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EX-32.2 - Sonnet BioTherapeutics Holdings, Inc.ex32-2.htm
EX-32.1 - Sonnet BioTherapeutics Holdings, Inc.ex32-1.htm
EX-31.2 - Sonnet BioTherapeutics Holdings, Inc.ex31-2.htm
EX-31.1 - Sonnet BioTherapeutics Holdings, Inc.ex31-1.htm

 

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 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

 

Commission File Number: 001-35570

 

CHANTICLEER HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware   20-2932652
(State or Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization)
  (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

 

7621 Little Avenue, Suite 414, Charlotte, NC 28226

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

 

(704) 366-5122

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods as the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes [X] No [  ].

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant 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 [X] No [  ].

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

 

Large Accelerated Filer [  ] Accelerated Filer [  ] Non-Accelerated Filer (do not check if Smaller Reporting Company) [  ]
Smaller Reporting Company [X] 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 [X] 

 

The number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock, par value $.0001 per share, as of May 11, 2017 was 24,743,015 shares.

 

 

 

 
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

INDEX

 

      Page No.
       
Part I Financial Information  
     
  Item 1: Financial Statements 3
       
    Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2016 3
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) – For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 4
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss For the Three months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 5
    Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 6
    Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 8
  Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 21
  Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 29
  Item 4: Controls and Procedures 30
       
Part II Other Information  
       
  Item 1: Legal Proceedings 32
  Item 1A: Risk Factors 32
  Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 32
  Item 3: Defaults Upon Senior Securities 32
  Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures 32
  Item 5: Other Information 32
  Item 6: Exhibits 32
       
Signatures   33

 

2
 

 

Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1: FINANCIAL StatemenTS

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   (Unaudited)     
   March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
ASSETS          
Current assets:          
Cash  $277,820   $268,575 
Accounts and other receivables   349,003    524,481 
Inventories   520,024    539,550 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   424,231    461,074 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS   1,571,078    1,793,680 
Property and equipment, net   11,498,775    11,513,693 
Goodwill   12,438,151    12,405,770 
Intangible assets, net   6,441,840    6,530,243 
Investments   800,000    800,000 
Deposits and other assets   465,526    442,737 
TOTAL ASSETS  $33,215,370   $33,486,123 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $5,265,366   $5,553,068 
Current maturities of long-term debt and notes payable,   784,628    6,171,649 
Current maturities of capital leases payable   14,952    18,449 
Due to related parties   194,350    194,350 
Deferred rent   100,260    173,775 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES   6,359,556    12,111,291 
Long-term debt, less current portion   6,013,791    287,445 
Convertible notes payable, net of debt discount of $296,086 and $46,936, respectively   3,374,022    3,678,064 
Redeemable preferred stock: no par value, 62,876 and 19,050 issued and outstanding, net of discount of $173,666 and $0, respectively   589,314    257,175 
Deferred rent   2,051,057    1,961,751 
Deferred tax liabilities   1,485,554    1,485,554 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   19,873,294    19,781,280 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 15)          
Common stock subject to repurchase obligation; 562,900 shares issued and outstanding   349,000    349,000 
Stockholders’ equity:          
Preferred stock: no par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; 62,876 and 19,050 shares issued issued and outstanding, respectively   -    - 
Common stock: $0.0001 par value; authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 22,149,108 and 21,394,247 shares, respectively   2,215    2,140 
Additional paid in capital   57,099,151    55,924,269 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (1,108,828)   (1,155,658)
Accumulated deficit   (43,957,536)   (42,206,325)
Total Chanticleer Holdings, Inc, Stockholder’s Equity   12,035,002    12,564,426 
Non-Controlling Interests   958,074    791,417 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   12,993,076    13,355,843 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $33,215,370   $33,486,123 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 

3
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
Revenue:        
Restaurant sales, net  $9,653,154   $9,804,690 
Gaming income, net   106,067    99,534 
Management fee income   24,990    25,000 
Franchise income   75,786    182,552 
Total revenue   9,859,997    10,111,776 
Expenses:          
Restaurant cost of sales   3,191,390    3,249,970 
Restaurant operating expenses   5,674,560    5,515,013 
Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses   14,435    7,555 
General and administrative expenses   1,375,620    1,674,880 
Depreciation and amortization   593,380    570,441 
Total expenses   10,849,385    11,017,859 
Operating loss from continuing operations   (989,388)   (906,083)
Other (expense) income          
Interest expense   (404,136)   (600,926)
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities   -    615,662 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   (362,822)   - 
Other income   12,234    7,736 
Total other (expense) income   (754,724)   22,472 
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes   (1,744,112)   (883,611)
Income tax expense   (3,797)   (33,987)
Loss from continuing operations   (1,747,909)   (917,598)
Discontinued operations          
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax   -    (679,381)
Consolidated net loss   (1,747,909)   (1,596,979)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest of continuing operations   20,843    171,616 
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.   (1,727,066)   (1,425,363)
          
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.:          
Dividends on redeemable preferred stock   (24,147)   - 
Net loss attributable to common shareholders of Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.  $(1,751,213)  $(1,425,363)
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. per common          
share, basic and diluted:  $(0.08)  $(0.07)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   22,106,236    21,337,247 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 

4
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
         
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.  $(1,727,066)  $(1,425,363)
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities, net of tax  -   (2,120)
Foreign currency translation   46,831    198,403 
Total other comprehensive income   46,831    196,283 
Comprehensive loss  $(1,680,235)  $(1,229,080)

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 

5
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss  $(1,747,909)  $(1,596,979)
Net loss from discontinued operations   -    679,381 
Net loss from continuing operations   (1,747,909)   (917,598)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss from continuing operations to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   593,380    570,440 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   362,822    - 
Common stock and warrants issued for services   102,791    - 
Amortization of debt discount   122,694    363,159 
Change in assets and liabilities:          
Accounts and other receivables   175,478    (80,697)
Prepaid and other assets   14,055    207,532 
Inventory   19,526    74,802 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   (231,283)   627,014 
Change in amounts payable to related parties   -    175,000 
Derivative liabilities   -    (615,662)
Deferred income taxes   -    32,233 
Deferred rent   15,792    (219,725)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities from continuing operations   (572,654)   216,498 
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations   -    (75,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   (572,654)   141,498 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchase of property and equipment   (450,641)   (256,975)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired   -    (72,215)
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations   (450,641)   (329,190)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock   591,651    - 
Expenses related to sale of preferred stock   (258,153)   - 
Loan proceeds   512,780    - 
Loan repayments   (194,069)   (136,575)
Capital lease payments   (4,779)   (10,783)
Contribution of non-controlling interest   375,000    13,017 
Net cash provided by financing activities from continuing operations   1,022,430    (134,341)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   10,110    4,468 
Net increase (decrease) in cash   9,245    (317,565)
Cash, beginning of period   268,575    1,224,415 
Cash, end of period  $277,820   $906,850 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 

6
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

 

   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
         
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Cash paid for interest and income taxes:          
Interest  $335,699   $31,728 
Income taxes   -    - 
           
Non-cash investing and financing activities:          
Convertible debt settled through issuance of common stock  $150,000   $- 
Accrued interest settled through issuance of convertible debt   97,503    - 
           
Purchases of businesses:          
Current assets excluding cash  $-   $1,611 
Goodwill   -    70,604 
Cash paid for acquistions  $-   $72,215 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements

 

7
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1. Nature of Business

 

Organization

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries (together, the “Company”) are in the business of owning, operating and franchising fast casual dining concepts domestically and internationally.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

