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EX-32.2 - CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANE - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex322.htm
EX-32.1 - CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO SECTION 18 U.S.C. PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANE - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex321.htm
EX-31.2 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex312.htm
EX-31.1 - CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13A-14(A)/15D-14(A) CERTIFICATIONS SECTION 302 OF - NOBLE ROMANS INCnrom_ex311.htm
 

United States
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
 
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2021
 
Commission file number: 0-11104
 
NOBLE ROMANS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
 Indiana
 35-1281154
 (State or other jurisdiction of organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
 6612 E. 75th Street, Suite 450 Indianapolis, Indiana
 46250
 (Address of principal executive offices)
 (Zip Code)
 
(317) 634-3377
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
 
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
 
Title of each class
Trading symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
N/A
N/A
N/A
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes X No ___
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit 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 definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large Accelerated Filer __                                                                                     
Accelerated Filer __
Non-Accelerated Filer __                                                                           
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_
 
As of May 12, 2021, there were 22,215,512 shares of Common Stock, no par value, outstanding.
 

 
 
 
 
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. Financial Statements
 
The following unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are included herein:

Condensed consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 (unaudited)
 3
Condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2021 (unaudited)
 4
Condensed consolidated statements of changes in stockholders' equity for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2021 and March 31, 2020 (unaudited)
 5
Condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the three-month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2021 (unaudited)
 6
Notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited)
 7
 
 
 
 
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
 
Assets
 
December 31,
 2020
 
 
 March 31,
 2021
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
   Cash
 $1,194,363 
 $1,872,714 
   Accounts receivable - net
  879,502 
  1,032,659 
   Inventories
  890,556 
  888,488 
   Prepaid expenses
  395,918 
  477,909 
           Total current assets
  3,360,339 
  4,271,770 
 
    
    
Property and equipment:
    
    
   Equipment
  3,708,689 
  3,723,272 
   Leasehold improvements
  2,319,445 
  2,331,914 
   Construction and equipment in progress
  510,225 
  434,991 
 
  6,538,359 
  6,490,177 
   Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
  1,989,209 
  2,083,638 
          Net property and equipment
  4,549,150 
  4,406,539 
Deferred tax asset
  3,104,904 
  3,104,904 
Deferred contract cost
  834,018 
  834,018 
Goodwill
  278,466 
  278,466 
Operating lease right of use assets
  6,088,101 
  5,955,407 
Other assets including long-term portion of receivables - net
  201,962 
  232,378 
                      Total assets
 $18,416,940 
 $19,083,482 
 
    
    
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
    
    
Current liabilities:
    
    
   Accounts payable and accrued expenses
 $878,099 
 $722,326 
   Current portion of operating lease liability
  412,005 
  413,243 
                Total current liabilities
  1,290,104 
  1,135,569 
 
    
    
Long-term obligations:
    
    
   Term loan payable to Corbel
  7,468,709 
  7,574,829 
   Corbel warrant value
  29,037 
  29,037 
   Convertible notes payable
  574,479 
  580,542 
   Operating lease liabilities - net of short-term portion
  5,863,615 
  5,738,732 
   Deferred contract income
  834,018 
  834,018 
               Total long-term liabilities
  14,769,858 
  14,757,158 
 
    
    
Stockholders' equity:
    
    
   Common stock – no par value (40,000,000 shares authorized,
      22,215,512 issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and
      as of March 31, 2021)
  24,763,447 
  24,769,816 
   Accumulated deficit
  (22,406,469)
  (21,579,061)
                Total stockholders' equity
  2,356,978 
  3,190,755 
                      Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
 $18,416,940 
 $19,083,482 
 
    
    
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
 
3
 
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
 Three-Months Ended
 March 31,
 
 
 
 2020
 
 
  2021
 
Revenue:
 
 
 
 
 
 
    Restaurant revenue - company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub
 $1,092,948 
 $2,108,697 
    Restaurant revenue - company-owned non-traditional
  154,684 
  116,104 
    Franchising revenue
  1,467,379 
  1,053,960 
    Administrative fees and other
  4,251 
  3,556 
               Total revenue
  2,719,262 
  3,282,317 
 
    
    
Operating expenses:
    
    
     Restaurant expenses - company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub
  972,029 
  1,228,894 
     Restaurant expenses - company-owned non-traditional
  152,243 
  89,154 
     Franchising expenses
  490,357 
  339,365 
              Total operating expenses
  1,614,629 
  1,657,413 
 
    
    
Depreciation and amortization
  65,947 
  164,717 
General and administrative expenses
  449,421 
  298,588 
             Total expenses
  2,129,997 
  2,120,718 
             Operating income
  589,265 
  1,161,599 
 
    
    
Interest expense
  926,289 
  334,191 
     Income (loss) before income taxes
  (337,024)
  827,408 
Income tax expense (benefit)
  ( 81,983)
  - 
            Net income (loss)
 $(255,041)
 $827,408 
 
    
    
Earnings (loss) per share - basic
    
    
     Net income (loss)
 $(.01)
 $.04 
Weighted average number of common shares
     outstanding
  22,215,512 
  22,215,512 
 
    
    
Diluted earnings (loss) per share:
    
    
    Net income (loss)
 $(.01)
 $.04 
Weighted average number of common shares
     outstanding
  22,853,349 
  23,465,512 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
4
 
 
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in
Stockholders' Equity
(Unaudited)
 
 
Quarter Ended March 31, 2021:
 
 
Common Stock
Shares  Amount
 
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2020
  22,215,512 
 $24,763,447 
 $(22,406,469)
 $2,356,978 
 
    
    
    
    
Amortization of value of stock
    options
    
  6,369 
    
  6,369 
 
    
    
    
    
