Carrols 10-Q 2004 Q1 Quarterly report

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q

x	Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
	For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2003
or
o	Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Commission File Number
0-25629

CARROLS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware	16-0958146
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
968 James Street Syracuse, New York	13203
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number including area code:  (315) 424-0513

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15 (d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes  x No  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes  o No  x

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding as of May 9, 2003 is 10.

PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands of dollars)

	March 31, 2003		December 31, 2002
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,620	$	2,538
Trade and other receivables, net of reserves of $128 at each date		1,728		1,306
Inventories		4,838		5,240
Prepaid rent		2,268		2,227
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		4,978		4,382
Refundable income taxes		481		1,253
Deferred income taxes		9,454		9,454
Total current assets		26,367		26,400
Property and equipment, at cost less accumulated depreciation of  $151,029 and $146,782, respectively		221,183		223,790
Franchise rights, at cost less accumulated amortization of $48,297 and $47,109, respectively		89,492		90,620
Intangible assets, at cost less accumulated amortization of $10,074 and $10,062, respectively (Note 2)		122,364		122,378
Other assets		9,619		10,389
Total assets	$	469,025	$	473,577

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

2

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (continued)
(in thousands of dollars)

	March 31, 2003		December 31, 2002
	(unaudited)
LIABILITIES and STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	16,296	$	16,099
Accrued interest		6,161		1,415
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits		11,953		15,130
Other liabilities		13,900		14,415
Current portion of long-term debt		12,151		12,299
Total current liabilities		60,461		59,358
Long-term debt, net of current portion		343,784		348,615
Deferred income – sale/leaseback of real estate		6,374		5,887
Accrued postretirement benefits		2,686		2,585
Deferred income taxes		326		901
Other liabilities (Note 4)		29,670		29,572
Total liabilities		443,301		446,918
Stockholder’s equity:
Common stock, par value $1; authorized 1,000 shares, issued and outstanding – 10 shares		—		—
Additional paid-in capital		24,485		24,485
Accumulated earnings		1,239		2,174
Total stockholder’s equity		25,724		26,659
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity	$	469,025	$	473,577

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

3

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003 AND 2002
(in thousands of dollars)

	2003			2002
	(unaudited)
Revenues:
Restaurant sales	$	151,902		$	157,437
Franchise royalty revenues and fees		338			370
Total revenues		152,240			157,807
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales		42,434			43,853
Restaurant wages and related expenses		47,044			47,588
Other restaurant operating expenses		31,434			31,736
Advertising expense		7,269			6,888
General and administrative		9,274			9,601
Depreciation and amortization		9,767			9,919
Total operating expenses		147,222			149,585
Income from operations		5,018			8,222
Interest expense		6,525			7,031
Income (loss) before income taxes		(1,507	)		1,191
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(572	)		455
Net income (loss)	$	(935	)	$	736

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

4

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2003 AND 2002
(in thousands of dollars)

	2003			2002
	(unaudited)
Cash flows provided from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(935	)	$	736
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from operating activities:
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		—			32
Depreciation and amortization		9,767			9,919
Deferred income taxes		(575	)		733
Change in operating assets and liabilities		947			(2,502	)
Net cash provided from operating activities		9,204			8,918
Cash flows used for investing activities:
Capital expenditures:
New restaurant development		(6,774	)		(3,939	)
Restaurant remodeling		(1,278	)		(2,554	)
Other restaurant expenditures		(2,206	)		(1,586	)
Corporate and restaurant information systems		(761	)		(251	)
Total capital expenditures		(11,019	)		(8,330	)
Properties purchased for sale-leaseback		—			(929	)
Proceeds from sales of non-operating properties		1,964			—
Net cash used for investing activities		(9,055	)		(9,259	)
Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities:
Payments (proceeds) on revolving credit facility, net		(4,600	)		1,900
Principal payments on term loans		—			(2,125	)
Payments on other notes payable		(258	)		(237	)
Principal payments on capital leases		(121	)		(144	)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions		4,912			1,093
Net cash provided from  (used for) financing activities		(67	)		487
Increase in cash and cash equivalents		82			146
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		2,538			2,405
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	2,620		$	2,551

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

5

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of dollars)

1.	Statement of Management
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 have been prepared without audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include all of the information and the footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete statements.  In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements have been included.
	The results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Carrols Corporation and its majority owned subsidiaries (“Carrols” or the “Company”).  All material intercompany balances, transactions and profits have been eliminated.
	These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2002 contained in our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K.  The December 31, 2002 balance sheet data is derived from these audited financial statements.

