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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: September 30, 2018

 

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 [X] 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 November 9, 2018 was 3,715,404 shares.

 

 

 

   

 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

INDEX

 

    Page No.
     
Part I Financial Information 3
     
Item 1: Financial Statements 3
     
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2018 (Unaudited) and December 31, 2017 3
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited) – For the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 4
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss (Unaudited) - For the Three and Nine Months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 5
  Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) – For the Nine Months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 6
  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) 8
Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 25
Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 38
Item 4: Controls and Procedures 39
     
Part II Other Information 40
     
Item 1: Legal Proceedings 40
Item 1A: Risk Factors 40
Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 40
Item 3: Defaults Upon Senior Securities 41
Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures 41
Item 5: Other Information 41
Item 6: Exhibits 41
     
Signatures   42

 

  2

 

 

Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1: FINANCIAL StatemenTS

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   (Unaudited)     
   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
ASSETS        
Current assets:          
Cash  $1,091,519   $272,976 
Restricted cash   6,085    165,517 
Accounts and other receivables, net   365,030    475,988 
Inventories   407,611    460,756 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   316,835    324,324 
Assets held for sale, net   -    100,000 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS   2,187,080    1,799,561 
Property and equipment, net   9,532,367    8,548,592 
Goodwill   11,334,910    12,647,806 
Intangible assets, net   5,462,733    5,896,732 
Investment, at cost   800,000    800,000 
Deposits and other assets   449,310    490,328 
TOTAL ASSETS  $29,766,400   $30,183,019 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $7,110,982   $5,797,252 
Current maturities of long-term debt and notes payable, net of unamortized discount and deferred financing costs of $293,347 and $1,173,190, respectively   6,333,132    5,741,911 
Current maturities of convertible notes payable   3,000,000    3,000,000 
Due to related parties   191,226    191,850 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES   16,635,340    14,731,013 
Convertible notes payable, net of unamortized debt premium of $0 and $12,256, respectively   -    212,256 
Redeemable preferred stock: no par value;authorized 5,000,000 shares; 62,876 shares issued and outstanding, net of unamortized discount of $182,610 and $208,697, respectively   666,216    640,129 
Deferred rent   2,102,071    2,156,378 
Deferred tax liabilities   -    779,359 
Deferred revenue   1,195,216    175,000 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   20,598,843    18,694,135 
Commitments and contingencies          
Stockholders’ equity:          
Common stock: $0.0001 par value; authorized 45,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,706,563 and 3,045,809 shares, respectively   372    305 
Additional paid-in capital   63,217,471    60,750,330 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (140,678)   (934,901)
Accumulated deficit   (54,831,438)   (49,109,303)
Total Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. Stockholders’ Equity   8,245,727    10,706,431 
Non-controlling interests   921,830    782,453 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY   9,167,557    11,488,884 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  $29,766,400   $30,183,019 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  3

 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
Revenue:                
Restaurant sales, net  $9,848,302   $10,479,274   $29,802,969   $30,657,215 
Gaming income, net   111,301    115,267    285,578    328,855 
Management fee income   24,999    24,999    74,997    74,982 
Franchise income   113,798    105,823    330,295    289,626 
Total revenue   10,098,400    10,725,363    30,493,839    31,350,678 
Expenses:                    
Restaurant cost of sales   3,259,223    3,605,213    9,912,091    10,376,160 
Restaurant operating expenses   5,781,284    6,119,561    17,008,047    17,649,532 
Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses   113,000    34,349    312,652    139,545 
General and administrative expenses   1,092,529    952,959    3,407,612    3,413,001 
Asset impairment charge   -    838,928    1,731,267    1,472,890 
Depreciation and amortization   523,680    572,798    1,594,673    1,768,837 
Total operating expenses   10,769,716    12,123,808    33,966,342    34,819,965 
Operating loss   (671,316)   (1,398,445)   (3,472,503)   (3,469,287)
Other (expense) income                    
Interest expense   (630,223)   (462,870)   (1,895,162)   (1,946,712)
Loss on debt refinancing   -    -    -    (95,310)
Other income (expense)   (223,439)   37,838    (217,949)   50,050 
Total other expense   (853,662)   (425,032)   (2,113,111)   (1,991,972)
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes   (1,524,978)   (1,823,477)   (5,585,614)   (5,461,259)
Income tax benefit (expense)   206,366    (56,070)   779,361    (169,398)
Consolidated net loss   (1,318,612)   (1,879,547)   (4,806,253)   (5,630,657)
Less net loss attributable to non-controlling interest:   80,737    168,772    210,484    245,943 
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.  $(1,237,875)  $(1,710,775)  $(4,595,769)  $(5,384,714)
Dividends on redeemable preferred stock   (28,219)   (28,219)   (84,020)   (79,988)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders of Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.  $(1,266,094)  $(1,738,994)  $(4,679,789)  $(5,464,702)
                     
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. per common                    
share, basic and diluted:  $(0.34)  $(0.70)  $(1.35)  $(2.42)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   3,704,800    2,501,534    3,457,145    2,258,013 

 

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   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
                 
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.  $(1,237,875)  $(1,710,775)  $(4,595,769)  $(5,384,714)
Foreign currency translation gain (loss)   (30,718)   142,339    794,223    189,170 
Comprehensive loss  $(1,128,593)  $(1,568,436)  $(3,801,546)  $(5,195,544)

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  5

 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss  $(4,806,253)  $(5,630,657)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   1,594,673    1,768,837 
Loss on extinguishment of debt   -    95,310 
Asset impairment charge   1,731,267    1,472,890 
Loss on investments   45,932    - 
Common stock and warrants issued for services   129,767    217,816 
Amortization of debt discount   893,873    501,126 
Change in assets and liabilities:          
Accounts and other receivables   114,007    249,255 
Prepaid and other assets   2,767    50,667 
Inventory   72,802    23,872 
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   1,346,910    1,048,468 
Related party payables   (624)   - 
Deferred revenue   (22,130)   - 
Deferred income taxes   (779,359)   105,729 
Deferred rent   (54,307)   109,219 
Net cash provided by operating activities   269,325    12,532 
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Purchase of property and equipment   (1,698,747)   (1,323,066)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired   (30,000)   - 
Net cash used in investing activities   (1,728,747)   (1,323,066)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Proceeds from sale of common stock and warrants   1,687,184    - 
Proceeds from sale of preferred stock   -    591,651 
Payments related to sale of preferred stock   -    (243,480)
Loan proceeds   -    6,594,535 
Payment of deferred financing costs   -    (293,294)
Loan repayments   (270,579)   (5,706,774)
Capital lease payments   -    (20,916)
Distributions to non-controlling interest   (101,163)   - 
Contributions of non-controlling interest   800,000    675,000 
Net cash provided by financing activities   2,115,442    1,596,722 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   3,091    (8,440)
Net increase in cash and restricted cash   659,111    277,748 
Cash and restricted cash, beginning of period   438,493    268,575 
Cash and restricted cash, end of period  $1,097,604   $546,323 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  6

 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
         
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Cash paid for interest and income taxes:          
Interest  $407,573   $601,972 
Income taxes   88,748    6,532 
           
Non-cash investing and financing activities:          
Convertible debt settled through issuance of common stock  $200,000   $625,000 
Accrued interest settled through issuance of convertible debt   -    95,107 
Preferred stock dividends paid through issuance of common stock   57,933    34,377 
Common stock issued in connection with working capital adjustment        27,018 
           
Purchases of businesses:          
Current assets excluding cash  $9,580   $- 
Property and equipment   30,000    - 
Note payable   (9,580)   - 
Cash paid for acquistions  $30,000   $- 

 

See accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

  7

 

 

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.

