead plaintiffs, and the Court granted Lead Plaintiffs’ motion on November 16, 2018. On January 15, 2019, Lead Plaintiffs filed a First Amended Class Action Complaint against the Original Defendants. The allegations and claims for relief asserted inVignolaare currentlysubstantively identical to those asserted in theRojanyCase. Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss First Amended Class Action Complaint, or, in the Alternative, to Stay the Action In Favor of a Prior Pending Action. On June 14, 2019, the Court denied Defendants’ motion to stay but granted Defendants’ motion to dismiss the First Amended Class Action Complaint, with Leave to Amend. Lead Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Class Action Complaint on August 5, 2019. On September 9, 2019, Defendants’ filed a Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended Class Action Complaint. On December 17, 2019, the Court granted Defendants’ Motion to Dismiss the Second Amended Class Action Complaint in Part, Without Leave to Amend. The allegations remaining inVignolaare substantively identical to those remaining in theRojanyCase. Defendants filed their Answer to the Second Amended Class Action Complaint on January 14, 2020. On December 27, 2019, Lead Plaintiffs filed a Motion for Class Certification. By order entered March 16, 2020, the Court denied Lead Plaintiffs’ Motion for Class Certification. By order entered April 1, 2020, the Court set various deadlines for the case, including a fact discovery cut-off of December 29, 2020, expert discovery cut-off of February 23, 2021 and trial date of March 30, 2021. Defendants dispute Lead Plaintiffs’ allegations and will continue to vigorously defend themselves in this litigation.

40

The Company is obligated to indemnify its officers and directors to the extent permitted by applicable law in connection with the above actions, and has insurance for such individuals, to the extent of the limits of the applicable insurance policies and subject to potential reservations of rights. The Company is also obligated to indemnify Tripoint Global Equities, LLC under certain conditions relating to theRojany andVignolamatters. These proceedings are ongoing and the Company is unable to predict the ultimate outcome of these matters. There can be no assurance that the defendants will be successful in defending against these actions.

The Company is involved in variousother claims and legal actionsproceedings from time-to-time that arise in the ordinary course of business. We doThe Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of these actions will have a material adverse effect on ourits business, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in amounts owing under successful claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

 

Except forYou should carefully consider the historical information contained herein or incorporated by reference, this report and the information incorporated by reference contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These statements include projections about our accounting and finances, plans and objectives for the future, future operating and economic performance and other statements regarding future performance. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or events. Our actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this report. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the following section, as well as thosefactors discussed in Part I, Item 2 entitled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”1A. “Risk Factors” and elsewhere throughout this reportin our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on April 28, 2020, which could materially affect our business, financial condition, cash flows or future results. There have been no material changes in such factors discussed in our Annual Report. The risks described in our Annual Report are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and in any documents incorporated in this report by reference.

You should consider carefully the following risk factors and in all of the other information included or incorporated in this report. If any of the following risks, either alone or taken together, or other risksuncertainties not presentlycurrently known to us or that we currently believedeem to not be significant, develop into actual events, then our business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects could be materially adversely affected. If that happens, the market price of our common stock could decline, and stockholdersimmaterial also may lose all or part of their investment.

Risks Related to Our Business and Industry

Our operating and financial results and growth strategies are closely tied to the success of our franchisees.

Substantially all of our restaurants are operated by our franchisees, which makes us dependent on the financial success and cooperation of our franchisees. We have limited control over how our franchisees’ businesses are run, and the inability of franchisees to operate successfully could adversely affect our operating and financial results through decreased royalty payments. If our franchisees incur too much debt, if their operating expenses or commodity prices increase or if economic or sales trends deteriorate such that they are unable to operate profitably or repay existing debt, it could result in their financial distress, including insolvency or bankruptcy. If a significant franchisee or a significant number of our franchisees become financially distressed, our operating and financial results could be impacted through reduced or delayed royalty payments. Our success also depends on the willingness and ability of our franchisees to implement major initiatives, which may include financial investment. Our franchisees may be unable to successfully implement strategies that we believe are necessary for their further growth, which in turn may harm the growth prospects and financial condition of the company. Additionally, the failure of our franchisees to focus on the fundamentals of restaurant operations, such as quality service and cleanliness (even if such failures do not rise to the level of breaching the related franchise documents), could have a negative impact on our business.

Our franchisees could take actions that could harm our business and may not accurately report sales.

Our franchisees are contractually obligated to operate their restaurants in accordance with the operations, safety, and health standards set forth in our agreements with them and applicable laws. However, although we will attempt to properly train and support all of our franchisees, franchisees are independent third parties whom we do not control. The franchisees own, operate, and oversee the daily operations of their restaurants, and their employees are not our employees. Accordingly, their actions are outside of our control. Although we have developed criteria to evaluate and screen prospective franchisees, we cannot be certain that our franchisees will have the business acumen or financial resources necessary to operate successful franchises at their approved locations, and state franchise laws may limit our ability to terminate or not renew these franchise agreements. Moreover, despite our training, support and monitoring, franchisees may not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements, or may not hire and adequately train qualified managers and other restaurant personnel. The failure of our franchisees to operate their franchises in accordance with our standards or applicable law, actions taken by their employees or a negative publicity event at one of our franchised restaurants or involving one of our franchisees could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, our brands, our ability to attract prospective franchisees, our company-owned restaurants, and our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Franchisees typically use a point of sale, or POS, cash register system to record all sales transactions at the restaurant. We require franchisees to use a particular brand or model of hardware or software components for their restaurant system. Currently, franchisees report sales manually and electronically, but we do not have the ability to verify all sales data electronically by accessing their POS cash register systems. We have the right under our franchise agreement to audit franchisees to verify sales information provided to us, and we have the ability to indirectly verify sales based on purchasing information. However, franchisees may underreport sales, which would reduce royalty income otherwise payable to us and adversely affect our operating and financial results.

If we fail to identify, recruit and contract with a sufficient number of qualified franchisees, our ability to open new franchised restaurants and increase our revenues could be materially adversely affected.

The opening of additional franchised restaurants depends, in part, upon the availability of prospective franchisees who meet our criteria. Most of our franchisees open and operate multiple restaurants, and our growth strategy requires us to identify, recruit and contract with a significant number of new franchisees each year. We may not be able to identify, recruit or contract with suitable franchisees in our target markets on a timely basis or at all. In addition, our franchisees may not have access to the financial or management resources that they need to open the restaurants contemplated by their agreements with us, or they may elect to cease restaurant development for other reasons. If we are unable to recruit suitable franchisees or if franchisees are unable or unwilling to open new restaurants as planned, our growth may be slower than anticipated, which could materially adversely affect our ability to increase our revenues and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

If we fail to open new domestic and international franchisee-owned restaurants on a timely basis, our ability to increase our revenues could be materially adversely affected.

A significant component of our growth strategy includes the opening of new domestic and international franchised restaurants. Our franchisees face many challenges associated with opening new restaurants, including:

identification and availability of suitable restaurant locations with the appropriate size, visibility, traffic patterns, local residential neighborhoods, local retail and business attractions and infrastructure that will drive high levels of customer traffic and sales per restaurant;
competition with other restaurants and retail concepts for potential restaurant sites and anticipated commercial, residential and infrastructure development near new or potential restaurants;
ability to negotiate acceptable lease arrangements;
availability of financing and ability to negotiate acceptable financing terms;
recruiting, hiring and training of qualified personnel;
construction and development cost management;
completing their construction activities on a timely basis;
obtaining all necessary governmental licenses, permits and approvals and complying with local, state and federal laws and regulations to open, construct or remodel and operate our franchised restaurants;
unforeseen engineering or environmental problems with the leased premises;
avoiding the impact of adverse weather during the construction period; and
other unanticipated increases in costs, delays or cost overruns.

As a result of these challenges, our franchisees may not be able to open new restaurants as quickly as planned or at all. Our franchisees have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, delays in restaurant openings from time to time and have abandoned plans to open restaurants in various markets on occasion. Any delays or failures to open new restaurants by our franchisees could materially and adversely affect our growth strategy and our results of operations.

Our strategy includes pursuing opportunistic acquisitions of additional brands, and we may not find suitable acquisition candidates or successfully operate or integrate any brands that we may acquire.

As part of our strategy, we intend to opportunistically acquire new brands and restaurant concepts. Although we believe that opportunities for future acquisitions may be available from time to time, competition for acquisition candidates may exist or increase in the future. Consequently, there may be fewer acquisition opportunities available to us as well as higher acquisition prices. There can be no assurance that we will be able to identify, acquire, manage or successfully integrate additional brands or restaurant concepts without substantial costs, delays or operational or financial problems.

The difficulties of integration includecoordinating and consolidating geographically separated systems and facilities, integrating the management and personnel of the acquired brands, maintaining employee morale and retaining key employees, implementing our management information systems and financial accounting and reporting systems, establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and implementing operational procedures and disciplines to control costs and increase profitability.

In the event we are able to acquire additional brands or restaurant concepts, the integration and operation of such acquisitions may place significant demands on our management, which could adversely affect our ability to manage our existing restaurants. In addition, we may be required to obtain additional financing to fund future acquisitions, but there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain additional financing on acceptable terms or at all.

We may not achieve our target development goals and the addition of new franchised restaurants may not be profitable.

Our growth strategy depends in part on our ability to add franchisees and our franchisees’ ability to increase our net restaurant count in domestic and foreign markets. The successful development and retention of new restaurants depends in large part on our ability to attract franchisee investment commitments and the ability of our franchisees to open new restaurants and operate these restaurants profitably. We cannot guarantee that we or our current or future franchisees will be able to achieve our expansion goals or that new restaurants will be operated profitably. Further, there is no assurance that any new restaurant will produce operating results similar to those of our franchisees’ existing restaurants.

Expansion into target markets could also be affected by our franchisees’ ability to obtain financing to construct and open new restaurants. If it becomes more difficult or more expensive for our franchisees to obtain financing to develop new restaurants, the expected growth of our system could slow and our future revenues and operating cash flows could be adversely impacted.

Opening new franchise restaurants in existing markets and aggressive development could cannibalize existing sales and may negatively affect sales at existing franchised restaurants.

We intend to continue opening new franchised restaurants in our existing markets as a core part of our growth strategy. Expansion in existing markets may be affected by local economic and market conditions. Further, the customer target area of our franchisees’ restaurants varies by location, depending on a number of factors, including population density, other local retail and business attractions, area demographics and geography. As a result, the opening of a new restaurant in or near markets in which our franchisees’ restaurants already exist could adversely affect the sales of these existing franchised restaurants. Our franchisees may selectively open new restaurants in and around areas of existing franchised restaurants. Sales cannibalization between restaurants may become significant in the future as we continue to expand our operations and could affect sales growth, which could, in turn, materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. There can be no assurance that sales cannibalization will not occur or become more significant in the future as we increase our presence in existing markets.

The number of new franchised restaurants that actually open in the future may differ materially from the number of signed commitments from potential new franchisees.

The number of new franchised restaurants that actually open in the future may differ materially from the number of signed commitments from potential new franchisees. Historically, a portion of our commitments sold have not ultimately opened as new franchised restaurants. The historic conversion rate of signed commitments to new franchised locations may not be indicative of the conversion rates we will experience in the future and the total number of new franchised restaurants actually opened in the future may differ materially from the number of signed commitments disclosed at any point in time.

Termination of development agreements with certain franchisees could adversely impact our revenues.

We enter into development agreements with certain franchisees that plan to open multiple restaurants in a designated area. These franchisees are granted certain rights with respect to specified territories, and at their discretion, these franchisees may open more restaurants than specified in their agreements. In fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014 we derived 39.8%, 31.5% and 27.1%, respectively, of our franchise and development fees from development agreements. The termination of development agreements with a franchisee or a lack of expansion by these franchisees could result in the delay of the development of franchised restaurants, discontinuation or an interruption in the operation of one of our brands in a particular market or markets. We may not be able to find another operator to resume development activities in such market or markets. While termination of development agreements may result in a short-term recognition of forfeited deposits as revenue, any such delay, discontinuation or interruption would result in a delay in, or loss of, long-term royalty income to us by way of reduced sales and could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Our brands may be limited or diluted through franchisee and third party activity.

Although we monitor and regulate franchisee activities through our franchise agreements, franchisees or other third parties may refer to or make statements about our brands that do not make proper use of our trademarks or required designations, that improperly alter trademarks or branding, or that are critical of our brands or place our brands in a context that may tarnish our reputation. This may result in dilution of or harm to our intellectual property or the value of our brands. Franchisee noncompliance with the terms and conditions of our franchise agreements may reduce the overall goodwill of our brands, whether through the failure to meet health and safety standards, engage in quality control or maintain product consistency, or through the participation in improper or objectionable business practices. Moreover, unauthorized third parties may use our intellectual property to trade on the goodwill of our brands, resulting in consumer confusion or dilution. Any reduction of our brands’ goodwill, consumer confusion, or dilution is likely to impact sales, and could materially and adversely impact our business and results of operations.

Our success depends substantially on our corporate reputation and on the value and perception of our brands.

Our success depends in large part upon our and our franchisees’ ability to maintain and enhance the value of our brands and our customers’ loyalty to our brands. Brand value is based in part on consumer perceptions on a variety of subjective qualities. Business incidents, whether isolated or recurring, and whether originating from us, franchisees, competitors, suppliers or distributors, can significantly reduce brand value and consumer trust, particularly if the incidents receive considerable publicity or result in litigation. For example, our brands could be damaged by claims or perceptions about the quality or safety of our products or the quality or reputation of our suppliers, distributors or franchisees, regardless of whether such claims or perceptions are true. Similarly, entities in our supply chain may engage in conduct, including alleged human rights abuses or environmental wrongdoing, and any such conduct could damage our or our brands’ reputations. Any such incidents (even if resulting from actions of a competitor or franchisee) could cause a decline directly or indirectly in consumer confidence in, or the perception of, our brands and/or our products and reduce consumer demand for our products, which would likely result in lower revenues and profits. Additionally, our corporate reputation could suffer from a real or perceived failure of corporate governance or misconduct by a company officer, or an employee or representative of us or a franchisee.

Our success depends in part upon effective advertising and marketing campaigns, which may not be successful, and franchisee support of such advertising and marketing campaigns.

We believe our brands are critical to our business. We expend resources in our marketing efforts using a variety of media, including social media. We expect to continue to conduct brand awareness programs and customer initiatives to attract and retain customers. Additionally, some of our competitors have greater financial resources, which enable them to spend significantly more on marketing and advertising than us. Should our competitors increase spending on marketing and advertising, or should our advertising and promotions be less effective than our competitors, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

The support of our franchisees is critical for the success of our advertising and marketing campaigns we seek to undertake, and the successful execution of these campaigns will depend on our ability to maintain alignment with our franchisees. Our franchisees are required to spend approximately 1%-3% of net sales directly on local advertising or contribute to a local fund managed by franchisees in certain market areas to fund the purchase of advertising media. Our franchisees are also required to contribute 1% of their net sales to a national fund to support the development of new products, brand development and national marketing programs. In addition, we, our franchisees and other third parties have contributed additional advertising funds in the past. While we maintain control over advertising and marketing materials and can mandate certain strategic initiatives pursuant to our franchise agreements, we need the active support of our franchisees if the implementation of these initiatives is to be successful. Additional advertising funds are not contractually required, and we, our franchisees and other third parties may choose to discontinue contributing additional funds in the future. Any significant decreases in our advertising and marketing funds or financial support for advertising activities could significantly curtail our marketing efforts, which may in turn materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media could adversely impact our business.

In recent years, there has been a marked increase in the use of social media platforms, including blogs, chat platforms, social media websites, and other forms of Internet based communications which allow individuals access to a broad audience of consumers and other interested persons. The rising popularity of social media and other consumer oriented technologies has increased the speed and accessibility of information dissemination. Many social media platforms immediately publish the content their subscribers and participants post, often without filters or checks on accuracy of the content posted. Information posted on such platforms at any time may be adverse to our interests and/or may be inaccurate. The dissemination of information via social media could harm our business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations, regardless of the information’s accuracy. The damage may be immediate without affording us an opportunity for redress or correction.

In addition, social media is frequently used to communicate with our customers and the public in general. Failure by us to use social media effectively or appropriately, particularly as compared to our brands’ respective competitors, could lead to a decline in brand value, customer visits and revenue. Other risks associated with the use of social media include improper disclosure of proprietary information, negative comments about our brands, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, hoaxes or malicious dissemination of false information. The inappropriate use of social media by our customers or employees could increase our costs, lead to litigation or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation and adversely affect our results of operations.

Negative publicity relating to one of our franchised restaurants could reduce sales at some or all of our other franchised restaurants.

Our success is dependent in part upon our ability to maintain and enhance the value of our brands, consumers’ connection to our brands and positive relationships with our franchisees. We may, from time to time, be faced with negative publicity relating to food quality, public health concerns, restaurant facilities, customer complaints or litigation alleging illness or injury, health inspection scores, integrity of our franchisees or their suppliers’ food processing, employee relationships or other matters, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are held to be responsible. The negative impact of adverse publicity relating to one franchised restaurant may extend far beyond that restaurant or franchisee involved to affect some or all of our other franchised restaurants. The risk of negative publicity is particularly great with respect to our franchised restaurants because we are limited in the manner in which we can regulate them, especially on a real-time basis. The considerable expansion in the use of social media over recent years can further amplify any negative publicity, and do so very quickly, that could be generated by such incidents. A similar risk exists with respect to unrelated food service businesses, if consumers associate those businesses with our own operations. Additionally, employee claims against us based on, among other things, wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination may also create negative publicity that could adversely affect us and divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit the future performance of our operations. A significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in the number of successful claims would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Consumer demand for our products and our brands’ value could diminish significantly if any such incidents or other matters create negative publicity or otherwise erode consumer confidence in us or our products, which would likely result in lower sales and could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Failure to protect our service marks or other intellectual property could harm our business.

We regard our Fatburger®, Buffalo’s Cafe®, Ponderosa® and Bonanza® service marks, and other service marks and trademarks related to our franchise restaurant businesses, as having significant value and being important to our marketing efforts. We rely on a combination of protections provided by contracts, copyrights, patents, trademarks, service marks and other common law rights, such as trade secret and unfair competition laws, to protect our franchised restaurants and services from infringement. We have registered certain trademarks and service marks in the U.S. and foreign jurisdictions. However, from time to time we become aware of names and marks identical or confusingly similar to our service marks being used by other persons. Although our policy is to oppose any such infringement, further or unknown unauthorized uses or other misappropriation of our trademarks or service marks could diminish the value of our brands and adversely affect our business. In addition, effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every country in which our franchisees have, or intend to open or franchise, a restaurant. There can be no assurance that these protections will be adequate and defending or enforcing our service marks and other intellectual property could result in the expenditure of significant resources. We may also face claims of infringement that could interfere with the use of the proprietary knowhow, concepts, recipes, or trade secrets used in our business. Defending against such claims may be costly, and we may be prohibited from using such proprietary information in the future or forced to pay damages, royalties, or other fees for using such proprietary information, any of which could negatively affect our business, reputation, financial condition, and results of operations.

If our franchisees are unable to protect their customers’ credit card data and other personal information, our franchisees could be exposed to data loss, litigation, and liability, and our reputation could be significantly harmed.

Privacy protection is increasingly demanding, and the use of electronic payment methods and collection of other personal information expose our franchisees to increased risk of privacy and/or security breaches as well as other risks. The majority of our franchisees’ restaurant sales are by credit or debit cards. In connection with credit or debit card transactions in-restaurant, our franchisees collect and transmit confidential information by way of secure private retail networks. Additionally, our franchisees collect and store personal information from individuals, including their customers and employees.

Although our franchisees use secure private networks to transmit confidential information and debit card sales, our security measures and those of technology vendors may not effectively prohibit others from obtaining improper access to this information. The techniques used to obtain unauthorized access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change frequently and are often difficult to detect for long periods of time, which may cause a breach to go undetected for an extensive period of time. Advances in computer and software capabilities, new tools, and other developments may increase the risk of such a breach. Further, the systems currently used for transmission and approval of electronic payment transactions, and the technology utilized in electronic payment themselves, all of which can put electronic payment at risk, are determined and controlled by the payment card industry, not by us, through enforcement of compliance with the Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standards. Our franchisees must abide by the Payment Card Industry-Data Security Standards, as modified from time to time, in order to accept electronic payment transactions. Furthermore, the payment card industry is requiring vendors to become compatible with smart chip technology for payment cards, referred to as EMV-Compliant, or else bear full responsibility for certain fraud losses, referred to as the EMV Liability Shift, which could adversely affect our business. To become EMV-Compliant, merchants must utilize EMV-Compliant payment card terminals at the point of sale and also obtain a variety of certifications. The EMV Liability Shift became effective on October 1, 2015.

If a person is able to circumvent our franchisees’ security measures or those of third parties, he or she could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations. Our franchisees may become subject to claims for purportedly fraudulent transactions arising out of the actual or alleged theft of credit or debit card information, and our franchisees may also be subject to lawsuits or other proceedings relating to these types of incidents. Any such claim or proceeding could cause our franchisees to incur significant unplanned expenses, which could have an adverse impact on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. Further, adverse publicity resulting from these allegations could significantly harm our reputation and may have a material adverse effect on us and our franchisees’ business.

We and our franchisees rely on computer systems to process transactions and manage our business, and a disruption or a failure of such systems or technology could harm our ability to effectively manage our business.

Network and information technology systems are integral to our business. We utilize various computer systems, including our franchisee reporting system, by which our franchisees report their weekly sales and pay their corresponding royalty fees and required advertising fund contributions. When sales are reported by a franchisee, a withdrawal for the authorized amount is initiated from the franchisee’s bank on a set date each week based on gross sales during the week ended the prior Sunday. This system is critical to our ability to accurately track sales and compute royalties and advertising fund contributions and receive timely payments due from our franchisees. Our operations depend upon our ability to protect our computer equipment and systems against damage from physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events, as well as from internal and external security breaches, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems. Any damage or failure of our computer systems or network infrastructure that causes an interruption in our operations could have a material adverse effect on our business and subject us to litigation or actions by regulatory authorities. Despite the implementation of protective measures, our systems are subject to damage and/or interruption as a result of power outages, computer and network failures, computer viruses and other disruptive software, security breaches, catastrophic events, and improper usage by employees. Such events could result in a material disruption in operations, a need for a costly repair, upgrade or replacement of systems, or a decrease in, or in the collection of, royalties and advertising fund contributions paid to us by our franchisees. To the extent that any disruption or security breach were to result in a loss of, or damage to, our data or applications, or inappropriate disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, we could incur liability which could materially affect our results of operations. It is also critical that we establish and maintain certain licensing and software agreements for the software we use in our day-to-day operations. A failure to procure or maintain these licenses could have a material adverse effect on our business operations.

We may engage in litigation with our franchisees.

Although we believe we generally enjoy a positive working relationship with the vast majority of our franchisees, the nature of the franchisor-franchisee relationship may give rise to litigation with our franchisees. In the ordinary course of business, we are the subject of complaints or litigation from franchisees, usually related to alleged breaches of contract or wrongful termination under the franchise arrangements. We may also engage in future litigation with franchisees to enforce the terms of our franchise agreements and compliance with our brand standards as determined necessary to protect our brands, the consistency of our products and the customer experience. We may also engage in future litigation with franchisees to enforce our contractual indemnification rights if we are brought into a matter involving a third party due to the franchisee’s alleged acts or omissions. In addition, we may be subject to claims by our franchisees relating to our franchise disclosure document, including claims based on financial information contained in our franchise disclosure document. Engaging in such litigation may be costly and time-consuming and may distract management and materially adversely affect our relationships with franchisees and our ability to attract new franchisees. Any negative outcome of these or any other claims could materially adversely affect our results of operations as well as our ability to expand our franchise system and may damage our reputation and brands. Furthermore, existing and future franchise-related legislation could subject us to additional litigation risk in the event we terminate or fail to renew a franchise relationship.

The retail food industry in which we operate is highly competitive.

The retail food industry in which we operate is highly competitive with respect to price and quality of food products, new product development, advertising levels and promotional initiatives, customer service, reputation, restaurant location, and attractiveness and maintenance of properties. If consumer or dietary preferences change, if our marketing efforts are unsuccessful, or if our franchisees’ restaurants are unable to compete successfully with other retail food outlets in new and existing markets, our business could be adversely affected. We also face growing competition as a result of convergence in grocery, convenience, deli and restaurant services, including the offering by the grocery industry of convenient meals, including pizzas and entrees with side dishes. Competition from delivery aggregators and other food delivery services has also increased in recent years, particularly in urbanized areas. Increased competition could have an adverse effect on our sales, profitability or development plans, which could harm our financial condition and operating results.

 

Shortages or interruptions in the availability and delivery of food and other supplies may increase costs or reduce revenues.

The food products sold by our franchisees are sourced from a variety of domestic and international suppliers. We, along with our franchisees, are also dependent upon third parties to make frequent deliveries of food products and supplies that meet our specifications at competitive prices. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of food items and other supplies to our franchisees’ restaurants could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of items we use and the operations of our franchisees’ restaurants. Such shortages or disruptions could be caused by inclement weather, natural disasters, increased demand, problems in production or distribution, restrictions on imports or exports, the inability of vendors to obtain credit, political instability in the countries in which suppliers and distributors are located, the financial instability of suppliers and distributors, suppliers’ or distributors’ failure to meet our standards, product quality issues, inflation, the price of gasoline, other factors relating to the suppliers and distributors and the countries in which they are located, food safety warnings or advisories or the prospect of such pronouncements, the cancellation of supply or distribution agreements or an inability to renew such arrangements or to find replacements on commercially reasonable terms, or other conditions beyond our control or the control of our franchisees.

A shortage or interruption in the availability of certain food products or supplies could increase costs and limit the availability of products critical to our franchisees’ restaurant operations, which in turn could lead to restaurant closures and/or a decrease in sales and therefore a reduction in royalty fees to us. In addition, failure by a key supplier or distributor to our franchisees to meet its service requirements could lead to a disruption of service or supply until a new supplier or distributor is engaged, and any disruption could have an adverse effect on our franchisees and therefore our business. See “Business—Supply Chain.”

An increase in food prices may have an adverse impact on our and our franchisees’ profit margins.

Our franchisees’ restaurants depend on reliable sources of large quantities of raw materials such as protein (including beef and poultry), cheese, oil, flour and vegetables (including potatoes and lettuce). Raw materials purchased for use in our franchisees’ restaurants are subject to price volatility caused by any fluctuation in aggregate supply and demand, or other external conditions, such as weather conditions or natural events or disasters that affect expected harvests of such raw materials. As a result, the historical prices of raw materials used in the operation of our franchisees’ restaurants have fluctuated. We cannot assure you that we or our franchisees will continue to be able to purchase raw materials at reasonable prices, or that prices of raw materials will remain stable in the future. In addition, a significant increase in gasoline prices could result in the imposition of fuel surcharges by our distributors.

Because our franchisees provide competitively priced food, we may not have the ability to pass through to customers the full amount of any commodity price increases. If we and our franchisees are unable to manage the cost of raw materials or to increase the prices of products proportionately, it may have an adverse impact on our and our franchisees’ profit margins and their ability to remain in business, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

Food safety and foodborne illness concerns may have an adverse effect on our business.

Foodborne illnesses, such as E. coli, hepatitis A, trichinosis and salmonella, occur or may occur within our system from time to time. In addition, food safety issues such as food tampering, contamination and adulteration occur or may occur within our system from time to time. Any report or publicity linking one of our franchisee’s restaurants, or linking our competitors or our industry generally, to instances of foodborne illness or food safety issues could adversely affect our brands and reputations as well as our revenues and profits, and possibly lead to product liability claims, litigation and damages. If a customer of one of our franchisees’ restaurants becomes ill as a result of food safety issues, restaurants in our system may be temporarily closed, which would decrease our revenues. In addition, instances or allegations of foodborne illness or food safety issues, real or perceived, involving our franchised restaurants, restaurants of competitors, or suppliers or distributors (regardless of whether we use or have used those suppliers or distributors), or otherwise involving the types of food served at our franchisees’ restaurants, could result in negative publicity that could adversely affect our revenues or the sales of our franchisees. The occurrence of foodborne illnesses or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, which could result in disruptions in our supply chain and/or lower margins for us and our franchisees.

Health concerns arising from outbreaks of viruses or other diseases may have an adverse effect on our business.

Our business could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of a widespread health epidemic. The occurrence of such an outbreak of an epidemic illness or other adverse public health developments could materially disrupt our business and operations. Such events could also significantly impact our industry and cause a temporary closure of restaurants, which would severely disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Furthermore, viruses may be transmitted through human contact, and the risk of contracting viruses could cause employees or guests to avoid gathering in public places, which could adversely affect restaurant guest traffic or the ability to adequately staff franchised restaurants. We could also be adversely affected if jurisdictions in which our franchisees’ restaurants operate impose mandatory closures, seek voluntary closures or impose restrictions on operations of restaurants. Even if such measures are not implemented and a virus or other disease does not spread significantly, the perceived risk of infection or health risk may affect our business.

New information or attitudes regarding diet and health could result in changes in regulations and consumer consumption habits that could adversely affect our results of operations.ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Government regulation and consumer eating habits may impact our business as a result of changes in attitudes regarding diet and health or new information regarding the health effects of consuming certain menu offerings. These changes have resulted in, and may continue to result in, laws and regulations requiring us to disclose the nutritional content of our food offerings, and they have resulted, and may continue to result in, laws and regulations affecting permissible ingredients and menu offerings. For example, a number of states, counties and cities have enacted menu labeling laws requiring multi-unit restaurant operators to disclose to consumers certain nutritional information, or have enacted legislation restricting the use of certain types of ingredients in restaurants. These requirements may be different or inconsistent with requirements under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (which we refer to as the “PPACA”), which establishes a uniform, federal requirement for certain restaurants to post nutritional information on their menus. Specifically, the PPACA requires chain restaurants with 20 or more locations operating under the same name and offering substantially the same menus to publish the total number of calories of standard menu items on menus and menu boards, along with a statement that puts this calorie information in the context of a total daily calorie intake. These inconsistencies could be challenging for us to comply with in an efficient manner. The PPACA also requires covered restaurants to provide to consumers, upon request, a written summary of detailed nutritional information for each standard menu item, and to provide a statement on menus and menu boards about the availability of this information upon request. An unfavorable report on, or reaction to, our menu ingredients, the size of our portions or the nutritional content of our menu items could negatively influence the demand for our products and materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.Common Stock

 

Compliance with current and future laws and regulations regardingOn February 11, 2020, the ingredients and nutritional contentCompany issued a total of our menu items may be costly and time-consuming. Additionally, if consumer health regulations or consumer eating habits change significantly, we may be required to modify or discontinue certain menu items, and we may experience higher costs associated with the implementation16,360 shares of those changes. We cannot predict the impact of the new nutrition labeling requirements under the PPACA until final regulations are promulgated. The risks and costs associated with nutritional disclosures on our menus could also impact our operations, particularly given differences among applicable legal requirements and practices within the restaurant industry with respect to testing and disclosure, ordinary variations in food preparation among our own restaurants, and the need to rely on the accuracy and completeness of nutritional information obtained from third-party suppliers.

Our business may be adversely impacted by changes in consumer discretionary spending and general economic conditions.

Purchasescommon stock at our franchisees’ restaurants are generally discretionary for consumers and, therefore, our results of operations are susceptible to economic slowdowns and recessions. Our results of operations are dependent upon discretionary spending by consumers of our franchisees’ restaurants, which may be affected by general economic conditions globally or in one or more of the markets we serve. Some of the factors that impact discretionary consumer spending include unemployment rates, fluctuations in the level of disposable income, the price of gasoline, stock market performance and changes in the level of consumer confidence. These and other macroeconomic factors could have an adverse effect on sales at our franchisees’ restaurants, which could lead to an adverse effect on our profitability or development plans, and harm our financial condition and operating results.

Our expansion into international markets exposes us to a number of risks that may differ in each country where we have franchised restaurants.

We currently have franchised restaurants in Canada, China, UAE, the United Kingdom, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Panama, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Pakistan, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar and Tunisia, and plan to continue to grow internationally. Expansion in international markets may be affected by local economic and market as well as geopolitical conditions. Therefore, as we expand internationally, our franchisees may not experience the operating margins we expect, and our results of operations and growth may be materially and adversely affected. Our financial condition and results of operations may be adversely affected if global markets in which our franchised restaurants compete are affected by changes in political, economic or other factors. These factors, over which neither our franchisees nor we have control, may include:

recessionary or expansive trends in international markets;
changing labor conditions and difficulties in staffing and managing our foreign operations;
increases in the taxes we pay and other changes in applicable tax laws;
legal and regulatory changes, and the burdens and costs of our compliance with a variety of foreign laws;
changes in inflation rates;
changes in exchange rates and the imposition of restrictions on currency conversion or the transfer of funds;
difficulty in protecting our brand, reputation and intellectual property;
difficulty in collecting our royalties and longer payment cycles;
expropriation of private enterprises;
increases in anti-American sentiment and the identification of our brands as American brands;
political and economic instability; and
other external factors.

Our international operations subject us to risks that could negatively affect our business.

A significant portion of our franchised restaurants are operated in countries and territories outside of the United States, including in emerging markets, and we intend to continue expansion of our international operations. As a result, our business is increasingly exposed to risks inherent in international operations. These risks, which can vary substantially by country, include political instability, corruption and social and ethnic unrest, as well as changes in economic conditions (including consumer spending, unemployment levels and wage and commodity inflation), the regulatory environment, income and non-income based tax rates and laws, foreign exchange control regimes, consumer preferences and the laws and policies that govern foreign investment in countries where our franchised restaurants are operated. In addition, our franchisees do business in jurisdictions that may be subject to trade or economic sanction regimes. Any failure to comply with such sanction regimes or other similar laws or regulations could result in the assessment of damages, the imposition of penalties, suspension of business licenses, or a cessation of operations at our franchisees’ businesses, as well as damage to our and our brands’ images and reputations, all of which could harm our profitability.

Foreign currency risks and foreign exchange controls could adversely affect our financial results.

Our results of operations and the value of our foreign assets are affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rates, which may adversely affect reported earnings. More specifically, an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to other currencies could have an adverse effect on our reported earnings. Our Canadian franchisees pay us franchise fees as a percentage of sales denominated in Canadian dollars, which are then converted to U.S. dollars at the prevailing exchange rate. This exposes us to risk of an increase in the value of the U.S. dollar relative$4.585 per share to the Canadian dollar. There can be no assurance as to the future effect of any changes in currency exchange rates on our results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

We depend on key executive management.

We depend on the leadership and experience of our relatively small number of key executive management personnel, and in particular key executive management, particularly our Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Wiederhorn. The loss of the services of any of our executive management members could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, as we may not be able to find suitable individuals to replace such personnel on a timely basis or without incurring increased costs, or at all. We do not maintain key man life insurance policies on any of our executive officers. We believe that our future success will depend on our continued ability to attract and retain highly skilled and qualified personnel. There is a high level of competition for experienced, successful personnel in our industry. Our inability to meet our executive staffing requirements in the future could impair our growth and harm our business.

Labor shortages or difficulty finding qualified employees could slow our growth, harm our business and reduce our profitability.

Restaurant operations are highly service oriented and our success depends in part upon our franchisees’ ability to attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified employees, including restaurant managers and other crew members. The market for qualified employees in our industry is very competitive. Any future inability to recruit and retain qualified individuals may delay the planned openings of new restaurants by our franchisees and could adversely impact our existing franchised restaurants. Any such delays, material increases in employee turnover rate in existing franchised restaurants or widespread employee dissatisfaction could have a material adverse effect on our and our franchisees’ business and results of operations.

In addition, strikes, work slowdowns or other job actions may become more common in the United States. Although none of the employees employed by our franchisees are represented by a labor union or are covered by a collective bargaining agreement, in the event of a strike, work slowdown or other labor unrest, the ability to adequately staff our restaurants could be impaired, which could result in reduced revenue and customer claims, and may distract our management from focusing on our business and strategic priorities.

Changes in labor and other operating costs could adversely affect our results of operations.

An increase in the costs of employee wages, benefits and insurance (including workers’ compensation, general liability, property and health) could result from government imposition of higher minimum wages or from general economic or competitive conditions. In addition, competition for qualified employees could compel our franchisees to pay higher wages to attract or retain key crew members, which could result in higher labor costs and decreased profitability. Any increase in labor expenses, as well as increases in general operating costs such as rent and energy, could adversely affect our franchisees’ profit margins, their sales volumes and their ability to remain in business, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

A broader standard for determining joint employer status may adversely affect our business operations and increase our liabilities resulting from actions by our franchisees.

In 2015, the National Labor Relations Board (which we refer to as the “NLRB”) adopted a new and broader standard for determining when two or more otherwise unrelated employers may be found to be a joint employer of the same employees under the National Labor Relations Act. In addition, the general counsel’s office of the NLRB has issued complaints naming McDonald’s Corporation as a joint employer of workers at its franchisees for alleged violations of the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act. In June 2017, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the rescission of these guidelines. However, there can be no assurance that future changes in law, regulation or policy will cause us or our franchisees to be liable or held responsible for unfair labor practices, violations of wage and hour laws, or other violations or require our franchises to conduct collective bargaining negotiations regarding employees of our franchisees. Further, there is no assurance that we or our franchisees will not receive similar complaints as McDonald’s Corporation in the future, which could result in legal proceedings based on the actions of our franchisees. In such events, our operating expenses may increase as a result of required modifications to our business practices, increased litigation, governmental investigations or proceedings, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil liability.

We could be party to litigation that could adversely affect us by increasing our expenses, diverting management attention or subjecting us to significant monetary damages and other remedies.

We may become involved in legal proceedings involving consumer, employment, real estate related, tort, intellectual property, breach of contract, securities, derivative and other litigation. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits often seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to such lawsuits may not be accurately estimated. Regardless of whether any such claims have merit, or whether we are ultimately held liable or settle, such litigation may be expensive to defend and may divert resources and management attention away from our operations and negatively impact reported earnings. With respect to insured claims, a judgment for monetary damages in excess of any insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Any adverse publicity resulting from these allegations may also adversely affect our reputation, which in turn could adversely affect our results of operations.

In addition, the restaurant industry around the world has been subject to claims that relate to the nutritional content of food products, as well as claims that the menus and practices of restaurant chains have led to customer health issues, including weight gain and other adverse effects. These concerns could lead to an increase in the regulation of the content or marketing of our products. We may also be subject to such claims in the future and, even if we are not, publicity about these matters (particularly directed at the quick service and fast casual segments of the retail food industry) may harm our reputation and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Changes in, or noncompliance with, governmental regulations may adversely affect our business operations, growth prospects or financial condition.

We and our franchisees are subject to numerous laws and regulations around the world. These laws change regularly and are increasingly complex. For example, we and our franchisees are subject to:

The Americans with Disabilities Act in the U.S. and similar state laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations and other areas.
The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs matters such as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions, as well as family leave mandates and a variety of similar state laws that govern these and other employment law matters.
Laws and regulations in government mandated health care benefits such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Laws and regulations relating to nutritional content, nutritional labeling, product safety, product marketing and menu labeling.
Laws relating to state and local licensing.
Laws relating to the relationship between franchisors and franchisees.
Laws and regulations relating to health, sanitation, food, workplace safety, child labor, including laws prohibiting the use of certain “hazardous equipment” by employees younger than the age of 18 years of age, and fire safety and prevention.
Laws and regulations relating to union organizing rights and activities.
Laws relating to information security, privacy, cashless payments, and consumer protection.
Laws relating to currency conversion or exchange.
Laws relating to international trade and sanctions.
Tax laws and regulations.
Antibribery and anticorruption laws.
Environmental laws and regulations.
Federal and state immigration laws and regulations in the U.S.

Compliance with new or existing laws and regulations could impact our operations. The compliance costs associated with these laws and regulations could be substantial. Any failure or alleged failure to comply with these laws or regulations by our franchisees or indirectly by us could adversely affect our reputation, international expansion efforts, growth prospects and financial results or result in, among other things, litigation, revocation of required licenses, internal investigations, governmental investigations or proceedings, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. Publicity relating to any such noncompliance could also harm our reputation and adversely affect our revenues.

Failure to comply with antibribery or anticorruption laws could adversely affect our business operations.

The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and other similar applicable laws prohibiting bribery of government officials and other corrupt practices are the subject of increasing emphasis and enforcement around the world. Although we have implemented policies and procedures designed to promote compliance with these laws, there can be no assurance that our employees, contractors, agents, franchisees or other third parties will not take actions in violation of our policies or applicable law, particularly as we expand our operations in emerging markets and elsewhere. Any such violations or suspected violations could subject us to civil or criminal penalties, including substantial fines and significant investigation costs, and could also materially damage our reputation, brands, international expansion efforts and growth prospects, business and operating results. Publicity relating to any noncompliance or alleged noncompliance could also harm our reputation and adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.

Tax matters, including changes in tax rates, disagreements with taxing authorities and imposition of new taxes could impact our results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to income taxes as well as non-income based taxes, such as payroll, sales, use, value added, net worth, property, withholding and franchise taxes in both the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions. We are also subject to regular reviews, examinations and audits by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (which we refer to as the “IRS”) and other taxing authorities with respect to such income and non-income based taxes inside and outside of the U.S. If the IRS or another taxing authority disagrees with our tax positions, we could face additional tax liabilities, including interest and penalties. Payment of such additional amounts upon final settlement or adjudication of any disputes could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.

In addition, we are directly and indirectly affected by new tax legislation and regulation and the interpretation of tax laws and regulations worldwide. Changes in legislation, regulation or interpretation of existing laws and regulations in the U.S. and other jurisdictions where we are subject to taxation could increase our taxes and have an adverse effect on our operating results and financial condition.

Conflict or terrorism could negatively affect our business.

We cannot predict the effects of actual or threatened armed conflicts or terrorist attacks, efforts to combat terrorism, military action against any foreign state or group located in a foreign state or heightened security requirements on local, regional, national or international economies or consumer confidence. Such events could negatively affect our business, including by reducing customer traffic or the availability of commodities.

Risks Related to Our Company and Our Organizational Structure

We are included in FCCG’s consolidated group for federal income tax purposes and, as a result, may be liable for any shortfall in FCCG’s federal income tax payments

For so long as FCCG continues to own at least 80% of the total voting power and value of our capital stock, we will be included in FCCG’s consolidated group for federal income tax purposes. By virtue of its controlling ownership and the Tax Sharing Agreement that we anticipate entering into with FCCG, FCCG effectively controls all of our tax decisions. Moreover, notwithstanding the Tax Sharing Agreement, federal tax law provides that each member of a consolidated group is jointly and severally liable for the group’s entire federal income tax obligation. Thus, to the extent FCCG or othernon-employee members of the group fail to make any federal income tax payments required of them by law, we are liable for the shortfall. Similar principles generally apply for income tax purposes in some state, local and foreign jurisdictions.

We are controlled by FCCG, whose interests may differ from those of our public stockholders.

FCCG controls approximately 80% of the combined voting power of our Common Stock and will, for the foreseeable future, have significant influence over corporate management and affairs and be able to control virtually all matters requiring stockholder approval. FCCG is able to, subject to applicable law, elect a majority of the members of our Board of Directors and control actions to be taken by us, including amendments to our certificate of incorporation and bylaws and approval of significant corporate transactions, including mergers and sales of substantially all of our assets. It is possible that the interests of FCCG may in some circumstances conflict with our interests and the interests of our other stockholders, including you. For example, FCCG may have different tax positions from us, especially in light of the Tax Sharing Agreement, that could influence its decisions regarding whether and when to dispose of assets, whether and when to incur new or refinance existing indebtedness. In addition, the determination of future tax reporting positions, the structuring of future transactions and the handling of any future challenges by any taxing authority to our tax reporting positions may take into consideration FCCG’s tax or other considerations, which may differ from the considerations of us or our other stockholders.

Our anti-takeover provisions could prevent or delay a change in control of our company, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders.

Provisions of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and bylaws as well as provisions of Delaware law could discourage, delay or prevent a merger, acquisition or other change in control of our company, even if such change in control would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include:

net operating loss protective provisions, which require that any person wishing to become a “5% shareholder” (as defined in our certificate of incorporation) must first obtain a waiver from our board of directors, and any person that is already a “5% shareholder” of ours cannot make any additional purchases of our stock without a waiver from our board of directors;
authorizing the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that could be issued by our Board of Directors to increase the number of outstanding shares and thwart a takeover attempt;
limiting the ability of stockholders to call special meetings or amend our bylaws;
providing for a classified board of directors with staggered, three-year terms;
requiring all stockholder actions to be taken at a meeting of our stockholders; and
establishing advance notice and duration of ownership requirements for nominations for election to the board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.

These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other stockholders to elect directors of your choosing and cause us to take other corporate actions you desire. In addition, because our Board of Directors is responsible for appointing the members of our management team, these provisions could in turn affect any attempt by our stockholders to replace current members of our management team.

In addition, the Delaware General Corporation Law, or the DGCL, to which we are subject, prohibits us, except under specified circumstances, from engaging in any mergers, significant sales of stock or assets or business combinations with any stockholder or group of stockholders who owns at least 15% of our common stock.

We may issue shares of preferred stock in the future, which could make it difficult for another company to acquire us or could otherwise adversely affect holders of our Common Stock, which could depress the price of our Common Stock.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation authorizes us to issue one or more series of preferred stock. Our board of directors hasas consideration for accrued directors’ fees. The issuance of these shares to the authority to determinedirectors are exempt from registration under the preferences, limitations and relative rightsSecurities Act in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the shares of preferred stockSecurities Act and Rule 506 promulgated under Regulation D under the Securities Act as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The directors acquired the securities for investment only and not with a view to fix the number of shares constitutingor for sale in connection with any series and the designation of such series, without any further vote or action by our stockholders. Our preferred stock could be issued with voting, liquidation, dividend and other rights superior to the rights of our Common Stock. The potential issuance of preferred stock may delay or prevent a change in control of us, discourage bids for our Common Stock at a premium to the market price, and materially and adversely affect the market price and the voting and other rights of the holders of our Common Stock.distribution thereof.

 

The provision of our certificate of incorporation requiring exclusive venue in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware for certain types of lawsuits may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation requires, to the fullest extent permitted by law, that (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any of our directors, officers or other employees to us or our stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL or our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or the bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us governed by the internal affairs doctrine will have to be brought only in the Court of Chancery in the State of Delaware. Although we believe this provision benefits us by providing increased consistency in the application of Delaware law in the types of lawsuits to which it applies, the provision may have the effect of discouraging lawsuits against our directors and officers.

A limited public trading market may cause volatility in the price of our Common Stock.

There can be no assurance that our Common Stock will continue to be quoted on NASDAQ or that a meaningful, consistent and liquid trading market will develop. As a result, our stockholders may not be able to sell or liquidate their holdings in a timely manner or at the then-prevailing trading price of our Common Stock. In addition, sales of substantial amounts of our Common Stock, or the perception that such sales might occur, could adversely affect prevailing market prices of our common stock and our stock price may decline substantially in a short time and our stockholders could suffer losses or be unable to liquidate their holdings.

If our operating and financial performance in any given period does not meet the guidance that we provide to the public, our stock price may decline.

We may provide public guidance on our expected operating and financial results for future periods. Any such guidance will be comprised of forward-looking statements subject to the risks and uncertainties described in our public filings and public statements. Our actual results may not always be in line with or exceed any guidance we have provided, especially in times of economic uncertainty. If our operating or financial results for a particular period do not meet any guidance we provide or the expectations of investment analysts or if we reduce our guidance for future periods, the market price of our Common Stock may decline as well.

Our ability to pay regular dividends to our stockholders is subject to the discretion of our Board of Directors and may be limited by our holding company structure and applicable provisions of Delaware law.

Subject to certain conditions and limitations, we expect to pay cash dividends to the holders of our Common Stock on a quarterly basis. Our board of directors may, in its sole discretion, decrease the amount or frequency of dividends or discontinue the payment of dividends entirely. In addition, as a holding company, we will be dependent upon the ability of our operating subsidiaries to generate earnings and cash flows and distribute them to us so that we may pay dividends to our stockholders. Our ability to pay dividends will be subject to our consolidated operating results, cash requirements and financial condition, the applicable provisions of Delaware law which may limit the amount of funds available for distribution to our stockholders, our compliance with covenants and financial ratios related to existing or future indebtedness, and our other agreements with third parties. In addition, each of the companies in the corporate chain must manage its assets, liabilities and working capital in order to meet all of its cash obligations, including the payment of dividends or distributions.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

 

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.

 

On May 25, 2020, Marc Holtzman resigned from the Board of Directors of the Company. Mr. Holtzman informed the Company that he resigned for personal reasons and to pursue other business opportunities, and not as a result of a disagreement with any Company operations, policies or practices.

41

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit   Incorporated By Reference to Filed

Number

 Description Form Exhibit Filing Date 

Herewith

3.1 Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, effective October 19, 2017.       X
4.1 Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated October 20, 2017, issued to Tripoint Global Equities, LLC.       X
10.1 Contribution Agreement, dated October 20, 2017, between the Company and Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.       X
10.2 Tax Sharing Agreement, dated October 20, 2017, between the Company and Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.       X
10.3 Voting Agreement, dated October 20, 2017, between the Company and Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.       X
10.4 Promissory Note, dated October 20, 2017, issued by the Company to Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc.       X
10.5 Intercompany Promissory Note, dated October 20, 2017, issued by Fog Cutter Capital Group Inc. to the Company.       X
10.6 Form of Indemnification Agreement, dated October 20, 2017, between the Company and each director and executive officer. 1-A 6.3 09/06/2017  
10.7 Selling Agency Agreement, dated October 20, 2017, between the Company and Tripoint Global Equities, LLC. 1-A 1.1 10/03/2017  
10.8 Membership Interest Purchase Agreement (Hurricane AMT, LLC), dated November 14, 2017, between the Company and Gama Group LLC, Salient Point Trust, Satovsky Enterprises, LLC, Mapes Holdings LLC and Martin O’Dowd. 8-K 2.1 11/17/2017  
31.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002       X
31.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002       X
32.1 Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002       X (Furnished)
101.INS 

XBRL Instance Document

       

X

(Furnished)

101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document       

X

(Furnished)

101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document       

X

(Furnished)

101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document       

X

(Furnished)

101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document       

X

(Furnished)

101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document       

X

(Furnished)

Exhibit   Incorporated By Reference toFiled
Number Description Form Exhibit Filing Date Herewith
           
4.1 Base Indenture, dated March 6, 2020, by and between FAT Brands Royalty I, LLC, and UMB Bank, N.A., as trustee and securities intermediary. 8-K 4.1 03/12/2020  
4.2 Series 2020-1 Supplement to Base Indenture, dated March 6, 2020, by and between FAT Brands Royalty I, LLC, and UMB Bank, N.A., as trustee. 8-K 4.2 03/12/2020  
10.1 Management Agreement, dated March 6, 2020, by and among FAT Brands Inc., FAT Brands Royalty I, LLC, each of the Franchise Entities, and the Trustee. 8-K 10.2 03/12/2020  
10.2 Intercompany Revolving Credit Agreement, dated April 24, 2020, by and between FAT Brands Inc. and Fog Cutter Capital Group, Inc. 10-K 10.11 04/28/2020  
31.1 Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002       X
31.2 Chief Financial Officer Certification Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002       X
32.1 Certifications of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002       X
           
101.INS XBRL Instance Document       X (Furnished)
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document       X (Furnished)
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document       X (Furnished)
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document       X (Furnished)
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document       X (Furnished)
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document       X (Furnished)

 

3742

 

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 FAT BRANDS INC.
  
December 4, 2017May 28, 2020By/s/Andrew A. Wiederhorn
  Andrew A. Wiederhorn
  President and Chief Executive Officer
  (Principal Executive Officer)
  
December 4, 2017May 28, 2020By/s/ Ron RoeRebecca D. Hershinger
  Ron RoeRebecca D. Hershinger
  Chief Financial Officer
  (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

43