6

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(in thousands of dollars)

2.	Intangible Assets
	Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2003		December 31, 2002
Goodwill, net of accumulated amortization of $9,902 and $9,902, respectively	$	121,344	$	121,344
Trademarks, net of accumulated amortization of $36 and $36, respectively		226		228
Other, net of accumulated amortization of $135 and $123, respectively		794		806
	$	122,364	$	122,378

	Intangible assets at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002, for Burger King were $1,510 and $1,523, respectively, for Pollo Tropical were $57,381 and $57,383, respectively, and for Taco Cabana were $63,472 and $63,472, respectively.
	Amortization expense of intangible assets for the periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 was $15 and $9, respectively.
3.	Income Taxes
	The income tax provision (benefit) for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 was comprised of the following:

	2003			2002
Current	$	(1,147	)	$	(278	)
Deferred		575			733
	$	(572	)	$	455

The difference between the expected tax benefit, resulting from application of the federal statutory income tax rate to pretax income, and the reported income tax provision results principally from state taxes and non-deductible amortization of certain franchise rights.

7

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
(in thousands of dollars)

4.	Other Liabilities
	Other long-term liabilities at March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 consisted of the following:

	March 31, 2003		December 31, 2002
Unearned purchase discounts	$	12,772	$	13,330
Accrued occupancy costs		12,177		12,035
Other		4,721		4,207
	$	29,670	$	29,572

5.	Stock-Based Compensation
	Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” (SFAS 123) permits entities to recognize as an expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant. Alternatively, SFAS 123 allows entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and provide pro forma net income disclosures for employee stock option grants as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS 123 has been applied. The Company has elected to continue applying the provisions of APB 25 and provide the pro forma disclosure provisions of SFAS 123. Had compensation cost been determined based upon the fair value of the stock options at grant date consistent with the method of SFAS 123, the Company's pro-forma net income (loss) would have been ($1,007) and $559 for the periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, respectively.
6.	Business Segment Information
	The Company is engaged in the restaurant industry, with three restaurant concepts:  Burger King operating as a franchisee, Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana, both Company owned concepts.  The Company’s Burger King restaurants are all located in the United States, primarily in the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest.  Pollo Tropical is a regional quick-casual restaurant chain featuring grilled marinated chicken and authentic “made from scratch” side dishes.  Pollo Tropical’s core markets are located in south and central Florida.  Taco Cabana is a regional quick-casual restaurant chain featuring Mexican style food, including flame-grilled beef and chicken fajitas, quesadillas and other Mexican dishes.  Taco Cabana’s core markets are primarily in Texas.
	The “Other” column includes corporate related items not allocated to reportable segments and for income from operations, principally corporate depreciation and amortization.  Other identifiable assets consist primarily of franchise rights and intangible assets.  Non-operating expenses, comprised of interest expense and income interest, are corporate related items and therefore have not been allocated to the reportable segments.

8

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
(in thousands of dollars)

	Burger King			Pollo Tropical		Taco Cabana		Other			Consolidated
Three Months Ended:
March 31, 2003:
Revenues	$	83,942		$	26,732	$	41,566	$	—		$	152,240
Cost of sales		22,103			8,270		12,061		—			42,434
Restaurant wages and related expenses		28,142			6,824		12,078		—			47,044
Depreciation and amortization		5,874			999		1,871		1,023			9,767
Income (loss) from operations		(824	)		4,157		2,708		(1,023	)		5,018
Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		3,245			2,774		4,239		761			11,019
March 31, 2002:
Revenues	$	90,509		$	25,054	$	42,244	$	—		$	157,807
Cost of sales		23,914			7,623		12,316		—			43,853
Restaurant wages and related expenses		28,978			6,144		12,466		—			47,588
Depreciation and amortization		6,399			788		1,691		1,041			9,919
Income (loss) from operations		1,097			4,261		3,905		(1,041	)		8,222
Capital expenditures, excluding acquisitions		4,773			707		2,599		251			8,330
Identifiable Assets:
At March 31, 2003	$	209,698		$	31,519	$	69,952	$	157,856		$	469,025
At December 31, 2002	$	213,094		$	33,117	$	68,880	$	158,486		$	473,577

7.

Other Expense

During the fourth quarter of 2001, management made the decision to close seven Taco Cabana restaurants in the Phoenix, Arizona market and discontinue restaurant development underway in that market.  This decision resulted in a fourth quarter charge to other expense of $8.8 million in 2001, representing $7.1 million in asset impairments, primarily leasehold improvements, $1.0 million in future occupancy costs and $0.7 million in other ongoing exit activities estimated to be incurred over a two-year period. The Company closed one restaurant in December 2001 and the remaining six restaurants in February 2002.  In the first quarter of 2003, the Company sold certain properties in the Phoenix, Arizona market and recognized a gain of $0.4 million related to these sales.  Additionally, in the first quarter of 2003, the Company increased its estimated lease liabilities for its remaining lease obligations which resulted in an additional expense of $0.4 million.  Through March 31, 2003, the Company has paid $0.7 million in lease liabilities for the closed restaurants and $0.5 million in other exit costs.  At March 31, 2003, the Company had $0.7 million in lease liability reserves and $0.6 million in other exit cost reserves related to these restaurants.