 

Name 

Jurisdiction of

Incorporation

  Percent Owned 
CHANTICLEER HOLDINGS, INC.  DE, USA     
Burger Business        
American Roadside Burgers, Inc.  DE, USA   100%
ARB Stores        
American Burger Ally, LLC  NC, USA   100%
American Burger Morehead, LLC  NC, USA   100%
American Burger Prosperity, LLC  NC, USA   50%
American Roadside Burgers Smithtown, Inc.  DE, USA   100%
American Roadside McBee, LLC  NC, USA   100%
American Roadside Southpark LLC  NC, USA   100%
BGR Acquisition, LLC  NC, USA   100%
BGR Franchising, LLC  VA, USA   100%
BGR Operations, LLC  VA, USA   100%
BGR Acquisition 1, LLC  NC, USA   100%
BGR Annapolis, LLC  MD, USA   100%
BGR Arlington, LLC  VA, USA   100%
BGR Columbia, LLC  MD, USA   100%
BGR Dupont, LLC  DC, USA   100%
BGR Michigan Ave, LLC  DC, USA   100%
BGR Mosaic, LLC  VA, USA   100%
BGR Old Keene Mill, LLC  VA, USA   100%
BGR Springfield Mall, LLC  VA, USA   100%
BGR Tysons, LLC  VA, USA   100%
BGR Washingtonian, LLC  MD, USA   100%
Capitol Burger, LLC  MD, USA   100%
BT Burger Acquisition, LLC  NC, USA   100%
BT’s Burgerjoint Rivergate LLC  NC, USA   100%
BT’s Burgerjoint Sun Valley, LLC  NC, USA   100%
LBB Acquisition, LLC  NC, USA   100%
Cuarto LLC  OR, USA   100%
LBB Acquisition 1 LLC  OR, USA   100%
LBB Capitol Hill LLC  WA, USA   50%
LBB Franchising LLC  NC, USA   100%
LBB Green Lake LLC  OR, USA   50%
LBB Hassalo LLC  OR, USA   80%
LBB Lake Oswego LLC  OR, USA   100%
LBB Magnolia Plaza LLC  NC, USA   50%
LBB Multnomah Village LLC  OR, USA   50%
LBB Platform LLC  OR, USA   80%

 

  8

 

 

LBB Progress Ridge LLC  OR, USA   50%
LBB Rea Farms LLC  NC, USA   50%
LBB Wallingford LLC  WA, 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%
         
Just Fresh        
JF Franchising Systems, LLC  NC, USA   56%
JF Restaurants, LLC  NC, USA   56%
         
West Coast Hooters        
Jantzen Beach Wings, LLC  OR, USA   100%
Oregon Owl’s Nest, LLC  OR, USA   100%
Tacoma Wings, LLC  WA, USA   100%
         
South African Entities        
Chanticleer South Africa (Pty) Ltd.  South Africa   100%
Hooters Emperors Palace (Pty.) Ltd.  South Africa   88%
Hooters On The Buzz (Pty) Ltd  South Africa   95%
Hooters Ruimsig (Pty) Ltd.  South Africa   100%
Hooters SA (Pty) Ltd  South Africa   78%
Hooters Umhlanga (Pty.) Ltd.  South Africa   90%
Hooters Willows Crossing (Pty) Ltd  South Africa   100%
         
European Entities        
Chanticleer Holdings Limited  Jersey   100%
West End Wings LTD  United Kingdom   100%

 

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 U.S. 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 nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 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 generally accepted accounting principles of the United States (“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, 2017 filed with the SEC on March 30, 2018. Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

  9

 

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

As of September 30, 2018, our cash balance was $1.1 million, our working capital was negative $14.3 million and we have significant near-term commitments and contractual obligations. 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 opening seven to ten additional company owned stores as well as growing our franchising businesses at Little Big Burger and BGR. We have contractual commitments related to current store construction of approximately $0.7 million, of which we expect approximately $0.2 million to be funded by private investors and approximately $0.5 million will be funded internally by the Company. We also have $9.3 million of debt obligations due on demand or within the next 3 months plus interest. In addition, if our lenders were to assess default interest and penalties, our obligations could be accelerated and additional interest and penalties of approximately $1.3 million could potentially be assessed. We expect to be able to extend or refinance our current debt obligations and are also exploring the sale of certain assets to reduce debt. In May 2018, the Company completed the sale of 403,214 shares of common stock at a price of $3.50 per common share for proceeds of $1.4 million. In January 2018, the Company received net proceeds of $290,000 from the exercise of 100,000 common stock warrants. During the first nine months of 2018, the Company also received $0.8 million in contributions from non-controlling interests for new store construction. However, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to refinance our long-term debt, sell assets or raise additional capital.

 

As we execute our growth plans over the next 12 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. In the event that capital is not available or we are unable to refinance our debt obligations or obtain waivers, we may then have to scale back or freeze our organic 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. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

 

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.

 

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, 2017.

 

  10

 

 

USE OF ESTIMATES

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP 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

 

The Company accounts for revenue in accordance with Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”.

 

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 tax, 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 revenue 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 which are generally earned and recognized upon receipt.

 

Gaming Income

 

The Company receives revenue from operating a gaming facility adjacent to its Hooters restaurant in Jantzen Beach, Oregon. Revenue from gaming is recognized as earned from gaming activities, net of payouts to customers, taxes and government fees. These fees are recognized as they are earned based on the terms of the agreements.

 

Franchise Income

 

The Company grants franchises to operators in exchange for initial franchise license fees and continuing royalty payments. The license granted for each restaurant or area is considered a performance obligation. All other obligations (such as providing assistance during the opening of a restaurant) are combined with the license and were determined to be a single performance obligation. Accordingly, the total transaction price (comprised of the restaurant opening and territory fees) is allocated to each restaurant expected to be opened by the licensee under the contract. There are significant judgments regarding the estimated total transaction price, including the number of stores expected to be opened. We recognize the fee allocated to each restaurant as revenue on a straight-line basis over the restaurant’s license term, which generally begins upon the signing of the contract for area development agreements and upon the signing of a store lease for franchise agreements. The payments for these upfront fees are generally received upon contract execution. Continuing fees, which are based upon a percentage of franchisee revenues and are not subject to any constraints, are recognized on the accrual basis as those sales occur. The payments for these continuing fees are generally made on a weekly basis.

 

Revenue recognized for the three and nine-month periods ended September 30, 2018 under ASC-606 and revenue that would have been recognized had ASC-605 been applied is as follows:

 

  11

 

 

   Three Months Ended September 30, 2018   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 
   As reported under ASC-606   If reported under ASC-605   Increase   As reported under ASC-606   If reported under ASC-605   Increase 
Restaurant sales, net  $9,848,302   $9,848,302   $-   $29,802,969   $29,802,969   $- 
Gaming income, net   111,301    111,301    -    285,578    285,578    - 
Management fee income   24,999    24,999    -    74,997    74,997    - 
Franchise income   113,798    93,088    20,710    330,295    268,165    62,130 
Total Revenue  $10,098,400   $10,077,690   $20,710   $30,493,839   $30,431,709   $62,130 

 

Prior to the adoption of ASC-606, the Company’s initial fees were recorded as deferred revenue when received and proportionate amounts were recognized as revenue when certain milestones such as completion of employee training, lease signing and store opening were met with the adoption of ASC 606, such initial fees are deferred and recognized over the franchise license term.

