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STAR BUFFET INC - Quarter Report: 2008 May (Form 10-Q)

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

(Mark  One)

 

x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended:  May 19, 2008

 

OR

 

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE

SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from               to            

 

Commission File Number:  0-6054

 

STAR BUFFET, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

DELAWARE

 

84-1430786

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

(IRS Employer Identification Number)

 

1312 N. Scottsdale Road,

Scottsdale, AZ 85257

(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

 

(480) 425-0397

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes    x   No    o

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

Smaller reporting company x

 

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

                Yes    o   No    x

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  As of June 23, 2008, there were 3,213,075 shares of Common Stock, $ .001 par value, outstanding.

 

 



 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

INDEX

 

 

Page

 

 

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1.  Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of May 19, 2008 (unaudited) and January 28, 2008

3

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the sixteen weeks ended May 19, 2008 and May 21, 2007

5

 

 

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the sixteen weeks ended May 19, 2008 and May 21, 2007

6

 

 

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

7

 

 

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

17

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

27

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

27

 

 

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

 

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

29

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

29

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

30

 

 

Signatures

31

 

2



 

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1: Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

May 19,
2008

 

January 28,
2008

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

ASSETS

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

$

1,110,000

 

$

736,000

 

Current portion of notes receivable

 

 

 

Receivables, net

 

481,000

 

431,000

 

Income tax receivable

 

665,000

 

665,000

 

Inventories

 

817,000

 

412,000

 

Deferred income taxes

 

390,000

 

319,000

 

Prepaid expenses

 

528,000

 

166,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current assets

 

3,991,000

 

2,729,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property, buildings and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Property, buildings and equipment, net

 

26,034,000

 

20,816,000

 

Property and equipment under capitalized leases, net

 

60,000

 

71,000

 

Property and equipment leased to third parties, net

 

807,000

 

3,126,000

 

Property, buildings and equipment held for future use, net

 

4,914,000

 

2,547,000

 

Property held for sale

 

931,000

 

931,000

 

Total property, buildings and equipment

 

32,746,000

 

27,491,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Notes receivable, net of current portion

 

704,000

 

704,000

 

Deposits and other

 

523,000

 

623,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total other assets

 

1,227,000

 

1,327,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred income taxes, net

 

2,618,000

 

2,765,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Intangible assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Goodwill

 

551,000

 

551,000

 

Other intangible assets, net

 

1,312,000

 

839,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total intangible assets

 

1,863,000

 

1,390,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total assets

 

$

42,445,000

 

$

35,702,000

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

(Continued)

 

3



 

 

 

May 19,
2008

 

January 28,
2008

 

 

 

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable-trade

 

$

4,642,000

 

$

4,959,000

 

Payroll and related taxes

 

2,047,000

 

1,401,000

 

Sales and property taxes

 

1,684,000

 

1,297,000

 

Rent, licenses and other

 

984,000

 

808,000

 

Dividend payable

 

1,928,000

 

 

Income taxes payable

 

184,000

 

176,000

 

Revolving line of credit

 

 

1,349,000

 

Current maturities of obligations under long-term debt

 

1,802,000

 

1,038,000

 

Current maturities of obligations under capital leases

 

50,000

 

49,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

 

13,321,000

 

11,077,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred rent payable

 

1,761,000

 

1,846,000

 

Other accrued long-term liabilities

 

493,000

 

493,000

 

Note payable to officer

 

1,400,000

 

1,400,000

 

Capitalized lease obligations, net of current maturities

 

38,000

 

54,000

 

Long-term debt, net of current maturities

 

11,299,000

 

5,557,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities

 

28,312,000

 

20,427,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, $.001 par value; authorized 1,500,000 shares; none issued or outstanding

 

 

 

Common stock, $.001 par value; authorized 8,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding 3,213,075 and 3,170,675 shares

 

3,000

 

3,000

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

17,742,000

 

17,491,000

 

Retained earnings

 

(3,612,000

)

(2,219,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total stockholders’ equity

 

14,133,000

 

15,275,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

 

$

42,445,000

 

$

35,702,000

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4



 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Sixteen Weeks Ended

 

 

 

May 19,

 

May 21,

 

 

 

2008

 

2007

 

Total revenues

 

$

33,160,000

 

$

22,037,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Food costs

 

12,724,000

 

7,773,000

 

Labor costs

 

10,594,000

 

7,431,000

 

Occupancy and other expenses

 

6,800,000

 

4,568,000

 

General and administrative expenses

 

954,000

 

846,000

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

845,000

 

618,000

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

168,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total costs and expenses

 

32,085,000

 

21,236,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

1,075,000

 

801,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(319,000

)

(218,000

)

Interest income

 

11,000

 

11,000

 

Other income

 

27,000

 

102,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income before income taxes

 

794,000

 

696,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

260,000

 

249,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

534,000

 

$

447,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income per common share – basic

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.14

 

Net income per common share – diluted

 

