CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC. - Quarter Report: 2017 July (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q



x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended July 2, 2017



¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number: 001-33174

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)




Delaware	16-1287774
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

968 James Street Syracuse, New York	13203
(Address of principal executive office)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (315) 424-0513

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No ¨

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



Large accelerated filer	o		Accelerated filer	x

Non-accelerated filer	o	(Do not check if smaller reporting company)

			Smaller reporting company	o
			Emerging growth company	o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting registrant has elected not standards provided pursuant to Section 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities Act. o

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

As of August 7, 2017, Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. had 36,158,711 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.

Table of Contents

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTER ENDED July 2, 2017



		Page
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1	Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.:

	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017	3

	Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the Three and Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016	4

	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity	5

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016	6

	Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	19

Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	34

Item 4	Controls and Procedures	34

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1	Legal Proceedings	35

Item 1A	Risk Factors	35

Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	35

Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	35

Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	35

Item 5	Other Information	35

Item 6	Exhibits	36

Table of Contents

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1—INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)



	July 2, 2017			January 1, 2017
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash	$	33,721		$	2,002
Trade and other receivables	10,591			7,623
Inventories	8,131			7,761
Prepaid rent	5,107			4,665
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7,202			7,465
Refundable income taxes	153			153
Total current assets	64,905			29,669
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $270,965 and $254,807, respectively	247,055			247,847
Franchise rights, net of accumulated amortization of $97,061 and $93,799, respectively (Note 3)	155,046			134,153
Goodwill (Note 3)	36,346			22,869
Franchise agreements, at cost less accumulated amortization of $10,302 and $9,734, respectively	23,587			19,591
Favorable leases, net of accumulated amortization of $2,021 and $1,760, respectively (Note 3)	6,222			5,441
Deferred income taxes (Note 7)	27,465			28,841
Other assets	1,862			1,744
Total assets	$	562,488		$	490,155
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt (Note 6)	$	1,731		$	1,616
Accounts payable	20,778			22,445
Accrued interest	3,672			2,676
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	23,469			26,029
Accrued real estate taxes	5,116			5,202
Other liabilities	13,287			10,932
Total current liabilities	68,053			68,900
Long-term debt, net of current portion (Note 6)	279,388			215,108
Lease financing obligations	1,196			2,938
Deferred income—sale-leaseback of real estate	11,542			12,271
Accrued postretirement benefits	4,693			4,566
Unfavorable leases, net of accumulated amortization of $4,635 and $4,643, respectively (Note 3)	13,945			11,686
Other liabilities (Note 5)	23,052			20,030
Total liabilities	401,869			335,499
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, par value $.01; authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding—100 shares	—			—
Voting common stock, par value $.01; authorized—100,000,000 shares, issued—36,158,711 and 35,835,800 shares, respectively, and outstanding—35,427,401 and 35,258,579 shares, respectively	354			353
Additional paid-in capital	142,918			141,133
Retained earnings	18,691			14,514
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,203		)	(1,203		)
Treasury stock, at cost	(141		)	(141		)
Total stockholders’ equity	160,619			154,656
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	562,488		$	490,155

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

THREE AND SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 2, 2017 AND JULY 3, 2016

(In thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Restaurant sales	$	279,478	$	241,368	$	519,330	$	463,887
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	78,724		62,117		142,960		121,137
Restaurant wages and related expenses	87,948		73,545		169,019		145,628
Restaurant rent expense	18,892		16,118		36,489		31,996
Other restaurant operating expenses	41,910		37,316		81,105		73,005
Advertising expense	11,431		10,770		21,332		19,898
General and administrative (including stock-based compensation expense of $903, $606, $1,786, and $1,171 respectively)	14,411		14,355		29,987		27,561
Depreciation and amortization	13,366		11,486		26,517		22,543
Impairment and other lease charges (Note 4)	432		286		963		508
Other expense, net (Note 12)	29		1,479		29		1,035
Total operating expenses	267,143		227,472		508,401		443,311
Income from operations	12,335		13,896		10,929		20,576
Interest expense	5,029		4,520		9,830		9,055
Income before income taxes	7,306		9,376		1,099		11,521
Provision for income taxes (Note 7)	1,267		—		656		—
Net income	$	6,039	$	9,376	$	443	$	11,521
Basic and diluted net income per share (Note 11)	$	0.13	$	0.21	$	0.01	$	0.25
Shares used in computing net income per share:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	35,415,416		35,117,463		35,399,820		35,109,610
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	44,941,819		44,818,528		44,980,576		44,849,707
Comprehensive income, net of tax:
Net income	$	6,039	$	9,376	$	443	$	11,521
Other comprehensive income	—		—		—		—
Comprehensive income	$	6,039	$	9,376	$	443	$	11,521

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)



									Retained			Accumulated
						Additional			Earnings			Other						Total
	Common Stock			Preferred		Paid-In			(Accumulated			Comprehensive			Treasury			Stockholders'
	Shares	Amount		Stock		Capital			Deficit)			Income			Stock			Equity
Balance at January 3, 2016	35,039,890	$	350	$	—	$	139,083		$	(30,958	)	$	(335	)	$	(141	)	$	107,999
Stock-based compensation	—	—		—		2,053			—			—			—			2,053
Vesting of non-vested shares and excess tax benefits	218,689	3		—		(3		)	—			—			—			—
Net income	—	—		—		—			45,472			—			—			45,472
Change in postretirement benefit obligations, net of tax benefit of $541	—	—		—		—			—			(868		)	—			(868		)
Balance at January 1, 2017	35,258,579	353		—		141,133			14,514			(1,203		)	(141		)	154,656
Cumulative-effect adjustment from adoption of ASU 2016-09	—	—		—		—			3,734			—			—			3,734
Stock-based compensation	—	—		—		1,786			—			—			—			1,786
Vesting of non-vested shares and excess tax benefits	168,822	1		—		(1		)	—			—			—			—
Net income	—	—		—		—			443			—			—			443
Balance at July 2, 2017	35,427,401	$	354	$	—	$	142,918		$	18,691		$	(1,203	)	$	(141	)	$	160,619

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

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CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 2, 2017 AND JULY 3, 2016

(In thousands of dollars)

(Unaudited)



	Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016
Cash flows provided from operating activities:
Net income	$	443		$	11,521
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:
Loss on disposals of property and equipment	479			(63		)
Stock-based compensation	1,786			1,171
Impairment and other lease charges	963			508
Depreciation and amortization	26,517			22,543
Amortization of deferred financing costs	437			395
Amortization of bond premium	(24		)	—
Amortization of deferred gains from sale-leaseback transactions	(839		)	(904		)
Deferred income taxes	656			—
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	(1,689		)	(6,886		)
Net cash provided from operating activities	28,729			28,285
Cash flows used for investing activities:
Capital expenditures:
New restaurant development	(2,606		)	(3,261		)
Restaurant remodeling	(12,681		)	(26,085		)
Other restaurant capital expenditures	(7,810		)	(8,531		)
Corporate and restaurant information systems	(3,717		)	(1,629		)
Total capital expenditures	(26,814		)	(39,506		)
Acquisition of restaurants, net of cash acquired (Note 2)	(36,563		)	(19,207		)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	2,717			17,687
Proceeds from insurance recoveries	—			1,016
Net cash used for investing activities	(60,660		)	(40,010		)
Cash flows provided from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of 8% senior secured second lien notes	79,875			—
Borrowings under senior credit facility	183,250			12,750
Repayments under senior credit facility	(196,750		)	(12,750		)
Principal payments on capital leases	(804		)	(716		)
Costs associated with financing long-term debt	(1,921		)	(102		)
Net cash provided from (used for) financing activities	63,650			(818		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	31,719			(12,543		)
Cash, beginning of period	2,002			22,274
Cash, end of period	$	33,721		$	9,731
Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid on long-term debt	$	9,198		$	8,608
Interest paid on lease financing obligations	$	66		$	52
Accruals for capital expenditures	$	1,992		$	4,453
Non-cash reduction of lease financing obligations	$	1,744		$	—
Income taxes refunded (paid)	$	—		$	—
Capital lease obligations acquired or incurred	$	277		$	263

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

1. Basis of Presentation

Business Description. At July 2, 2017 Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Carrols Restaurant Group") operated, as franchisee, 799 restaurants under the trade name “Burger King ®” in 17 Northeastern, Midwestern and Southeastern states.

Basis of Consolidation. Carrols Restaurant Group is a holding company and conducts all of its operations through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Carrols Corporation (“Carrols”) and Carrols' wholly-owned subsidiary, Carrols LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, and Carrols LLC's wholly-owned subsidiary Republic Foods, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("Republic Foods"). The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein include the accounts of Carrols Restaurant Group and its wholly-owned subsidiary Carrols.

Unless the context otherwise requires, Carrols Restaurant Group, Carrols, Carrols LLC and Republic Foods, Inc. are collectively referred to as the “Company.” All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year. The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. The three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 each contained thirteen and twenty-six weeks, respectively. The 2017 fiscal year will end December 31, 2017 and will contain 52 weeks.

Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 have been prepared without an audit, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include certain of the information and the footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of such unaudited consolidated financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2017. The January 1, 2017 consolidated balance sheet data is derived from those audited consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the unaudited consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates include: accrued occupancy costs, insurance liabilities, evaluation for impairment of long-lived assets and franchise rights, lease accounting matters, the valuation of acquired assets and liabilities and the valuation of deferred income tax assets. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information. Operating segments are components of an entity for which separate financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision maker currently evaluates the Company's operations from a number of different operational perspectives; however resource allocation decisions are made at a total-Company basis. The Company derives all significant revenues from a single operating segment. Accordingly, the Company views the operating results of its Burger King restaurants as one reportable segment.