The Company operates on a calendar year-end. The accounts of Hooters Nottingham (“WEW”), are consolidated based on a 13 and 26 week periods ending on the Sunday closest to each March 31. No events occurred related to the difference between the Company’s reporting calendar period-end and the subsidiary’s period end that materially affected the company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

Name   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
  Percent
Owned
    Name   Jurisdiction of
Incorporation
  Percent
Owned
 
CHANTICLEER HOLDINGS, INC.   DE, USA                    
Burger Business               Just Fresh            
American Roadside Burgers, Inc.   DE, USA     100 %   JF Franchising Systems, LLC   NC, USA     56 %
ARB Stores               JF Restaurants, LLC   NC, USA     56 %
American Burger Ally, LLC   NC, USA     100 %                
American Burger Morehead, LLC   NC, USA     100 %   West Coast Hooters            
American Roadside McBee, LLC   NC, USA     100 %   Jantzen Beach Wings, LLC   OR, USA     100 %
American Roadside Southpark LLC   NC, USA     100 %   Oregon Owl’s Nest, LLC   OR, USA     100 %
American Roadside Burgers Smithtown, Inc.   DE, USA     100 %   Tacoma Wings, LLC   WA, USA     100 %
American Burger Prosperity, LLC   NC, USA     100 %                
BGR Acquisition, LLC   NC, USA     100 %   South African Entities            
BGR Acquisition 1, LLC               Chanticleer South Africa (Pty) Ltd.   South Africa     100 %
BGR Franchising, LLC   VA, USA     100 %   Hooters Emperors Palace (Pty.) Ltd.   South Africa     88 %
BGR Operations, LLC   VA, USA     100 %   Hooters On The Buzz (Pty) Ltd   South Africa     95 %
BGR Arlington, LLC   VA, USA     100 %   Hooters PE (Pty) Ltd   South Africa     100 %
BGR Cascades, LLC   VA, USA     100 %   Hooters Ruimsig (Pty) Ltd.   South Africa     100 %
BGR Dupont, LLC   DC, USA     100 %   Hooters SA (Pty) Ltd   South Africa     78 %
BGR Old Keene Mill, LLC   VA, USA     100 %   Hooters Umhlanga (Pty.) Ltd.   South Africa     90 %
BGR Old Town, LLC   VA, USA     100 %   Hooters Willows Crossing (Pty) Ltd   South Africa     100 %
BGR Potomac, LLC   MD, USA     100 %                
BGR Springfield Mall, LLC   VA, USA     100 %   European Entities            
BGR Tysons, LLC   VA, USA     100 %   Chanticleer Holdings Limited   Jersey     100 %
BGR Washingtonian, LLC   MD, USA     100 %   West End Wings LTD   United Kingdom     100 %
Capitol Burger, LLC   MD, USA     100 %   Chanticleer Finance UK (No. 1) Plc   United Kingdom     100 %
BGR Mosaic, LLC   VA, USA     100 %                
BGR Michigan Ave, LLC   DC, USA     100 %   Inactive Entities            
BGR Chevy Chase, LLC   MD, USA     100 %   Hoot Surfers Paradise Pty. Ltd.   Australia     60 %
BT Burger Acquisition, LLC   NC, USA     100 %   Hooters Brazil   Brazil     100 %
BT’s Burgerjoint Biltmore, LLC   NC, USA     100 %   DineOut SA Ltd.   England     89 %
BT’s Burgerjoint Promenade, LLC   NC, USA     100 %   Avenel Financial Services, LLC   NV, USA     100 %
BT’s Burgerjoint Rivergate LLC   NC, USA     100 %   Avenel Ventures, LLC   NV, USA     100 %
BT’s Burgerjoint Sun Valley, LLC   NC, USA     100 %   Chanticleer Advisors, LLC   NV, USA     100 %
LBB Acquisition, LLC   NC, USA     100 %   Chanticleer Investment Partners, LLC   NC, USA     100 %
Cuarto LLC   OR, USA     100 %   Dallas Spoon Beverage, LLC   TX, USA     100 %
LBB Acquisition 1 LLC   OR, USA     100 %   Dallas Spoon, LLC   TX, USA     100 %
LBB Green Lake LLC   OR, USA     50 %   American Roadside Cross Hill, LLC   NC, USA     100 %
LBB Hassalo LLC   OR, USA     80 %   UK Bond Company   United Kingdom     100 %
LBB Platform LLC   OR, USA     80 %                
LBB Progress Ridge LLC   OR, USA     50 %                
Noveno LLC   OR, USA     100 %                
Octavo LLC   OR, USA     100 %                
Primero LLC   OR, USA     100 %                
Quinto LLC   OR, USA     100 %                
Segundo LLC   OR, USA     100 %                
Septimo LLC   OR, USA     100 %                
Sexto LLC   OR, USA     100 %                

 

8
 

 

GENERAL

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim reporting and include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements have not been audited. The results of operations for the three month periods ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations for interim reporting. The Company believes that the disclosures contained herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. However, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 filed with the SEC on March 31, 2017. Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

As of March 31, 2017, our cash balance was $0.3 million, our working capital was negative $4.8 million. The level of additional cash needed to fund operations and our ability to conduct business for the next twelve months will be influenced primarily by the following factors:

 

  our ability to access the capital and debt markets to satisfy current obligations and operate the business;
     
  our ability to refinance or otherwise extend maturities of current debt obligations;
     
  the level of investment in acquisition of new restaurant businesses and entering new markets;
     
  our ability to manage our operating expenses and maintain gross margins as we grow:
     
  popularity of and demand for our fast-casual dining concepts; and
     
  general economic conditions and changes in consumer discretionary income.

 

We have typically funded our operating costs, acquisition activities, working capital requirements and capital expenditures with proceeds from the issuances of our common stock and other financing arrangements, including convertible debt, lines of credit, notes payable, capital leases, and other forms of external financing.

 

Our operating plans for the next twelve months contemplate moderate organic growth, opening 6-10 new company stores within our current markets and restaurant concepts, the majority of which will utilize funds already committed from outside investors. As we execute our growth plans over the next twelve months, we intend to carefully monitor the impact of growth on our working capital needs and cash balances relative to the availability of cost-effective debt and equity financing.

 

We have obligations that are currently due or otherwise payable within the next twelve months from date of issuance of these financial statements. In the event that capital is not available, we may then have to scale back or freeze our growth plans, sell assets on less than favorable terms, reduce expenses, and/or curtail future acquisition plans to manage our liquidity and capital resources. We may also incur financial penalties or other negative actions from our lenders if we are not able to refinance or otherwise extend or repay our current obligations or obtain waivers.

 

During March 2017, we extended the payment terms of our convertible debt obligations. During May 2017, we completed a new $6 million private placement of 8% debentures and warrants, the proceeds of which were used to repay, settle and release the $5 million note payable and related obligations to Florida Mezzanine Fund and to provide additional working capital for new store openings and operations.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

9
 

 

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

There have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies previously disclosed in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

 

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 amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant estimates include the valuation of the investments in portfolio companies, deferred tax asset valuation allowances, valuing options and warrants using the Binomial Lattice and Black Scholes models, intangible asset valuations and useful lives, depreciation and uncollectible accounts and reserves. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

REVENUE RECOGNITION

 

Revenue is recognized when all of the following criteria have been satisfied:

 

  Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists;
     
  Delivery has occurred or services have been rendered;
     
  The seller’s price to the buyer is fixed or determinable; and
     
  Collectability is reasonably assured.