$

0.17

 

$

0.14

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – basic

 

3,212,318

 

3,170,675

 

Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted

 

3,214,596

 

3,180,951

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5



 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Sixteen Weeks Ended

 

 

 

May 19, 2008

 

May 21, 2007

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

$

534,000

 

$

447,000

 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation

 

783,000

 

581,000

 

Amortization of franchise and licenses

 

25,000

 

30,000

 

Amortization of loan costs

 

58,000

 

7,000

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

168,000

 

 

Deferred income taxes

 

76,000

 

154,000

 

Change in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Receivables

 

(50,000

)

(225,000

)

Inventories

 

(405,000

)

(46,000

)

Prepaid expenses

 

(362,000

)

(160,000

)

Deposits and other

 

100,000

 

(15,000

)

Deferred rent payable

 

(85,000

)

(11,000

)

Accounts payable-trade

 

(317,000

)

237,000

 

Income taxes payable

 

8,000

 

(375,000

)

Other accrued liabilities

 

1,210,000

 

(118,000

)

Total adjustments

 

1,209,000

 

59,000

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

 

1,743,000

 

506,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest income

 

 

(1,000

)

Acquisition of property, buildings and equipment

 

(6,203,000

)

(2,002,000

)

Purchase of license and trademarks

 

 

(5,000

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(6,203,000

)

(2,008,000

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Check written in excess of cash in bank

 

 

505,000

 

Loan from officer

 

 

451,000

 

Payments on long term debt

 

(2,494,000

)

(559,000

)

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

 

9,000,000

 

900,000

 

Payments/proceeds on line of credit, net

 

(1,349,000

)

372,000

 

Capitalized loan costs

 

(308,000

)

(2,000

)

Principal payment on capitalized lease obligations

 

(15,000

)

(47,000

)

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

4,834,000

 

1,620,000

 

Net change in cash and cash equivalents

 

374,000

 

118,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

 

736,000

 

418,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

$

1,110,000

 

$

536,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash paid during the period for:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest

 

$

205,000

 

$

79,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

$

175,000

 

$

463,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non cash investing and financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Accrued dividend payable

 

$

1,928,000

 

$

1,902,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange of notes receivable for equipment and leasehold improvements

 

$

 

$

276,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exchange of stock for loan costs

 

$

252,000

 

$

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6



 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note (A) Basis of Presentation

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts for Star Buffet, Inc., together with its direct and indirect wholly-owned independently capitalized subsidiaries Summit Family Restaurants Inc. (“Summit”), HTB Restaurants, Inc. (“HTB”), Northstar Buffet, Inc. (“NSBI”), Star Buffet Management, Inc. (“SBMI”), Starlite Holdings, Inc. (“Starlite”) and StarTexas Restaurants, Inc. (“StarTexas”) (collectively the “Company”) and have been prepared in accordance with U. S. generally accepted accounting principles, the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2008.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position and results of operations for the interim periods presented have been reflected herein.  Results of operations for such interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year or for any future periods.  The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the results of operations and assets and liabilities directly related to the Company’s operations.  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles 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 date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

 

The following is a summary of the Company’s restaurant properties as of May 19, 2008. The Company has two reporting segments, the Buffet Division and the Non-Buffet Division.  The Company’s reportable segments are based on brand similarities. The Buffet Division segment includes the Company’s 20 Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants, 13 franchised HomeTown Buffet restaurants, six BuddyFreddys Country Buffet restaurants, five Whistle Junction restaurants, two JJ North’s Country Buffet restaurants, two BuddyFreddys restaurants and one North Star Buffet restaurant. Six of the Buffet Division restaurants are non-operating units. The Non-Buffet Division includes the Company’s six JB’s Restaurants, four K-BOB’S Steakhouse restaurants, three 4B’s restaurants, three Western Sizzlin restaurants, two Holiday House restaurants, one Pecos Diamond Steakhouse restaurant, one Bar-H Steakhouse restaurant and one Casa Bonita restaurant. Two of the Non-Buffet Division restaurants are non-operating units.

 

 

 

Buffet
Division

 

Non-Buffet
Division

 

Total

 

Owned

 

9

 

8

 

17

 

Leased

 

40

 

13

 

53

 

Total

 

49

 

21

 

70

 

 

7



 

As of May 19, 2008, the Company’s operating and non-operating restaurants are located in the following states:

 

Number of Restaurants

 

State

 

Buffet
Division

 

Non-Buffet
Division

 

Total

 

Alabama

 

1

 

 

1

 

Arkansas

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

Arizona

 

9

 

 

9

 

Colorado

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

Florida

 

19

 

2

 

21

 

Georgia

 

 

1

 

1

 

Idaho

 

 

1

 

1

 

Louisiana

 

3

 

 

3

 

Mississippi

 

6

 

1

 

7

 

Montana

 

 

5

 

5

 

New Mexico

 

2

 

2

 

4

 