 

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 and convertible notes payable as of September 30, 2018 and 2017 that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share since the effect would be antidilutive.

 

   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
Warrants   2,571,829    1,862,758 
Convertible notes   300,000    366,667 
Total   2,871,829    2,229,425 

 

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”. The FASB has also issued additional related standards (ASU’s 2015-14, 2016-08, 2016-10, 2016-12, 2016-20) all of which superseded the existing revenue recognition guidance and provides a new framework for recognizing revenue. The core principle of the new standard is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. The new standard also requires significantly more comprehensive disclosures than the existing standard. Guidance subsequent to ASU 2014-09 has been issued to clarify various provisions in the standard, including principal versus agent considerations, identifying performance obligations, licensing transactions, as well as various technical corrections and improvements. This standard may be adopted using either a retrospective or modified retrospective method. Early adoption is permitted.

 

The Company adopted the new revenue standard effective January 1, 2018 utilizing the modified retrospective approach. The adoption did not have a significant effect on restaurant sales, gaming income or management fees or to sales-based royalty revenue.

 

  12

 

 

However, the pattern and timing of revenue recognition related to the fixed fees associated with our franchise agreements (such as restaurant opening and development area fees) are significantly different from period prior to adoption. Effective for franchise agreements entered into after January 1, 2018, and for existing agreements with terms extending beyond January 1, 2018, the license granted for each restaurant is considered a performance obligation. All other promises (such as providing assistance during the opening of a restaurant) are combined with the license and considered as a single performance obligation. Accordingly, the total transaction price (comprised of the restaurant opening and territory fees) is allocated to each restaurant expected to be opened by the licensee under the contract. We recognize the fee allocated to each restaurant as revenue on a straight-line basis over the restaurant’s license term, which generally begins upon the signing of the license/franchise agreement for area development agreements and upon signing of a store lease for franchise agreements.

 

The adoption resulted in a decrease to retained earnings of approximately $1.1 million on the transition date with a corresponding increase of $1.1 million in deferred revenue. The Company recognized an additional $21 thousand and $62 thousand in franchise income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, as a result of the change in accounting policy.

 

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 is currently evaluating the impact this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements and are in process of accumulating and analyzing the leases to be recognized as right to use assets and liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet upon adoption. The Company has not completed its evaluation or quantified the impact that adoption of ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements. However, management does expect there to be a material increase in both assets and liabilities reflected on its consolidated balance sheets as a result of adoption on January 1, 2019 with the majority of leases currently classified as operating being reflected as right to use assets and capital lease obligations on the consolidated balance sheet under the new standard.

 

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 adopted ASU 2017-04 effective January 1, 2018 and it did not have any effect on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) adopted the final rule under SEC Release No. 33-10532, “Disclosure Update and Simplification,” amending certain disclosure requirements that were redundant, duplicative, overlapping, outdated or superseded. In addition, the amendments expanded the disclosure requirements on the analysis of stockholders’ equity for interim financial statements. Under the amendments, an analysis of changes in each caption of stockholders’ equity presented in the balance sheet must be provided in a note or separate statement. The analysis should present a reconciliation of the beginning balance to the ending balance of each period for which a statement of comprehensive income is required to be filed. The final rule is effective for all filings made on and after November 5, 2018. Given the effective date and proximity to most filers’ quarterly reports, the SEC is not objecting to filers deferring the presentation of changes in stockholders’ equity in their quarterly reports on Forms 10-Q until the quarter that begins after November 5, 2018. The Company anticipates its first presentation of changes in stockholders’ equity will be included in its quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

 

  13

 

 

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 required, by the Company. At September 30, 2018, 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

 

On March 7, 2018, the Company entered into an agreement to purchase two BGR franchise locations in Maryland. The Company closed on the purchase of the Annapolis, MD location in the first quarter of 2018 and the results of that store are included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company closed on the Colombia, MD location as of October 1, 2018, subsequent to the date of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Total consideration consisted of $30,000 in cash paid and a seller note of $9,580 upon the closing of the first location (reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements) and $20,000 in cash and a seller note of $186,767 upon closing of the second location in October (not reflected in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018).

 

The Company allocates the purchase price as of the date of acquisition based on the estimated fair value of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities. The purchase accounting for the Annapolis location was considered preliminary as of September 30, 2018 and is expected to be finalized in the fourth quarter in connection with completion of the transaction to purchase the Colombia location. No proforma information was included as the proforma impact of the acquisition is not material to the condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 2018.

 

4. ASSETS HELD FOR SALE

 

The Company entered into Letters of Intent for the sale of its Hooters Nottingham and Hooters Tacoma locations in the first quarter of 2018 and the assets of those operations were reclassified to Assets Held for Sale with impairment charges recognized totaling $1.7 million recognized in the first six months of 2018. The impairment charges primarily consisted of impairment of goodwill and reversal of approximately $720 thousand of foreign exchange losses previously classified in Other Comprehensive loss.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the letters of intent for Hooters Nottingham and Hooters Tacoma have expired. Management is continuing to explore potential to sell both locations, however there is not a specific program underway currently to locate a buyer or that would otherwise indicate that a disposal is imminent. Accordingly, as of September 30, 2018, management determined that it was appropriate to reclassify those locations from held for sale to operating assets. Management believes that the carrying amount of the assets, following the $1.7 million impairment charge recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, continues to reflect the net realizable value of the properties and that no additional impairment adjustment is warranted at this time.

 

  14

 

 

5. PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

 

Property and equipment consists of the following:

 

   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Leasehold improvements  $10,882,067   $9,941,223 
Restaurant furniture and equipment   6,346,556    5,952,934 
Construction in progress   1,063,462    176,939 
Office furntiture and equipment   148,451    148,451 
    18,440,536    16,219,547 
Accumulated depreciation and amortization   (8,908,169)   (7,670,955)
   $9,532,367   $8,548,592 

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was $0.4 million and $1.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.6 million and $1.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

 

6. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

Goodwill consists of the following:

 

   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Hooters Full Service  $3,390,307   $4,703,203 
Better Burgers Fast Casual   7,448,848    7,448,848 
Just Fresh Fast Casual   495,755    495,755 
   $11,334,910   $12,647,806 

 

   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Beginning Balance  $12,647,806   $12,405,770 
Acquisitions   -    - 
Adjustments   (1,280,661)   - 
Foreign currency translation (loss) gain   (32,235)   242,036 
Ending Balance  $11,334,910   $12,647,806 

 

  15

 

 

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

 

  

Estimated

Useful Life

  September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
            
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  Indefinite   1,430,000    1,430,000 
Little Big Burger  Indefinite   1,550,000    1,550,000 
       5,776,930    5,776,930 
Acquired Franchise Rights             
BGR: The Burger Joint  7 years   1,056,000    1,056,000 
              
Franchise License Fees:             
Hooters South Africa  20 years   239,528    273,194 
Hooters Pacific NW  20 years   89,507    74,507 
Hooters UK  5 years   -    13,158 
       329,035    360,859 
Total Intangibles at cost      7,161,965    7,193,789 
Accumulated amortization      (1,699,232)   (1,297,057)
Intangible assets, net     $5,462,733   $5,896,732 

 

Amortization expense was $0.4 million and $0.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

  16

 

 

7. LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTES PAYABLE

 

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

 

   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
Notes Payable, due December 31, 2018, net of discount of $293,347 and $1,173,390, respectively (a)  $5,706,653   $4,826,610 
           
Notes Payable Paragon Bank (b)   374,424    572,276 
           
Note Payable (c)   75,000    75,000 
           
Note Payable, due March 2019   4,847    - 
           
Receivables financing facilities (d)   48,788    76,109 
           
Bank overdraft facilities, South Africa, annual renewal   117,737    164,619 
           
Equipment financing arrangements, South Africa   5,683    27,297 
Total long-term debt  $6,333,132   $5,741,911 
           
Current portion of long-term debt   6,333,132    5,741,911 
Long-term debt, less current portion  $-   $- 

 

For the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 amortization of debt discount was $0.9 million and $0.5 million respectively.