Business Combinations. In accordance with ASC 805, the Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired business to its net identifiable assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill. The Company uses all available information to estimate fair values of identifiable intangible assets and property acquired. In making these

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

determinations, the Company may engage an independent third party valuation specialist to assist with the valuation of certain leasehold improvements, franchise rights and favorable and unfavorable leases.

The Company estimates that the seller's carrying value of acquired restaurant equipment, subject to certain adjustments, is equivalent to fair value of this equipment at the date of the acquisition. The fair values of assumed franchise agreements are valued as if the remaining term of the agreement is at the market rate. The fair values of acquired land, buildings,certain leasehold improvements and restaurant equipment subject to capital leases are determined using both the cost approach and market approach. The fair value of the favorable and unfavorable leases acquired, as well as the fair value of land, buildings, leasehold improvements and restaurant equipment subject to capital leases acquired is measured using significant inputs observable in the open market. The Company categorizes all such inputs as Level 2 inputs under ASC 820. The fair value of acquired franchise rights is primarily determined using the income approach.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable and reflect our own assumptions. Financial instruments include cash, trade and other receivables, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash, trade and other receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The fair value of the Carrols Restaurant Group 8.0% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 is based on a recent trading value, which is considered Level 2, and at July 2, 2017 was approximately $293.6 million.

Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets. Long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. As described in Note 4, the Company recorded long-lived asset impairment charges of $0.2 million and $0.6 million during the three and six months ended July 2, 2017, respectively, and $0.5 million and $0.6 million during the three and six months ended July 3, 2016, respectively.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. This ASU simplifies the accounting for goodwill by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new ASU, if the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, an impairment loss will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its fair value. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company believes that this pronouncement will have no impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This ASU addresses the classification of certain cash receipts and payments in the statement of cash flows in order to eliminate diversity in practice. This update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact that adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This ASU is intended to improve the reporting of leasing transactions to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information. This ASU will require organizations that lease assets to recognize the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases on the balance sheet. This ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years, using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is evaluating the potential impact that adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements and related

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

disclosures, but expects it will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet as the ASU requires balance sheet recognition of assets and obligations for current operating leases.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies certain elements of accounting for employee share-based payment transactions, including income tax consequences, the classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2017. Upon adoption of this ASU, the Company elected to change its accounting policy and account for forfeitures when they occur. The Company recorded a $3.7 million cumulative-effect adjustment to increase deferred tax assets and retained earnings as a result of the recognition of excess tax benefits previously unrealized. Prior periods have not been adjusted for the adoption of this ASU.

In May 2014, and in subsequent updates, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which requires recognition of revenue from contracts with customers upon transfer of promised goods or services in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services and expands related disclosure requirements. The new revenue guidance is effective for the Company beginning with our first quarter of fiscal 2018 and may be applied retrospectively to all periods presented or retrospectively with the cumulative effect recognized as of the date of adoption. The Company believes that impact of this adoption will have no impact on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

2. Acquisitions

In 2012, as part of an acquisition of restaurants from Burger King Corporation ("BKC"), the Company was assigned BKC's right of first refusal on franchisee restaurant sales in 20 states (the "ROFR"). Since the beginning of 2016, the Company has acquired an aggregate of 116 restaurants from other franchisees in the following transactions, some of which were subject to the ROFR:



Closing Date		Number of Restaurants	Purchase Price			Fee-Owned (1)	Market Location
2016 Acquisitions:
February 23, 2016	(2)	12	$	7,127			Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
May 25, 2016		6	12,080			5	Detroit, Michigan
July 14, 2016	(2)	4	5,445			3	Detroit, Michigan
August 23, 2016		7	8,755			6	Portland, Maine
October 4, 2016		3	1,623				Raleigh, North Carolina
November 15, 2016		17	7,251				Pittsburgh and Johnstown, Pennsylvania
December 1, 2016		7	5,807			1	Columbus, Ohio
		56	48,088			15
2017 Acquisitions:
February 28, 2017		43	20,373				Cincinnati, Ohio
June 6, 2017	(2)	17	16,190		(3)		Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC
Total 2016 and 2017 Acquisitions		116	$	84,651		15


(1)	The 2016 acquisitions included the purchase of 15 fee-owned restaurants, of which 14 were sold in sale-leaseback transactions during 2016 for net proceeds of $19.1 million.


(2)	Acquisitions resulting from the exercise of the ROFR.


(3)	The purchase price and the related allocation for this acquisition (included in the presentation below) is preliminary and subject to adjustment related to working capital settlement and related deferred income tax considerations.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

The Company allocated the aggregate purchase price to the net tangible and intangible assets acquired in the acquisitions at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the 2017 acquisitions reflected in the consolidated balance sheet as of July 2, 2017.



Trade and other receivables	$	486
Inventory	566
Prepaid expenses	192
Other assets	52
Restaurant equipment	3,244
Restaurant equipment - subject to capital lease	235
Leasehold improvements	2,326
Franchise fees	1,292
Franchise rights (Note 3)	24,156
Favorable leases (Note 3)	1,100
Deferred income taxes	(4,456		)
Goodwill (Note 3)	13,477
Capital lease obligations for restaurant equipment	(278		)
Unfavorable leases (Note 3)	(2,997		)
Accounts payable	(880		)
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	(270		)
Other liabilities	(1,682		)
Net assets acquired	$	36,563

Goodwill recorded in connection with these acquisitions represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired restaurants. Goodwill of $6.5 million is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes for the 2017 acquisitions. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are due primarily to the book and tax bases difference of franchise rights, property and equipment, net favorable and unfavorable leases and other liabilities.

The restaurants acquired in 2016 and 2017 contributed restaurant sales of $34.4 million and $55.1 million in the three and six months ended July 2, 2017, respectively, and $5.1 million and $7.0 million in the three and six months ended July 3, 2016, respectively. It is impracticable to disclose net earnings for the post-acquisition period for the acquired restaurants as net earnings of these restaurants were not tracked on a collective basis due to the integration of administrative functions, including field supervision.

The unaudited pro forma impact on the results of operations for the restaurants acquired in 2017 and 2016 for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 is included below. The unaudited pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of any future consolidated operating results. The following table summarizes the Company's unaudited pro forma operating results:



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Restaurant sales	$	285,952	$	266,630	$	541,112	$	523,210
Net income	$	6,659	$	12,481	$	1,716	$	16,629
Basic and diluted net income per share	$	0.15	$	0.28	$	0.04	$	0.37

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

This unaudited pro forma financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies or cost savings or any integration costs related to the acquired restaurants. The unaudited pro forma financial results exclude transaction costs recorded as general and administrative expenses of $0.4 million and $1.2 million during the three and six months ended July 2, 2017, respectively, and $0.2 million and $0.6 million during the three and six months ended July 3, 2016, respectively.

3. Intangible Assets

Goodwill. The Company is required to review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. If the determined fair value of goodwill is less than the related carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment as of the last day of its fiscal year and does not believe circumstances have changed since the last assessment date which would make it necessary to reassess its value. There have been no recorded goodwill impairment losses during the three or six months ended July 2, 2017 or July 3, 2016. The change in goodwill for the six months ended July 2, 2017 is summarized below:



Balance at January 1, 2017	$	22,869
Acquisitions of restaurants (Note 2)	13,477
Balance at July 2, 2017	$	36,346

Franchise Rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition of Burger King restaurants are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty-year renewal period.

The Company assesses the potential impairment of franchise rights whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If an indicator of impairment exists, an estimate of the aggregate undiscounted cash flows from the acquired restaurants is compared to the respective carrying value of franchise rights for each acquisition. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. No impairment charges were recorded related to the Company’s franchise rights for the three or six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016. The change in franchise rights for the six months ended July 2, 2017 is summarized below:



Balance at January 1, 2017	$	134,153
Acquisitions of restaurants (Note 2)	24,156
Amortization expense	(3,263		)
Balance at July 2, 2017	$	155,046

Amortization expense related to franchise rights was $1.7 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, and $3.3 million and $2.9 million for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively. The Company expects annual amortization expense to be $6.8 million in 2017 and $7.1 million in each of the following five years.

Favorable and Unfavorable Leases. Amounts allocated to favorable and unfavorable leases are being amortized using the straight-line method over the remaining terms of the underlying lease agreements as a net reduction of restaurant rent expense. Additions to favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liabilities from the 2017 acquisitions included in Note 2 totaled $1.1 million and $3.0 million for the six months ended July 2, 2017, respectively.

The net reduction of rent expense related to the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases was $0.2 million each of the three months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 and $0.4 million in the each of the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016. The Company expects the net annual reduction of rent expense to be $0.8 million in 2017, $0.9 million in 2018, $0.8 million and 2019, $0.7 million in 2020 and $0.6 million and 2021 and 2022.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

4. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Lease Charges

The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for impairment at the restaurant level. If an indicator of impairment exists for any of its assets, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the primary asset for each restaurant is compared to that long-lived asset’s carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow, the Company then determines the fair value of the asset and if an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. For closed restaurant locations, the Company reviews the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of the restaurant closure to the end of the remaining lease term and records a lease charge for the lease liabilities to be incurred, net of any estimated sublease recoveries.