Net income for three months ended
    March 31, 2021
  - 
  - 
  827,408 
  827,408 
 
    
    
    
    
Balance at March 31, 2021
  22,215,512 
 $24,769,816 
 $(21,579,061)
 $3,190,755 
 
Quarter Ended March 31, 2020:
 
 
Common Stock
Shares  Amount
 
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
 
 
Total
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance at December 31, 2019
  22,215,512 
 $24,858,311 
 $(17,024,523)
 $7,833,788 
 
    
    
    
    
Unamortized loan origination cost
   attributable to the 500,000 notes
   converted to 1,000,000 shares
    
  (116,400)
    
  (116,400)
 
    
    
    
    
Amortization of value of stock
    options
    
  5,312 
    
  5,312 
 
    
    
    
    
Net loss for three months ended
    March 31, 2020
  - 
  - 
  (255,041)
  (255,041)
 
    
    
    
    
Balance at March 31, 2020
  22,215,512 
 $24,747,223 
 $(17,279,564)
 $7,467,659 
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
 
 
5
 
Noble Roman's, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
 
 
 
    Three Months Ended March 31,
 
  OPERATING ACTIVITIES
 
2020 
 
 
2021 
 
     Net income (loss)
 $(255,041)
 $827,408 
     Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash
     provided by (used in) operating activities:
    
    
              Depreciation and amortization
  860,743 
  283,268 
              Amortization of lease cost in excess of cash paid in accordance
                  with ASU 2016-02
  18,945 
  9,048 
Deferred income taxes (benefit)
  (81,983)
  - 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
    
    
(Increase) decrease in:
    
    
Accounts receivable
  (132,609)
  (153,156)
 Inventories
  (14,655)
  2,068 
 Prepaid expenses
  (58,185)
  (81,992)
Other assets including long-term portion of receivables
  (209,304)
  (30,416)
 Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses
  (147,794)
  (155,772)
               NET CASH PROVIDED BY (USED IN) OPERATING
                    ACTIVITIES
  (19,883)
  700,456 
 
    
    
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
    
    
     Purchase of property and equipment
  (555,637)
  (22,105)
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
  (555,637)
  (22,105)
 
    
    
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
    
    
     Payment of principal on bank term loans
  (4,297,024)
  - 
     Payment of principal on convertible notes
  (1,275,000)
  - 
     Proceeds of new loan - Corbel
  7,069,137 
  - 
NET CASH PROVIDED FINANCING ACTIVITIES
  1,497,113 
  - 
 
    
    
Increase in cash
  921,593 
  678,351 
Cash at beginning of period
  218,132 
  1,194,363 
Cash at end of period
 $1,139,725 
 $1,872,714 
 
Supplemental schedule of investing and financing activities
 
Cash paid for interest                                                                                      $198,560 $221,220
 
See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements (unaudited).
 
 
6
 
 
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
Note 1 - The accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements, included herein, have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These condensed consolidated statements have been prepared in accordance with the Company’s accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in that report. Unless the context indicates otherwise, references to the “Company” mean Noble Roman’s, Inc. and its subsidiaries.
 
Significant Accounting Policies
 
On February 5, 2021, the Company borrowed $940,734 under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”). The funds, according to the provision of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), may be used for payroll costs including payroll benefits, interest on mortgage obligations, rent under lease agreements and utilities. Since the Company met all of the eligibility requirements to participate in the PPP and it was probable from the beginning that the Company’s PPP borrowing will be forgiven, the Company’s participation in the PPP program was accounted for as a government grant. Since the entire amount of the PPP participation was used to pay qualified expenses prior to March 31, 2021, the qualifying expenses are presented herein as a reduction of those related expenses in the quarter ended March 31, 2021.
 
There have been no other significant changes in the Company's accounting policies from those disclosed in its Annual Report on Form 10-K.
 
In the opinion of the management of the Company, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented and the financial condition as of the dates indicated, which adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. The results for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year ending December 31, 2021, especially in light of recent volatility and uncertainty resulting from the coronavirus (“COVID-19) pandemic, the governmental response and the PPP funding.
 
Note 2 – Royalties and fees included initial franchise fees of $25,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, and $55,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021, Royalties and fees included equipment commissions of $4,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, and $10,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. Royalties and fees, including amortized initial franchise fees and equipment commissions, were $1.5 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020, and $1.1 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. Most of the cost for the services required to be performed by the Company are incurred prior to the franchise fee income being recorded, which is based on a contractual liability of the franchisee.
 
The effect on comparable periods within the financial statements is not material as the initial franchise fee for the non-traditional franchise is intended to defray the initial contract costs, and the franchise fees and contract costs initially incurred and paid approximate the relative amortized franchise fees and contract costs for those same periods.
 
The deferred contract income and deferred costs were both $834,000 on March 31, 2021.
 
At December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, the carrying value of the Company’s franchise receivables have been reduced to anticipated realizable value. As a result of this reduction of carrying value, the Company anticipates that substantially all of its accounts receivables reflected on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021, will be collected. In 2020, in light of the additional uncertainty created as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic, the Company decided to create a reserve for uncollectability on all long-term franchisee receivables. The Company will continue to pursue collection where circumstances are appropriate and all collections of these receivables in the future will result in additional royalty income at the time received.
 
There were 3,064 franchises/licenses in operation on December 31, 2020 and 3,066 franchises/licenses in operation on March 31, 2021. During the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 there were seven new outlets opened and five outlets closed. In the ordinary course, grocery stores from time to time add our licensed products, remove them and may subsequently re-offer them. Therefore, it is unknown how many of the 2,403 licensed grocery store units included in the counts above have left the system.
 
 
7
 
 
Note 3 - The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021:
 
 
 
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
 
 
 
 Income
(Numerator)
 
 
 Shares
(Denominator)
 
 
Per-Share
Amount
 
Net income
 $827,408 
  22,215,512 
 $.04 
 
    
    
    
Effect of dilutive securities
    
    
    
    Options and warrants
  - 
  - 
    
    Convertible notes
  15,625 
  1,250,000 
 
____
 
 
    
    
    
Diluted earnings per share
    
    
    
Net income per share with assumed conversions
 $843,033 
  23,465,512 
 $.04 
 
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted loss per share for the three-month period ended March 31, 2020:
 
 
 
 Three Months Ended March 31, 2020
 
 
 
 Income
(Numerator)
 
 
 Shares
(Denominator)
 
 
Per-Share
Amount
 
Net loss
 $(255,041)
  22,215,512 
 $(.01)
 
    
    
    
Effect of dilutive securities
    
    
    
    Options and warrants
  - 
  - 
    
    Convertible notes
  47,500 
  1,250,000 
 
____
 
 
    
    
    
Diluted loss per share
    
    
    
Net loss per share with assumed conversions
 $(207,541)
  23,465,512 
 $(.01)
 
Note 4 - On February 7, 2020, the Company entered into a Senior Secured Promissory Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement (the “Agreement”) with Corbel Capital Partners SBIC, L.P. (the “Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Agreement, the Company issued to the Purchaser a senior secured promissory note (the “Senior Note”) in the initial principal amount of $8.0 million. The Company has used the net proceeds of the Agreement as follows: (i) $4.2 million to repay the Company’s then-existing bank debt which was in the original amount of $6.1 million; (ii) $1,275,000 to repay the portion of the Company’s existing subordinated convertible debt the maturity date of which most had not previously been extended; (iii) debt issuance costs; and (iv) the remaining net proceeds for working capital and other general corporate purposes, including development of new Company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub locations.
 
The Senior Note bears cash interest of LIBOR, as defined in the Agreement, plus 7.75%. In addition, the Senior Note requires payment-in-kind interest (“PIK Interest”) of 3% per annum, which will be added to the principal amount of the Senior Note. Interest is payable in arrears on the last calendar day of each month. The Senior Note matures on February 7, 2025. The Senior Note does not require any fixed principal payments until February 28, 2023, at which time required monthly payments of principal in the amount of $33,333 begin and continue until maturity. The Senior Note requires the Company to make additional payments on the principal balance of the Senior Note based on its consolidated excess cash flow, as defined in the Agreement.
 
In conjunction with the borrowing under the Senior Note, the Company issued to the Purchaser a warrant (the “Corbel Warrant”) to purchase up to 2,250,000 shares of Common Stock. The Corbel Warrant entitles the Purchaser to purchase from the Company, at any time or from time to time: (i) 1,200,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.57 per share (“Tranche 1”), (ii) 900,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.72 per share (“Tranche 2”); and (iii) 150,000 shares of Common Stock at an exercise price of $0.97 per share (“Tranche 3”). The Purchaser is required to exercise the Corbel Warrant with respect to Tranche 1 if the Common Stock is trading at $1.40 per share or higher for a specified period, and is further required to exercise the Corbel Warrant with respect to Tranche 2 if the Common Stock is trading at $1.50 per share or higher for a specified period. Cashless exercise of the Corbel Warrant is only permitted with respect to Tranche 3. The Purchaser has the right, within six months after the issuance of any shares under the Corbel Warrant, to require the Company to repurchase such shares for cash or for Put Notes, at the Company's discretion. The Corbel Warrant expires on the sixth anniversary of the date of its issuance.
 
 
8
 
 
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic
 
In the first quarter of 2020, a novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19) emerged and spread throughout the United States. The World Health Organization recognized COVID-19 as a pandemic in March 2020. In response to the pandemic, the U.S. federal government and various state and local governments, among other things, imposed travel and business restrictions, including stay-at-home orders and other guidelines that required restaurants and bars to close or restrict inside dining. The pandemic resulted in significant, economic volatility, uncertainty and disruption, reduced commercial activity and weakened economic conditions in the regions in which the Company and its franchisees operate.
 
The pandemic and the governmental response had a significant adverse impact on the Company, due to, among other things, governmental restrictions, reduced customer traffic, staffing challenges and supply difficulties. All Company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub restaurants are located in the State of Indiana. On March 16, 2020, by order of the Governor of the State of Indiana (the "Governor"), all restaurants within Indiana were ordered to close for inside dining. Due to the order, all Craft Pizza & Pub restaurants were open for carry-out only through April 30, 2020, primarily through the Company's Pizza Valet system and third-party delivery providers. On May 1, 2020, the Governor issued another order allowing restaurants to be open for inside dining for up to 50% of capacity as of May 11, 2020, and on June 14, 2020 up to 75% of capacity, plus bars were allowed to open up to 50% of capacity, and on July 4, 2020 restaurants and bars were allowed to resume at 100% capacity. The Governor delayed the increase in capacity for a portion of the third quarter of 2020. Ultimately the Governor issued another order to allow 100% capacity for restaurants and bars but required certain social distancing rules which effectively limit capacity to much less than 100%. As the duration and scope of the pandemic is uncertain these orders are subject to further modification, which could adversely affect the Company. Further, the Company can provide no assurance the phase out of restrictions will have a positive effect on the Company's business.
 
Many other states and municipalities in the United States also temporarily restricted travel and suspended the operation of dine-in restaurants and other businesses in light of COVID-19, which negatively affected our franchised operations. Host facilities for our non-traditional franchises were also adversely impacted by these developments. The uncertainty and disruption in the U.S. economy caused by the pandemic are likely to continue to adversely impact the volume and resources of potential franchisees for both the Company's Craft Pizza & Pub and non-traditional venues.
 