9

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
(in thousands of dollars)

8.	Guarantor Financial Statements
	The $170 million senior subordinated notes of the Company are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”), all of which are wholly-owned by the Company.  These subsidiaries are:

Carrols Realty Holdings

Carrols Realty I Corp.

Carrols Realty II Corp.

Carrols J.G. Corp.

Quanta Advertising Corp.

Pollo Franchise, Inc.

Pollo Operations, Inc.

Taco Cabana, Inc.

TP Acquisition Corp.

T.C. Management, Inc.

Taco Cabana Management, Inc.

Get Real, Inc.

Texas Taco Cabana, L.P.

The following supplemental financial information sets forth on a condensed consolidating basis, consolidating balance sheets, statements of operations and statements of cash flows for the Parent Company only, Guarantor Subsidiaries and for the Company as of March 31, 2003 and December 31, 2002 and for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2003 and 2002.  Debt and goodwill allocated to subsidiaries are presented on an accounting “push-down” basis.

10

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
March 31, 2003
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)

	Parent Company Only			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Combined Total
ASSETS
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	891		$	1,729		$	2,620
Trade and other receivables, net		497			1,231			1,728
Inventories		3,346			1,492			4,838
Prepaid rent		1,268			1,000			2,268
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,817			3,161			4,978
Refundable income taxes		481			—			481
Deferred income taxes		9,454			—			9,454
Total current assets		17,754			8,613			26,367
Property and equipment, net		117,507			103,676			221,183
Franchise rights, net		89,492			—			89,492
Intangible assets, net		1,510			120,854			122,364
Intercompany receivable (payable)		170,870			(170,870	)		—
Other assets		7,462			2,157			9,619
Total assets	$	404,595		$	64,430		$	469,025
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	9,453		$	6,843		$	16,296
Accrued interest		6,161			—			6,161
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits		7,198			4,755			11,953
Other liabilities		6,943			6,957			13,900
Current portion of long-term debt		11,871			280			12,151
Total current liabilities		41,626			18,835			60,461
Long-term debt, net of current portion		342,948			836			343,784
Deferred income sale/leaseback of real estate		4,918			1,456			6,374
Accrued postretirement benefits		2,686			—			2,686
Deferred income taxes		326			—			326
Other liabilities		16,453			13,217			29,670
Total liabilities		408,957			34,344			443,301
Stockholder’s equity		(4,362	)		30,086			25,724
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity	$	404,595		$	64,430		$	469,025

11

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
December 31, 2002
(in thousands of dollars)

	Parent Company Only			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Combined Total
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	715		$	1,823		$	2,538
Trade and other receivables, net		351			955			1,306
Inventories		3,761			1,479			5,240
Prepaid rent		1,229			998			2,227
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		1,539			2,843			4,382
Refundable income taxes		1,253			—			1,253
Deferred income taxes		9,454			—			9,454
Total current assets		18,302			8,098			26,400
Property and equipment, net		119,522			104,268			223,790
Franchise rights, net		90,620			—			90,620
Intangible assets, net		1,523			120,855			122,378
Intercompany receivable (payable)		174,863			(174,863	)		—
Other assets		7,832			2,557			10,389
Total assets	$	412,662		$	60,915		$	473,577
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	10,344		$	5,755		$	16,099
Accrued interest		1,415			—			1,415
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits		10,036			5,094			15,130
Other liabilities		6,498			7,917			14,415
Current portion of long-term debt		12,006			293			12,299
Total current liabilities		40,299			19,059			59,358
Long-term debt, net of current portion		347,720			895			348,615
Deferred income, sale/leaseback of real estate		4,755			1,132			5,887
Accrued postretirement benefits		2,585			—			2,585
Deferred income taxes		901			—			901
Other liabilities		16,486			13,086			29,572
Total liabilities		412,746			34,172			446,918
Stockholder’s equity (deficit)		(84	)		26,743			26,659
Total liabilities and stockholder’s equity	$	412,662		$	60,915		$	473,577

12

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)