Oregon

 

1

 

 

1

 

Tennessee

 

3

 

 

3

 

Texas

 

 

4

 

4

 

Utah

 

1

 

3

 

4

 

Washington

 

1

 

 

1

 

Wyoming

 

1

 

 

1

 

Total

 

49

 

21

 

70

 

 

As of May 19, 2008, the Company’s non-operating restaurants are located in the following states:

 

Number of
Non-Operating Restaurants

 

State

 

Buffet
Division

 

Non-Buffet
Division

 

Total

 

Arizona

 

1

 

 

1

 

Colorado

 

1

 

 

1

 

Florida

 

4

 

 

4

 

New Mexico

 

 

1

 

1

 

Texas

 

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

6

 

2

 

8

 

 

As of May 21, 2007, the Company’s operating and non-operating restaurants were located in the following states:

 

Number of Restaurants

 

State

 

Buffet
Division

 

Non-Buffet
Division

 

Total

 

Arizona

 

9

 

1

 

10

 

Colorado

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

Florida

 

14

 

3

 

17

 

Georgia

 

 

1

 

1

 

Idaho

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

Mississippi

 

 

1

 

1

 

Montana

 

 

2

 

2

 

New Mexico

 

2

 

2

 

4

 

Texas

 

 

3

 

3

 

Utah

 

2

 

4

 

6

 

Washington

 

1

 

 

1

 

Wyoming

 

1

 

 

1

 

Total

 

31

 

19

 

50

 

 

8



 

As of May 21, 2007, the Company’s non-operating restaurants were located in the following states:

 

Number of

Non-Operating Restaurants

 

State

 

Buffet
Division

 

Non-Buffet
Division

 

Total

 

Arizona

 

1

 

 

1

 

Florida

 

4

 

 

4

 

Idaho

 

1

 

1

 

2

 

Utah

 

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

6

 

2

 

8

 

 

The operating results for the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008 included operations shown in the tables above and fixed charges for eight non-operating restaurants for the entire quarter. Eight restaurants were closed at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2009 for repositioning. Six of eight closed restaurants remain closed for remodeling and repositioning, one closed restaurant was held for sale and the one remaining closed restaurant was leased to a third party. The operating results for the 16-week period ended May 21, 2007 included operations shown in the tables above and the fixed charges for eight restaurants closed the entire quarter.

 

The Company utilizes a 52/53 week fiscal year which ends on the last Monday in January.  The first quarter of each year contains 16 weeks while the other three quarters each contain 12 weeks, except the fourth quarter has 13 weeks if the fiscal year has 53 weeks.

 

Note (B) Recent Developments

 

The Company purchased certain operating assets of twenty (20) Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants in two transactions dated January 31, 2008 and February 29, 2008. The transactions were subject to Bankruptcy Court approval which was granted for the purchase of sixteen (16) units on January 31, 2008 and four (4) units on February 29, 2008. Total consideration paid for the restaurant assets was $6.1 million of which approximately $5.85 million was for restaurant equipment and $250,000 was for food and related inventories. No value was assigned to indefinite-lived intangible assets primarily the perpetual right to utilize the Barnhill’s name and related intellectual property.

 

In accordance with the terms of the asset purchase agreements, Star Buffet acquired all the necessary restaurant equipment to operate the restaurants and the intellectual property that permits the perpetual right to utilize the Barnhill’s Buffet name. The Company assumed twenty (20) real estate leases which range in length from approximately one (1) year to twelve (12) years. All but one lease contains options to renew. No other liabilities were assumed in connection with this acquisition. The Company financed the acquisition with the Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.  The Credit Facility included a $7,000,000 term loan and a $2,000,000 revolving line of credit.  The term loan was increased to $8,000,000 when the four (4) units were purchased on February 29, 2008. In connection with the Credit Facility, Wells Fargo was granted 42,400 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock.  The shares were valued at $251,856 and will be amortized over the life of the loan.

 

Note (C) Related Party Transactions

 

Mr. Robert E. Wheaton owns approximately 44% of the Company’s outstanding common shares including exercisable options which have vested and may have the effective power to elect members of the board of directors and to control the vote on substantially all other matters, without the approval of the other stockholders. During fiscal 2008, the Company borrowed approximately $1,400,000 from Mr. Robert E. Wheaton, a principal shareholder, officer and director of the Company.  The loan dated June 15, 2007 was subordinated to the obligation to M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank and is now subordinated to the obligation to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and bears interest at 8.5%. The Company expensed $37,022 and paid $9,256 for interest to Mr. Wheaton during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The principal balance and any unpaid interest is due and payable in full on June 5, 2012. The Company used the funds for working capital requirements. In June 2008, the Company borrowed approximately $600,000 from Mr. Wheaton under the same terms. This resulted in an increase in the subordinated note balance from $1,400,000 to $2,000,000.