The Company determines the fair value of restaurant equipment, for those restaurants reviewed for impairment, based on current economic conditions and the Company’s history of using these assets in the operation of its business. These fair value asset measurements rely on significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

During the three months ended July 2, 2017, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $0.4 million which included $0.2 million of capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants and $0.2 million of other lease charges associated with changes in estimates of future costs related to closed restaurants. During the six months ended July 2, 2017, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $1.0 million, which included $0.4 million of capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants, $0.2 million of asset impairment charges at three underperforming restaurants and $0.4 million of other lease charges primarily due to three restaurants closed during the first quarter.

During the three months and six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company recorded asset impairment charges of $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, primarily from capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants. During the three months ended July 3, 2016, the Company reduced other lease charges by $0.2 million due to favorable lease terminations for three previously closed restaurant properties.

The following table presents the activity in the accrual for closed restaurant locations:



	Six Months Ended			Year Ended
	July 2, 2017			January 1, 2017
Balance, beginning of the period	$	1,513		$	2,088
Provisions for restaurant closures	179			59
Changes in estimates of accrued costs	118			(89		)
Payments, net	(387		)	(691		)
Other adjustments, including the effect of discounting future obligations	382			146
Balance, end of the period	$	1,805		$	1,513

Changes in estimates of accrued costs primarily relate to revisions or terminations of certain closed restaurant leases, changes in assumptions for sublease income and other costs.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

5. Other Liabilities, Long-Term

Other liabilities, long-term, at July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017 consisted of the following:



	July 2, 2017		January 1, 2017
Deferred rent	$	12,669	$	11,498
Other accrued occupancy costs	3,143		3,254
Accrued workers’ compensation and general liability claims	4,629		3,364
Deferred compensation	2,394		1,756
Other	217		158
	$	23,052	$	20,030

Other accrued occupancy costs above include long-term obligations pertaining to closed restaurant locations, contingent rent and unamortized lease incentives.

6. Long-term Debt

Long-term debt at July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017 consisted of the following:



	July 2, 2017			January 1, 2017
Collateralized:
Carrols Restaurant Group 8% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes	$	275,000		$	200,000
Senior Credit Facility - Revolving credit borrowings	—			13,500
Capital leases	6,514			7,039
	281,514			220,539
Less: current portion	(1,731		)	(1,616		)
Less: deferred financing costs	(5,246		)	(3,815		)
Add: bond premium	$	4,851		$	—
	$	279,388		$	215,108

8% Notes. On April 29, 2015, the Company issued $200.0 million principal amount of 8.0% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 (the "Existing Notes") pursuant to an indenture dated as of April 29, 2015 governing such notes. On June 23, 2017, the Company issued an additional $75.0 million principal amount of 8.0% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 (the "Additional Notes" and together with the "Existing Notes", the "8% Notes") for net proceeds of $35.5 million after repayment of outstanding revolving credit borrowings of $42.6 million and transaction fees of $1.8 million. The 8% Notes mature and are payable on May 1, 2022. Interest is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1. The 8% Notes are guaranteed by the Company's subsidiaries and are secured by second-priority liens on substantially all of the Company's and its subsidiaries' assets (including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of its subsidiaries).

The 8% Notes are redeemable at the option of the Company in whole or in part at any time after May 1, 2018 at a price of 104% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed before May 1, 2019, 102% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed after May 1, 2019 but before May 1, 2020 and 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed after May 1, 2020. Prior to May 1, 2018, the Company may redeem some or all of the 8% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of each note plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium. In addition, the indenture governing the 8% Notes also provides that the Company may redeem up to 35% of the 8% Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings completed before May 15, 2018.

The 8% Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed, unconditionally and in full by the Company's subsidiaries which are directly or indirectly 100% owned by the Company. Separate condensed consolidating information is not included because Carrols Restaurant Group is a holding company that has no independent assets or operations. There

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

are no significant restrictions on its ability or any of the guarantor subsidiaries' ability to obtain funds from its respective subsidiaries. All consolidated amounts in our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are representative of the combined guarantors.

The indenture governing the 8% Notes includes certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on the Company and its subsidiaries who are guarantors under such indenture to, among other things: incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock; incur liens; pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments; sell assets; agree to payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries; enter into transaction with affiliates; or merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of the Company's assets.

The indenture governing the 8% Notes and the security agreement provide that any capital stock and equity interests of any of the Company's subsidiaries will be excluded from the collateral to the extent that the par value, book value or market value of such capital stock or equity interests exceeds 20% of the aggregate principal amount of the 8% Notes then outstanding.

The indenture governing the 8% Notes contains customary default provisions, including without limitation, a cross default provision pursuant to which it is an event of default under the 8% Notes and the indenture governing the 8% Notes if there is a default under any of the Company's indebtedness having an outstanding principal amount of $20.0 million or more which results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its stated maturity or is caused by a failure to pay principal when due.

Senior Credit Facility. On May 30, 2012, the Company entered into a senior credit facility, which has a maturity date of February 12, 2021, and was most recently amended on June 20, 2017 to increase the permitted indebtedness of our second lien notes to a principal amount not to exceed $300.0 million in order to provide for the additional $75.0 million of the 8% Notes issued on June 23, 2017. On January 13, 2017, the senior credit facility was amended to, among other things, provide for maximum revolving credit borrowings of up to $73.0 million (including $20.0 million available for letters of credit). The amended senior credit facility also provides for potential incremental borrowing increases of up to $25.0 million, in the aggregate. As of July 2, 2017, there were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding and $12.8 million of letters of credit were issued under the senior credit facility. After reserving for issued letters of credit and outstanding revolving credit borrowings, $60.2 million was available for revolving credit borrowings under the amended senior credit facility at July 2, 2017.

Borrowings under the senior credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum, at the Company’s option, of:

(i) the Alternate Base Rate plus the applicable margin of 1.75% to 2.75% based on the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio, or

(ii) the LIBOR Rate plus the applicable margin of 2.75% to 3.75% based on the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio (all terms as defined under the senior credit facility).

At July 2, 2017 the Company's LIBOR Rate margin was 3.25% and the Alternate Base Rate margin was 2.25% based on the Company's Adjusted Leverage Ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2017.

The Company’s obligations under the senior credit facility are jointly and severally guaranteed by its subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of its subsidiaries.

Under the amended senior credit facility, the Company is required to make mandatory prepayments of borrowings in the event of dispositions of assets, debt issuances and insurance and condemnation proceeds (all subject to certain exceptions).

The amended senior credit facility contains certain covenants, including without limitation, those limiting the Company’s and its subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, sell or acquire assets or businesses, change the character of its business in all material respects, engage in transactions with related parties, make certain investments, make certain restricted payments or pay dividends. In addition, the amended senior credit

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

facility requires the Company to meet certain financial ratios, including a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Adjusted Leverage Ratio and First Lien Leverage Ratio (all as defined under the amended senior credit facility). The Company was in compliance with the financial covenants under its senior credit facility at July 2, 2017.

The amended senior credit facility contains customary default provisions, including that the lenders may terminate their obligation to advance and may declare the unpaid balance of borrowings, or any part thereof, immediately due and payable upon the occurrence and during the continuance of customary defaults which include, without limitation, payment default, covenant defaults, bankruptcy type defaults, cross-defaults on other indebtedness, judgments or upon the occurrence of a change of control.

7. Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 was comprised of the following:



	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016			July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Current	$	—	$	—		$	—	$	—
Deferred	1,267		2,605			656		2,641
Change in valuation allowance	—		(2,605		)	—		(2,641		)
Provision for income taxes	$	1,267	$	—		$	656	$	—

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for income tax purposes.

The provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2017 of 14.5%, which excludes any discrete tax adjustments and is below the statutory rate due to the effect of fixed employment tax credits on taxable income. The income tax provision for the six months ended July 2, 2017 contains net discrete tax adjustments of $0.6 million of income tax expense.

In 2014, the Company recorded a valuation allowance on all of its net deferred tax assets. For the six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company determined that a valuation allowance was still needed for all of its net deferred income tax assets, based on the required weight of positive and negative evidence under ASC 740, including consideration of the Company’s three-year cumulative losses at that date. Consequently, the Company recorded no provision or benefit for income taxes in the three or six months ended July 3, 2016.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, the Company evaluated evidence to consider the reversal of the valuation allowance on its net deferred income tax assets and determined in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2016 that there was sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not its deferred income tax assets are realizable. In determining the likelihood of future realization of the deferred income tax assets as of January 1, 2017, the Company considered both positive and negative evidence and weighted the effect of such evidence based upon its objectivity as required by ASC 740. As a result, the Company believed that the weight of the positive evidence, including the cumulative income position in the three most recent years (as adjusted for non-recurring items and permanent differences between book and tax) and forecasts for a sustained level of future taxable income, was sufficient to overcome the weight of the negative evidence, and recorded a $30.4 million tax benefit to release the full valuation allowance against the Company's deferred income tax assets in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The Company's federal net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in 2033. As of July 2, 2017, the Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $73.1 million. The Company's state net operating loss carryforwards expire beginning in 2017 through 2034.

The Company's policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At July 2, 2017 and January 1, 2017, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits and no accrued interest

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

related to uncertain tax positions. The tax years 2013 - 2016 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. Although it is not reasonably possible to estimate the amount by which unrecognized tax benefits may increase within the next twelve months due to the uncertainties regarding the timing of examinations, the Company does not expect unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months.

8. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense for three months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 was $0.9 million and $0.6 million, respectively, and was $1.8 million and $1.2 million for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively.

A summary of all non-vested shares activity for the six months ended July 2, 2017 was as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Grant Date Price
Non-vested at January 1, 2017	577,221		$	10.42
Granted	366,580		15.05
Vested	(168,822	)	10.05
Forfeited	(43,669	)	12.84
Non-vested at July 2, 2017	731,310		$	12.68

The fair value of non-vested shares is based on the closing price on the date of grant. As of July 2, 2017, the total non-vested stock-based compensation expense was approximately $7.7 million and the remaining weighted average vesting period for non-vested shares was 2.3 years. The Company expects to record an additional $1.7 million in stock-based compensation expense related to the vesting of these awards for the remainder of 2017.

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Guarantees. Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta"), a former wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was spun-off in 2012 to the Company's stockholders. As of July 2, 2017, the Company is a guarantor under 27 Fiesta restaurant property leases, with lease terms expiring on various dates through 2030, and is the primary lessee on five Fiesta restaurant property leases, which it subleases to Fiesta. The Company is fully liable for all obligations under the terms of the leases in the event that Fiesta fails to pay any sums due under the lease, subject to indemnification provisions of the Separation and Distribution Agreement entered into in connection with the spin-off of Fiesta.

The maximum potential amount of future undiscounted rental payments the Company could be required to make under these leases at July 2, 2017 was $22.7 million. The obligations under these leases will generally continue to decrease over time as these operating leases expire. No payments related to these guarantees have been made by the Company to date and none are expected to be required to be made in the future. The Company has not recorded a liability for these guarantees in accordance with ASC 460 - Guarantees as Fiesta has indemnified the Company for all such obligations and the Company did not believe it was probable it would be required to perform under any of the guarantees or direct obligations.

Litigation. The Company is a party to various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any of these other matters meet the disclosure or recognition standards, nor will they have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

10. Transactions with Related Parties

In connection with an acquisition of restaurants from BKC in 2012, the Company issued to BKC 100 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock which is convertible into 9,414,580 shares of the Company's Common Stock, which currently constitutes approximately 20.7% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock on a fully diluted basis. Pursuant to the terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, BKC also has two representatives on the Company's board of directors.

Each of the Company's restaurants operates under a separate franchise agreement with BKC. These franchise agreements generally provide for an initial term of twenty years and currently have an initial franchise fee of fifty thousand dollars. Any franchise agreement, including renewals, can be extended at the Company's discretion for an additional twenty-year term, with BKC's approval, provided that among other things, the restaurant meets the current Burger King image standard and the Company is not in default under terms of the franchise agreement. In addition to the initial franchise fee, the Company generally pays BKC a monthly royalty at a rate of 4.5% of sales. Royalty expense was $11.9 million and $10.2 million in the three months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively and $22.1 million and $19.6 million for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively.

The Company is also generally required to contribute 4% of restaurant sales from its restaurants to an advertising fund utilized by BKC for its advertising, promotional programs and public relations activities, and additional amounts for participation in local advertising campaigns in markets that approve such additional spending. Advertising expense related to BKC was $11.2 million and $10.5 million in the three months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively, and $20.8 million and $19.5 million for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively.

As of July 2, 2017, the Company leased 262 of its restaurant locations from BKC and 136 of these locations are subleased by BKC from a third-party lessor. Aggregate rent related to BKC leases was $6.8 million and $7.2 million for the three months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively and $13.4 million and $14.5 million for the six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, respectively. The Company believes the related party lease terms have not been significantly affected by the fact that the Company and BKC are deemed related parties.

As of July 2, 2017, the Company owed BKC $8.1 million related to the payment of advertising, royalties and rent, which is remitted on a monthly basis and recorded as a current liability within accounts payable on the consolidated interim balance sheet as of July 2, 2017.

11. Net Income per Share

The Company applies the two-class method to calculate and present net income per share. The Company's non-vested share awards and Series A Convertible Preferred Stock issued to BKC contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net income per share pursuant to the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are reduced by the amount of dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and the remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities, based on their respective rights to receive dividends.

Basic net income per share is computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted net income per share reflects additional shares of common stock outstanding, where applicable, calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(in thousands of dollars except share and per share amounts)

The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share:



	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016			July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016
Basic net income (loss) per share:
Net income	$	6,039		$	9,376		$	443		$	11,521
Less: Income attributable to non-vested shares	(104		)	(148		)	(8		)	(180		)
Less: Income attributable to preferred stock	(1,246		)	(1,951		)	(91		)	(2,398		)
Net income available to common stockholders	$	4,689		$	7,277		$	344		$	8,943
Weighted average common shares outstanding	35,415,416			35,117,463			35,399,820			35,109,610
Basic net income per share	$	0.13		$	0.21		$	0.01		$	0.25
Diluted net income per share:
Net income	$	6,039		$	9,376		$	443		$	11,521
Shares used in computing basic net income per share	35,415,416			35,117,463			35,399,820			35,109,610
Dilutive effect of preferred stock and non-vested shares	9,526,403			9,701,065			9,580,756			9,740,097
Shares used in computing diluted net income per share	44,941,819			44,818,528			44,980,576			44,849,707
Diluted net income per share (1)	$	0.13		$	0.21		$	0.01		$	0.25
Shares excluded from diluted net income per share computations (2)	—			—			—			—


(1)	Diluted net income per share is equal to basic net income per share for the periods presented due to the allocation of earnings to participating securities under the two-class method of calculating basic net income per share causing basic net income per share to be lower than diluted net income per share calculated under the treasury-stock method.


(2)	Shares issuable upon conversion of preferred stock and non-vested shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net income per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.

12. Other Income and Expense

In the three months ended July 3, 2016, the Company recorded a gain of $0.5 million related to an insurance recovery from a fire at one of its restaurants and expense of $1.85 million related to a litigation settlement. Additionally, in the six months ended July 3, 2016, the Company recorded a gain of $0.5 million related to a settlement for a partial condemnation on one of its operating restaurant properties.

Table of Contents

ITEM 2—MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, "Carrols Restaurant Group", the "Company", “we”, “our” or “us”) operated, as franchisee, 799 restaurants under the trade name “Burger King ®” in 17 Northeastern, Midwestern and Southeastern states.

We use a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. The three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 each contained thirteen and twenty-six weeks, respectively. Our fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 will contain 52 weeks and our fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 contained 52 weeks.

Introduction

We are a holding company and conduct all of our operations through our direct and indirect subsidiaries and have no assets other than the shares of capital stock of Carrols Corporation, our direct wholly-owned subsidiary. The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (or "MD&A") is written to help the reader understand our company. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with our unaudited interim Consolidated Financial Statements and the accompanying financial statement notes appearing elsewhere in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2017. The overview provides our perspective on the individual sections of MD&A, which include the following:

Company Overview—a general description of our business and our key financial measures.

Recent and Future Events Affecting Our Results of Operations—a description of recent events that affect, and future events that may affect, our results of operations.

Results from Operations—an analysis of our results of operations for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 compared to the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 including a review of material items and known trends and uncertainties.

Liquidity and Capital Resources—an analysis of historical information regarding our sources of cash and capital expenditures, the existence and timing of commitments and contingencies, changes in capital resources and a discussion of cash flow items affecting liquidity.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies—an overview of accounting policies requiring critical judgments and estimates.

Effects of New Accounting Standards—a discussion of new accounting standards and any implications related to our financial statements.

Forward Looking Statements—cautionary information about forward-looking statements and a description of certain risks and projections.

Table of Contents

Company Overview

We are one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States and have been operating restaurants for more than 55 years. We are the largest Burger King® franchisee in the United States, based on number of restaurants, and have operated Burger King restaurants since 1976. As of July 2, 2017, our restaurant operations consisted of 799 franchised Burger King restaurants in 17 states.

In 2012, as part of an acquisition of restaurants from Burger King Corporation ("BKC") we were assigned BKC's right of first refusal on franchisee restaurant sales in 20 states (the "ROFR"). In the first six months of 2017 we acquired a total of 60 restaurants in two separate transactions, 17 located in the Baltimore, MD market and 43 located in and around the Cincinnati, OH market. During the year ended January 1, 2017 we acquired 56 restaurants in seven separate transactions and during the year ended January 3, 2016 we acquired 55 restaurants in eight separate transactions.

For 2017, we have modified our groupings of restaurants for reporting and analysis purposes. We refer to our restaurants acquired in 2015, 2016 and 2017 as our "acquired restaurants”. All of our other restaurants, including restaurants acquired before 2015, are referred to as our "legacy restaurants".

The following is an overview of the key financial measures discussed in our results of operations:

•

Restaurant sales consist of food and beverage sales at our restaurants, net of discounts and excluding sales tax collected. Restaurant sales are influenced by changes in comparable restaurant sales, menu price increases, new restaurant development and the closures of restaurants. Restaurants, including restaurants we acquire, are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been open or owned for 12 months and immediately after they open from being remodeled.


•	Cost of sales consists of food, paper and beverage costs including packaging costs, less purchase discounts. Cost of sales is generally influenced by changes in commodity costs, the mix of items sold, the level of promotional discounting and the effectiveness of our restaurant-level controls to manage food and paper costs.


•	Restaurant wages and related expenses include all restaurant management and hourly productive labor costs and related benefits, employer payroll taxes and restaurant-level bonuses. Payroll and related benefits are subject to inflation, including minimum wage increases and increased costs for health insurance, workers’ compensation insurance and federal and state unemployment insurance.


•	Restaurant rent expense includes base rent and contingent rent on our leases characterized as operating leases, and the amortization of favorable and unfavorable leases, reduced by the amortization of deferred gains on sale-leaseback transactions.