	Parent Company Only			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Combined Total
Revenues:
Restaurant sales	$	83,942		$	67,960	$	151,902
Franchise royalty revenues and fees		—			338		338
Total revenues		83,942			68,298		152,240
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales		22,103			20,331		42,434
Restaurant wages and related expenses		28,142			18,902		47,044
Other restaurant operating expenses		19,489			11,945		31,434
Advertising expense		3,899			3,370		7,269
General and administrative		5,569			3,705		9,274
Depreciation and amortization		6,686			3,081		9,767
Total operating expenses		85,888			61,334		147,222
Income (loss) from operations		(1,946	)		6,964		5,018
Interest expense		6,466			59		6,525
Intercompany allocations		(1,736	)		1,736		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(6,676	)		5,169		(1,507	)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(2,398	)		1,826		(572	)
Net income (loss)	$	(4,278	)	$	3,343	$	(935	)

13

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2002
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)

	Parent Company Only			Guarantor Subsidiaries		Combined Total
Revenues:
Restaurant sales	$	90,509		$	66,928	$	157,437
Franchise royalty revenues and fees		—			370		370
Total revenues		90,509			67,298		157,807
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales		23,914			19,939		43,853
Restaurant wages and related expenses		28,978			18,610		47,588
Other restaurant operating expenses		20,159			11,577		31,736
Advertising expense		4,001			2,887		6,888
General and administrative		5,961			3,640		9,601
Depreciation and amortization		7,188			2,731		9,919
Total operating expenses		90,201			59,384		149,585
Income from operations		308			7,914		8,222
Interest expense		6,946			85		7,031
Intercompany allocations		(1,736	)		1,736		—
Income (loss) before income taxes		(4,902	)		6,093		1,191
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(1,754	)		2,209		455
Net income (loss)	$	(3,148	)	$	3,884	$	736

14

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2003
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)

	Parent Company Only			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Combined Total
Cash flows provided from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(4,278	)	$	3,343		$	(935	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		6,686			3,081			9,767
Deferred income taxes		(575	)		—			(575	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		6,037			(5,090	)		947
Net cash provided from operating activities		7,870			1,334			9,204
Cash flow used for investing activities:
Capital expenditures:
New restaurant development		(1,451	)		(5,323	)		(6,774	)
Restaurant remodeling		(1,251	)		(27	)		(1,278	)
Other restaurant expenditures		(543	)		(1,663	)		(2,206	)
Corporate and restaurant information systems		(618	)		(143	)		(761	)
Total capital expenditures		(3,863	)		(7,156	)		(11,019	)
Proceeds from sales of non-operating properties		—			1,964			1,964
Net cash used for investing activities		(3,863	)		(5,192	)		(9,055	)
Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility, net		(4,600	)		—			(4,600	)
Payments on other notes payable		(258	)		—			(258	)
Principal payments on capital leases		(49	)		(72	)		(121	)
Proceeds from sale/leaseback transactions		1,076			3,836			4,912
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities		(3,831	)		3,764			(67	)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		176			(94	)		82
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		715			1,823			2,538
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	891		$	1,729		$	2,620

15

CARROLS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (Continued)
CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
Three Months Ended March 31, 2002
(in thousands of dollars)
(unaudited)

	Parent Company Only			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Combined Total
Cash flows provided from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(3,148	)	$	3,884		$	736
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided from operating activities:
Loss on disposal of property and equipment		8			24			32
Depreciation and amortization		7,188			2,731			9,919
Deferred income taxes		733			—			733
Changes in operating assets and liabilities		1,174			(3,676	)		(2,502	)
Net cash provided from operating activities		5,955			2,963			8,918
Cash flow used for investing activities:
Capital expenditures:
New restaurant development		(1,179	)		(2,018	)		(3,197	)
Restaurant remodeling		(2,941	)		(355	)		(3,296	)
Other restaurant expenditures		(653	)		(933	)		(1,586	)
Corporate and restaurant information systems		(111	)		(140	)		(251	)
Total capital expenditures		(4,884	)		(3,446	)		(8,330	)
Purchased properties for sale/leaseback		(929	)		—			(929	)
Net cash used for investing activities		(5,813	)		(3,446	)		(9,259	)
Cash flows provided from (used for) financing activities:
Proceeds from revolving credit facility, net		1,900			—			1,900
Principal payments on term loans		(2,125	)		—			(2,125	)
Payments on other notes payable		(237	)		—			(237	)
Principal payments on capital leases		(80	)		(64	)		(144	)
Proceeds from sale/leaseback transactions		1,093			—			1,093
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities		551			(64	)		487
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		693			(547	)		146
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period		921			1,484			2,405
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,614		$	937		$	2,551

16

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

            Certain statements included in this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q which are not statements of historical fact are intended to be, and are hereby identified as, “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.  Without limiting the foregoing, the words “believe,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.  The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievement expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among others, the following: the success or failure of the Company in implementing its current business and operational strategies; availability, terms and access to capital and customary trade credit; availability of restaurant supplies and distribution of product; general economic and business conditions; competition; changes in the Company’s business strategy; labor relations; the outcome of pending or yet-to-be instituted legal proceedings; and labor and employee benefit costs. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements for any reason, even if new information becomes available or other events occur in the future.