 

Note (D) Segment and Related Reporting

 

The Company has two reporting segments, the Buffet Division and the Non-Buffet Division. The Company’s reportable segments are aggregated based on brand similarities.

 

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1 of the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2008. The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on income before income taxes.

 

9



 

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table. The other assets presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheets and not in the reportable segments relate to the Company as a whole, and not individual segments. Also certain corporate overhead income and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are not included in the reportable segments.

 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

16 Weeks Ended
May 19, 2008

 

Buffet
Division (1)

 

Non-Buffet
Division
(2)

 

Other

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

24,851

 

$

8,309

 

$

 

$

33,160

 

Interest income

 

 

 

11

 

11

 

Interest expense

 

(2

)

 

(317

)

(319

)

Depreciation & amortization

 

608

 

186

 

51

 

845

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

154

 

14

 

 

168

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

1,379

 

548

 

(1,133

)

794

 

Total assets

 

26,254

 

11,865

 

4,326

 

42,445

 

 

16 Weeks Ended
May 21, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

14,912

 

$

7,125

 

$

 

$

22,037

 

Interest income

 

 

 

11

 

11

 

Interest expense

 

(47

)

 

(171

)

(218

)

Depreciation & amortization

 

421

 

176

 

21

 

618

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

494

 

890

 

(688

)

696

 

Total assets

 

21,876

 

10,960

 

3,136

 

35,972

 

 


(1) Included in the reportable segment for the quarter ended May 19, 2008 are six locations closed for the entire quarter.  These locations incurred $24,000 of depreciation and amortization expense and $0 of impairment expense in the quarter ended May 19, 2008. These locations have a net book value of equipment of $426,000, buildings and leaseholds of $2,151,000 and land of $1,783,000 included in total assets at May 19, 2008.

 

Included in the reportable segment for the quarter ended May 21, 2007 are six locations closed for the entire quarter.  These locations incurred $0 of impairment expense in the quarter ended May 21, 2007. These locations have a net book value of equipment of $456,000, buildings and leaseholds of $2,245,000 and land of $1,783,000 included in total assets at May 21, 2007.

 

(2) Included in the reportable segment for the quarter ended May 19, 2008 are two locations closed for the entire quarter.  These two locations incurred $0 of depreciation and amortization and $0 of impairment expense in the quarter ended May 19, 2008. These locations have a net book value of equipment of $507,000, buildings of $131,000 and land of $0 included in total assets at May 19, 2008.

 

Included in the reportable segment for the quarter ended May 21, 2007 are two locations closed for the entire quarter.  These two locations incurred $7,000 of depreciation and amortization and $0 of impairment expense in the quarter ended May 21, 2007. These locations have a net book value of equipment of $51,000, buildings of $823,000 and land of $328,000 included in total assets at May 21, 2007.

 

10



 

Note (E) Net Income per Common Share

 

Net income per common share - basic is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period.  Net income per common share – diluted is computed based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the effect of dilutive common stock equivalents outstanding during the period.  Stock options are considered to be common stock equivalents and are included in the diluted calculation using the treasury stock method.

 

The following table summarizes the calculation of basic and diluted net income per common share for the respective fiscal periods:

 

16 Weeks Ended May 19, 2008

 

Net Income

 

Shares

 

Per Share
Amount

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

 

$

534,000

 

3,212,318

 

$

0.17

 

Dilutive stock options

 

 

2,278

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

 

$

534,000

 

3,214,596

 

$

0.17

 

 

16 Weeks Ended May 21, 2007

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic

 

$

447,000

 

3,170,675

 

$

0.14

 

Dilutive stock options

 

 

10,276

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted

 

$

447,000

 

3,180,951

 

$

0.14

 

 

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for the sixteen weeks ended May 19, 2008 and May 21, 2007 used to calculate diluted earnings per share exclude stock options to purchase 28,000 and 488,000 shares of common stock, respectively, due to the market price of the underlying stock being less than the exercise price.

 

Note (F) Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. The Company reviews goodwill for possible impairment on an annual basis or when triggering events occur in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets. SFAS 142 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company considers each individual restaurant to be a reporting unit and therefore reviews goodwill for possible impairment by restaurant.

 

The Company utilizes a two-part impairment test.  First, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to carrying value (including goodwill).  If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, the second step is performed.  In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of goodwill.  If the carrying value is greater, a loss is recognized. The goodwill impairment test considers the impact of current conditions and the economic outlook for the restaurant industry, the general overall economic outlook including market data, governmental and environmental factors, in establishing the assumptions used to compute the fair value of each reporting unit.  We also take into account the historical, current and future (based on probability) operating results of each reporting unit and any other facts and data pertinent to valuing the reporting units in our impairment test.

 

The Company has an independent evaluation of goodwill conducted every three years.  The most recent independent valuation was conducted as of February 1, 2008. There were no triggering events during the quarter ending May 19, 2008 that would have had an impact on goodwill. There were not any goodwill impairment losses for the 16-week periods ended May 19, 2008 and May 21, 2007.

 

11



 

Note (G) Other Intangible Assets

 

Other intangible assets are comprised of franchise fees, loan acquisition costs, a license agreement and trademarks. Franchise fees are amortized using the straight-line method over the terms of the franchise agreements, which typically range from 8 to 20 years.  Loan costs acquisition are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the life of the loan or five years.  The license agreement is amortized using the straight-line method over 11 years. Trademarks have an indefinite asset life, total $280,000, and are subject to possible impairments on an annual basis or when triggering events occur in accordance with SFAS 142.

 

Note (H) Inventories

 

Inventories consist of food, beverage, gift shop items and restaurant supplies and are valued at the lower of cost or market, determined by the first-in, first-out method.

 

Note (I) Accounting for Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company evaluates impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The Company assesses whether an impairment write-down is necessary  whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such asset is considered to be impaired, the impairment loss to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

 

Note (J) Properties, Building and Equipment

 

The components of property, buildings and equipment used in restaurant operations, not including property under capitalized leases, leased to third parties, held for future use and held for sale, are as follows:

 

 

 

May 19,
2008

 

January 28,
2008

 

Property, buildings and equipment:

 

 

 

 

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

$

19,475,000

 

$

13,708,000

 

Land

 

4,185,000

 

4,185,000

 

Buildings and leasehold improvements

 

23,349,000

 

23,478,000

 

 

 

47,009,000

 

41,371,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(20,975,000

)

(20,555,000

)

 

 

$

26,034,000

 

$

20,816,000

 

 

The components of property under capitalized leases are as follows:

 

Property and equipment under capitalized leases

 

$

706,000

 

$

706,000

 

Less accumulated amortization

 

(646,000

)

(635,000

)

 

 

$

60,000

 

$

71,000

 

 

Total property, buildings and equipment includes the following land, equipment and buildings and leaseholds associated with eight and nine non-operating units, respectively, as of May 19, 2008 and as of January 28, 2008. As of May 19, 2008 one of the eight units is leased to a third-party operator, six units are closed for

 

12



 

remodeling and repositioning and one unit is included in property held for sale. The components are as follows:

 

 

 

May 19,
2008

 

January 28,
2008

 

Property and equipment leased to third parties:

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment

 

$

222,000

 

$

974,000

 

Land

 

224,000

 

1,266,000

 

Buildings and leaseholds

 

685,000

 

2,631,000

 

 

 

1,131,000

 

4,871,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(324,000

)

(1,745,000

)

 

 

$

807,000

 

$

3,126,000

 

 

 

 

May 19,
2008

 

January 28,
2008

 

Property, buildings and equipment held for future use:

 

 

 

 

 

Equipment

 

$

9,114,000

 

$

8,033,000

 

Land

 

1,559,000

 

517,000

 

Buildings and leaseholds

 

4,250,000

 

2,066,000

 

 

 

14,923,000

 

10,616,000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Less accumulated depreciation

 

(10,009,000

)

(8,069,000

)

 

 

$

4,914,000

 

$

2,547,000

 

 

 

 

May 19,
2008

 

January 28,
2008

 

Property held for sale:

 

 

 

 

 

Land

 

$

567,000

 

$

567,000

 

Buildings

 

364,000

 

364,000

 

 

 

$

931,000

 

$

931,000

 

 

The Company recorded $168,000 of impairment expense related to the closure of two restaurants in the first quarter of fiscal 2009.  The Company did not record an impairment expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2008.

 

Note (K) Stock-Based Compensation

 

In fiscal year 1998, the Company adopted the 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”), which authorizes the grant of options to purchase up to 750,000 shares of Common Stock. The 1997 Plan provides for the grant of  “incentive stock options,” within the meaning of section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and non-statutory options to directors, officers, employees and consultants of the Company, except that incentive stock options may not be granted to non-employee directors or consultants. The 1997 Plan provides participants with incentives which will encourage them to acquire a proprietary interest in, and continue to provide services to, the Company. A special committee designated by the board has sole discretion and authority, consistent with the provisions of the 1997 Plan, to determine which eligible participants will receive options, the time when options will be granted, terms of options granted and the number of shares which will be subject to options granted under the 1997 Plan.

 

13



 

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with SFAS No. 123(R), Share Based Payment.  SFAS 123(R) requires the recognition of compensation costs relating to share based payment transactions in the financial statements. Our stock-based compensation plans are summarized in the table below:

 

 

 

Shares

 

Shares

 

Plan

 

Name of Plan

 

Authorized

 

Available

 

Expiration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1997 Stock Incentive Plan

 

750,000

 

1,000

 

February 2015

 

 

Stock options issued under the terms of the plan have, or will have, an exercise price equal to, or greater than, the fair market value of the common stock at the date of the option grant, and expire no later than ten years from the date of grant, with the most recent grant expiring in 2015.

 

The stock option transactions and the options outstanding are summarized as follows:

 

 

 

16 Weeks Ended

 

 

 

May 19, 2008

 

May 21, 2007

 

 

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Options

 

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

 

Outstanding at beginning of period

 

40,000

 

$

6.20

 

528,000

 

$

11.56

 

Granted

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Exercised

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

Forfeited

 

0

 

$

5.00

 

 

$

 

Outstanding at end of period

 

40,000

 

$

6.21

 

528,000

 

$

11.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Exercisable at end of period

 

40,000

 

$

6.21

 

528,000

 

$

11.56

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period

 

$

N/A

 

 

 

$

N/A

 

 

 

 

The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding at May 19, 2008:

 

14



 

 

 

Options Outstanding

 

Options Exercisable

 

Range of
Exercise Prices

 

Number
Outstanding

 

Remaining
Contractual Life

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

Number
Exercisable

 

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

 

$

5.00

 

12,000

 

1.4

 

$

5.00

 

12,000

 

$

5.00

 

$

6.70

 

28,000

 

6.7

 

$

6.70

 

28,000

 

$

6.70

 

 

 

40,000

 

 

 

 

 

40,000

 

 

 

 

The Company did not grant any stock options in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 or fiscal 2008.

 

Note (L) Commitments and Contingencies

 

HTB entered into a franchise agreement for each HomeTown Buffet location which requires among other items, the payment of a continuing royalty fee to HomeTown Buffet, Inc. The royalty fee is based on 2% of the aggregate gross sales of all the Company’s HomeTown Buffet restaurants. Each of the franchise agreements has a 20-year term (with two five-year renewal options). HTB provides weekly sales reports to the HomeTown franchisor. HTB is obligated to operate its Hometown Buffet restaurants in compliance with the franchisor’s requirements. The franchisor requires HTB to operate each restaurant in conformity with Franchise Operating Manuals and Recipe Manuals and Menus and restricts operating restaurants within a geographic radius of the franchisor’s restaurants.  These agreements also require HTB is to use it best efforts to achieve the highest practicable level of sales, and requires HTB to promptly make royalty payments. The HomeTown franchisor may terminate a franchise agreement for a number of reasons, including HTB’s failure to pay royalty fees when due, failure to comply with applicable laws or repeated failure to comply with one or more requirements of the franchise agreement. Many state franchise laws limit the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise. Generally, a franchisor may terminate a franchise agreement only if the franchisee violates a material and substantial provision of the agreement and fails to remedy the violation within a specified period.

 

In conjunction with the acquisition of certain JJ North’s restaurants from North’s Restaurants, Inc. (“North’s”) in 1997, the Company provided a credit facility to North’s and when North’s defaulted the Company sued for enforcement. In 1998, the Company’s suit with North’s resulted in a negotiated settlement in favor of the Company represented by an Amended and Restated Promissory Note (the “Star Buffet Promissory Note).  In a related proceeding, North’s other secured creditor, Pacific Mezzanine, initiated litigation against North’s seeking a monetary judgment and the appointment of a receiver.  In April 2006 the Company noticed all relevant parties of its intent to foreclose to seek expedited liquidation of North’s assets and repay amounts owed to the Company.  Subsequent to the notice, the receiver moved to have the Company’s foreclosure of North’s assets set aside so that certain of North’s assets could be sold to a third party.  The motion was approved.  On August 7, 2006, the receiver paid the Company approximately $1,291,000 from a partial sale of the assets. In August 2007, the receiver notified the Company that he planned to turn control of the JJ North’s restaurant in Grants Pass, Oregon and associated assets over to the Company. On September 22, 2007, the Company hired North’s employees, notified North’s creditors of its intent to operate the business and negotiated a facility lease with North’s previous landlord. The transfer of assets from North’s to Star Buffet Management, Inc. was approved by the court. The Company’s note, together with the obligation to the other significant creditor of North’s, is secured by the real and personal property, trademarks and all other intellectual property owned by North’s. The Company believes future cash flows from asset sales will be adequate for recovery of the remaining outstanding principal amount of the note receivable.  The Company has not provided an allowance for bad debts for the note as of May 19, 2008.

 

15



 

In connection with the Company’s employment contract with Robert E. Wheaton, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and President, the Company has agreed to pay Mr. Wheaton six years salary and bonus if he resigns related to a change of control of the Company or is terminated, unless the termination is for cause.

 

In addition to the foregoing, the Company is engaged in ordinary and routine litigation incidental to its business. Management does not anticipate that the resolution of any of these routine proceedings will require payments that will have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations or financial position or liquidity.

 

Note (M) Taxes

 

The Company is able to take advantage of the Credit for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on certain Employee Tips resulting in a lower effective tax rate of approximately 32.7% and 35.8% for the 16-week periods ended May 19, 2008 and May 21, 2007, respectively.  The Company has deferred income taxes of $3,008,000 and $3,084,000 on May 19, 2008 and January 28, 2008, respectively.  The deferred tax asset is primarily the timing difference on deferred rent, fixed assets and capital leases.

