ARK RESTAURANTS CORP - Quarter Report: 2018 December (Form 10-Q)

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

For the quarterly period ended December 29, 2018

Commission file number 1-09453

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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 (the “Exchange Act”) 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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes x    No o

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

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.

Yes o    No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o    No x

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

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

On one or more occasions, 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, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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.

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 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, partnerships, variable interest entities and predecessor entities.

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)      

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)

FOR THE 13 WEEKS ENDED DECEMBER 29, 2018 AND DECEMBER 30, 2017

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

December 29, 2018

The consolidated condensed balance sheet as of September 29, 2018, which has been derived from audited financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2018 (“Form 10-K”), and the unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. All adjustments that, in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented, have been reflected as required by Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Form 10-K.

The Company had a working capital deficiency of $4,210,000 at December 29, 2018. We believe that our existing cash balances, current banking facilities and cash provided by operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements at least through February 12, 2020.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION — The consolidated condensed interim financial statements include the accounts of Ark Restaurants Corp. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities in which it has a controlling interest, collectively herein referred to as the “Company”. Also included in the consolidated condensed interim financial statements are certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the three months ended December 29, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending September 28, 2019.

RECLASSIFICATIONS — Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s financial statements to enhance comparability with the current year’s presentation of other income. As a result, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current year’s presentation.

SEASONALITY — The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionally with sales. The first and second fiscal quarters, which include the winter months, usually reflect lower customer traffic than in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. However, sales in the third and fourth fiscal quarters can be adversely affected by inclement weather due to the significant amount of outdoor seating at the Company’s restaurants.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS — The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values of notes receivable and payable are determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments as of the balance sheet date and approximate the carrying value of such debt instruments.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks and highly liquid investments generally with original maturities of three months or less. Outstanding checks in excess of account balances, typically vendor payments, payroll and other contractual obligations disbursed after the last day of a reporting period are reported as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets.

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company reduces credit risk by placing its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions with high credit ratings. At times, such amounts may exceed Federally insured limits. Accounts receivable are primarily comprised of normal business receivables, such as credit card receivables, that are paid off in a short period of time and amounts due from the hotel operators where the Company has a location, and are recorded when the products or services have been delivered. The Company reviews the collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis, and provides for an allowance when it considers the entity unable to meet its obligation. The concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally limited due to the short payment terms extended by the Company and the number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base.

As of December 29, 2018, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from one hotel operator totaling 48% of total accounts receivable. As of September 29, 2018, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from two hotel operators totaling 47% of total accounts receivable.

For the 13-week periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, the Company made purchases from one vendor that accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively of total purchases.

As of December 29, 2018, all debt outstanding is with one lender (see Note 6 – Notes Payable – Bank)

SEGMENT REPORTING — As of December 29, 2018, the Company owned and operated 20 restaurants and bars, 19 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and service, class of customers and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reporting segment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES — In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance to provide additional clarification on specific topics (“ASC 606”). This ASU provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted ASC 606 prospectively using the modified retrospective method on September 30, 2018 and, based on our evaluation of our revenue streams, determined that there was not a material impact as of the date of adoption between the new revenue standard and how we previously recognized revenue, and therefore the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

Revenues from restaurant operations are presented net of discounts and recognized when food, beverage and retail products are sold. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from sales and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Revenues from catered events are recognized in income upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (the date the event is held) and all customer payments, including nonrefundable upfront deposits, are deferred as a liability until such time. Revenues from gift cards are deferred and recognized upon redemption. Deferrals are not reduced for potential non-use as we have a legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions in which they are sold.

In January 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The guidance requires equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The amendments in this update also simplified the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, eliminate the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet and require these entities to use the exit price notion when measuring fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. This guidance also changes the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments as well as clarifying the guidance related to valuation allowance assessments when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 with respect to its Investment in New Meadowlands Racetrack (see Note 4). Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update provides clarification regarding how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows and addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. The amendments in this guidance address the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current guidance prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, interpretations of this guidance have developed in practice over the years for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. The amendments in the update will require recognition of current and deferred income taxes resulting from an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This update provides that when substantially all the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This update is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, which is when we plan to adopt these provisions. We plan to elect the available practical expedients on adoption and we expect our balance sheet presentation to be materially impacted upon adoption due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. We are continuing to evaluate the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated condensed financial statements and related disclosures.