Overview

            We are one of the largest restaurant companies in the U. S. operating 531 restaurants in 16 states as of March 31, 2003.  We are the largest Burger King franchisee in the world, and have operated Burger King restaurants since 1976.  At March 31, 2003 we operated 355 Burger King restaurants located in 13 Northeastern, Midwestern and Southeastern states.  Our Burger King restaurant sales were $83.9 million in the first quarter of 2003, or 55.3% of total restaurant sales.

            We have expanded and diversified our operations during the past five years with the acquisition of two regional Hispanic restaurant chains.  Our Hispanic restaurant brands, which include Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical, collectively operate or franchise more than 200 restaurants. In 1998, we acquired Pollo Tropical Inc., a restaurant chain featuring grilled marinated chicken and authentic “made from scratch” side dishes, for a cash purchase price of approximately $95 million.  Since the acquisition we have expanded this concept by over 60% by opening 23 new Pollo Tropical restaurants. At March 31, 2003, we operated 59 company owned Pollo Tropical restaurants in Florida and franchised 24 Pollo Tropical restaurants, 19 of which are in Puerto Rico. Total Pollo Tropical sales from Company operated restaurants were $26.5 million in the first quarter of 2003.

            In December 2000, we acquired Taco Cabana Inc., a restaurant chain featuring Mexican style food including flame-grilled beef and chicken fajitas, quesadillas, and fresh flour tortillas, for a total purchase price of approximately $155 million.  At March 31, 2003 we operated 117 company owned Taco Cabana restaurants located in Texas and Oklahoma and franchised nine Taco Cabana restaurants.  Since the acquisition we have opened twelve new Taco Cabana restaurants and have closed twelve restaurants, including seven restaurants in the Phoenix, Arizona market, six of which were in the first quarter of 2002. Total Taco Cabana sales from Company operated restaurants were $41.5 million in the first quarter of 2003.

17

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

            We use a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31.  All references herein to the fiscal years ended December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002 will be referred to as the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001 and 2002, respectively.  The fiscal years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001 each contain 52 weeks. Similarly, all references herein to the quarter ended March 30, 2003 will be referred to as the quarter ended March 31, 2003. 

Significant Accounting Policies

            Financial Reporting Release No. 60 requires all companies to include a discussion of critical accounting policies or methods used in the preparation of financial statements.  The following is a brief discussion of the more significant accounting policies and methods used by the Company.

            The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make assumptions and estimates that can have a material impact on our results of operations.  Sales recognition at company-operated restaurants is straightforward as customers pay for products at the time of sale and inventory turns over very quickly.  Payments to vendors for products sold in the restaurants are generally settled within 30 days.  The earnings reporting process is covered by our system of internal controls, and generally does not require significant management estimates and judgments.  However, estimates and judgments are inherent in the assessment and recording of accrued occupancy costs, insurance liabilities, legal obligations, income taxes and the valuation of goodwill for impairment.  While we apply our judgment based on assumptions believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, actual results could vary from these assumptions.  It is possible that materially different amounts would be reported using different assumptions.

            We make estimates of accrued occupancy costs pertaining to closed restaurant locations on an ongoing basis.  These estimates require assessment and continuous evaluation of a number of factors such as the remaining contractual period under our lease obligations, the amount of sublease income, if any, we are able to realize on a particular property and estimates of other costs such as property taxes.  Differences between actual future events and prior estimates could result in adjustments to these accrued costs.

            We are self-insured for most workers’ compensation, general liability and medical insurance claims.  We record insurance liabilities based on historical and industry trends, which are continually monitored, and adjust accruals as warranted by changing circumstances.  Since there are many estimates and assumptions involved in recording these insurance liabilities, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and assumptions could result in adjustments to these liabilities.

18

            MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

            In the normal course of business, we must make estimates of potential future legal obligations and liabilities, which require the use of management’s judgment.  Management may also use outside legal advice to assist in the estimating process.  However, the ultimate outcome of various legal issues could be different than management estimates and adjustments to income could be required.

            We record income tax liabilities utilizing known obligations and estimates of potential obligations.  We are required to record a valuation allowance if the value of estimated deferred tax assets are different from those recorded.  This would include making estimates and judgments on future taxable income, the consideration of feasible tax planning strategies and existing facts and circumstances.  When the amount of deferred tax assets to be realized is different from that recorded, the asset balance and income statement would reflect the change in the period such determination is made.