 

Restaurant Net Sales and Food and Beverage Costs

 

The Company records revenue from restaurant sales at the time of sale, net of discounts, coupons, employee meals, and complimentary meals and gift cards. Sales, value added tax (“VAT”) and goods and services tax (“GST”) collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities are presented on a net basis within sales in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss. Restaurant cost of sales primarily includes the cost of food, beverages, and merchandise and disposable paper and plastic goods used in preparing and selling our menu items, and exclude depreciation and amortization. Vendor allowances received in connection with the purchase of a vendor’s products are recognized as a reduction of the related food and beverage costs as earned.

 

Management Fee Income

 

The Company receives revenue from management fees from certain non-affiliated companies, including from managing its investment in Hooters of America.

 

Gaming Income

 

The Company receives revenue from operating a gaming facility adjacent to its Hooters restaurant in Jantzen Beach, Oregon. The Company also previously received gaming revenue from gaming machines located in Sydney, Australia. Revenue from gaming is recognized as earned from gaming activities, net of taxes and other government fees.

 

Franchise Income

 

The Company accounts for initial franchisee fees in accordance with FASB ASC 952, Franchisors. The Company grants franchises to operators in exchange for initial franchise license fees and continuing royalty payments. Franchise license fees are deferred when received and recognized as revenue when the Company has performed substantially all initial services required by the franchise or license agreement, which is generally upon the opening of a store. Continuing fees, which are based upon a percentage of franchisee revenues, are recognized on the accrual basis as those sales occur.

 

LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

 

The Company is required to report both basic earnings per share, which is based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding, and diluted earnings per share, which is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all potentially diluted shares outstanding. The following table summarizes the number of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of certain warrants, convertible notes payable and convertible interest as of March 31, 2017 and 2016 that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share since the effect would be antidilutive.

 

   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
Warrants -Weighted avg exercise price $4.95   9,072,032    9,506,304 
Convertible notes - Weighted avg conversion price $0.67   5,233,684    3,772,674 
Accrued interest on convertible notes   475,137    178,770 
Total   14,780,863    13,457,748 

 

On May 4, 2017, the Company issued 12 million warrants with an exercise price of $0.35. See Note 15 Subsequent Events.

 

10
 

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” which provides a single, comprehensive accounting model for revenue arising from contracts with customers. This guidance supersedes most of the existing revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. Under this model, revenue is recognized at an amount that a company expects to be entitled to upon transferring control of goods or services to a customer. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about the nature, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flow arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments. The new guidance will be effective for the Company beginning in calendar 2018 and may be applied retrospectively to all prior periods presented or through a cumulative adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance in the year of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this update on its consolidated financial statements, but believes it will not have a material impact on operations.

 

In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-07 “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes” related to the presentation of deferred income taxes. The guidance requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be classified as non-current in a consolidated balance sheet. This guidance was adopted in the first quarter of 2017 and did not materially affect the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases,” which supersedes ASC 840 “Leases” and creates a new topic, ASC 842 “Leases.” This update requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a lease asset for all leases, including operating leases, with a term greater than 12 months on its balance sheet. The update also expands the required quantitative and qualitative disclosures surrounding leases. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with earlier adoption permitted. This update will be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. The Company has not completed its evaluation of effect this update will have on its consolidated financial statements, but does expect there could be a material increase in both assets and liabilities reflected on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of adoption.

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04 “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment.” The new guidance simplifies the test for goodwill impairment. Currently, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared with the carrying value of the reporting unit (identified as “Step 1”). If the fair value of the reporting unit is lower than its carrying amount then, the implied fair value of goodwill is calculated. If the implied fair value of goodwill is lower than the carrying value of goodwill an impairment is recognized (identified as “Step 2”). The new standard eliminates Step 2 from the impairment test; therefore, a goodwill impairment will be recognized as the difference of the fair value and the carrying value of the reporting unit. The new standard becomes effective on January 1, 2020 with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of this update on its consolidated financial statements.

 

There are several other new accounting pronouncements issued by FASB, which are not yet effective. Each of these pronouncements has been or will be adopted, as applicable, by the Company. At March 31, 2017, other than the adoption of ASU No. 2016-02 “Leases,” none of these pronouncements are expected to have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

3. ACQUISITIONS

 

2016 Acquisition

 

The Company completed one acquisition during 2016, which was the acquisition of a restaurant location in the Harris YMCA in Charlotte, N.C. to expand our Just Fresh business. The Company allocated the purchase price as of the date of acquisition based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. In consideration of the purchased assets, the Company paid a purchase price totaling $72,215 in cash, of which $1,611 was allocated to acquired inventory and $70,604 to goodwill. The equipment and other assets used in the operation of the business are property of the YMCA and no other tangible or identifiable intangible assets other than inventory were acquired, with the balance being allocated to goodwill.

 

No proforma information was included as the proforma impact of the acquisition is not material.

 

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4. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

 

In June 2016, the Company approved a plan to exit the Australia and Eastern Europe markets, authorizing management to sell or close its five Hooters stores in Australia and its one store in Budapest.

 

The Company completed the sale of the Hooters Australia and Budapest stores during the third quarter of 2016, transferring substantially all of the assets and liabilities of those operations to the local operating groups. In both cases, the Company did not receive any proceeds from the transfer, although in the case of Hooters Australia, the Company retained a five-year option to repurchase a 20% interest in the stores for $1.

 

There were no remaining balances attributable to discontinued operations on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

 

The major line items comprising the loss of discontinued operations are as follows:

 

   Period Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
         
Revenue  $-   $1,505,942 
Restaurant cost of sales   -    526,825 
Restaurant operating expenses   -    1,303,379 
General and administrative expenses         -    86,126 
Depreciation and amortization   -    258,215 
Other   -    10,778 
Loss of discontinued operations   -    (679,381)
Loss on write-down of net assets   -    - 
Total pretax loss of discontinued operations   -    (679,381)
Income tax   -    - 
Loss on discontinued operations  $-   $(679,381)

 

5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consists of the following:

 

   March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
Leasehold improvements  $10,714,841   $10,363,996 
Restaurant furniture and equipment   6,846,679    6,716,926 
Construction in progress   602,522    582,265 
Office and computer equipment   68,303    68,303 
Land and buildings   844,965    826,664 
Office furniture and fixtures   108,030    108,030 
    19,185,340    18,666,184 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (7,686,565)   (7,152,491)
   $11,498,775   $11,513,693 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was approximately $0.5 million for both periods ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

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6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

Goodwill is summarized by location as follows:

 

   March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
Hooters Full Service  $4,493,548   $4,461,167 
Better Burgers Fast Casual   7,448,848    7,448,848 
Just Fresh Fast Casual   495,755    495,755 
   $12,438,151   $12,405,770 

 

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are summarized as follows:

 

   March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
Beginning Balance  $12,405,770   $12,702,139 
Acquisitions   -    70,604 
Adjustments   -    62,192 
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain   32,381    (429,165)
Ending Balance  $12,438,151   $12,405,770 

 

Other intangible assets, consisting of franchise costs, trademarks and tradenames, is summarized by location as follows:

 

   Estimated Useful Life  March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
Trademark, Tradenames:             
Just Fresh  10 years  $1,010,000   $1,010,000 
American Roadside Burger  10 years   1,786,930    1,786,930 
BGR: The Burger Joint  Indefinte   1,430,000    1,430,000 
Little Big Burger  Indefinte   1,550,000    1,550,000 
       5,776,930    5,776,930 
Franchise fees:             
Hooters South Africa  20 years   329,393    322,258 
Hooters Pacific NW  20 years   88,826    88,826 
BGR: The Burger Joint  Indefinite   1,320,000    1,320,000 
Hooters UK  20 years   12,500    30,848 
       1,750,719    1,761,932 
Total Intangibles at cost      7,527,649    7,538,862 
Accumulated amortization      (1,085,809)   (1,008,619)
Intangible assets, net     $6,441,840   $6,530,243 

 

   Periods Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
Amortization expense  $75,776   $82,235 

 

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7. LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTES PAYABLE

 

Long-term debt and notes payable are summarized as follows.

 

   March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
         
Note Payable, due January 2017, net of discount of $0 and $171,868, respectively (b)  $5,000,000   $5,000,000 
           
Note Payable, due April 2017   707,231    725,231 
           
Note Payable, due October 2018   85,974    85,974 
           
Mortgage Note, South Africa, due July 2024   213,685    215,962 
           
Bank overdraft facilities, South Africa, annual renewal   161,647    124,598 
           
Equipment financing arrangements, South Africa   133,984    145,430 
           
Receivables financing facilities (a)   495,898    161,899 
Total long-term debt  $6,798,419   $6,459,094 
Current portion of long-term debt   784,628    6,171,649 
Long-term debt, less current portion  $6,013,791   $287,445 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 amortization of debt discount was $0 and $42,969 respectively.

 

a) During February 2017, in consideration for proceeds of $330,000, the Company agreed to remit a total of $412,500 from the merchant accounts of eight of its restaurant locations directly to a lender. The Company agreed to make payments of $1,965 per day for 210 days. The Company has the option to payoff the loan early by remitting a total of $372,900 by the 120th day.

 

Also, during March 2017 in consideration for proceeds of $150,000, the Company agreed to remit a total of $205,500 from the merchant accounts of three of its restaurant locations directly to the lender. The Company agreed to make payments of $856.25 per day for 240 days.

 

The Company granted a security interest in the credit card receivables of the specified restaurants in connection with the Receivables Financing Agreements.

 

b) On May 4, 2017, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”), the Company issued 8% non-convertible secured debentures in the principal amount of $6,000,000 (“Debentures”) and warrants to purchase 12,000,000 shares of common stock (“Warrant Shares”) to accredited investors. The Debentures bear interest at a rate of 8% per annum, payable in cash quarterly in arrears. The Debentures mature on December 31, 2018. The Debentures contain customary financial and other covenants, including a requirement to maintain positive Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The Warrants expire on the tenth anniversary of the Closing Date and have an exercise price equal to $0.35. The Warrants are not exercisable until six months after the Closing Date. The Warrant Shares have registration rights, and, if not registered, the holders will have the right to cashless exercise.

 

In conjunction with the financing described above, the Company entered into a Satisfaction, Settlement and Release Agreement with Florida Mezzanine Fund LLLP, a Florida limited liability partnership (“Florida Mezz”), pursuant to which Florida Mezz agreed to release the Company from all claims and outstanding obligations pursuant to that certain Assumption Agreement dated June 30, 2014, as amended October 15, 2014 and October 22, 2016, and that certain Agreement dated May 23, 2016, as amended January 30, 2017, in exchange for payment of $5,000,000.

 

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Five million of the net proceeds from the offering were remitted to Florida Mezz, $500,000 will be reserved to fund the opening of new stores, and the balance of $206,746, after transaction expenses, will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

As a result of the issuance of the debentures and the settlement of the Florida Mezz obligations subsequent to March 31, 2016, the $5 million notes payable are no longer outstanding, the company’s’ share repurchase obligation from Florida Mezz has been terminated and Florida Mezz waived unpaid interest and penalties previously recorded in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. As a result, as of March 31, 2017, the $5 million note payable has been reclassified from current liabilities to non-current in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. In addition, for the Company’s reporting period ended June 30, 2017, the shares subject to repurchase will be reclassified from temporary equity to permanent capital and the amounts accrued for interest and penalties will be reversed effective as of May 14, 2017. See Note 15 Subsequent Events.

 

8. cONVERTIBLE NOTEs PAYABLE

 

Convertible Notes payable are summarized as follows:

 

   March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
         
6% Convertible notes payable due June 2018  $3,000,000   $3,000,000 
8% Convertible notes payable due March 2019   100,000    100,000 
8% Convertible notes payable due March 2019   150,000    150,000 
Discounts on above convertible note   -    (46,936)
8% Convertible notes payable due March 2019   420,108    475,000 
Discounts on above convertible note   (296,086)   - 
Total Convertible notes payable   3,374,022    3,678,064 
Current portion of convertible notes payable   -    - 
Convertible notes payable, less current portion  $3,374,022   $3,678,064 

 

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 amortization of debt discount was $343,022 and $320,190 respectively.

 

Pursuant to exchange agreements dated and effective March 10, 2017 by and between the Company and four existing note holders, the Company exchanged its 8% convertible notes in the aggregate principal amount of $725,000, which notes were in default, for new two-year 2% notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $820,107, representing $725,000 in principal and $97,017 unpaid accrued interest. The original convertible notes were canceled and new convertible notes issued that may be converted to common stock of the Company, at the option of the holder, at a conversion price of $0.30 per share. The notes have a two-year term, but may be called by the holder after the one-year anniversary of the exchange date. During March 2017, subsequent to the exchange agreements, convertible notes in the amount of $150,000 were converted by the holders into 500,000 shares of common stock.

 

The exchange of the convertible notes was accounting for as an extinguishment of the previous debt, resulting in the recognition of a net loss on extinguishment of $362,822 in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In addition, the lenders of the $3 million 6% convertible debt agreed to waive defaults and extend the note maturity by eighteen months (to June 30, 2018).

 

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10. accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses are summarized as follows:

 

   March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
         
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $3,901,520   $3,807,880 
Accrued taxes (VAT, Sales Payroll)   816,266    988,056 
Accrued income taxes   16,416    71,713 
Accrued interest   531,164    685,419 
   $5,265,366   $5,553,068 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

 

The Company had 45,000,000 shares of its $0.0001 par value common stock authorized at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The Company had 22,712,008 and 21,957,147 shares issued and outstanding at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

 

The Company has 5,000,000 shares of its no par value preferred stock authorized at both March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

 

Beginning in December 2016, the Company conducted a rights offering of units, each unit consisting of one share of 9% Redeemable Series 1 Preferred Stock (“Series 1 Preferred”) and one Series 1 Warrant (“Series 1 Warrant”) to purchase 10 shares of common stock. Holders of the Series 1 Preferred are entitled to receive cumulative dividends out of legally available funds at the rate of 9% of the purchase price per year for a term of seven years, payable quarterly on the last day of March, June, September and December in each year in cash or registered common stock at the election of the Company. Shares of common stock issued as dividends will be issued at a 10% discount to the five-day volume weighted average price per share of common stock prior to the date of issuance. Dividends are to be paid prior to any dividend to the holders of common stock. The Series 1 Preferred is non-voting and has a liquidation preference of $13.50 per share, equal to its purchase price. Chanticleer is required to redeem the outstanding Series 1 Preferred at the expiration of the seven-year term. The redemption price for any shares of Series 1 Preferred will be an amount equal to the $13.50 purchase price per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends to the date fixed for redemption.

 

As of December 31, 2016, 19,050 shares of preferred stock were issued pursuant to the Preferred Stock Units rights offering. In addition, 43,826 additional shares were issued following in February 2017 for a total of 62,876 issued and outstanding as March 31, 2017.

 

In connection with the payment of past due interest on its $5 million note payable, the Company issued 562,900 shares of its common stock to the lender. Concurrently, the Company entered into a put agreement with Florida Mezzanine Fund during 2016 which provides the lender the right to require the Company to repurchase those shares at a price of $0.62 cents per share. This put right originally expired in January 2017 and was subsequently extended to March 31, 2017.

 

The shares subject to the repurchase are reflected as a redeemable temporary equity on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. In May 2017, Florida Mezzanine fund’s put right terminated in connection with the Company’s repayment of its principal and the shares will be reclassified as permanent equity as of May 2017 and in future balance sheets (see Note 15 Subsequent Events).

 

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Options and Warrants

 

The Company’s shareholders have approved the Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. 2014 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2014 Plan”), authorizing the issuance of options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards and units, performance shares and units, phantom stock and other stock-based and dividend equivalent awards. Pursuant to the approved 2014 Plan, 4,000,000 shares have been approved for grant.

 

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had issued 325,340 restricted and unrestricted shares on a cumulative basis under the plan pursuant to compensatory arrangements with employees, board members and outside consultants. No employee stock options have been issued or are outstanding as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016. The Company issued 150,000 restricted stock units to an employee during 2016. Approximately 3,674,660 shares remained available for grant in the future.

 

The Company also has issued warrants to investors in connection with financing transactions in prior periods. A summary of the warrants outstanding and related activity is presented below:

 

   Number of Warrants   Weighted Average Exercise Price   Weighted Average Remaining Life 
Outstanding January 1, 2017   9,222,032   $4.98    1.7 
Granted   -    -    - 
Exercised   -    -    0 
Forfeited   (150,000)   6.75    - 
Outstanding March 31, 2017   9,072,032   $4.95    1.4 
                
Exercisable March 31, 2017   9,072,032   $4.95    1.4 

 

Exercise Price  Outstanding Number of Warrants   Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years   Exerciseable Number of Warrants 
> $4.00   7,289,631    1.3    7,289,631 
$3.00-$3.99   499,901    2.4    499,901 
$2.00-$2.99   779,500    2.8    779,500 
$1.00-$1.99   503,000    4.0    503,000 
    9,072,032    1.4    9,072,032 

 

On May 4, 2017, the Company issued 12 million warrants with an exercise price of $0.35. See Note 15 Subsequent Events.

 

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12. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Due to related parties

 

The Company has received non-interest bearing, short-term advances Chanticleer Investors, LCC, a related party, in the amount of $194,350 as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

The amount owed to Chanticleer Investors LLC is related to cash distributions received from Chanticleer Investors LLC’s interest Hooters of America which is payable to the Company’s co-investors in that investment.

 

13. SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company is in the business of operating restaurants and its operations are organized by geographic region and by brand within each region. Further each restaurant location produces monthly financial statements at the individual store level. The Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews revenues and profitability at the at the group level comprised of: Full Service Hooters, Better Burger Fast Casual, Just Fresh Fast Casual, and Corporate.

 

The following are revenues and operating income (loss) from continuing operations by segment as of and for the periods presented. The Company does not aggregate or review non-current assets at the segment level.

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
Revenue:        
Hooters Full Service  $3,135,463   $3,173,912 
Better Burgers Fast Casual   5,316,287    5,551,651 
Just Fresh Fast Casual   1,383,257    1,361,213 
Corporate and Other   24,990    25,000 
   $9,859,997   $10,111,776 
           
Operating Income (Loss):          
Hooters Full Service  $(42,846)  $50,820 
Better Burgers Fast Casual   (169,110)   (68,397)
Just Fresh Fast Casual   63,640    (73,208)
Corporate and Other   (841,072)   (815,298)
   $(989,388)  $(906,083)
           
Depreciation and Amortization          
Hooters Full Service  $136,180   $129,277 
Better Burgers Fast Casual   376,631    365,131 
Just Fresh Fast Casual   79,726    75,123 
Corporate and Other   843    910 
   $593,380   $570,441 

 

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The following are revenues and operating income (loss) from continuing operations and non-current assets by geographic region as of and for the periods presented.

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
Revenue:        
United States  $7,912,094   $8,229,146 
South Africa   1,384,394    1,214,056 
Europe   563,509    668,574 
   $9,859,997   $10,111,776 
           
Operating Income (Loss):          
United States  $(941,072)  $(865,812)
South Africa   (57,061)   (60,057)
Europe   8,745    19,786 
   $(989,388)  $(906,083)

 

  March 31, 2017   December 31, 2016 
Non-current Assets:          
United States  $26,761,752   $26,812,062 
South Africa   2,517,644    2,519,135 
Europe   2,364,896    2,361,246 
   $31,644,292   $31,692,443 

 

14. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

On March 26, 2013, our South African operations received Notice of Motion filed in the Kwazulu-Natal High Court, Durban, Republic of South Africa, filed against Rolalor (PTY) LTD (“Rolalor”) and Labyrinth Trading 18 (PTY) LTD (“Labyrinth”) by Jennifer Catherine Mary Shaw (“Shaw”). Rolalor and Labyrinth were the original entities formed to operate the Johannesburg and Durban locations, respectively. On September 9, 2011, the assets and the then-disclosed liabilities of these entities were transferred to Tundraspex (PTY) LTD (“Tundraspex”) and Dimaflo (PTY) LTD (“Dimaflo”), respectively. The current entities, Tundraspex and Dimaflo are not parties in the lawsuit. Shaw is requesting that the Respondents, Rolalor and Labyrinth, be wound up in satisfaction of an alleged debt owed in the total amount of R4,082,636 (approximately $480,000). The two Notices were defended and argued in the High Court of South Africa (Durban) on January 31, 2014. Madam Justice Steryi dismissed the action with costs on May 5, 2014. Ms. Shaw appealed this decision and in December 2016, the Court dismissed the Labyrinth case with costs payable to the Company, and allowed the Rolalor case to proceed to liquidation. The Company did not object to the proposed liquidation of Rolalor as the entity has no assets and the Company does not expect there to be any material impact on the Company. No amounts have been accrued as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

On January 28, 2016, our Just Fresh subsidiary was notified that it had been served with a copyright infringement complaint, Kevin Chelko Photography, Inc. f. JF Restaurants, LLC, Case No. 3:13-CV-60-GCM (W.D. N.C.). The claim was filed in the United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina Charlotte Division and seeks unspecified damages related to the use of certain photographic assets allegedly in violation of the United States copyright laws. On January 19, 2017, the case was dismissed with no damages being awarded and no amounts have been reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2017 or December 31, 2016.

 

From time to time, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings and claims that have arisen in the ordinary course of business. These actions, when ultimately concluded and settled, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect upon the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the company.

 

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15. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

Management has evaluated all events and transactions that occurred from January 1, 2017 through the date these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were issued for subsequent events requiring recognition or disclosure in the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Issuance of $6 Million Non-Convertible Secured Debentures and Warrants; Repayment of $5 Million outstanding Notes to Florida Mezzanine Fund

 

On May 4, 2017 (“Closing Date”), pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement (“Purchase Agreement”), Chanticleer Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Chanticleer” or the “Company”) sold and issued 8% non-convertible secured debentures in the principal amount of $6,000,000 (“Debentures”) and warrants to purchase 12,000,000 shares of common stock (“Warrant Shares”) to accredited investors. The Debentures bear interest at a rate of 8% per annum, payable in cash quarterly in arrears. The Debentures mature on December 31, 2018. The Debentures contain customary negative covenants. The Warrants will expire on the tenth anniversary of the Closing Date and have an exercise price equal to $0.35, subject to adjustment therein. The Warrants are not exercisable until six months after the Closing Date. The Warrant Shares have registration rights, and, if not registered, the holders will have the right to cashless exercise.

 

Upon the occurrence of an event of default, in addition to holders having acceleration repayment rights, the holders shall have the right, on a pro-rata basis, to purchase the Company’s subsidiary, Little Big Burger, for $6,500,000. The purchasers were granted a right of first refusal as to future financing transactions of the Company for the term of the Debentures. Further, the Company has agreed to appoint one person selected by purchasers holding a majority of interest of the Debentures to its board of directors.

 

Pursuant to the Security Agreement dated May 4, 2017, the Debentures are secured by a second priority lien on all of the Company’s assets. Pursuant to the Subsidiary Guarantee dated May 4, 2017, all of the Company’s subsidiaries have guaranteed the Company’s performance of its obligations under the transaction documents.

 

In conjunction with the financing described above, the Company entered into a Satisfaction, Settlement and Release Agreement with Florida Mezzanine Fund LLLP, a Florida limited liability partnership (“Florida Mezz”), pursuant to which Florida Mezz agreed to release the Company from all claims and outstanding obligations pursuant to that certain Assumption Agreement dated June 30, 2014, as amended October 15, 2014 and October 22, 2016, and that certain Agreement dated May 23, 2016, as amended January 30, 2017, in exchange for payment of $5,000,000.

 

Five million of the net proceeds from the offering were remitted to Florida Mezz, $500,000 will be reserved to fund the opening of new stores, and the balance of $206,746, after transaction expenses, will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

NASDAQ Hearing and Reverse Split

 

As previously reported, we did not regain compliance with NASDAQ Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) and received a delisting determination from Nasdaq on February 14, 2017. We appealed the Staff’s determination to a hearings panel, which appeal stayed the suspension of our securities pending the panel’s decision. The hearing was held on March 30, 2017 and the panel extended the deadline for us to regain compliance with Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) to June 16, 2017.

 

Our Board of Directors previously approved a proposal for a reverse stock split at a ratio of 1-for-2 up to 1-for-10 which was included in our proxy statement filed in April 2017 and will be voted on by our shareholders at the upcoming Annual Meeting on Monday May 15, 2017. The Board retained discretion to determine the exact ratio of the split and to effect the split with the purpose of increasing the share price of our common stock to or above $1.00. The Company intends to effect the reverse split promptly after the annual meeting in late May 2017.

 

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ITEM 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements include projections, predictions, expectations or statements as to beliefs or future events or results or refer to other matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report are based on various factors and were derived using numerous assumptions. In some cases, you can identify these forward-looking statements by the words “anticipate”, “estimate”, “plan”, “project”, “continuing”, “ongoing”, “target”, “aim”, “expect”, “believe”, “intend”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “could”, or the negative of those words and other comparable words. You should be aware that those statements reflect only the Company’s predictions. If known or unknown risks or uncertainties should materialize, or if underlying assumptions should prove inaccurate, actual results could differ materially from past results and those anticipated, estimated or projected. You should bear this in mind when reading this Annual Report and not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to:

 

 

The quality of Company and franchise store operations and changes in sales volume;

 

Our ability to operate our business and generate profits. We have not been profitable to date;

     
  Inherent risks in expansion of operations, including our ability to acquire additional territories, generate profits from new restaurants, find suitable sites and develop and construct locations in a timely and cost-effective way;
     
  Inherent risks associated with acquiring and starting new restaurant concepts and store locations;
     
  General risk factors affecting the restaurant industry, including current economic climate, costs of labor and food prices;
     
  Intensive competition in our industry and competition with national, regional chains and independent restaurant operators;
     
  Our rights to operate and franchise the Hooters-branded restaurants are dependent on the Hooters’ franchise agreements;
     
  Our ability, and our dependence on the ability of our franchisees, to execute on our and their business plans effectively;
     
  Actions of our franchise partners or operating partners which could harm our business;
     
  Failure to protect our intellectual property rights, including the brand image of our restaurants;
     
  Changes in customer preferences and perceptions;
     
  Increases in costs, including food, rent, labor and energy prices;
     
  Our business and the growth of our Company is dependent on the skills and expertise of management and key personnel;
     
  Constraints could affect our ability to maintain competitive cost structure, including, but not limited to labor constraints;

 

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  Work stoppages at our restaurants or supplier facilities or other interruptions of production;
     
  Our food service business and the restaurant industry are subject to extensive government regulation;
     
 

We may be subject to significant foreign currency exchange controls in certain countries in which we operate;

 

  Inherent risk in foreign operations and currency fluctuations;
     
  Unusual expenses associated with our expansion into international markets;
     
  The risks associated with leasing space subject to long-term non-cancelable leases;
     
  We may not attain our target development goals and aggressive development could cannibalize existing sales;
     
  Current conditions in the global financial markets and the distressed economy;
     
  A decline in market share or failure to achieve growth;
     
  Negative publicity about the ingredients we use, or the potential occurrence of food-borne illnesses or other problems at our restaurants;
     
  Breaches of security of confidential consumer information related to our electronic processing of credit and debit card transactions;
     
  Unusual or significant litigation, governmental investigations or adverse publicity, or otherwise;
     
  Our debt financing agreements expose us to interest rate risks, contain obligations that may limit the flexibility of our operations, and may limit our ability to raise additional capital;
     
  Adverse effects on our results from a decrease in or cessation or clawback of government incentives related to investments; and
     
  Adverse effects on our operations resulting from certain geo-political or other events.

 

You should also consider carefully the Risk Factors contained in Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report and Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016, which address additional factors that could cause its actual results to differ from those set forth in the forward-looking statements and could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition. The risks discussed in this Quarterly Report and the Annual Report are factors that, individually or in the aggregate, the Company believes could cause its actual results to differ materially from expected and historical results. You should understand that it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors. Consequently, you should not consider such disclosures to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties.

 

The forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and, except to the extent required by federal securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. In addition, the Company cannot assess the impact of each factor on its business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statements.

 

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Management’s Analysis of Business

 

We are in the business of owning, operating and franchising fast casual and full service dining concepts in the United States and internationally. As of March 31, 2017, our system-wide store count totaled 58 locations, consisting of 44 company-owned locations and 14 franchisee-operated locations as summarized below:

 

   As of March 31, 2017 
   Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of Total 
Store Count                              
Company   28    7    9    -    44    75.9%
Franchise   14    -    -    -    14    24.1%
Total   42    7    9    -    58    100.0%

 

   As of March 31, 2016 
   Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of Total 
Store Count                              
Company   27    8    9    -    44    77.2%
Franchise   13    -    -    -    13    22.8%
Total   40    8    9    -    57    100.0%

 

We own, operate and franchise a system-wide total of 42 fast casual restaurants specializing the “Better Burger” category of which 28 are company-owned and 14 are operated by franchisees under franchise agreements. American Burger Company (“ABC”) is a fast casual dining chain consisting of 9 locations in New York and the Carolinas, known for its diverse menu featuring, customized burgers, milk shakes, sandwiches, fresh salads and beer and wine. BGR: The Burger Joint (“BGR”), consists of 10 company-owned locations in the United States and 14 franchisee-operated locations in the United States and the Middle East. Little Big Burger (“LBB”) consists of 90 locations in Oregon.

 

We also own and operate Just Fresh, our healthier eating fast casual concept with 7 company owned locations in Charlotte, North Carolina. Just Fresh offers fresh-squeezed juices, gourmet coffee, fresh-baked goods and premium-quality, made-to-order sandwiches, salads and soups.

 

We own and operate 9 Hooters full service restaurants in the United States, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Hooters restaurants are casual beach-themed establishments featuring music, sports on large flat screens, and a menu that includes seafood, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and of course, Hooters original chicken wings and the “nearly world famous” Hooters Girls.

 

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2017 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 2016

 

Our results of operations are summarized below:

 

   Three Months Ended     
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016     
   Amount   % of Revenue*   Amount   % of Revenue*   % Change 
                     
Restaurant sales, net  $9,653,154        $9,804,690         -1.5%
Gaming income, net   106,067         99,534         6.6%
Management fee income   24,990         25,000         0.0%
Franchise income   75,786         182,552         -58.5%
Total revenue   9,859,997         10,111,776         -2.5%
                          
Expenses:                         
Restaurant cost of sales   3,191,390    33.1%   3,249,970    33.1%   -1.8%
Restaurant operating expenses   5,674,560    58.8%   5,515,013    56.2%   2.9%
Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses   14,435    0.1%   7,555    0.1%   91.1%
General and administrative   1,375,620    14.0%   1,674,880    16.6%   -17.9%
Depreciation and amortization   593,380    6.0%   570,441    5.6%   4.0%
Total expenses   10,849,385    110.0%   11,017,859    109.0%   -1.5%
Operating loss from continuing operations  $(989,388)       $(906,083)        9.2%

 

* Restaurant cost of sales, operating expenses and pre-opening and closing expense percentages are based on restaurant sales, net. Other percentages are based on total revenue.

 

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Revenue

 

Total revenue from continuing operations decreased 2.5% to $9.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $10.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Revenues by concept and revenue type and a breakdown of system-wide store count are further summarized below:

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 
Revenue  Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of Total 
Restaurant sales, net  $5,240,501    1,383,257    3,029,396   $-   $9,653,154    97.9%
Gaming income, net   -    -    106,067    -    106,067    1.1%
Management fees   -    -    -    24,990    24,990    0.3%
Franchise income   75,786    -    -    -    75,786    0.8%
Total revenue  $5,316,287   $1,383,257   $3,135,463   $24,990   $9,859,997    100.0%

 

   Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 
Revenue  Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of Total 
Restaurant sales, net  $5,369,099    1,361,213    3,074,378   $-   $9,804,690    97.0%
Gaming income, net   -    -    99,534    -    99,534    1.0%
Management fees   -    -    -    25,000    25,000    0.2%
Franchise income   182,552    -    -    -    182,552    1.8%
Total revenue  $5,551,651   $1,361,213   $3,173,912   $25,000   $10,111,776    100.0%

 

   % Change in Revenues Quarter over Quarter         
Revenue  Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total         
Restaurant sales, net   -2.4%   1.6%   -1.5%   -    -1.5%        
Gaming income, net   -    -    6.6%   -    6.6%        
Management fees   -    -    -    0.0%   0.0%        
Franchise income   -58.5%   -    -    -    -58.5%        
Total revenue   -4.2%   1.6%   6.6%   0.0%   -2.5%        

 

Restaurant revenues from continuing operations decreased 1.5 % to $9.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $9.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

  Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Better Burger Group decreased 2.4% to $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $5.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decrease was attributable to the loss of approximately 4 operating days due to unusual weather in the Pacific Northwest, combined with slower than normal traffic in January and February in the Charlotte and Washington DC markets. Those decreases were partially offset by increased restaurant revenue from the opening of one new Little Big Burger store during January.
     
  Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Just Fresh Group increased 1.6% to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Revenue growth resulted from primarily the addition of one new location in mid-January 2016, partially offset by a reduction in days of operation at the East Boulevard location which we reduced from seven days per week to five to improve operating margins.
     
  Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Hooter’s restaurants decreased 1.5% to $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $3.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Revenue increased by 14% in South Africa primarily due to favorable foreign currency rates as compared with the prior year. In the United Kingdom, revenue declined 16%, primarily due to unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates as compared to prior year. Revenue from Hooters in United States declined 9%, primarily as a result of unfavorable weather in the Pacific Northwest during the current year with the loss of approximately 4 operating days and slower than normal traffic during January and February.

 

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Gaming revenue increased 6.6% due to increased play as a result of recent upgrades to the VLT terminals at our Hooters locations in the Pacific Northwest over the past year. The favorable effects of the upgrades were partially offset by unfavorable weather in the current year.

 

Franchise revenue decreased 58.5% to $76 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $183 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The decline in franchise revenue is primarily due to limited new franchising activity in the current period while the BGR groups is undertaking a comprehensive rebranding process to improve their store design and offerings, combined with a decline in international royalties.

 

Management fee revenue was unchanged at $25,000 in each period. The Company earns management fees for its CEO serving on the Board of Directors of Hooters of America.

 

Cost of Restaurant sales

 

Cost of restaurant sales decreased 1.8% to $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $3.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

   Three Months Ended     
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016     
Cost of Restaurant Sales  Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales   Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales   % Change 
Better Burgers Fast Casual  $1,700,460    32.4%  $1,735,074    32.3%   -2.0%
Just Fresh Fast Casual   442,416    32.0%   490,012    36.0%   -9.7%
Hooters Full Service   1,048,514    34.6%   1,024,884    33.3%   2.3%
   $3,191,390    33.1%  $3,249,970    33.1%   -1.8%

 

Cost of restaurant sales remained flat at 33.1% of net restaurant revenues for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 33.1% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Cost of sales improved at Just Fresh from 36.0% to 32.0%, while cost of goods increased slightly at both our Burger Group and Hooters as a percent of revenue.

 

 

Restaurant operating expenses

 

Restaurant operating expenses increased 2.9% to $5.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $5.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

Our restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales for each region of operations is included in the following table:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016     
Operating Expenses  Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales   Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales   % Change 
Better Burgers Fast Casual  $3,068,269    58.5%  $2,946,122    54.9%   4.1%
Just Fresh Fast Casual   708,972    51.3%   728,022    53.5%   -2.6%
Hooters Full Service   1,897,319    62.6%   1,840,869    59.9%   3.1%
   $5,674,560    58.8%  $5,515,013    56.2%   2.9%

 

As a percent of restaurant revenues, operating expenses increased to 58.8% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from 56.2% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Operating expenses increased primarily due to the additional operating expenses from the opening of the new Little Big Burger store in January 2017.

 

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Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses

 

Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses decreased to $14 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $8 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The preopening costs in the current period were primarily related to pre-opening payroll and other expenses for our Little Big Burger opening in Portland that occurred in January 2017.

 

General and Administrative Expense (“G&A”)

 

G&A decreased 17.9% to $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. Significant components of G&A are summarized as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 
Audit, legal and other professional services  $366,906   $368,013 
Salary and benefits   545,839    652,503 
Consulting and other fees   36,987    157,992 
Travel and entertainment   60,065    77,216 
Shareholder services and fees   51,819    15,674 
Advertising, Insurance and other   314,004    403,482 
 Total G&A Expenses  $1,375,620   $1,674,880 

 

As a percentage of total revenue, G&A decreased to 14.0% for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from 16.6% for the three months ended March 31, 2016.

 

For the current period, approximately 63% of G&A is attributable to Corporate overhead, including salaries, travel, audit, legal and other public company costs. Approximately 37% of total G&A attributable to regional management, franchising, marketing, advertising, and other administrative activities within the Better Burger group, Hooters, and Just Fresh.

 

The improvement in G&A is primarily due to reductions in regional management and administrative staffing as the Company has continued to streamline and integrate its operations. The Company is also in process of implementing a new enterprise-wide accounting platform and point of sale system across the majority of the company’s locations which increased G&A spending in the current period.

 

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Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was essentially unchanged at $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

Other income (expense) consisted of the following:

 

   Three Months Ended 
Other Income (Expense)  March 31, 2017   September 30, 2015   % Change 
Interest expense  $(404,136)  $(600,926)   -32.7%
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities   -    615,662    -100.0%
Loss on extinguishment of debt   (362,822)   -    na 
Total other (expense) income   12,234    7,736    58.1%
Total Other Income (Expense)  $(754,724)  $22,472    -3458.4%

 

Other expense, net changed to a net expense of $0.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from income of $22 thousand for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The change in other expenses, net was primarily due to lower interest expense, partially offset by a loss on extinguishment of debt in 2017 and inclusion of $0.6 million positive change in fair value of non-cash derivative liabilities in the prior year.

 

Interest expense decreased 32.7% to $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 from $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The reduction in interest are primarily due to lower non-cash amortization of debt discounts.

 

The Company recognized changes in the fair value of derivative liabilities totaling $0.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. This is a non-cash income or expense associated with our convertible debt and is adjusted quarterly based primarily on the change in the fair value of the price of the Company’s common stock. The Company does not have derivative liabilities in 2017.

 

During March 2017, the Company modified the terms of certain of its convertible notes resulting in a non-cash loss of $0.4 million from extinguishment accounting.

 

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND GOING CONCERN

 

As of March 31, 2017, our cash balance was $4.8 million, our working capital was negative $5.4 million. The level of additional cash needed to fund operations and our ability to conduct business for the next twelve months will be influenced primarily by the following factors:

 

  our ability to access the capital and debt markets to satisfy current obligations and operate the business;
     
  our ability to refinance or otherwise extend maturities of current debt obligations;
     
  the level of investment in acquisition of new restaurant businesses and entering new markets;
     
  our ability to manage our operating expenses and maintain gross margins as we grow:
     
  popularity of and demand for our fast-casual dining concepts; and
     
  general economic conditions and changes in consumer discretionary income.

 

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We have typically funded our operating costs, acquisition activities, working capital requirements and capital expenditures with proceeds from the issuances of our common stock and other financing arrangements, including convertible debt, lines of credit, notes payable, capital leases, and other forms of external financing.

 

Our operating plans for the next twelve months contemplate moderate organic growth, opening 6-10 new company stores within our current markets and restaurant concepts, the majority of which will utilize funds already committed from outside investors. As we execute our growth plans over the next twelve months, we intend to carefully monitor the impact of growth on our working capital needs and cash balances relative to the availability of cost-effective debt and equity financing.

 

We have obligations that are currently due or otherwise payable within the next twelve months from date of issuance of these financial statements. In the event that capital is not available, we may then have to scale back or freeze our growth plans, sell assets on less than favorable terms, reduce expenses, and/or curtail future acquisition plans to manage our liquidity and capital resources. We may also incur financial penalties or other negative actions from our lenders if we are not able to refinance or otherwise extend or repay our current obligations or obtain waivers.

 

During March 2017, we extended the payment terms of our convertible debt obligations. During May 2017, we completed a new $6 million private placement of 8% debentures and warrants, the proceeds of which were used to repay the $5 million note payable to Florida Mezzanine Fund that had been in default, and to provide additional working capital for new store openings.

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments relating to the recoverability and classification of recorded asset amounts and classification of liabilities that might be necessary should the Company be unable to continue as a going concern.

 

In addition, our business is subject to additional risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, those described Part II, Item 1A of this Quarterly Report and in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report filed on Form 10-K for the period ended December 31, 2016. “Risk Factors”.

 

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparation of these statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by the application of our accounting policies. Critical accounting policies are those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often as a result of the need to make estimates about the effects of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. A summary of significant accounting policies and a description of accounting policies that are considered critical may be found in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on March 31, 2017, in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 1, and the Critical Accounting Policies section of Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Item 3: QUANTITATIVE and QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable.

 

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Item 4: Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Under the PCAOB standards, a control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit the attention by those responsible for oversight of the company’s financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such terms are defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”), as of March 31, 2017. Our management has determined that, as of March 31, 2017 the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were not effective.

 

Management’s report on internal control over financial reporting

 

Management Responsibility for Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company’s management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with the United States’ generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP), including those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

Management’s Evaluation of Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Management evaluated our internal control over financial reporting as of March 31, 2017. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. As a result of this assessment and based on the criteria in this framework, management has concluded that, as March 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective.

 

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Material Weaknesses

 

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

Management identified the following deficiencies in its internal control over financial reporting:

 

  As the Company completed multiple acquisitions in a short period of time over the past two years, it has operated multiple accounting systems using disparate charts of accounts and inconsistent financial close procedures and timetables. The lack of consistency makes it more difficult to ensure that the consolidated financial records are completed timely and on a consistent basis each reporting period, which increases the risk of undetected errors.
     
  The Company’s financial close procedures are not formally documented across the organization to the degree necessary to ensure that financial statements are prepared consistently and accurately each reporting period.
     
  The Company’s information systems, as well as the organization and storage of critical financial records, were not deemed adequate to ensure the timely ability to recover from a disaster or prevent the accidental loss of critical financial records.
     
  The Company’s financial statements include complex transactions and financial instruments that are subject to extensive technical accounting standards that increase the risk of undetected errors and where the Company’s internal resources do not possess deep technical specialization.
     
  The Company performs extensive reconciliation and manual review procedures to ensure that the financial statements results are accurately presented, however, there is inconsistent and informal documentation of those review procedures.

 

Management determined that the deficiencies, evaluated in the aggregate, could potentially result in a material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements in a future annual or interim period that would not be prevented or detected. Therefore, the deficiencies constitute material weaknesses in internal control. Based on that evaluation, management determined that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of March 31, 2017.

 

Remediation Plans

 

We have initiated several steps and plan to continue to evaluate and implement measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting in order to remediate the control deficiencies noted above.

 

While our evaluation of the appropriate remediation plans is still ongoing, efforts to date have included recruiting additional qualified personnel with experience in financial reporting and internal control. During 2016, the Company took steps to standardize its chart of accounts and accounting procedures. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company made changes to its accounting staffing and implemented a new enterprise wide accounting system at the majority of its operations to further standardize accounting procedures and reporting and address the information system weaknesses identified.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting — The Company is implementing changes to its accounting systems internal processes and policies to further standardize the internal control over financial reporting with respect to the monitoring, reporting and consolidation of the financial results of the acquired operations into the Company’s financial statements During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company made changes to its accounting systems and its internal control over financial reporting that it expects to improve its internal control over financial reporting in future periods when fully implemented.

 

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

We are subject to various legal proceedings from time to time in the ordinary course of business, which may not be required to be disclosed under this Item 1. For the three month period ending March 31, 2017 covered by this Quarterly Report, there have been no reportable legal proceedings or material developments to previously reported legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,2016 (“Risk Factors”). Readers should carefully consider thee Risk Factors, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. These Risk Factors are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.

 

ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Not applicable

 

ITEM 3: DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

The Company was in technical default under notes payable in the amount of $5.0 million as of March 31, 2017. Those defaults ceased with the repayment of the $5.0 million note in May 2017.

 

ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6: EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
101.INS*   XBRL Instance Document
     
101.SCH*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
     
101.CAL*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
     
101.DEF*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
     
101.LAB*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
     
101.PRE*   XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

 

XBRL (Extensible Business Reporting Language) information is furnished and not filed or a part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, is deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

In accordance with SEC Release 33-8238, Exhibits 32.1 and 32.2 are furnished and not filed.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

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

 

  CHANTICLEER HOLDINGS, INC.
     
Date: May 15, 2017 By: /s/ Michael D. Pruitt
    Michael D. Pruitt
    Chief Executive Officer
    (Principal Executive Officer)
     
    /s/ Eric S. Lederer
    Eric S. Lederer
    Chief Financial Officer
    (Principal Accounting Officer)

 

 

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