•	Other restaurant operating expenses include all other restaurant-level operating costs, the major components of which are royalty expenses paid to BKC, utilities, repairs and maintenance, real estate taxes and credit card fees.


•	Advertising expense includes advertising payments to BKC based on a percentage of sales as required under our franchise and operating agreements and additional marketing and promotional expenses in certain of our markets.


•	General and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of salaries and expenses associated with corporate and administrative functions that support the development and operations of our restaurants, legal, auditing and other professional fees, acquisition costs and stock-based compensation expense.

•

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted net income. EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted net income are non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA represents net income or loss, before provision or benefit for income taxes, interest expense and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted to exclude impairment and other lease charges, acquisition costs, stock compensation expense and non-recurring income or expense. Restaurant-Level EBITDA represents income or loss from operations adjusted to exclude general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges and other income or expense.

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Adjusted net income represents net income adjusted to exclude loss on extinguishment of debt, impairment and other lease charges, acquisition costs, non-recurring income and expense and the related income tax effect of these adjustments. Adjusted net income also presents the provision or benefit for income taxes as if there was no valuation allowance on our net deferred income tax assets during all periods presented.

We are presenting Adjusted EBITDA, Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted net income because we believe that they provide a more meaningful comparison than EBITDA and net income of our core business operating results, as well as with those of other similar companies. Additionally, we present Restaurant-Level EBITDA because it excludes the impact of general and administrative expenses and other income or expense which are not directly related to restaurant-level operations. Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level EBITDA, when viewed with our results of operations in accordance with GAAP and the accompanying reconciliations on page 28, provide useful information about operating performance and period-over-period growth, and provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our core business without regard to potential distortions. Additionally, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level EBITDA permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing cash earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced.

However, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted net income are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered as alternatives to net income, income from operations or cash flow from operating activities as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies. For the reconciliation between net income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income and the reconciliation of income from operations to Restaurant-Level EBITDA, see page 28.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted net income have important limitations as analytical tools. These limitations include the following:


•	EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level EBITDA do not reflect our capital expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments to purchase capital equipment;


•	EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service principal or interest payments on our debt;


•	Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets that we currently depreciate and amortize will likely have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level EBITDA do not reflect the cash required to fund such replacements; and


•	EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted net income do not reflect the effect of earnings or charges resulting from matters that our management does not consider to be indicative of our ongoing operations. However, some of these charges (such as impairment and other lease charges and acquisition costs) have recurred and may reoccur.


•	Depreciation and amortization primarily includes the depreciation of fixed assets, including equipment, owned buildings and leasehold improvements utilized in our restaurants, the amortization of franchise rights from our acquisitions of Burger King restaurants and the amortization of franchise fees paid to BKC.

•

Impairment and other lease charges are determined through our assessment of the recoverability of property and equipment and intangible assets by determining whether the carrying value of these assets can be recovered over their respective remaining lives through undiscounted future operating cash flows. A potential impairment charge is evaluated whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable. Losses on sale-leaseback transactions are recognized when they are incurred. Lease charges are recorded for our obligations under the related leases for closed locations net of estimated sublease recoveries.


•	Interest expense consists primarily of interest expense associated with our $275.0 million of 8% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes due 2022 (the "8% Notes"), amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of bond premium and interest on revolving credit borrowings under our senior credit facility.

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Recent and Future Events Affecting our Results of Operations

Burger King Restaurant Acquisitions

From the beginning of 2016 through July 2, 2017, we have acquired 116 restaurants from other franchisees in the following transactions ($ in thousands):



Closing Date		Number of Restaurants	Purchase Price		Fee-Owned Restaurants	Market Location
2016 Acquisitions:
February 23, 2016	(1)	12	$	7,127		Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
May 25, 2016		6	12,080		5	Detroit, Michigan
July 14, 2016	(1)	4	5,445		3	Detroit, Michigan
August 23, 2016		7	8,755		6	Portland, Maine
October 4, 2016		3	1,623			Raleigh, North Carolina
November 15, 2016		17	7,251			Pittsburgh and Johnstown, Pennsylvania
December 1, 2016		7	5,807		1	Columbus, Ohio
		56	48,088		15
2017 Acquisitions:
February 28, 2017		43	20,373			Cincinnati, Ohio
June 6, 2017	(1)	17	16,190			Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, DC
Total 2016 and 2017 Acquisitions		116	$	84,651	15


(1)	Acquisitions resulting from the exercise of our ROFR.

The 2016 acquisitions included the purchase of 15 fee-owned restaurants, of which 14 were sold in sale-leaseback transactions in 2016 for net proceeds of $19.1 million.

The unaudited pro forma impact on the results of operations for the 2016 and 2017 acquisitions is included below. The unaudited pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been consummated at the beginning of the period presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of any future consolidated operating results. This unaudited pro forma financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies or cost savings or any transaction costs related to the 2016 or 2017 acquired restaurants. The following table summarizes certain unaudited pro forma financial information related to our operating results for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017:



	Three Months Ended		Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 2, 2017
Restaurant sales	$	285,952	$	541,112
Income from operations	$	13,334	$	12,983
Adjusted EBITDA	$	28,327	$	43,861

Capital Expenditures and Remodeling Commitment with BKC

Under our operating agreement with BKC, beginning on January 1, 2016 and until we exceed operating 1,000 Burger King restaurants, a minimum of 10% of our annual new restaurant growth (including acquisitions) must come from the development of new Burger King restaurants (which includes restaurants we relocate within their market area); provided that for 2016 only, any required restaurant development may be deferred and opened by the end of 2017. At July 2, 2017, we have completed the development of three restaurants towards this commitment.

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In 2017, we anticipate that total capital expenditures will range from $65 million to $85 million although the actual amount of capital expenditures may differ from these estimates. Capital expenditures in 2017 include remodeling 28 to 32 restaurants to the BKC 20/20 image standard at an approximate average cost of $550,000 per restaurant, rebuilding 6 to 8 restaurants and the construction of 10 to 15 new restaurants, of which 2 or 3 restaurants will be relocated within their respective markets, at an average cost of $1,300,000 per restaurant which excludes the cost of land. Capital expenditures in 2017 also include approximately $10 million to $12 million for non-recurring investments in new kitchen production and food holding systems, new restaurant training systems and certain point-of-sale equipment upgrades. We will review on an ongoing basis our future remodel and development plans in relation to our available capital resources and alternate investment opportunities. At July 2, 2017 we had 578 restaurants with the 20/20 restaurant image, which included restaurants converted prior to our acquisition.

Issuance of Indebtedness and Amendment to our Senior Credit Facility

On June 23, 2017, we issued in a private placement an additional $75 million principal amount of 8% Notes at a premium of 106.5% and used a portion of the net proceeds to repay all of our revolving credit borrowings under the amended senior credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses. We received net proceeds of approximately $35.5 million from the offering which will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes, including future restaurant acquisitions.

On June 20, 2017, we entered into an amendment to our senior credit facility to increase the permitted indebtedness for our second lien notes to a principal amount not to exceed $300.0 million in order to provide for the additional $75 million of the 8% Notes issued on June 23, 2017.

Additionally, on January 13, 2017, we entered into an amendment to our senior credit facility to, among other things, increase the maximum revolving credit borrowings by $18.0 million to a total of $73.0 million.

Future Restaurant Closures

We evaluate the performance of our restaurants on an ongoing basis including an assessment of the current and future operating results of the restaurant in relation to its cash flow and future occupancy costs, and with regard to franchise agreement renewals, the cost of required capital improvements. We may elect to close restaurants based on these evaluations.

In the first six months of 2017 we closed fifteen restaurants, excluding one restaurant relocated within its respective market area. In 2016, we closed seven restaurants, including six restaurants closed on January 1, 2017 and excluding five restaurants relocated within their respective trade areas. We currently anticipate that for all of 2017 we will close a total 15 to 20 restaurants at or near the end of their respective lease term, excluding any restaurants being relocated within their trade area.

Our determination of whether to close restaurants in the future is subject to further evaluation and may change. We may incur lease charges in the future from closures of underperforming restaurants prior to the expiration of their contractual lease term. We do not believe that the future impact on our results of operations due to restaurant closures will be material, although there can be no assurance in this regard.

Reversal of Valuation on Deferred Income Tax Assets

In 2014, we recorded a valuation allowance on all of our net deferred tax assets. For the three months ended July 3, 2016 we determined that a valuation allowance was still needed for all of our net deferred income tax assets, based on the required weight of positive and negative evidence under ASC 740, including consideration of our three-year cumulative loss at that date. Consequently, we recorded no provision or benefit for income taxes in the second quarter of 2016.

During the fourth quarter of 2016, we evaluated evidence to consider the reversal of the valuation allowance on our net deferred income tax assets and determined that there was sufficient positive evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not our deferred income tax assets are realizable. In determining the likelihood of future realization of our deferred income tax assets as of January 1, 2017, we considered both positive and negative evidence and weighted

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the effect of such evidence based upon its objectivity as required by ASC 740. As a result, we believed that the weight of the positive evidence, including the cumulative income position in the three most recent years (as adjusted for non-recurring items and permanent differences between book and tax) and forecasts for a sustained level of future taxable income, was sufficient to overcome the weight of the negative evidence, and recorded a $30.4 million tax benefit to release the full valuation allowance against our deferred income tax assets in the fourth quarter of 2016.

Effect of Minimum Wage Increases

Certain of the states and municipalities in which we operate have increased their minimum wage rates for 2017 and in many cases have also approved additional increases for future periods. Most notably, New York State has increased the minimum wage applicable to our business to $10.75 an hour in 2017 (from $9.75 an hour in 2016) with subsequent annual increases reaching $15.00 an hour by July 1, 2021. Starting in 2015, we have been receiving New York State minimum wage tax credits that partially offset these additional labor costs. These tax credits diminish over the next few years but currently total approximately $500,000 per year. We had 128 restaurants in New York State at July 2, 2017. We typically attempt to offset the effects of wage inflation, at least in part, through periodic menu price increases. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset these wage increases in the future.

Results of Operations

Three and Six Months Ended July 2, 2017 Compared to Three and Six Months Ended July 3, 2016

The following table highlights the key components of sales for the three and six month period ended July 2, 2017 as compared to the three and six month period ended July 3, 2016 :



	Three Months Ended						Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016			July 2, 2017			July 3, 2016
Restaurant Sales:
Legacy restaurants	$	226,196		$	217,759		$	428,323		$	421,552
Acquired restaurants	53,282			23,609			91,007			42,335
Total	$	279,478		$	241,368		$	519,330		$	463,887

Change in Comparable Restaurant Sales %	4.6		%	0.7		%	2.1		%	3.0		%
Legacy restaurants	4.7		%	0.6		%	2.1		%	3.0		%
Acquired restaurants (1)	3.2		%	7.3		%	1.4		%	7.3		%

(1) Acquired restaurants are included in comparable sales after they have been owned for twelve months.

The following table sets forth the number of stores in operation at the end of the three and six month periods ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016:



			Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
			July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Operating at beginning of period			788		717		753		705
New restaurants opened	(1	)	1		2		2		2
Acquired			17		6		60		18
Closed	(1	)	(7	)	(2	)	(16	)	(2	)
Operating at end of period			799		723		799		723

(1) In the six months ended July 2, 2017, new restaurants opened included two restaurants relocated with their market area

and closed restaurants included one restaurant closed as a result of relocation.

Restaurant Sales. Comparable restaurant sales increased 4.6% in the second quarter of 2017 consisting of an increase in average check of 3.3%, including a 1.6% effect of menu price increases since the beginning of the second

quarter of 2016, and an increase in customer traffic of 1.3%. The increase in restaurant sales also reflected the acquisition of 104 restaurants since the beginning of the second quarter of 2016 which contributed $30.1 million of restaurant sales during the second quarter of 2017.

For the six months ended July 2, 2017, comparable restaurant sales increased 2.1% due to an increase in average check of 3.0% offset by a decrease in customer traffic of 0.9%. The effect in the first six months of 2017 from menu price increases taken since the beginning of 2016 was approximately 1.7%. Restaurant sales also increased due to the 116 restaurants acquired since the beginning of 2016 which added $55.1 million of restaurant sales.

Operating Costs and Expenses (percentages stated as a percentage of total restaurant sales). The following table sets forth, for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016, selected operating results as a percentage of total restaurant sales:



	Three Months Ended				Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016		July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Costs and expenses (all restaurants):
Cost of sales	28.2	%	25.7	%	27.5	%	26.1	%
Restaurant wages and related expenses	31.5	%	30.5	%	32.5	%	31.4	%
Restaurant rent expense	6.8	%	6.7	%	7.0	%	6.9	%
Other restaurant operating expenses	15.0	%	15.5	%	15.6	%	15.7	%
Advertising expense	4.1	%	4.5	%	4.1	%	4.3	%
General and administrative	5.2	%	5.9	%	5.8	%	5.9	%

Cost of sales increased to 28.2% in the second quarter of 2017 from 25.7% in the second quarter of 2016 due primarily to an increase in commodity costs (1.4%) which includes a 13.4% increase in beef costs compared to the prior year period, higher promotional discounting (0.5%) and sales mix changes (0.8%) partially offset by menu price increases taken since the beginning of the second quarter of 2016 (0.5%).

Cost of sales increased to 27.5% in the first six months of 2017 from 26.1% in the first six months of 2016 as a result of higher commodity costs (0.8%), including a 8.6% increase in beef prices compared to the prior year period, higher levels of promotional discounting (0.7%) and sales mix changes (0.5%) offset in part by menu price increases taken since the beginning of 2016 (0.7%).

Restaurant wages and related expenses increased to 31.5% in the second quarter of 2017 from 30.5% in the second quarter of 2016 and to 32.5% in the first six months of 2017 from 31.4% in the first six months of 2016 due primarily to the effect of hourly labor rate increases of 7% over the second quarter of 2016 and 6% over the first six months of 2016, including minimum wage increases, and the deleveraging of fixed management wages (0.3%).

Other restaurant operating expenses decreased to 15.0% in the second quarter of 2017 from 15.5% in the second quarter of 2016 and in the first six months of 2017 decreased to 15.6% from 15.7% in the first six months of 2016 due primarily to lower building and equipment repair and maintenance expenditures and lower electricity costs.

Advertising expense decreased to 4.1% in the second quarter of 2017 compared to 4.5% in the second quarter of 2016 and to 4.1% in the first six months of 2017 from 4.3% in the first six months of 2016 due to a reduction of local advertising spending in certain of our markets in 2017 from the prior year period.

Restaurant rent expense increased to 6.8% in the second quarter of 2017 from 6.7% in the second quarter of 2016, and increased to 7.0% in the first six months of 2017 from 6.9% in the first six months of 2016 due to higher contingent rent resulting from higher sales volumes.

Restaurant-Level EBITDA. As a result of the factors discussed above, Restaurant-Level EBITDA decreased $0.9 million, or 2.2%, to $40.6 million in the second quarter of 2017, and as a percentage of total restaurant sales, decreased to 14.5% in the first quarter of 2017 from 17.2% in the prior year period. For a reconciliation between Restaurant-Level EBITDA and income from operations see page 28.



	Three Months Ended								Six Months Ended
	July 2, 2017		% ⁽¹⁾		July 3, 2016		% ⁽¹⁾		July 2, 2017		% ⁽¹⁾		July 3, 2016		% ⁽¹⁾
	(in thousands of dollars)
Restaurant-Level EBITDA:
Legacy restaurants	$	34,053	15.1	%	$	37,716	17.3	%	$	58,302	13.6	%	$	66,057	15.7	%
Acquired restaurants	6,520		12.2	%	3,786		16.0	%	10,123		11.1	%	6,166		14.6	%
Total	$	40,573	14.5	%	$	41,502	17.2	%	$	68,425	13.2	%	$	72,223	15.6	%

(1) Restaurant-Level EBITDA margin is calculated as a percentage of restaurant sales for each respective group of restaurants.

Restaurant-Level EBITDA margin decreased 2.2% for our legacy restaurants in the second quarter of 2017 due to the higher commodity and wage costs discussed above. Restaurant-Level EBITDA margin decreased 3.8% for our acquired restaurants in the second quarter of 2017 due to lower average unit sales volumes at the restaurants we acquired since the end of the first quarter of 2016 and similar expense factors mentioned above. Restaurant-Level EBITDA margin for our acquired restaurants was lower in the second quarter of 2017 compared to our legacy restaurants due primarily to the effect of lower average restaurant sales volumes on fixed costs, operating inefficiencies, and higher repairs and maintenance expenses related to deferred maintenance prior to our acquisition of the restaurants.

For the first six months of 2017, Restaurant-Level EBITDA margin decreased 2.1% for our legacy restaurants due primarily to increased commodity and labor costs as discussed above. Restaurant-Level EBITDA margin decreased 3.5% for our acquired restaurants due to similar factors. Restaurant-Level EBITDA margin for our acquired restaurants was lower in the first six months of 2017 compared to our legacy restaurants due primarily to the effect of lower average restaurant sales volumes on fixed operating expenses.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2017 to $14.4 million, and as a percentage of total restaurant sales, decreased to 5.2% from 5.9% in the second quarter of 2016. The decrease in total general and administrative expenses was due primarily to additional field management and restaurant manager training costs related to the 2016 and 2017 acquisitions, higher stock-based compensation expense of $0.3 million and higher acquisition costs of $0.2 million, partially offset by lower administrative bonus accruals of $0.8 million.

In the first six months of 2017, general and administrative expenses increased $2.4 million to $30.0 million and, as a percentage of total restaurant sales, decreased to 5.8% from 5.9% in the first six months of 2016. The increase in total general and administrative expenses was due primarily to additional district manager salaries and travel costs and restaurant manager training costs related to the 2016 and 2017 acquisitions, higher acquisition costs of $0.5 million and higher stock-based compensation expense of $0.6 million partially offset by lower administrative bonus accruals of $1.0 million.

Adjusted EBITDA. As a result of the factors above, Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $27.5 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $27.9 million in the second quarter of 2016, and, as a percentage of total restaurant sales, decreased to 9.8% in the second quarter of 2017 from 11.6% in the prior year period. Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $41.4 million in the first six months of 2017 from $46.4 million in the first six months of 2016.

For a reconciliation between net income and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see page 28.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.9 million to $13.4 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $11.5 million in the second quarter of 2017 and increased to $26.5 million in the first six months of 2017 from $22.5 million in the first six months of 2016 due primarily to our ongoing remodeling initiatives and our acquisition of restaurants in 2016 and 2017.

Impairment and Other Lease Charges. Impairment and other lease charges were $0.4 million in the second quarter of 2017 due primarily to $0.2 million of asset impairment charges previously impaired restaurants and $0.2 million of other lease charges associated with changes in estimates of costs related to previously closed restaurants. During the three months and July 3, 2016, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $0.3 million resulting

from asset impairment charges of $0.5 million for capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants offset by a reduction in other lease charges by $0.2 million due to favorable lease terminations for three of its previously closed restaurant properties.