We must evaluate our recorded goodwill for impairment under SFAS 142 “Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets” on an ongoing basis. We have elected to conduct our annual impairment review of goodwill and intangible assets at December 31.  Our review at December 31, 2002 indicated there has been no goodwill impairment as of that date.  This annual evaluation requires us to make estimates and assumptions regarding the fair value of our reporting units.  These estimates may differ from actual future events.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

             In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 143, “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations.”  This new standard, effective in 2003, requires entities to recognize the fair value of an asset retirement obligation in the period that it is incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made.  The provisions of SFAS 143 are effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The adoption of SFAS 143 has had no material impact on our financial statements.

            In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” which nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).”  The provisions of SFAS 146 are effective for exit or disposal activities initiated after December 31, 2002.  Previously issued financial statements cannot be restated under SFAS 146.

           The Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 45, Guarantors Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness to Others, an interpretation of FASB Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and a rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34 (FIN 45). FIN 45 elaborates on the disclosures to be made by a guarantor in its interim and annual financial statements about its obligations under guarantees issued. FIN 45 also clarifies that a guarantor is required to recognize, at inception of a guarantee, a liability for the fair value of the obligation undertaken. The initial recognition and measurement provisions were applicable to guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002. The adoption of FIN 45 did not have a material impact on our financial statements for the quarter ended March 31, 2003.

19

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2003 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2002.

            The following table sets forth, for the three months ended March 31, 2003 and 2002, selected operating results as a percentage of restaurant sales:

	2003	2002
Restaurant sales:
Burger King	55.3%	57.5%
Pollo Tropical	17.4%	15.7%
Taco Cabana	27.3%	26.8%
	100.0%	100.0%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	27.9%	27.9%
Restaurant wages and related expenses	31.0%	30.2%
Other restaurant expenses including advertising	25.5%	24.5%
General and administrative	6.1%	6.1%
Depreciation and amortization	6.4%	6.3%
Income from restaurant operations	3.1%	5.0%

            Since March 31, 2002 we have opened eight new Burger King restaurants, closed fourteen Burger King restaurants, opened five new Pollo Tropical restaurants, opened six Taco Cabana restaurants and closed two Taco Cabana restaurants.

            Restaurant Sales – Total restaurant sales for the first quarter of 2003 decreased $5.5 million to $151.9 million from $157.4 million in the first quarter of 2002.  Burger King restaurant sales decreased $6.6 million, or 7.3%, to $83.9 million in the first quarter of 2003 due to a decrease in comparable restaurant sales of 7.3%.  This decrease in 2003 was due to reduced customer traffic as well as inclement weather in the Northeast and Great Lakes market areas.  Pollo Tropical restaurant sales increased $1.7 million, or 6.9%, in the first quarter of 2003 to $26.5 million due primarily to the opening of five Pollo Tropical restaurants during the twelve months ended March 31, 2003. Sales at our comparable Pollo Tropical restaurants increased 0.5% in the first quarter of 2003.  Taco Cabana restaurant sales decreased $0.7 million to $41.5 million in the first quarter of 2003 due primarily to a 4.3% decrease at our comparable Taco Cabana restaurants in the first quarter and, to a lesser extent, the closure of six restaurants in the Phoenix, Arizona market in February 2002. These factors were partially offset by the net addition of four Taco Cabana restaurants during the twelve months ended March 31, 2003.

20

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

            Operating Costs and Expenses – Cost of sales (food and paper costs), as a percentage of total restaurant sales, was 27.9% in both the first quarters of 2003 and 2002.  Burger King cost of sales, as a percentage of Burger King restaurant sales, decreased slightly to 26.3% in the first quarter from 26.4% in 2002 due to higher rebates, improvements in restaurant food cost controls and a 4.5% decrease in beef commodity prices, substantially offset by higher promotional sales discounts in 2003.  Pollo Tropical cost of sales, as a percentage of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, increased to 31.2% in the first quarter from 30.8% in 2002 due primarily to lower gross margins on new menu items introduced since March 31, 2002, partially offset by lower chicken commodity prices in 2003. Taco Cabana cost of sales, as a percentage of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, decreased slightly to 29.1% in the first quarter from 29.2% in 2002 due to lower beef commodity prices and slightly higher promotional sales discounts in 2002. 

            Restaurant wages and related expenses, as a percentage of total restaurant sales, increased to 31.0% in the first quarter of 2003 from 30.2% in 2002.  Burger King restaurant wages and related expenses, as a percentage of Burger King restaurant sales, increased to 33.5% in the first quarter from 32.0% in 2002 due to the effects of lower sales volumes on fixed labor costs and higher workers compensation and medical insurance costs.  Pollo Tropical restaurant wages and related expenses, as a percentage of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, increased to 25.8% in the first quarter from 24.8% in 2002 due to higher workers compensation and medical insurance costs and the effect of increases in fixed labor costs on relatively flat comparable sales volumes.  Taco Cabana restaurant wages and related expenses, as a percentage of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, decreased to 29.1% in the first quarter from 29.6% in 2002 due to labor efficiencies and from the closure of six lower volume Taco Cabana restaurants in the Phoenix, Arizona market in February 2002.

