Ark Restaurants (ARKR) 10-Q 2008 Q1 Quarterly report

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 December 29, 2007

Commission file number 0-14030

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York	13-3156768
(State or other jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)	Identification No.)
85 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York	10003
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 206-8800

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 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      

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer _____                Accelerated filer _____                Non-accelerated filer   X  

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class	Outstanding shares at January 24, 2008
(Common stock, $.01 par value)	3,596,799

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     We may make statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Qregarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference herein relating to management’s current expectations of future financial performance, continued growth and changes in economic conditions or capital markets are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

     Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” “will likely result,” “hopes,” “will continue” or similar expressions identify forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. We caution that while we make such statements in good faith and we believe such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in records and other data available from third parties, we cannot assure you that our projections will be achieved. Factors that may cause such differences include: economic conditions generally and in each of the markets in which we are located, the amount of sales contributed by new and existing restaurants, labor costs for our personnel, fluctuations in the cost of food products, adverse weather conditions, changes in consumer preferences and the level of competition from existing or new competitors.

     We have attempted to identify, in context, certain of the factors that we believe may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from our current expectation regarding the relevant matter of subject area. In addition to the items specifically discussed above, our business, results of operations and financial position and your investment in our common stock are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in “Item 1A Risk Factors” in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007 as updated by the information contained under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

     From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements are also included in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, our Schedule 14A, our press releases and other materials released to the public. Although we believe that at the time made, the expectations reflected in all of these forward-looking statements are and will be reasonable, any or all of the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our reports on Forms 10-K and 8-K, our Schedule 14A and any other public statements that are made by us may prove to be incorrect. This may occur as a result of inaccurate assumptions or as a consequence of known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, certain of which are beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from forward-looking statements. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a forward-looking statement in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or other public communications that we might make as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

     We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and Schedule 14A.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “ARKR” and the “Company” refer specifically to Ark Restaurants Corp. and its subsidiaries and predecessor entities.

2

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands)

		December 29,			September 29,
		2007			2007
		(unaudited)			Note 1
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,669		$	4,009
Short-term investments in available-for-sale securities		9,471			9,201
Accounts receivable		2,151			2,657
Related party receivables, net		1,474			1,318
Employee receivables		300			316
Current portion of long-term receivables		116			114
Inventories		1,562			1,410
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		712			649
Assets held for sale		-			1,120
Total current assets		18,455			20,794
LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES		322			352
FIXED ASSETS - At cost:
Leasehold improvements		26,455			27,094
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		25,367			25,692
Construction in progress		2,495			1,142
		54,317			53,928
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		33,442			33,880
FIXED ASSETS - Net		20,875			20,048
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Net		76			80
GOODWILL		5,107			5,107
TRADEMARKS		721			721
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		4,790			4,763
OTHER ASSETS		435			316
TOTAL	$	50,781		$	52,181
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable - trade	$	2,342		$	2,404
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		4,293			5,503
Accrued income taxes		1,149			1,135
Current portion of note payable		184			181
Total current liabilities		7,968			9,223
OPERATING LEASE DEFERRED CREDIT		3,659			3,771
NOTE PAYABLE		657			704
OTHER LIABILITIES		211			229
TOTAL LIABILITIES		12,495			13,927
LIMITED PARTNER INTEREST IN VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY		164			164
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share - authorized, 10,000 shares; issued, 5,667
shares at December 29, 2007 and September 29, 2007, respectively		57			57
Additional paid-in capital		21,834			21,756
Accumulated other comprehensive income		59			49
Retained earnings		24,682			24,780
		46,632			46,642
Less stock option receivable		(124	)		(166	)
Less treasury stock of 2,070 shares at December 29, 2007 and September 29, 2007		(8,386	)		(8,386	)
Total shareholders’ equity		38,122			38,090
TOTAL	$	50,781		$	52,181

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

	13 Weeks Ended
		December 29,			December 30,
		2007			2006
REVENUES
Food and beverage sales	$	29,668		$	26,886
Other income		650			635
Total revenues		30,318			27,521
COST AND EXPENSES:
Food and beverage cost of sales		7,734			6,816
Payroll expenses		9,541			8,666
Occupancy expenses		4,019			3,875
Other operating costs and expenses		4,084			3,111
General and administrative expenses		2,151			1,983
Depreciation and amortization		677			632
Total cost and expenses		28,206			25,083
OPERATING INCOME		2,112			2,438
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:
Interest expense		15			-
Interest income		(145	)		(110	)
Other income		(119	)		(242	)
Total other income		(249	)		(352	)
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and limited partner
interest in variable interest entity		2,361			2,790
Provision for income taxes		852			935
Limited partner interest in income of variable interest entity		-			(13	)
INCOME FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS		1,509			1,842
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued restaurants (includes net gain on
disposal of $7,814 for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2006)		(37	)		7,139
Provision (benefit) for income taxes		(13	)		2,391
INCOME (LOSS) FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS		(24	)		4,748
NET INCOME	$	1,485		$	6,590
PER SHARE INFORMATION - BASIC AND DILUTED:
Income from continuing operations		$0.42		$	0.51
Discontinued operations		(0.01	)		1.33
BASIC		$0.41		$	1.84
Income from continuing operations		$0.41		$	0.51
Discontinued operations		(0.01	)		1.33
DILUTED		$0.40		$	1.84
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES - BASIC		3,597			3,571
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES - DILUTED		3,641			3,576

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

(In Thousands)

		13 Weeks Ended
		December 29,			December 30,
		2007			2006
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$	1,485		$	6,590
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
provided by operating activities:
Deferred income taxes		(27	)		-
Stock-based compensation		78			174
Depreciation and amortization		677			638
Gain on disposal of discontinued operation		-			(7,814	)
Impairment loss on assets held for sale of discontinued operations		-			537
Limited partner interest in income of consolidated variable interest entity		-			13
Operating lease deferred credit		(112	)		(70	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		506			(738	)
Related party receivables		(156	)		151
Employee receivables		16			25
Inventories		(152	)		(133	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		(80	)		(305	)
Other assets		(119	)		44
Accounts payable - trade		(62	)		34
Accrued income taxes		14			2,120
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(1,210		)		(802	)
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities		858			464
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities		72			32
Net cash provided by operating activities		930			496
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of fixed assets	(1,644		)		(606	)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation		1,030			14,000
Purchases of investment securities	(4,651		)		(14,655	)
Proceeds from sales of investment securities		4,391			1,493
Payments received on long-term receivables		28			108
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing investing activities		(846	)		340
Net cash provided by discontinued investing activities		161			-
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(685	)		340
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options		-			70
Principal payments on note payable		(44	)		-
Dividends paid	(1,583		)		(1,189	)
Exercise of stock options		-			50
Payments received on stock option receivable		42			-
Distributions to limited partners of consolidated variable interest entity		-			(61	)
Net cash used in financing activities	(1,585		)		(1,130	)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(1,340		)		(294	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period		4,009			7,671
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$	2,669		$	7,377
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	15		$	-
Income taxes	$	852		$	1,179

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 29, 2007
(Unaudited)

1. CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The following condensed balance sheet as of September 29, 2007, which has been derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited interim condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2007. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year.

     PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION – The consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its partnerships and other entities in which it has a controlling interest. Also included in the consolidated financial statements are certain variable interest entities, as discussed below. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

     RECLASSIFCATIONS –In connection with the closure of one facility, the operations of this restaurant has been presented as discontinued operations for the 13-week period ended December 29, 2007 and the Company has reclassified its statements of operations and cash flows data for the prior periods presented, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“FAS 144”). These dispositions are discussed below in “Recent Restaurant Dispositions.”

     CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES — In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF No. 04-5, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights” (“EITF 04-5”). EITF 04-5 presumes that a general partner controls a limited partnership and therefore should consolidate the partnership. This presumption can be overcome of the limited partners have kick-out or substantive participating rights. EITF 04-5 was effective for the Company’s quarter ended December 30, 2006 and accordingly management has made an assessment of the limited partnership or similar entities that the Company provides management services to where it is also the general partner in the entity that owns the property.

     Effective October 1, 2006 the Company determined that one of its managed restaurants, El Rio Grande (“Rio”), should be presented on a consolidated basis in accordance with EITF 04-5 and as a result included Rio in its consolidated financial statements. The impact of such consolidation was not material to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial position or results of operations for any period presented.

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents, which primarily consist of money market funds, are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. For financial statement presentation purposes, the Company considers all highly liquid investments having original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Outstanding checks in excess of account balances, typically vendor payments, payroll and other contractual obligations disbursed on or near the last day of a reporting period are reported as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

     AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES—Available-for-sale securities consist of US Treasury Bills, government bonds, corporate bonds and other fixed income securities, all of which have a high degree of liquidity and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. The cost of investments in available-for-sale securities is determined on a specific identification basis. Realized gains or losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary, if any, are reported in other income, net. The Company evaluates its investments periodically for possible impairment and reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis and the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery in market value.

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2. RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS

     During the first fiscal quarter of 2008 we discontinued the operation of our Columbus Bakery retail and wholesale bakery located in New York City. Columbus Bakery was originally intended to serve as the bakery that would provide all of our New York restaurants with baked goods as well as being a retail bakery operation. As a result of the sale and closure of several of our restaurants in New York City during the last several years, this bakery operation was no longer profitable. We have agreed with certain third party investors to participate in a new concept at this location called “Pinch & S’Mac” which will feature pizza and macaroni and cheese. We will contribute Columbus Bakery’s net fixed assets and cash into this venture and will receive an ownership interest of 37.5%.

3. RECEIVABLES FROM EMPLOYEES IN RESPECT OF STOCK OPTION EXERCISES

     Receivables from employees in respect of stock option exercises includes amounts due from officers and directors totaling $124,000 and $166,000 at December 29, 2007 and September 29, 2007, respectively. Such amounts, which are due from the exercise of stock options in accordance with the Company’s Stock Option Plan, are payable on demand with interest at 0.5% above prime (7.75% at December 29, 2007).

4. INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

     Net income per share is computed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128,Earnings Per Share, and is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period plus, for diluted earnings per share, the additional dilutive effect of potential common stock. Potential common stock using the treasury stock method consists of dilutive stock options and warrants.

     For the 13-week period ended December 29, 2007, options to purchase 271,500 shares of common stock at a price range of $29.60 - $32.15 were included in diluted earnings per share. For the 13-week period ended December 30, 2006, options to purchase 8,000 shares of common stock at a price of $6.30 were included in diluted earnings per share. Options to purchase 194,000 shares of common stock at a price of $29.60 were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact was antidilutive for the 13-week period ended December 30, 2006.

During the 13-week period ended December 29, 2007, no options were exercised.

5. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

     The Company has options outstanding under its 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Plan”). Options granted under the 2004 Plan are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted. The options expire ten years after the date of grant. During fiscal 2005, options to purchase 194,000 shares of common stock were granted and are exercisable as to 50% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and as to an additional 50% commencing on the second anniversary of the date of grant. During fiscal 2007, options to purchase 105,000 shares of common stock were granted and are exercisable as to 25% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and as to an additional 25% commencing on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the grant date.

A summary of stock option activity is presented below:

			Weighted		Weighted	Weighted
			Average		Average	Average	Aggregate
			Excersie		Fair	Contractual	Intrinsic
Options	Shares		Price		Value	Term (Yrs.)	Value
Outstanding as September 29, 2007:	271,500	$	30.59	$	9.22	7.76
Granted	-		-		-	-
Exercised	-		-		-	-
Forfeited/Cancelled	-		-		-	-
Outstanding at December 29, 2007	271,500	$	30.59	$	9.22	7.76	1,727,775
Exercisable at December 29, 2007	192,750	$	29.95	$	8.51	7.26	1,203,795

     Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which employees perform related services. The Company has applied a forfeitures assumption of 5% per year in the calculation of such expense. As of December 29, 2007, there was approximately $768,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately three years.

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The Company, generally, issues new shares upon the exercise of employee stock options.

6. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

     The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available for sale debt and fixed income securities by major type and class at December 29, 2007 and September 29, 2007 are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

	Amortized		Gross Unrealized		Gross Unrealized
	Cost		Holding Gains		Holding Losses		Fair Value
At December 29, 2007
Available for sales short-term:
Government debt securities	$	4,868	$	16	$	-	$	4,884
Corporate debt securities		4,545		42		-		4,587
	$	9,413	$	58	$	-	$	9,471
At September 29, 2007
Available for sales short-term:
Government debt securities	$	3,130	$	14	$	-	$	3,144
Corporate debt securities		5,427		35		-		5,462
	$	8,557	$	49	$	-	$	8,606
At September 29, 2007
Available for sales long-term:
Corporate debt securities	$	595	$	-	$	-	$	595
	$	595	$	-	$	-	$	595

7. DIVIDENDS

     A quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.35 per share was declared on October 12, 2004. Subsequent to October 12, 2004, quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.35 per share were declared on January 12, April 12, July 12, October 10 and December 20, 2006 and on April 12, 2007. We declared an increase in our quarterly cash dividend to $0.44 per share on May 23, 2007 and subsequent quarterly cash dividends reflecting this increased amount were declared on October 12, 2007 and January 11, 2008. In addition, we declared a special cash dividend in the amount of $3.00 per share on December 20, 2006. The Company intends to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future; however, the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and is based on future earnings, cash flows, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors.

8. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     Receivables due from officers and employees, excluding stock option receivables, totaled $300,000 at December 29, 2007 and $316,000at September 29, 2007. Such loans bear interest at the minimum statutory rate (4.13% at December 29, 2007).

     Receivables due from unconsolidated restaurants, totaled $1,474,000 and $1,318,000 at December 29, 2007 and September 29, 2007, respectively, net of an allowance of $174,000.

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

     In connection with the sale of two facilities and the closure of one facility, the operations of these restaurants have been presented as discontinued operations for the 13-week period ended December 29, 2007 and the Company has reclassified its statements of operations and cash flows data for the prior periods presented below, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“FAS 144”) based on the fact that the Company has met the criteria under FAS 144. These dispositions are discussed below in “Recent Restaurant Dispositions.”

Revenues

     During the Company’s first fiscal quarter of 2008, total revenues of $30,318,000 increased 10.2% compared to total revenues of $27,521,000 in the first fiscal quarter of 2007. Revenues were reduced by $139,000 during the first fiscal quarter of 2008 and by $1,905,000 during the first fiscal quarters of 2007 as a result of the sale of two facilities and the closure of one. The Company had net income of $1,485,000 in the first fiscal quarter of 2008 compared to net income of $6,590,000 in the first fiscal quarter of 2007. During the first fiscal quarter of 2008 we had pre-opening expenses of $150,000 related to our new Mexican restaurant and lounge located in the Planet Hollywood Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, additional expenses related to the expansion and renovation of the banquet facilities in the New York-New York Hotel & Casino, and the payment of year-end bonuses to Company employees in excess of those paid during the first quarter last year. Net income for the first fiscal quarter of 2007 included an after tax gain of $5,196,000 related to the sale of two facilities.

     On a company wide basis same store sales increased 3.7% during the first fiscal quarter of 2008 compared to the same period last year. Same store sales in Las Vegas increased by $40,000 or 0.3% in the first fiscal quarter of 2008 compared to the first fiscal quarter of 2007. Same store sales in Las Vegas were negatively affected by the closure of the banquet facilities in the New York-New York Casino for expansion and renovations. Catering sales in these facilities decreased $410,000 in the first fiscal quarter of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. These banquet facilities reopened during the second fiscal quarter of 2008. Same store sales in New York increased $782,000 or 10.0% during the first quarter. Same store sales in Washington D.C. increased by $159,000 or 4.2% during the first quarter. Same store sales in Atlantic City increased by $5,000, or 0.6%, in the first quarter. The increase in New York was principally due to improved catering sales.

Costs and Expenses

     Food and beverage costs for the first quarter of 2008 as a percentage of total revenues were 25.5% compared to 24.8% in the first quarter of 2007. Increased food costs during this period had a negative effect on this category of expenses. Although the Company had not raised the price of menu items offered to its customers for several years due to business conditions, the impact of the increase in food costs has caused the Company to review the price of menu items offered to its customers. The Company has determined to increase the price of menu items offered to its customers in specific locations where the Company believes consumer demand has created some elasticity.

     Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 31.5% for both the first quarter of 2008 and 2007. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 13.3% during the 13-week period ended December 29, 2007 compared to 14.1% for the 13-week period ended December 30, 2006. The decrease in occupancy expenses as a percentage of revenue was primarily due to increased sales. Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 13.5% during the first fiscal quarter of 2008 compared to 11.3% in the first quarter of 2007. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 7.1% during the first fiscal quarter of 2008 and 7.2% during the first fiscal quarter of 2007.

Income Taxes

     The provision for income taxes reflects Federal income taxes calculated on a consolidated basis and state and local income taxes calculated by each New York subsidiary on a non-consolidated basis. Most of the restaurants owned or managed by the Company are owned or managed by separate subsidiaries.

     For state and local income tax purposes, the losses incurred by a subsidiary may only be used to offset that subsidiary’s income, with the exception of the restaurants operating in the District of Columbia. Accordingly, the Company’s overall effective tax rate has varied depending on the level of losses incurred at individual subsidiaries.

     The Company’s overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as the level of losses incurred at the Company’s New York facilities, which cannot be consolidated for state and local tax purposes, pre-tax income earned outside

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of New York City, the utilization of state and local net operating loss carryforwards and the utilization of FICA tax credits. Nevada has no state income tax and other states in which the Company operates have income tax rates substantially lower in comparison to New York. In order to utilize more effectively tax loss carryforwards at restaurants that were unprofitable, the Company has merged certain profitable subsidiaries with certain loss subsidiaries.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The Company’s primary source of capital has been cash provided by operations. The Company from time to time also utilizes equipment financing in connection with the construction of a restaurant and seller financing in connection with the acquisition of a restaurant. The Company utilizes capital primarily to fund the cost of developing and opening new restaurants, acquiring existing restaurants owned by others and remodeling existing restaurants owned by the Company.

     The Company had a working capital surplus of $10,487,000at December 29, 2007 as compared to a working capital surplus of $11,571,000at September 29, 2007.

     The Company’s Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility matured on March 12, 2005. The Company does not currently plan to enter into another credit facility and expects required cash to be provided by operations.

Restaurant Expansion

     In October 2006, the Company converted its bar,Luna Lounge, at the Resorts Atlantic City Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, into a restaurant,Gallagher’s Burger Bar.

     Also in 2006, we entered into an agreement to lease space for a Mexican restaurant,Yolos, at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (formerly known as the Aladdin Resort and Casino) in Las Vegas, Nevada. The obligation to pay rent forYolos was not effective until the restaurant opens for business. This restaurant opened during the second quarter of the 2008 fiscal year.

     On January 8, 2007, the Company began operating theDurgin Park Restaurant and the Black Horse Tavernin Boston, Massachusetts. The Company purchased this facility from the previous owner for $2,000,000 in cash and a $1,000,000 five year promissory note bearing interest at a rate of 7% per year.

     In June 2007, we entered into an agreement to design and lease a food court at the to be constructed MGM Grand Casino at the Foxwoods Resort Casino. The obligation to pay rent for this facility is not effective until the food court opens for business. We anticipate the food court will open during our third quarter of the 2008 fiscal year. All pre-opening expenses will be borne by outside investors who will invest in a limited liability company established to develop, construct, operate and manage the food court. We will be the managing member of this limited liability company and, through this limited liability company, we will lease and manage the operations of the food court in exchange for a monthly management fee equal to five-percent of the gross receipts of the food court. Neither we nor any of our subsidiaries will contribute any capital to this limited liability company. None of the obligations of this limited liability company will be guaranteed by us and investors in this limited liability company will have no recourse against us or any of our assets.

Recent Restaurant Dispositions

     During the first fiscal quarter of 2008 we discontinued the operation of our Columbus Bakery retail and wholesale bakery located in New York City. Columbus Bakery was originally intended to serve as the bakery that would provide all of our New York restaurants with baked goods as well as being a retail bakery operation. As a result of the sale and closure of several of our restaurants in New York City during the last several years, this bakery operation was no longer profitable. We have agreed with certain third party investors to participate in a new concept at this location called “Pinch & S’Mac” which will feature pizza and macaroni and cheese. We will contribute Columbus Bakery’s net fixed assets and cash into this venture and will receive an ownership interest of 37.5% .

Critical Accounting Policies

     The preparation of financial statements requires the application of certain accounting policies, which may require the Company to make estimates and assumptions of future events. In the process of preparing its consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates the appropriate carrying value of certain assets and liabilities, which are not readily apparent from other sources. The primary estimates underlying the Company’s financial statements include allowances for potential bad debts on accounts and notes receivable, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments, the realizable value of its tax assets and other matters. Management bases its estimates on certain assumptions, which they believe are reasonable in the circumstances, and actual results, could differ from those estimates. Although management does not believe that any change in those assumptions in the near term would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operation, differences in actual results could be material to the financial statements.

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     The Company’s critical accounting policies are described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2007. There have been no significant changes to such policies during fiscal 2008, other than the implementation of FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109”, as discussed below.

Recent Accounting Developments

     The Financial Accounting Standards Board has recently issued the following accounting pronouncements:

     In June 2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109” (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company adopted the provisions of FIN 48 during the first fiscal quarter of 2008.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157 (“SFAS 157”), “Fair Value Measurements.” SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for all financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS 157 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115” (“SFAS 159”). SFAS 159 permits entities to elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Upon adoption of SFAS 159, an entity may elect the fair value option for eligible items that exist at the adoption date. Subsequent to the initial adoption, the election of the fair value option should only be made at initial recognition of the asset or liability or upon a remeasurement event that gives rise to new-basis accounting. SFAS 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value nor does it eliminate disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS 159 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

     On December 4, 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141(R), “Business Combinations” (“SFAS 141(R)”), and SFAS No. 160, “Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, an amendment of ARB No. 51” (“SFAS 160”). These new standards will significantly change the accounting for and reporting for business combination transactions and noncontrolling (minority) interests in consolidated financial statements. SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 are required to be adopted simultaneously and are effective for the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008. Earlier adoption is prohibited. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting SFAS 141(R) and SFAS 160 on our consolidated financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     The Company purchases commodities such as chicken, beef, lobster and shrimp for the Company’s restaurants. The prices of these commodities may be volatile depending upon market conditions. The Company does not purchase forward commodity contracts because the changes in prices for them have historically been short-term in nature and, in the Company’s view, the cost of the contracts is in excess of the benefits.

     The Company’s business is also highly seasonal and dependent on the weather. Outdoor seating capacity, such as terraces and sidewalk cafes, are available for dining only in the warm seasons and then only in clement weather.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     Based on their evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective as of December 29, 2007 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

     There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of fiscal year 2008 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     The Company is not subject to any other pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary routine claims incidental to its business, which the Company does not believe will materially impact results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

     The most significant risk factors applicable to the Company are described in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 29, 2007 (the “2007 Form 10-K”). There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2007 Form 10-K. The risks described in the 2007 Form 10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to management may materially adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, and/or operating results.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

     None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

     None.

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

     None.

Item 5. Other Information

     None.

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32    Certificate of Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

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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.

Date:	February 12, 2008
	ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.
By:	/s/ Michael Weinstein
	Michael Weinstein
	Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer
By:	/s/ Robert J. Stewart
	Robert Stewart
	Chief Financial Officer

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