UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 27, 202026, 2021
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________ to _________
Commission file number: 001-35249
THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware20-3031526
(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)
100 East Ridge Road
Ridgefield,, Connecticut06877
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) (203) 894-1345

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01CHEFThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Preferred Stock Purchase RightsCHEFThe 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      No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes      No  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a 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 filerAccelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if 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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes      No  
Number of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding at May 4, 2020: 31,031,894

April 26, 2021: 37,901,560

1


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents



2


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this report regarding the business of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and management estimates; actual results may differ materially. Words such as “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and/or could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties which could impact these statements include, but are not limited to the following: our sensitivity to general economic conditions, including disposable income levels and changes in consumer discretionary spending; our ability to expand our operations in our existing markets and to penetrate new markets through acquisitions; we may not achieve the benefits expected from our acquisitions, which could adversely impact our business and operating results; we may have difficulty managing and facilitating our future growth; conditions beyond our control could materially affect the cost and/or availability of our specialty food products or center-of-the-plate products and/or interrupt our distribution network; our increased distribution of center-of-the-plate products, like meat, poultry and seafood, involves increased exposure to price volatility experienced by those products; our business is a low-margin business and our profit margins may be sensitive to inflationary and deflationary pressures; because our foodservice distribution operations are concentrated in certain culinary markets, we are susceptible to economic and other developments, including adverse weather conditions, in these areas; fuel cost volatility may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations; our ability to raise capital in the future may be limited; we may be unable to obtain debt or other financing, including financing necessary to execute on our acquisition strategy, on favorable terms or at all; interest charged on our outstanding debt may be adversely affected by changes in the method of determining London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative rate; our business operations and future development could be significantly disrupted if we lose key members of our management team; and significant public health epidemics or pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition;condition. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, as such, speak only as of the date made. A more detailed description of these and other risks and uncertainties included underrisk factors is contained in the heading Risk Factors in ourCompany’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 24, 2020 with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”(“SEC”) on February 23, 2021 and inother reports, including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.10-Q, filed by the Company with the SEC since that date. The Company is not undertaking to update any information in the foregoing report until the effective date of its future reports required by applicable laws.



3


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.            CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
March 26, 2021 (unaudited)December 25, 2020
ASSETS  
Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalents$175,000 $193,281 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $22,379 in 2021 and $24,027 in 202099,459 96,383 
Inventories, net91,814 82,519 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets32,631 33,479 
Total current assets398,904 405,662 
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net113,450 115,448 
Operating lease right-of-use assets110,726 115,224 
Goodwill214,888 214,864 
Intangible assets, net108,219 111,717 
Deferred taxes, net12,560 7,535 
Other assets3,835 3,875 
Total assets$962,582 $974,325 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
Current liabilities:  
Accounts payable$69,461 $57,515 
Accrued liabilities26,829 27,924 
Short-term operating lease liabilities16,898 17,167 
Accrued compensation10,603 9,401 
Current portion of long-term debt6,043 6,095 
Total current liabilities129,834 118,102 
Long-term debt, net of current portion396,489 398,084 
Operating lease liabilities105,016 109,133 
Other liabilities and deferred credits3,227 4,416 
Total liabilities634,566 629,735 
Commitments and contingencies00
Stockholders’ equity:  
Preferred Stock - $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at March 26, 2021 and December 25, 2020
Common Stock, - $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 37,909,695 and 37,274,768 shares issued and outstanding at March 26, 2021 and December 25, 2020, respectively379 373 
Additional paid in capital304,994 303,734 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,970)(2,051)
Retained earnings24,613 42,534 
Total stockholders’ equity328,016 344,590 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$962,582 $974,325 
 March 27, 2020
(unaudited)
 December 27, 2019
ASSETS 
  
Current assets: 
  
Cash and cash equivalents$193,517
 $140,233
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $25,618 in 2020 and $8,846 in 2019144,263
 175,044
Inventories, net129,999
 124,056
Prepaid expenses and other current assets24,914
 13,823
Total current assets492,693
 453,156
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net125,635
 92,846
Operating lease right-of-use assets127,255
 127,649
Goodwill212,510
 197,743
Intangible assets, net145,752
 138,751
Other assets3,069
 3,534
Total assets$1,106,914
 $1,013,679
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY 
  
Current liabilities: 
  
Accounts payable$92,621
 $94,097
Accrued liabilities29,477
 29,847
Short-term operating lease liabilities18,091
 17,453
Accrued compensation8,172
 8,033
Current portion of long-term debt4,069
 721
Total current liabilities152,430
 150,151
Long-term debt, net of current portion495,860
 386,106
Operating lease liabilities119,786
 120,572
Deferred taxes, net8,983
 10,883
Other liabilities and deferred credits10,238
 10,034
Total liabilities787,297
 677,746
Commitments and contingencies


 


Stockholders’ equity: 
  
Preferred Stock - $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2019
 
Common Stock, - $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 30,989,742 and 30,341,941 shares issued and outstanding at March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively310
 304
Additional paid in capital210,381
 212,240
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(2,426) (2,048)
Retained earnings111,352
 125,437
Total stockholders’ equity319,617
 335,933
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,106,914
 $1,013,679
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

4


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOMELOSS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks Ended
March 27,
2020
 March 29,
2019
March 26,
2021
March 27,
2020
Net sales$375,431
 $357,027
Net sales$280,217 $375,431 
Cost of sales284,530
 266,838
Cost of sales221,270 289,943 
Gross profit90,901
 90,189
Gross profit58,947 85,488 
Operating expenses107,917
 84,039
Operating (loss) income(17,016) 6,150
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses80,245 108,882 
Other operating (income) expenses, netOther operating (income) expenses, net(1,170)(6,336)
Operating lossOperating loss(20,128)(17,058)
Interest expense5,124
 4,551
Interest expense4,763 5,124 
Loss on asset disposal42
 34
(Loss) income before income taxes(22,182) 1,565
Provision for income taxes(8,097) 431
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134
Other comprehensive (loss) income:   
Loss before income taxesLoss before income taxes(24,891)(22,182)
Provision for income tax benefitProvision for income tax benefit(6,970)(8,097)
Net lossNet loss$(17,921)$(14,085)
Other comprehensive income (loss):Other comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustments(378) 55
Foreign currency translation adjustments81 (378)
Comprehensive (loss) income$(14,463) $1,189
Net (loss) income per share: 
  
Comprehensive lossComprehensive loss$(17,840)$(14,463)
Net loss per share:Net loss per share:  
Basic$(0.48) $0.04
Basic$(0.49)$(0.48)
Diluted$(0.48) $0.04
Diluted$(0.49)$(0.48)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:   
Weighted average common shares outstanding: 
Basic29,621,433
 29,457,257
Basic36,401,748 29,621,433 
Diluted29,621,433
 29,840,979
Diluted36,401,748 29,621,433 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

5


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
 Common StockAdditional
Paid in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
Total
 SharesAmount
Balance December 25, 202037,274,768 $373 $303,734 $(2,051)$42,534 $344,590 
Net loss— — — — (17,921)(17,921)
Stock compensation673,430 2,452 — — 2,458 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — 81 — 81 
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(38,503)— (1,192)— — (1,192)
Balance March 26, 202137,909,695 $379 $304,994 $(1,970)$24,613 $328,016 
 Common Stock 
Additional
Paid in
Capital
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
 
Retained
Earnings
 Total
 Shares Amount    
Balance December 27, 201930,341,941
 $304
 $212,240
 $(2,048) $125,437
 $335,933
Net loss
 
 
 
 (14,085) (14,085)
Stock compensation807,433
 8
 843
 
 
 851
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
 (378) 
 (378)
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(159,632) (2) (2,702) 
 
 (2,704)
Balance March 27, 202030,989,742
 $310
 $210,381
 $(2,426) $111,352
 $319,617


Balance December 27, 201930,341,941 $304 $212,240 $(2,048)$125,437 $335,933 
Net loss— — — — (14,085)(14,085)
Stock compensation807,433 843 — — 851 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — (378)— (378)
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(159,632)(2)(2,702)— — (2,704)
Balance March 27, 202030,989,742 $310 $210,381 $(2,426)$111,352 $319,617 
Balance December 28, 201829,968,483
 $300
 $207,326
 $(2,221) $103,271
 $308,676
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of new accounting standard
 
 
 
 (2,027) (2,027)
Net income
 
 
 
 1,134
 1,134
Stock compensation(23,680) 
 915
 
 
 915
Exercise of stock options20,383
 
 412
 
 
 412
Cumulative translation adjustment
 
 
 55
 
 55
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(24,002) 
 (742) 
 
 (742)
Balance March 29, 201929,941,184
 $300
 $207,911
 $(2,166) $102,378
 $308,423

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

6


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net loss$(17,921)$(14,085)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortization5,107 4,762 
Amortization of intangible assets3,539 3,298 
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts(451)18,431 
Non-cash operating lease expense109 244 
Benefit for deferred income taxes(5,025)(1,900)
Amortization of deferred financing fees864 762 
Stock compensation2,458 851 
Change in fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities(1,308)(6,812)
Loss on asset disposal42 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:  
Accounts receivable(2,585)33,141 
Inventories(9,357)2,501 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets850 (8,855)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued compensation12,026 (14,311)
Other assets and liabilities26 3,916 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities(11,663)21,985 
Cash flows from investing activities:  
Capital expenditures(2,896)(3,093)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received(63,450)
Net cash used in investing activities(2,896)(66,543)
Cash flows from financing activities:  
Payment of debt, finance lease and other financing obligations(32,834)(687)
Proceeds from debt issuance51,750 
Payment of deferred financing fees(1,450)
Surrender of shares to pay withholding taxes(1,192)(838)
Cash paid for contingent earn-out liability(500)
Borrowings under asset-based loan facility100,000 
Payments under asset based loan facility(20,000)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities(3,726)97,975 
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents(133)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents(18,281)53,284 
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period193,281 140,233 
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period$175,000 $193,517 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities: 
  
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: 
  
Depreciation and amortization4,762
 2,881
Amortization of intangible assets3,298
 2,877
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts18,431
 851
Non-cash operating lease expense244
 537
Deferred taxes(1,900) 1,131
Amortization of deferred financing fees762
 522
Stock compensation851
 915
Change in fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities(6,812) 107
Loss on asset disposal42
 34
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions: 
  
Accounts receivable33,141
 13,778
Inventories2,501
 677
Prepaid expenses and other current assets(8,855) (207)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued compensation(14,311) (18,010)
Other assets and liabilities3,916
 164
Net cash provided by operating activities21,985
 7,391
    
Cash flows from investing activities: 
  
Capital expenditures(3,093) (4,125)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received(63,450) (27,990)
Net cash used in investing activities(66,543) (32,115)
    
Cash flows from financing activities: 
  
Payment of debt, finance lease and other financing obligations(687) (37)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options
 412
Surrender of shares to pay withholding taxes(838) (742)
Cash paid for contingent earn-out liability(500) 
Borrowings under asset-based loan facility100,000
 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities97,975
 (367)
    
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents(133) (2)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents53,284
 (25,093)
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period140,233
 42,410
Cash and cash equivalents-end of period$193,517
 $17,317

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

7


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Note 1 - Operations and Basis of Presentation
 
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
 
The financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s quarterly periods end on the thirteenth Friday of each quarter. Every six to seven years, the Company will add a fourteenth week to its fourth quarter to more closely align its year-end to the calendar year. The Company’s business consists of 3 operating segments: East Coast, Midwest and West Coast that aggregate into 1 reportable segment, foodservice distribution, which is concentrated primarily in the United States. The Company’s customer base consists primarily of menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolateries, cruise lines, casinos, and specialty food stores.stores, grocers and warehouse clubs.

The COVID-19 Pandemic

The Company’s customers continued to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”(the “Pandemic”) has hadduring the quarter ended March 26, 2021 which is the primary driver of a material$104,975 decline in the Company’s organic sales compared to the prior year quarter. The Pandemic’s impact on the Company’s net sales was the most significant at the inception of the Pandemic in the United States and Canada during the second quarter of 2020. The future impact of the Pandemic on our business, and operations and those of its customers. In an effortliquidity is difficult to limitpredict at this time and is highly dependent on future developments including new information that may emerge on the spreadseverity of the virus,disease, the extent of the outbreak, federal, state and local governments have implemented measures that have resultedgovernment responses, trends in infection rates, development of effective medical treatments for the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets the Company serves, which has forced its customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. Due to COVID-19, the Company incurred estimated non-cash charges of approximately $15,800 related to incremental bad debt expensedisease, and approximately $3,300 related to incremental inventory obsolescence. The adverse impact to the Company’s customer base and its market capitalization were triggering events and, accordingly, the Company performed interim goodwill and long-lived asset quantitative impairment tests as described in Note 8 to these financial statements.future consumer spending behavior, among others.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related interim information contained within the notes to such unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim information and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 27, 201925, 2020 filed as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020.23, 2021.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements appearing in this Form 10-Q have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020,23, 2021, and in the opinion of management, include all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s interim period results. The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Due to seasonal fluctuations, COVID-19the Pandemic and other factors, the results of operations for the thirteen weeks ended weeks ended March 27, 202026, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates.




8


Guidance Adopted in Fiscal 2020

2021
Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments:
 In June 2016 and as further amended in November 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance which requires entities to use a forward-looking expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure related to credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information related to management’s estimate of credit allowances. The Company adopted this guidance on December 28, 2019. The Company analyzes customer creditworthiness, accounts receivable balances, payment history, payment terms and historical bad debt levels when evaluating the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts. In instances where a reserve has been recorded for a particular customer, future sales to the customer are either conducted using cash-on-delivery terms or the account is closely monitored so that agreed-upon payments are received prior to orders being released. A failure to pay results in held or cancelled orders. The Company also estimates receivables that will ultimately be uncollectible based upon historical write-off experience. Management incorporates current macro-economic factors in existence as of the balance sheet date that may impact the food-away-from-home industry and/or its customers, and specifically in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the impact of COVID-19. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Guidance Not Yet Adopted

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes: In December 2019, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance that eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocations, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and other simplifications and clarifications. As a result of the new guidance, the Company may recognize additional income tax benefits during interim periods in which interim losses exceed full year projections due to provisions in the guidance that remove loss limitation rules. This guidance was adopted on December 26, 2020 and adoption had an immaterial impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity: In August 2020, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the accounting models for financial instruments with characteristics of debt and equity. The amendments in the guidance result in fewer instances in which an embedded conversion feature must be accounted for separately from its host contract. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. Early2021. This guidance was adopted on December 26, 2020 and adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this guidance when effective and is evaluatingdid not impact the impact of adoption on itsCompany’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition
 
Revenues from product sales are recognized at the point at which control of each product is transferred to the customer. The Company’s contracts contain performance obligations which are satisfied when customers have physical possession of each product. The majority of customer orders are fulfilled within a day and customer payment terms are typically 20 to 60 days from delivery. Shipping and handling activities are costs to fulfill the Company’s performance obligations. These costs are expensed as incurred and presented within operatingselling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company offers certain sales incentives to customers in the form of rebates or discounts. These sales incentives are accounted as variable consideration. The Company estimates these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and records a corresponding reduction in revenue. The Company does not expect a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized. Sales tax billed to customers is not included in revenue but rather recorded as a liability owed to the respective taxing authorities at the time the sale is recognized.

The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by principal product category:
Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Center-of-the-Plate$139,880 49.9 %$163,820 43.6 %
Dry Goods37,749 13.5 %57,886 15.4 %
Pastry40,978 14.6 %49,261 13.1 %
Cheese and Charcuterie23,125 8.3 %35,073 9.3 %
Produce20,535 7.3 %24,020 6.4 %
Dairy and Eggs2,297 0.8 %22,146 5.9 %
Oils and Vinegars9,567 3.4 %16,159 4.3 %
Kitchen Supplies6,086 2.2 %7,066 2.0 %
Total$280,217 100 %$375,431 100 %
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Center-of-the-Plate$163,820
 43.6% $156,616
 43.9%
Dry Goods67,654
 18.0% 63,754
 17.9%
Pastry54,904
 14.6% 50,205
 14.1%
Cheese and Charcuterie38,130
 10.2% 35,355
 9.9%
Dairy and Eggs24,716
 6.6% 25,614
 7.2%
Oils and Vinegars18,190
 4.8% 18,693
 5.2%
Kitchen Supplies8,017
 2.2% 6,790
 1.8%
Total$375,431
 100% $357,027
 100%


The Company determines its product category classification based on how the Company currently markets its products to its customers. The Company’s definition of its principal product categories may differ from the way in which other companies present similar information.






Deferred Revenue

Food Processing Costs
Certain customer arrangements
Food processing costs include but are not limited to direct labor and benefits, applicable overhead and depreciation of equipment and facilities used in food processing activities. Food processing costs included in cost of sales were $5,396 and $5,413 for the Company’s direct-to-consumer business, prepaid gift plansthirteen weeks ended March 26, 2021 and gift card purchases, result in deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of performance. The Company recognizes revenue on its prepaid gift plans when control of each product is transferred to the customer. Performance obligations under the Company’s prepaid gift plans are satisfied within a period of twelve months or less. Gift cards issued by the Company do not have expiration dates. The Company records a liability for unredeemed gift cards at the time gift cards are sold and the liability is relieved when the card is redeemed, the value of the card is escheated to the appropriate government agency, or through breakage. Gift card breakage is estimated based on the Company’s historical redemption experience and expected trends in redemption patterns. Amounts recognized through breakage represent the portion of the gift card liability that is not subject to unclaimed property laws and for which the likelihood of redemption is remote. The Company recorded deferred revenues, reflected as accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, of $1,351 and $1,345 as of March 27, 2020, and December 27, 2019, respectively.


Right of Return

The Company’s standard terms and conditions provide customers with a right of return if the goods received are not merchantable. Customers are either issued a replacement order at no cost, or are issued a credit for the returned goods. The Company recorded a refund liability of $245 and $314 as of March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively. Refund liabilities are reflected as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized a corresponding asset of $151 and $194 as of March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively, for its right to recover products from customers on settling its refund liabilities. This asset is reflected as inventories, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

Contract Costs

Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are presented within operating expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.
9


Note 3 – Net (Loss) IncomeLoss per Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Net loss per share:  
Basic$(0.49)$(0.48)
Diluted$(0.49)$(0.48)
Weighted average common shares:  
Basic36,401,748 29,621,433 
Diluted36,401,748 29,621,433 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Net (loss) income per share:   
Basic$(0.48) $0.04
Diluted$(0.48) $0.04
Weighted average common shares:   
Basic29,621,433
 29,457,257
Diluted29,621,433
 29,840,979


Reconciliation of net (loss) incomeloss per common share:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Numerator:   
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134
Denominator:   
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding29,621,433
 29,457,257
Dilutive effect of stock options and unvested common shares
 383,722
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding29,621,433
 29,840,979

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Numerator:  
Net loss$(17,921)$(14,085)
Denominator:  
Weighted average basic common shares outstanding36,401,748 29,621,433 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding36,401,748 29,621,433 
 




Potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net (loss) incomeloss per common share because the effect is anti-dilutive are as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Restricted share awards (“RSAs”)779,968 75,779 
Stock options115,639 39,075 
Convertible notes3,795,570 3,484,788 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Restricted share awards (“RSAs”)27,649
 
Convertible notes3,484,788
 91,053

Note 4 – Fair Value Measurements
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
 
The Company’s contingent earn-out liabilities are measured at fair value. These liabilities were estimated using Level 3 inputs. Long-term earn-out liabilities were $7,478$1,248 and $7,957$2,556 as of March 27, 202026, 2021 and December 27, 2019,25, 2020, respectively, and are reflected as other liabilities and deferred credits on the consolidated balance sheets. The remaining short-term earn-out liabilities are reflected as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of contingent consideration was determined based on a probability-based approach which includes projected results, percentage probability of occurrence and the application of a discount rate to present value the payments. A significant change in projected results, discount rate, or probabilities of occurrence could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities are reflected in other operating (income)expenses, net on the consolidated statements of operations.









10


The following table presents the changes in Level 3 contingent earn-out liabilities:
Fells PointBassianSid WainerOther AcquisitionsTotal
Balance December 27, 2019$4,544 $7,957 $$2,197 $14,698 
Acquisition value2,081 1,383 3,464 
Cash payments(2,250)(1,677)(3,927)
Changes in fair value(4,544)(4,631)(1,570)(734)(11,479)
Balance December 25, 2020$$1,076 $511 $1,169 $2,756 
Changes in fair value(511)(801)(1,308)
Balance March 26, 2021$$1,080 $$368 $1,448 
 Fells Point Bassian Sid Wainer Other Acquisitions Total
Balance December 27, 2019$4,544
 $7,957
 $
 $2,197
 $14,698
Acquisition value
 
 2,081
 1,383
 3,464
Cash payments
 
 
 (500) (500)
Changes in fair value(2,583) (1,777) (1,602) (850) (6,812)
Balance March 27, 2020$1,961
 $6,180
 $479
 $2,230
 $10,850

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s convertible notes. In estimating the fair value of the convertible notes, the Company utilized Level 3 inputs including prevailing market interest rates to estimate the debt portion of the instrument and a Black Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of the conversion option. The Black Scholes model utilizes the market price of the Company’s common stock, estimates of the stock’s volatility and the prevailing risk-free interest rate in calculating the fair value estimate.

 March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
 Carrying Value Fair Value Carrying Value Fair Value
Convertible Senior Notes$150,000
 $130,977
 $150,000
 $165,000
Convertible Unsecured Note$4,000
 $3,595
 $4,000
 $4,282

 March 26, 2021December 25, 2020
Carrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair Value
Convertible Senior Notes$200,000 $238,661 $150,000 $163,204 
Convertible Unsecured Note$4,000 $4,687 $4,000 $4,290 
 
Note 5 – Acquisitions
Sid Wainer

On January 27, 2020, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets, including certain real-estate assets, of Sid Wainer & Son (“Sid Wainer”), a specialty food and produce distributor in New England. The purchase price was approximately $46,450 paid in cash at closing and is subject to a customary working capital true-up. The Company will also pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, in the form of an earn-out amount which could total $4,000 over a two-year period. The payment of the earn-out liability is subject to the successful achievement of certain gross profit targets. The Company estimated the fair value of this contingent earn-out liability to be $2,081 and $479 as of January 27, 2020 and March 27, 2020, respectively.



The Company is in the process of finalizing a valuation of the earn-out liability, and tangible and intangible assets of Sid Wainer as of the acquisition date. When applicable, these valuations require the use of Level 3 inputs. Goodwill for the Sid Wainer acquisition will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. The goodwill recorded primarily reflects the value of acquiring an established specialty food and produce distributor to leverage the Company’s existing products in the markets served by Sid Wainer, to supply Sid Wainer’s produce offerings to our New York market and any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition. The Company reflected net sales of $25,751 and an operating loss of $1,105 for Sid Wainer in its consolidated statement of operations for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020.

The table below presents unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement information of the Company as if the Sid Wainer acquisition had occurred on December 29, 2018. The pro forma results were prepared from financial information obtained from the sellers of the business, as well as information obtained during the due diligence process associated with the acquisition. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the Company’s results of operations had the acquisition been completed on the above date, nor is it necessarily indicative of the Company’s future results. The pro forma information does not reflect any cost savings from operating efficiencies or synergies that could result from the acquisition, any incremental costs for Sid Wainer transitioning to become a public company, and also does not reflect additional revenue opportunities following the acquisition. The pro forma information reflects amortization and depreciation of the Sid Wainer acquisition at their respective fair values.
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020
March 29, 2019
Net sales$388,209
 $402,074
Loss before income taxes(23,187) (439)


Additionally, during the quarter ended March 27, 2020, the Company paid approximately $17,000 for a specialty center-of-the plate distributor in New England.

The table below sets forth the purchase price allocation of these acquisitions:
 Sid WainerOther Acquisitions
Current assets$24,735
$6,790
Customer relationships
6,200
Trademarks3,500
700
Goodwill9,645
5,131
Fixed assets21,055
503
Right-of-use assets8,259
1,019
Lease liabilities(8,259)(1,019)
Current liabilities(10,404)(941)
Earn-out liability(2,081)(1,383)
Total consideration$46,450
$17,000


The Company recognized professional fees of $435 in operating expenses related to the acquisitions in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.

Note 6 – Inventories
 
Inventories consist primarily of finished product and are reflected net of adjustments for shrinkage, excess and obsolescence totaling $5,268$8,755 and $1,937$9,013 at March 27, 202026, 2021 and December 27, 2019,25, 2020, respectively. The Company incurred estimated inventory valuation adjustments of approximately $3,300 related to inventory obsolescence due to COVID-19.



Note 76 – Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Software
 
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software as of March 27, 202026, 2021 and December 27, 201925, 2020 consisted of the following:
 Useful LivesMarch 26, 2021December 25, 2020
LandIndefinite$5,020 $5,020 
Buildings20 years15,685 15,685 
Machinery and equipment5 - 10 years25,116 24,900 
Computers, data processing and other equipment3 - 7 years14,328 14,207 
Software3 - 7 years41,273 33,063 
Leasehold improvements1 - 40 years68,855 68,747 
Furniture and fixtures7 years3,418 3,412 
Vehicles5 - 7 years21,926 21,873 
Other7 years88 88 
Construction-in-process 2,435 8,115 
  198,144 195,110 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (84,694)(79,662)
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net $113,450 $115,448 
  Useful Lives March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
Land Indefinite $5,020
 $1,170
Buildings 20 years 15,871
 1,360
Machinery and equipment 5-10 years 25,881
 21,718
Computers, data processing and other equipment 3-7 years 13,653
 12,686
Software 3-7 years 29,331
 29,305
Leasehold improvements 1-40 years 71,297
 70,903
Furniture and fixtures 7 years 3,322
 3,309
Vehicles 5-7 years 19,464
 6,410
Other 7 years 95
 95
Construction-in-process   9,772
 9,200
    193,706
 156,156
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization   (68,071) (63,310)
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net   $125,635
 $92,846


Construction-in-process at March 27,26, 2021 related primarily to the build-out of the Company’s Los Angeles distribution facility. Construction-in-process at December 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019 related primarily to the implementation of the Company’s Enterprise Resource Planning system.

The components of depreciation and amortization expense were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Depreciation expense$3,568
 $1,973
Software amortization$1,194
 $908
 $4,762
 $2,881


The net book value of equipment financed under finance leases at March 27, 202026, 2021 and December 27, 201925, 2020 was $16,337$15,592 and $3,905,$14,705, respectively.

11


The components of depreciation and amortization expense were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Depreciation expense$3,935 $3,568 
Software amortization$1,172 $1,194 
$5,107 $4,762 

Note 87 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
COVID-19 has had a material impact on the Company’s customers. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments have implemented measures that have resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets the Company serves, which has forced its customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. These actions have led to a significant decrease in demand for the Company’s products. The adverse impact to the Company’s customer base and its market capitalization were triggering events and accordingly, the Company performed interim goodwill and long-lived asset quantitative impairment tests as of March 27, 2020.

Goodwill Impairment Test

The Company estimated the fair value of its reporting units using an income approach that incorporates the use of a discounted cash flow model that involves many management assumptions that are based upon future growth projections which include estimates of COVID-19’s impact on our business. Assumptions include estimates of future revenues, growth rates which take into account estimated inflation rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit, projected capital expenditures and discount rates based upon industry and competitor analyses. On the basis of these assumptions, the Company determined that the fair values of its reporting units exceeded the net carry values of their assets and liabilities by approximately $400,000, $19,000 and $14,000 for the East Coast, Midwest and West Coast reporting units, respectively. As such, goodwill was not impaired.




Long-lived Impairment Test

Long-lived assets, including other intangible assets, were tested for recoverability at the asset group level. The Company estimated the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset group over the expected useful of the asset group’s primary asset. Key assumptions include future revenues, growth rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit and projected capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating capacity of each asset group. On the basis of these assumptions, the Company determined that the undiscounted cash flows for each of the Company’s asset groups exceeded their respective carry values and therefore long-lived assets were not impaired.

Although the interim quantitative goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests indicated no impairment existed as of March 27, 2020, the impacts of COVID-19 on our business are uncertain and will depend on future developments, and as such, it is possible that another triggering event could occur that under certain circumstances could cause us to recognize an impairment charge in the future.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are presented as follows:
Carrying amount as of December 25, 2020$214,864 
Foreign currency translation24 
Carrying amount as of March 26, 2021$214,888 
Carrying amount as of December 27, 2019$197,743
Acquisitions14,776
Foreign currency translation(9)
Carrying amount as of March 27, 2020$212,510


Other intangible assets consist of customer relationships being amortized over a period ranging from four to twenty years, trademarks being amortized over a period of one to forty years, and non-compete agreements being amortized over a period of two to six years.

Other intangible assets as of March 27, 202026, 2021 and December 27, 201925, 2020 consisted of the following:
March 26, 2021Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Amount
Customer relationships$141,701 $(57,616)$84,085 
Non-compete agreements8,579 (7,818)761 
Trademarks44,539 (21,166)23,373 
Total$194,819 $(86,600)$108,219 
March 27, 2020Gross Carrying Amount Accumulated Amortization Net Amount
December 25, 2020December 25, 2020
Customer relationships$141,384
 $(47,889) $93,495
Customer relationships$141,679 $(55,135)$86,544 
Non-compete agreements8,579
 (7,552) 1,027
Non-compete agreements8,579 (7,752)827 
Trademarks68,646
 (17,416) 51,230
Trademarks44,520 (20,174)24,346 
Total$218,609
 $(72,857) $145,752
Total$194,778 $(83,061)$111,717 
December 27, 2019     
Customer relationships$135,226
 $(45,454) $89,772
Non-compete agreements8,579
 (7,479) 1,100
Trademarks64,505
 (16,626) 47,879
Total$208,310
 $(69,559) $138,751


The Company occasionally makes small, tuck-in acquisitions that are immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate. Therefore, increases in goodwill and gross intangible assets per the above tables may not agree to the increases of these assets as shown for specific acquisitions in Note 5 “Acquisitions.”

Amortization expense for other intangible assetsintangibles was $3,298$3,539 and $2,877$3,298 for the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2021 and March 27, 2020, and March 29, 2019, respectively.

Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for the remainder of the fiscal year ending December 25, 202024, 2021 and each of the next four fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
2021$9,254 
202211,555 
202310,525 
20249,921 
20259,488 
Thereafter57,476 
Total$108,219 
2020$9,956
202113,270
202212,490
202311,463
202411,119
Thereafter87,454
Total$145,752


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Note 98 – Debt Obligations
 
Debt obligations as of March 27, 202026, 2021 and December 27, 201925, 2020 consisted of the following:
March 26, 2021December 25, 2020
Senior secured term loans$169,959 $201,553 
Convertible senior notes200,000 150,000 
Asset-based loan facility20,000 40,000 
Finance lease and other financing obligations16,434 15,798 
Convertible unsecured note4,000 4,000 
Deferred finance fees and original issue premium (discount)(7,861)(7,172)
Total debt obligations402,532 404,179 
Less: current installments(6,043)(6,095)
Total debt obligations excluding current installments$396,489 $398,084 
  March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
Senior secured term loan $238,129
 $238,129
Convertible senior notes 150,000
 150,000
Asset-based loan facility 100,000
 
Convertible unsecured note 4,000
 4,000
Finance lease and other financing obligations 16,337
 3,905
Deferred finance fees and original issue discount (8,537) (9,207)
Total debt obligations 499,929
 386,827
Less: current installments (4,069) (721)
Total debt obligations excluding current installments $495,860
 $386,106


On March 1, 2021, the Company issued $50,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.875% Convertible Senior Notes at a premium which were offered as an additional issuance and under the same terms of the Company’s $150,000 Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 initially issued on November 22, 2019. Net proceeds were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under the Company's 2022 tranche of senior secured term loans of $31,166 and repay a portion of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s asset-based loan facility (“ABL Facility”). The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $1,350 which were capitalized as deferred financing fees to be amortized over the term of the Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. At March 26, 2021, the effective interest rate charged on the Company’s Convertible Senior Notes was approximately 2.3%.

The net carry value of the Company’s Convertible Senior Notes as of March 26, 2021 and December 25, 2020 was:
March 26, 2021December 25, 2020
Principal amount outstanding$200,000 $150,000 
Unamortized deferred financing fees and premium(3,814)(4,999)
Net carry value$203,814 $154,999 

The components of interest expense on the Company’s Convertible Senior Notes were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Coupon interest$781 $703 
Amortization of deferred financing fees and premium$241 $250 
Total interest$1,022 $953 

The Company’s senior secured term loan credit agreement requires the Company to maintain at least $35,000 of liquidity as of the last day of any fiscal quarter where EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement, is less than $10,000. The Company had minimum liquidity, as defined in the Credit Agreement, of $240,561 as of March 26, 2021.

As of March 27, 2020,26, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants and the Company had reserved $16,641$20,141 of the asset-based loan facility (“ABL Facility”)Facility for the issuance of letters of credit. As of March 27, 2020,26, 2021, funds totaling $33,359$53,817 were available for borrowing under the ABL Facility. TheAt March 26, 2021, the interest ratesrate charged on the Company’s senior secured term loan was approximately 5.6% and the interest rate charged on the Company’s ABL Facility were was approximately 1.9%.
5.1% and 1.9%, respectively, at March 27, 2020.

13


Note 109 – Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights

On March 22, 2020, the Company’s board of directors approved a limited duration Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”). Under the Rights Agreement, the board of directors approved a dividend of one preferred share purchase right (a “Right”) for each share outstanding share of the Company’s common stock to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company at a price of $40.00 per Unit of Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement. The Rights will expire on March 21, 2021, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company or upon the occurrence of certain transactions.

Equity Awards

The following table reflects the activity of RSAs during the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020:26, 2021:
Time-basedPerformance-basedMarket-based
SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 25, 2020901,318 $16.14 $26,952 $30.16 
Granted276,891 31.85 199,231 32.00 199,241 32.00 
Vested(479,790)11.45 
Forfeited(1,933)18.51 
Unvested at March 26, 2021696,486 $25.59 199,231 $32.00 226,193 $31.78 
  Shares 
Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 27, 2019 740,609
 $27.68
Granted 822,134
 18.57
Vested (192,357) 23.89
Forfeited (14,701) 22.06
Unvested at March 27, 2020 1,355,685
 $22.76


The Company granted 822,134675,363 RSAs to its employees and directors at a weighted average grant date fair value of $18.57$31.94 during the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020.26, 2021. These awards are a mix of time-, market- and performance-based grants that generally vest over a range of periods up to threefive years. The Company recognized expense totaling $851$2,458 and $801$851 on its RSAs during the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 202026, 2021 and March 29, 2019, respectively.

At March 27, 2020, respectively.

At March 26, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation cost for unvested RSAs was $19,556$26,806 and the weighted-average remaining period was approximately 2.82.6 years. Of this total, $12,869$15,899 related to RSAs with time-based vesting provisions and $6,687$10,907 related to RSAs with performance-based vesting provisions. At March 27, 2020,26, 2021, the weighted-average remaining period for time-based vesting and performance-based vesting RSAs were approximately 2.82.4 years and 3.02.9 years, respectively.


The Company’s stock options fully vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company recognized expense $114 on stock options during the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019. NaN share-based compensation expense related to the Company’s RSAs or stock options has been capitalized.


As of March 27, 2020,26, 2021, there were 1,414,655889,294 shares available for grant under the 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

Note 11 – Income Taxes

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The legislation provides temporary changes to the extent to which companies can carryback net operating losses, changes to interest expense deduction limitations and other tax relief provisions.

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 36.5% and 27.5% for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020 and March 29, 2019, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in the current period is primarily related to the Company’s current net loss forecast for fiscal 2020 which, under the CARES Act, allows the Company to claim tax refunds against taxes paid in fiscal 2015 and 2017, both of which were at statutory tax rates of 35%. The Company recorded an income tax refund receivable of $8,762 as of March 27, 2020 which is reflected in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

Note 1210 – Related Parties
 
The Chefs’ Warehouse Mid-Atlantic, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, leases a distribution facility that is 100% owned by entities controlled by Christopher Pappas, the Company’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, and John Pappas, the Company’s vice chairman and one of its directors, and are deemed to be affiliates of these individuals. Expense related to this facility totaled $118$123 and $108$118 during the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2021 and March 27, 2020, and March 29, 2019, respectively. This lease was amended during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and expires on September 30, 2023.

Note 1311 – Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of cash received$(237)$334 
Cash paid for interest, net of cash received$2,929 $2,883 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leases$6,369 $6,700 
Operating cash flows from finance leases$145 $111 
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:
Operating leases$14 $4,989 
Finance leases$162 $13,208 
Other non-cash investing and financing activities:
Contingent earn-out liabilities for acquisitions$$3,464 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:   
Cash paid for income taxes, net of cash received$334
 $964
Cash paid for interest, net of cash received$2,883
 $5,271
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:   
Operating cash flows from operating leases$6,700
 $5,890
Operating cash flows from finance leases$111
 $17
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:   
Operating leases$4,989
 $131,819
Finance leases$13,208
 $854
Other non-cash investing and financing activities:   
Convertible notes issued for acquisitions$
 $4,000
Contingent earn-out liabilities for acquisitions$3,464
 $4,080

14


Note 1412 – Subsequent Events

On April 27, 2020,23, 2021, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of a specialty center-of-plate producer and distributor in New England. The purchase price was approximately $6,000 paid $2,250in cash at closing and is subject to the former ownersa customary working capital true-up. The Company is required to pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, of Bassian relatedup to their$4,000 over a two-year period upon successful attainment of the gross profit targets in their earn-out agreement.

On April 16, 2020, the White House Coronavirus Task Force released guidelines for a three-phased approach to reopening the U.S. economy. The guidelines were issued to help state and local governments plan for a responsible reopening of their economies along with certain health and safety precautions. Certain state governors, including those of Florida, Ohio and Texas, markets in which we operate, announced phased reopenings of their economies in May 2020. The timing of a broad reopening of the U.S. economy cannot be predicted at this time nor can COVID-19’s impact on future consumer spending behavior. The Company continues to support its customer base as they serve their communities while managing its liquidity effectively during this time of demand uncertainty. As of April 30, 2020, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $200,000 and availability on its asset-based loan facility of $33,359.
performance targets.

15


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

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of operations. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 24, 2020.23, 2021. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Company”, “Chefs’ Warehouse”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Business Overview

We are a premier distributor of specialty foods in nine of the leading culinary markets in the United States. We offer more than 55,00050,000 stock-keeping units (“SKUs”), ranging from high-quality specialty foods and ingredients to basic ingredients and staples and center-of-the-plate proteins. We serve more than 34,000 customer locations, primarily located in our sixteen geographic markets across the United States and Canada, and the majority of our customers are independent restaurants and fine dining establishments. As a result of our acquisition of Allen Brothers, Inc. (“Allen Brothers”), and our “Shop Like a Chef” online platform, we also sell certain of our center-of-the-plate products directly to consumers.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our Business and Operations

TheOur customers continued to be adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”(the “Pandemic”) has hadduring the quarter ended March 26, 2021 which the primary driver of a material impact on our business and operations and those of our customers. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments have implemented measures that have resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets we serve, which has forced our customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. These developments have resulted in a $23.5$105.0 million decline in our organic sales compared to the prior year quarter. Due to COVID-19, we incurred estimated non-cash charges of $15.8 million related to incremental bad debt expense and approximately $3.3 million related to estimated inventory obsolescence.

Our management team is responding rapidly to the changing landscape and pursuing alternate sources of revenue to mitigate the extent of sales declines in our core customer base. Our sales force is working closely with our core customers and developing solutions to help them fulfill the demand in their communities whilst complying with health and safety restrictions. We are actively entering into new business relationships with retail food outlets as they experience a sharp increase in demand. As we develop these new sales channels, we are negotiating favorable credit terms given the nature of the underlying customer base and the current market environment. In addition, our purchasing teams have worked diligently to shift our product purchases to SKUs that are in high demand. Thus far, we have not experienced difficulties in procuring products from our suppliers.

In response to the pandemic, we expanded our direct-to-consumer product offerings by launching our “Shop Like a Chef” online home delivery platform in several of the markets we serve. We now offer products directly to consumers through our Allen Brothers and “Shop Like a Chef” online platforms.

We have implemented cost control measures during this time of demand volatility. Our variable cost structure naturally decreases as our sales decrease, however, we are also reducing our fixed cost structure. Among other actions, we have postponed planned capital expenditures, returned certain equipment on short-term rental agreements, and reduced compensation expense through salary reductions, furloughs and lay-offs as we right-size our organization to current levels of demand.

Management determined COVID-19’s adverseThe Pandemic’s impact on our operations and our market capitalization were triggering events that required us to test goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment asnet sales was the most significant at the inception of March 27, 2020. No impairments were recorded as a result of these tests. However, the impacts of COVID-19 on our business are uncertain and will depend on future developments, and as such, it is possible that another triggering event could occur that under certain circumstances could cause us to recognize an impairment chargePandemic in the future.

We closedUnited States and Canada during the second quarter with total cash and cash equivalents of $193.5 million, inclusive of a $100.0 million draw on our asset-based loan facility on March 18, 2020. Subsequent to this draw, we had approximately $33.4 million of remaining availability under our asset-based loan facility as of March 27, 2020. We are actively monitoring our working capital to effectively manage our liquidity during this time of uncertainty and expect to use the proceeds of the draw, if any, to rescale our business when demand returns.



The future impact of COVID-19the Pandemic on our business, operations and liquidity is difficult to predict at this time and is highly dependent upon decisions made byon future developments including new information that may emerge on the severity of the disease, the extent of the outbreak, federal, state and local governmentsgovernment responses, trends in infection rates, development of effective medical treatments for the disease, and future consumer spending behavior.behavior, among others.

We closed the quarter with total cash and cash equivalents of $175.0 million, and approximately $53.8 million of remaining availability under our asset-based loan facility as of March 26, 2021.
Recent Acquisitions

On February 3, 2020, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially allThe future impact of the assets of Cambridge Packing Co, Inc., a specialty center-of-the-plate producerPandemic on our business, operations and distributor in New England. The purchase price was approximately $17.0 million paid in cashliquidity is difficult to predict at closingthis time and is subject to a customary working capital true-up. The Company is required to pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, of up to $3.0 million over a two-year period upon successful attainment of certain gross profit targets.

On January 27, 2020,highly dependent on future developments including new information that may emerge on the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially allseverity of the assets, including certain real-estate assets,disease, the extent of Sid Wainer & Son, a specialty foodoutbreaks, federal, state and produce distributorlocal government responses, trends in New England. The purchase price was approximately $46.5 million paid in cash at closinginfection rates, development of effective medical treatments for the disease, the pace of vaccination programs and is subject to a customary working capital true-up. The Company is required to pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, of up to $4.0 million over a two-year period upon successful attainment of certain gross profit targets.future consumer spending behavior, among others.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Net sales$280,217 $375,431 
Cost of sales221,270 289,943 
Gross profit58,947 85,488 
Selling, general and administrative expenses80,245 108,882 
Other operating (income) expenses, net(1,170)(6,336)
Operating loss(20,128)(17,058)
Interest expense4,763 5,124 
Loss before income taxes(24,891)(22,182)
Provision for income tax benefit(6,970)(8,097)
Net loss$(17,921)$(14,085)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Net sales$375,431
 $357,027
Cost of sales284,530
 266,838
Gross profit90,901
 90,189
Operating expenses107,917
 84,039
Operating (loss) income(17,016) 6,150
Interest and other expense5,166
 4,585
(Loss) income before income taxes(22,182) 1,565
Provision for income taxes(8,097) 431
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134

Management evaluates the results of operations and cash flows using a variety of key performance indicators, including net sales compared to prior periods and internal forecasts, costs of our products and results of our cost-control initiatives, and use of operating cash. These indicators are discussed throughout the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of this MD&A.
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Thirteen Weeks Ended March 27, 202026, 2021 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended March 29, 201927, 2020

Net Sales
20212020$ Change% Change
Net sales$280,217 $375,431 $(95,214)(25.4)%
 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Net sales$375,431
 $357,027
 $18,404
 5.2%

Sales growth from acquisitions contributed $41.9$9.8 million, or 11.8%2.6%, to sales growth. Organic sales declined $23.5$105.0 million, or 6.6%28.0%, versus the prior year period primarily due to impacts of COVID-19.the Pandemic. Organic case count declined approximately 5.0%39.4% in our specialty category. In addition, specialty unique customers and placements declined 1.9%22.3% and 9.6%34.1%, respectively, compared to the prior year period. Pounds sold in our center-of-the-plate category decreased 10.0%27.6% compared to the prior year. Estimated deflationinflation was 2.1%6.4% in our specialty category and inflation was 3.1%6.1% in our center-of-the-plate category compared to the prior year period.








Gross Profit
20212020$ Change% Change
Gross profit58,947 85,488 (26,541)(31.0)%
Gross profit margin21.0 %22.8 %
 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Gross profit$90,901
 $90,189
 $712
 0.8%
Gross profit margin24.2% 25.3%    

Gross profit was relatively unchanged versusdeclined primarily as a result of reduced sales due to the prior year quarter despiteimpacts of the increase in net sales.Pandemic. Gross profit margin decreased approximately 105173 basis points. Gross profit margins decreased 31124 basis points in the Company’s specialty category predominately due to cost inflation and increased 157unfavorable sales mix. Gross profit margins decreased 253 basis points in the Company’s center-of-the-plate category compareddue to cost inflation and unfavorable sales mix.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
20212020$ Change% Change
Selling, general and administrative expenses80,245 108,882 (28,637)(26.3)%
Percentage of net sales28.6 %29.0 %

The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower costs associated with compensation and benefits and lower general and administrative related costs in the quarter. The prior year period. Our specialty category gross profit results includequarter includes a charge of approximately $3.3 million related to estimated inventory losses from obsolescence due to impacts of COVID-19. Center-of-the-plate category gross profit was favorably impacted by a greater mix of retail sales in the current year period.

Operating Expenses
 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Operating expenses107,917
 84,039
 $23,878
 28.4%
Percentage of net sales28.7% 23.5%    

The increase in operating expenses relates primarily to our recent acquisitions and annon-recurring estimated non-cash charge of approximately $15.8 million related to incremental bad debt expense as a result COVID-19, partially offset by aat the onset of the Pandemic. Our ratio of selling, general and administrative expenses to net sales was relatively unchanged.

Other Operating (Income) Expense, Net
20212020$ Change% Change
Other operating (income) expense, net(1,170)(6,336)5,166 (81.5)%

The decrease in non-cash chargesother operating income was primarily due to changes in the fair valuenon-cash credits of our contingent earn-out liabilities. Total operating expenses$1.3 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020 includes a $6.8 million credit due to a reductionchanges in the fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities compared to a chargenon-cash credits of $0.1$6.8 million forin the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2019. Our ratio of operating expenses to net sales was higherprior year period.

Interest Expense
20212020$ Change% Change
Interest expense4,763 5,124 (361)(7.0)%

Interest expense decreased slightly as a result of adverse COVID-19 impacts tolower average long-term debt balances in the first quarter of fiscal 2021, primarily the result of the reduction of principal outstanding on our sales growthsenior secured term loan and a 467 basis point increase in non-cash charges related to bad debt expense,asset-based loan facility, partially offset by a 184 basis point decrease in non-cash charges related to changes in the fair valueissuance of our contingent earn-out liabilities.an additional $50.0 million of convertible senior notes.

Interest and Other Expense

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 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Interest and other expense5,166
 4,585
 $581
 12.7%


Interest and other expense increased primarily due to the interest charged on our Convertible Senior Notes issued on November 22, 2019 and the $100.0 million draw on our asset-based loan facility on March 18, 2020, partially offset by lower effective interest rates charged on our outstanding debt.

Provision for Income Taxes
20212020$ Change% Change
Provision for income tax benefit(6,970)(8,097)1,127 (13.9)%
Effective tax rate28.0 %36.5 %
 2020 2019 $ Change % Change
Provision for income taxes(8,097) 431
 $(8,528) (1,978.7)%
Effective tax rate36.5% 27.5%    

The higher effective tax rate in fiscal 2020 is primarily related to our current net loss forecast for fiscal 2020 which allowsallowed us to claim tax refunds against taxes paid in fiscal 2015 and 2017, both of which were at statutory tax rates of 35%.



LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We finance our day-to-day operations and growth primarily with cash flows from operations, borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities and other indebtedness, operating leases, trade payables and equity financing.

Indebtedness

The following table presents selected financial information on our indebtedness (in thousands):
March 26, 2021December 25, 2020
Senior secured term loan$169,959 $201,553 
Total convertible debt204,000 154,000 
Borrowings outstanding on asset-based loan facility20,000 40,000 
Finance leases and other financing obligations16,434 15,798 
Total$410,393 $411,351 
 March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
Senior secured term loan$238,129
 $238,129
Total convertible debt$154,000
 $154,000
Borrowings outstanding on asset-based loan facility$100,000
 $
Finance leases and other financing obligations$16,337
 $3,905

As of March 27, 2020,26, 2021, we have various floating- and fixed-rate debt instruments with varying maturities for an aggregate principal amount of $492.1$394.0 million.

On March 1, 2021, the we issued $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.875% Convertible Senior Notes at a premium which were offered as an additional issuance of our $150.0 million Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 issued on November 22, 2019. Net proceeds were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under the our 2022 tranche of senior secured term loans of $31.2 million and repay a portion of borrowings outstanding under our asset-based loan facility. We incurred transaction costs of approximately $1.4 million which were capitalized as deferred financing fees to be amortized over the term of the underlying debt.

Liquidity

The following table presents selected financial information on liquidity (in thousands):
March 26, 2021December 25, 2020
Cash and cash equivalents$175,000 $193,281 
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents
94,070 94,279 
Availability under asset-based loan facility53,817 50,282 
Total$322,887 $337,842 
 March 27, 2020 December 27, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents$193,517
 $140,233
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents
$146,746
 $162,772
Availability under asset-based loan facility$33,359
 $133,359

We anticipateare not providing guidance on our capital expenditures excluding cash paid for acquisitions, for fiscal 2020 will be in the range of $10.0 million to $12.0 million which is down from our original estimate of $38.0 million to $42.0 million. The decrease is a result of us postponing certain investments2021 due to COVID-19.the continued uncertainty with regards to the pace of the economic recovery and the duration of the Pandemic related restrictions on our customers. We believe our existing balances of cash and cash equivalents, working capital and the availability under our asset-based loan facility, are sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, debt service and other liquidity requirements associated with our current operations over the next 12 months.






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Cash Flows

 Thirteen Weeks Ended
 March 27, 2020 March 29, 2019
Net (loss) income$(14,085) $1,134
Non-cash charges$19,678
 $9,855
Changes in working capital$16,392
 $(3,598)
Cash provided by operating activities$21,985
 $7,391
Cash used in investing activities$(66,543) $(32,115)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities$97,975
 $(367)
The following table presents selected financial information on cash flows (in thousands):
Thirteen Weeks Ended
March 26, 2021March 27, 2020
Net loss$(17,921)$(14,085)
Non-cash charges$5,298 $19,678 
Changes in working capital$960 $16,392 
Cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(11,663)$21,985 
Cash used in investing activities$(2,896)$(66,543)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activities$(3,726)$97,975 

Net cash provided byused in operations was $22.0$11.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 202026, 2021 consisting of a net loss of $14.1$17.9 million offset by $19.7$5.3 million of non-cash charges and cash generated from working capital of $16.4$1.0 million. The increaseNon-cash charges decreased $14.4 million primarily due to a $15.8 million charge incurred in non-cash charges of $9.8 million is primarily driven by an increase in non-cashthe prior year quarter related to incremental bad debt expense due to COVID-19, partially offset by a $6.8 million credit due to the reduction inonset of the fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities.Pandemic. The cash generated from working capital increasedecrease of $20.0$15.4 million is primarily driven by a $19.4 million increase from accounts receivable.the impacts of reduced demand due to the Pandemic.

Net cash used in investing activities was $66.5$2.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020,26, 2021, driven by $63.5 million in cash used to fund acquisitions and $3.1 million in capital expenditures which included implementations of our Enterprise Resource Planning system.system and the build-out of our Los Angeles distribution facility.



Net cash provided byused in financing activities was $98.0$3.7 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020,26, 2021, driven by $32.8 million of payments made on senior term loans and finance lease obligations and a $100.0$20.0 million drawpayment on our asset-based loan facility.facility, partially offset by $51.8 million of proceeds from the issuance of additional convertible senior notes.

Seasonality

Excluding our direct-to-consumer business, we generally do not experience any material seasonality. However, our sales and operating results may vary from quarter to quarter due to factors such as changes in our operating expenses, management’s ability to execute our operating and growth strategies, personnel changes, demand for our products, supply shortages, weather patterns and general economic conditions.

Our direct-to-consumer business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, with direct-to-consumer center-of-the-plate protein sales typically higher during the holiday season in our fourth quarter; accordingly, a disproportionate amount of operating cash flows from this portion of our business is generated by our direct-to-consumer business in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Despite a significant portion of these sales occurring in the fourth quarter, there are operating expenses, principally advertising and promotional expenses, throughout the year.

The Pandemic has had a material impact on our business and operations and those of our customers. Our net sales were most significantly impacted during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 when, in an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments began implementing various restrictions that resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets we serve, which forced our customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations.

Inflation

Our profitability is dependent on, among other things, our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs of key operating resources, including food and other raw materials, labor, energy and other supplies and services. Substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along to our customers. The impact of inflation and deflation on food, labor, energy and occupancy costs can significantly affect the profitability of our operations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of March 27, 2020,26, 2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.
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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires it to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The SEC has defined critical accounting policies as those that are both most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results and require its most difficult, complex or subjective judgments or estimates. Based on this definition, we believe our critical accounting policies include the following: (i) determining our allowance for doubtful accounts, (ii) inventory valuation, with regard to determining inventory balance adjustments for excess and obsolete inventory, (iii) business combinations, (iv) valuing goodwill and intangible assets, (v) vendor rebates and other promotional incentives, (vi) self-insurance reserves, (vii)(vi) accounting for income taxes and (viii)(vii) contingent earn-out liabilities. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described in the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020. Pursuant to our adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 23, 2021.
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on December 28, 2019, our accounting policy for determining our allowance for doubtful accounts has been changed as follows:

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We analyze customer creditworthiness, accounts receivable balances, payment history, payment terms and historical bad debt levels when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. In instances where a reserve has been recorded for a particular customer, future sales to the customer are either conducted using cash-on-delivery terms or the account is closely monitored so that agreed-upon payments are received prior to orders being released. A failure to pay results in held or cancelled orders. We also estimate receivables that will ultimately be uncollectible based upon historical write-off experience. Management incorporates current macro-economic factors in existence as of the balance sheet date that may impact the food-away-from-home industry and/or its customers, and specifically in the first quarter of fiscal 2020 the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may be required to increase or decrease our allowance for doubtful accounts due to various factors, including the overall economic environment and particular circumstances of individual customers. 



ITEM 3.         QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

As of March 27, 2020,26, 2021, we had an aggregate $338.1$190.0 million of indebtedness outstanding under the Term Loan and ABL Facility that bore interest at variable rates. A 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would decrease our after tax earnings by approximately $2.1$1.4 million per annum, holding other variables constant.

ITEM 4.         CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 27, 2020.26, 2021.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended March 27, 202026, 2021 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.



PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1.         LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising out of the ordinary conduct of our business. Although we cannot assure the outcome, management presently believes that the result of such legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, and no material amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters.

ITEM 1A.         RISK FACTORS

Except as stated below, there have been no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 201925, 2020 filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020.23, 2021. In addition to the information contained herein, you should consider the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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Significant public health epidemics or pandemics, including COVID-19, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.


A public health epidemic or pandemic can significantly impact our business or those of our core customers or suppliers, particularly if located in geographies in which we have significant operations. Such events could significantly impact the food-away-from-home industry and other industries that are sensitive to changes in consumer discretionary spending habits. In addition, our operations could be disrupted if we were required to quarantine employees that work at our various distribution centers and processing facilities.

For instance, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic is resulting in governmental authorities in many locations where we operate, and in which our customers are present and suppliers operate, to impose mandatory closures, seek voluntary closures and impose restrictions on, or advisories with respect to, travel, business operations and public gatherings or interactions. Among other matters, these actions have required or strongly urged various venues where foodservice products are served, including restaurants and hotels, to reduce or discontinue operations, which has and will continue to adversely affect demand in the foodservice industry, including demand for our products and services. In addition, the perceived risk of infection and health risk associated with COVID-19, and the illness of many individuals across the globe, is resulting in many of the same effects intended by such governmental authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19. These events have had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on numerous aspects of our business, financial condition and results of operations including, but not limited to, our growth, product costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, logistics constraints, customer demand for our products and industry demand generally, consumer spending, our liquidity, the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our financial condition or results of operations is uncertain and will depend on future developments including new information that may emerge on the severity of the disease, the extent of the outbreak, and federal, state and local government responses, among others.

ITEM 2.         UNREGISTERDUNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased(1)
Average
Price
Paid Per Share
Total
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
December 26, 2020 to January 22, 2021— $— — — 
January 23, 2021 to February 19, 2021— — — — 
February 20, 2021 to March 26, 202138,503 29.51 — — 
Total38,503 $29.51 — — 

(1)During the thirteen weeks ended March 26, 2021, we withheld 38,503 shares of our common stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements related to restricted shares of our common stock awarded to our officers and key employees resulting from either elections under 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or upon vesting of such awards.

  
Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased(1)
 
Average
Price
Paid Per Share
 
Total
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
December 28, 2019 to January 24, 2020 
 $
 
 
January 25, 2020 to February 21, 2020 22,899
 37.28
 
 
February 22, 2020 to March 27, 2020 136,733
 13.50
 
 
Total 159,632
 $16.91
 
 



(1)During the thirteen weeks ended March 27, 2020, we withheld 159,632 shares of our common stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements related to restricted shares of our common stock awarded to our officers and key employees resulting from either elections under 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or upon vesting of such awards.

ITEM 3.     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.         MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5.         OTHER INFORMATION

None.


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ITEM 6.         EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.Description
Exhibit No.Description
Certificate of Designation of the Voting Powers, Designation, Preferences and Relative, Participating,
Optional or Other Special Rights and Qualifications, Limitations and Restrictions of the Series A
Preferred Stock of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the
Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2020)
Rights Agreement, dated as of March 22, 2020, between The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. and American Stock Transfer & Trust Company, LLC, as Rights Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2020)
Form of Restricted Share Award Agreement under The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan*
The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. Executive Change in Control Plan*
Form of Executive Severance Agreement*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INSXBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear on the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

* Compensatory Plan or Arrangement



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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on May 6, 2020.
April 28, 2021.
THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
(Registrant)
Date: May 6, 2020April 28, 2021/s/ James Leddy
James Leddy
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Date: May 6, 2020April 28, 2021/s/ Timothy McCauley
Timothy McCauley
Chief Accounting Officer
(Principal Accounting Officer)


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