The Company consolidates any variable interest entities in which it holds a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary. Generally, a variable interest entity, or VIE, is an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about an entity’s activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is generally the entity that has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of three VIEs and, accordingly, consolidates the financial results of these entities. Following are the required disclosures associated with the Company’s consolidated VIEs:

The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs. Conversely, assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against the Company’s general assets.

As of December 29, 2018, the Company determined that it would not be able to operate Durgin-Park profitably due to decreased traffic at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, MA, where it is located, and rising labor costs. As a result, included in the Statement of Operations for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 is a loss on closure in the amount of $1,067,000 consisting of: (i) impairment of trademarks in the amount of $721,000, (ii) accelerated depreciation of fixed assets in the amount of $333,000, and (iii) write-offs of prepaid expenses in the amount of $13,000. During the second quarter of 2019 the Company will incur additional operating costs and related disposal costs upon the final closing of the restaurant on January 12, 2019.

On March 12, 2013, the Company made a $4,200,000 investment in the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC (“NMR”) through its purchase of a membership interest in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, an existing member of NMR with a then 63.7% ownership interest. On November 19, 2013, the Company invested an additional $464,000 in NMR through a purchase of an additional membership interest in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC resulting in a total ownership of 11.6% of Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, and an effective ownership interest in NMR of 7.4%, subject to dilution. In 2015, the Company invested an additional $222,000 in NMR and on February 7, 2017, the Company invested an additional $222,000 in NMR, both as a result of capital calls, bringing its total investment to $5,108,000 with no change in ownership. As of September 29, 2018, this investment was accounted for based on the cost method. As of December 29, 2018, the Company elected to account for this investment at cost, less impairment, adjusted for subsequent observable price changes in accordance with ASU No. 2016-01. Such change did not affect the value of our investment in NMR as no events or changes in circumstances occurred during the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 would indicate impairment and there are no observable prices for this investment. Any future changes in the carrying value of our Investment in NMR will be reflected in earnings.

In addition to the Company’s ownership interest in NMR through Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, if casino gaming is approved at the Meadowlands and NMR is granted the right to conduct said gaming, neither of which can be assured, the Company shall be granted the exclusive right to operate the food and beverage concessions in the gaming facility with the exception of one restaurant.

In conjunction with this investment, the Company, through a 97% owned subsidiary, Ark Meadowlands LLC (“AM VIE”), also entered into a long-term agreement with NMR for the exclusive right to operate food and beverage concessions serving the new raceway facilities (the “Racing F&B Concessions”) located in the new raceway grandstand constructed at the Meadowlands Racetrack in northern New Jersey. Under the agreement, NMR is responsible to pay for the costs and expenses incurred in the operation of the Racing F&B Concessions, and all revenues and profits thereof inure to the benefit of NMR. AM VIE receives an annual fee equal to 5% of the net profits received by NMR from the Racing F&B Concessions during each calendar year. AM VIE is a variable interest entity; however, based on qualitative consideration of the contracts with AM VIE, the operating structure of AM VIE, the Company’s role with AM VIE, and that the Company is not obligated to absorb expected losses of AM VIE, the Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary and not required to consolidate the operations of AM VIE.

The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with AM VIE is limited to any receivable from AM VIE’s primary beneficiary (NMR, a related party). As of December 29, 2018 and September 29, 2018, no amounts were due AM VIE by NMR.

On April 25, 2014, the Company loaned $1,500,000 to Meadowlands Newmark, LLC. The note bears interest at 3%, compounded monthly and added to the principal, and is due in its entirety on January 31, 2024. The note may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time without penalty or premium. On July 13, 2016, the Company made an additional loan to Meadowlands Newmark, LLC in the amount of $200,000. Such amount is subject to the same terms and conditions as the original loan as discussed above. The principal and accrued interest related to this note in the amounts of $1,943,000 and $1,928,000 are included in Investment In and Receivable From New Meadowlands Racetrack in the consolidated condensed balance sheets at December 29, 2018 and September 29, 2018, respectively.

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

Long-term debt consists of the following:

On June 1, 2018, the Company refinanced its then existing indebtedness with its current lender, Bank Hapoalim B.M. (“BHBM”), by entering into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “New Revolving Facility”), which expires on May 31, 2021. The New Revolving Facility provides for total availability of the lesser of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) $25,000,000 less the then aggregate amount of all indebtedness and obligations to BHBM. Borrowings under the New Revolving Facility are payable upon maturity of the New Revolving Facility with interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 3.5%, subject to adjustment based on certain ratios. As of December 29, 2018 and September 29, 2018, borrowings of $6,568,000, were outstanding under the Revolving Facility and had a weighted average interest rate of 5.5% and 5.4%, respectively.

In connection with the refinancing, the Company also amended the principal amounts and payment terms of its outstanding term notes with BHBM as follows:

Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the Revolving Facility in the amount of $125,000 are being amortized over the life of the agreements on a straight-line basis and included in interest expense. Amortization expense of approximately $7,000 and $6,000 is included in interest expense for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017, respectively.

Borrowings under the Revolving Facility, which include all of the above promissory notes, are secured by all tangible and intangible personal property (including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, general intangibles, documents, chattel paper, instruments, letter-of-credit rights, investment property, intellectual property and deposit accounts) and fixtures of the Company.

The loan agreements provide, among other things, that the Company meet minimum quarterly tangible net worth amounts, as defined, maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.1:1 on a latest 12 months basis and minimum annual net income amounts, and contain customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. The agreements also contain customary negative covenants, subject to negotiated exceptions, on liens, relating to other indebtedness, capital expenditures, liens, affiliate transactions, disposal of assets and certain changes in ownership. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Revolving Facility as of December 29, 2018.

Leases — The Company leases several restaurants, bar facilities, and administrative headquarters through its subsidiaries under terms expiring at various dates through 2032. Most of the leases provide for the payment of base rents plus real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses and, in certain instances, for the payment of a percentage of the restaurant’s sales in excess of stipulated amounts at such facility and in one instance based on profits.

Legal Proceedings — In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is a party to various lawsuits arising from accidents at its restaurants and worker’s compensation claims, which are generally handled by the Company’s insurance carriers. The employment by the Company of management personnel, waiters, waitresses and kitchen staff at a number of different restaurants has resulted, from time to time, in litigation alleging violation by the Company of employment discrimination laws. Management believes, based in part on the advice of counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

The Company has options outstanding under two stock option plans, the 2010 Stock Option Plan (the “2010 Plan”) and the 2016 Stock Option Plan (the “2016 Plan”). Options granted under both plans 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.

No options or performance-based awards were granted during the 13 week period ended December 29, 2018.

The Company also maintains a Section 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan. Under the Section 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan, compensation paid in excess of $1,000,000 to any employee who is the chief executive officer, or one of the three highest paid executive officers on the last day of that tax year (other than the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer) will meet certain “performance-based” requirements of Section 162(m) and the related IRS regulations in order for it to be tax deductible.

A summary of stock option activity is presented below:

Compensation cost charged to operations for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 for share-based compensation programs was approximately $12,000 and $0, respectively. The compensation cost recognized is classified as a general and administrative expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.

As of December 29, 2018, there was approximately $35,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a period of nine months.

The Company’s provision for income taxes consists of federal, state and local taxes in amounts necessary to align the Company’s year-to-date provision for income taxes with the effective tax rate that the Company expects to achieve for the full year. Each quarter, the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and records cumulative adjustments as deemed necessary.

The income tax provisions for the 13 week periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 reflect effective tax rates of approximately 287.5% and (162.5)%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 differed than the statutory rate of 21% as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits and operating income attributable to non-controlling interests that is not taxable to the Company. The effective rate for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2017 differed from the blended statutory rate of 24% as a result of tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits, operating income attributable to non-controlling interests that is not taxable to the Company and the one-time remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities for reduced federal tax rate enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The final annual tax rate cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from current estimates.

The Company’s overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as the utilization of state and local net operating loss carryforwards, the generation of FICA tax credits and the mix of earnings by state taxing jurisdictions as Nevada does not impose a state income tax, as compared to the other major state and local jurisdictions in which the Company has operations.

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Ark Restaurants Corp. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Our diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share, except that it reflects the effect of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, using the treasury stock method in periods in which they have a dilutive effect.

For the 13 week period ended December 29, 2018, the dilutive effect of options to purchase 35,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $12.04 per share, options to purchase 135,250 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.40 per share, options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $20.26 per share, options to purchase 177,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.50 per share and options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.30 per share were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

For the 13 week period ended December 30, 2017, options to purchase 64,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $12.04 per share, options to purchase 156,300 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.40 per share and options to purchase 194,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.50 per share were included in diluted earnings per share.

On December 3, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock to be paid on January 3, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 18, 2018. The Company intends to continue to pay such 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.

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

Overview

As of December 29, 2018, the Company owned and operated 20 restaurants and bars, 19 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and service, class of customer and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reporting segment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. As of December 29, 2018, the Company determined that it would not be able to operate Durgin-Park profitably due to decreased traffic at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, MA, where it is located, and rising labor costs. As a result, included in the Statement of Operations for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 is a loss on closure in the amount of $1,067,000 consisting of: (i) impairment of trademarks in the amount of $721,000, (ii) accelerated depreciation of fixed assets in the amount of $333,000, and (iii) write-offs of prepaid expenses in the amount of $13,000. The restaurant was closed on January 12, 2019.

Accounting Period

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30. We report fiscal years under a 52/53-week format. This reporting method is used by many companies in the hospitality industry and is meant to improve year-to-year comparisons of operating results. Under this method, certain years will contain 53 weeks. The periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 each included 13 weeks.

Seasonality

The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionately with sales. At our properties located in the northeast, the first and second fiscal quarters, which include the winter months, usually reflect lower customer traffic than in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. However, sales in the third and fourth fiscal quarters can be adversely affected by inclement weather due to the significant amount of outdoor seating at the Company’s restaurants.

Results of Operations

The Company’s operating income for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 was $305,000, which included a loss of $1,067,000 relating to the closure of Durgin-Park located in Boston, MA. Excluding this loss, operating income for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 was $1,372,000 as compared to $882,000 for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2017. This increase resulted primarily from strong catering revenues at our New York properties combined with continued strong performance at our properties located at the NYNY Casino Hotel in Las Vegas partially offset by increased labor costs.

The following table summarizes the significant components of the Company’s operating results for the 13 week periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017:

Revenues

During the Company’s 13 week period ended December 29, 2018, revenues increased 3.1% as compared to revenues in the 13 week period ended December 30, 2017. This increase resulted primarily from the same-store sales impacts discussed below.

Food and Beverage Same-Store Sales

On a Company-wide basis, same-store sales increased 2.9% during the first fiscal quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period last year as follows:

Same-store sales in Las Vegas increased 7.0% primarily as a result of increased traffic near the properties where we operate our restaurants in connection with the opening of the T-Mobile Arena nearby. Same-store sales in New York increased 2.4% primarily as a result of strong catering revenues. Same-store sales in Washington, DC decreased 7.3% due to decreased traffic at our Thunder Grill property as a result of a major tenant vacating the adjacent space and weaker than expected catering revenues. Same-store sales in Atlantic City increased 4.1% as a result of an overall increase in traffic in Atlantic City due to the legalization of sports gambling in New Jersey. Same-store sales in Alabama increased 2.3% primarily as a result of better weather conditions in the current period. Same-store sales in Florida increased 2.2% as a result of the completion of the road construction project started in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 by the local municipality near The Rustic Inn in Dania Beach, FL. Other food and beverage sales consist of sales related to new restaurants opened or acquired during the applicable period, sales related to properties that were closed due to lease expiration and other closures and other fees.

Costs and Expenses

Costs and expenses for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were as follows (in thousands):

Food and beverage costs as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 were consistent with the same period of last year as expected.

Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 were consistent with the same period of last year primarily as a result of minimum wage increases associated with changes to labor laws partially offset by a better mix of catering versus a la carte business at our larger properties.

Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 decreased slightly as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result of higher sales at properties where rents are relatively fixed or where the Company owns the premises at which the property operates.

Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 decreased as compared to the same periods of last year as a result of increased sales as many of these costs are fixed.

General and administrative expenses (which relate solely to the corporate office in New York City) as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 increased as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result of annual wage increases and higher professional fees.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 decreased as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result of assets becoming fully depreciated in the prior period partially offset by depreciation on the improvements made at the Sequoia property which were placed in service in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017.

Income Taxes

The Company’s provision for income taxes consists of federal, state and local taxes in amounts necessary to align the Company’s year-to-date provision for income taxes with the effective tax rate that the Company expects to achieve for the full year. Each quarter, the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and records cumulative adjustments as deemed necessary.

The income tax provisions for the 13 week periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 reflect effective tax rates of approximately 287.5% and (162.5)%, respectively. The Company’s effective tax rate for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 differed than the statutory rate of 21% as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits and operating income attributable to non-controlling interests that is not taxable to the Company. The effective rate for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2017 differed from the blended statutory rate of 24% as a result of tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits, operating income attributable to non-controlling interests that is not taxable to the Company and the one-time remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities for reduced federal tax rate enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The final annual tax rate cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from current estimates.

The Company’s overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as the utilization of state and local net operating loss carryforwards, the generation of FICA tax credits and the mix of earnings by state taxing jurisdictions as Nevada does not impose a state income tax, as compared to the other major state and local jurisdictions in which the Company has operations.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of capital has been cash provided by operations and, in recent years, bank and other borrowings to finance specific transactions, acquisitions and large remodeling projects. We utilize cash generated from operations to fund the cost of developing and opening new restaurants and smaller remodeling projects of existing restaurants we own.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 decreased to $840,000 as compared to $1,165,000 provided by operations in the same period of last year. This decrease was attributable to changes in net working capital primarily related to accounts receivable, prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes and accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Net cash used in investing activities for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 were $619,000 and $2,516,000, respectively and resulted primarily from purchases of fixed assets at existing restaurants.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the 13 week periods ended December 29, 2018 and December 30, 2017 of ($2,050,000) and $98,000, respectively, resulted primarily from the payment of dividends, principal payments on notes payable and distributions to non-controlling interests, offset by borrowings under the credit facility.

The Company had a working capital deficiency of $4,210,000 at December 29, 2018 as compared with a deficiency of $4,628,000 at September 29, 2018. We believe that our existing cash balances, current banking facilities and cash provided by operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements at least through February 12, 2020.

On December 3, 2018, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock to be paid on January 3, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 18, 2018. The Company intends to continue to pay such 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.

The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Revolving Facility as of December 29, 2018.

Recent Restaurant Dispositions

As of December 29, 2018, the Company determined that it would not be able to operate Durgin-Park profitably due to decreased traffic at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, MA, where it is located, and rising labor costs. As a result, included in the Statement of Operations for the 13 weeks ended December 29, 2018 is a loss on closure in the amount of $1,067,000 consisting of: (i) impairment of trademarks in the amount of $721,000, (ii) accelerated depreciation of fixed assets in the amount of $333,000, and (iii) write-offs of prepaid expenses in the amount of $13,000. The restaurant was closed on January 12, 2019.

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 condensed 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 consolidated condensed financial statements include allowances for potential bad debts on accounts and notes receivable, leases, 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 it believes 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 operations, differences in actual results could be material to the consolidated condensed financial statements.

The Company’s critical accounting policies are described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2018. There have been no significant changes to such policies during fiscal 2019 other than those disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

See Note 1 to the consolidated condensed financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including those adopted in fiscal 2019 and the expected dates of adoption and the anticipated impact on the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not Applicable

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 29, 2018 to ensure that all material information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to them as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and that all such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the first quarter of fiscal 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations of the Effectiveness of Internal Control

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected.

PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is not subject to pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary claims incidental to its business, which the Company does not believe will materially impact results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Not Applicable.

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

None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

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

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

32    Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS*  XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

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.