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EX-31.2 - EXH 31-2 CERTIFICATION - SPICY PICKLE FRANCHISING INCexh31-2_certification.htm
EX-32.1 - EXH 32-1 CERTIFICATION - SPICY PICKLE FRANCHISING INCexh32-1_certification.htm
EX-32.2 - EXH 32-2 CERTIFICATION - SPICY PICKLE FRANCHISING INCexh32-2_certification.htm
EX-31.1 - EXH 31-1 CERTIFICATION - SPICY PICKLE FRANCHISING INCexh31-1_certification.htm
 


 
UNITED STATES
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 March 31, 2011

[   ]           TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ________________ to _______________

000-53000
(Commission file number)

SPICY PICKLE FRANCHISING, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Colorado
(State or other jurisdiction
of incorporation or organization)
38-3750924
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
 
90 Madison Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
80206
(Zip Code)

(303) 297-1902
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 þ   No ¨

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 ¨   No þ (Not required)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer            ¨
   
Accelerated filer¨
Non-accelerated filer              ¨
   
Smaller reporting company þ
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes ¨   No þ
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date: As of May 6, 2011 there were 86,156,774 shares of common stock outstanding.


 

 
 

 

   
Page
Number
     
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2011
(unaudited) and December 31, 2010
3
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (unaudited)
for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)
for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
5
     
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)
6
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
14
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
23
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
24
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
24
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
24
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
24
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
24
     
Item 4.
(Removed and Reserved)
24
     
Item 5.
Other Information
24
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
24
     
SIGNATURES
26


 
2

 

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
   
   
March 31, 2011
 
December 31, 2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
     
Assets
           
Current assets:
           
   Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
131,434
   
$
247,349
 
   Accounts receivable
   
129,778
     
241,812
 
   Other receivable
   
231,822
     
233,791
 
   Inventory
   
31,160
     
30,977
 
   Prepaid expenses and other current assets
   
84,235
     
39,092
 
     Total current assets
   
608,429
     
793,021 
 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
   
1,258,791
     
1,328,492 
 
Other assets:
               
   Deposits and other assets
   
50,313
     
50,091
 
   Goodwill
   
1,517,325
     
1,517,325
 
   Other intangible assets, net of amortization
   
812,388
     
950,856
 
Total other assets
   
2,380,026
     
2,518,272
 
Total assets
 
$
4,247,246
   
$
4,639,785
 
                 
Liabilities and equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
   Current portion of long term debt
 
$
90,000
   
$
122,500
 
   Accounts payable
   
348,570
     
481,637
 
   Accrued expenses and compensation
   
425,025
     
277,597
 
   Deferred franchise revenue
   
151,000
     
142,000
 
   Dividends accrued
   
68,521
     
68,521
 
     Total current liabilities
   
1,083,116
     
1,092,255
 
Notes payable to related parties
   
2,735,509
     
2,225,837
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion
   
295,000
     
317,500
 
Deferred rent expense
   
146,414
     
150,634
 
     Total long-term liabilities
   
3,176,923
     
2,693,971
 
                 
Commitments and contingencies
   
-
     
-
 
                 
Equity
               
  Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. stockholders' equity
               
   Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares
               
      authorized, none issued or outstanding
   
-
     
-
 
   Common stock, $.001 par value, 200,000,000 shares
               
      authorized,  85,494,274 and 85,494,274 shares issued
               
      and outstanding in 2011 and 2010, respectively
   
85,494
     
85,494
 
   Additional paid in capital
   
17,373,971
     
17,358,757
 
   Fair value of common stock warrants
   
628,010
     
628,010
 
   Accumulated (deficit)
   
(18,149,506
)
   
(17,260,802
)
   Accumulated comprehensive (loss)
   
(2,717
)
   
(9,855
)
    Total Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. stockholders' equity
   
(64,748
   
801,604
 
   Non-controlling interest
   
51,955
     
51,955
 
    Total equity
   
(12,793
   
853,559
 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 
$
4,247,246
   
$
4,639,785
 
See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements

 
3

 
 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss
 
For The Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenue:
           
  Restaurant and bakery sales
 
$
462,338
   
$
618,697
 
  Franchise fees, royalties, and rebates
   
311,230
     
354,454
 
Total revenues
   
773,568
     
973,151
 
                 
Operating costs and expenses:
               
  Restaurant and bakery:
               
   Cost of sales
   
172,947
     
213,672
 
   Labor
   
186,513
     
260,388
 
   Occupancy
   
105,224
     
113,076
 
   Depreciation
   
55,000
     
69,101
 
   Other operating costs
   
66,800
     
92,539
 
 Total restaurant and bakery operating costs
   
586,484
     
748,776
 
                 
Franchise and general:
               
   General and administrative
   
859,850
     
1,025,543
 
   Depreciation and amortization
   
143,586
     
27,767
 
Total franchise and general
   
1,003,436
     
1,053,310
 
Total operating costs and expenses
   
1,589,920
     
1,802,086
 
                 
(Loss) from operations
   
(816,352
)
   
(828,935
)
                 
Other income (expense):
               
   Net Interest income (expense)
   
(72,352
)
   
(35,464
)
Total other income (expense):
   
(72,352
)
   
(35,464
)
                 
Net (loss)
   
(888,704
)
   
(864,399
)
                 
Other comprehensive income (loss):
               
   Foreign currency translation (loss)
   
(394
)
   
33
 
                 
Comprehensive (loss)
 
$
(889,098
)
 
$
(864,366
)
                 
Per share information - basic and fully diluted:
               
                 
  Weighted average shares outstanding
   
85,494,274
     
82,494,274
 
                 
  Net (loss) per share
 
$
(0.01
)
 
$
(0.01
)

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements
 
 
4

 

Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2011 and 2010
 
(Unaudited)
 
   
   
2011
   
2010
 
Net cash (used in) operating activities
 
$
(577,636
)
 
$
(411,595
)
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
  Purchase of property and equipment
   
(6,410
)
   
(1,406
)
  Proceeds from the sale of assets
   
17,000
     
-
 
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
   
10,590
     
(1,406
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
  Proceeds from note payable to related parties
   
500,000
     
16,839
 
  Proceeds from note payable
   
-
     
6,000
 
  Repayment of notes payable
   
(55,000
)
   
(30,000
)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
   
445,000
     
(7,161
                 
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes
   
6,131
     
(963
)
                 
Net (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
   
(115,915
)
   
(421,125
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
   
247,349
     
809,790
 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
 
$
131,434
   
$
388,665
 
 

Supplemental cash flow information:
           
   Cash paid for income taxes
 
$
   
$
-  
 
   Cash paid for interest
 
$
10,271
   
$
-  
 






See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements


 

 
5

 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

1.  Basis of Presentation of Interim Period

Throughout this report, the terms “our,” “we,” “us,” and “Company” refer to Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. including its subsidiaries.  The accompanying unaudited financial statements of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. at March 31, 2011 and 2010 have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial statements, instructions to Form 10-Q, and Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010. In management's opinion, all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation to make our financial statements not misleading have been included. The results of operations for the periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 presented are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year. The December 31, 2010 balance sheet has been derived from our audited financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Recent Pronouncements
We have reviewed all recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and do not believe the future adoption of any such pronouncements may be expected to cause a material impact on our financial condition or the results of our operations.


2.  Per Share Information
 
Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period after consideration of the dilutive effect, if any, for common stock equivalents, including stock options, restricted stock, and other stock-based compensation. Earnings per common share are computed in accordance with ASC Topic 260,  Earnings Per Share  which requires companies to present basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive securities outstanding during the year.  We had a net loss for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, and accordingly, any outstanding equivalents would be anti-dilutive.


3.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

Goodwill and other intangible assets include the following at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
 
Goodwill:
           
  Related to franchise operation (BG Urban Café)
 
$
1,276,882
   
$
1,276,882
 
  Related to restaurant operations
   
240,443
     
240,443
 
Total goodwill
 
$
1,517,325
   
$
1,517,325
 


 
6

 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)


     
2011
     
2010
 
Trademarks and acquired franchise agreements
               
  Acquired trademarks
 
$
291,000
   
$
291,000
 
  Acquired franchise agreements
   
971,000
     
971,000
 
Total gross trademarks and acquired franchise agreements
   
1,262,000
     
1,262,000
 
  Accumulated amortization of acquired trademarks
   
(291,000
)
   
(174,600
)
  Accumulated amortization of acquired franchise agreements
   
(198,612
)
   
(176,544
)
Total accumulated amortization of trademarks and acquired franchise agreements
   
(489,612
)
   
(351,144
)
Total trademarks and acquired franchise agreements
   
772,388
     
910,856
 
Reacquired franchise agreements
   
40,000
     
40,000
 
                 
Total other intangibles
 
$
812,388
   
$
950,856
 

Amortization expense related to trademarks and acquired franchise agreements for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $138,468 and $22,068, respectively.  Estimated future amortization expense by category as of March 31, 2011 was as follows:

Year
 
Trademarks
   
Franchise Agreements
   
Total Amortization
 
2011
  $ -     $ 66,204     $ 66,204  
2012
    -       88,272       88,272  
2013
    -       88,272       88,272  
2014
    -       88,272       88,272  
2015
    -       88,272       88,272  
Later years
    -       353,096       353,096  
    $ -     $ 772,388     $ 772,388  

We recognize goodwill and identifiable intangibles arising from the allocation of the purchase prices of assets acquired in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of all identifiable assets less any liabilities assumed.  ASC 805 gives guidance on five types of assets: marketing-related, customer-related, artistic-related, contract-related, and technology based intangible assets.  We identified identifiable intangibles that are market-related and contract-related.  Acquired trademarks represent the trademarks associated with the Bread Garden franchise business acquired in 2008.  These trademarks were determined to have an indefinite life.  In August 2010, we entered into an agreement with the entity from which we obtained the rights to the trademarks, whereby we would cease using the trademarks by March 31, 2011.  In exchange for not using the trademarks we are no longer obligated to pay any overriding royalties on the BG Urban Café.  In addition we will receive $75,000 to defray the cost of rebranding the restaurants in Canada and we will account for that as a reduction of the expense.  The Bread Garden restaurants have been rebranded using BG Urban Café as the new trademark.  We are in the process of registering the trademark in Canada.  In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other, the trademarks for the Bread Garden now have a determinable life and we amortized the original acquisition cost through March 31, 2011.

Acquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements between Bread Garden Franchising, Inc., the company that we purchased the assets from, and the then existing franchisees.  Reacquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements that were in place between us and the franchisees that we purchased assets from in the acquisition of four restaurants and have an indefinite life.  During 2010 one of those restaurants was closed.  Acquired franchise agreements have determinable lives between 5.5 years and 11 years.  Amortization expenses related to acquired franchise agreements was $22,068 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

In making an estimate of future cash flow as they relate to our franchise operations of the BG Urban Cafes, we considered the following items:
 

 
 
7

 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
·    
The economic forecast in Canada with particular emphasis on British Columbia and western Canada.
·    
Industry forecast for the restaurant industry in Canada with particular emphasis on British Columbia and western Canada.
·    
Historical operating history of acquired assets as adjusted for forecast.
·    
Management’s estimates of new franchisees.

We performed the goodwill impairment analysis at December 31, 2010 and determined the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles as related to the BG Urban Café franchise operations was in excess of the carrying value.

In making an estimate of future cash flow as they relate to our Spicy Pickle restaurant operations, we considered the following items:

·    
The economic forecast in United States.
·    
Industry forecast for the restaurant industry in United States with emphasis on the fast casual segment.
·    
Historical operating history of acquired assets as adjusted for forecast.
·    
Changes to our menu and introduction of a new day part in our restaurants.

We performed the goodwill impairment analysis at December 31, 2010 and determined the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles as related to the restaurant operations was impaired in the amount of $80,136. This impairment was incurred due to the previously mentioned closure of one company store.

We will test for impairment between our annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset.  Since our last annual test no events have occurred that would indicate the fair value of the asset has been impaired.


4.  Fair Value

ASC Topic 825, Financial Instruments (“ASC 825”), permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. We did not elect the fair value reporting option for any assets and liabilities not previously recorded at fair value.

ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), is applicable to all financial assets and liabilities and for nonfinancial assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value in the consolidated financial statements on a recurring basis.  ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. The standard also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  ASC 820 describes three levels of inputs that may be used to measure fair value:

Level 1
Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2
Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3
Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

We have identified the following as financial assets and liabilities:
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable, trade
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued dividends
Notes payable to related parties
Long-term debt
 
 
 
8

 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
 
At March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the carrying amount of cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, accrued expenses and accrued dividends, are short term in nature and approximate fair value.  Interest rates associated with the notes payable to related party and long term debt are based upon rates associated with similar companies in our financial condition and the carrying amounts approximate fair value.


5.  Related Party Transactions

The Company has a Convertible Note that is due May 1, 2013 and bears interest at one percent above the prime rate.  Interest is payable semi-annually.  The holders of the Convertible Note may convert any amount of the principal and accrued interest due into our Common Stock at the rate of $0.13 per share.  In addition, for every two dollars converted into Common Stock, we will issue to the holder of the Convertible Note a warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock.  The exercise price of the warrant will be equal to 120% of the price per share of the Common Stock calculated using the average of the volume weighted average prices per share for the 10 trading days prior to the election to convert.

The conversion feature in the Convertible Note is considered to be a beneficial conversion feature.  We have accounted for the beneficial conversion feature in accordance with ASC Topic 470, Liabilities.  We accounted for a portion of the proceeds, $157,164, from the Convertible Note which related to the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature by allocating that amount to additional paid in capital.  The following summarizes the carrying amount of the Convertible Promissory Note:

   
March 31,
2011
   
December 31,
2010
 
Face value of the note to be repaid if not converted
  $ 817,252     $ 817,252  
Amount allocated to additional paid in capital
    (81,743 )     (91,415 )
Note payable to related parties
  $ 735,509     $ 725,837  

In accordance with ASC Topic 835, Interest, the amount allocated to the beneficial conversion will be amortized as interest expense over the life of the note in such a way as to result in a constant rate of interest.  The amount of amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were $9,672 and $16,839.

The annual interest rate giving effect to the amortization of the beneficial conversion is 9.188% per annum.  When combined with the stated interest rate of one percent above the prime rate, the effective rate is 10.188% over the prime rate.  At March 31, 2011, the interest rate on the borrowings was 12.438%.

During the year ended December 31, 2010, we entered into an agreement with two members of our Board of Directors whereby they will loan the Company up to $2,000,000 as a revolving line of credit.  The line of credit is evidenced by a Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement (the “Note”).  The Note bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum and matures on May 1, 2013.  At the lenders' option the Note is convertible into our common stock at $0.105 per share, the value of the common stock on the date the Note was executed.  In addition for every two shares of common stock issued on conversion we will issue to the lenders a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a price equal to 120% of the average volume weighted average price per share for the 10 days prior to the conversion.  The Note is also secured by the assets of the Company.   Interest expense recognized on the note was $42,569 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  There was no such interest expense for the three months ended 2010.  As of March 31, 2011, we have drawn down the full $2,000,000 available on the loan.

At the same time as the above, the holders of the Convertible Note described above agreed to extend the due date of their Convertible Note (originally January 31, 2012) to coincide with the Note.  As consideration for the extension of the due date, the holders will receive a security interest in the assets of the Company on a pro rata basis with the lenders above.  One of the holders of the Convertible Note is also a lender of the Note.

 
9

 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)

 
6.  Long-term Debt

Long-term debt represents notes issued in connection with the acquisition of certain assets acquired in prior years.  The notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum.  During the quarter ended March 31, 2011 the terms of the note were amended.  The new terms required a payment of $40,000 in February 2011 and then they are amortized through November 30, 2012, with principal payments of $7,500 per month plus accrued interest and with a balloon payment of $235,000 on December 31, 2012.  The notes are now secured by all of the assets of the Company.  In the event of default these notes will rank equal to the security interest granted to the note holders described in Note 5, pro-rata with the amounts then outstanding with respect to the secured parties.  The remaining maturities of the long term debt are as follows:

Long term debt
 
Next 12 Months
   
Thereafter
 
Notes issued for acquisition of assets
  $ 90,000     $ 295,000  
Total long term debt
  $ 90,000     $ 295,000  


7.  Stockholders’ Equity

During the three months ended March 31, 2011, we did not issue any stock.  During the three months ended March 31, 2010, we issued 1,500,000 shares of our common stock to two officers (related parties).  The stock was issued as consideration for the reduction of salaries.  The stock was valued at the trading price, $0.11 per share, at the date of grant, January 26, 2010.  We included $165,000 as compensation expense.


8.  Income Taxes

We account for income taxes in interim periods in accordance with ASC Topic 740, Income Taxes (“ASC 740”).  We have determined an estimated annual effective tax rate.  The rate will be revised, if necessary, as of the end of each successive interim period during our fiscal year to our best current estimate.  As of March 31, 2011, the estimated effective tax rate for the year will be zero.

ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.  This pronouncement also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition.


9.  Stock-Based Compensation

In October 2006, our Board of Directors adopted the 2006 Stock Option Plan (“2006 Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders the same month. The 2006 Plan provides for the grant of up to 7,500,000 shares of our common stock (subject to certain adjustments in the event of stock splits or other similar events) as incentive stock options. Our Board of Directors has delegated authority to grant awards under the 2006 Plan to a Compensation Committee.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, 1,000,000 options were granted to employees under the 2006 Plan.

In December 2009, our Board of Directors adopted the 2009 Restricted Stock Plan (“2009 Restricted Stock Plan”).  The 2009 Restricted Stock Plan provides for the grant of up to 5,000,000 shares of our common stock (subject to certain adjustments in the event of stock splits or other similar events). Our Board of Directors has delegated authority to grant awards under the 2009 Plan to a Compensation Committee.  No shares were granted under the 2009 Restricted Stock Plan during the three months ended March 31, 2011; however, during the three months ended March 31, 2010, 1,500,000 shares of our common stock with a value of $165,000 were issued (see note 7).
 
 
 
10

 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
Total compensation expense of all stock-based compensation recognized under ASC 718 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 was $15,214 and $129,879, respectively, which consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options.

A summary of stock option activity under 2006 Plan is set forth below:

               
Weighted Average
       
         
Weighted
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
         
Average
   
Contractual Term
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Options
   
Exercise Price
   
(in years)
   
Value
 
Outstanding December 31, 2010
    7,200,000     $ 0.13       3.33     $ 124,363  
   Granted
    1,000,000     $ 0.06       4.82       24,083  
   Exercised
                            -  
   Cancelled
    (1,300,000 )   $ 0.20               (21,190 )
Outstanding March 31, 2011
    6,900,000     $ 0.11       3.64     $ 127,256  
Exercisable March 31, 2011
    2,400,000     $ 0.19       2.02     $ 39,120  

We also issued stock options to certain employees of our Canadian subsidiary.  These options were not included in the 2006 Plan.  A summary of stock option activity to those employees is set forth below:

               
Weighted Average
       
         
Weighted
   
Remaining
   
Aggregate
 
         
Average
   
Contractual Term
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Options
   
Exercise Price
   
(in years)
   
Value
 
Outstanding December 31, 2010
    1,112,500     $ 0.20       3.19     $ 18,135  
   Granted
    -                       -  
   Exercised
    -                       -  
   Cancelled
    -       -               -  
Outstanding March 31, 2011
    1,112,500     $ 0.20       2.94     $ 18,135  
Exercisable March 31, 2011
    1,112,500     $ 0.20       2.94     $ 18,135  

In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2010, we granted options which were not covered by our formal plans.  These options are non-qualified stock options.  The following table summarizes those options granted:

   
Options
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)
   
Aggregate Intrinsic Value
 
Outstanding December 31, 2010
    4,200,000     $ 0.12       4.6     $ 201,703  
     Granted
    -       -               -  
     Exercised
    -       -               -  
     Cancelled
    -       -               -  
Outstanding March 31, 2011
    4,200,000     $ 0.12       4.36     $ 201,703  
Exercisable March 31, 2011
    4,200,000     $ 0.12       4.36     $ 201,703  


 
11

 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)



The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at March 31, 2011:
 
   
Options Outstanding
 
Options Exercisable
Range of Exercise Price
 
Number
Outstanding
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual Life
 
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Number
Exercisable
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining Contractual Life
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
$0.06 - $0.20
   
12,212,500
3.8
 
 
              $0.12
 
7,712,500
 
3.4
$
0.16

The total compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet recognized as expense as of March 31, 2011 is $52,097 and will be recognized over the remaining period of 2.9 years.


10.  Business Segment information

We operate in two business segments.  Our Restaurant Operations segment is comprised of restaurants owned by the Company.  The company-owned restaurants conduct business under the Spicy Pickle name. These restaurants specialize in fast casual dining featuring fresh, made-to-order, premium submarine, deli and panini sandwiches, salads, soups and soft drinks. Information for this segment for the periods ended March 31, 2011 and 2010 include the operating activities of seven company-owned restaurants and one company-owned bakery in 2010 and six company-owned restaurants in 2011.

Our Franchise Operations segment is comprised of the operating activities of the franchise business unit, which licenses qualified operators to conduct business under the Spicy Pickle name or the BG Urban Café name, and also of the costs to monitor the operations of these restaurants. Under the terms of the agreements, the licensed operators pay royalties and fees to the Company in return for the use of the Spicy Pickle or the BG Urban Café name, as the case may be.

We are operating in two geographic segments, United States and Canada.

During 2010, segment information for the Restaurant Operations segment and the United States segment include the operations of a company-owned bakery.  The bakery is not included in these segments during 2011 as it was closed on December 31, 2010. There have been no material changes in segment assets since December 31, 2010. Segment information related to the Company's two business segments follows:

   
Three Months Ended
 
   
March 31,
 
   
2011
   
2010
Revenues:
         
Company restaurants operations
 
$
462,338
   
$
618,697
 
Franchise operations
   
311,230
     
354,454
 
Total Revenues
 
$
773,568
   
$
973,151
 
Segment profit (loss):
Company restaurants operations
 
$
(124,146
)
 
$
(130,079
)
Franchise operations
   
(692,206
)
   
(698,856
)
Total segment (loss)
   
(816,352
)
   
(828,935
)
Interest income (expense)
   
(72,352
)
   
(35,464
)
Net loss
 
$
(888,704
)
 
$
(864,399
)
 
 
12

 
Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
(Unaudited)
 
11.  Subsequent Events

We evaluated all activity of the Company and concluded that no subsequent events have occurred that would require recognition in our financial statements or disclosed in the notes to our financial statements except as follows.

Subsequent to March 31, 2011, we entered into an agreement with three members of our Board of Directors whereby they will loan the Company up to $1,000,000 as a revolving line of credit.  The line of credit is evidenced by a Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement (the “Note”).  The Note bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum and matures on May 1, 2013.  At the lenders option the Note is convertible into our common stock at $0.08 per share.  In addition for every two shares of common stock issued on conversion we will issue to the lenders a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a price equal to 120% of the average volume weighted average price per share for the 10 days prior to the conversion.  The Note is also secured by the assets of the Company.

Subsequent to March 31, 2011, we entered into an agreement with a franchisee of two Spicy Pickle restaurants to purchase the assets of the two stores and began operating them as company owned locations.  Both of the locations are located in Colorado.
 
 

 
13

 

Item 2.      Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements.

Overview

Our business is the franchise and operation of Spicy Pickle™ and BG Urban Café restaurants (f/k/a Bread Garden® restaurants). Spicy Pickle is a fast casual restaurant where made-to-order panini, submarine-style sandwiches, pizzetti (Neapolitan thin crust pizza), and salads created by our founders are served using fresh-baked breads and high-quality ingredients.  Spicy Pickle restaurants are located in 10 states in the United States.  BG Urban Café restaurants also specialize in fast casual dining.  Unlike our Spicy Pickle restaurants, our BG Urban Café restaurants offer a full line of specialty coffees, pastries, and desserts along with hot entrees, salads, soups, and sandwiches.  BG Urban Cafés are located primarily in metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

We market our menu primarily through targeted local store marketing efforts, mail drops, media advertising, and print campaigns, as well as through other grass roots efforts. The "Spicy Pickle" brand name has existed for ten years.  The “Bread Garden” brand name has existed since 1979.

The first Spicy Pickle restaurant was launched in 1999 by two individuals under the name Spicy Pickle, LLC. In late 2001, there were three restaurants, two in Denver and one in Lakewood, a Denver suburb.  By January 2003, we organized Spicy Pickle Franchising, LLC and launched the Spicy Pickle brand as a national franchise.

As of March 31, 2011, we had 27 franchised Spicy Pickle restaurants and six company-owned Spicy Pickle restaurants opened.  Co-located with one of the restaurants was a bakery which provided fresh baked breads to the local area Denver restaurants.  On December 31, 2010 the bakery closed.  Bread is now baked system wide in the restaurants.

Our franchise agreements include build-out schedules for franchisee restaurants.  At March 31, 2011, we have signed agreements with franchisees to open 11 additional restaurants under the Spicy Pickle Brand.  However there can be no assurances that all of the additional restaurants will be built out and opened.  We review the schedule of build-outs on an ongoing basis and when we determine that a franchisee will not open a restaurant we terminate the agreement.  We continue to interview prospective franchisees and rely on the cash deposits from the franchise sales as well as royalty fees from the existing restaurants to support the expenses of the business.

Our locations and marketing efforts are directed principally to white collar administrative, managerial, professional, and sales personnel, who are generally found in and near downtown districts, technological centers, universities, hospitals and government complexes.

We currently derive our revenue from the sale of franchises, from royalties paid by franchisees and from the sale of food and beverages at the company-owned restaurants.  Our business is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and we have a high concentration of restaurants in the Rocky Mountain region. Additionally, we have franchises opened and planned in a number of other regions in the United States.

Our Spicy Pickle restaurant locations (including both company-owned and franchisee-owned), including those under construction and lease negotiation as of March 31, 2011, are:

Location
Restaurants Operating
Under Construction
In Lease Negotiation
Arizona
1
   
California
2
   
Colorado
16
   
Illinois
1
   
Mississippi
1
   
Nevada
3
1
 
Ohio
1
   
 
 
14

 
 
 
Location
Restaurants Operating
Under Construction
In Lease Negotiation
Oklahoma
1
   
Oregon
1
   
Texas
6
1
1
Montana
 
1
 
North Dakota
 
1
 
Total
33 
4
1

Subsequent to March 31, 2011, one location listed as under construction in Texas has opened and one location listed as operating in Colorado has closed.  Additionally, the company acquired from a franchisee, and now operates, two stores located in Colorado subsequent to March 31, 2011.

In October 2008, we acquired the franchise rights to the Bread Garden restaurant chain.  We believe that our core competence is the building and operation of franchised restaurant chains.  Our purpose in acquiring the Bread Garden (currently BG Urban Café) restaurant chain was to allow us to better utilize our existing infrastructure by expanding our operating base.  In addition we made the acquisition to increase our revenues.  We are currently working towards increasing the number of franchised restaurants in the BG Urban Café chain.  We are also working to improve the menu offerings, develop new operating procedures and manuals, and to develop a more comprehensive marketing strategy.

Our BG Urban Café locations including those under construction and in lease negotiation as of March 31, 2011 are:

Location
Restaurants
Operating
Under
Construction
In Lease
Negotiation
Vancouver, British Columbia
4
   
Richmond, British Columbia
2
   
Burnaby, British Columbia
1
   
West Vancouver, British Columbia
1
   
Coquitlam, British Columbia
2
   
Kamloops, British Columbia
2
   
Whistler Resort, British Columbia
1
   
Total
13
-
-

We intend to increase our revenues by selling new franchises and expanding consumption of our food products at all restaurants. General economic and industry conditions may affect our ability to do so and our revenue performance.
 
We have been developing our franchise network through the sale of franchises and through acquisition.  We have relied on fund raising and the sales of new franchises to augment the cash we receive from continuing royalty payments for our cash flow.  The unanticipated economic conditions that surfaced in 2008 and continued into 2010 resulted in a significant reduction in the sales of new franchises which has resulted in a significant decrease in our cash position.  As soon as it became apparent that the economic downturn would not correct itself in the short term, we significantly reduced our corporate overhead, mostly in the area of personnel cost.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern.  The Company incurred a net loss of $888,704 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and has incurred significant net losses since inception.

We have been developing our franchise network through the sale of franchises and through acquisition.  We have relied on fund raising and the sales of new franchises to augment the cash we receive from continuing royalty payments and rebates for our cash flow.  Recent economic conditions have resulted in a significant reduction in the sales of new franchises which has resulted in a significant decrease in our cash position.
 
 
 
15

 
Our ability to fund our operations will depend on the length of time of the current economic downturn, our future performance and our ability to successfully implement our business and growth strategies.  In the event that we need additional capital and are unable to obtain it, we could be left without sufficient liquidity.  The nature of our business is that a portion of our revenue is a continuing stream from franchisees.  We will continually monitor our expenses and reduce those expenses as best we can to match the revenue flow.  Subsequent to March 31, 2011, Management secured additional available funds under a line of credit facility with three related parties (see note 11).  Furthermore, Management may elect to raise money during the year ended December 31, 2011 to meet any shortfalls from operations.  However a realization of a significant portion of the assets in the accompanying balance sheet is dependent on our continued operations, which in turn is dependent on the increase in sales of new franchises, the number of operating franchise restaurants, or the additional capital raised through a placement of our securities.

The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A summary of accounting policies that have been applied to the historical financial statements presented in this report can be found in the footnotes thereto.  We consider certain of these accounting policies to be critical as they are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and may require judgments on the part of management about matters that are uncertain. We have identified the following accounting policies that are important to the presentation of financial information in this report.

Revenue Recognition

Initial Franchise Fees - We enter into franchise agreements, which grant franchisees the exclusive right to develop and operate businesses at certain locations. Initial franchise fees are recognized as revenue when all material services and conditions required to be performed by us have been substantially completed, which is generally when the business commences operations. Initial franchise fees are currently $30,000 for a Spicy Pickle Restaurant and CND $35,000 for a BG Urban Café restaurant.  Franchise fees recognized were zero and $60,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Royalty Fees - Pursuant to the franchise agreements, franchisees are required to pay royalties to us based on 5% of weekly gross receipts as reported to us through the franchisees’ point of sales systems. The royalties are recognized as revenue in the period corresponding to the sales reporting period. Royalty fees were $218,640 and $233,790 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Rebates - Rebates received from purveyors that supply products to our franchisees are included in Franchise Fees and Royalties. The rebates are recorded when earned. Rebates that relate to company-owned restaurants are offset against restaurant cost of sales. Rebates related to franchisees were $92,590 and $60,664, for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

All sales taxes are presented on a net basis and are excluded from revenue.

Advertising Costs

Franchisees must contribute to an advertising fund established by us at a rate of up to 2% for the Spicy Pickle brand and 1.5% for the BG Urban Café brand of total franchisee gross receipts. Additional marketing programs may be instituted which allow franchisees the option of choosing to participate in the program and, as a result, contributing additional fees for that program specifically.  At our discretion, we may spend more or less than actual advertising receipts from the franchises. Advertising fees recognized were $101,807 and $86,474 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. These fees are offset against advertising expenses, which are recognized when incurred. We incurred advertising expense of $189,288 and $146,121 in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, including those from the advertising fund and our own advertising expenses. The net amounts reflected in the financial statements are $87,481 and $59,647 in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.
 
 
 
16

 
Rent Expense

We recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as defined in ASC Topic 840, Leases (“ASC 840”). In addition, certain of our lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. We include any rent escalations and construction period and other rent holidays in its determination of straight-line rent expense. Therefore, rent expense for new locations is charged to expense beginning with the start of the construction period. Deferred rent expense was $146,414 and $150,634 at March 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, and will be charged to rent expense over the life of the leases to which it relates.

Equity-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation is presented in accordance with the guidance of ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).  Under the provisions of ASC 718, companies are required to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our statement of operations.

We issued share-based payments under our 2006 Stock Option Plan which is a qualified stock option plan and to employees of our Canadian subsidiary, and certain directors on an individual by individual basis.

In both instances we used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”) to determine fair value. The determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with ASC 718 using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and other intangible assets include the following:
   
2011
   
2010
 
Goodwill:
           
  Related to franchise operation (BG Urban Café)
  $ 1,276,882     $ 1,276,882  
  Related to restaurant operations
    240,443       240,443  
Total goodwill
  $ 1,517,325     $ 1,517,325  
                 
Trademarks and acquired franchise agreements:
               
  Acquired trademarks
  $ 291,000     $ 291,000  
  Acquired franchise agreements
    971,000       971,000  
Total gross trademarks and acquired franchise agreements
    1,262,000       1,262,000  
  Accumulated amortization of acquired trademarks
    (291,000 )     (174,600 )
  Accumulated amortization of acquired franchise agreements
    (198,612 )     (176,544 )
Total accumulated amortization of trademarks and acquired franchise agreements
    (489,612 )      (351,144 )
Total trademarks and acquired franchise agreements
    772,388       910,856  
Reacquired franchise agreements
    40,000       40,000  
                 
Total other intangibles
  $ 812,388     $ 950,856  

We recognize goodwill and identifiable intangibles arising from the allocation of the purchase prices of assets acquired in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of all identifiable assets less any liabilities assumed.  ASC 805 gives guidance on five types of assets: marketing-related, customer-related, artistic-related, contract-related, and technology based intangible assets.  We identified identifiable intangibles that are market-related and contract-related.  Acquired trademarks represent
 
 
17

 
 
the trademarks associated with the Bread Garden franchise business acquired in 2008.  These trademarks were determined to have an indefinite life.  In August 2010, we entered into an agreement with the entity from which we obtained the rights to the trademarks, whereby we would ceased using the trademarks on March 31, 2011.  In exchange for not using the trademarks, we are no longer obligated to pay any overriding royalties on the BG Urban Café.  In addition we will receive $75,000 to defray the cost of rebranding the restaurants in Canada and we will account for that as a reduction of the expense.  The Bread Garden restaurants have been rebranded using BG Urban Café as the new trademark.  We are in the process of registering the trademark in Canada.  In accordance with ASC Topic 350, Intangibles Goodwill and Other(“ASC 350”), the trademarks for the Bread Garden now have a determinable life and were fully amortized as of March 31, 2011.

Amortization expense related to the acquired trademarks was $116,400 for the year three months ended March 31, 2011.  There was no amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Acquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements between Bread Garden Franchising, Inc., the company that we purchased the assets from, and the then existing franchisees.  Reacquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements that were in place between us and the franchisees that we purchased assets from in the acquisition of three restaurants and have an indefinite life.  During 2010 one of those restaurants were closed.  Acquired franchise agreements have determinable lives between 5.5 years and 11 years.  Amortization expenses related to acquired franchise agreements was $22,068 in both of the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010.

Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. ASC 350, requires a two-step approach for testing impairment. For goodwill, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value to determine whether an indication of impairment exists. If impairment is indicated, the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the unit’s fair value to its assets and liabilities (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. For intangibles with indefinite lives, the fair value is compared to the carrying value. The amount of impairment for goodwill and other intangible assets is measured as the excess of its carrying amount over its fair value.

In accordance with ASC 350 we perform an impairment analysis of the goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets on an annual basis. We determine our reporting units in accordance with the guidance in the ASC Topic 280 Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”).  We look at the following specific items:

a)    
The nature of the products and services
b)    
The nature of the production processes
c)    
The type or class of customer for their products and services
d)    
The methods used to distribute their products or provide their services

In making an estimate of future cash flow as they relate to our franchise operations of the BG Urban Cafés, we considered the following items:

·    
The economic forecast in Canada with particular emphasis on British Columbia and western Canada.
·    
Industry forecast for the restaurant industry in Canada with particular emphasis on British Columbia and western Canada.
·    
Historical operating history of acquired assets as adjusted for forecast.
·    
Management’s estimates of new franchisees.

We performed the goodwill impairment analysis at December 31, 2010 and determined the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles as related to the BG Urban Café franchise operations was in excess of the carrying value.

In making an estimate of future cash flow as for our Spicy Pickle restaurant operations, we considered the following items:

 
18

 

·    
The economic forecast in United States.
·    
Industry forecast for the restaurant industry in United States with emphasis on the fast casual segment.
·    
Historical operating history of acquired assets as adjusted for forecast.
·    
Changes to our menu and introduction of a new day part in our restaurants.

We performed the goodwill impairment analysis at December 31, 2010 and determined the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles as related to the restaurant operations was impaired in the amount of $80,136. This impairment was incurred due to the previously mentioned closure of one company store.

We will test for impairment between our annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset.  Since our last annual test no events have occurred that would indicate the fair value of the asset has been impaired.

Long-Lived Assets

In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment 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 the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

We performed an analysis on a unit by unit basis for our restaurants at December 31, 2010.  Assumptions used in preparing the expected cash flows were as follows:

·    
Sales projections for 2011 were based on 2010 sales with increases for increased marketing and pricing adjustments.  For the years 2012 through 2018 we used annual increases of 3%.  We believe the 3% increases beyond 2011 is a reasonable growth and that it would be unreasonable to assume no growth.
·    
Our food costs are projected based on our anticipated operating cost after our supply chain restructuring which occurred in November 2010.
·    
Our variable and semi-variable operating costs are projected to increase and include an additional 1.5% per year as inflation.
·    
Our fixed operating costs are projected to increase 1.5% per year.
·    
Salvage value has been estimated on a restaurant by restaurant basis.

Based on our analysis, no impairment charges were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2010.  Since the end of the year no significant events have occurred that would require the analysis be completed at March 31, 2011.

Each time we conduct an impairment analysis in the future we will compare actual results to our projections and assumptions, and to the extent our actual results do not meet expectations, we will revise our assumptions and this could result in impairment charges being recognized.

All of the judgments and assumptions made in preparing the cash flow projections are consistent with our other financial statement calculations and disclosures. The assumptions used in the cash flow projections are consistent with other forward-looking information prepared by the company, such as those used for internal budgets, discussions with third parties, and/or reporting to management or the board of directors.

Projecting the cash flows for the impairment analysis involves significant estimates with regard to the performance of each restaurant, and it is reasonably possible that the estimates of cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down operating assets to fair value. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value would be determined using forecasted cash flows discounted using an estimated average cost of capital and the impairment charge would be recognized in income from operations.

 
19

 


Results of Operations
 
The following analysis shows operating statistics for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, included in the restaurant statistics in 2010 are revenues and costs associated with the bakery we closed on December 31, 2010:

   
2011
   
2010
 
Revenues:
 
Amount
   
As a Percentage of Total Revenue
   
Amount
   
As a Percentage of Total Revenue
 
  Restaurant sales
  $ 462,338       59.77 %   $ 618,697       53.58 %
  Franchise fees, royalties, and rebates
    311,230       40.03 %     354,454       46.42 %
Total revenue
  $ 773 ,568       100.00 %   $ 973,151       100.00 %
                                 
Operating costs and expenses:
                               
  Restaurant:
         
As a Percentage of Restaurant Sales
           
As a Percentage of Restaurant Sales
 
     Cost of sales
  $ 172,947       37.41 %   $ 213,672       34.54 %
     Labor
    186,513       40.34 %     260,388       42.09 %
     Occupancy
    105,224       22.76 %     113,077       18.28 %
     Depreciation
    55,000       11.90 %     69,101       11.16 %
     Other operating cost
    66,800       14.44 %     92,538       14.95 %
  Total restaurant operating expenses
  $ 586,484       126.85 %   $ 748,776       121.02 %
                                 
  Franchise and general:
         
As a Percentage of Franchise Fees and Royalties
           
As a Percentage of Franchise Fees and Royalties
 
     General and administrative
  $ 859,850       276.27 %   $ 1,025,543       289.33 %
     Depreciation
    143,586       46.14 %     27,767       7.83 %
  Total franchise and general expenses
  $ 1,003,436       322.41 %   $ 1,053,310       297.16 %
                                 
           
As a Percentage of Total Revenue
           
As a Percentage of Total Revenue
 
Total operating costs and expenses
  $ 1,589,920       205.53 %   $ 1,802,086       185.18 %
(Loss) from operations
  $ (816,352 )     (105.53 %)   $ (828,935 )     (85.18 %)
Other income and (expense):
                               
   Interest income (expense)
  $ (72,352 )     (9.35 %)   $ (35,464 )     (3.64 %)
     Total other income and (expense)
  $ (72,352 )     (9.35 %)   $ (35,464 )     (3.64 %)
Net (loss)
  $ (888,704 )     (114.88 %)   $ (864,399 )     (88.82 %)

 
20

 
The components of revenue are restaurant sales for company-owned restaurants, including the company-owned bakery in 2010 and royalties and franchise fees for our franchise operations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, total revenue decreased $199,583 (20.51%) from $973,151 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $773,568 for the same period in 2011.  The decrease resulted primarily as a result of operating one less restaurant and having no bakery operations in 2011 as well as lower franchise fees recognized in 2011.

The loss from operations decreased $12,583 (1.52%) from a loss of $828,935 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to a loss of $816,352 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The decreased loss resulted from a reduction in general and administrative expenses offset by increased depreciation and amortization expense.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, restaurant sales decreased $156,359 (25.27%) from $618,697 in 2010 to $462,338 in 2011.  The decrease in restaurant revenue was principally due to having no bakery operations and operating one less corporately owned restaurant in 2011.

The loss from restaurant operations decreased $5,933 (4.56%) from a loss of $130,079 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to a loss of $124,146 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.

Franchise fees and royalty revenue decreased $43,224 (12.19%) from $354,454 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $311,230 in 2011.  Initial franchise fee are collected when a franchisee enters into a franchise agreement.  At that point in time these fees are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue on the statement of operations when the franchised restaurant is opened.  In certain cases if a franchisee fails to meet its obligation under its franchise/development agreement we can terminate that agreement and we recognize revenue at that time.  No Spicy Pickle restaurants for which we collected fees were opened during the three-month period ended March 31, 2011 and therefore we did not recognize any fees in the 2011.  Comparatively two new Spicy Pickle restaurants opened during the three months ended March 31, 2010 and we recognized $60,000 in franchise fees. Royalty fees decreased $15,150 (6.48%) from $233,790 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $218,640 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The decrease is due primarily to a decrease in the number of franchised restaurants.  Rebates related to franchisees increased $31,926 (52.63%) from $60,664 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $92,590 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The increase is due primarily as a result of the restructured supply chain agreement put into place during the fourth quarter of 2010.

The following sets forth details of the costs that make up general and administrative expenses and the difference for the three months ended March 31, 2011 compared to the three months ended March 31, 2010.
 
   
2011
   
2010
   
Difference
 
Personnel cost
 
$
377,435
   
$
513,312
   
$
(135,877
)
Stock options
   
15,214
     
129,879
     
(114,665
)
Professional fees
   
138,392
     
96,270
     
42,122
 
Marketing, advertising, and promotion
   
87,481
     
59,647
     
27,834
 
Travel and entertainment
   
13,678
     
36,710
     
(23,032
)
Rent
   
52,993
     
47,610
     
5,383
 
MIS
   
23,571
     
7,133
     
16,438
 
Investor relations
   
21,006
     
15,730
     
5,276
 
Director fees
   
53,250
     
-
     
53,250
 
Other general and administrative expenses
   
76,830
     
119,252
     
(42,422
Total general and administrative expenses
 
$
859,850
   
$
1,025,543
   
$
(165,693
)

General and administrative expenses decreased $165,693 (16.16%) from $1,025,543 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 to $859,850 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011.

 
21

 

Our most significant expense continues to be personnel costs.  The number of full time employees increased from 12 at March 31, 2010 to 14 at March 31, 2011.  However, personnel cost decreased $135,877 (26.47%) from $513,312 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $377,435 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  During the last year we have made significant management changes including hiring a new Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and a Chief Development Officer.  Also included in the three months ended March 31, 2010 is $165,000 in expense for 1,500,000 shares granted to former officers of the company and severance pay for certain employees no longer with the Company.  We intend to closely monitor our personnel cost and we will attempt to outsource personnel as needed rather than employ full time personnel.

Stock option expense is a non-cash expense.  We estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  Stock option expense decreased $114,665 (88.29%) from $129,879 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $15,214 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  Included in the 2010 expense were 2,000,000 options granted to two new members of the Board of Directors.

Professional fees increased $42,122 (43.75%) from $96,270 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2010 to $138,392 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2011.  The increase is primarily due to fees associated with accounting and reporting services.

Franchisees must contribute to an advertising fund established by us at a rate of up to 2% for the Spicy Pickle brand and 1.5% for the BG Urban Café brand of total franchisee gross receipts. Additional marketing programs may be instituted which allow franchisees the option of choosing to participate in the program and, as a result, contributing additional fees for that program specifically.  At our discretion, we may spend more or less than actual advertising receipts from the franchises. Advertising fees recognized were $101,807 and $86,474 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The increase is due primarily to the additional funds received from franchisees above the standard percentage for specific marketing initiatives such as our new bread program and focused print advertising campaigns.  These fees are offset against advertising expenses, which are recognized when incurred. We incurred advertising expense of $189,288 and $146,121 in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, including those from the advertising fund and our own advertising expenses.  The additional expenses are primarily the result of increased marketing efforts and campaigns over prior year.  The net amounts reflected in the financial statements are $87,481 and $59,647 in the three months ended March 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively.

Travel and entertainment decreased $23,032 (62.74%) from $36,710 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $13,678 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The decrease was due to less travel related to our operations department in visiting franchised locations to perform onsite evaluations.  We have temporarily reduced the number of visits made each year and combined multiple locations on each trip.

Rent expense increased $5,383 (11.31%) from $47,610 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $52,993 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The increase resulted from the rent associated with our training and development center.

MIS increased $16,438 (230.45%) from $7,133 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $23,571 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The increase was primarily as a result of the additional programming support for our point of sales systems as we restructured our menu.

Investor relations increased $5,276 (33.54%) from $15,730 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $21,006 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The increase was due primarily to the development of our new investor relations website.

Directors’ fees incurred for the three months ended March 31, 2011 were $53,250.  There were no fees for the three months ended March 31, 2010.

Other general and administrative expenses decreased $42,422 (35.57%) from $119,252 for the three months ended March 31, 2010 to $76,830 for the three months ended March 31, 2011.  The decrease resulted primarily from the elimination of overriding royalty payments of $37,902 made in connection with our BG Urban Café operation.

 
22

 
Overall, net loss was $888,704 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $864,399 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. The increase in the net loss of $24,305 (2.81%) was primarily due to increased interest expense of $36,888 due to increased borrowings on our line of credit.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

At March 31, 2011, we had a working capital deficit of $474,687, as compared to a working capital deficit of $299,234 at December 31, 2010.  Of the working capital deficit at March 31, 2011, $151,000 was deferred franchise fee revenue and does not represent a cash liability.  The decrease in working capital is primarily due to a decrease in cash and cash equivalents as well as accounts receivable.
 
We receive payments from franchisees when they sign a franchise agreement. We do not include those payments in revenue until such time as the franchisee opens the restaurant. The amount recorded as deferred revenue at March 31, 2011 was $151,000, an increase of $9,000 compared to December 31, 2010 end of year balance of $142,000. Although not recorded as revenue, any payments received will provide working capital.

At March 31, 2011 we had contractual obligations for operating leases of $1,814,210, of which $293,529 is due by December 31, 2011.

As of March 31, 2011, our aggregate minimum requirements under non-cancelable leases are as follows:
 
2011
  $ 293,529  
2012
    348,558  
2013
    275,024  
2014
    263,783  
2015
    246,393  
Later years
    386,923  
    $ 1,814,210  

The current portion of our long term debt is $90,000 which is due and payable over the next twelve months and we have long-term debt in the amount of $295,000 and $2,735,509 which is due and payable in 2012 and 2013, respectively.

During 2010 we entered into an agreement with two members of our Board of Directors whereby they agreed to loan the Company up to $2,000,000 as a revolving line of credit.  The line of credit is evidenced by a Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement (the “Note”).  The Note bears interest at the rate of 10% per annum and matures on May 1, 2013.  At the lenders’ option the Note is convertible into our common stock at $0.105 per share.  In addition for every two shares of common stock issued on conversion we will issue to the lenders a warrant to purchase one share of common stock at a price equal to 120% of the average volume weighted average price per share for the 10 days prior to the conversion.  The Note is also secured by the assets of the Company.  As of March 31, 2011, we have drawn down the full $2,000,000 available on the loan.

At the same time as the above, the holders of the Convertible Note described in Note 5 to the March 31, 2011 financial statements have agreed to extend the due date of their Convertible Note to coincide with the Note.  As consideration for the extension of the due date, the holders will receive a security interest in the assets of the Company on a pro rata basis with the lenders above.  One of the holders of the Convertible Note is also a lender of the Note.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At March 31, 2011 we had no obligations that would qualify to be disclosed as off-balance sheet arrangements.


Item 3.      Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not required.
 
 
23

 
 
Item 4.      Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our CEO and CFO have concluded that, as of the end of such period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including the Company’s CEO and CFO, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

During the quarter, the Company began outsourcing daily accounting activities, including accounts payable, accounts receivable, and standard general ledger entries.  Management believes that the changes have not resulted in any changes to the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.


Part II – OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.      Legal Proceedings

None.
Item 1A.   Risk Factors

Not required.
Item 2.      Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None
Item 3.      Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.
Item 4.      (Removed and Reserved)

None.

Item 5.      Other Information

None

Item 6.      Exhibits

Regulation
S-K Number
Exhibit
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (1)
3.2
Bylaws (2)
4.1
Certificate of Designation of Series A Variable Rate Convertible Preferred Stock (3)
4.2
Form of warrant to be issued to Midtown Partners & Co, LLC and assigns (4)
4.3
Form of warrant to be issued to private placement investors (4)
 
 
 
24

 
 
Regulation
S-K Number
Exhibit
10.1
2006 Stock Option Plan (2)
10.2
Promissory Note to Spicy Pickle, LLC (2)
10.3
Amendment, Redemption and Conversion Agreement (4)
10.4
Agreement with Midtown Partners & Co, LLC and assigns (4)
10.5
2009 Restricted Stock Plan (5)
10.6
Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement dated May 10, 2010 – Presley Reed and Patricia Stacey Reed (6)
10.7
First Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note Dated May 10, 2010  - Presley Reed and Patricia Stacey Reed (6)
10.8
First Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note Dated May 10, 2010  - Raymond BonAnno and Joan BonAnno (6)
10.9
Executive Employment Agreement with Mark Laramie dated  August 3, 2010 (7)
10.10
Executive Employment Agreement with Clint Woodruff dated  October 18, 2010 (8)
10.11
Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement dated April 15, 2011 with Raymond and Joan BonAnno (9)
10.12
Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement dated April 15, 2011 with Presley and Patricia Stacey Reed (9)
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer (10)
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer (10)
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (10)
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (10)
   
______________
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on December 12, 2006.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 26, 2006.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007
(4)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2010.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 13, 2010.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2010.
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 12, 2010.
(9)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 19, 2011.
(10)
Filed herewith.

 
25

 

 

SIGNATURES

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

SPICY PICKLE FRANCHISING, INC.



May 12, 2011      By:      /s/ Mark Laramie                                                                                                                                          
Mark Laramie
Chief Executive Officer



May 12, 2011     By:      /s/ Clint Woodruff                                                                                                                              
Clint Woodruff
Chief Financial Officer


 
26

 
EXHIBIT INDEX
Regulation
S-K Number
Exhibit
3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (1)
3.2
Bylaws (2)
4.1
Certificate of Designation of Series A Variable Rate Convertible Preferred Stock (3)
4.2
Form of warrant to be issued to Midtown Partners & Co, LLC and assigns (4)
4.3
Form of warrant to be issued to private placement investors (4)
10.1
2006 Stock Option Plan (2)
10.2
Promissory Note to Spicy Pickle, LLC (2)
10.3
Amendment, Redemption and Conversion Agreement (4)
10.4
Agreement with Midtown Partners & Co, LLC and assigns (4)
10.5
2009 Restricted Stock Plan (5)
10.6
Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement dated May 10, 2010 – Presley Reed and Patricia Stacey Reed (6)
10.7
First Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note Dated May 10, 2010  - Presley Reed and Patricia Stacey Reed (6)
10.8
First Amendment to Convertible Promissory Note Dated May 10, 2010  - Raymond BonAnno and Joan BonAnno (6)
10.9
Executive Employment Agreement with Mark Laramie dated  August 3, 2010 (7)
10.10
Executive Employment Agreement with Clint Woodruff dated  October 18, 2010 (8)
10.11
Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement dated April 15, 2011 with Raymond and Joan BonAnno (9)
10.12
Convertible Promissory Note and Secured Loan Agreement dated April 15, 2011 with Presley and Patricia Stacey Reed (9)
31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer (10)
31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer (10)
32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (10)
32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (10)
______________
(1)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on December 12, 2006.
(2)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 26, 2006.
(3)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007
(4)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits  to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.
(5)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2010.
(6)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 13, 2010.
(7)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 5, 2010.
(8)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 12, 2010.
(9)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibits to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed April 19, 2011.
(10)
Filed herewith.
 
27