 

a) On May 4, 2017, pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement, the Company issued 8% non-convertible secured debentures in the principal amount of $6,000,000 and warrants to purchase 1,200,000 shares of common stock (as adjusted for the Company’s subsequent one-for-ten reverse stock split) 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 and contain customary financial and other covenants, including a requirement to maintain positive annual earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization. The debentures are secured by a second priority security interest on the Company’s assets and the obligation is guaranteed by the Company’s subsidiaries. The debentures contain a mandatory redemption provision that is triggered by an asset sale. Sale of greater than 33% of the Company’s assets will also trigger an event of default. Upon any event of default, in addition to other customary remedies, the holders have the right, at their sole option, to purchase Little Big Burger from the Company, for an aggregate purchase price of $6,500,000, or demand repayment at 108% of the outstanding principal balance and any outstanding accrued interest. The warrants have an exercise price of $3.50 (as adjusted for the reverse stock split on May 19, 2017) and a ten-year term. Warrants to purchase 800,000 shares include a beneficial ownership limit upon exercise of 4.99% of the number of shares of the common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrant; warrants to purchase the remaining 400,000 shares were amended to increase the beneficial ownership limit upon exercise to 19.99%.

 

The $6 million debentures are due and payable on December 31, 2018. The Company is in discussions with its lenders regarding the terms of an extension or new debenture to replace the expiring debenture. Those discussions are continuing and are expected to be final by the end of the year. Management cannot provide any assurance that it will be successful in negotiating an extension or a new loan or provide any assurance as to the terms and conditions of any new or extended debentures.

  17

 

 

b) The Company has two term loans with Paragon Bank (previously three loans, one of which was paid in full in September 2018), all of which are collateralized by all assets of the Company and personally guaranteed by our Chief Executive Officer. The outstanding balance, interest rate and contractual maturity date of each loan is as follows:

 

   Maturity date   Interest rate  

Principal

balance

  

Monthly principal and

interest payment

 
Note 1   9/10/2018    5.50%  $-   $- 
Note 2   5/10/2019    5.50%   102,099    11,532 
Note 3   8/10/2021    5.50%   272,325    8,500 
             $374,424   $20,032 

 

c) The Company has a promissory note payable on demand in the amount of $75,000 with 800 shares of restricted Company common stock to be paid to the lender each month while the note is outstanding.

 

d) During February 2017, in consideration for proceeds of $330,000, the Company agreed to make payments of $1,965 per day for 210 days. As of October 2017, the daily payment amount was modified to $1,200 per day and the term was extended to February 2018, with total remittance over the life of the loan unchanged. Also, during March 2017 in consideration for proceeds of $150,000, the Company agreed to make payments of $856 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

 

As of September 30, 2018, the Company has $49 thousand outstanding under these facilities.

 

The Company’s various loan agreements contain financial and non-financial covenants and provisions providing for cross-default. The evaluation of compliance with these provisions is subject to interpretation and the exercise of judgment.

 

While the Company has not been notified by its lenders of any specific asserted defaults, management concluded that conditions exist that represent events of technical default under one or more of its note or convertible note obligations. The existence of a technical default in one loan agreement would also trigger cross default provisions applicable to other loan agreements. Management quantified the potential penalties and default interest that could be assessed in the event the loans were deemed by its lenders to be in default. Accordingly, the Company recorded a liability for potential default interest and penalties of $1.3 million as accrued interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements of September 30, 2018.

 

8. cONVERTIBLE NOTEs PAYABLE

 

Convertible notes payable are summarized as follows:

 

   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
         
6% Convertible notes payable due June 2018 (a)  $3,000,000   $3,000,000 
8% Convertible notes payable due March 2019 (b)   -    200,000 
Premium on above convertible note   -    12,256 
           
Total Convertible notes payable   3,000,000    3,212,256 
Current portion of convertible notes payable   3,000,000    3,000,000 
Convertible notes payable, less current portion  $-   $212,256 

 

  18

 

 

(a) On August 2, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with seven individual accredited investors, whereby the Company issued separate 6% Secured Subordinate Convertible Notes for a total of $3,000,000 in a private offering and is collateralized by the assets of the Hooters Nottingham restaurant and a subordinate position to all other assets of the Company.

 

In connection with the Company’s agreement to conduct a capital raise in 2016, the lenders agreed to waive certain existing defaults and extended the original note maturity by eighteen months from December 31, 2016 to June 30, 2018. The Note holders were to receive 10%, pro rata, of the net profit of the Nottingham, England Hooters restaurant, paid quarterly, and 10% of the net proceeds should the location be sold.

 

The Company entered into a letter of intent for the sale of the Hooters Nottingham facility from which the Company planned to settle a portion of the convertible note. However, the letter of intent has expired. Management is evaluating other alternatives to market the property for sale. (See Note 4 - Assets Held for sale).

 

Principal and interest under the convertible notes are payable on demand following the maturity on June 30, 2018 are classified as current liabilities on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

As of November 13, 2018, the lenders have not demanded payment of principal or unpaid interest, asserted defaults or indicated any imminent action for collection. Management is in discussions with the lenders and intends to enter into an extension or new agreement, but cannot provide assurance that it will be successful in negotiating an extension or new loan or the terms of any new or extended debt.

 

(b) On February 22, 2018, $200,000 of the Company’s convertible debt was converted into 66,667 shares of Company common stock in accordance with the terms of the convertible debt agreements.

 

9. accounts payable and accrued expenses

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses are summarized as follows:

 

   September 30, 2018   December 31, 2017 
         
Accounts payable and accrued expenses  $2,521,918   $3,334,089 
Accrued taxes (VAT, Sales, Payroll)   2,731,086    1,170,906 
Accrued income taxes   71,046    83,878 
Accrued interest   1,786,932    1,208,379 
   $7,110,982   $5,797,252 

 

To date, approximately $1.6 million of employee and employer taxes have been accrued but not remitted to certain taxing authorities by the Company for cash compensation paid. As a result, the Company is liable for such payroll taxes and any related penalties and interest.

 

10. Stockholders’ Equity

 

The Company has 45,000,000 shares of its $0.0001 par value common stock authorized at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company had 3,706,563 and 3,045,809 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

 

  19

 

 

The Company has 5,000,000 shares of its no par value preferred stock authorized at both September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017. The Company had 62,876 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Holders of the preferred shares are entitled to receive cumulative dividends out of legally available funds at the rate of 9% 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 are issued at a 10% discount to the five-day volume weighted average price per share of common stock prior to payable date. The preferred shares are non-voting, have a liquidation preference of $13.50 per share and contain a required redemption at $13.50 plus any accrued but unpaid dividends upon maturity in 2023.

 

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, 400,000 shares have been approved for grant.

 

As of September 30, 2018, the Company had issued 91,029 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. The Company issued 15,000 restricted stock units to employees in 2016 and none since that date. Approximately 293,971 shares remain available for grant under the plan.

 

The Company also has issued warrants to investors in connection with financing transactions. Fair value of any warrant issuances is valued utilizing the Black-Scholes model. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s warrants was determined by the average of the historical volatilities for the Company’s common stock.

 

  20

 

 

A summary of the warrant activity is presented below:

 

   Number of Warrants   Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
  

Weighted
Average
Remaining Life

 
Outstanding January 1, 2018   2,362,615   $16.34    

6.2

 
Granted   403,214   4.50      
Exercised   (100,000)   3.50      
Forfeited   (94,000)   48.40      
Outstanding September 30, 2018   2,571,829   $13.81    5.7 
                
Exercisable September 30, 2018   2,571,829   $13.81    5.7 

 

Exercise Price  Outstanding Number of Warrants   Weighted Average Remaining Life in Years   Exercisable Number of Warrants 
> $40.00   400,518    0.3    400,518 
$30.00-$39.99   39,990    1.2    39,990 
$20.00-$29.99   77,950    1.3    77,950 
$10.00-$19.99   50,300    2.7    50,300 
$0.00-$9.99   2,003,071    7.1    2,003,071 
    2,571,829    5.7    2,571,829 

 

The Company accepted subscriptions to purchase 403,214 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $3.50 per Share, for a total gross purchase price of approximately $1,411,249 pursuant to a Securities Purchase Agreement dated May 3, 2018 with institutional and accredited investors in a registered direct offering.

 

The offering was made pursuant to a prospectus supplement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 8, 2018 and an accompanying prospectus dated October 16, 2017, pursuant to the Company’s shelf registration statement on Form S-3 that was filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 27, 2015, amended on June 3, 2015 and became effective on June 9, 2015.

 

The Company also agreed to issue unregistered 5 ½ year warrants to purchase up to 403,214 shares of common stock to the investors in a concurrent private placement at an exercise price of $4.50 per share. The Company has agreed to register the resale of the common shares underlying the warrants, which has been completed. The warrants are exercisable for cash in full commencing six months after the issuance date. The warrants qualified for equity accounting.

 

Larry Spitcaufsky, a director of the Company and greater than 5% shareholder, subscribed for 70,000 Shares and received an equal number of Warrants in the transaction. Michael D. Pruitt, the company’s chairman and Chief Executive Officer also participated in the offering.

 

On October 1, 2018, the maturity dates for warrants covering 201,974 shares of common stock with strike prices ranging from $55.00 to $70.00 per share were extended from October 1, 2018 to October 1, 2020.

 

  21

 

 

Oak Ridge Financial Services Group, Inc., a registered broker-dealer acted as placement agent for the offering and received, as compensation, 7% of gross proceeds of the amounts subscribed by institutional investors introduced by Oak Ridge, for an aggregate commission of $36,767 and legal expenses in an amount less than $2,500.

 

11. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

Due to related parties

 

The Company has received non-interest bearing, short-term advances from Chanticleer Investors, LLC, a related party, in the amount of $191,226 and $191,580 as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively. The amount owed to Chanticleer Investors LLC is related to cash distributions received from Chanticleer Investors LLC’s interest in Hooters of America which is payable to the Company’s co-investors in that investment.

 

Transactions with Board Members

 

Larry Spitcaufsky, a significant shareholder and member of the Company’s board of directors, is also a lender to the Company for $2 million of the Company’s $6 million in notes payable due December 31, 2018. In connection with this note, the Company made payments of interest to the board member and related entities as required under the notes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $40,000 and $120,000, respectively, and $0 during the same periods of 2017.

 

The Company has also entered into a franchise agreement with entities controlled by Mr. Spitcaufsky providing him with the franchise rights for Little Big Burger in the San Diego area and an option for additional franchise rights in southern California. The Company received royalties of $2,762 and $6,486 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, and $0 in the same periods of 2017. The Company also received franchise fees of $0 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $60,000 for the three and nine month periods of 2017.

 

12. 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 group level comprised of: Full Service Hooters, Better Burger Fast Casual, Just Fresh Fast Casual, and Corporate.

 

  22

 

 

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   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
Revenue:                
Hooters Full Service  $3,392,300   $3,619,510   $10,436,597   $10,147,738 
Better Burgers Fast Casual   5,692,004    5,850,061    16,854,025    17,176,891 
Just Fresh Fast Casual   989,097    1,230,795    3,128,220    3,951,069 
Corporate and Other   24,999    24,997    74,997    74,980 
   $10,098,400   $10,725,363   $30,493,839   $31,350,678 
                     
Operating Income (Loss):(1)                    
Hooters Full Service  $87,444   $(485,844)  $(1,174,320)  $(1,075,460)
Better Burgers Fast Casual   (133,466)   (399,256)   (253,997)   (457,878)
Just Fresh Fast Casual   (21,280)   (28,301)   (64,057)   (74,185)
Corporate and Other   (604,014)   (485,044)   (1,980,129)   (1,861,764)
   $(671,316)  $(1,398,445)  $(3,472,503)  $(3,469,287)
                     
Depreciation and Amortization                    
Hooters Full Service  $95,509   $128,857   $303,682   $407,795 
Better Burgers Fast Casual   382,802    387,621    1,154,885    1,143,584 
Just Fresh Fast Casual   44,525    55,476    133,575    214,928 
Corporate and Other   844    844    2,531    2,530 
   $523,680   $572,798   $1,594,673   $1,768,837 

 

(1) Note that Operating Income (Loss) includes non-cash impairment charges of $1.7 million and $1.5 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $0 and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

23
 

 

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   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
Revenue:                
United States  $8,038,545   $8,353,053   $23,984,963   $24,863,979 
South Africa   1,352,340    1,502,349    4,321,668    4,369,122 
Europe   707,515    869,961    2,187,208    2,117,577 
   $10,098,400   $10,725,363   $30,493,839   $31,350,678 
                     
Operating Income (Loss):(1)                    
United States  $(711,846)  $(767,659)  $(2,179,967)  $(2,832,502)
South Africa   29,485    (684,022)   50,680    (769,536)
Europe   11,045    53,236    (1,343,215)   132,751 
   $(671,316)  $(1,398,445)  $(3,472,503)  $(3,469,287)

 

Non-current Assets:            September 30, 2018    December 31, 2017  
United States            $24,771,692   $24,630,101 
South Africa             957,143    1,203,610 
Europe             1,850,485    2,549,747 
             $27,579,320   $28,383,458 

 

(1) Note that Operating Income (Loss) includes non-cash impairment charges of $1.7 million and $1.5 for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively and $0 and $0.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

 

13. 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 September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 

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.

 

The Company has contractual commitments related to store construction of approximately $0.7 million, of which we expect approximately $0.2 million to be funded by private investors and approximately $0.5 million will be funded internally by the Company.

 

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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;

 

25
 

 

  Constraints could affect our ability to maintain competitive cost structure, including, but not limited to labor constraints;
     
  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
     
  Defaults resulting from technical breaches of our secured financing obligations;
     
  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 year ended December 31, 2017, which address additional factors that could cause 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 September 30, 2018, our system-wide store count totaled 59 locations, consisting of 43 company-owned locations and 16 franchisee-operated locations as summarized below:

 

   As of September 30, 2018 
   Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of Total 
Store Count                              
Company   30    5    8    -    43    72.9%
Franchise   16    -    -    -    16    27.1%
Total   46    5    8    -    59    100.0%

 

   As of December 31, 2017 
   Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of Total 
Store Count                              
Company   28    6    8    -    42    76.4%
Franchise   13    -    -    -    13    23.6%
Total   41    6    8    -    55    100.0%

 

We own, operate and franchise a system-wide total of 46 fast casual restaurants specializing the “Better Burger” category of which 30 are company-owned and 16 are operated by franchisees under franchise agreements. American Burger Company (“ABC”) is a fast-casual dining chain consisting of 7 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 13 franchisee-operated locations in the United States and the Middle East. Little Big Burger (“LBB”) consists of 16 locations in Oregon, California and North Carolina, of which 13 are company-owned and 3 are operated by franchisees.

