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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP - Quarter Report: 2007 March (Form 10-Q)

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, 2007

Commission file number 0-14030

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 
 
New York    13-3156768
(State or other jurisdiction of    (I.R.S. Employer 
incorporation or organization)    Identification No.) 
 
 
85 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York    10003 
(Address of principal executive offices)    (Zip Code) 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: _____(212) 206-8800_____

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 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 is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer _____ Accelerated filer _____ Non-accelerated filer    X   

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Class    Outstanding shares at April 24, 2007 
(Common stock, $.01 par value)    3,586,799 


SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

     We may make statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference herein relating to management’s current expectations of future financial performance, continued growth and changes in economic conditions or capital markets are forward looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

     Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” “will likely result,” “hopes,” “will continue” or similar expressions identify forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. We caution that while we make such statements in good faith and we believe such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in records and other data available from third parties, we cannot assure you that our projections will be achieved. Factors that may cause such differences include: economic conditions generally and in each of the markets in which we are located, the amount of sales contributed by new and existing restaurants, labor costs for our personnel, fluctuations in the cost of food products, adverse weather conditions, changes in consumer preferences and the level of competition from existing or new competitors.

     We have attempted to identify, in context, certain of the factors that we believe may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from our current expectation regarding the relevant matter of subject area. In addition to the items specifically discussed above, our business, results of operations and financial position and your investment in our common stock are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in “Item 1A Risk Factors” in Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 as updated by the information contained under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

     From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements are also included in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K, our Schedule 14A, our press releases and other materials released to the public. Although we believe that at the time made, the expectations reflected in all of these forward-looking statements are and will be reasonable, any or all of the forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, our reports on Forms 10-K and 8-K, our Schedule 14A and any other public statements that are made by us may prove to be incorrect. This may occur as a result of inaccurate assumptions or as a consequence of known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, certain of which are beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from forward-looking statements. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a forward-looking statement in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or other public communications that we might make as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

     We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K and Schedule 14A.

     Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “ARKR” and the “Company” refer specifically to Ark Restaurants Corp. and its subsidiaries and predecessor entities.

2


PART I

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(Dollars and shares in Thousands)

    March 31,
2007
    September 30,
2006
ASSETS   (unaudited)      (see Note 1) 
CURRENT ASSETS:           
  Cash and cash equivalents 
$
1,971   
$
7,671 
  Short-term investments    5,113      - 
  Accounts receivable    3,543      2,587 
  Related party receivables    1,317      1,446 
  Employee receivables    369      394 
  Current portion of long-term receivables    111      131 
  Inventories    1,480      1,675 
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets    892      700 
  Assets held for sale    1,120      1,657 
            Total current assets    15,916      16,261 
LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES    410      1,025 
FIXED ASSETS - At cost:           
  Leasehold improvements    27,448      34,807 
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment    24,937      28,408 
  Construction in progress    891      159 
    53,276      63,374 
  Less accumulated depreciation and           
    amortization    33,932      39,230 
FIXED ASSETS - Net    19,344      24,144 
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Net    91      100 
GOODWILL    5,828      3,440 
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES    6,388      6,305 
OTHER ASSETS    320      845 
TOTAL  $ 48,297    $ 52,120 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY          
CURRENT LIABILITIES:           
  Accounts payable - trade  $ 1,912    $ 2,193 
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities    4,004      4,218 
  Accrued income taxes    2,696      1,452 
  Current portion of note payable    175      - 
            Total current liabilities    8,787      7,863 
 
OPERATING LEASE DEFERRED CREDIT    4,015      4,203 
NOTE PAYABLE    797      - 
OTHER LIABILITIES    265      301 
TOTAL LIABILITIES    13,864      12,367 
LIMITED PARTNER INTEREST IN VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITY   23      - 
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES           
 
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:           
  Common stock, par value $.01 per share - authorized, 10,000 shares; issued, 5,657 shares and 5,632 at March 31, 2007
    and September 30, 2006, respectively
 
  57      57 
  Additional paid-in capital    21,312      20,403 
  Accumulated other comprehensive income    25      - 
  Retained earnings    21,568      27,845 
    42,962      48,305 
  Less stock option receivable    (166
) 
  (166) 
  Less treasury stock of 2,070 shares    (8,386
)
  (8,386) 
            Total shareholders’ equity    34,410      39,753 
TOTAL $ 48,297    $ 52,120 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.


3


ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEM ENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
(In Thousands, Except per share amounts)

    13 Weeks Ended   26 Weeks Ended
    March 31,
2007
  April 1,
2006
  March 31,
2007
  April 1,
2006
         
           
(see Note 1) 
         
(see Note 1) 
 
TOTAL REVENUES   
$ 
25,867 
  $
24,120 
  $
54,069
  $   50,083
COST AND EX PENSES:                           
Food and beverage cost of sales     
6,831 
   
6,321 
   
13,862
  12,669 
Payroll expenses     
8,930 
   
8,482 
   
17,828
  16,820 
Occupancy expenses     
3,571 
   
3,908 
   
7,563
      7,990 
Other operating costs and expenses     
3,305 
   
2,959 
   
6,545
      6,119 
General and administrative expenses     
2,072 
   
1,839 
   
4,055
      3,561 
Depreciation and amortization     
675 
   
626 
   
1,313
      1,192 
    Total cost and expenses    
25,384 
   
24,135 
   
51,166
  48,351 
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)     
483 
   
(15
)  
2,903
      1,732 
OTHER INCOME:                           
Interest income - Net     
38 
   
22 
   
148
      47 
Other income     
236 
   
181 
   
479
      390 
Total other income     
274 
   
203 
   
627
      437 
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes and limited partner interest in variable interest entity     
757 
   
188 
   
3,530
      2,169 
Provision for income taxes     
289 
   
64 
   
1,218
      737 
Limited partner interest in income of variable interest entity     
(21
)  
- 
   
(44
)     - 
 
Income from continuing operations     
447 
   
124 
   
2,268
      1,432 
DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:                           
Income (loss) from operations of discontinued restaurants (Includes net gain on disposal of $7,814 for the 26 week period ended March 31, 2007)    
4 
   
(417
)  
7,160
  (1,010) 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes     
73 
   
(142
)  
2,470
      (343) 
 
Income (loss) from discontinued operations     
(69
)  
(275
)  
4,690
      (667) 
Income (loss) before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    
378 
   
(151
)  
6,958
      765 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle     
-
    -    
10
      - 
NET INCOME (LOSS)    $
378 
  $
(151
) $
6,968
  $   765 
PER SHARE INFORMATION - BASIC AND DILUTED:                           
Income from continuing operations    $
.13 
  $
.04 
  $
.63
  $   .41 
Discontinued operations    $
(.02
) $
(.08
) $
1.31
  $   (.19) 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    $
.00 
  $
.00 
  $
.00
  $   .00 
 
Basic    $
.11 
  $
(.04
) $
1.94
  $   .22 
 
Income from continuing operations    $
.12 
  $
.04 
  $
.63
  $   .40 
Discontinued operations    $
(.02
) $
(.08
) $
1.31
  $   (.19) 
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    $
.00 
  $
.00 
  $
.00
  $   .00 
Diluted    $
.10 
  $
(.04
) $
1.94
  $   .21 
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES-BASIC     
3,590 
   
3,462 
   
3,580
      3,462 
 
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES-DILUTED     
3,604 
   
3,546 
   
3,590
      3,546 

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

4


ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)
(Dollars in Thousands)

  26 Weeks Ended
  March 31,
2007
 
April 1,
2006
 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:         
  Net income  $ 6,968   $
765
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
      provided by operating activities:
       
Deferred income taxes    (83 )  
(165
)
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle    (10 )  
-
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options    (89 )  
-
Stock-based compensation    252    
374
Depreciation and amortization    2,384    
1,805
Gain on disposal of discontinued operation    (7,814 )  
-
Impairment loss on assets held for sale of discontinued operations    537    
-
Limited partner interest in income of consolidated variable interest entity    44    
-
Operating lease deferred credit    (95 )  
(25
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:         
  Accounts receivable   (956 )  
(2,411
)
  Related party receivables   129    
-
  Employee receivables   25    
(43
)
  Inventories   (40 )  
(129
)
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets   (192 )  
147
  Other assets   144     
(5
)
  Accounts payable - trade   (281 )  
(767
)
  Accrued income taxes   1,244    
(481
)
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities   (214 )  
(733
)
  Cash received from landlord   -    
3,000
         
    Net cash provided by continuing operating activities   1,953    
1,332
    Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities   103    
59
    Net cash provided by operating activities   2,056    
1,391
         
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:         
Purchases of fixed assets   (2,626 )  
(3,312
)
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operation    14,000    
-
Purchases of investment securities    (13,162 )  
-
Proceeds from sales of investment securities    8,074    
-
Payment for purchase of Durgin Park    (2,000 )  
-
Payments received on long-term receivables    635    
207
    Net cash used in continuing investing activities    4,921    
(3,105
)
    Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued investing activities    -    
-
    Net cash used in investing activities    4,921    
(3,105
)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:         
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options    89    
-
Principal payments on note payable    (28 )  
-
Dividends paid    (13,245 )  
(2,420
)
Exercise of stock options    568    
-
Distributions to limited partners of consolidated variable interest entity    (61 )  
-
Proceeds from stock option receivables    -    
-
Net cash used in continuing financing activities    (12,677 )  
(2,420
)
Net cash used in discontinued financing activities    -    
-
Net cash used in financing activities    (12,677 )  
(2,420
)
         
NET DECREASE IN CASH    (5,700 )  
(4,134
)
         
CASH and cash equivalents, Beginning of period    7,671    
5,723
CASH and cash equivalents, End of period  $ 1,971   $
1,589
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:         
Cash paid during the period for:         
    Interest  $ 12   $
-
    Income taxes  $ 2,140   $
1,252

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

- 5 -


ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
March 31, 2007
(Unaudited)

1. CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION – The consolidated interim financial statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its partnerships and other entities in which it has a controlling interest. Also included in the consolidated financial statements are certain variable interest entities, as discussed below. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The unaudited financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States have been condensed or omitted. These consolidated condensed 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 September 30, 2006. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results to be expected for the full year.

     RECLASSIFCATIONS – Certain reclassifications have been made to the 2006 financial statements to conform to the 2007 presentation.

     All adjustments that in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation have been reflected as required by regulation S-X Rule 10-01. All such adjustments are of normal recurring nature.

     In connection with the sale of three facilities, the closure of two facilities and the classification of another facility as “held for sale”, the operations of these restaurants have been presented as discontinued operations for the 13-week and 26-week periods ended March 31, 2007 and the Company has reclassified its statements of operations and cash flow data for the prior periods presented, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS 144"). These dispositions are discussed below in “Recent Restaurant Dispositions.”

     CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES — In June 2005, the Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") issued EITF No. 04-5, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights”. EITF 04-5 presumes that a general partner controls a limited partnership and therefore should consolidate the partnership. This presumption can be overcome if the limited partners have kick-out or substantive participating rights. EITF 04-5 was effective for the Company’s quarter ended December 30, 2006 and accordingly management has made an assessment of the limited partnership or similar entities that the company provides management services to where it is also the general partner in the entity that owns the property.

     Effective October 1, 2006 the Company determined that one of its managed restaurants, El Rio Grande (“Rio”), should be presented on a consolidated basis in accordance with EITF 04-5. As a result of consolidating the assets and liabilities of the limited partnership that owns Rio, the Company recorded a cumulative effect of accounting change of $10,000 which is included in the accompanying consolidated condensed statement of operations. The cumulative effect of the accounting change primarily relates to the Company’s recording of its share of undistributed retained earnings as of October 1, 2006.

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents, which primarily consist of money market funds, are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. For financial statement presentation purposes, the Company considers all highly liquid investments having original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Outstanding checks in excess of account balances, typically vendor payments, payroll and other contractual obligations disbursed on or near the last day of a reporting period are reported as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

     AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE SECURITIES Available-for-sale securities consist of United States Treasury Bills, commercial paper, government bonds, corporate bonds and other fixed income securities, all of which have a high degree of liquidity and are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). The cost of investments in available-for-sale securities is determined on a specific identification basis. Realized gains or losses and declines in value judged to be other than temporary, if any, are reported in other income, net. The Company evaluates its investments periodically for possible impairment and reviews factors such as the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost basis and the Company's ability and intent to hold the investment for a period of time which may be sufficient for anticipated recovery in market value.

- 6 -


2. ACQUISITION

     On January 8, 2007, the Company aquired the operating assets and leasehold for the Durgin Park Restaurant and the Black Horse Tavern in Boston, Massachusetts for $2,000,000 in cash and a $1,000,000 five year promissory note bearing interest at a rate of 7% per year.

     The following summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired at the acquisition (Dollar amounts in thousands).

Intangibles $ 2,487
Fixed assets    513
Purchase price $ 3,000

     The difference between the aggregate purchase price and fair value of the assets acquired has been recorded as an intangible asset. The Company is in the process of performing a valuation of the assets acquired, thus the allocation of the purchase price is subject to change.

     The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based upon the Company’s historical statements of income for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006. The unauditied pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of what actual results of operations would have been had the acquisition occurred on the dates indicated, nor does it purport to represent the results of operations for future periods.

    13 Weeks Ended   
26 Weeks Ended 
 
        April 1,
2006
  March 31,
2007
  April 1,
2006
           
 
       
(In Thousands)
         
Total revenues    $  24,896   
$ 
55,368   
$ 
52,108 
Net income (Loss)      (192)      6,968      683 
Net income per share - basic    $  (0.06)   
$ 
1.95   
$
0.20 
Net income per share - diluted    $  (0.05)   
$ 
1.94   
$
0.19 

The actual results for the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2007 estimate the unaudited pro forma results.

3. RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS

      The Company entered into a sale and leaseback agreement with GE Capital in November 2000 to refinance the purchase of various restaurant equipment at its food and beverage facilities at the Desert Passage, the retail complex at the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2002, the operations at the Aladdin were abandoned. The lease matured in November 2005 and, in connection therewith, the Company made an unprovided for lump sum payment of $142,000 due under this lease. This lump sum payment is included in discontinued operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2006.

     The Company’s bar/nightclub facility Venus, located at the Venetian Casino Resort, experienced a steady decline in sales and the Company felt that a new concept was needed at this location. During the first quarter of 2005, this bar/nightclub facility was closed and re-opened on February 4, 2005 as “Vivid”. Total conversion costs were approximately $400,000. Sales at the new bar/nightclub facility failed to reach the level sufficient to achieve the results the Company required. As of December 31, 2005, the Company classified the assets and liabilities of this bar/nightclub facility as “held for sale” in accordance with FAS 144. Based on the offers made for this facility, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $537,000 during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2006. The Company recorded an operating loss of $52,000 and $253,000, respectively, during the 13-week periods ended March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006. The Company recorded an operating loss of $158,000 and $502,000, respectively, during the 26-week periods ended March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006.The impairment charge and operating losses are included in discontinued operations.

     Effective August 22, 2004, the Company’s lease for The Saloon at the Neonopolis Center at Fremont Street in Las Vegas was converted into a management agreement whereby the Company received a management fee of $7,000 per month regardless of the results of operations of this restaurant. In June 2006, the owner of the Neonopolis Center at Fremont Street sold the building to a new entity who, on June 25, 2006, exercised its option to terminate the management agreement upon thirty days written notice to the Company.

- 7 -


     On July 6, 2006, the landlord for the Vico’s Burrito’s fast food facility at the Venetian Casino Resort, General Growth Properties, notified the Company that they were exercising their option to terminate the lease in exchange for the landlord providing the Company with the unamortized portion of the non-removable improvements located in the facility. On August 10, 2006, the Company and the landlord entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which the landlord agreed to pay the Company $200,000 for the unamortized portion of the non-removable improvements located in the facility.

     The Company was approached by the Venetian Casino Resort who indicated that, due to the expansion of the Grand Canal Shoppes, the Company’s Lutece and Tsunami locations, as well as a portion of the Company’s Vivid location, in the Grand Canal Shoppes were desired by other tenants. The Venetian Casino Resort offered to purchase these locations from the Company for an aggregate of $14,000,000. After evaluating the offer, the Company determined that such offer made it advantageous for the Company to redeploy these assets. Effective December 1, 2006, the Company’s subsidiaries that leased each of Lutece, Tsunami and Vivid locations at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, entered into an agreement to sell Lutece, Tsunami and a portion of the Vivid location used by Lutece as a prep kitchen to Venetian Casino Resort, LLC for an aggregate of $14,000,000. The Company’s Lutece location closed on December 3, 2006 and the Company’s Tsunami location closed on January 3, 2007. The Company realized a gain of $7,814,000 ($5,196,000 after taxes, or $1.45 per share) on the sale of these facilities. The Company recorded an operating loss of $35,000 and $174,000 for the second fiscal quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively, for both facilities. For the 26-week periods ended March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006 the Company recorded operating income of $41,000 and $344,000, respectively, on these facilities. The gain on sale and losses are included in discontinued operations.

4. RECEIVABLES FROM EMPLOYEES IN RESPECT OF STOCK OPTION EXERCISES

     Receivables from employees in respect of stock option exercises includes amounts due from officers and directors totaling $167,000 at March 31, 2007 and September 30, 2006. Such amounts, which are due from the exercise of stock options in accordance with the Company’s Stock Option Plan, are payable on demand with interest at ½% above prime (8.25% at March 31, 2007).

5. INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

     Net income per share is computed in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 128, Earnings Per Share, and is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period plus, for diluted earnings per share, the additional dilutive effect of potential common stock. Potential common stock using the treasury stock method consists of dilutive stock options and warrants.

     For the 13-week and 26-week periods ended March 31, 2007, options to purchase 282,000 shares of common stock at a price range of $29.60 - $32.15 were included in diluted earnings per share. For the 13-week and 26-week periods ended April 1, 2006, options to purchase 107,000 shares of common stock at a price of $6.30 were included in diluted earnings per share. Options to purchase 194,000 shares of common stock at a price of $29.60 were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact was antidilutive for the 13-week and 26-week periods ended April, 1, 2006.

6. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

     Effective October 2, 2005 the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS No. 123R”), and related interpretations and began expensing the grant-date fair value of employee stock options. Prior to October 2, 2005, the Company applied Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and related interpretations in accounting for its stock option plans. Accordingly, no compensation expense was recognized in net income for employee stock options, as options granted had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant.

     The Company’s 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”), as amended, is the only equity compensation plan currently in effect. Options granted under the Plan are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted and expire ten years after the date of grant. On December 21, 2004, the Company granted options to purchase 194,000 shares (the “2004 Grant”) and on December 19, 2006, the Company granted options to purchase 105,000 shares (the “2006 Grant”). Options granted in the 2004 Grant are generally exercisable as to 50% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and as to an additional 50% commencing on the second anniversary of the date of grant. Options granted in the 2006 Grant are generally exercisable as to 25% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and as to an additional 25% each anniversary thereafter until fully vested.

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     Upon adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company elected to value employee stock options using the Black-Scholes option valuation method that uses assumptions that relate to the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock, the expected dividend yield of our stock, the expected life of the options and the risk free interest rate. The assumptions used for the 2004 Grant, which were unvested at the time of the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, included a risk free interest rate of 3.37%, volatility of 37%, a dividend yield of 3% and an expected life of three years. The assumptions used for the 2006 Grant included a risk free interest rate of 4.57%, volatility of 49.7%, and a dividend yield of 4.4% and an expected life of five years.

     The Company adopted SFAS No. 123R using the modified prospective transition method and therefore has not restated prior periods. Under this transition method, compensation cost associated with employee stock options recognized during fiscal 2006 and the first quarter of fiscal 2007 includes amortization related to the remaining unvested portion of stock awards granted prior to October 2, 2005.

     Prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 123R, the Company presented tax benefits resulting from share-based compensation as operating cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows. SFAS No. 123R requires that cash flows resulting from tax deductions in excess of compensation cost recognized in the financial statements be classified as an operating cash outflow and a financing cash inflow. For the first and second quarter of fiscal 2007, no excess tax benefits were generated.

     The compensation cost charged against income in the second fiscal quarter of 2007 for share-based compensation programs was $78,000, before a tax benefit of $27,000. The compensation cost charged against income in the 26-week period ended March 31, 2007 for share-based compensation programs was $252,000, before a tax benefit of $87,000. The compensation cost recognized is classified as payroll expense in the consolidated statement of operations.

     On November 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position No. FAS 123R3 “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards” (“FAS 123R”). The Company has elected to adopt the alternative transition method provided in this FASB Staff Position for calculating the tax effects of share-based compensation pursuant to FAS 123R. The alternative transition method includes a simplified method to establish the beginning balance of the additional paid-in capital pool (APIC pool) related to the effects of employee share-based compensation, which is available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of FAS 123R.

A summary of stock option activity is presented below:

   
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Fair
Value
  Weighted
Average
Contractual
Term (Yrs.)
   
   
        Average
Intrinsic
Value
   
       
Options   
Shares 
       
 
Outstanding as September 30, 2006:    202,000   $21.32     $8.23   5.97    
Granted    105,000   $32.15   $10.94   9.73    
Exercised     (25,500)   $ 22 .2 9     $6.22   -     
Forfeited/Cancelled   
- 
  -    -    -     
 
Outstanding at March 31, 2007    281,500   $ 30.55    $9.18    8.48   $957,000
 
Exercisable at March 31, 2007    176,500   $29.60    $8.13    7.73   $768,000

     Compensation cost is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period during which employees perform related services. The Company has applied a forfeitures assumption of 5% per year in the calculation of such expense.

     As of March 31, 2007, there was approximately $1,002,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a period of approximately four years.

     The Company, generally, issues new shares upon the exercise of employee stock options.

7. INVESTMENT SECURITIES

     The amortized cost, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and fair value of available for sale debt and fixed income securities by major type and class at March 31, 2007 are as follows:

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Amortized 
 
(In Thousands)  
Gross unrealized
 
  Gross unrealized         
   
Cost 
  holding gains    holding losses   
Fair value 
 
At March 31, 2007:                             
 
Available for sale short-term:                             
Government debt securities    $   740   $ 7   -     
$ 
747 
Corporate debt securities   
4,150 
   
17 
  -       
4,167 
Fixed income securities   
198 
   
1 
  -       
199 
    $   5,088   $ 25   -     
$ 
5,113 

 

8. DIVIDENDS

     A quarterly cash dividend in the amount of $0.35 per share was declared on October 12, 2004. Subsequent to October 12, 2004, quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.35 per share were declared on January 12, April 12, July 12 and October 11, 2005, January 12, April 12, July 12, October 10 and December 20, 2006 and April 12, 2007. Also on December 20, 2006, the Company declared a special dividend in the amount of $3.00 per share. Prior to this, the Company had not paid any cash dividends since its inception. The Company intends to continue to pay quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, however, the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors.

9. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

     Receivables due from officers and employees, excluding stock option receivables, totaled $369,000 at March 31, 2007 and $394,000 at September 30, 2006. Such loans bear interest at the minimum statutory rate (4.79 % at March 31, 2007).

10. LEASE ACCOUNTING

Leasehold improvements funded by landlord incentives are recorded as deferred rent and amortized as reductions to lease expense of the lease term in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13, "Accounting for Leases". The Company received $3,500,000 during fiscal 2006 in connection with the construction of its two facilities in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

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

     In connection with the sale of three facilities, the closure of two facilities and the classification of another facility as “held for sale”, the operations of these restaurants have been presented as discontinued operations for the 13-week and 26-week periods ended March 31, 2007 and the Company has reclassified its statements of operations and cash flow data for the prior periods presented below, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 144, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets" ("FAS 144") based on the fact that the Company has met the criteria under FAS 144. These dispositions are discussed below in “Recent Restaurant Dispositions.”

Revenues

     During the Company’s second fiscal quarter of 2007, total revenues of $25,867,000 increased 7.2% compared to total revenues of $24,120,000 in the second fiscal quarter of 2006. Revenues for the second fiscal quarter of 2006 were reduced by $1,743,000 as a result of the sale of three facilities, the closure of two facilities and the classification of another facility as “held for sale”. Revenues for the second fiscal quarter of 2007 were increased by $693,000 as a result of the consolidation of one managed restaurant. The Company had net income of $378,000 in the second fiscal quarter of 2007 compared to a net loss of $151,000 in the second fiscal quarter of 2006. The second fiscal quarter of 2006 was negatively affected by pre-opening and early operating losses of $421,000 at the Company’s Gallagher’s Steakhouse and Luna Lounge, both located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Both these facilities opened in late December 2005.

     Same store sales in Las Vegas increased by $297,000 or 2.0% in the second fiscal quarter of 2007 compared to the second fiscal quarter of 2006. Same store sales in New York increased $310,000 or 7.0% during the second quarter. Same store sales in Washington D.C. increased by $180,000 or 6.3% during the second quarter. Same store sales in Atlantic City increased by $349,000 or 68.3% in the second quarter. The increases in New York and Washington D.C. was principally due to milder winter weather. The increase in Atlantic City was primarily due to last year’s low level of sales following the start-up of these operations. The Company does not anticipate similar percentage increases in Atlantic City after this fiscal year. The increases in all regions was also, in part, due to general improvement in economic conditions and the public’s willingness and inclination to continue vacation and convention travel.

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     During the Company’s 26-week period ended March 31, 2007, total revenues of $54,069,000 increased 8.0% compared to total revenues of $50,083,000 in the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006. Revenues for the 26-week period ended March 31, 2007 were reduced by $1,343,000 and revenues for the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006 were reduced by $3,447,000 as a result of the sale of three facilities, the closure of two facilities and the classification of another facility as “held for sale”. The Company had net income of $6,968,000 in the 26-week period ended March 31, 2007 compared to net income of $765,000 for the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006. Net income was positively affected during the 26-week period ended March 31, 2007 as a result of the sale during the quarter of the Company’s Lutece and Tsunami locations and a portion of the Vivid location used by Lutece as a prep kitchen to Venetian Casino Resort, LLC and the lack of pre-opening and early operating losses experienced at the Company’s Gallagher’s Steakhouse and Luna Lounge, now Gallagher’s Burger Bar, both located in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Net income was negatively affected during the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006 as a result of $447,000 pre-opening and early operating losses experienced at the Company’s Atlantic City locations.

Costs and Expenses

     Food and beverage costs for the second quarter of 2007 as a percentage of total revenues were 26.4% compared to 26.2% in the second quarter of 2006. These costs for the 26-weeks ended March 31, 2007 as a percentage of total revenues were 25.6% compared to 25.3% in the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006.

     Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 34.5% for the second quarter of 2007 as compared to 35.2% in the second quarter of 2006. Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 33.0% for the 26-week period ended March 31, 2007 as compared to 33.6% for the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 13.8% during the second fiscal quarter of 2007 compared to 16.2% in the second quarter of 2006. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 14.0% during the 26-week period ended March 31, 2007 compared 16.0% for the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006. The decrease in occupancy expenses was primarily due to increased sales and the Company’s sale of its Lutece and Tsunami locations at the Venetian. Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 12.8% during the second fiscal quarter of 2007 compared to 12.3% in the second quarter of 2006. Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 12.1% for the 26-week period ended March 31, 2007 compared to 12.2% for the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues were 8.0% during the second fiscal quarter of 2007 compared to 7.6% in the second quarter of 2006. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenue were 7.5% for the 26-week period ended March 31, 2007 compared to 7.1% for the 26-week period ended April 1, 2006.

Income Taxes

     The provision for income taxes reflects Federal income taxes calculated on a consolidated basis and state and local income taxes calculated by each New York subsidiary on a non-consolidated basis. Most of the restaurants owned or managed by the Company are owned or managed by separate subsidiaries.

     For state and local income tax purposes, the losses incurred by a subsidiary may only be used to offset that subsidiary’s income, with the exception of the restaurants operating in the District of Columbia. Accordingly, the Company’s overall effective tax rate has varied depending on the level of losses incurred at individual subsidiaries.

     The Company’s overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as the level of losses incurred at the Company’s New York facilities, which cannot be consolidated for state and local tax purposes, pre-tax income earned outside of New York City, the utilization of state and local net operating loss carryforwards and the utilization of FICA tax credits. Nevada has no state income tax and other states in which the Company operates have income tax rates substantially lower in comparison to New York. In order to utilize more effectively tax loss carryforwards at restaurants that were unprofitable, the Company has merged certain profitable subsidiaries with certain loss subsidiaries.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     The Company's primary source of capital has been cash provided by operations. The Company from time to time also utilizes equipment financing in connection with the construction of a restaurant and seller financing in connection with the acquisition of a restaurant. The Company utilizes capital primarily to fund the cost of developing and opening new restaurants, acquiring existing restaurants owned by others and remodeling existing restaurants owned by the Company.

     The Company had a working capital surplus of $7,129,000 at March 31, 2007 as compared to a working capital surplus of $8,398,000 at September 30, 2006.

     The Company’s Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility matured on March 12, 2005. The Company does not currently plan to enter into another credit facility and expects required cash to be provided by operations.

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Restaurant Expansion

     In October 2006, the Company converted its bar, Luna Lounge, at the Resorts Atlantic City Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, into a restaurant, Gallagher’s Burger Bar.

     On January 8, 2007, the Company began operating the Durgin Park Restaurant and the Black Horse Tavern in Boston, Massachusetts. The Company purchased this facility from the previous owner for $2,000,000 in cash and a $1,000,000 five year promissory note bearing interest at a rate of 7% per year.

Recent Restaurant Dispositions

     The Company entered into a sale and leaseback agreement with GE Capital in November 2000 to refinance the purchase of various restaurant equipment at its food and beverage facilities at the Desert Passage, the retail complex at the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. In 2002, the operations at the Aladdin were abandoned. The lease matured in November 2005 and, in connection therewith, the Company made an unprovided for lump sum payment of $142,000 due under this lease. This lump sum payment is included in discontinued operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2006.

     The Company’s bar/nightclub facility Venus, located at the Venetian Casino Resort, experienced a steady decline in sales and the Company felt that a new concept was needed at this location. During the first quarter of 2005, this bar/nightclub facility was closed and re-opened on February 4, 2005 as “Vivid”. Total conversion costs were approximately $400,000. Sales at the new bar/nightclub facility failed to reach the level sufficient to achieve the results the Company required. As of December 31, 2005, the Company classified the assets and liabilities of this bar/nightclub facility as “held for sale” in accordance with FAS 144. Based on the offers made for this facility, the Company recorded an impairment charge of $537,000 during the fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2006. The Company recorded an operating loss of $52,000 and $253,000, respectively, during the 13-week periods ended March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006. The Company recorded an operating loss of $158,000 and $502,000, respectively, during the 26-week periods ended March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006.The impairment charge and operating losses are included in discontinued operations.

     Effective August 22, 2004, the Company’s lease for The Saloon at the Neonopolis Center at Fremont Street in Las Vegas was converted into a management agreement whereby the Company received a management fee of $7,000 per month regardless of the results of operations of this restaurant. In June 2006, the owner of the Neonopolis Center at Fremont Street sold the building to a new entity who, on June 25, 2006, exercised its option to terminate the management agreement upon thirty days written notice to the Company.

     On July 6, 2006, the landlord for the Vico’s Burrito’s fast food facility at the Venetian Casino Resort, General Growth Properties, notified the Company that they were exercising their option to terminate the lease in exchange for the landlord providing the Company with the unamortized portion of the non-removable improvements located in the facility. On August 10, 2006, the Company and the landlord entered into a letter agreement pursuant to which the landlord agreed to pay the Company $200,000 for the unamortized portion of the non-removable improvements located in the facility.

     The Company was approached by the Venetian Casino Resort who indicated that, due to the expansion of the Grand Canal Shoppes, the Company’s Lutece and Tsunami locations, as well as a portion of the Company’s Vivid location, in the Grand Canal Shoppes were desired by other tenants. The Venetian Casino Resort offered to purchase these locations from the Company for an aggregate of $14,000,000. After evaluating the offer, the Company determined that such offer made it advantageous for the Company to redeploy these assets. Effective December 1, 2006, the Company’s subsidiaries that leased each of Lutece, Tsunami and Vivid locations at the Venetian Resort Hotel Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, entered into an agreement to sell Lutece, Tsunami and a portion of the Vivid location used by Lutece as a prep kitchen to Venetian Casino Resort, LLC for an aggregate of $14,000,000. The Company’s Lutece location closed on December 3, 2006 and the Company’s Tsunami location closed on January 3, 2007. The Company realized a gain of $7,814,000 ($5,196,000 after taxes, or $1.45 per share) on the sale of these facilities. The Company recorded an operating loss of $38,000 and $174,000 for the second fiscal quarters of 2007 and 2006, respectively, for both facilities. For the 26-week periods ended March 31, 2007 and April 1, 2006 the Company recorded an operating loss of $41,000 and $344,000, respectively, on these facilities. The gain on sale and losses are included in discontinued operations.

Critical Accounting Policies

     The preparation of financial statements requires the application of certain accounting policies, which may require the Company to make estimates and assumptions of future events. In the process of preparing its consolidated financial statements, the Company estimates the appropriate carrying value of certain assets and liabilities, which are not readily apparent from other sources. The primary estimates underlying the Company’s financial statements include allowances for potential bad debts on accounts and notes receivable, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments, the realizable value of its tax assets and other matters. Management bases its estimates on certain assumptions, which they believe are reasonable in the circumstances, and actual results, could differ from those estimates. Although management does not believe that any change in those assumptions in the near term would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operation, differences in actual results could be material to the financial statements.

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     The Company’s critical accounting policies are described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2006. There have been no significant changes to such policies during fiscal 2007, other than the implementation of Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") No. 04-5, “Determining Whether a General Partner, or the General Partners as a Group, Controls a Limited Partnership or Similar Entity When the Limited Partners Have Certain Rights” (“EITF 04-5”) as discussed below.

Recent Accounting Developments

     The Financial Accounting Standards Board has recently issued the following accounting pronouncements:

     In June 2005, the EITF issued EITF No. 04-5. EITF 04-5 presumes that a general partner controls a limited partnership and therefore should consolidate the partnership. This presumption can be overcome if the limited partners have kick-out or substantive participating rights. EITF 04-5 is effective for the Company’s quarter ended March 31, 2007 and accordingly management has made an assessment of the limited partnership or similar entities that the company provides management services to where it is also the general partner in the entity that owns the property.

     Effective October 1, 2006 the Company determined that one of its managed restaurants, El Rio Grande (“Rio”), should be presented on a consolidated basis in accordance with EITF 04-5. As a result of consolidating the assets and liabilities of the limited partnership that owns Rio, we recorded a cumulative effect of accounting change of $10,000 which is included in the accompanying consolidated condensed statement of operations. The cumulative effect of the accounting change primarily relates to the Company’s recording of its share of undistributed retained earning as of October 1, 2006.

     In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income taxes – an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in financial statements in accordance with FASB Statement No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. FIN 48 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return. FIN 48 also provides guidance on derecognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure, and transition. The Company is required to adopt the provisions of FIN 48 during fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of FIN 48 on its consolidated results of operations and financial position.

     In September 2006, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 157 ("SFAS 157"), "Fair Value Measurements." SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for all financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 157 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

     In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, "The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities - including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115" ("SFAS No. 159"). SFAS No. 159 permits entities to elect to measure many financial instruments and certain other items at fair value. Upon adoption of SFAS No. 159, an entity may elect the fair value option for eligible items that exist at the adoption date. Subsequent to the initial adoption, the election of the fair value option should only be made at initial recognition of the asset or liability or upon a remeasurement event that gives rise to new-basis accounting. SFAS No. 159 does not affect any existing accounting literature that requires certain assets and liabilities to be carried at fair value nor does it eliminate disclosure requirements included in other accounting standards. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is currently assessing the impact of SFAS No. 159 on its consolidated financial position and results of operations.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

     None.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

     Based on their evaluation, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-14(c) and 15d-14(c) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective as of March 31, 2007 to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms.

     There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of fiscal year 2006 that materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II
OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

     None.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

      The most significant risk factors applicable to the Company are described in Part I, Item 1A (Risk Factors) of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2006 (the “2006 Form 10-K”). There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed in the 2006 Form 10-K .

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

     None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

     None.

Item 4. Submissions of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

     None.

Item 5. Other Information

     None.

Item 6. Exhibits

     (a) Exhibits

31.1     

Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
31.2     

Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 
32     

Certificate of Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers

 

- 14 -


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.

Date:    May 15, 2007 
 
    ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. 
 
By:    /s/ Michael Weinstein
    Michael Weinstein 
    Chairman, President & Chief Executive Officer 
 
By:    /s/ Robert J. Stewart
    Robert Stewart 
    Chief Financial Officer 

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