Impairment and other lease charges were $1.0 million in the first six months of 2017, which included $0.4 million of capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants, $0.2 million of asset impairment charges at three underperforming restaurants and $0.4 million of other lease charges due to restaurants closed during the first quarter of 2017 and changes in estimates of costs related to previously closed restaurants. In the first six months of 2016, we recorded asset impairment charges of $0.6 million, resulting primarily from capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants.

Other Income and Expense. In the second quarter of 2016, we had a gain of $0.5 million related to an insurance recovery from a fire at one of our restaurants and expense of $1.85 million related to a litigation settlement with our former Chairman and CEO. In the first six months of 2016, we also had a gain of $0.5 million related to a settlement for a partial condemnation on one of our operating restaurant properties.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $5.0 million in the second quarter of 2017 from $4.5 million in the second quarter of 2016 and increased to $9.8 million in the first six months of 2017 from $9.1 million in the first six months of 2016 due to higher revolving credit borrowings in 2017 compared to no revolving credit borrowings in 2016. The weighted average interest rate on our long-term debt, excluding lease financing obligations, was 7.6% in the second quarter of 2017 and 8.0% in the second quarter of 2016 and was 7.6% in the first six months of 2017 from 8.0% in the first six months of 2016.

Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes for the three and six months ended July 2, 2017 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2017 of 14.5%, which excludes any discrete tax adjustments. The effective tax rate is below the statutory tax rate due to the effect of fixed employment tax credits on taxable income. The income tax provision for the six months ended July 2, 2017 contains net discrete tax adjustments of $0.6 million of tax expense.

Due to the valuation allowance on all of our net deferred income tax assets in 2016 discussed above, we did not record any provision or benefit for income taxes in the three or six months ended July 3, 2016.

Net Income. As a result of the above, net income for the second quarter of 2017 was $6.0 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to net income in the second quarter of 2016 of $9.4 million, or $0.21 per diluted share. Net income for first six months of 2017 was $0.4 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, compared to net income in first six months of 2016 of $11.5 million, or $0.25 per diluted share.

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Reconciliations of net income to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted net income and income from operations to Restaurant-Level EBITDA for three and six months ended July 2, 2017 and July 3, 2016 are as follows (in thousands, except for per share data):



	Three Months Ended					Six Months Ended
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:	July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016			July 2, 2017		July 3, 2016
Net income	$	6,039	$	9,376		$	443	$	11,521
Provision for income taxes	1,267		—			656		—
Interest expense	5,029		4,520			9,830		9,055
Depreciation and amortization	13,366		11,486			26,517		22,543
EBITDA	25,701		25,382			37,446		43,119
Impairment and other lease charges	432		286			963		508
Acquisition costs (1)	448		230			1,166		638
Gain on partial condemnation and fire (2)	—		(456		)	—		(906		)
Litigation settlement (2)	—		1,850			—		1,850
Stock-based compensation expense	903		606			1,786		1,171
Adjusted EBITDA	$	27,484	$	27,898		$	41,361	$	46,380



Reconciliation of Restaurant-Level EBITDA:
Income from operations	$	12,335	$	13,896	$	10,929	$	20,576
Add:
General and administrative expenses	14,411		14,355		29,987		27,561
Depreciation and amortization	13,366		11,486		26,517		22,543
Impairment and other lease charges	432		286		963		508
Other expense, net	29		1,479		29		1,035
Restaurant-Level EBITDA	$	40,573	$	41,502	$	68,425	$	72,223



Reconciliation of Adjusted net income:
Net income	$	6,039		$	9,376		$	443		$	11,521
Add:
Impairment and other lease charges	432			286			963			508
Gain on partial condemnation and fire (2)	—			(456		)	—			(906		)
Litigation settlement (2)	—			1,850			—			1,850
Acquisition costs (1)	448			230			1,166			638
Income tax effect on above adjustments (3)	(334		)	(726		)	(809		)	(794		)
Provision for deferred income tax valuation allowance (4)	—			(2,605		)	—			(2,641		)
Adjusted net income	$	6,585		$	7,955		$	1,763		$	10,176
Adjusted diluted net income per share (5)	$	0.14		$	0.18		$	0.04		$	0.22


(1)	Acquisition costs for the periods presented include primarily legal and professional fees incurred in connection with restaurant acquisitions, which were included in general and administrative expense.

(2)

Other income for the three months ended July 3, 2016 includes a gain of $0.5 million related to an insurance recovery from a fire at one of our restaurants and an accrual of $1.85 million related to an agreement to settle and resolve litigation with our former Chairman and CEO. Additionally, for the six months ended July 3, 2016, other income includes a gain of $0.5 million related to a settlement for a partial condemnation on one of our operating restaurant properties.

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(3)	The income tax effect related to the adjustments for impairment and other lease charges, acquisition costs and gain on partial condemnation during the periods presented was calculated using an effective income tax rate of 38%.

(4)

Prior to the fourth quarter of 2016, we recognized a valuation allowance on all of our net deferred income tax assets. This valuation allowance was reversed in the fourth quarter of 2016. For comparability, when presenting Adjusted net income, this adjustment reflects the benefit that would have been realized from our deferred income tax assets during the three and six months ended July 3, 2016 as if such valuation allowance on net deferred income tax assets had been reversed prior to 2016.


(5)	Adjusted diluted net income per share is calculated based on Adjusted net income and the dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding for the respective periods, where applicable.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We do not have significant receivables or inventory and receive trade credit based upon negotiated terms in purchasing food products and other supplies. We are able to operate with a substantial working capital deficit because:


•	restaurant operations are primarily conducted on a cash basis;


•	rapid turnover results in a limited investment in inventories; and


•	cash from sales is usually received before related liabilities for food, supplies and payroll are paid.

On June 20, 2017, we entered into an amendment to our senior credit facility to, among other things, increase the permitted indebtedness of our second lien notes to a principal amount not to exceed $300.0 million in order to provide for the additional $75 million of the 8% Notes issued on June 23, 2017. On January 13, 2017, we entered into an amendment to our senior credit facility to, among other things, increase the maximum revolving credit borrowings by $18.0 million to a total of $73.0 million.

Interest payments under our debt obligations, capital expenditures, including our remodeling and new restaurant development initiatives in 2017, payments of royalties and advertising to BKC and payments related to our lease obligations represent significant liquidity requirements for us as well as any discretionary expenditures for the acquisition of additional Burger King restaurants. We believe cash generated from our operations and availability of revolving credit borrowings under our amended senior credit facility will provide sufficient cash availability to cover our anticipated working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the next twelve months.

Operating Activities. Net cash provided from operating activities in the first six months of 2017 increased to $28.7 million from $28.3 million in the first six months of 2016 due primarily to an increase in cash from changes in the components of net working capital of $5.2 million offset by a decrease in Adjusted EBITDA of $5.0 million.

Investing Activities. Net cash used for investing activities in the first six months of 2017 and 2016 was $60.7 million and $40.0 million, respectively.

As discussed above, in the first six months of 2017 we acquired 60 restaurants in two transactions for a total cash purchase price of $36.6 million and in first six months of 2016 we acquired 18 restaurants in two transactions for a total cash purchase price of $19.2 million.

Capital expenditures are a large component of our investing activities and include: (1) new restaurant development, which may include the purchase of real estate; (2) restaurant remodeling, which includes the renovation or rebuilding of the interior and exterior of our existing restaurants including expenditures associated with our franchise agreement renewals and certain restaurants that we acquire; (3) other restaurant capital expenditures, which include capital maintenance expenditures for the ongoing reinvestment and enhancement of our restaurants, and from time to time, to support BKC’s initiatives; and (4) corporate and restaurant information systems, including expenditures for our point-of-sale systems for restaurants that we acquire.

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The following table sets forth our capital expenditures for the periods presented (in thousands of dollars):



Six Months Ended July 2, 2017
New restaurant development	$	2,606
Restaurant remodeling	12,681
Other restaurant capital expenditures	7,810
Corporate and restaurant information systems	3,717
Total capital expenditures	$	26,814
Number of new restaurant openings, including relocations	2
Six Months Ended July 3, 2016
New restaurant development	$	3,261
Restaurant remodeling	26,085
Other restaurant capital expenditures	8,531
Corporate and restaurant information systems	1,629
Total capital expenditures	$	39,506
Number of new restaurant openings, including relocations	2

Investing activities in the first six months of 2016 also included proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions of$17.7 million and insurance proceeds of $1.0 million related to fires at two of our restaurants.

Financing Activities. Net cash provided from financing activities in the first six months of 2017 was $63.7 million due primarily to the proceeds of $79.9 from the issuance of additional $75.0 million principal of 8% Notes at a premium offset by the net repayment of revolving credit borrowings of $13.5 million and principal payments on capital leases of $0.8 million. Net cash used for financing activities in the first six months of 2016 was $0.8 million due primarily to principal payments on capital leases.

8% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes. The $275 million principal amount of 8% Notes mature on May 1, 2022. Interest is payable semi-annually on May 1 and November 1. The 8% Notes are guaranteed by our material subsidiaries and are secured by second-priority liens on substantially all of our and our subsidiaries' assets (including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of our subsidiaries).

The 8% Notes are redeemable at our option in whole or in part at any time after May 1, 2018 at a price of 104% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed before May 1, 2019, 102% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed after May 1, 2019 but before May 1, 2020 and 100% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, if redeemed after May 1, 2020. Prior to May 1, 2018, we may redeem some or all of the 8% Notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of each 8% Note plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and a make-whole premium. In addition, the indenture governing the 8% Notes also provides that we may redeem up to 35% of the 8% Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings completed before May 1, 2018.

The 8% Notes are jointly and severally guaranteed, unconditionally and in full by our subsidiaries which are directly or indirectly 100% owned by us. Separate condensed consolidating information is not included because Carrols Restaurant Group is a holding company that has no independent assets or operations. There are no significant restrictions on our ability or any of the guarantor subsidiaries' ability to obtain funds from its respective subsidiaries. All consolidated amounts in our financial statements are representative of the combined guarantors.

The indenture governing the 8% Notes includes certain covenants, including limitations and restrictions on our and our subsidiaries who are guarantors under such indenture to, among other things: incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock; incur liens; pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments; sell assets; agree to payment restrictions affecting certain subsidiaries; enter into transaction with affiliates; or merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of our assets.

The indenture governing the 8% Notes and the security agreement provide that any capital stock and equity interests of any of our subsidiaries will be excluded from the collateral to the extent that the par value, book value or

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market value of such capital stock or equity interests exceeds 20% of the aggregate principal amount of the 8% Notes then outstanding.

The indenture governing the 8% Notes contains customary default provisions, including without limitation, a cross default provision pursuant to which it is an event of default under the 8% Notes and the indenture governing the 8% Notes if there is a default under any of our indebtedness having an outstanding principal amount of $20.0 million or more which results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its stated maturity or is caused by a failure to pay principal when due.

Senior Credit Facility. On May 30, 2012, we entered into a senior credit facility, which was most recently amended on June 20, 2017 to increase the permitted indebtedness of our second lien notes to a principal amount not to exceed $300.0 million in order to provide for the additional $75 million of the 8% Notes issued on June 23, 2017. On January 13, 2017, we entered into an amendment to our senior credit facility to, among other things, increase maximum revolving credit borrowings to $73.0 million (including $20.0 million available for letters of credit). The amended senior credit facility also provides for potential incremental borrowing increases of up to $25.0 million, in the aggregate. As of July 2, 2017, there were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding and $12.8 million of letters of credit were issued under the senior credit facility. After reserving for issued letters of credit, $60.2 million was available for revolving credit borrowings under the amended senior credit facility at July 2, 2017.

Borrowings under the senior credit facility bear interest at a rate per annum, at our option, of:

(i) the Alternate Base Rate plus the applicable margin of 1.75% to 2.75% based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, or

(ii) the LIBOR Rate plus the applicable margin of 2.75% to 3.75% based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio (all terms as defined under the senior credit facility).

At July 2, 2017 our LIBOR Rate margin was 3.25% and the Alternate Base Rate margin was 2.25% based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio at the end of the first quarter of 2017.

Our obligations under the senior credit facility are jointly and severally guaranteed by our subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of our assets, including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of our subsidiaries.

Under the amended senior credit facility, we are required to make mandatory prepayments of borrowings in the event of dispositions of assets, debt issuances and insurance and condemnation proceeds (all subject to certain exceptions).

The amended senior credit facility contains certain covenants, including without limitation, those limiting our ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, sell or acquire assets or businesses, change the character of its business in all material respects, engage in transactions with related parties, make certain investments, make certain restricted payments or pay dividends. In addition, the amended senior credit facility requires us to meet certain financial ratios, including a Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio, Adjusted Leverage Ratio and First Lien Leverage Ratio (all as defined under the amended senior credit facility). We were in compliance with the financial covenants under our senior credit facility at July 2, 2017.

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Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations and commitments as of July 2, 2017 (in thousands):



	Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 Year		1 – 3 Years		3 – 5 Years		More than 5 Years
Long-term debt obligations, including interest (1)	$	385,000	$	22,000	$	44,000	$	319,000	$	—
Capital lease obligations, including interest (2)	7,502		2,150		4,284		844		224
Operating lease obligations (3)	938,175		67,913		132,323		127,532		610,407
Lease financing obligations, including interest (4)	1,827		106		215		219		1,287
Total contractual obligations	$	1,332,504	$	92,169	$	180,822	$	447,595	$	611,918


(1)	Our long term debt at July 2, 2017 included $275 million of 8% Notes. Total interest payments on our Notes of $110.0 million for all years presented are included at the coupon rate of 8%.


(2)	Includes total interest of $1.0 million for all years presented.


(3)	Represents the aggregate minimum lease payments under operating leases. Many of our leases also require contingent rent based on a percentage of sales in addition to the minimum base rent and require expenses incidental to the use of the property all of which have been excluded from this table.


(4)	Includes total interest of $0.6 million for all years presented.

We have not included obligations under our postretirement medical benefit plans in the contractual obligations table as our postretirement plan is not required to be funded in advance, but is funded as retiree medical claims are paid. Also excluded from the contractual obligations table are payments we may make for workers' compensation, general liability and employee healthcare claims for which we pay all claims, subject to annual stop-loss limitations both for individual claims and claims in the aggregate. The majority of our recorded liabilities related to self-insured employee health and insurance plans represent estimated reserves for incurred claims that have yet to be filed or settled. The total of these liabilities was $8.7 million at July 2, 2017.

Future restaurant development and remodeling obligations to BKC have also been excluded from the table above as well as contractual obligations related to royalties and advertising payable to BKC.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than our operating leases, which are primarily for our restaurant properties and not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet.

Inflation

The inflationary factors that have historically affected our results of operations include increases in food and paper costs, labor and other operating expenses, the cost of providing medical and prescription drug insurance to our employees and energy costs. Wages paid in our restaurants are impacted by changes in the Federal and state hourly minimum wage rates and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Accordingly, changes in the Federal and state hourly minimum wage rates and increases in the wage level to not be considered an hourly employee will directly affect our labor costs. We typically attempt to offset the effect of inflation, at least in part, through periodic menu price increases and various cost reduction programs. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset such inflationary cost increases in the future.

Application of Critical Accounting Policies

Our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparing consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by the application of our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are described in the “Significant Accounting Policies” footnote in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1,

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2017. Critical accounting estimates are those that require application of management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. There have been no material changes affecting our critical accounting policies previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017.

Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Statements that are predictive in nature or that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions are forward-looking statements. These statements are often identified by the words “may”, “might", “will”, “should”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “hope”, “plan” or similar expressions. In addition, expressions of our strategies, intentions or plans are also forward looking statements. These statements reflect management’s current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their date. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. We have identified significant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statements. We believe important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include the following, in addition to other risks and uncertainties discussed herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017:


•	Effectiveness of the Burger King® advertising programs and the overall success of the Burger King brand;


•	Increases in food costs and other commodity costs;


•	Competitive conditions;


•	Our ability to integrate any restaurants we acquire;


•	Regulatory factors;


•	Environmental conditions and regulations;


•	General economic conditions, particularly in the retail sector;


•	Weather conditions;


•	Fuel prices;


•	Significant disruptions in service or supply by any of our suppliers or distributors;


•	Changes in consumer perception of dietary health and food safety;


•	Labor and employment benefit costs, including the effects of minimum wage increases, health care reform and changes in the Fair Labor Standards Act;


•	The outcome of pending or future legal claims or proceedings;


•	Our ability to manage our growth and successfully implement our business strategy;


•	Our inability to service our indebtedness;


•	Our borrowing costs and credit ratings, which may be influenced by the credit ratings of our competitors;


•	The availability and terms of necessary or desirable financing or refinancing and other related risks and uncertainties; and

•

Factors that affect the restaurant industry generally, including recalls if products become adulterated or misbranded, liability if our products cause injury, ingredient disclosure and labeling laws and regulations, reports of cases of food borne illnesses such as "mad cow" disease, and the possibility that consumers could lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain food products, as well as negative publicity regarding food quality, illness, injury or other health concerns.

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ITEM 3—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There were no material changes from the information presented in Item 7A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2017 with respect to our market risk sensitive instruments.

A 1% change in interest rates would have resulted in a $0.1 million change to interest expense for the six months ended July 2, 2017 due to our revolving credit borrowings and a nominal change in the six months ended July 3, 2016.

ITEM 4—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d – 15(e) under the Exchange Act), designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as other key members of our management. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of July 2, 2017.

No change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of 2017 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are a party to various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the outcome of any of these other matters meet the disclosure or recognition standards, nor will they have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Part I-Item 1A of Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017 describes important factors that could materially adversely affect our business, consolidated financial condition or results of operations or cause our operating results to differ materially from those indicated or suggested by forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q or presented elsewhere by management from time-to-time. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2017.

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

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Item 6. Exhibits

(a)The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.



Exhibit No.
3.1		Certificate of Amendment to Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
3.2		Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Bylaws of Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
10.1		Fifth Amendment to Credit Agreement dated as of June 20, 2017 among Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., the guarantors named therein, the lenders named therein and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent.
10.2		Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of June 23, 2017, among Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., the guarantors named therein and Wells Fargo Securities, LLC.
10.3		Supplemental Indenture, dated as of July 6, 2017, among Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc., Republic Foods, Inc. and The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., as trustee
31.1		Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
31.2		Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
32.1		Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
32.2		Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
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

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SIGNATURES

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




	CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

Date: August 9, 2017	/s/ Daniel T. Accordino
	(Signature)
	Daniel T. Accordino Chief Executive Officer

Date: August 9, 2017	/s/ Paul R. Flanders
	(Signature)
	Paul R. Flanders Vice President – Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer