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EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATION CFO - STAR BUFFET INCex32-2.htm
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EX-99.1 - PRESS RELEASE - STAR BUFFET INCex99-1.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATION CEO - STAR BUFFET INCex32-1.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION CFO - STAR BUFFET INCex31-2.htm


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C.
20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark  One)
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended: August 9, 2010
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:  0-6054
 
STAR BUFFET, INC.
    (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
84-1430786
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
(IRS Employer Identification Number)
 
1312 N. Scottsdale Road,
  Scottsdale, AZ 85257
 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

(480) 425-0397
 (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

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

Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-3 of the Exchange Act. (check one)
 
Large accelerated filer o
Accelerated filer o
Non-accelerated filer o
Smaller reporting company x
 
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No x

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  As of October 7, 2010, there were 3,213,075 shares of Common Stock, $ .001 par value, outstanding.

 
 

 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
 
 
 
Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION  
     
Item 1. 
Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
2
     
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 9, 2010 and January 25, 2010
2
 
 
 
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 12 and 28 weeks ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009
4
     
 
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 28 weeks ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009
5
     
 
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
7
     
Item 2. 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
19
     
Item 4. 
 Controls and Procedures
30
     
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION  
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
31
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
31
     
Item 5.
Other Information
31
     
Item 6.
Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
32
     
Signatures
33

 
i

 
 
PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1:    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
 
ASSETS
 
August 9,
 2010
   
January 25,
 2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 733,000     $ 893,000  
Receivables, net
    311,000       514,000  
Income tax receivable
    520,000       475,000  
Inventories
    463,000       520,000  
Deferred income taxes
    274,000       361,000  
Prepaid expenses
    399,000       71,000  
                 
Total current assets
    2,700,000       2,834,000  
                 
Property, buildings and equipment:
               
Property, buildings and equipment, net
    19,995,000       24,213,000  
Property and equipment leased to third parties, net
    655,000       669,000  
Property, buildings and equipment held for future use, net
    4,400,000       3,340,000  
Property held for sale
    727,000       731,000  
Total property, buildings and equipment
    25,777,000       28,953,000  
                 
Other assets:
               
Notes receivable, net of current portion
    415,000       415,000  
Deposits and other
    478,000       460,000  
Loan cost, net
    301,000       381,000  
                 
Total other assets
    1,194,000       1,256,000  
                 
Deferred income taxes, net
    3,839,000       3,148,000  
                 
Intangible assets:
               
Goodwill
    551,000       551,000  
Other intangible assets, net
    441,000       486,000  
                 
Total intangible assets
    992,000       1,037,000  
                 
Total assets
  $ 34,502,000     $ 37,228,000  

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

(Continued)

 
2

 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)
 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
August 9,
 2010
   
January 25,
 2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable-trade
  $ 4,497,000     $ 3,194,000  
Checks written in excess of bank balance
    127,000       1,712,000  
Payroll and related taxes
    1,437,000       1,531,000  
Sales and property taxes
    1,117,000       1,382,000  
Rent, licenses and other
    1,235,000       1,274,000  
Current maturities of obligations under long-term debt
    7,520,000       1,630,000  
                 
Total current liabilities
    15,933,000       10,723,000  
                 
Deferred rent payable
    189,000       588,000  
Note payable to officer
    1,992,000       1,992,000  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    5,162,000       11,417,000  
                 
Total liabilities
    23,276,000       24,720,000  
                 
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $.001 par value; authorized 1,500,000 shares;
      none issued or outstanding
           
Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 8,000,000 shares;
      issued and outstanding 3,213,075 and 3,213,075 shares
      3,000         3,000  
Additional paid-in capital
    17,743,000       17,743,000  
Accumulated deficit
    (6,520,000 )     (5,238,000 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    11,226,000       12,508,000  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 34,502,000     $ 37,228,000  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
3

 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)
 
   
Twelve Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-eight Weeks Ended
 
   
August 9,
   
August 10,
   
August 9,
   
August 10,
 
   
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
Total revenues
  $ 13,796,000     $ 19,509,000     $ 33,446,000     $ 47,664,000  
                                 
Costs, expenses and other
                               
Food costs
    5,015,000       7,479,000       12,809,000       18,297,000  
Labor costs
    4,625,000       6,352,000       11,041,000       15,035,000  
Occupancy and other expenses     2,808,000       3,923,000       6,372,000       9,347,000  
General and administrative expenses
    517,000       486,000       1,088,000       1,245,000  
Depreciation and amortization
    629,000       725,000       1,452,000       1,579,000  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    2,247,000       436,000       2,247,000       436,000  
Gain resulting from fire loss
          (306,000 )           (306,000 )
                                 
Total costs, expenses and other
    15,841,000       19,095,000       35,009,000       45,633,000  
                                 
(Loss) income from operations
    (2,045,000 )     414,000       (1,563,000 )     2,031,000  
                                 
Interest expense
    (221,000 )     (229,000 )     (508,000 )     (518,000 )
Interest income
                      75,000  
Other income
    10,000       10,000       143,000       21,000  
                                 
(Loss) income before income taxes (benefit)
    (2,256,000 )     195,000       (1,928,000 )     1,609,000  
                                 
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (870,000 )     110,000       (646,000 )     670,000  
                                 
Net (loss) income
  $ (1,386,000 )   $ 85,000     $ (1,282,000 )   $ 939,000  
                                 
Net (loss) income per common share – basic
  $ (0.43 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.40 )   $ 0.29  
Net (loss) income per common share – diluted
  $ (0.43 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.40 )   $ 0.29  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
    3,213,075       3,213,075       3,213,075       3,213,075  
Weighted average shares outstanding –diluted
    3,213,075       3,213,075       3,213,075       3,213,075  

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

 
4

 


STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
   
28 Weeks Ended
 
   
August 9, 2010
   
August 10, 2009
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net  (loss) income
  $ (1,282,000 )   $ 939,000  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
  by operating activities:
               
    Depreciation
    1,407,000       1,532,000  
    Amortization of franchise and licenses
    45,000       47,000  
    Amortization of loan costs
    98,000       93,000  
    Impairment of long-lived assets
    2,247,000       436,000  
    Gain resulting from fire loss
          (306,000 )
    Deferred income taxes
    (604,000 )     727,000  
    Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
          Receivables, net
    203,000       78,000  
          Inventories
    57,000       (23,000 )
          Prepaid expenses
    (328,000 )     (228,000 )
          Deposits and other
    (18,000 )     (215,000 )
          Deferred rent payable
    (399,000 )     (156,000 )
          Accounts payable-trade
    1,303,000       (663,000 )
          Income taxes receivable
    (45,000 )     575,000  
          Other accrued liabilities
    (398,000 )     (75,000 )
               Total adjustments
    3,568,000       1,822,000  
          Net cash provided by operating activities
    2,286,000       2,761,000  
 
               
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
  Insurance proceeds
          200,000  
 Acquisition of property, buildings and equipment
    (478,000 )     (1,199,000 )
          Net cash used in investing activities
    (478,000 )     (999,000 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
   Checks written in excess of cash in bank
    (1,585,000 )     868,000  
   Payments on long term debt
    (840,000 )     (3,952,000 )
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
          1,369,000  
   Payments/proceeds on line of credit, net
    475,000        
   Capitalized loan costs
    (18,000 )     (13,000 )
   Principal payment on capitalized lease obligations
          (29,000 )
          Net cash used in financing activities
    (1,968,000 )     (1,757,000 )
                 
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    (160,000 )     5,000  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    893,000       1,118,000  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 733,000     $ 1,123,000  

 
5

 
 
STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
   
28 Weeks Ended
 
   
August 9, 2010
   
August 10, 2009
 
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
           
             
Cash paid during the period for:
           
Interest
  $ 318,000     $ 427,000  
                 
Income taxes
  $ 3,000     $ 14,000  
                 
Non cash investing and financing activities:
               
                 
None.
               
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
6

 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note (A) Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts for Star Buffet, Inc., together with its direct and indirect wholly-owned independently capitalized subsidiaries Summit Family Restaurants Inc., HTB Restaurants, Inc., Northstar Buffet, Inc., Star Buffet Management, Inc., Starlite Holdings, Inc., StarTexas Restaurants, Inc., JB’s Star Holdings, Inc., 4B’s Holdings, Inc., KB’s Star Holdings, Inc., Florida Buffet Holdings, Inc., and Sizzlin Star, Inc (collectively the “Company”) and have been prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2010.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented have been reflected herein.  Results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year or for any future periods.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of operations and assets and liabilities directly related to the Company’s operations.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles 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 Company has two reporting segments, the Buffet Division and the Non-Buffet Division. The following table details the Company's 49 restaurant properties as of August 9, 2010 by reporting segment. The Buffet Division which has 25 restaurant properties includes seven Barnhill’s Buffets, five HomeTown Buffets, two BuddyFreddys, two Whistle Junction restaurants and one JJ North’s Grand Buffet.  The Buffet Division also has four restaurants closed for remodeling and repositioning, a closed restaurant reported as property held for sale, and a restaurant located in Arizona that is leased to a third-party operator.  In addition, two closed restaurants are used as warehouses for equipment in Florida and Utah.   The Non-Buffet Division which has 24 restaurant properties includes six JB’s restaurants, six 4B’s restaurants, three K-BOB’S Steakhouses, two Casa Bonita restaurants, a Western Sizzlin restaurant, a Holiday House restaurant, a Bar-H Steakhouse and a Pecos Diamond Steakhouse.  Additionally, the Non-Buffet Division has a K-BOB’S Steakhouse, a JB’s restaurant and Western Sizzlin restaurant closed for remodeling.
 
   
Buffet
Division
   
Non-Buffet
Division
   
Total
 
Owned
    11       9       20  
Leased
    14       15       29  
     Total
    25       24       49  

 
7

 
 
As of August 9, 2010, the Company’s 49 restaurants are located in the following states:
 
Number of Restaurants
 
State
 
Buffet
Division
   
Non-Buffet
Division
   
Total
 
Alabama
    1             1  
Arkansas
    1       1       2  
Arizona
    5             5  
Colorado
          1       1  
Florida
    10       1       11  
Idaho
          1       1  
Mississippi
    3       1       4  
Montana
          8       8  
New Mexico
          3       3  
Oklahoma
          1       1  
Oregon
    1             1  
Tennessee
    2             2  
Texas
          4       4  
Utah
    1       3       4  
Wyoming
    1             1  
     Total
    25       24       49  

As of August 9, 2010, 11 of the Company’s 49 restaurants are designated as non-operating restaurants and are located in the following states:
 
Number of
Non-Operating Restaurants
 
State
 
Buffet
Division
   
Non-Buffet
Division
   
Total
 
Arizona
    1             1  
Arkansas
          1       1  
Florida
    4             4  
Mississippi
    1             1  
Tennessee
    1             1  
Texas
          1       1  
Utah
    1       1       2  
     Total
    8       3       11  

 
8

 
 
The operating results for the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010 included operations shown in the tables on the previous page and fixed charges for 11 non-operating restaurants for the entire quarter. Seven of 11 non-operating restaurants remain closed for remodeling and repositioning, one restaurant was leased to a third party and the one remaining non-operating restaurant was closed and reported as property held for sale.  In addition, two non-operating restaurants were used as warehouses for equipment in Florida and Utah.

The Company utilizes a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the last Monday in January.  The first quarter of each year contains 16 weeks while the other three quarters each contain 12 weeks, except the fourth quarter has 13 weeks if the fiscal year has 53 weeks.

Note (B) Recent Developments

On January 31, 2010 the Company closed the HomeTown Buffet restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico and on March 29, 2010 closed the Barnhill’s Buffet restaurant in Monroe, Louisiana. The Company had fully impaired the assets of the Albuquerque restaurant in the prior fiscal year.  The assets in Monroe were warehoused pending a new reopening.  When the Company was unable to re-open in a new location in Monroe, the assets were impaired in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.
 
The Company closed seven restaurants in the second quarter fiscal year 2011.  The seven restaurants were Barnhill’s Buffets in Orange City, Florida, Leesburg, Florida, Moss Point, Mississippi, Apopka, Florida, and Collierville, Tennessee; a BuddyFreddys in Brandon, Florida; and a JB’s restaurant in St. George, Utah. All seven of the restaurants fixed assets were impaired in the second quarter of 2011 except St. George. Please see Note (J) Properties, Buildings and Equipment for impairment expense detail.
 
Subsequent to the end of the second quarter on August 9, 2010, the Company closed four additional restaurants: a HomeTown Buffet in Casper, Wyoming; a BuddyFreddys in North Fort Myers, Florida; a Barnhills Buffet in New Port Richey, Florida; and a JB’s restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. All four of the restaurants fixed assets were impaired in the second quarter of 2011 except Albuquerque. Please see Note (J) Properties, Buildings and Equipment for impairment expense detail.
 
Note (C) Related Party Transactions

Mr. Robert E. Wheaton owns approximately 45.3% of the Company's outstanding common shares including exercisable options which have vested and may have the effective power to elect members of the board of directors and to control the vote on substantially all other matters without the approval of the other stockholders.  The Company has borrowed approximately $1,992,000 from Mr. Robert E. Wheaton, a principal shareholder, officer and director of the Company.  This loan dated June 15, 2007 is subordinated to the obligation to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and bears interest at 8.5%.  The Company expensed $91,000 to Mr. Wheaton for interest and paid $0 during the first 28 weeks of fiscal 2010. The Company expensed and paid $91,000 to Mr. Wheaton for interest during the first 28 weeks of fiscal 2009. The Company owes Mr. Wheaton $130,000 and $0 for interest as of August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009, respectively. The principal balance and any unpaid interest are due and payable in full on June 5, 2012.  The Company used the funds borrowed from Mr. Wheaton for working capital requirements. The Company also owes Mr. Wheaton approximately $94,000 and $109,000, respectively as of August 9, 2010 and January 25, 2010 for advances to the Company by Mr. Wheaton primarily to acquire property and equipment.

 
9

 
 
Note (D) Segment and Related Reporting

The Company has two reporting segments, the Buffet Division and the Non-Buffet Division. The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 25, 2010. The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on pre-tax cashflows.

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following tables. The Other category presented in the tables on the next page relate to the Company as a whole, and not reportable segments.
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
12 Weeks Ended
 August 9, 2010
 
Buffets
   
Non-Buffets
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues                                                  
  $ 6,454     $ 7,342     $     $ 13,796  
Interest income                                                  
                       
Interest expense                                                  
                (221 )     (221 )
Depreciation & amortization                                                  
    393       229       7       629  
Goodwill                                                  
          551             551  
Property Acquisition                                                  
    47       71       115       233  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    2,247                   2,247  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,741 )     1,200       (715 )     (2,256 )
Total assets                                                  
  $ 15,804     $ 12,380     $ 6,318     $ 34,502  
       
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
12 Weeks Ended
 August 10, 2009
 
Buffets
   
Non-Buffets
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues                                                  
  $ 11,884     $ 7,625     $     $ 19,509  
Interest income                                                  
                       
Interest expense                                                  
                (229 )     (229 )
Depreciation & amortization                                                  
    491       225       9       725  
Goodwill                                                  
          551             551  
Property Acquisition                                                  
    805       209       19       1,033  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    290       146             436  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (350 )     1,214       (669 )     195  
Total assets                                                  
  $ 23,592     $ 12,792     $ 3,124     $ 39,508  

 
10

 
 
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
28 Weeks Ended
 August 9, 2010
 
Buffets
   
Non-Buffets
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues                                                  
  $ 18,234     $ 15,212     $     $ 33,446  
Interest income                                                  
                       
Interest expense                                                  
                (508 )     (508 )
Depreciation & amortization                                                  
    912       523       17       1,452  
Goodwill                                                  
          551             551  
Property Acquisition                                                  
    79       207       192       478  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    2,247                   2,247  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,604 )     2,162       (1,486 )     (1,928 )
Total assets                                                  
  $ 15,804     $ 12,380     $ 6,318     $ 34,502  
       
   
(Dollars in Thousands)
 
28 Weeks Ended
 August 10, 2009
 
Buffets
   
Non-Buffets
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues                                                  
  $ 31,292     $ 16,372     $     $ 47,664  
Interest income                                                  
                75       75  
Interest expense                                                  
    (1 )           (517 )     (518 )
Depreciation & amortization                                                  
    1,076       483       20       1,579  
Goodwill                                                  
          551             551  
Property Acquisition                                                  
    818       270       111       1,199  
Impairment of long-lived assets
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    724       2,393       (1,508 )     1,609  
Total assets                                                  
  $ 23,592     $ 12,792     $ 3,124     $ 39,508  
 
Note (E) Net Income per Common Share

Net income per common share - basic is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Net income per common share – diluted is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.  Dilutive stock options are considered to be common stock equivalents and are included in the diluted calculation using the treasury stock method.

The following table summarizes the calculation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the respective fiscal periods:

 
11

 
 
12 Weeks Ended August 9, 2010
 
Net Income
   
Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
  $ (1,386,000 )     3,213,075     $ (0.43 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
  $ (1,386,000 )     3,213,075     $ (0.43 )
 
12 Weeks Ended August 10, 2009
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
  $ 85,000       3,213,075     $ 0.03  
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
  $ 85,000       3,213,075     $ 0.03  


28 Weeks Ended August 9, 2010
 
Net Income
   
Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
  $ (1,282,000 )     3,213,075     $ (0.40 )
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
  $ (1,282,000 )     3,213,075     $ (0.40 )
 
28 Weeks Ended August 10, 2009
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
  $ 939,000       3,213,075     $ 0.29  
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
  $ 939,000       3,213,075     $ 0.29  

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for the 12 and 28 weeks ended August 9, 2010 used to calculate diluted earnings per share exclude stock options to purchase 22,000 shares of common stock because these options are antidilutive due to the Company’s net loss for the periods.

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for the 12 and 28 weeks ended August 9, 2009 used to calculate diluted earnings per share exclude stock options to purchase 33,000 shares of common stock due to the market price of the underlying stock being less than the exercise price.

Note (F) Goodwill

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. The Company reviews goodwill for possible impairment on an annual basis or when triggering events occur in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350.  ASC 350 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.  The Company considers each asset group to be a reporting unit and therefore reviews goodwill for possible impairment by restaurant.

The Company utilizes a two-part impairment test.  First, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to carrying value (including goodwill).  If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, the second step is performed.  In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of goodwill.  If the carrying value is greater, a loss is recognized. The goodwill impairment test considers the impact of current conditions and the economic outlook for the restaurant industry, the general overall economic outlook including market data, and governmental and environmental factors in establishing the assumptions used to compute the fair value of each reporting unit.  We also take into account the historical, current and future operating results of each reporting unit and any other facts and data pertinent to valuing the reporting units in our impairment test.

 
12

 
 
The Company performs its annual impairment analysis on February 1st of each year.   The $551,000 in carrying value of goodwill at August 9, 2010 is related to our purchase of two JB’s restaurants in Montana and one in Utah. These stores continue to produce favorable operating results. There were no triggering events during the quarter ending August 9, 2010 that would have had an impact on goodwill. There were no goodwill impairment losses for the 28-week periods ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009.

Note (G) Other Intangible Assets

Other intangible assets consist of franchise fees, trademarks, and the JB's license agreement. Franchise fees are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the franchise agreements, which typically range from 10 to 20 years.  The JB's license agreement is being amortized using the straight-line method over 11 years. The Company has recorded values for trademarks of Whistle Junction and 4B’s of $230,000 and $25,000, respectively.  These assets have an indefinite asset life and are subject to possible impairment on an annual basis or when triggering events occur in accordance with ASC 350.

Note (H) Inventories

Inventories consist of food, beverage, gift shop items and certain restaurant supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, determined by the first-in, first-out method.

Note (I) Accounting for Long-Lived Assets

The Company determines that an impairment writedown is necessary for long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets.

Note (J) Properties, Building and Equipment

The components of property, buildings and equipment used in restaurant operations include 38 restaurant properties and two properties used as warehouses, excluding non-operating properties, are as follows:

 
 
 
August 9,
2010
   
January 25,
2010
 
Property, buildings and equipment:
           
   Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  $ 16,150,000     $ 21,081,000  
   Land
    4,882,000       5,332,000  
   Buildings and leasehold improvements
    15,378,000       19,295,000  
      36,410,000       45,708,000  
   Less accumulated depreciation
    (16,415,000 )     (21,495,000 )
    $ 19,995,000     $ 24,213,000  

 
13

 
 
The impairment expense in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 related to six of the seven stores closed in the quarter and to three of the four stores closed subsequent to the quarter ending August 9, 2010 and one store in Monroe, Louisiana that was closed in the first quarter when the Company was unable in the second quarter to re-open in a new location in Monroe. The impairment of 10 stores related to leases that were not renewed or exited. The decline in the economy has resulted in the Company not renewing or exiting 13 leases, two in the first quarter, seven in the second quarter and four in the third quarter of fiscal 2011 resulting in the impairment of assets in the quarter ended August 9, 2010 for ten stores. One of the 13 closures was impaired in the prior year and two did not require impairment since the fair value of the remaining fixed assets exceeds the carrying value.  Impairment expense of $436,000 in the second quarter of fiscal 2010 was for leasehold improvements and license fees.  Total impairment expense, which is primarily related to our Buffet Division segment, related to property, building , equipment and license fees charged to operations was $2,247,000 and $436,000 for the quarters ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009, respectively, is as follows:
 
   
August 9,
2010
   
August 10,
2009
 
Equipment/other impairment.                                                                    
  $ 447,000     $ 31,000  
Leasehold improvement impairment                                                                    
    1,800,000       405,000  
Total impairment                                                                    
  $ 2,247,000     $ 436,000  
 
Total property, buildings and equipment includes the following land, equipment and buildings and leaseholds associated with 11 and 10, respectively, non-operating units as of August 9, 2010 and as of January 25, 2010. Seven of 11 non-operating restaurants remain closed for remodeling and repositioning, one non-operating restaurant was leased to a third party and the one remaining non-operating restaurant was closed and reported as property held for sale.  In addition, two non-operating restaurants were used as warehouses for equipment in Florida and Utah and are included in the table above. During the quarter the Company closed seven stores. The Company impaired 10 restaurants in the second quarter of FY 2011 with impairment expense of $447,000 for equipment and $1,800,000 for leasehold improvements.

 The other components of property and equipment not used in operating restaurants are as follows:

   
August 9,
2010
   
January 25,
2010
 
Property and equipment leased to third parties:
     Equipment
  $ 221,000     $ 222,000  
     Land
    124,000       124,000  
     Buildings and leaseholds
    685,000       685,000  
      1,030,000       1,031,000  
                 
   Less accumulated depreciation
    (375,000 )     (362,000 )
    $ 655,000     $ 669,000  

 
14

 
 
   
August 9,
2010
   
January 25,
2010
 
Property, buildings and equipment held for future use:                
Equipment
  $ 3,071,000     $ 1,671,000  
Land
    843,000       1,042,000  
Buildings and leaseholds
    3,737,000       2,828,000  
      7,651,000       5,541,000  
                 
 Less accumulated depreciation     (3,251,000 )     (2,201,000 )
    $ 4,400,000     $ 3,340,000  

   
August 9,
2010
   
January 25,
2010
 
Property held for sale:                
Land
  $ 367,000     $ 367,000  
Buildings
    360,000       364,000  
    $ 727,000     $ 731,000  

Property, buildings and equipment held for future use included seven restaurants closed for remodeling and repositioning with a net book value of $3,078,000 as of August 9, 2010 and included four restaurants closed for remodeling and repositioning with a net book value of $3,718,000 as of August 10, 2009.

Note (K) Stock-Based Compensation

The Company did not grant any stock options in the first two quarters of fiscal 2011 or fiscal 2010. The intrinsic value of the outstanding stock options was $0 as of August 9, 2010.

Note (L) Commitments and Contingencies

Prior to the Company’s formation in 1998, HTB entered into franchise agreements for each of its HomeTown Buffet locations which require the payment of a royalty fee to HomeTown Buffet, Inc. The royalty fee is 2% of the gross sales of each HomeTown Buffet restaurant. The franchise agreements have a 20-year term (with two five-year renewal options). The franchisor requires HTB to operate each restaurant in conformity with Franchise Operating Manuals and Recipe Manuals and Menus. The franchise agreements also place certain limits on the Company’s ability to operate competing buffet businesses within specified geographic areas.  The HomeTown franchisor may terminate a franchise agreement for a number of reasons, including the Company’s failure to pay royalty fees when due, failure to comply with applicable laws or repeated failure to comply with one or more requirements of the franchise agreement. However, many state franchise laws limit the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise.
 
On February 1, 2005, the Company announced in a press release that it had entered into a strategic alliance with K-BOB’S USA Inc. and related affiliates. In accordance with the terms of the strategic alliance, the Company agreed to lend K-BOB’S up to $1.5 million on a long-term basis. In exchange, K-BOB’S granted the Company an option to purchase as many as five corporate owned and operated K-BOB’S restaurants located in New Mexico and Texas.  On January 28, 2008, the Company exercised its option under the terms of the strategic alliance and purchased three K-BOB’S restaurants. In connection with the purchase, the Company entered into license agreements which required the payment of certain fees to K-BOB’S based on the restaurant gross sales. The Company has a note receivable balance due from K-BOB’s of $214,000 at August 9, 2010.  Although the note is delinquent, management believes that given other business relationships with K-BOB’S that certain offsets or credits will result in full payment of this amount.

 
15

 
 
On April 21, 2006, the Company announced in a press release that it had entered into a strategic alliance with Western Sizzlin Corporation. In connection with the strategic alliance, the Company acquired three Western Sizzlin franchised restaurants and entered into license agreements with Western Sizzlin Corporation for each. The license agreements require the payment of certain fees to Western Sizzlin Corporation based on the restaurant gross sales.

In connection with the Company’s employment contract with Robert E. Wheaton, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, the Company has agreed to pay Mr. Wheaton six years salary and bonus if he resigns related to a change of control of the Company or is terminated, unless the termination is for cause.
 
On August 4, 2010, a landlord of a Company subsidiary filed a $3,700,000 lawsuit for unpaid and accelerated rents related  to  three stores closed in the fiscal second quarter and one in the prior year.   The Company was unsuccessful in an attempt to renegotiate the leases.  The claim for damages relates to the future lease payments under the original lease agreements.  Management believes that fair value of the sublease rentals for these properties exceeds the future lease payments required under the original lease agreements.  The Company believes that this lawsuit is without merit and plans to vigorously defend against the claims. However, there is no assurance the Company will prevail and an adverse decision could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and operating results.

Note (M) Income Taxes

The provision (benefit) for income taxes was as follows:

   
12 Weeks Ended
August 9, 2010
   
28 Weeks Ended
August 9, 2010
 
Current
  $ (614,000 )   $ (699,000 )
Deferred
    (256,000 )     53,000  
    $ ( 870,000 )   $ (646,000 )

The Company was not able to take advantage or utilize the Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes paid on certain Employee Tips and other business credits resulting in a higher effective tax rate or lower effective benefit for periods with losses for the 28-week periods ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009 as compared to prior periods when the Company utilized business tax credits. In the current fiscal year general business credits increased to $997,000 due to a new temporary IRS ruling allowing the Company to carry back losses for five years which required reestablishing credits previously utilized in prior taxable years. The IRS does not allow the use of tax credits when carrying back losses. A valuation allowance of $100,000 was established in the first fiscal quarter of 2011 against the General Business Credits.  The Company has net deferred income tax assets of $4,113,000 and $3,509,000 on August 9, 2010 and January 25, 2010, respectively.  The deferred tax asset results primarily from the temporary timing difference from depreciation of $1,079,000, tax credits of $997,000, and net operating losses of $1,579,000 for tax and financial reporting purposes.

Note (N) Insurance Programs

Historically, the Company has purchased first dollar insurance for workers’ compensation claims; high-deductible primary property and casualty coverages; and excess policies for casualty losses.    Accruals for self-insured casualty losses include estimates of expected claims payments.  The valuation reserves for the quarters ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009 were $29,000 and $46,000, respectively.

Note (O) Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of the Company’s cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximates fair value because of the short maturity of these instruments.

 
16

 
 
The carrying amounts of the Company’s notes receivable, long-term debt and capital lease obligations approximate fair value and are based on discounted cash flows using market rates at the balance sheet dates. The Company cannot estimate the fair value of the note payable to officer because of the related party nature of the transaction.

The Company previously adopted guidance related to Fair Value Measurements.  This authoritative guidance among other things, defines fair value, establishes a consistent framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosure for each major asset and liability category measured at fair value on either a recurring or nonrecurring basis. This authoritative guidance clarifies that fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, this authoritative guidance establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
 
Level 1: Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
 
Level 2: Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and
 
Level 3: Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
 
The fair value measurements determined for purposes of performing the Company’s impairment tests are considered to be Level 2 for real property and Level 3 for other assets under the fair value hierarchy.  The Level 2 inputs included sales and listing prices on properties that the Company considered to be similar to those properties included in the impairment analysis.  The Level 3 inputs were utilized for other assets such as restaurant equipment because they required significant unobservable inputs to be developed using estimates and assumptions determined by the Company and reflecting those that a market participant would use.

As discussed in Note J, we recorded asset impairment charges for long-lived assets associated with 10 of our restaurants.  These long-lived assets had a carrying amount of $2,247,000 and were written down to their estimated fair value of $0. The fair value of each restaurant’s long-lived assets was determined using either a discounted cash flow model or the market value of each restaurant’s long-lived assets. The market value was determined based upon market prices for similar assets in active markets and are classified within Level 2. Valuations using discounted cash flows are classified within Level 3 as these valuations were determined by projecting future cash flows of each restaurant and discounting those cash flows at a rate reflective of current market conditions and factors specific to our company. Equipment classified as for future use is reviewed for impairment at the time it is moved to that classification.  Equipment in poor performing stores is periodically evaluated for impairment.  Equipment in closed stores or those to be closed are evaluated at the time the decision to close the store is made.  Generally, equipment in closed stores currently have less value than in prior and in active markets because of the state of the economy.   The following table presents information about our assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis at August 9, 2010, and indicates the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized to determine such fair value:

 
17

 
Fair Value Measurements at August 9, 2010 Using
 
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
   
Level 3
 
Real Property
    $ 2,941,000        
Note receivable
            $ 201,000  

The carrying value of these assets did not change in the 28 week period ended August 9, 2010.

Note (P) Long-Term Debt
 
The following table is a summary of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations.
 
 
August 9
 
August 9
   
January 25
   
January 25
 
 
2010
 
2010
   
2010
   
2010
 
Type of Debt
Total Debt
 
Current Portion
   
Total Debt
   
Current Portion
 
Real Estate Mortgages
$ 6,207,000   $ 1,045,000     $ 6,597,000     $ 730,000  
Bank Debt-Revolver
  2,475,000     2,475,000       2,000,000       -  
Bank Debt-Term
  4,000,000     4,000,000       4,450,000       900,000  
Subordinated Debt
  1,992,000     -       1,992,000       -  
Total Debt
$ 14,674,000   $ 7,520,000     $ 15,039,000     $ 1,630,000  
 
The Company has a Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that consists of an $8,000,000 term loan and a $2,500,000 revolving line of credit.  As of August 9, 2010 the term loan balance was $4,000,000 and the revolving line of credit balance was $2,475,000.  The Credit Facility is guaranteed by Star Buffet’s subsidiaries and bears interest, at the Company’s option, at Wells Fargo’s base rate plus 0.25% or at LIBOR plus 2.00%.  The Credit Facility is secured by a first priority lien on all of the Company’s assets, except for those assets that were previously pledged as security for existing obligations, in which case Wells Fargo has a second lien.  The term loan matures on January 31, 2012 and provides for principal to be amortized at $225,000 per quarter with any remaining balance due at maturity.  Interest is payable monthly.  The $2,500,000 revolving line of credit matures on January 31, 2012.  Interest on the revolver is payable monthly.

Based on the financial results of the quarter ended August 9, 2010, the Company was not in compliance with two of the four financial covenants contained in the Credit Facility; the Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio of 5:1 and the Consolidated Pre-Distribution Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.2:1. Therefore, it was necessary for the Company to obtain waivers from Well Fargo Bank, N.A. in order to remain in compliance. The Company received a waiver of these requirements from Wells Fargo for the second quarter.  However, because the Company does not expect to be in compliance of the Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio for the  third fiscal quarter ending November 1, 2010, Accounting Standards Codification 470-10-45-1 requires the Wells Fargo debt to be classified as currently due on the Company’s balance sheet.

The Company is currently in negotiations with Wells Fargo to obtain a waiver for this one probable covenant compliance violation in the third quarter of the current fiscal year.  The Company believes, based on discussions with Well Fargo, that although Wells Fargo may have call rights under the debt agreement should the Company be in noncompliance with one or more of its loan covenants at the next measurement date, the Company expects it will obtain a waiver.  However, there can be no assurance that Wells Fargo would not call the loan should it desire to exercise it right to do so if future covenant violations occur or that future operating results will be sufficient to remain in compliance with the four financial covenants, thereafter.

The Company believes that although the Wells Fargo debt is classified as current on the accompanying balance sheet at August 9, 2010, timely repayments will be made under the existing amortization schedule and the debt maturity reclassification will have little immediate effect on the Company’s liquidity.  The Company also believes that cash on hand and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy working capital, capital expenditure and loan repayment requirements during the next 12 months.  However, there can be no assurance that cash on hand and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy these requirements.

Note (Q) Subsequent Events

The Company has evaluated subsequent events through the date that these financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
 
18

 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

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

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, presented elsewhere in this report and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2010.  Comparability of periods may be affected by the closure of restaurants or the implementation of the Company’s acquisition and strategic alliance strategies.  The costs associated with integrating new restaurants or under-performing or unprofitable restaurants, if any, acquired or otherwise operated by the Company may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in any individual period.

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains forward looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions; success of integrating newly acquired under-performing or unprofitable restaurants; the impact of competitive products and pricing; success of operating initiatives; advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; changes in business strategy or development plans; quality of management; availability, terms and deployment of capital; changes in prevailing interest rates and the availability of financing; food, labor, and employee benefits costs; changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; implementation of the Company’s acquisition and strategic alliance strategy; the effect of the Company’s accounting polices and other risks detailed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2010, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Overview

The Company has a consolidated net loss for the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010 of $(1,386,000) or $(0.43) per diluted share as compared with net income of $85,000 or $0.03 per diluted share for the comparable prior year period, a change of approximately $1,471,000 from the prior year period.  The increase in the net loss is due to a decrease in income from operations of approximately $2,460,000 which primarily resulted from an increase in impairment expense of $1,811,000 as compared to the prior year period and a $306,000 gain on property disposals related to the fire in Jonesboro, Arkansas that was recognized in the prior year period. Total revenues decreased approximately $5.7 million or 29.3% from $19.5 million in the 12 weeks ended August 10, 2009 to $13.8 million in the 12 weeks ended August 9, 2010. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to 23 closed stores of which 14 stores were closed in fiscal 2010 and nine stores were closed in fiscal 2011 resulting in a sales decline of approximately $5.1 million and sales declines of approximately $1.1 million or approximately 8.6% in comparable same store sales.  The decline in sales was partially offset by $500,000 increase attributable to new stores or stores only opened for a portion of the second quarter of last year.
 
 The Company has a consolidated net loss for the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010 of $(1,282,000) or $(0.40) per diluted share as compared with net income of $939,000 or $0.29 per diluted share for the comparable prior year period , a change of approximately $2,221,000 from the prior year period.  The change is due to a decrease in income from operations of approximately $3,595,000 primarily from an increase in impairment expense of $1,811,000, a $306,000 gain on property disposals related to the fire in Jonesboro, Arkansas recorded in the prior year period, as discussed above, year and higher labor and general and administrative costs as a percentage of revenue. Total revenues decreased approximately $14.2 million or 29.8% from $47.7 million in the 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009 to $33.4 million in the 28 weeks ended August 9, 2010. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to 23 closed stores of which 14 stores were closed in fiscal 2010 and nine stores were closed in fiscal 2011 resulting in a sales decline of approximately $11.9 million and sales declines of approximately $3.1 million or approximately 10% in comparable same store sales.  The decline in sales was partially offset by approximately $800,000 increase attributable to new stores or stores only opened for a portion of the first and second quarters of last year.

 
19

 
 
Recent Developments

On January 31, 2010 the Company closed the HomeTown Buffet restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico and on March 29, 2010 closed the Barnhill’s Buffet restaurant in Monroe, Louisiana. The Company had fully impaired the assets of the Albuquerque restaurant in the prior fiscal year.  The assets in Monroe were warehoused pending a new reopening.  When the Company was unable to re-open in a new location in Monroe, the assets were impaired in the second quarter of fiscal 2011.
 
The Company entered into lease with an option to purchase a 4B’s restaurant in Polson, Montana in March 2010. The Company opened the restaurant in May 2010.
 
The Company closed seven restaurants in the second quarter fiscal year 2011.  The seven restaurants were Barnhill’s Buffets in Orange City, Florida, Leesburg, Florida, Moss Point, Mississippi, Apopka, Florida, and Collierville, Tennessee; a BuddyFreddys in Brandon, Florida; and a JB’s restaurant in St. George, Utah. All seven of the restaurants fixed assets were impaired in the second quarter of 2011 except St. George. Please see Note (J) Properties, Buildings and Equipment for impairment expense detail.

Subsequent to the end of the second quarter on August 9, 2010, the Company closed four additional restaurants: a HomeTown Buffet in Casper, Wyoming; a BuddyFreddys in North Fort Myers, Florida; a Barnhills Buffet in New Port Richey, Florida; and a JB’s restaurant in Albuquerque, New Mexico. All four of the restaurants fixed assets were impaired in the second quarter of 2011 except Albuquerque. Please see Note (J) Properties, Buildings and Equipment for impairment expense detail.

Components of Income from Operations

Total revenues include a combination of food, beverage, merchandise and vending sales and are net of applicable state and city sales taxes.

Food costs primarily consist of the cost of food and beverage items.  Various factors beyond the Company’s control, including adverse weather and natural disasters, may affect food costs.  Accordingly, the Company may incur periodic fluctuations in food costs.  Generally, these temporary increases are absorbed by the Company and not passed on to customers; however, management may adjust menu prices to compensate for increased costs of a more permanent nature.

Labor costs include restaurant management salaries, bonuses, hourly wages for unit level employees, various health, life and dental insurance programs, vacations and sick pay and payroll taxes.

Occupancy and other expenses are primarily fixed in nature and generally do not vary with restaurant sales volume especially in the near term. It is sometimes possible to lower occupancy and other expenses if given a longer period of time to adjust. For example, rents may be renegotiated if the decline in sales is more permanent.  Rent, insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance and advertising account for the major expenditures in this category.

 
20

 

General and administrative expenses include all corporate and administrative functions that serve to support the existing restaurant base.  Management, supervisory and staff salaries, employee benefits, data processing, training and office supplies are the major items of expense in this category.

Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the Company’s results of operations as a percentage of total revenues for the 12 and 28 weeks ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009.
 
   
Twelve Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-eight Weeks Ended
 
   
August 9,
2010
   
August 10,
2009
   
August 9,
2010
   
August 10,
2009
 
Total revenues     100.0 %       100.0 %       100.0 %       100.0 %  
                                 
Costs, expenses and other
                               
Food costs
    36.3       38.3       38.3       38.4  
Labor  costs
    33.5       32.6       33.0       31.5  
Occupancy and other expenses
    20.3       20.1       19.1       19.6  
General and administrative expenses
    3.8       2.5       3.3       2.6  
Depreciation and amortization
    4.6       3.7       4.3       3.3  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    16.3       2.2       6.7       0.9  
Gain resulting from fire loss
          (1.6 )           (0.7 )
Total costs, expenses and other
    114.8       96.4       104.7       95.7  
                                 
(Loss) income from operations
    (14.8 )     2.1       (4.7 )     4.3  
                                 
Interest expense
    (1.6 )     (1.2 )     (1.5 )     (1.1 )
Interest income
    0.0       0.0       0.0       0.2  
Other income
    0.1       0.1       0.4       0.0  
Income before income taxes
    (16.3 )     1.0       (5.8 )     3.4  
                                 
Income tax (benefit) provision
    (6.3 )     0.6       (1.9 )     1.4  
                                 
Net (loss) income
    (10.0 )%     0.4 %     (3.8 )%     2.0 %
                                 
Effective income tax rate
    (38.5 )%     56.4 %     (33.5 )%     41.6 %
 
Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table. The other assets presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and not in the reportable segments relate to the Company as a whole, and not individual segments. Also certain corporate overhead income and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are not included in the reportable segments.

 
21

 

(Dollars in Thousands)
12 Weeks Ended
 August 9, 2010
 
Buffet
Division (1)
   
Non-Buffet
Division(2)
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 6,454     $ 7,342     $     $ 13,796  
Food cost
    2,776       2,239             5,015  
Labor cost
    2,211       2,414             4,625  
Interest income
                       
Interest expense
                (221 )     (221 )
Depreciation & amortization
    393       229       7       629  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    2,247                   2,247  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,742 )     1,200       (715 )     (2,257 )
12 Weeks Ended
 August 10, 2009
 
Buffet
Division (1)
   
Non-Buffet
Division(2)
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 11,884     $ 7,625     $     $ 19,509  
Food cost
    5,200       2,279             7,479  
Labor cost
    3,834       2,518             6,352  
Interest income
                       
Interest expense
                (229 )     (229 )
Depreciation & amortization
    491       225       9       725  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    290       146             436  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (350 )     1,214       (669 )     195  
                                 

(Dollars in Thousands)
28 Weeks Ended
 August 9, 2010
 
Buffet
Division (1)
   
Non-Buffet
Division(2)
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 18,234     $ 15,212     $     $ 33,446  
Food cost
    7,997       4,813             12,810  
Labor cost
    5,930       5,111             11,041  
Interest income
                       
Interest expense
                (508 )     (508 )
Depreciation & amortization
    912       523       17       1,452  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    2,247                   2,247  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (2,605 )     2,162       (1,486 )     (1,929 )
28 Weeks Ended
 August 10, 2009
 
Buffet
Division (1)
   
Non-Buffet
Division(2)
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 31,292     $ 16,372     $     $ 47,664  
Food cost
    13,286       5,011             18,297  
Labor cost
    9,497       5,538             15,035  
Interest income
                75       75  
Interest expense
    (1 )           (517 )     (518 )
Depreciation & amortization
    1,076       483       20       1,579  
Impairment of long-lived assets
                       
Income (loss) before income taxes
    724       2,393       (1,508 )     1,609  


 
22

 
 
(1) The sales decrease in the Buffet Division was primarily from declines in comparable same store sales and 20 closed restaurants.  The food cost as a percentage of revenue increased this year primarily due to decreases in revenue and increases in wholesale food prices as compared to the prior year.  Labor cost increased as a percentage of revenue this year primarily due to decreases in revenue and increases in minimum wages compared to the prior year.  Income (loss) before income taxes decreased primarily from the decline in revenue and increases in food and labor costs. In addition to food and labor in the 12 weeks ended August 9, 2010 the impairment expense was primarily reason for the increase in the loss before income taxes.

(2) The sales decrease in the Non-Buffet Division was primarily from declines in comparable same store sales and three closed restaurants.  The food cost as a percentage of revenue increased this year primarily due to decreases in revenue and increases in wholesale food prices as compared to the prior year.   Income (loss) before income taxes decreased primarily from the decline in revenue and increases in food costs.
 
Total revenues decreased $5.7 million or 29.3% from $19.5 million in the 12 weeks ended August 10, 2009 to $13.8 million in the 12 weeks ended August 9, 2010. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to 23 closed stores of which 14 stores were closed in fiscal 2010 and nine stores were closed in fiscal 2011 resulting in a sales decline of approximately $5.1 million and sales declines of approximately $1.1 million or approximately 8.6% in comparable same store sales.  The decline in sales was partially offset by $500,000 increase in one new store in current year and two only opened for a portion of the second quarter of last year.  Total revenues decreased approximately $14.2 million or 29.8% from $47.7 million in the 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009 to $33.4 million in the 28 weeks ended August 9, 2010. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to 23 closed stores of which 14 stores were closed in fiscal 2010 and nine stores were closed in fiscal 2011 resulting in a sales decline of approximately $11.9 million and sales declines of approximately $3.1 million or approximately 10% in comparable same store sales.  The decline in sales was partially offset by $800,000 increase in new stores or stores only opened for a portion of the second quarter of last year.

Food costs as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 38.3% during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 to 36.3% during the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010, and from 38.4% during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 to 38.3% during the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010. The decrease for the 12 and 28 weeks as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in the percentage o our total revenues recognized from the non-buffet segment.  The non-buffet restaurants traditionally have lower food cost as a percentage of revenues than the buffet restaurants.  Revenue from the non-buffet restaurants increased to 45.5% of total sales in the current fiscal year as compared to 34.3% the same period in the prior year, therefore lowering the overall food cost this year as a percentage of sales.  Food costs decreased by approximately $2.5 million in the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010 and by $5.5 million in the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010, primarily due to the net decrease of 19 stores.
 
Labor costs as a percentage of total revenues increased from 32.6% during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 to 33.5% during the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010, and increased from 31.5% during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 to 33.0% during the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010.  The increase as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to a generally lower revenue base and higher minimum wages. Labor costs decreased by approximately $1.7 million in the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010, and by $4.0 million in the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010, primarily due to the net decrease of 19 stores.

Occupancy and other expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased from 20.1% during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 to 20.3% during the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010, and decreased from 19.6% during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 to 19.1% during the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010.  The increase as a percentage of total revenues in the 12-week period ending August 9, 2010 was primarily attributable to the $5.7 million decrease in revenue. Occupancy and other expense decreased approximately $1.1 million in the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010 primarily due to the net decrease of 19 stores. The decrease for the 28-week period ending August 9, 2010 as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease in facility costs as a percentage of revenues in the current year compared to the prior year. Occupancy and other expense decreased approximately $3.0 million in the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010 primarily due to the net decrease of 19 stores.

 
23

 
 
General and administrative expense as a percentage of total revenues increased from 2.5% during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 to 3.8% during the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010, and from 2.6% during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 to 3.3% during the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010.   The increase for the 12 and 28 week periods ended August 9, 2010 as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease in revenues due to the net decrease of 13 and 19 stores, respectively.

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased from $725,000 during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 to $629,000 during the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010, and decreased from $1,579,000 during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 to $1,452,000 during the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010. The decrease was primarily attributable to the net decrease of 13 and 19 stores, respectively.

Interest expense decreased from $229,000 during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 to $221,000 during the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010, and from $518,000 during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 to $508,000 during the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010.  The decrease was attributable to a lower average debt balances in the first two quarters of fiscal 2011 as compared to fiscal 2010.

Interest income was at $0 during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 and the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010, and decreased from $75,000 during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 to $0 during the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010. Interest income was primarily generated by the Company’s tax refund in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

Other income is primarily rental income from the Company’s leased properties. Rental income was $10,000 for one property leased for the entire 12-week period ended August 9, 2010. Rental income was $10,000 for one property leased for the entire 12-week period ended August 10, 2009.  The Company also had other income in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 of approximately $15,000 on the settlement of debt regarding the purchase of the Western Sizzlin in Magnolia, Arkansas.  Rental income was $21,000 for one property leased for the entire 28-week period ended August 9, 2010.  Rental income was $39,000 for one property leased for part of the first quarter and one property leased for the entire 28-week period ended August 10, 2009.
 
The income tax benefit totaled $870,000 or 38.5% of pre-tax loss for the 12-week period ended August 9, 2010 as compared to an income tax provision of $110,000 or 56.4% of pre-tax income for the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009.  The income tax benefit totaled $646,000 or 33.5% of pre-tax loss for the 28-week period ended August 9, 2010 as compared to an income tax provision of $670,000 or 41.6% of pre-tax income for the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009. The Company was not able to take advantage or utilize the Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on certain Employee Tips and other business credits resulting in a higher effective tax rate or lower effective benefit for periods with losses for the 12 and 28-week periods ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009 as compared to prior periods when the Company utilized business tax credits. In the current fiscal year the Company has more general business credits available after a new temporary IRS ruling allowed the Company loss carrybacks for five years. The IRS does not allow the use of tax credits when carrying back losses.
 
 
24

 

Impact of Inflation

The impact of inflation on the cost of food, labor, equipment and construction and remodeling of stores could affect the Company’s operations.  Many of the Company’s employees are paid hourly rates related to the federal and state minimum wage laws so that changes in these laws can result in higher labor costs to the Company. In addition, the cost of food commodities utilized by the Company is subject to market supply and demand pressures.  Shifts in these costs may have an impact on the Company’s food costs.  The Company anticipates that modest increases in these costs can be offset through pricing and other cost control efforts; however, there is no assurance that the Company would be able to pass more significant costs on to its customers, or if it were able to do so, it could do so in a short period of time.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In recent years, the Company has financed operations through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided from operations, available borrowings under bank lines of credit and loans from our principal shareholder.
 
As of August 9, 2010, the Company had $733,000 in cash.  Cash and cash equivalents decreased by $160,000 during the 28-weeks ended August 9, 2010. The net working capital deficit was $(13,233,000) and $(7,889,000) at August 9, 2010 and January 25, 2010, respectively.  The Company spent approximately $478,000 on capital expenditures in the 28-weeks ending August 9, 2010.
 
Cash provided by operations was $2.3 million for the 28-weeks ending August 9, 2010 and $2.8 million for the 28-weeks ending August 10, 2009.  The decrease in cash generated from operating activities for the 28-week period ending August 9, 2010 was primarily a result of poorer operating results partially offset by higher accounts payable-trade of approximately $1.3 million. The increase in net loss resulted primarily from fewer profitable restaurants and lower sales per restaurant in the current fiscal year compared to the prior year.

Cash used by financing activities was approximately $2,000,000. The Company decreased checks written in excess of bank balance by approximately $1.6 million and made net debt payments of approximately $365,000.

The following table is a summary of the Company’s outstanding debt obligations.

   
August 9
   
August 9
   
January 25
   
January 25
 
   
2010
   
2010
   
2010
   
2010
 
Type of Debt
 
Total Debt
   
Current Portion
   
Total Debt
   
Current Portion
 
Real Estate Mortgages
  $ 6,207,000     $ 1,045,000     $ 6,597,000     $ 730,000  
Bank Debt-Revolver
    2,475,000       2,475,000       2,000,000       -  
Bank Debt-Term
    4,000,000       4,000,000       4,450,000       900,000  
Subordinated Debt
    1,992,000       -       1,992,000       -  
Total Debt
  $ 14,674,000     $ 7,520,000     $ 15,039,000     $ 1,630,000  
 
The Company has a Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. that consists of an $8,000,000 term loan and a $2,500,000 revolving line of credit.  As of August 9, 2010 the term loan balance was $4,000,000 and the revolving line of credit balance was $2,475,000.  The Credit Facility is guaranteed by Star Buffet’s subsidiaries and bears interest, at the Company’s option, at Wells Fargo’s base rate plus 0.25% or at LIBOR plus 2.00%.  The Credit Facility is secured by a first priority lien on all of the Company’s assets, except for those assets that were previously pledged as security for existing obligations, in which case Wells Fargo has a second lien.  The term loan matures on January 31, 2012 and provides for principal to be amortized at $225,000 per quarter with any remaining balance due at maturity.  Interest is payable monthly.  The $2,500,000 revolving line of credit matures on January 31, 2012.  Interest on the revolver is payable monthly.
 
Based on the financial results of the quarter ended August 9, 2010, the Company was not in compliance with two of the four financial covenants contained in the Credit Facility; the Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio of 5:1 and the Consolidated Pre-Distribution Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio of 1.2:1. Therefore, it was necessary for the Company to obtain waivers from Well Fargo Bank, N.A. in order to remain in compliance. The Company received a waiver of these requirements from Wells Fargo for the second quarter.  However, because the Company does not expect to be in compliance of the Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio for the  third fiscal quarter ending November 1, 2010, Accounting Standards Codification 470-10-45-1 requires the Wells Fargo debt to be classified as currently due on the Company’s balance sheet.
 
 
25

 
 
The Company is currently in negotiations with Wells Fargo to obtain a waiver for this one probable covenant compliance violation in the third quarter of the current fiscal year.  The Company believes, based on discussions with Well Fargo, that although Wells Fargo may have call rights under the debt agreement should the Company be in noncompliance with one or more of its loan covenants at the next measurement date, the Company expects it will obtain a waiver.  However, there can be no assurance that Wells Fargo would not call the loan should it desire to exercise it right to do so if future covenant violations occur or that future operating results will be sufficient to remain in compliance with the four financial covenants, thereafter.
 
During fiscal 2008, the Company borrowed approximately $1,400,000 from Mr. Robert E. Wheaton, a principal shareholder, officer and director of the Company.  This loan dated June 15, 2007 is subordinated to the obligation to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and bears interest at 8.5%.  In June, 2008, the Company borrowed an additional $592,000 from Mr. Wheaton under the same terms.  This resulted in an increase in the subordinated note balance from $1,400,000 to $1,992,000, the balance as of August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009.  The Company expensed $91,000 to Mr. Wheaton for interest and paid $0 during the first 28 weeks of fiscal 2010. The Company expensed and paid $91,000 to Mr. Wheaton for interest for interest during the first 28 weeks of fiscal 2009.The Company owes Mr. Wheaton $130,000 and $0 for interest as of August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009, respectively. The principal balance and any unpaid interest are due and payable in full on June 5, 2012.  The Company used the funds borrowed from Mr. Wheaton for working capital requirements. The Company owes Mr. Wheaton approximately $94,000 and $109,000, respectively, as of August 9, 2010 and January 25, 2010 for advances to the Company by Mr. Wheaton primarily to acquire property and equipment.
.
The Company believes that although the Wells Fargo debt is classified as current on the accompanying balance sheet at August 9, 2010, timely repayments will be made under the existing amortization schedule and the debt maturity reclassification will have little immediate effect on the Company’s liquidity.  The Company also believes that cash on hand and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy working capital, capital expenditure and loan repayment requirements during the next 12 months.  However, there can be no assurance that cash on hand and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy these requirements.  Given the liquidity needs of the Company’s businesses, on February 20, 2009 the Board of Directors voted to indefinitely suspend the annual dividend on the outstanding common stock of the Company.
 
Critical Accounting Policies and Judgments

The Company prepares its condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are based on the application of certain accounting policies, the most significant of which are described in Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the audited financial statements for the year ended January 25, 2010 included the Company’s annual report filed on Form 10-K. Certain of these policies require numerous estimates and strategic or economic assumptions that may prove inaccurate or be subject to variations and which may significantly affect the Company's reported results and financial position for the reported period or in future periods. Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates in any of these areas could have a material impact on the Company's future financial condition and results of operations. The Company considers the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing its consolidated financial statements.

 
26

 
 
Property, Buildings and Equipment

Property, building and equipment are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

   
Years
 
Buildings
    40  
Building and leasehold improvements
    15 – 20  
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
    5 – 8  

Building and leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or the estimated economic life of the assets. The life of the lease includes renewal options determined by management at lease inception as reasonably likely to be exercised. If a previously scheduled lease option is not exercised, any remaining unamortized leasehold improvements may be required to be expensed immediately which could result in a significant charge to operating results in that period.

Property and equipment in non-operating units or stored in warehouses, which is held for remodeling or repositioning, is depreciated and is recorded on the balance sheet as property, building and equipment held for future use. Property and equipment in non-operating units held for remodeling or repositioning is depreciated and is recorded on the balance sheet as property, building and equipment held for future use.

Property and equipment placed on the market for sale is not depreciated and is recorded on the balance sheet as property held for sale and recorded at the lower of cost or market.

Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Major equipment refurbishments and remodeling costs are generally capitalized.

The Company's accounting policies regarding buildings and equipment include certain management judgments regarding the estimated useful lives of such assets, the residual values to which the assets are depreciated and the determination as to what constitutes the life of existing assets. These judgments and estimates may produce materially different amounts of depreciation and amortization expense than would be reported if different assumptions were used. As discussed further below, these judgments may also impact the Company's need to recognize an impairment charge on the carrying amount of these assets as the cash flows associated with the assets are realized.

Impairment of Goodwill
 
Goodwill primarily represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. The Company reviews goodwill for possible impairment on an annual basis or when triggering events occur in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350.  ASC 350 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.  The Company considers each asset group to be a reporting unit and therefore reviews goodwill for possible impairment by restaurant.
 
The Company utilizes a two-part impairment test.  First, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to carrying value (including goodwill).  If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, the second step is performed.  In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of goodwill.  If the carrying value is greater, a loss is recognized. The goodwill impairment test considers the impact of current conditions and the economic outlook for the restaurant industry, the general overall economic outlook including market data, and governmental and environmental factors in establishing the assumptions used to compute the fair value of each reporting unit.  We also take into account the historical, current and future (based on probability) operating results of each reporting unit and any other facts and data pertinent to valuing the reporting units in our impairment test.

 
27

 
 
The Company performs its annual impairment analysis on February 1st of each year.   The $551,000 in carrying value of goodwill at August 9, 2010 is related to our purchase of two JB’s restaurants in Montana and one in Utah. These stores continue to produce favorable operating results. There were no triggering events during the quarter ending August 9, 2010 that would have had an impact on goodwill. There were no goodwill impairment losses for the 28-week periods ended August 9, 2010 and August 10, 2009.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC 360, “Property, Plant and Equipment”.  The Company assesses whether an impairment write-down is necessary whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable.  Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset.  If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment loss to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset. Any impairment is recognized as a charge to earnings, which would adversely affect operating results in the affected period.

Judgments made by the Company related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and the ability of the Company to realize undiscounted net cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets are affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in economic conditions, and changes in operating performance. As the Company assesses the ongoing expected net cash flows and carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, these factors could cause the Company to realize a material impairment charge and could adversely affect operating results in any period.

Insurance Programs

Historically, the Company purchased first dollar insurance for workers’ compensation claims; high-deductible primary property and casualty coverages; and excess policies for casualty losses. Accruals for self-insured casualty losses include estimates of expected claims payments.

 
28

 

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments principally include obligations associated with our outstanding indebtedness and future minimum operating and capital lease obligations of its wholly-owned direct and indirect independently capitalized subsidiaries as set forth in the following table:

Contractual Obligations:
 
Total
   
Less than
one year
   
One to
three years
   
Three to
five years
   
Greater than
five years
 
   
(Dollars in thousands)
 
Long-term debt
  $ 14,674     $ 7,520     $ 3,906     $ 2,339     $ 909  
Operating leases
    8,627       1,515       2,462       1,406       3,244  
Capital leases
                             
Purchase commitments
                             
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 23,301     $ 9,035     $ 6,638     $ 3,745     $ 4,153  
 
Adopted and Recently Issued Accounting Standards
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued authoritative guidance that changes how a reporting entity determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated and requires companies to more frequently assess whether they must consolidate these entities. The determination of whether a reporting entity is required to consolidate another entity is based on, among other things, the other entity’s purpose and design and the reporting entity’s ability to direct the activities that most significantly impact the other entity’s economic performance. The provisions are effective for annual periods beginning after November 15, 2009, which for us is fiscal 2011. The impact of adopting the requirements of this authoritative guidance on our consolidated financial position or results of operations was not significant.
 
In January 2010, the FASB issued ASU 2010-06, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures. ASU 2010-06 amends ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, and requires new disclosures surrounding certain fair value measurements. ASU 2010-06 is effective for the first interim or annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2009, except for certain disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the rollforward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which are effective for the first interim and annual reporting periods beginning on or after December 15, 2010. The Company is in the process of evaluating these additional disclosure requirements and does not expect they will have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
In October 2009, the FASB issued ASU 2009-13, Multiple Deliverable Revenue Arrangements. ASU 2009-13 amends ASC 605-10, Revenue Recognition, and addresses accounting for multiple-deliverable arrangements to enable vendors to account for products or services (deliverables) separately rather than as a combined unit, and provides guidance on how to measure and allocate arrangement consideration to one or more units of accounting. ASU 2009-13 is effective for revenue arrangements entered into or materially modified in fiscal years beginning on or after June 15, 2010. Early adoption is permitted, but certain requirements must be met. The Company is in the process of evaluating ASU 2009-13 and does not expect it will have a significant impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
29

 
 
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness and the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report.  Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Accounting Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of the end of the period covered by this report as a result of the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting discussed in our report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 25, 2010.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

We are currently undertaking a number of measures to remediate the material weaknesses  involving inadequate segregation of duties and untimely account reconciliation discussed in our report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 25, 2010 to ensure that account reconciliations are completed earlier in the accounting cycle.  Those measures will be implemented during our fiscal year 2011, and will materially affect, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.  Other than as described above, there have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal year 2011 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Because of its inherent limitations, a system of internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent or detect misstatements.  Further, because of changes in conditions, effectiveness of internal controls over financial reporting may vary over time.  Our system contains self-monitoring mechanisms, and actions are taken to correct deficiencies as they are identified.
 
 
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PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

On August 4, 2010 Spirit Master Funding, LLC (‘Spirit”) , a landlord of a Company subsidiary, in the Superior Court of the State of Arizona filed case number CV-2010-022169 against the Company’s subsidiary for the failure of the subsidiary to pay $3.7 million in rent and accelerated rent for four restaurants leased to the subsidiary. The Company believes that this lawsuit is without merit and plans to vigorously defend against the claims. However, there is no assurance the Company will prevail and an adverse decision could have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition and operating results.

The Company is, from time to time, the subject of complaints or litigation from customers, employees, vendors, regulatory authorities and landlords.  Adverse publicity resulting from such complaints or litigation may materially, adversely affect the Company and its restaurants, regardless of whether such allegations are valid or whether the Company is liable.  The Company believes that generally the lawsuits, claims and other legal matters to which it is subject to in the ordinary course of its business are not material to the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations, but an existing or future lawsuit or claim could result in an adverse decision against the Company that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

We have agreements governing our credit facilities that contain financial covenants, which we may not meet with our future financial results.
 
The Credit Facility with Wells Fargo contains four financial covenants. At May 17, 2010 the Company was not in compliance with the Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio covenant. At August 9, 2010, the Company was not in compliance with the Total Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio or the Consolidated Pre-Distribution Fixed Coverage Ratio covenants.   While the necessary waivers of these requirements were obtained from Wells Fargo and the subordinated debt holders, the results of our future operations may not allow the Company to continue to meet these, or other covenants.
 
The Company’s failure to comply with the financial covenants in the Credit Facility, can result in an event of default. A default, if not cured or waived, prohibits the Company from obtaining further borrowings under the loan agreement and permits the lender to accelerate repayment of the loans.  In addition, certain defaults under one loan may trigger defaults under other loans pursuant to cross-default provisions.  If the debt is accelerated, the Company currently would not have funds available to pay the accelerated debt and may not have the ability to refinance the accelerated debt on favorable terms or at all. If the Company could not repay or refinance the accelerated debt, the Company would be insolvent and could be forced to file for bankruptcy protection. Any such default, acceleration or insolvency would have a material adverse effect on the market value of the Company’s common stock.

Other than as set forth above, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part 1, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 25, 2010.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

 
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Item 6.  Exhibits

(a)           The following exhibits are attached to this report unless noted as previously filed:
 
Exhibit
 
Description
Number
 
of Exhibit
     
3.1
 
Certificate of Incorporation*
3.2
 
Bylaws, as amended on September 22, 1997*
4.1
 
Form of Common Stock Certificate**
31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
 
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
 
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1
 
Press release dated October 14, 2010.
     
* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1 (Registration No. 333- 32249).
** Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 2 (Registration No. 333- 32249).
 
 
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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 hereunto duly authorized.
 
      STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES  
         
October 14, 2010 
  By: 
/s/ Robert E. Wheaton
 
 
   
Robert E. Wheaton
Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Principal Executive Officer
 

         
October 14, 2010 
  By: 
/s/ Ronald E. Dowdy
 
 
   
Ronald E. Dowdy
Group Controller,
Treasurer, Secretary and
Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
 
 
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