 

We also own and operate Just Fresh, our healthier eating fast casual concept with 5 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 8 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.

 

27
 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

 

Our results of operations are summarized below:

 

   Three Months Ended     
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017     
   Amount   % of Revenue*   Amount   % of Revenue*   % Change 
                     
Restaurant sales, net  $9,848,302        $10,479,274         -6.0%
Gaming income, net   111,301         115,267         -3.4%
Management fees   24,999         24,999         0.0%
Franchise income   113,798         105,823         7.5%
Total revenue   10,098,400         10,725,363         -5.8%
                          
Expenses:                         
Restaurant cost of sales   3,259,223    33.1%   3,605,213    34.4%   -9.6%
Restaurant operating expenses   5,781,284    58.7%   6,119,561    58.4%   -5.5%
Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses   113,000    1.1%   34,349    0.3%   229.0%
General and administrative   1,092,529    10.8%   952,959    8.9%   14.6%
Asset impairment charge   -    0.0%   838,928    7.8%   - 
Depreciation and amortization   523,680    5.2%   572,798    5.3%   -8.6%
Total expenses   10,769,716    106.6%   12,123,808    113.0%   -11.2%
Operating loss from continuing operations  $(671,316)       $(1,398,445)          

 

* 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.

 

Revenue

 

Total revenue from continuing operations decreased 5.8% to $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $10.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

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Revenues by concept and revenue type are further summarized below:

 

   Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 
Revenue  Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of Total 
Restaurant sales, net  $5,578,206    989,097    3,280,999   $-   $9,848,302    97.5%
Gaming income, net   -    -    111,301    -    111,301    1.1%
Management fees   -    -    -    24,999    24,999    0.2%
Franchise income   113,798    -    -    -    113,798    1.1%
Total revenue  $5,692,004   $989,097   $3,392,300   $24,999   $10,098,400    100.0%

 

   Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 
Revenue  Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of Total 
Restaurant sales, net  $5,744,238    1,230,795    3,504,241   $-   $10,479,274    97.7%
Gaming income, net   -    -    115,267    -    115,267    1.1%
Management fees   -    -    -    24,999    24,999    0.2%
Franchise income   105,823    -    -    -    105,823    1.0%
Total revenue  $5,850,061   $1,230,795   $3,619,508   $24,999   $10,725,363    100.0%

 

   % Change in Revenues Compared to Prior Year 
Revenue  Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total 
Restaurant sales, net   -2.9%   -19.6%   -6.4%   -    -6.0%
Gaming income, net   -    -    -3.4%   -    -3.4%
Management fees   -    -    -    0.0%   0.0%
Franchise income   7.5%   -    -    -    7.5%
Total revenue   -2.7%   -19.6%   -6.3%   0.0%   -5.8%

 

Restaurant revenues from continuing operations decreased 6.0% to $9.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

 

Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Better Burger group decreased 2.9% to $5.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $5.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Revenues increased $0.5 million from the contribution of new stores, offset by the reduction in revenue of approximately $0.6 million from the closure of underperforming locations. Same store sales (for locations open over 18 months) decreased 1.5% for the Better Burger group, with American Burger decreasing 5.5%, Little Big Burger increasing 2.5% and BGR decreasing 1.5% from prior year. Excluding the impact of hurricane related closures and weather days impacting store traffic in September 2018, same store sales decreased approximately 0.8% for the Better Burger group.

     
  Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Just Fresh group decreased 19.6% to $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $1.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.
     
    Revenues decreased approximately $0.2 million from the closure of two locations. In addition, Just Fresh experienced lower traffic and higher competition, which offset increased delivery and catering activity, contributing to an overall 1.5% reduction in same store revenues. Excluding the impact of hurricane related closures and weather days impacting store traffic in September 2018, same store sales were increased 0.3% for the Just Fresh group.

 

29
 

 

  Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Hooter’s restaurants decreased 6.4% to $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $3.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The Hooters locations in the Pacific Northwest generated same store sales increases of 7.9% on higher takeout and delivery trends. UK revenues decreased 18.7% in US Dollars and 21.8% in local currency while South Africa decreased 2.4% in US Dollars and increased 6.4% on a local currency basis.

 

Gaming revenue from the Company’s US Hooters locations was relatively unchanged, decreasing 3.4% to $111 thousand from $115 thousand for the period.

 

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

 

Franchise revenue was increased 7.5% to $114 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $106 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Franchise revenue was favorably impacted by change in revenue recognition under the new accounting guidance adopted on January 1, 2018 which increased quarterly franchise revenue by $21 thousand. The prior year period also included upfront franchise fee revenue which would now be recognized over the life of the franchise agreement under the new accounting guidance if the fee had been received in the current period.

 

Cost of restaurant sales

 

Cost of restaurant sales decreased 9.6% to $3.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $3.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017     
Cost of Restaurant Sales  Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales   Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales   % Change 
Better Burgers Fast Casual  $1,773,294    31.8%  $1,954,779    34.0%   -9.3%
Just Fresh Fast Casual   343,355    34.7%   421,041    34.2%   -18.5%
Hooters Full Service   1,142,574    34.8%   1,229,393    35.1%   -7.1%
   $3,259,223    33.1%  $3,605,213    34.4%   -9.6%

 

Cost of restaurant sales improved to 33.1% of net restaurant revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from 34.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Cost of sales improved from 34.0% to 31.8% for the Better Burger business and from 35.1% to 34.8% at our Hooters locations, while cost of sales increased from 34.2% to 34.7% at Just Fresh. Cost of sales in the Burger business improved largely due to favorable movements in beef prices, combined with expansion of our Little big Burger brand which runs lower costs than BGR and American Burger. Cost of sales in the Better Burger business improved largely due to favorable movements in beef prices, combined with expansion of our Little Big Burger brand which runs lower costs than BGR and American Burger. Costs at our Hooters business improved in our US locations and in South Africa, while costs increased in our UK location as food and alcohol costs increased. The Company is planning menu pricing and procedural changes in the UK in late 2018 to offset the cost increases in the local market.

 

Restaurant operating expenses

 

Restaurant operating expenses decreased 5.5% to $5.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $6.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

30
 

 

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

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017     
Operating Expenses  Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales   Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales  

%

Change

 
Better Burgers Fast Casual  $3,286,899    58.9%  $3,340,847    58.2%   -1.6%
Just Fresh Fast Casual   537,968    54.4%   692,280    56.2%   -22.3%
Hooters Full Service   1,956,417    59.6%   2,086,434    59.5%   -6.2%
   $5,781,284    58.7%  $6,119,561    58.4%   -5.5%

 

As a percent of restaurant revenues, operating expenses increased to 58.7% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from 58.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Operating expenses benefitted from the closure of underperforming locations in prior periods where rent and occupancy costs were higher than our target levels. Those improvements were offset by increases in personnel costs primarily associated with higher minimum wage rates and increased service charges from third party delivery services.

 

Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses

 

Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses increased to $113 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $34 thousand for the three months ended September 30, 2017. We have more new stores under lease and incurring pre-opening rent and other costs in the current year.

 

General and Administrative Expense (“G&A”)

 

G&A was increased 14.6% to $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $1.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Significant components of G&A are summarized as follows:

 

   Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
Audit, legal and other professional services  $265,624   $207,898 
Salary and benefits   505,663    532,491 
Travel and entertainment   53,315    59,411 
Shareholder services and fees   32,674    22,639 
Advertising, insurance and other   235,253    130,520 
Total G&A Expenses  $1,092,529   $952,959 

 

As a percentage of total revenue, G&A increased to 10.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from 8.9% for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

For the current year, approximately $0.6 million of G&A is attributable to the cost of operating our Corporate office including salaries, travel, audit, legal, professional fees and other public company and transaction related costs. Approximately $0.5 million is attributable to managing the operations of our restaurants, including regional management, franchising operations, marketing, advertising and other expenses within the Better Burger group, Hooters and Just Fresh.

 

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Asset impairment charges

 

The Company did not incur any asset impairment charges for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared with $0.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expense was essentially unchanged at $0.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and $0.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Increased depreciation from new stores and increased amortization of franchise right intangibles were more than offset by reduced deprecation from locations that have been closed with related assets written off in the current and prior years.

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

Other income (expense) consisted of the following:

 

   Three Months Ended 
Other Income (Expense)  September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017   % Change 
Interest expense  $(630,223)  $(462,870)   36.2%
Other income (expense)   (223,439)   37,838    - 
Total other expense  $(853,662)  $(425,032)   67.3%

 

Other expense increased to $0.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 from $0.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017. The change in other expenses, net was primarily due to increased accrued penalty interest accrued penalties and interest on payroll taxes combined with an unrealized loss recognized on investments recognized in the current period.

 

32
 

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2018 COMPARED TO THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

 

Our results of operations are summarized below:

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017     
   Amount   % of
Revenue*
   Amount   % of
Revenue*
   % Change 
                     
Restaurant sales, net  $29,802,969        $30,657,215         -2.8%
Gaming income, net   285,578         328,855         -13.2%
Management fee income   74,997         74,982         0.0%
Franchise income   330,295         289,626         14.0%
Total revenue   30,493,839         31,350,678         -2.7%
                          
Expenses:                         
Restaurant cost of sales   9,912,091    33.3%   10,376,160    33.8%   -4.5%
Restaurant operating expenses   17,008,047    57.1%   17,649,532    57.6%   -3.6%
Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses   312,652    1.0%   139,545    0.5%   124.1%
General and administrative   3,407,612    11.2%   3,413,001    10.9%   -0.2%
Asset impairment charge   1,731,267    5.7%   1,472,890    4.7%   - 
Depreciation and amortization   1,594,673    5.2%   1,768,837    5.6%   -9.8%
Total expenses   33,966,342    111.4%   34,819,965    111.1%   -2.5%
Operating loss from continuing operations  $(3,472,503)       $(3,469,287)        0.1%

 

* 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.

 

Revenue

 

Total revenue decreased 2.7% to $30.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $31.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

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Revenues by concept and revenue type are further summarized below:

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 
Revenue  Better
Burgers
   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of
Total
 
Restaurant sales, net  $16,523,730    3,128,220    10,151,019   $-   $29,802,969    97.7%
Gaming income, net   -    -    285,578    -    285,578    0.9%
Management fees   -    -    -    74,997    74,997    0.2%
Franchise income   330,295    -    -    -    330,295    1.1%
Total revenue  $16,854,025   $3,128,220   $10,436,597   $74,997   $30,493,839    100.0%

 

   Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 
Revenue  Better
Burgers
   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total   % of
Total
 
Restaurant sales, net  $16,887,265    3,951,069    9,818,881   $-   $30,657,215    97.8%
Gaming income, net   -    -    328,855    -    328,855    1.0%
Management fees   -    -    -    74,982    74,982    0.2%
Franchise income   289,626    -    -    -    289,626    0.9%
Total revenue  $17,176,891   $3,951,069   $10,147,736   $74,982   $31,350,678    100.0%

 

   % Change in Revenues Compared to Prior Year 
Revenue  Better Burgers   Just Fresh   Hooters   Corp   Total 
Restaurant sales, net   -2.2%   -20.8%   3.4%   -    -2.8%
Gaming income, net   -    -    -13.2%   -    -13.2%
Management fees   -    -    -    0.0%   0.0%
Franchise income   14.0%   -    -    -    14.0%
Total revenue   -1.9%   -20.8%   2.8%   0.0%   -2.7%

 

Restaurant revenues decreased 2.8% to $29.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $30.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

 

Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Better Burger group decreased 2.2% to $16.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $16.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Revenues increased $1.8 million from the contribution of new stores, offset by the reduction in revenue of approximately $2.0 million from the closure of underperforming locations.

 

Same store sales (for locations open over 18 months) decreased 1.5%, with American Burger decreasing 3.2%, Little Big Burger increasing 1.6% and BGR decreasing 2.8% from prior year. Excluding the impact of hurricane related closures and weather days impacting store traffic in September 2018, same store sales decreased approximately 1.3% for the Better Burger group.

     
  Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Just Fresh group decreased 20.8% to $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Revenues decreased approximately $0.6 million from the closure of two locations. In addition, Just Fresh experienced lower traffic and higher competition, which offset increased delivery and catering activity, contributing to an overall 5.5% reduction in same store revenues. Excluding the impact of hurricane related closures and weather days impacting store traffic in September 2018, same store sales decreased approximately 4.9% for the Just Fresh group.
     
  Restaurant revenue from the Company’s Hooter’s restaurants increased 3.4% to $10.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $9.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Hooters locations in the Pacific Northwest generated same store sales increases of 9.3% on higher takeout and delivery trends. UK revenues increased 3.3% in US Dollars and decreased 3.8% in local currency while South Africa increased 7.7% in US Dollars and 5.9% on a local currency basis.

 

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Gaming revenue decreased 13.2% % to $286 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $329 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Gaming was affected by increased competition from the opening of a new casino in the area, as well as a reduction in the percentage of gaming revenue retained by the Company in the first half of 2018. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the gaming revenue was stronger and in line with prior year performance as traffic improved and the retention percentage reset mid-year.

 

Management fee revenue was unchanged at $75 thousand for each period. The Company earns management fees for its CEO serving on the Board of Directors of Hooters of America.

 

Franchise revenue increased 14.0 % to $330 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $290 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Franchise revenue was favorably impacted by the change in revenue recognition under the new accounting guidance adopted on January 1, 2018 which increased franchise revenue by $63 thousand. The prior year period benefited from upfront franchise fee revenue which would now be recognized over the life of the franchise agreement under the new accounting guidance if the fee had been received in the current period.

 

Cost of restaurant sales

 

Cost of restaurant sales decreased 4.5 % to $9.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $10.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017     
Cost of Restaurant Sales  Amount   % of
Restaurant
Net Sales
   Amount   % of
Restaurant
Net Sales
   % Change 
Better Burgers Fast Casual  $5,308,625    32.1%  $5,612,542    33.2%   -5.4%
Just Fresh Fast Casual   1,072,989    34.3%   1,384,379    35.0%   -22.5%
Hooters Full Service   3,530,477    34.8%   3,379,239    34.4%   4.5%
   $9,912,091    33.3%  $10,376,160    33.8%   -4.5%

 

Cost of restaurant sales improved to 33.3% of net restaurant revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from 33.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Cost of sales improved from 33.2% to 32.1% for the Burger group and from 35.0% to 34.3% at Just Fresh, while cost of sales increased from 34.4% to 34.8% at our Hooters locations. Cost of sales in the Better Burger business improved largely due to favorable movements in beef prices, combined with expansion of our Little Big Burger brand which runs lower costs than BGR and American Burger. Costs at our Hooters business improved in our US locations and in South Africa, while costs increased in our UK location as food and alcohol costs increased. The Company is planning menu pricing and procedural changes in the UK in late 2018 to offset the cost increases in the local market.

 

Restaurant operating expenses

 

Restaurant operating expenses decreased 3.6% to $17.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $17.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

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

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017     
Operating Expenses  Amount   % of
Restaurant
Net Sales
   Amount   % of
Restaurant
Net Sales
   % Change 
Better Burgers Fast Casual  $9,425,510    57.0%  $9,614,202    56.9%   -2.0%
Just Fresh Fast Casual   1,669,438    53.4%   2,140,407    54.2%   -22.0%
Hooters Full Service  $5,913,099    58.3%   5,894,923    60.0%   0.3%
   $17,008,047    57.1%  $17,649,532    57.6%   -3.6%

 

As a percent of restaurant revenues, operating expenses decreased to 57.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from 57.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Operating expenses improved due to the closure of underperforming locations where rent and occupancy costs were higher than our target levels. Operating expenses also improved as a percent of revenue as the new locations that were opened over the past 12 months were in our Little Big Burger and BGR brands which have more favorable personnel and occupancy cost requirements than our other brands. Those improvements were partially offset by increases in personnel costs primarily associated with higher minimum wage rates and increased service charges from third party delivery services.

 

Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses

 

Restaurant pre-opening and closing expenses increased to $312 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from $140 thousand for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. We have more new stores under lease and incurring pre-opening rent and other costs. We expect pre-opening expenses to continue to increase throughout 2018 as new store preopening activity increases.

 

General and Administrative Expense (“G&A”)

 

G&A was unchanged at $3.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

 

Significant components of G&A are summarized as follows:

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
Audit, legal and other professional services  $976,258   $883,786 
Salary and benefits   1,522,738    1,620,980 
Travel and entertainment   144,214    141,310 
Shareholder services and fees   52,068    109,612 
Advertising, insurance and other   712,334    657,313 
Total G&A Expenses  $3,407,612   $3,413,001 

 

As a percentage of total revenue, G&A increased slightly to 11.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 from 10.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 due to lower revenues.

 

For the current year, approximately $1.9 million for our G&A is attributable to the cost of operating our Corporate office including salaries, travel, audit, legal and other public company and transaction related costs. Approximately $1.5 million is attributable to managing the operations of our restaurants, including regional management, franchising operations, marketing and advertising within the Better Burger group, Hooters and Just Fresh.

 

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Asset impairment charges

 

Asset impairment charges totaled $1.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared with $1.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The Company recognized impairment charges related to the closure of one Just Fresh location and one American Burger location in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition, the Company recognized impairment charges related to its Hooters Nottingham location of approximately $1.5 million. The impairment charges were primarily reflected in the first half of 2018, primarily from reducing goodwill, leasehold improvements, intangible assets and property and equipment to estimated net realizable value based on management’s intent with regard to the related store locations.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $1.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and $1.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Increased depreciation from new stores and increased amortization of franchise right intangibles were more than offset by reduced deprecation from locations that have been closed with related assets written off in the current and prior years.

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

Other income (expense) consisted of the following:

 

   Nine Months Ended 
Other Income (Expense)  September 30, 2018   September 30, 2017 
Interest expense  $(1,895,162)  $(1,946,712)
Loss on extinguishment of debt   -    (95,310)
Other income (expense)   (217,949)   50,050 
Total other expense  $(2,113,111)  $(1,991,972)

 

Other expense increased to $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Interest expense was relatively unchanged as the effect of lower interest rates on the Company’s borrowings were offset by increased non-cash amortization of debt discounts and penalty interest. The Company also recognized accrued penalties and interest on payroll taxes and an unrealized loss on investments recognized in the current period. During 2017, the Company modified the terms of certain of its convertible notes resulting in a non-cash loss of $95 thousand.

 

LIQUIDITY, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND GOING CONCERN

 

As of September 30, 2018, our cash balance was $1.1 million, our working capital was negative $14.3 million and we have significant near-term commitments and contractual obligations. 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 opening seven to ten additional company owned stores as well as growing our franchising businesses at Little Big Burger and BGR. We have contractual commitments related to store construction of approximately $1.5 million, of which we expect approximately $1.0 million to be funded by private investors and approximately $0.5 million will be funded internally by the Company. We also have $9.3 million of debt obligations due on demand or within the next 3 months plus interest. In addition, if our lenders were to assess default interest and penalties, our obligations could be accelerated and additional interest and penalties of approximately $1.3 million could potentially be assessed. We expect to be able to extend or refinance our current debt obligations and are also exploring the sale of certain assets to reduce debt. In May 2018, the Company completed the sale of 403,214 shares of common stock at a price of $3.50 per common share for proceeds of $1.4 million. In January 2018, the Company received net proceeds of $290,000 from the exercise of 100,000 common stock warrants. During the first nine months of 2018, the Company also received $0.8 million in contributions from non-controlling interests for new store construction. However, we cannot provide assurance that we will be able to refinance our long-term debt, sell assets or raise additional capital.

 

As we execute our growth plans over the next 12 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. In the event that capital is not available or we are unable to refinance our debt obligations or obtain waivers, we may then have to scale back or freeze our organic 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. These factors raise substantial doubt about our ability 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, 2017.

 

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 (US GAAP). 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 September 30, 2018, 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 of 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 September 30, 2018. Our management has determined that, as of September 30, 2018 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 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 September 30, 2018. 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 September 30, 2018, our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective.

 

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:

 

The Company performs extensive reconciliation and manual review procedures to ensure that the financial statement results are accurately presented. However, the financial close procedures are not formally documented and was inconsistently applied across the organization for periods prior to mid-2017 at which time management implement a new centralized accounting system and standardized the close process across all its domestic operations.
   
The Company’s financial statements include significant and unusual transactions as well as complex 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.

 

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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 were not effective as of December 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 the first half of 2017, the Company implemented a new enterprise-wide accounting system and point of sale systems at the majority of its US based operations to further standardize accounting procedures and reporting and address the information system weaknesses identified. The Company outsourced certain day-to-day accounting processes and controls and took advantage of more robust and advanced accounting software for our multiple concepts and entities.

 

While the changes implemented have significantly improved the Company’s internal control, simplified its reporting processes and reduced the risk of undetected errors, management determined that additional testing of the new internal control and formalization of documentation would be required before updating managements’ conclusions regarding the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting — The Company implemented 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 in prior periods.

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2018, there have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

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 September 30, 2018 covered by this Quarterly Report, there have been no reportable legal proceedings or material developments to previously reported legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

 

We are delinquent in payment of payroll taxes to taxing authorities and failure to remit these payments promptly could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

To date, approximately $1.6 million of employee and employer taxes (including estimated penalties and interest) has been accrued but not remitted to certain taxing authorities by the Company for cash compensation paid. As a result, the Company is liable for such payroll taxes. The Company has not received any warnings or demands from the taxing authorities and management is prioritizing these payments in order to avoid further penalties and interest. Failure to remit these payments promptly could result in increased penalty fees and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

There have been no other 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 31,2017 (“Risk Factors”). Readers should carefully consider these 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

 

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ITEM 3: DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

The Company was technically in default of certain provisions of its various debt agreements as of September 30, 2018.

 

ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6: EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit No.   Description
     
31.1   Certification of the Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
31.2   Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.1   Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
32.2   Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
     
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: November 14, 2018 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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