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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

______________

 

FORM 10-Q

 

☒

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

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

 

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 001-34082
____________

 

Kona Grill, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

 

Delaware	20-0216690
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

 

15059 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 300
Scottsdale, Arizona 85254
(480) 922-8100
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of principal executive offices)

 

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 ☒      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 (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

 

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   ☐ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)           Smaller reporting company ☐

 

Emerging growth company ☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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

 

As of April 30, 2017, there were 10,098,627 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

Page

 

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016	2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (Unaudited)	4
	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	5
Item 2.	Item 2.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	11
Item 3.	Item 3.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	19
Item 4.	Item 4.Controls and Procedures	19
PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Item 1.Legal Proceedings	20
Item 1A.	Item 1A.Risk Factors	20
Item 2.	Item 2.Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	20
Item 3.	Item 3.Defaults Upon Senior Securities	20
Item 4.	Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures	20
Item 5.	Item 5.Other Information	20
Item 6.	Item 6.Exhibits	21
	Signatures

 

 

PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

KONA GRILL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except share data)

 

		March 31,				December 31,
		2017				2016
ASSETS		(Unaudited)				(Note 1)
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	2,226			$	3,476
Short-term investments			178				178
Receivables			977				1,850
Inventory			2,085				2,176
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			593				1,052
Total current assets			6,059				8,732
Other assets			1,461				1,383
Property and equipment, net			97,858				98,268
Total assets		$	105,378			$	108,383
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	3,062			$	4,115
Accrued expenses			12,460				14,450
Current portion of long-term debt			712				712
Total current liabilities			16,234				19,277
Long term debt			31,955				25,921
Deferred rent and other long term liabilities			32,026				31,610
Total liabilities			80,215				76,808
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued			—				—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 30,000,000 shares authorized, 10,214,827 shares issued and 10,098,627 shares outstanding at March 31, 2017; 10,568,230 shares issued and 10,452,030 shares outstanding at December 31, 2016			102				106
Additional paid-in capital			85,667				88,703
Accumulated deficit			(59,606	)			(56,234	)
Treasury stock, at cost, 116,200 shares at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016			(1,000	)			(1,000	)
Total stockholders’ equity			25,163				31,575
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	105,378			$	108,383

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

KONA GRILL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
Restaurant sales		$	45,225			$	39,277
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales			12,553				10,501
Labor			16,725				14,118
Occupancy			4,080				3,249
Restaurant operating expenses			7,283				5,639
General and administrative			3,632				3,516
Preopening expenses			336				711
Depreciation and amortization			3,658				3,121
Total costs and expenses			48,267				40,855
Income (loss) from operations			(3,042	)			(1,578	)
Interest expense, net			306				53
Income (loss) before income taxes			(3,348	)			(1,631	)
Income tax expense			25				25
Net income (loss)		$	(3,373	)		$	(1,656	)
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.15	)
Diluted		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.15	)
Weighted average shares used in computation:
Basic			10,177				11,258
Diluted			10,177				11,258
Comprehensive income (loss)		$	(3,373	)		$	(1,656	)

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

KONA GRILL, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
Operating activities
Net income (loss)		$	(3,373	)		$	(1,656	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			3,658				3,121
Stock-based compensation			303				299
Amortization of deferred financing costs			38				21
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Receivables			873				939
Inventory			92				40
Prepaid expenses and other current assets			458				440
Accounts payable			28				(248	)
Accrued expenses			(1,941	)			(437	)
Deferred rent and other long term liabilities			416				322
Net cash provided by operating activities			552				2,841
Investing activities
Purchase of property and equipment			(4,377	)			(12,551	)
Change in other assets			6				(19	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(4,371	)			(12,570	)
Financing activities
Borrowings from revolving credit facility			8,000				5,000
Repayments on revolving credit facility			(1,750	)			—
Repayments on term loan			(188	)			—
Fees paid for credit facility			(151	)			—
Purchase and retirement of common stock			(3,572	)			(984	)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and exercise of stock options			230				111
Net cash provided by financing activities			2,569				4,127
Net change in cash and cash equivalents			(1,250	)			(5,602	)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period			3,476				9,055
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period		$	2,226			$	3,453
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest		$	335			$	30
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds		$	—			$	26
Noncash investing activities
Accounts payable and accruals related to property and equipment		$	2,128			$	6,416

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

KONA GRILL, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

 

1.	Basis of Presentation

 

Kona Grill, Inc., including its wholly-owned subsidiaries, (referred to herein as the “Company” or “we,” “us,” and “our”) owns and operates upscale casual dining restaurants under the name “Kona Grill.” Our restaurants feature a diverse selection of contemporary American favorites and award-winning sushi items that are prepared fresh daily at each restaurant location. As of March 31, 2017, we owned and operated 45 restaurants in 23 states throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Our chief operating decision maker function is comprised of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer who manage our restaurant operation base that aggregates into one reportable segment. Accordingly, we have a single operating segment and reporting unit structure.

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. In our opinion, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2017.

 

The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2016 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements. Accordingly, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

The Company has evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements through the day the financial statements are issued.

 

 

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The pronouncement was issued to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. We are currently performing an assessment of the revised standard and impacts on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and disclosures. To date, we have reviewed a sample of contracts that are representative of the current types of revenue generating streams. We are still in the process of completing our assessment of the impacts, including the potential impacts on variable consideration on royalty income received from franchise sales.

 

We anticipate adopting the new standard effective January 1, 2018. The guidance may be applied retrospectively for all periods presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. We currently anticipate adopting the standard retrospectively with the cumulative effect of initially applying the amended guidance recognized at January 1, 2018.

 

 

In February 2016, ASC Topic 842, Leases, was issued to increase the transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. In order to meet that objective, the new standard requires recognition of the assets and liabilities that arise from leases. Accordingly, a lessee will recognize a right-of-use (ROU) asset for its right to use the underlying asset and a lease liability for the corresponding lease obligation. Both the ROU asset and lease liability will initially be measured at the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term. Subsequent measurement, including the presentation of expenses and cash flows, will depend on the classification of the lease as either finance or an operating lease. Initial costs directly attributable to negotiating and arranging the lease will be included in the ROU asset. Lessees can make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize a ROU asset and corresponding lease liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less. Accounting by lessors will remain largely unchanged from current U.S. GAAP. In transition, lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that companies may elect to apply. These practical expedients relate to the identification and classification of leases that commenced before the effective date, initial direct costs for leases that commenced before the effective date, and the ability to use hindsight in evaluating lessee options to extend or terminate a lease or to purchase the underlying asset. The transition guidance also provides specific guidance for sale and leaseback transactions, build-to-suit leases, leveraged leases, and amounts previously recognized in accordance with the business combinations guidance for leases. The new standard is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. The expected adoption method is being evaluated by us. We expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) which simplifies the accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including the accounting for income taxes, forfeitures, and statutory tax withholding requirements, as well as classification in the statement of cash flows. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company has adopted this standard effective January 1, 2017. Under the new standard, income tax benefits and deficiencies are to be recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the income statement and the tax effects of exercised or vested awards should be treated as discrete items in the reporting period in which they occur. The Company should also recognize excess tax benefits regardless of whether the benefit reduces taxes payable in the current period. Excess tax benefits should be classified along with other income tax cash flows as an operating activity. In regards to forfeitures, the Company has elected to not change its accounting policy and continue to estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest. The adoption of this standard created an additional $2.1 million in deferred tax assets which was offset by the Company’s full valuation allowance. As such, we determined the adoption of this standard did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. See Note 7 for further discussion.

 

2.	Fair Value Measurements

 

The carrying value for certain of our financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximates fair value because of their short-term nature. Our investments represent certificates of deposit and are considered available-for-sale securities that are valued using market observable inputs (Level 2). Our long-term debt, when incurred, is valued using primarily Level 2 inputs including current applicable rates for similar instruments and approximates the carrying value of such obligations.

 

 

3.	Net Income (Loss) Per Share

 

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share includes the dilutive effect of potential stock option exercises, calculated using the treasury stock method.

 

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Net income (loss)		$	(3,373	)		$	(1,656	)
Denominator:
Weighted average shares — Basic			10,177				11,258
Effect of dilutive stock options			—				—
Weighted average shares — Diluted			10,177				11,258
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.15	)
Diluted		$	(0.33	)		$	(0.15	)

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, there were 1.1 million and 0.8 million stock options outstanding, respectively, that were not included in the dilutive earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.

 

4.	Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

		March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Leasehold improvements		$	115,968			$	115,902
Equipment			30,120				29,900
Furniture and fixtures			12,401				12,196
			158,489				157,998
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization			(66,580	)			(62,921	)
			91,909				95,077
Construction in progress			5,949				3,191
Total property and equipment, net		$	97,858			$	98,268

 

We capitalize direct internal payroll and travel costs on the construction of leasehold improvements incurred during the development and construction period. Capitalized costs were $325,000 and $269,000 in the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

During the quarter ended December 31, 2016, we recorded non-cash asset impairment charges of $12.5 million for certain underperforming restaurants based upon an assessment of each restaurant’s historical operating performance combined with expected cash flows for these restaurants over the respective remaining lease term. We reduced the carrying value of these assets to their estimated fair value which was determined using a discounted cash flow model or the market value of each restaurant’s assets. While we believe that our estimates of fair value are appropriate, we will continue to monitor the asset values of each individual restaurant.  Additionally, should actual values differ materially from our estimates, we may be required to record impairment charges in the future.

 

 

5.	Accrued Expenses

 

Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

		March 31,				December 31,
		2017				2016
Accrued payroll and benefits		$	3,927			$	4,549
Gift cards			3,097				4,311
Accrued construction and remodel(1)			1,956				2,005
Sales and use taxes			1,327				1,776
Business and income taxes			529				563
Accrued occupancy			131				240
Other			1,493				1,006
Total accrued expenses		$	12,460			$	14,450

⁽¹⁾     Balance is attributable to property additions for our new restaurants and remodels.

 

6.     Debt and Credit Agreements

 

On October 12, 2016, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended Credit Agreement”) with KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank”) and Zions First National Bank to (i) increase the credit facility from $35 million to $60 million, comprised of a $45 million revolver (“Revolver”) and $15 million term loan (“Term Loan”), and (ii) extend the maturity date of the credit facility to October 12, 2021. On March 29, 2017, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”). The Amendment amended the Second Amended Credit Agreement with the Lenders to, among other things, increase the leverage ratio applicable at March 31, 2017 to 4.85 from 4.25 and provide that such leverage ratio shall decrease on a quarterly basis over the following twelve months to 4.25 by March 31, 2018 and remain at such level until maturity. The terms of the Amendment were effective as of January 1, 2017. The credit facility is secured by our personal property and assets. Certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries have also guaranteed the credit facility.

 

			March 31, 2017												December 31, 2016
(in thousands)	Maturity Date		Unamortized Deferred Financing Costs (a)				Fair Value of Debt (b)				Carrying Value of Debt				Carrying Value of Debt
Revolver	Oct. 2021		$	624			$	18,250			$	18,250			$	12,000
Term Loan	Oct. 2021			208				14,625				14,625				14,813
Total debt			$	832			$	32,875				32,875				26,813
Debt issuance costs presented with debt (b)												(208	)			(180	)
Total debt, net												32,667				26,633
Less: current portion												712				712
Long term debt											$	31,955			$	25,921

 

(a)

We have presented the deferred financing costs associated with the Term Loan in the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the debt liability as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The deferred financing costs related to the Revolver continue to be presented as an asset, and are included in both Prepaid expenses and other current assets and Other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

(b)

Our Revolver and Term Loan bear interest at rates commensurate with market rates and therefore their respective carrying values approximate fair value.

 

 

The interest rate under the Amendment is KeyBank’s base rate or LIBOR, at our option, plus an applicable margin depending on our leverage ratio. The LIBOR margins range from 1.75% to 2.75% and the base rate margins range from 0.75% to 1.75%. For such times when the leverage ratio is greater than 4.25, then the applicable margin for base rate loans and the applicable margin for LIBOR rate loans will be 2.25% and 3.25%, respectively. Payments on the Term Loan are due quarterly and subject to acceleration upon certain events as defined in the Second Amended Credit Agreement, while borrowings on the Revolver are interest only, payable quarterly with respect to each base rate loan and at varying times with respect to LIBOR rate loans, with outstanding principal and interest due at maturity. Prepayment is permitted at any time without penalty, subject to certain restrictions on the order of repayment or prepayment. We are obligated to pay a commitment fee at an annual rate of 0.175% to 0.350%, depending on our leverage ratio, times the unused total revolving commitment of the credit facility based on the average daily amount outstanding under the credit facility for the previous quarter. For such times when the leverage ratio is greater than 4.25, the commitment fee annual rate will be 0.50%. The commitment fee is payable quarterly in arrears.

 

At March 31, 2017, we had $32.9 million in outstanding borrowings and $27.1 million available under the credit facility, subject to compliance with certain covenants. We incurred gross interest expense of $356,000 and $53,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Capitalized interest was $50,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and immaterial for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Our current projections indicate that we will maintain the outstanding borrowings for the next 12 months and, thus, all borrowings under the credit facility are classified as long-term debt, except for the quarterly amortization payments for the Term Loan which are classified as current portion of long term debt. 

 

The credit facility also requires us to comply with certain covenants on a quarterly basis, including (a) a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.50 and (b) a maximum leverage ratio of 4.85 to 1.0 reducing on a quarterly basis to 4.25 by March 31, 2018 through the maturity date. We may from time to time request that the total revolving credit commitment under the Second Amended Credit Agreement be increased up to an amount not to exceed $85 million. Any such increase is subject to agreement of the respective lenders in the lending syndicate or new lenders in certain circumstances. Any such increase, which may be for a lesser amount than requested by us, is also subject to certain other terms and conditions as provided in the Second Amended Credit Agreement. We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2017.

 

7.	Income Taxes

 

We recorded an income tax expense of $25,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The income tax expense for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, consists of state income tax expenses for which no net operating losses or other credits exist.

 

At March 31, 2017, we had approximately $33.2 million in deferred tax assets primarily related to state net operating loss carryforwards and federal business tax credit carryforwards. Included in this number, the Company recorded the effect of the adoption of ASU 2016-09 as of January 1, 2017, which resulted in an increase to deferred tax assets of approximately $2.1 million. We have a full valuation allowance for these carryforwards due to the uncertainty surrounding their future utilization. The realization of our deferred tax assets ultimately depends on the existence of sufficient taxable income in the appropriate taxing jurisdictions in future periods. We have analyzed, and will continue to analyze, the positive and negative evidence to support our conclusion regarding the appropriate amount of our valuation allowance. The valuation allowance could be reduced in a subsequent period if there is sufficient evidence to support a conclusion that it is more likely than not that the state net operating loss carryforwards and/or the federal business tax credit carryforwards will be realized. Future changes in our valuation allowance could have a material effect on our results of operations in the period recorded.

 

 

8.	Stock-Based Compensation

 

The fair value of stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
Expected volatility			50.8	%			45.2	%
Risk-free interest rate			1.6	%			0.9	%
Expected option life (in years)			3.5				3.2
Dividend yield			0.0	%			0.0	%
Weighted average fair value per option granted		$	3.11			$	4.57

 

 

The following table summarizes our stock option activity for the three months ended March 31, 2017:

 

		Options				Weighted Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years)				Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding options at December 31, 2016			974,200			$	16.44
Granted			219,178				8.15
Forfeited			(3,375	)			18.80
Exercised			(40,000	)			5.41
Outstanding options at March 31, 2017			1,150,003			$	15.24				3.0			$	—
Exercisable at March 31, 2017			635,517			$	16.32				2.3			$	—

 

We recognized stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million in each of the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. As of March 31, 2017, there was $2.2 million of unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested stock-based compensation awards, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.4 years.

 

The total shares of common stock reserved for issuance totaled 3.7 million, of which 1.2 million shares were available for grant as of March 31, 2017.

 

9.	Stock Purchase and Retirement Program

 

In October 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common stock. We completed the $5 million stock repurchase program in February 2017 with the purchase and retirement of 532,376 shares, including $3.6 million or 395,586 shares during the first quarter of 2017.

 

10.	Commitments and Contingencies

 

We are engaged in various legal actions, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate disposition of these matters, it is the opinion of our management, based upon the information available at this time, that the expected outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of our company.

 

 

On December 13, 2012, Frank Neal Goss filed a lawsuit against Kona Grill Macadamia, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (“Macadamia”) and Anthony DeAngelo in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Kansas City, Missouri. The claim revolves around a fight that Goss and DeAngelo allegedly had outside of the Company’s Kansas City restaurant on March 1, 2011, which is claimed to have resulted in physical injury to the plaintiff. The plaintiff also claims that Macadamia failed to take certain actions that allegedly would have prevented the fight. A default judgment of approximately $3.5 million was entered on December 18, 2013 against Macadamia, but was subsequently set aside by order of the Circuit Court on April 7, 2014. On August 17, 2015, we filed a Motion for Summary Judgment requesting judgment in its favor on all claims asserted against it by the plaintiff. On August 18, 2015, the plaintiff filed for a voluntary dismissal of the claim without prejudice; however, on April 22, 2016, the plaintiff re-filed the claim in the Circuit Court. The case is proceeding in the Circuit Court. We filed a Motion for Summary Judgment on February 14, 2017 and filed Reply Suggestions in Support of Motion for Summary Judgment on March 31, 2017 and are awaiting a response on whether the Circuit Court sets this matter for hearing or enters an order based upon the documents provided. A trial date has been scheduled for June 12, 2017. We believe that we have a strong defense to the claim asserted by the plaintiff and insurance coverage for the claim.

 

11.	Subsequent Event

 

In April 2017, management and the Board of Directors assessed the capital allocation strategy of the Company and made the decision to not move forward with the planned construction and opening of a restaurant in El Segundo, California.  We are in the process of evaluating the costs associated with this decision, including lease termination costs, asset impairment, and deferred rent liability. We expect to be able to quantify the impact of the decision and record the financial impact related to these activities in the quarter ended June 30, 2017 or upon settlement with the landlord with regards to the lease termination costs.

  

 

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

 

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Item 1 of Part I of this Form 10-Q and the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2016 contained in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

Certain information included in this discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, such as statements relating to our future economic performance, plans and objectives for future operations, expectations, intentions and other financial items that are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. Factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements may include the matters under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” in this report, our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and other reports filed from time to time with the SEC.

 

Overview

 

We currently own and operate 45 restaurants located in 23 states and Puerto Rico. Over the past three years, we have grown organically through opening new restaurants. We achieved a unit growth rate of 22% in 2016, with eight openings during the year and 23% unit growth in 2015 with seven restaurant openings. We plan to open one restaurant during 2017, as we believe that a more modest growth rate will provide us the flexibility to allocate capital resources, increase our earnings and strengthen our balance sheet as well as to focus our time and attention on new restaurant operations and performance.

 

We continue to execute our strategy for international market expansion. Given the strength of our concept in the U.S. and the increased demand for upscale casual dining concepts overseas, we believe there is a significant opportunity to expand our concept in Latin America, the Middle East and beyond. In April 2017, we signed an agreement for the development of one Kona Grill restaurant in Toronto, Canada. The agreement allows our franchisee the right to develop additional restaurants in the Toronto market for a specified period of time following the opening of the first restaurant. In February 2016, we signed an agreement for the development of six Kona Grill restaurants in Mexico and in April 2016, we signed an agreement for the development of six Kona Grill restaurants in the United Arab Emirates. We expect each of our international franchise partners to open a Kona Grill restaurant in their respective country in 2017.

 

 

Our cost of sales, labor, and other operating expenses for our restaurants open at least 12 months generally trend consistently with restaurant sales, and we analyze those costs as a percentage of restaurant sales. Our typical new restaurants experience gradually increasing unit volumes as customers discover our concept and we generate market awareness. We anticipate that our new restaurants will take up to twelve months to achieve the majority of operating efficiencies as a result of challenges typically associated with opening and operating new restaurants, including lack of market recognition and the need to hire and sufficiently train employees, as well as other factors. We expect cost of sales and labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales to be higher when we open a new restaurant, but to decrease as a percentage of restaurant sales as the restaurant matures and as the restaurant management and employees become more efficient in operating that unit. Occupancy and a portion of restaurant operating expenses are fixed. As a result, the volume and timing of newly opened restaurants has had, and is expected to continue to have, an impact on cost of sales, labor, occupancy, and restaurant operating expenses measured as a percentage of restaurant sales which we expect will continue until these restaurants mature.

 

In April 2017, management and the Board of Directors assessed the capital allocation strategy of the Company and made the decision to not move forward with the planned construction and opening of a restaurant in El Segundo, California.  We are in the process of evaluating the costs associated with this decision, including lease termination costs, asset impairment, and deferred rent liability. We expect to be able to quantify the impact of the decision and record the financial impact related to these activities in the quarter ended June 30, 2017 or upon settlement with the landlord with regards to the lease termination costs.

 

Key Measures We Use to Evaluate Our Company

 

Key measures we use to evaluate and assess our business include the following:

 

Number of Restaurant Openings. Number of restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a particular reporting period.

 

Same-Store Sales Percentage Change. Same-store sales percentage change reflects the periodic change in restaurant sales for the comparable restaurant base. In calculating the percentage change in same-store sales, we include a restaurant in the comparable restaurant base after it has been in operation for more than 18 months. We adjust the sales included in the same-store sales calculation for restaurant closures, primarily as a result of remodels, so that the periods will be comparable. Same-store sales growth can be generated by an increase in customer traffic counts or by increases in the per person average check amount. Menu price changes and the mix of menu items sold can affect the per person average check amount.

 

Operating Weeks. Operating weeks represent the number of weeks that our restaurants were open during the reporting period.

 

Sales per Square Foot. Sales per square foot is a measure of a restaurant’s productivity and represents the amount of sales generated for each square foot.

 

Average Unit Volume. Average unit volume represents the average restaurant sales for the comparable restaurant base.

 

Restaurant Operating Profit. Restaurant operating profit is defined as restaurant sales minus cost of sales, labor, occupancy, and restaurant operating expenses. Restaurant operating profit does not include general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, or preopening expenses. We believe restaurant operating profit is an important component of financial results because it is a widely-used metric within the restaurant industry to evaluate restaurant-level productivity, efficiency, and performance prior to application of corporate overhead. We use restaurant operating profit as a percentage of restaurant sales as a key metric to evaluate our restaurants’ financial performance compared with our competitors. This measure provides useful information regarding our financial condition and results of operations and allows investors to better determine future financial results driven by growth and to compare restaurant level profitability.

 

 

EBITDA. EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) plus the sum of interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. EBITDA is presented because: (i) we believe it is a useful measure for investors to assess the operating performance of our business; (ii) we believe that investors will find these measures useful in assessing our ability to service or incur indebtedness; and (iii) we use EBITDA internally as a benchmark to evaluate our operating performance and compare our performance to that of our competitors.

 

Financial Performance Overview

 

The following table sets forth certain information regarding our financial performance for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
Restaurant sales growth			15.1	%			19.7	%
Same-store sales percentage change			(4.3	)%			3.6	%
Average unit volume (in thousands)		$	1,058			$	1,140
Sales per square foot (in thousands)		$	147			$	158
Restaurant operating profit (in thousands)		$	4,584			$	5,770
Restaurant operating profit as a percentage of sales			10.1	%			14.7	%
EBITDA (in thousands)		$	616			$	1,543
EBITDA as a percentage of sales			1.4	%			3.9	%

 

The following tables set forth our reconciliation of EBITDA and restaurant operating profit to our income (loss) from operations, the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
(In thousands)
Net income (loss)		$	(3,373	)		$	(1,656	)
Income tax expense			25				25
Interest expense, net			306				53
Depreciation and amortization			3,658				3,121
EBITDA			616				1,543
General and administrative			3,632				3,516
Preopening expense			336				711
Restaurant operating profit		$	4,584			$	5,770

 

		Percentage of Restaurant Sales
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
Net income (loss)			(7.5	)%			(4.2	)%
Income tax expense			0.1				0.1
Interest expense, net			0.7				0.1
Depreciation and amortization			8.1				7.9
EBITDA			1.4	%			3.9	%
General and administrative			8.0				9.0
Preopening expense			0.7				1.8
Restaurant operating profit			10.1	%			14.7	%

 

 Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding.

 

 

Results of Operations

 

 

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of restaurant sales of certain items in our financial statements:

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2017
Restaurant sales			100.0	%			100.0	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales			27.8				26.7
Labor			37.0				35.9
Occupancy			9.0				8.3
Restaurant operating expenses			16.1				14.4
General and administrative			8.0				9.0
Preopening expenses			0.7				1.8
Depreciation and amortization			8.1				7.9
Total costs and expenses			106.7				104.0
Income (loss) from operations			(6.7	)			(4.0	)
Interest expense, net			0.7				0.1
Income (loss) before income taxes			(7.4	)			(4.2	)
Income tax expense			0.1				0.1
Net income (loss)			(7.5	)%			(4.2	)%

 

Certain amounts may not sum due to rounding.

 

 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 Compared with Three Months Ended March 31, 2016

 

Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased $5.9 million, or 15.1%, to $45.2 million during the first quarter of 2017 from $39.3 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily attributable to a 22.8% increase in the number of operating weeks. Our same-store sales decreased 4.3% year over year, driven primarily by a decrease in customer traffic. The 4.3% decline in same-store sales in the first quarter of 2017 compares to a 3.6% increase in same-store sales in the first quarter of 2016.

 

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased $2.1 million, or 19.5%, to $12.6 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to $10.5 million in the same prior year period, with the increase primarily attributable to eight new locations opened since the beginning of the second quarter of 2016. As a percentage of restaurant sales, cost of sales was 27.8% compared to 26.7% in the prior year, primarily reflecting higher pricing on salmon and sea bass as well as lower beer margins due to promotional offerings.

 

Labor. Labor expense for our restaurants increased $2.6 million, or 18.5%, to $16.7 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $14.1 million in the first quarter of 2016. Labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 37.0% compared to 35.9% in the prior year period, reflecting increased wage costs due to certain state or local mandated minimum wage increases, labor inefficiencies from our newly opened locations, and a competitive labor market resulting in higher wage costs. We expect labor cost as a percentage of sales to typically trend higher upon opening and gradually improve as our new restaurant management and employees become more efficient in operating their restaurants.

 

Occupancy. Occupancy expenses increased $0.8 million, or 25.6%, to $4.1 million in the first quarter of 2017 from $3.2 million in the prior year same quarter, primarily associated with base rent and common area maintenance charges for eight new locations opened since the beginning of the second quarter of 2016. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales were 9.0% in the first quarter of 2017, compared to 8.3% in the first quarter of 2016.

 

 

Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased $1.6 million, or 29.2%, to $7.3 million in the first quarter of 2017 compared to $5.6 million in the first quarter of 2016, primarily due to additional operating expenses for eight new restaurants opened since the beginning of the second quarter of 2016. Restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales were 16.1% and 14.4% in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The year over year increase was driven in part by higher repair and maintenance costs, marketing expenses, professional services and training-related travel costs.

 

General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 3.3%, to $3.6 million from $3.5 million year over year; however, these expenses decreased as a percentage of sales to 8.0% in the first quarter of 2017 compared to 9.0% in the prior year same quarter as a result of leverage on a higher sales base.

 

Preopening Expenses. Preopening expenses were $0.3 million and $0.7 million in the first quarters of 2017 and 2016, respectively. Preopening expenses in the first quarter of 2017 was primarily attributable to the Scottsdale restaurant which is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2017. Preopening expenses during the first quarter of 2016 primarily related to our Irvine, California restaurant opened in April 2016, our Fairfax, Virginia and Minnetonka, Minnesota restaurants opened in the later part of the second quarter of 2016 and other new restaurants that were planned for the remainder of 2016.

 

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $0.5 million, or 17.2%, to $3.7 million from $3.1 million year over year. Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of restaurant sales was 8.1% and 7.9% of restaurant sales in the first quarter of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The increase is primarily attributable to eight new restaurants opened since the beginning of the second quarter of 2016, partially offset by a lower depreciable asset base as result of the $12.5 million asset impairment charge recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

Interest Expense, Net. Net interest expense is attributable to the amortization of deferred loan fees, the commitment fees associated with our credit facility and interest incurred on borrowings under the credit facility. Interest expense increased year over year as we had $32.9 million outstanding under the credit facility during the first quarter of 2017 compared to borrowings of $5.0 million in the prior year period.

 

Income Tax Expense. Income tax expense was $25,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and consisted of state income tax expenses for which no net operating loss carryforwards or other credits exist.

 

Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Results and Seasonality

 

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including the following:

  

	●	timing of new restaurant openings and related expenses;
	●	profitability of our restaurants, especially in new markets;

●

preopening costs for our newly-opened restaurants and operating costs for those locations, which are often materially greater during the first several months of operation than thereafter;

●

timing of restaurant remodels and potential lost sales associated with remodel closure;

●

labor availability and wages and benefits for hourly and management personnel;

●

increases and decreases in comparable restaurant sales;

●

impairment of long-lived assets and any loss on restaurant closures;

●

fluctuations in commodity and food protein prices;

●

changes in borrowings and interest rates;

●

general economic conditions;

●

weather conditions or natural disasters;

●

timing of certain holidays;

●

changes in government regulations;

●

settlements, damages and legal costs associated with litigation;

●

new or revised regulatory requirements and accounting pronouncements; and

●

changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions.

 

 

Our business is also subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, sales in most of our restaurants have been higher during the spring and summer months and winter holiday season. Consequently, our quarterly and annual operating results and comparable restaurant sales may fluctuate significantly as a result of seasonality and the factors discussed above. Accordingly, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any particular future period may decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of our investors. In that event, the price of our common stock would likely be impacted.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Currently, our primary ongoing capital requirements are for new restaurant development and remodeling of existing restaurants. Similar to many restaurant companies, we utilize operating lease arrangements for all of our restaurant locations. We believe that our operating lease arrangements provide appropriate leverage for our capital structure in a financially efficient manner. We are typically required to expend cash for leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment to construct and equip each restaurant. We also require capital resources to maintain and remodel our existing base of restaurants, to further expand and strengthen the capabilities of our corporate and information technology infrastructures and for approved stock repurchase programs.

 

The following tables set forth, as of the dates and for the periods indicated, a summary of our key liquidity measurements (amounts in thousands):

 

		March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
Cash and short-term investments		$	2,404			$	3,654
Net working capital		$	(10,175	)		$	(10,545	)

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
Cash provided by operating activities		$	552			$	2,841
Capital expenditures		$	4,377			$	12,551

 

Future Capital Requirements 

 

Our capital requirements, including development costs related to the opening of new restaurants, have historically been significant. Over the past year, we funded development of new restaurants and remodels primarily from cash flows from operations and borrowings under our credit facility. Our future cash requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including the operating performance of our current restaurants, the pace of expansion and remodels, real estate markets, site locations, the nature of the arrangements negotiated with landlords and capital market accessibility. 

 

We plan to continue growing organically through unit expansion. We plan to open one restaurant during 2017 and believe that a more moderate growth rate will provide us the flexibility to allocate our capital resources, strengthen our balance sheet as well as to focus our time and attention on new restaurant operations and performance. In order to build the foundation for the expansion of our concept we will continue making incremental investments to support our new unit expansion and international business development initiatives. As such, we expect to spend approximately $7 million to $11 million in capital expenditures in 2017, net of tenant improvement allowances, for the construction of new restaurants and the remodel of certain existing restaurants, as well as maintenance capital expenditures.

 

 

As of March 31, 2017, we had a working capital deficit of $10.2 million and outstanding borrowings under our credit facility of $32.9 million. We believe existing cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $2.4 million, the ability to draw additional borrowings under our credit facility, subject to compliance with certain covenants, and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to fund the development of new restaurants and planned remodels of existing restaurants during 2017.

 

During the first quarter of 2017, we repurchased $3.6 million or 395,586 shares of common stock and completed our $5.0 million stock repurchase program.

 

Any reduction of our cash flow from operations or an inability to draw on our credit facility may cause a delay or cancellation of future restaurant development or remodels of existing restaurants. Financing to construct new restaurants or remodels for amounts in excess of our current cash and short-term investments and the line of credit availability may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and our failure to raise capital when needed could impact our growth plans, financial condition, and results of operations. Additional equity financing, to the extent available, may result in dilution to current stockholders and additional debt financing, if available, may involve significant cash payment obligations or financial covenants and ratios that may restrict our ability to operate our business.

 

Debt and Credit Agreements

 

On October 12, 2016, we entered into the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Second Amended Credit Agreement”) with KeyBank National Association and Zions First National Bank to (i) increase the credit facility from $35 million to $60 million, comprised of a $45 million revolver (“Revolver”) and a $15 million term loan (“Term Loan”), and (ii) extend the maturity date of the credit facility to October 12, 2021. On March 29, 2017, we entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Amendment”) The Amendment amended the Second Amended Credit Agreement with the Lenders to, among other things, increase the leverage ratio applicable at March 31, 2017 to 4.85 from 4.25 and provide that such leverage ratio shall decrease on a quarterly basis over the following twelve months to 4.25 by March 31, 2018 and remain at such level until maturity. The terms of the Amendment were effective as of January 1, 2017. The credit facility is secured by our personal property and assets. Certain of our wholly owned subsidiaries have also guaranteed the credit facility.

 

The interest rate under the Amendment is KeyBank’s base rate or LIBOR, at our option, plus an applicable margin depending on our leverage ratio. The LIBOR margins range from 1.75% to 2.75% and the base rate margins range from 0.75% to 1.75%. For such times when the leverage ratio is greater than 4.25, then the applicable margin for base rate loans and the applicable margin for LIBOR rate loans will be 2.25% and 3.25%, respectively. Payments on the Term Loan are due quarterly and subject to acceleration upon certain events as defined in the Second Amended Credit Agreement, while borrowings on the Revolver are interest only, payable quarterly with respect to each base rate loan and at varying times with respect to LIBOR rate loans, with outstanding principal and interest due at maturity. Prepayment is permitted at any time without penalty, subject to certain restrictions on the order of repayment or prepayment. We are obligated to pay a commitment fee at an annual rate of 0.175% to 0.350%, depending on our leverage ratio, times the unused total revolving commitment of the credit facility based on the average daily amount outstanding under the credit facility for the previous quarter. For such times when the leverage ratio is greater than 4.25, the commitment fee annual rate will be 0.50%. The commitment fee is payable quarterly in arrears.

 

The credit facility also requires us to comply with certain covenants on a quarterly basis, including (a) a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.50 and (b) a maximum leverage ratio of 4.85 to 1.0 reducing on a quarterly basis to 4.25 by March 31, 2018 through the maturity date. We may from time to time request that the total revolving credit commitment under the Second Amended Credit Agreement be increased up to an amount not to exceed $85 million. Any such increase is subject to agreement of the respective lenders in the lending syndicate or new lenders in certain circumstances. Any such increase, which may be for a lesser amount than requested by us, is also subject to certain other terms and conditions as provided in the Second Amended Credit Agreement. We were in compliance with all covenants at March 31, 2017. See “Debt and Credit Agreements” in Note 6 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on our debt and credit agreements.

 

 

Cash Flows

 

The following table summarizes our primary sources and uses of cash during the periods presented (in thousands).

 

		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2017				2016
Net cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities		$	552			$	2,841
Investing activities			(4,371	)			(12,570	)
Financing activities			2,569				4,127
Net change in cash and cash equivalents		$	(1,250	)		$	(5,602	)

 

Operating Activities. Our cash flows from operating activities provided $0.6 million and $2.8 million of net cash during the first three months of 2017 and 2016, respectively. The year over year change in cash from operating activities is primarily due to lower net income, timing of payments and receipt of tenant allowance reimbursements and timing of payments for accrued expenses during the first quarter of 2017.

 

Investing Activities. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2017 were $4.4 million, primarily associated with our Scottsdale Quarter restaurant scheduled to open in the latter part of the second quarter of 2017, residual payments from restaurants opened during the fourth quarter of 2016, and maintenance capital expenditures. Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2016 were $12.6 million, primarily associated with our Las Vegas restaurant remodel which opened during the quarter, costs associated with our Irvine, California restaurant which opened in April 2016, and our Fairfax, Virginia and Minnetonka, Minnesota restaurants which opened in June of 2016, residual payments from restaurants opened during the fourth quarter of 2015 as well as architecture and design costs associated with our other planned new restaurants and remodels for the remainder of 2016.

 

Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities during the first quarter of 2017 was $2.6 million and consisted primarily of $8.0 million of borrowings and $0.2 million of proceeds from stock option exercises, partially offset by $3.6 million for the repurchase of common stock under our October 2016 stock repurchase program, $1.9 million in payments under our credit facility and $0.2 million for debt issuance costs associated with the Amendment. Net cash provided by financing activities during the first quarter of 2016 consisted of $5.0 million of borrowings under our credit facility and $0.1 million of proceeds from stock option exercises, partially offset by $1.0 million cash outflow for the repurchase of our common stock.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of March 31, 2017, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements or obligations, other than operating leases which are not classified as debt.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

Critical accounting policies and estimates are those that we believe are both significant and that require us to make difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often because we need to estimate the effect of inherently uncertain matters. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experiences and various other factors that we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates, and we might obtain different estimates if we used different assumptions or conditions. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are identified and described in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

 

 

We had no significant changes in our critical accounting policies and estimates since our last annual report, except for the added disclosure to the revenue recognition policy surrounding breakage income related to our gift card liability. The updated revenue recognition accounting policy is as follows:

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenues from food, beverage, and alcohol sales are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale. Restaurant sales are recorded net of promotions and discounts. Revenues from gift card sales are recognized upon redemption. Prior to redemption, the outstanding balances of all gift cards are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. We recognize gift card breakage income when the likelihood of the redemption of the gift cards becomes remote. Gift card breakage income is recorded in “Restaurant Sales” on the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) and amounted to $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017. We did not record any breakage income related to our gift card liability for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

Our primary market risk exposure is commodity costs. Many of the food products purchased by us can be subject to volatility due to changes in weather, production, availability, seasonality, international demand, and other factors outside our control. Substantially all of our food and supplies are available from several sources, which help to diversify our overall commodity cost risk. We also believe that we have the ability to increase certain menu prices in response to food commodity price increases.

 

Inflation

 

The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations are food, labor costs, energy costs and labor and materials used in the construction of new restaurants. Increases in minimum wages directly affect our labor costs. Many of our leases require us to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary adjustments. These increases could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along through higher menu prices. Over the past two years, inflation has not significantly affected our operating results.

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

We also face market risk exposure due to the variable interest rates on our credit facility. Interest on both the term and revolver loans are subject to adjustment based on changes to the Prime or LIBOR rates. Interest rate fluctuations may adversely impact our financial condition or results of operations.

 

Item 4.   Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

As of March 31, 2017, we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

 

There were no changes during the three months ended March 31, 2017 in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

 

See “Commitments and Contingencies” in Note 10 of the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of our material legal proceedings.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

There have been no material changes in our risk factors since our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. A description of the risk factors associated with our business is contained in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors,” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016. These cautionary statements are to be used as a reference in connection with any forward-looking statements. The factors, risks, and uncertainties identified in these cautionary statements are in addition to those contained in any other cautionary statements, written or oral, which may be made or otherwise addressed in connection with a forward-looking statement or contained in any of our subsequent filings with the SEC.

 

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

 

Issuer Purchase of Equity Securities

 

In October 2016, our Board of Directors authorized a repurchase program of up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common stock. We completed the $5.0 million stock repurchase program in February 2017 with the purchase and retirement of 532,376 shares, under the 2016 authorization, including $3.6 million or 395,586 shares during the first quarter of 2017.

 

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased				Average Price Paid per Share				Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plan				Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plan
January 2017			275,088			$	9.13				275,088			$	1,054,000
February 2017			120,498			$	8.73				120,498			$	-
Total			395,586			$	9.03				395,586

 

 

Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures

 

Not applicable.

 

Item 5.     Other Information

 

Not applicable.

 

 

Item 6.     Exhibits

 

Exhibit Number	Exhibit
10.1	Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of March 29, 2017 (incorporated by reference to Form 8-K filed April 3, 2017).
31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101	Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, (ii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, (iii) the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and (iv) the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

_____________

 

 

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.

 

KONA GRILL, INC.       /s/ Berke Bakay                                                         Berke Bakay President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)     /s/ Christi Hing                                                           Christi Hing Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)

 

 

Date: May 9, 2017

 

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