            Other restaurant operating expenses (which includes advertising), as a percentage of total restaurant sales, increased to 25.5% in the first quarter from 24.5% in 2002.  Burger King other restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of Burger King restaurant sales, increased to 27.9% in the first quarter from 26.7% in 2002 due to higher utility costs, from increases in natural gas prices and inclement weather in our markets, and from the effects of lower sales volumes on fixed costs including occupancy.  Pollo Tropical other restaurant operating expenses, as a percentage of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, increased to 20.0% in the first quarter from 19.7% in 2002 due to higher utility costs and higher occupancy costs due to the sale/leaseback of three Pollo Tropical properties in the first quarter of 2003.  These factors were offset in part by lower advertising costs related to the deferral of promotional advertising during the war with Iraq.  Taco Cabana other restaurant operating expenses, including advertising, as a percentage of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, increased to 24.1% in the first quarter from 22.7% in 2002 due to higher advertising costs related to the timing of promotions compared to the prior year and higher utility costs.

21

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

            General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total restaurant sales, were 6.1% in both the first quarters of 2003 and 2002.  General and administrative expenses decreased $0.3 million to $9.3 million in the first quarter of 2003 due primarily to decreased administrative bonus levels.

            EBITDA – Earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”) decreased to $14.8 million in the first quarter of 2003 from $18.1 million in the first quarter of 2002.  As a percentage of total revenues, EBITDA margins decreased to 9.7% in the first quarter of 2003 from 11.5% in the first quarter of 2002, as a result of the factors discussed above.

            Depreciation and Amortization – Depreciation and amortization expense decreased slightly to $9.8 million in the first quarter of 2003 from $9.9 million in the first quarter of 2002. 

            Interest Expense – Interest expense decreased $0.5 million to $6.5 million in the first quarter of 2003 from $7.0 million in the first quarter of 2002 due to lower interest rates on our floating rate debt and lower average debt balances in 2003.  The weighted average interest rate on all debt for the quarters ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 was 7.1% and 7.3%, respectively.

            Income Taxes – The benefit for income taxes for the first quarter of 2003 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for 2003 of 38.0%.  This rate is higher than the Federal statutory tax rate of 35% due to state franchise taxes and non-deductible amortization of certain franchise rights.

            Net Income (Loss) – As a result of the foregoing, the first quarter of 2003 had a net loss $935,000 compared to net income of $736,000 in the first quarter of 2002.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

            EBITDA is presented because we believe it is a useful financial indicator for measuring the ability to service and/or incur indebtedness. However, EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income as a measure of operating results or to cash flows as a measure of liquidity in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  A reconciliation of EBITDA to net income (loss) for the quarters ended March 31, 2003 and 2002 is as follows:

	2003	2002
EBITDA	$14,785	$18,141
Less: Depreciation and amortization expense	9,767	9,919
Interest expense	6,525	7,031
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(572)	455
Net income (loss)	(935)	736

22

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

Liquidity and Capital Resources

            We do not have significant receivables or inventory and receive trade credit based upon negotiated terms in purchasing food products and other supplies.  We are able to operate with a substantial working capital deficit because:

•    restaurant operations are primarily conducted on a cash basis;
•    rapid turnover results in a limited investment in inventories; and
•    cash from sales is usually received before related liabilities for food, supplies and payroll become due.

            Our cash requirements arise primarily from:

•    the need to finance the opening and equipping of new restaurants;
•    ongoing capital reinvestment in our existing restaurants; and
•    servicing our debt.

            Our operations in the first quarter of 2003 generated $9.2 million in cash compared with $8.9 million in the first quarter of 2002.

            Capital expenditures represent a major investment of cash for us and were $11.0 million and $8.3 million in the first quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively.  Expenditures for new restaurant development were $6.8 million and $3.9 million in the first quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively.  Our capital expenditures also include remodeling costs and capital maintenance projects for the ongoing reinvestment and enhancement of our restaurants and totaled $4.5 million and $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2003 and 2002, respectively.

            In 2003, we anticipate total capital expenditures of approximately $42 million to $50 million. These expenditures include approximately $25 million to $30 million for the construction of new restaurants and purchase of related real estate applicable to our three restaurant concepts.  We anticipate total capital expenditures in 2003 to remodel existing restaurants to be approximately $6 million to $8 million with amounts applicable to our three restaurant concepts as follows: $3 million to $4 million for Burger King; $2 million to $3 million for Taco Cabana and $1 million for Pollo Tropical.  Capital maintenance expenditures in 2003 for ongoing reinvestment in our three restaurant concepts are anticipated to approximate $10 million to $11 million, with approximately $4 million for our Burger King restaurants,  $3 million for Taco Cabana and $3 million for Pollo Tropical.

23

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

            In the first quarter of 2003, we sold four properties for $4.9 million in sale/leaseback transactions and sold two non-operating properties for $1.9 million.  Proceeds from these sales were used to reduce debt.  In the first quarter of 2002, we also sold one property in a sale/leaseback transaction that was purchased in the first quarter of 2002.

            At March 31, 2003, we had total indebtedness of $355.9 million comprised of $170.0 million of unsecured 9.5% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008, total borrowings under our senior credit facility of $182.7 million and other debt, including capital leases, of $3.2 million.  Our senior credit facility provides for a $70 million term loan A facility, an $80 million term loan B facility and a $100 million revolving credit facility. At March 31, 2003, $134.5 million was outstanding under the term loan A and B facilities and $42.7 million was available for borrowings under our revolving credit facility, after reserving $9.1 million for letters of credit guaranteed by the facility at that date.  Effective March 31, 2003 our senior credit facility was amended to increase the amount available under the facility for the guarantee of letters of credit from $10 million to $20 million, and at May 14, 2003, $11.4 million for letters of credit were  guaranteed by our senior credit facility.  

            Interest payments under our senior subordinated notes and other existing debt obligations represent significant liquidity requirements for us.  We believe cash generated from our operations and availability under our revolving credit facility will provide sufficient cash availability to cover our working capital needs, capital expenditures, planned development and debt service requirements for the next twelve months.

Inflation

            The inflationary factors that have historically affected our results of operations include increases in food and paper costs, labor and other operating expenses.  Wages paid in our restaurants are impacted by changes in the Federal or state minimum hourly wage rates, and accordingly, changes in those rates directly affect our cost of labor. The restaurant industry and we typically attempt to offset the effect of inflation, at least in part, through periodic menu price increases and various cost reduction programs.  However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset such inflationary cost increases in the future.

ITEM 3 – QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

            There were no material changes from the information presented in Item 7A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2002 with respect to the Company’s market risk sensitive instruments.

24

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS (Continued)

ITEM 4 – CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

            In designing and evaluating the Company's disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")), management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurances of achieving the desired control objectives, as ours are designed to do, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

            As required by Rule 13a-15 under the Exchange Act, within the 90 days prior to the filing date of this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures.  Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective.  There were no significant changes in the Company’s internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect these controls, nor any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in such controls requiring corrective actions, subsequent to the date of their evaluation.

25

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.   Legal Proceedings

There were no material legal proceedings commenced by or initiated against the Company during the reported quarter or material developments in any previously reported litigation.

Item 2.   Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds

            None

Item 3.   Default Upon Senior Securities

            None

Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

            None

Item 5.   Other Information

            None

Item 6.   Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

            (a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.

                Exhibit No.

10.38	First Amendment to Loan Agreement dated as of March 31, 2003, by and among Carrols Corporation, JP Morgan Chase Bank, Bank of America, N.A., Suntrust Bank, Manufacturers and Traders Trust, The Northern Trust Company, BSB Bank & Trust Company, and the other lenders now or hereafter parties hereto.
99.1	Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated May 14, 2003 by Alan Vituli.
99.2	Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 dated May 14, 2003 by Paul R. Flanders.

            (b) There were no reports on Form 8-K filed during the reported quarter.

26

SIGNATURES

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

	CARROLS CORPORATION
Date:  May 14, 2003	/s/ Alan Vituli
	(Signature)
	Alan Vituli
	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date:  May 14, 2003	/s/ Paul R. Flanders
	(Signature)
	Paul R. Flanders
	Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Alan Vituli, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Carrols Corporation;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)	designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
b)	evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
c)	presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)	all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b)	any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date:   May 14, 2003	/s/   Alan Vituli
	Alan Vituli
	Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Paul R. Flanders, certify that:

1.	I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Carrols Corporation;
2.	Based on my knowledge, this quarterly report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this quarterly report;
3.	Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this quarterly report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this quarterly report;
4.	The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a)	designed such disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this quarterly report is being prepared;
b)	evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of this quarterly report (the “Evaluation Date”); and
c)	presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):

a)	all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data and have identified for the registrant’s auditors any material weaknesses in internal controls; and
b)	any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal controls; and

6. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I have indicated in this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date:   May 14, 2003	/s/   Paul R. Flanders
	Paul R. Flanders
	Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer