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  UNITED STATES
  SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
  WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549  
     
  FORM 10-Q  

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended April 18, 2004

OR

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

For the transition period from __________________ to ___________.

Commission file number 333-57925

 
The Restaurant Company

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Delaware   62-1254388

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. employer identification no.)
     
6075 Poplar Avenue, Suite 800, Memphis, TN   38119

(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)
 
(901) 766-6400

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)


Indicate by ü 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 ü No

Indicate by ü whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes            No ü

Number of shares of common stock outstanding: 10,820.

1


 

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
THE RESTAURANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

                 
    Sixteen Weeks Ended   Sixteen Weeks Ended
    April 18, 2004   April 20, 2003
REVENUES:
               
Food sales
  $ 98,755     $ 93,732  
Franchise and other revenue
    6,362       6,257  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Revenues
    105,117       99,989  
 
   
 
     
 
 
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
               
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation shown below):
               
Food cost
    28,237       26,439  
Labor and benefits
    34,474       33,870  
Operating expenses
    20,026       19,964  
General and administrative
    10,194       8,917  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,165       5,760  
Interest, net
    4,928       5,270  
Provision for disposition of assets
    363       2  
Asset write-down
    446        
Other, net
    (158 )     (162 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Costs and Expenses
    103,675       100,060  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,442       (71 )
(Provision for) benefit from income taxes
    (488 )     14  
 
   
 
     
 
 
NET INCOME (LOSS)
  $ 954     $ (57 )
 
   
 
     
 
 

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

2


 

THE RESTAURANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands)

                 
    April 18,    
    2004   December 28,
    (Unaudited)   2003
ASSETS
               
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 10,834     $ 4,962  
Restricted cash
    5,655       4,808  
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,041 and $1,003
    9,855       10,647  
Inventories, at the lower of first-in, first-out cost or market
    6,446       6,199  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    2,054       1,597  
Deferred income taxes
    2,219       2,219  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current assets
    37,063       30,432  
 
   
 
     
 
 
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization
    115,775       118,848  
GOODWILL
    27,035       27,035  
INTANGIBLE ASSETS, net of accumulated amortization of $5,462 and $5,265
    3,856       4,053  
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES
    9,097       9,097  
OTHER ASSETS
    6,658       6,857  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 199,484     $ 196,322  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.

3


 

THE RESTAURANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In Thousands, Except Par and Share Amounts)

                 
    April 18,    
    2004   December 28,
    (Unaudited)   2003
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER’S INVESTMENT
               
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
Current maturities of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
  $ 370     $ 466  
Accounts payable
    8,336       11,133  
Franchise advertising contributions
    3,966       4,093  
Accrued expenses
    26,101       21,164  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total current liabilities
    38,773       36,856  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, less current maturities
    821       869  
LONG-TERM DEBT
    148,009       148,009  
OTHER LIABILITIES
    7,643       7,299  
STOCKHOLDER’S INVESTMENT:
               
Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 10,820 issued and outstanding
    1       1  
Other comprehensive income
    37       42  
Accumulated earnings
    4,200       3,246  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total stockholder’s investment
    4,238       3,289  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 199,484     $ 196,322  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated balance sheets.

4


 

THE RESTAURANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(In Thousands)

                 
    Sixteen Weeks Ended   Sixteen Weeks Ended
    April 18, 2004   April 20, 2003
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
Net income (loss)
  $ 954     $ (57 )
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
Depreciation and amortization
    5,165       5,760  
Accretion of Senior Discount Notes
          7  
Other non-cash income and expense items
    223       135  
Provision for disposition of assets
    363       2  
Asset write-down
    446        
Net changes in operating assets and liabilities
    1,531       1,440  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total adjustments
    7,728       7,344  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    8,682       7,287  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
Cash paid for property and equipment
    (3,197 )     (2,169 )
Proceeds from sale of assets held for disposition
    486       10  
Payments on notes receivable
    45       201  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (2,666 )     (1,958 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
Payments on long-term debt
          (2,000 )
Principal payments under capital lease obligations
    (144 )     (200 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (144 )     (2,200 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    5,872       3,129  
 
   
 
     
 
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS:
               
Balance, beginning of period
    4,962       5,813  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Balance, end of period
  $ 10,834     $ 8,942  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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

5


 

THE RESTAURANT COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)

Organization

The Restaurant Company (the “Company,” “Perkins,” or “TRC”) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Restaurant Holding Corporation (“RHC”). TRC conducts business under the name “Perkins Restaurant and Bakery”. TRC is also the sole stockholder of TRC Realty LLC, The Restaurant Company of Minnesota and Perkins Finance Corp. RHC’s principal stockholders are Donald N. Smith (“Mr. Smith”), TRC’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and BancBoston Ventures, Inc. (“BBV”). Mr. Smith is also the Chairman of Friendly Ice Cream Corporation (“FICC”), which operates and franchises approximately 544 restaurants, located primarily in the northeastern United States.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of TRC have been prepared in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and notes necessary for complete financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. The results for the periods indicated are unaudited but reflect all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) which management considers necessary for a fair presentation of the operating results. Results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of a full year of operations. The notes to the financial statements contained in the 2003 Annual Report on Form 10-K should be read in conjunction with these statements.

Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current year presentation.

Accounting Reporting Period

The Company’s fiscal calendar year consists of thirteen four-week periods ending on the last Sunday in December. The first quarter each year will include four four-week periods. The first quarter ended April 18, 2004. The second, third and fourth quarters of 2004 will end on July 11, October 3 and December 26, respectively.

Contingencies

The Company is a party to various legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. Management does not believe it is likely that these proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations.

On June 9, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to guarantee fifty percent of borrowings up to a total guarantee of $1,500,000 for use by a franchisee to remodel and upgrade existing restaurants. As of April 18, 2004, there was $3,000,000 in borrowings outstanding under this agreement of which the Company guaranteed $1,500,000. The franchisee continues to attempt to refinance the indebtedness, at which time the Company’s obligation under the current agreement would terminate. Under the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, this guarantee has been determined by the Company not to be a variable interest in the franchisee.

6


 

Provision for Disposition of Assets and Asset Write-Down

During the first sixteen weeks of 2004, the Company sold one property and recorded a net loss on the sale of approximately $7,000. The Company also entered into a contract to sell one additional property, which is expected to close during the second quarter. Based on the terms of the contract, the Company accrued an estimated loss on the sale of this property of approximately $356,000 in the first quarter.

During the first sixteen weeks of 2004, the Company determined that impairment existed with respect to two Company-operated restaurants. This determination was made based on the Company’s projections that the future cash flows of these restaurants would not exceed the present carrying value of the assets. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $446,000 to adjust the assets of these restaurants to net realizable value.

Supplemental Cash Flow Information

The increase or decrease in cash and cash equivalents due to changes in operating assets and liabilities for the sixteen weeks ended April 18 and April 20, consists of the following (in thousands):

                 
    Sixteen Weeks Ended   Sixteen Weeks Ended
    April 18, 2004   April 20, 2003
(Increase) Decrease in:
               
Receivables
  $ 519     $ 1,234  
Inventories
    (247 )     (725 )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    (457 )     (1,001 )
Other assets
    198       296  
Increase (Decrease) in:
               
Accounts payable
    (2,797 )     (5,524 )
Accrued expenses
    3,970       7,251  
Other liabilities
    345       (91 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 1,531     $ 1,440  
 
   
 
     
 
 

7


 

Other supplemental cash flow information is as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Sixteen Weeks Ended   Sixteen Weeks Ended
    April 18, 2004   April 20, 2003
Cash paid for interest
  $ 166     $ 197  
Income taxes paid
    1,688       75  
Income tax refunds received
    1       36  

 

Segment Reporting

The following presents revenue and other financial information by business segment for the sixteen weeks ended April 18 and April 20 (in thousands):

                                         
    Restaurants   Franchise   Manufacturing   Other   Totals
Sixteen weeks ended April 18, 2004
                                       
Revenue from
                                       
external customers
  $ 89,092     $ 6,361     $ 9,664     $     $ 105,117  
Intersegment revenue
                2,716             2,716  
Segment profit (loss)
    9,347       5,513       1,658       (15,564 )     954  
Sixteen weeks ended April 20, 2003
                                       
Revenue from
                                       
external customers
  $ 84,855     $ 6,122     $ 8,877     $ 135     $ 99,989  
Intersegment revenue
                3,234             3,234  
Segment profit (loss)
    5,895       5,410       1,955       (13,317 )     (57 )

8


 

A reconciliation of other segment loss is as follows (in thousands):

                 
    Sixteen Weeks Ended   Sixteen Weeks Ended
    April 18, 2004   April 20, 2003
General and administrative expenses
  $ 8,719     $ 7,378  
Depreciation and amortization expenses
    757       903  
Interest expense
    4,928       5,270  
Provision for disposition of assets
    363       2  
Asset write-down
    446        
Income tax (benefit) expense
    488       (14 )
Other
    (137 )     (222 )
     
     
 
 
  $ 15,564     $ 13,317  
     
     
 

Perkins Marketing Fund

The Company has maintained a Marketing Fund to pool the resources of the Company and its franchisees for advertising purposes and to promote the Perkins brand in accordance with the system’s advertising policy. Effective with the third quarter of 2003, the Company consolidated the Marketing Fund with TRC. Accordingly, the Company has recorded $5,655,000 of restricted cash on its balance sheet that represents the funds contributed by TRC and the franchisees specifically for the purpose of advertising. The Company has also recorded liabilities of approximately $1,205,000 for accrued advertising, which is included in accrued expenses on the accompanying balance sheet, and approximately $3,966,000, which represents franchisee contributions for advertising services not yet provided. The results of operations of the Marketing Fund primarily consist of general and administrative expenses and interest income, both of which are immaterial to the Company as a whole.

Revolving Credit Agreement

As of April 18, 2004, the Company has a secured $25,000,000 revolving line of credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a sub-limit for up to $5,000,000 of letters of credit. All amounts under the Credit Facility bear interest at floating rates based on the agent’s base rate or Eurodollar rates as defined in the agreement. All indebtedness under the Credit Facility is collateralized by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company. As of April 18, 2004, there were no borrowings and approximately $4,993,000 of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility.

At April 20, 2003, we failed to meet the criteria of one of the financial covenants of the Credit Facility. On May 14, 2003, the Company executed an amendment to the Credit Facility that waived the April 20, 2003 covenant violation, reduced the requirements of the financial covenants and lowered the total amount available under the Credit Facility from $40,000,000 to $25,000,000. The Company executed an amendment to the Credit Facility on March 25, 2004 that reduced the requirements of the financial covenants at the end of the first quarter 2004 and thereafter. As of April 18, 2004, the Company was in compliance with the requirements of the financial covenants.

9


 

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER ENDED APRIL 18, 2004

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Overview:

The Company is a leading operator and franchisor of mid-scale restaurants located in 34 states and five Canadian provinces. As of April 18, 2004, the Company owned and operated 156 and franchised 332 Perkins Restaurants. Both the Company-operated and franchised Perkins Restaurants operate under the names “Perkins Restaurant and Bakery,” “Perkins Family Restaurant,” “Perkins Family Restaurant and Bakery,” or “Perkins Restaurant” and the mark “Perkins”. The Company also offers cookie doughs, muffin batters, pancake mixes, pies and other food products for sale to our Company-operated and franchised restaurants and bakery and food service distributors through Foxtail Foods (“Foxtail”) our manufacturing division. The business of Perkins was founded in 1958, and since then Perkins has continued to adapt its menus, product offerings, building designs and decor to meet changing consumer preferences. Perkins is a highly recognized brand in the geographic areas it serves.

The Company’s revenues are derived primarily from the operation of Company-owned restaurants, the sale of bakery products produced by Foxtail and franchise royalties. In order to ensure consistency and availability of Perkins’ proprietary products to each unit in the system, Foxtail offers cookie doughs, muffin batters, pancake mixes, pies and other food products to Company-operated and franchised restaurants through food service distributors. Sales to Company-operated restaurants are eliminated in the accompanying statements of operations. For the quarter ended April 18, 2004, revenues from Company-operated restaurants, Foxtail, and franchise and other accounted for 84.8%, 9.2% and 6.0% of total revenue, respectively.

10


 

A summary of the Company’s results for the sixteen week period ended April 18, 2004 and April 20, 2003 are presented in the following table. All revenues, costs and expenses are expressed as a percentage of total revenues.

                 
    Sixteen Weeks Ended   Sixteen Weeks Ended
    April 18, 2004   April 20, 2003
Revenues:
               
Food sales
    94.0 %     93.7 %
Franchise and other revenue
    6.0       6.3  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Revenues
    100.0       100.0  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Costs and Expenses:
               
Cost of sales (excluding depreciation shown below):
               
Food cost
    26.9       26.4  
Labor and benefits
    32.8       33.9  
Operating expenses
    19.0       20.0  
General and administrative
    9.7       8.9  
Depreciation and amortization
    4.9       5.8  
Interest, net
    4.7       5.3  
Provision for disposition of assets
    0.3        
Asset write-down
    0.4        
Other, net
    (0.1 )     (0.2 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total Costs and Expenses
    98.6       100.1  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1.4       (0.1 )
Provision for income taxes
    (0.5 )      
 
   
 
     
 
 
Net Income (Loss)
    0.9 %     (0.1) %
 
   
 
     
 
 

Net Income for the first quarter of 2004 was $954,000 versus a net loss of $57,000 for the first quarter of 2003.

11


 

Revenues:

Total revenues for the first quarter of 2004 increased 5.1% from the prior year first quarter. This increase is primarily due to higher comparable restaurant sales.

Same store comparable sales in Company-operated restaurants increased 3.7% for the first quarter due to an increase in the average guest check of 5.0% offset by a decrease of 1.3% in comparable guest visits. Approximately one-half of the increase in average guest check is due to favorable product mix while the remainder is primarily due to selective menu price increases.

Revenues from Foxtail increased approximately 8.9% from the prior year and constituted approximately 9.2% of the Company’s total revenues. The increase is primarily due to an increase in sales to customers outside the Perkins system.

Franchise revenue, composed primarily of franchise royalties, increased 3.9% over the first quarter of 2003 primarily due to an estimated 5.0% increase in franchise restaurant comparable sales partially offset by a decrease in the average number of franchise restaurants. Since the first quarter of 2003, the Company’s franchisees have opened 8 restaurants and have closed 16 restaurants.

Costs and Expenses:

Food cost:
In terms of total revenues, food cost increased 0.5 percentage points over the first quarter of 2003. Restaurant food cost, as a percentage of restaurant sales, decreased 0.4 percentage points primarily due to selective menu price increases, decreased discounting and efficiencies gained from the implementation of our new menu during the first quarter of 2003. These efficiencies were partially offset by increases in commodity costs, primarily beef, pork, dairy and eggs. As a percentage of Foxtail sales, Foxtail food cost increased 2.8 percentage points for the first quarter primarily due to increases in the costs of raw materials, particularly eggs, milk and other dairy products.

Labor and benefits:
Labor and benefits expense, as a percentage of total revenues, decreased 1.1 percentage points from the first quarter of 2003. The decrease is primarily due to increased labor productivity at Company-operated restaurants partially offset by an increase in incentives, employee insurance and average wage rates.

Federal and state minimum wage laws impact the wage rates of the Company’s hourly employees. Certain states do not allow tip credits for servers which results in higher payroll costs as well as greater exposure to increases in minimum wage rates. In the past, the Company has been able to offset increases in labor costs through selective menu price increases and improvements in labor productivity. However, there is no assurance that future increases can be mitigated through raising menu prices.

Operating expenses:
Expressed as a percentage of total revenues, operating expenses decreased 1.0 percentage points from the first quarter of 2003. The decrease as compared to the prior year is primarily due to decreases in the usage of restaurant supplies and in administrative expenses at Company-operated restaurants.

General and administrative:
General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of total revenues, increased 0.8 percentage points over the first quarter of 2003 primarily due to increased incentive costs.

12


 

Depreciation and amortization:
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased from 5.8 percent of sales to 4.9 percent of sales over the first quarter of 2003. This decrease is primarily due to the Company’s reduction in capital spending since 2001.

Provision for Disposition of Assets and Asset Write-Down:
During the first sixteen weeks of 2004, the Company sold one property and recorded a net loss on the sale of approximately $7,000. The Company also entered into a contract to sell one additional property, which is expected to close during the second quarter. Based on the terms of the contract, the Company accrued an estimated loss on the sale of this property of approximately $356,000 in the first quarter.

During the first sixteen weeks of 2004, the Company determined that impairment existed with respect to two Company-operated restaurants. This determination was made based on the Company’s projections that the future cash flows of these restaurants would not exceed the present carrying value of the assets. Accordingly, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $446,000 to adjust the assets of these restaurants to net realizable value.

Interest, net:
Interest expense, as a percentage of total revenue, decreased 0.6 percentage points from the prior year first quarter primarily due to a reduction in the overall borrowings by the Company.

Other, net:
Other income, as a percentage of total revenue, increased 0.1 percentage points compared to the first quarter of 2003.

13


 

CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

The Company’s primary sources of funding during the quarter were cash flows from operating activities and proceeds from the sale of property and equipment. The principal uses of cash during the quarter were capital lease payments and capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2004 were $3,197,000 compared to $2,169,000 for the first quarter of 2003. Capital expenditures in 2004 consisted primarily of capital required to remodel and upgrade existing restaurants and expand operations at our manufacturing facility. The Company’s capital budget for 2004 is $15.0 million and includes plans to open no new Company-operated restaurants.

The Company ordinarily operates with a working capital deficit since funds generated by cash sales in excess of those needed to service current liabilities are used by the Company to reduce debt and acquire capital assets. At April 18, 2004, this working capital deficit was $1,700,000.

As of April 18, 2004, the Company has a secured $25,000,000 revolving line of credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a sub-limit for up to $5,000,000 of letters of credit. All amounts under the Credit Facility bear interest at floating rates based on the agent’s base rate or Eurodollar rates as defined in the agreement. All indebtedness under the Credit Facility is collateralized by a first priority lien on substantially all of the assets of the Company. As of April 18, 2004, there were no borrowings and approximately $4,993,000 of letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Facility.

At April 20, 2003, we failed to meet the criteria of one of the financial covenants of the Credit Facility. On May 14, 2003, the Company executed an amendment to the Credit Facility that waived the April 20, 2003 covenant violation, reduced the requirements of the financial covenants and lowered the total amount available under the Credit Facility from $40,000,000 to $25,000,000. The Company executed an amendment to the Credit Facility on March 25, 2004 that reduced the requirements of the financial covenants at the end of the first quarter 2004 and thereafter. As of April 18, 2004, the Company was in compliance with the requirements of the financial covenants.

On November 15, 2001, the Company elected to begin accruing cash interest on its 11.25% Senior Discount Notes (the “Notes”). Cash interest is payable semi-annually on May 15 and November 15. On May 15, 2003 the Company paid $8,383,000 in principal of the Notes at a redemption price of 105.625% of the face amount of the Notes. The principal balance of the Notes on April 18, 2004 was $18,009,000.

TRC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of RHC. The common shares of RHC not owned by Mr. Smith are subject to an option to require RHC to redeem the shares at any time after December 22, 2004 at fair market value (the “Put”). As of April 18, 2004, these shares represented 30% of the outstanding common stock of RHC. As of December 28, 2003, the estimated fair market value of the Put was $4,650,000. RHC has a management fee agreement dated as of December 22, 1999, with BBV whereby BBV provides certain consulting services to RHC. In consideration for these services, a fee of $250,000 accrues annually and is payable by RHC on December 22, 2004.

Additionally, RHC issued 50,000 shares of non-voting preferred stock on December 22, 1999. The preferred stock is mandatorily redeemable for $1,000 per share (the “Liquidation Value”) plus all accrued but unpaid dividends, if any, on December 22, 2006. Preferred dividends of 8% per annum of the Liquidation Value of each share are payable quarterly. As of April 18, 2004, approximately $20,408,000 of in-kind dividends had been paid through the issuance of additional shares of preferred stock. Assuming a continuation of in-kind dividends, the redemption price on December 22, 2006 is estimated to be $87,044,000. The holders of preferred stock are entitled to be paid in cash the Liquidation Value of each share of preferred stock before any payments are made to any holders of common stock. The preferred stock is redeemable at the option of the Company at any time prior to the mandatory redemption date at the Liquidation Value.

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RHC has no material assets other than its investment in TRC. The ability of TRC to pay dividends to or make distributions to RHC in order to redeem common or preferred shares or pay the management fee to BBV is restricted under its senior notes indenture and the Credit Facility Agreement.

The Company’s ability to make scheduled payments of principal of, or to pay the interest or liquidated damages, if any, on, or to refinance, its indebtedness, or to fund planned capital expenditures, or to meet its or RHC’s other liquidity needs will depend on the Company’s future performance, which, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond control of the Company. Based upon the current level of operations, management believes that cash flow from operating activities and available cash, together with available borrowings under the Credit Facility, will be adequate to meet the Company’s liquidity needs in the normal course of its operations. There can be no assurance that the Company will generate sufficient cash flow from operations, have access to capital markets or that future borrowings will be available in an amount sufficient to enable the Company to service its indebtedness or to fund its other liquidity needs. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to effect any necessary recapitalization or refinancing on commercially reasonable terms or at all.

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to adopt accounting policies and make significant judgments and estimates to develop amounts reflected and disclosed in the financial statements. In many cases, there are alternative policies or estimation techniques that could be used. We maintain a thorough process to review the application of our accounting policies and to evaluate the appropriateness of the estimates that are required to prepare the financial statements of a corporation. However, even under optimal circumstances, estimates routinely require adjustment based on changing circumstances and the receipt of new or better information.

Revenue Recognition:

Revenue at Company-operated restaurants is recognized as customers pay for products at the time of sale. The earnings reporting process is covered by our system of internal controls and generally does not require significant management judgments and estimates. However, estimates are inherent in the calculation of franchisee royalty revenue. We calculate an estimate of royalty income each period and adjust royalty income when actual amounts are reported by franchisees. Historically, these adjustments have not been material.

Concentration of Credit Risk:

Financial instruments, which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit risk, consist principally of franchisee and Foxtail accounts receivable. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of our customers and generally require no collateral to secure accounts receivable. The credit review is based on both financial and non-financial factors. Based on this review, we provide for estimated losses for accounts receivable that are not likely to be collected. Although we maintain good relationships with our franchisees, if average sales or the financial health of significant franchisees were to deteriorate, we may have to increase our reserves against collection of franchise revenues.

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Insurance Reserves:

We are self-insured up to certain limits for costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, property claims and benefits paid under employee health care programs. At April 18, 2004 and December 28, 2003, we had total self-insurance accruals reflected in our balance sheet of approximately $5.1 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

The measurement of these costs required the consideration of historical loss experience and judgments about the present and expected levels of cost per claim. We account for these costs primarily through actuarial methods, which develop estimates of the undiscounted liability for claims incurred, including those claims incurred but not reported. These methods provide estimates of future ultimate claim costs based on claims incurred as of the balance sheet date. Other acceptable methods of accounting for these accruals include measurement of claims outstanding and projected payments.

We believe the use of actuarial methods to account for these liabilities provides a consistent and effective way to measure these highly judgmental accruals. However, the use of any estimation technique in this area is inherently sensitive given the magnitude of claims involved and the length of time until the ultimate cost is known. We believe that our recorded obligations for these expenses are consistently measured on a conservative basis. Nevertheless, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity and other factors can materially affect the estimate for these liabilities.

Long-Lived Assets:

The restaurant industry is capital intensive. We have approximately 60% of our total assets invested in property and equipment. We capitalize only those costs that meet the definition of capital assets under generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, repairs and maintenance costs that do not extend the useful life of the asset are expensed as incurred.

The depreciation of our capital assets over their estimated useful lives, and the determination of any salvage values, requires management to make judgments about future events. Because we utilize many of our capital assets over relatively long periods (20 — 30 years for our restaurant buildings), we periodically evaluate whether adjustments to our estimated lives or salvage values are necessary. The accuracy of these estimates affects the amount of depreciation expense recognized in a period and, ultimately, the gain or loss on the disposal of the asset. Historically, gains and losses on the disposition of assets have not been significant. However, such amounts may differ materially in the future based on restaurant performance, technological obsolescence, regulatory requirements and other factors beyond our control.

Due to the fact that we have invested a significant amount in the construction or acquisition of new restaurants, we have risks that these assets will not provide an acceptable return on our investment and an impairment of these assets may occur. The accounting test for whether an asset held for use is impaired involves first comparing the carrying value of the asset with its estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If these cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, the asset must be adjusted to its current fair value. We periodically perform this test on each of our restaurants to evaluate whether impairment exists. Factors influencing our judgment include the age of the restaurant (new restaurants have significant start up costs which impede a reliable measure of cash flow), estimation of future restaurant performance and estimation of restaurant fair value. Due to the fact that we can specifically evaluate impairment on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis, we have historically been able to identify impaired restaurants and record the appropriate adjustment.

We utilize operating leases to finance a significant number of our restaurant properties. Over the years, we have found these leasing arrangements to be favorable from a cash flow and risk management standpoint. Such arrangements typically shift the risk of loss on the residual value of the assets at the end of the lease period to the lessor.

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The future commitments for operating leases are not reflected as a liability in our balance sheet because the leases do not meet the accounting definition of capital leases. The determination of whether a lease is accounted for as a capital lease or an operating lease requires management to make estimates primarily about the fair value of the asset and its estimated economic useful life. We believe that we have a well-defined and controlled process for making this evaluation.

We have approximately $31 million of intangible assets on our balance sheet resulting from the acquisition of businesses. New accounting standards adopted in 2002 require that we review these intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis and cease all goodwill amortization. The adoption of these new rules did not result in an impairment of our recorded intangible assets. The annual evaluation of intangible asset impairment requires the use of estimates about the future cash flows of each of our reporting units to determine their estimated fair values. Changes in forecasted operations and changes in discount rates can materially affect these estimates. However, once an impairment of intangible assets has been recorded, it cannot be reversed.

Deferred Income Taxes:

We record income tax liabilities utilizing known obligations and estimates of potential obligations. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized whenever there are future tax effects from existing temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We record a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets to the balance that is more likely than not to be realized. In evaluating the need for a valuation allowance, we must make judgments and estimates on future taxable income, feasible tax planning strategies and existing facts and circumstances. When we determine that deferred tax assets could be realized in greater or lesser amounts than recorded, the asset balance and income statement reflect the change in the period such determination is made. We believe that the valuation allowance recorded is adequate for the circumstances. However, changes in facts and circumstances that affect our judgments or estimates in determining the proper deferred tax assets or liabilities could materially affect the recorded amounts.

SEASONALITY

Company revenues are subject to seasonal fluctuations. Customer counts (and consequently revenues) are highest in the summer months and lowest during the winter months because of the high proportion of restaurants located in states where inclement weather adversely affects guest visits.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This discussion contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are based on current expectations that are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to, the following: general economic conditions, competitive factors, consumer taste and preferences and adverse weather conditions. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that the projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There have been no material changes in the quantitative and qualitative market risks of the Company since the prior reporting period.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     As of April 18, 2004, an evaluation was performed under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and the Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a — 15(e) under the Exchange Act). Based on that evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of April 18, 2004.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) Exhibits -

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

(b) Reports on Form 8-K — The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the quarter ended April 18, 2004.

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Signature

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.

         
        THE RESTAURANT COMPANY
         
DATE: June 2, 2004
  BY: /s/ Michael P. Donahoe
Michael P. Donahoe
Executive Vice President,
Chief Financial Officer and Director

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