In 2020, in light of the additional uncertainty created as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company decided to create a reserve for uncollectability on all long-term franchisee receivables. The Company will continue to pursue collection where circumstances are appropriate and all collections of these receivables in the future will result in additional royalty income at the time received.
 
On April 25, 2020, the Company received a loan of $715,000 under the PPP. In accordance with the applicable accounting policy adopted, the Company accounted for the loan as a government grant and presented it in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as a reduction of certain qualifying expenses incurred during the three-month period ended June 30, 2020. The expenses included payroll costs and benefits, interest on mortgage obligations, rent under lease agreements and utilities and other qualifying expenses pursuant to the CARES ACT. On February 19, 2021, the Company received formal notice from the Small Business Administration ("SBA") that the entire $715,000 loan was forgiven in accordance with the provisions of the CARES ACT. On February 5, 2021, the Company received an additional loan of $940,734 under the PPP. In accordance with the applicable accounting policy adopted, the Company accounted for the loan as a government grant and presented it in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as a reduction of certain qualifying expenses incurred during the three-month period ended March 31, 2021. The expenses included payroll costs and benefits, interest on mortgage obligations, rent under lease agreements and utilities and other qualifying expenses pursuant to the CARES ACT.
 
Note 5 - The Company evaluated subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued and filed with SEC. There were no subsequent events that required recognition or disclosure beyond what is disclosed in this report.
 
 
9
 
 
ITEM 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
 
General Information
 
Noble Roman’s, Inc., an Indiana corporation incorporated in 1972, sells and services franchises and licenses and operates Company-owned foodservice locations for stand-alone restaurants and non-traditional foodservice operations under the trade names “Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub,” “Noble Roman’s Pizza,” “Noble Roman’s Take-N-Bake,” and “Tuscano’s Italian Style Subs.” References in this report to the “Company” are to Noble Roman’s, Inc. and its two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Pizzaco, Inc. and RH Roanoke, Inc., unless the context requires otherwise. Pizzaco, Inc. currently does not own any locations and has no income or expense. RH Roanoke, Inc. operates a Company-owned non-traditional location.
 
The Company has been operating, franchising and licensing Noble Roman’s Pizza operations in a variety of stand-alone and non-traditional locations across the country since 1972. Its first Craft Pizza & Pub location opened in January 2017 as a Company-operated restaurant in a northern suburb of Indianapolis, Indiana. Since then, a total of six more Company-operated locations were opened in 2017, 2018 and 2020 with additional locations under consideration. The Company-operated locations serve as the base for what it sees as the potential future growth driver franchising to experienced, multi-unit restaurant operators with a track record of success. In 2019, the Company executed an agreement with the first such operator, Indiana’s largest Dairy Queen franchisee with 19 franchised Dairy Queen locations. The franchisee opened the first franchised Craft Pizza & Pub location in May 2019 and another location in November 2020. In November 2019, another franchisee, with an operations background in McDonald's, opened a Craft Pizza & Pub in Evansville, Indiana.
 
As discussed below under “Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic” the COVID-19 pandemic materially affected the Company’s business in the past year.
 
Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub
 
The Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub utilizes many of the basic elements first introduced in 1972 but in a modern atmosphere with up-to-date technology and equipment to maximize speed, enhance quality and perpetuate the taste customers love and expect from a Noble Roman’s.
 
The Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub provides for a selection of over 40 different toppings, cheeses and sauces from which to choose. Beer and wine also are featured, with 16 different beers on tap including both national and local craft selections. Wines include 16 affordably priced options by the bottle or glass in a range of varietals. Beer and wine service is provided at the bar and throughout the dining room.
 
The Company designed the system to enable fast cook times, with oven speeds running approximately 2.5 minutes for traditional pizzas and 5.75 minutes for Sicilian pizzas. Traditional pizza favorites such as pepperoni are options on the menu but also offered is a selection of Craft Pizza & Pub original specialty pizza creations. The menu also features a selection of contemporary and fresh, made-to-order salads and fresh-cooked pasta. The menu also incorporates baked sub sandwiches, hand-sauced wings and a selection of desserts, as well as Noble Roman’s famous Breadsticks with Spicy Cheese Sauce, most of which has been offered in its locations since 1972.
 
Additional enhancements include a glass enclosed “Dough Room” where Noble Roman’s Dough Masters hand make all pizza and breadstick dough from scratch in customer view. Also in the dining room is a “Dust & Drizzle Station” where guests can customize their pizzas after they are baked with a variety of toppings and drizzles, such as rosemary-infused olive oil, honey and Italian spices. Kids and adults enjoy Noble Roman’s self-serve root beer tap, which is also part of a special menu for customers 12 and younger. Throughout the dining room and the bar area there are many giant screen television monitors for sports and the nostalgic black and white shorts featured in Noble Roman’s since 1972.
 
The Company designed its new curbside service for carry-out customers, called “Pizza Valet Service,” to create added value and convenience. With Pizza Valet Service, customers place orders ahead, drive into the restaurant’s reserved valet parking spaces and have their pizza run to their vehicle by specially uniformed pizza valets. Customers who pay when they place their orders are able to drive up and leave with their order very quickly without stepping out of their vehicle. For those who choose to pay after they arrive, pizza valets can take credit card payments on their mobile payment devices right at the customer's vehicle. With the fast baking times, the entire experience, from order to pick-up can take as little as 12 minutes.
 
 
10
 
 
Noble Roman’s Pizza For Non-Traditional Locations
 
In 1997, the Company started franchising non-traditional locations (a Noble Roman’s pizza operation within some other business or activity that had existing traffic) such as entertainment facilities, hospitals, convenience stores and other types of facilities. These locations utilize the two pizza styles the Company started with in 1972, along with its great tasting, high quality ingredients and menu extensions.
 
The hallmark of Noble Roman’s Pizza for non-traditional locations is “Superior quality that our customers can taste.” Every ingredient and process has been designed with a view to produce superior results.
 
A fully-prepared pizza crust that captures the made-from-scratch pizzeria flavor which gets delivered to non-traditional locations in a shelf-stable condition so that dough handling is no longer an impediment to a consistent product, which otherwise is a challenge in non-traditional locations.
Fresh packed, uncondensed and never cooked sauce made with secret spices, parmesan cheese and vine-ripened tomatoes in all venues.
100% real cheese blended from mozzarella and Muenster, with no soy additives or extenders.
100% real meat toppings, with no additives or extenders, a distinction compared to many pizza concepts.
Vegetable and mushroom toppings are sliced and delivered fresh, never canned.
An extended product line that includes breadsticks and cheesy stix with dip, pasta, baked sandwiches, salads, wings and a line of breakfast products.
The fully-prepared crust also forms the basis for the Company’s Take-N-Bake pizza for use as an add-on component for its non-traditional franchise base as well as an offering for its grocery store license venue.
 
Business Strategy
 
The Company is focused on revenue expansion while continuing to minimize corporate-level overhead. To accomplish this the Company will continue developing, owning and operating Craft Pizza & Pub locations and franchising to qualified multi-unit franchisees. At the same time, the Company will continue to focus on franchising/licensing for non-traditional locations by franchising primarily to convenience stores and entertainment centers.
 
The initial franchise fees are as follows:
 
 
Non-Traditional Except Hospitals
 
 
Non-Traditional
Hospitals
 
 
Traditional
Stand-Alone
 
Noble Roman’s Pizza or Craft Pizza & Pub
 $7,500 
 $10,000 
 $30,000(1)
 
(1) With the sale of multiple traditional stand-alone franchises to a single franchisee, the franchise fee for the first unit is $30,000, the franchise fee for the second unit is $25,000 and the franchise fee for the third unit and any additional unit is $20,000.
 
The franchise fees are paid upon signing the franchise agreement and, when paid, are non-refundable in consideration of the administration and other expenses incurred by the Company in granting the franchises and for the lost and/or deferred opportunities to grant such franchises to any other party.
 
The Company’s proprietary ingredients are manufactured pursuant to the Company’s recipes and formulas by third-party manufacturers under contracts between the Company and its various manufacturers. These contracts require the manufacturers to produce ingredients meeting the Company’s specifications and to sell them to Company-approved distributors at prices negotiated between the Company and the manufacturer.
 
The Company utilizes distributors it has strategically identified across the United States. The distributor agreements require the distributors to maintain adequate inventories of all ingredients necessary to meet the needs of the Company’s franchisees and licensees in their distribution areas for weekly deliveries.
 
 
11
 
 
Business Operations
 
Distribution
 
The Company’s proprietary ingredients are manufactured pursuant to the Company’s recipes and specifications by third-party manufacturers under contracts between the Company and its various manufacturers. These contracts require the manufacturers to produce ingredients meeting the Company’s specifications and to sell them to Company-approved third-party distributors at prices negotiated between the Company and the manufacturer.
 
The Company has third-party distributors strategically located throughout the United States. The agreements require the distributors to maintain adequate inventories of all ingredients necessary to meet the needs of the Company’s franchisees and licensees in their distribution areas for weekly deliveries to the franchisee/licensee locations and to its grocery store distributors in their respective territories. Each of the primary distributors purchases the ingredients from the manufacturers at prices negotiated between the Company and the manufacturers, but under payment terms agreed upon by the manufacturers and the distributors, and distributes the ingredients to the franchisee/licensee at a price determined by the distributor agreement. Payment terms to the distributor are agreed upon between each franchisee/licensee and the respective distributor. In addition, the Company has agreements with various grocery store distributors located in parts of the country which agree to buy the Company’s ingredients from one of the Company’s primary distributors and to distribute those ingredients only to their grocery store customers who have signed license agreements with the Company.
 
Financial Summary
 
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The Company periodically evaluates the carrying value of its assets, including property, equipment and related costs, accounts receivable and deferred tax assets, to assess whether any impairment indications are present due to (among other factors) recurring operating losses, significant adverse legal developments, competition, changes in demand for the Company’s products or changes in the business climate which affect the recovery of recorded value. If any impairment of an individual asset is evident, a charge will be provided to reduce the carrying value to its estimated fair value.
 
The following table sets forth the revenue, expense and margin contribution of the Company's Craft Pizza & Pub venue and the percent relationship to its revenue:

 
 
        Three Months ended March 31,
 
  Description
 
    2020
 
 
    2021
 
Revenue
 $1,092,948 
  100.0 
 $2,108,697 
  100.0 
Cost of sales
  235,592 
  21.6 
  438,012 
  20.8 
Salaries and wages
  318,524 
  29.1 
  228,949 
  10.9 
Facility cost including rent, common area and utilities
  202,780 
  18.6 
  114,384 
  5.4 
Packaging
  30,253 
  2.8 
  56,696 
  2.7 
Delivery fees
  35,199 
  3.2 
  94,245 
  4.5 
All other operating expenses
  149,681 
  13.6 
  296,608 
  14.0 
Total expenses
  972,029 
  88.9 
  1,228,894 
  58.3 
Margin contribution
 $120,919 
  11.1%
 $879,803 
  41.7%
 
Margin contribution from this venue was decreased by $8,029 for non-cash expense related to the adoption of Accounting Standards Update ("ASU 2016-02") accounting for lease which became effective after January 1, 2019 for publicly reporting companies.
 
12
 
 
The following table sets forth the revenue, expense and margin contribution of the Company's non-traditional franchising venue and the percent relationship to its revenue:
 

 
        Three Months ended March 31,
 
Description
 
    2020
 
 
    2021
 
Royalties and fees non-traditional franchising
 $1,278,100 
  87.1%
 $890,054 
  84.4%
Royalties and fees non-traditional grocery
  189,279 
  12.9 
  163,906 
  15.6 
Total non-traditional revenue
  1,467,379 
  100.0 
  1,053,960 
  100.0 
Salaries and wages
  196,049 
  13.4 
  88,246 
  8.4 
Trade show expense
  105,000 
  7.2 
  105,000 
  10.0 
Insurance
  86,426 
  5.9 
  62,398 
  5.9 
Travel and auto
  28,448 
  1.9 
  16,370 
  1.5 
All other operating expenses
  74,433 
  5.0 
  67,351 
  6.4 
Total expenses
  490,356 
  33.4 
  339,365 
  32.2 
Margin contribution
 $977,023 
  66.6%
 $714,595 
  67.8 
 
The following table sets forth the revenue, expense and margin contribution of the Company-owned non-traditional venue and the percent relationship to its revenue:
 
 
 
          Three Months ended March 31,
 
Description
 
      2020
 
 
    2021
 
Revenue
 $154,684 
  100.0%
 $116,104 
  100.0%
Cost of sales
  59,562 
  38.5 
  44,029 
  37.9 
Salaries and wages
  56,256 
  36.4 
  17,381 
  15.0 
Rent
  14,710 
  9.5 
  11,316 
  9.8 
Packaging
  4,170 
  2.7 
  3,270 
  2.8 
All other operating expenses
  17,545 
  11.3 
  13,158 
  11.3 
Total expenses
  152,243 
  98.4 
  89,154 
  76.8 
Margin contribution
 $2,441 
  1.6%
 $26,950 
  23.2%
 
Results of Operations
 
Company-Owned Craft Pizza & Pub
 
The revenue from this venue was $2.1 million compared to $1.1 million for the corresponding period in 2020. Revenue was increased by the opening of three additional Craft Pizza & Pub restaurants in March, October and November 2020, respectively, but that increase was partially constrained by the Governor of the State of Indiana issuing an order on March 16, 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic closing all dining rooms for inside dining for an indefinite period of time but allowing carry-out and delivery.
 
Cost of sales improved to 20.8% from 21.6% in the corresponding period last year.
 
Salaries and wages improved to 10.9% compared to 29.1% for the comparable period in 2020. This improvement was primarily the result of this cost being partially reimbursed from the proceeds of the PPP grant, in the amount of $371,000, and the efficiencies gained as the restaurants had been operating longer. It was also partially the result of all of the dining rooms being closed by order of the Governor on March 16, 2020, however the restaurants continued to use Pizza Valet service for carry-out which decreased the labor requirements to a greater extent in percentage terms than the sales were reduced by the lack of dining room service.
 
Gross margin contribution improved to 41.7% from 11.1% for the quarter compared to the comparable period last year. Overall expenses for this venue decreased to 58.3% from 88.9% with the cost of sales decreasing by 0.8%, facility cost decreasing by 13.2%, delivery fees and bank charges increase by 1.3%, and labor cost decreasing by 18.2%. As discussed above, certain costs were reimbursed with proceeds from the PPP grant.
 
 
13
 
 
Franchising
 
The revenue from this venue decreased from $1.5 million to $1.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Royalties and fees from this venue decreased from $1.3 million to $900,000 and royalties and fees from grocery stores declined from $189,000 to $164,000. The decrease in this venue was primarily the result of the COVID-19 pandemic whereby several states were required to temporarily close the various non-traditional locations because of the different state regulations.
 
Salaries and wages improved from $196,000 to $88,000 primarily the result of those expenses being partially offset by $140,000 of the PPP grant allocated to that purpose.
 
Trade show expense, insurance and other operating costs decreased from $294,000 to $251,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. In January 2019, the Company reviewed this venue in depth to find ways to minimize costs and accomplish its objectives with fewer people and lower costs in general.
 
Gross margin contribution from this venue improved from 66.6% to 67.8% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The reason for the margin increase was partially the result of using a portion of the PPP grant to offset salaries and wages cost offset in part by the decrease in total revenue, as explained in the paragraph above.
 
Company-Owned Non-Traditional Locations
 
Gross revenue from this venue decreased from $155,000 to $116,000 in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The primary reason for this decrease was the restriction placed on hospital locations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic whereby hospitals were restricted from having outside visitors and staff inside the hospital was restricted from going from one area of the hospital to another. The Company does not intend to operate any more Company-owned non-traditional locations except the one location that it is currently operating.
 
Total expenses improved from $152,000 to $89,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The primary reason for this decrease was caused by lower volume due to restrictions on hospitals resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic and, in addition, $29,000 in salaries being partially offset by use of a portion of the PPP grant for that purpose.
 
Gross margin contribution from this venue improved from 1.6% to 23.2% in the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. As previously discussed, the margin was improved as a result of a partial use of the PPP grant to offset $29,000 in salaries.
 
Depreciation and amortization increased from $66,000 to $165,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding periods in 2020. The primary reason for the increase was the result of the new Company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub locations opening during the year 2020. Additional Company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub locations were opened in March, October and November 2020. The Company intends to open three additional Company-owned Craft Pizza & Pubs during 2021.
 
General and administrative expenses decreased from $449,000 to $299,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The primary reason for the decrease was a partial reimbursement of certain expenses in accordance with the PPP grant in the amount of $190,000 partially offset by a small increase in various operating expenses.
 
Operating income improved from $589,000 to $1.2 million for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Operating income improved as a result of the partial reimbursement of certain expenses through the PPP grant and the result of the increased revenue from the Craft Pizza & Pub venue and partially offset by the decrease in franchising revenue.
 
 
14
 
 
Interest expense decreased from $926,000 to $334,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. The primary reason for the decrease was a result of the financing that occurred in February 2020 resulting in one-time non-cash write-offs of the unamortized original loan cost for both First Financial Bank and the private placement subordinated debt, which in the aggregate was $658,445 and partially offset by the non-cash PIK interest expense of $35,371.
 
Net income (loss) before income taxes improved from $(337,000) to $827,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. This was primarily the result of the partial reimbursement of certain expenses as a result of the PPP grant and by the non-cash interest in 2020, as discussed above.
 
Net income (loss) improved from $(255,000) to $827,000 for the three-month period ended March 31, 2021 compared to the corresponding period in 2020. Net income improved because of the non-cash expense in 2020 associated with refinancing the Company’s debt and the partial reimbursement of certain expenses in accordance with the PPP grant. No income tax expense was recorded since the recognition of the PPP grant was non-taxable.
 
Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
The Company’s strategy is to grow its business by concentrating on franchising/licensing non-traditional locations, franchising its updated stand-alone concept, Craft Pizza & Pub, and operating a limited number of Company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub restaurants. The Company added new Company-operated Craft Pizza & Pub locations in January and November of 2017, January and June of 2018 and March, October and November of 2020. The Company intends to open three more Company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub locations in 2021.
 
During 2018, the Company invested resources (approximately $300,000) to commence franchising of the Craft Pizza & Pub franchise. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had three Craft Pizza & Pub locations under franchise agreements which were open and one of those franchisees is exploring other locations for an additional franchise location.
 
The Company is operating one non-traditional location in a hospital and has no plans for operating any additional non-traditional locations.
 
The Company’s current ratio was 3.8-to-1 as of March 31, 2021 compared to 2.6-to-1 as of December 31, 2020. The current ratio was improved significantly with the PPP funding in February 2021.
 
In January 2017, the Company completed the private placement of $2.4 million principal amount of the Notes convertible to common stock at $0.50 per share and Warrants to purchase up to 2.4 million shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $1.00 per share, subject to adjustment. In 2018, $400,000 principal amount of Notes was converted into 800,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, in January 2019 another Note in the principal amount of $50,000 was converted into 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, and in August 2019 another Note in the principal amount of $50,000 was converted into 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, leaving principal amounts of Notes of $1.9 million outstanding as of December 31, 2019. Holders of Notes in the principal amount of $775,000 extended their maturity date to January 31, 2023. In February 2020, $1,275,000 principal amount of the Notes were repaid in conjunction with a new financing leaving a principal balance of $625,000 of subordinated convertible notes outstanding due January 31, 2023. These Notes bear interest at 10% per annum paid quarterly and are convertible to common stock any time prior to maturity at the option of the holder at $0.50 per share. The remaining Warrants to purchase 775,000 shares were re-priced to $0.57 per share as a result of the financing completed in February 2020.
 
On February 7, 2020, the Company entered into the Agreement, pursuant to which the Company issued to the purchaser the Senior Note in the initial principal amount of $8.0 million. The Company has used the net proceeds of the Agreement as follows: (i) $4.2 million to repay the Company’s then-existing bank debt which were in the original amount of $6.1 million; (ii) $1,275,000 to repay the portion of the Company’s existing subordinated convertible debt the maturity date of which most had not previously been extended; (iii) debt issuance costs; and (iv) the remaining net proceeds for working capital or other general corporate purposes, including development of new Company-owned Craft Pizza & Pub locations.
 
The Senior Note bears cash interest of LIBOR, as defined in the Agreement, plus 7.75%. In addition, the Senior Note requires PIK Interest of 3% per annum, which will be added to the principal amount of the Senior Note. Interest is payable in arrears on the last calendar day of each month. The Senior Note matures on February 7, 2025. The Senior Note does not require any fixed principal payments until February 28, 2023, at which time required monthly payments of principal in the amount of $33,333 begin and continue until maturity. The Senior Note requires the Company to make additional payments on the principal balance of the Senior Note based on its consolidated excess cash flow, as defined in the Agreement.
 
On April 25, 2020, the Company received a loan of $715,000 under the PPP. In accordance with the applicable accounting policy adopted, the Company accounted for the loan as a government grant and presented it in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Operations as a reduction of certain qualifying expenses incurred during the three-month period ended June 30, 2020. On February 19, 2021, the Company received formal notice from the SBA that the entire $715,000 loan was forgiven in accordance with the provisions of the CARES ACT which the Company had already treated as a grant.
 
On February 5, 2021, the Company received an additional loan of $940,734 under the PPP. The Company intends to use the proceeds of this loan for qualifying expenses under the CARES ACT. The Company anticipates this loan will also be forgiven and, therefore, will account for it as a grant. In accordance with the Company's accounting policies, those proceeds were used to offset certain expenses during the quarter ended March 31, 2021
 
 
15
 
 
As a result of the financial arrangements described above and the Company’s cash flow projections, the Company believes it will have sufficient cash flow to meet its obligations and to carry out its current business plan. The Company’s cash flow projections for the next two years are primarily based on the Company’s strategy of growing the non-traditional franchising/licensing venues, operating Craft Pizza & Pub locations and pursuing an aggressive franchising program for Craft Pizza & Pub restaurants.
 
The Company does not anticipate that any of the recently issued pronouncements relating to the Statement of Financial Accounting Standards will have a material impact on its Consolidated Statement of Operations or its Consolidated Balance Sheet.
 
Forward-Looking Statements
 
The statements contained above in Management’s Discussion and Analysis concerning the Company’s future revenues, profitability, financial resources, market demand and product development are forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) relating to the Company that are based on the beliefs of the management of the Company, as well as assumptions and estimates made by and information currently available to the Company’s management. The Company’s actual results in the future may differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements due to risks and uncertainties that exist in the Company’s operations and business environment, including, but not limited to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the availability of hourly and management labor to adequately staff company-operated and franchise operations, competitive factors and pricing pressures, accelerating inflation and the cost of labor, food items and supplies, non-renewal of franchise agreements, shifts in market demand, the success of new franchise programs, including the Noble Roman’s Craft Pizza & Pub format, the Company’s ability to successfully operate an increased number of Company-owned restaurants, general economic conditions, changes in demand for the Company’s products or franchises, the Company’s ability to service its loans, the impact of franchise regulation, the success or failure of individual franchisees and changes in prices or supplies of food ingredients and labor as well as the factors discussed under “Risk Factors " contained in the annual report on Form 10-K. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions or estimates prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as anticipated, believed, estimated, expected or intended.
 
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
 
The Company’s exposure to interest rate risk relates primarily to its variable-rate debt. As of March 31, 2021, the Company had outstanding variable interest-bearing debt in the aggregate principal amount of $8.2 million. The Company’s current borrowings are at a variable rate tied to LIBOR plus 7.75% per annum adjusted on a monthly basis. Based on its current debt structure, for each 1% increase in LIBOR the Company would incur increased interest expense of approximately $85,000 over the succeeding 12-month period.
 
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
 
Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, A. Scott Mobley, the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and Paul W. Mobley, the Company’s Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) are effective. There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting during the period covered by this report that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
 
 
16
 
 
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
 
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings.
 
The Company is not involved in material litigation against it.
 
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
 
None.
 
ITEM 6. Exhibits.
 
 
17
 
 
Index to Exhibits
 
Exhibit Number
Description
3.1
Amended Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to the Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed July 1, 1985 (SEC File No.2-84150), is incorporated herein by reference.
Amended and Restated By-Laws of the Registrant, as currently in effect, filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed December 23, 2009, is incorporated herein by reference.
3.3
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective February 18, 1992 filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File No. 33-66850), ordered effective on October 26, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective May 11, 2000, filed as Annex A and Annex B to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed March 28, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference.
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective April 16, 2001 filed as Exhibit 3.4 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective August 23, 2005, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s current report on Form 8-K filed August 29, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
Articles of Amendment of the Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant effective February 7, 2017, filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) filed April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
4.1
Specimen Common Stock Certificates filed as an exhibit to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-18 filed October 22, 1982 and ordered effective on December 14, 1982 (SEC File No. 2-79963C), is incorporated herein by reference.
Warrant to purchase common stock, dated July 1, 2015, filed as Exhibit 10.11 to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q filed on August 11, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
Form of Senior Secured Promissory Note issued by Registrant to Corbel Capital Partners SBIC, L.P. dated February 7, 2020, filed as Exhibit 4.3 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.
Form of Warrant issued to Corbel Capital Partners SBIC, L.P. dated February 7, 2020, filed as Exhibit 4.4 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.
Form of Promissory Note under the Paycheck Protection Payment loan issued by Registrant Huntington National Bank dated April 17, 2020, filed as Exhibit 4.5 to Registrant’s quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2020,filed herewith.
4.6
Promissory Note under the Paycheck Protection Program loan issued by Noble Roman's, Inc. to Huntington National Bank dated February 5, 2021 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant's current report on Form 8-K filed February 8, 2021 is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
Employment Agreement with Paul W. Mobley dated January 2, 1999 filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
Employment Agreement with A. Scott Mobley dated January 2, 1999 filed as Exhibit 10.2 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.
Loan Agreement dated as of September 13, 2017 by and between the Registrant and First Financial, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant's Form 8-K filed September 19, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
Term note dated September 13, 2017 to First Financial Bank filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed November 14, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
Development line note dated September 13, 2017 to First Financial Bank filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant's Form 10-Q filed November 14, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
Agreement dated April 8, 2015, by and among the Registrant and the shareholder parties, filed as Exhibit 10.1 to Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on April 8, 2015, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
18
 
 
Form of 10% Convertible Subordinated Unsecured note filed as Exhibit 10.16 to the Registrant's Form 10-K filed on March 27, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
Form of Redeemable Common Stock Purchase Class A Warrant filed as Exhibit 10.21 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
Registration Rights Agreement dated October 13, 2016, by and among the Registrant and the investors signatory thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.22 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
First Amendment to the Registration Rights Agreement dated February 13, 2017, by and among the Registrant and the investors signatory thereto, filed as Exhibit 10.23 to the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (SEC File No. 33-217442) on April 25, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference.
 10.11
Senior Secured Note and Warrant Purchase Agreement dated February 7, 2020 by and between the Registrant and Corbel Capital Partners SBIC, L.P., filed as Exhibit 10.11 to Registrant’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, is incorporated herein by reference.
 
 
21.1
Subsidiaries of the Registrant filed in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (SEC File No. 33-66850) ordered effective on October 26, 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.
C.E.O. Certification under Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
C.F.O. Certification under Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)
C.E.O. Certification under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
C.F.O. Certification under 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
101
Interactive Financial Data
 
*Management contract or compensation plan.
 
19
 
 
 
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.
 
 
NOBLE ROMAN'S, INC.
 
 
 
 
 
Date: May 12, 2021
By:  
/s/ Paul W. Mobley  
 

 
Paul W. Mobley
 
 
 
Executive Chairman, Chief Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer (Authorized Officer and Principal Financial Officer)
 
 
 
20