 

Note (N) Insurance Programs

 

Historically, the Company was self-insured for most casualty claims, with commercial insurance for casualty claims in excess of $2 million per claim and $3 million per year as a risk reduction strategy. Effective January 1, 2008 the Company purchased commercial insurance for casualty claims in excess of $100,000 per claim.  Accruals for self-insured losses include estimates based on historical information and expected future developments.  Differences in estimates and assumptions could result in actual liabilities that are materially different from the calculated accruals.  The valuation reserves for the quarters ended May 19, 2008 and May 21, 2007 were $64,000 and $51,000, respectively.

 

Note (O) Subsequent Events

 

On June 2, 2008, the Company opened a new 4B’s restaurant in Deer Lodge, Montana.

 

On June 4, 2008, the Company paid to shareholders of record on May 6, 2008 a dividend of $0.60 per common share. The Board of Directors had approved the dividend on March 12, 2008.

 

In June 2008, the Company borrowed approximately $600,000 from Mr. Wheaton, see Note (C) Related Party Transactions. This resulted in an increase in the subordinated note balance from $1,400,000 to $2,000,000.

 

16



 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

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

 

The following Management’s Discussion and Analysis should be read in conjunction with the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, and the notes thereto, presented elsewhere in this report and the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2008.  Comparability of periods may be affected by the closure of restaurants or the implementation of the Company’s acquisition and strategic alliance strategies. The costs associated with integrating new restaurants or under performing or unprofitable restaurants, if any, acquired or otherwise operated by the Company may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in any individual period.

 

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward looking statements, which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  Such factors include, among others, the following: general economic and business conditions; success of integrating newly acquired under performing or unprofitable restaurants; the impact of competitive products and pricing; success of operating initiatives; advertising and promotional efforts; adverse publicity; changes in business strategy or development plans; quality of management; availability, terms and deployment of capital; changes in prevailing interest rates and the availability of financing; food, labor, and employee benefits costs; changes in, or the failure to comply with, government regulations; weather conditions; construction schedules; implementation of the Company’s acquisition and strategic alliance strategy; the effect of the Company’s accounting polices and other risks detailed in the Company’s Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2008, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

 

Overview

 

Consolidated net income for the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008 increased $87,000 to $534,000 or $0.17 per diluted share as compared with net income of $447,000 or $0.14 per diluted share for the comparable prior year period.  The increase in net income is due to an increase in income from operations of approximately $274,000 primarily from new acquisitions partially offset by higher interest expense and lower other income. Total revenues increased $11,123,000 or 50.4% from $22.0 million in the 16 weeks ended May 21, 2007 to $33.2 million in the 16 weeks ended May 19, 2008. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to 28 new store openings, resulting in sales of approximately $13.4 million, partially offset by declines in comparable same store sales primarily in the HomeTown Buffet restaurants and the closure of seven restaurants.The decline in sales from the seven closed stores was approximately $1.3 million.

 

Recent Developments

 

On March 12, 2008, the Board of Directors approved the Company’s fifth consecutive annual dividend.  This year the dividend is $0.60 per common share and is payable on June 4, 2008 to shareholders of record on May 6, 2008.

 

On February 29, 2008, Starlite Holdings, Inc. (“Starlite”), a newly formed, wholly-owned, independently capitalized subsidiary of Star Buffet, Inc. acquired certain assets and assumed the facility leases for four Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants from Barnhill’s Buffet, Inc. (“Barnhill’s”) for a purchase price of approximately $1,075,000.  Barnhill’s was in a Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceeding in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of the Middle District of Tennessee and the acquisition was approved by the court.  The acquired restaurants are located in Florida (2) and Mississippi (2) and as part of the acquisition the Company acquired perpetual rights to use the Barnhill’s name and related intellectual property.

 

17



 

On February 29, 2008 the Company amended its Senior Secured Credit Facility (“Credit Facility”) dated January 31, 2008 with Wells Fargo Bank N.A., increasing the term loan principal from $7,000,000 to $8,000,000 with no change to the $2,000,000 revolving line of credit. The increase in the Credit Facility was used to fund the acquisition of the four Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants as described above.  The Credit Facility is guaranteed by Star Buffet, Inc. and its subsidiaries and bears interest, at the Company’s option, at Wells Fargo’s base rate plus 0.25% or at LIBOR plus 2.00%.  The Credit Facility is secured by a first priority perfected lien on all of the Company’s assets, except for those assets that were previously pledged as security for existing obligations, in which case Wells Fargo will have a second lien.  The term loan matures on January 31, 2012 and provides for principal to be amortized at $175,000 per quarter for the initial six quarters; $225,000 for the next nine quarters; with any remaining balance due at maturity.  Interest is payable monthly.  A $2,000,000 revolving line of credit also matures on January 31, 2012.  Interest on the revolver is payable monthly.  As of May 19, 2008 and June 23, 2008, no balance was outstanding on the revolving line of credit.  There is a 0.50% fee for the unused portion of the revolving line of credit.   In connection with the Credit Facility, Wells Fargo was granted 42,400 shares of the Company’s restricted common stock.  The shares were valued at $251,856 and will be amortized over the life of the loan.  The Credit Facility can be prepaid in whole or part without penalty.

 

The Credit Facility contains a number of covenants and restrictions, including requirements to meet certain financial ratios and limitations with respect to the Company’s use of cash.  The Company’s quarterly financial covenants associated with this debt start May 19, 2008, the end our first quarter in fiscal 2009. The Company is required to obtain interest rate protection through an interest rate swap or cap arrangement with respect to not less than 50% of the term loan amount. The Company has not entered into any interest rate swap or cap arrangement and Wells Fargo has extended the time for the Company to execute an acceptable arrangement.  Furthermore, certain provisions of the Credit Facility require the Company to remit proceeds from asset dispositions, issuance of debt or equity, insurance proceeds, tax refunds and fifty percent (50%) of excess cash flow (as defined) to reduce the principal amount of the term loan and, thereafter, the revolving line of credit.  Under terms of the Credit Facility, the Company is permitted to pay an annual dividend.  However, restrictions imposed under terms of the Credit Facility may adversely impact the Company’s ability to pay an annual dividend as the Company has historically relied on multiple sources of cash to fund the dividend.  As of the date of this report, the Company was in compliance with all of such requirements.

 

On January 31, 2008, Star Buffet Management, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Star Buffet, Inc. acquired the assets and facility leases for sixteen (16) Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants from Barnhill’s for a purchase price of approximately $5 million.  The acquisition was approved by the bankrupty court.  The acquired restaurants are located in the following states: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Florida (4), Louisiana (3), Mississippi (4), and Tennessee (3) and as part of  the acquisition the Company acquired perpetual rights to the use of the Barnhill’s name and related intellectual property.  This acquisition was funded through the Company’s Credit Facility dated January 31, 2008.

 

Components of Income from Operations

 

Total revenues include a combination of food, beverage, merchandise and vending sales and are net of applicable state and city sales taxes.

 

Food costs primarily consist of the cost of food and beverage items.  Various factors beyond the Company’s control, including adverse weather and natural disasters, may affect food costs.  Accordingly, the Company may incur periodic fluctuations in food costs.  Generally, these temporary increases are absorbed by the Company and not passed on to customers; however, management may adjust menu prices to compensate for increased costs of a more permanent nature.

 

18



 

Labor costs include restaurant management salaries, bonuses, hourly wages for unit level employees, various health, life and dental insurance programs, vacations and sick pay and payroll taxes.

 

Occupancy and other expenses are primarily fixed in nature and generally do not vary with restaurant sales volume.  Rent, insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance and advertising account for the major expenditures in this category.

 

General and administrative expenses include all corporate and administrative functions that serve to support the existing restaurant base and provide the infrastructure for future growth.  Management, supervisory and staff salaries, employee benefits, data processing, training and office supplies are the major items of expense in this category.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s results of operations as a percentage of total revenues for the 16 weeks ended May 19, 2008 and May 21, 2007.

 

 

 

Sixteen Weeks Ended

 

 

 

May 19,
2008

 

May 21,
2007

 

Total revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Costs and expenses

 

 

 

 

 

Food costs

 

38.3

 

35.3

 

Labor costs

 

32.0

 

33.7

 

Occupancy and other expenses

 

20.5

 

20.7

 

General and administrative expenses

 

2.9

 

3.8

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

2.6

 

2.8

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

0.5

 

0.0

 

Total costs and expenses

 

96.8

 

96.3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income from operations

 

3.2

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expense

 

(0.9

)

(1.0

)

Interest income

 

0.0

 

0.1

 

Other income

 

0.1

 

0.5

 

Income before income taxes

 

2.4

 

3.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income taxes

 

0.8

 

1.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income

 

1.6

%

2.1

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Effective income tax rate

 

32.7

%

35.8

%

 

Summarized financial information concerning the Company’s reportable segments is shown in the following table. The other assets presented in the condensed consolidated balance sheet and not in the reportable segments relate to the Company as a whole, and not individual segments. Also certain corporate overhead income and expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations are not included in the reportable segments.

 

19



 

(Dollars in Thousands)

 

16 Weeks Ended
May 19, 2008

 

Buffet
Division (1)

 

Non-Buffet
Division
(2)

 

Other

 

Total

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues

 

$

24,851

 

$

8,309

 

$

 

$

33,160

 

Food cost

 

9,862

 

2,862

 

 

12,724

 

Labor cost

 

7,540

 

3,054

 

 

10,594

 

Interest income

 

 

 

11

 

11

 

Interest expense

 

(2

)

 

(317

)

(319

)

Depreciation & amortization

 

608

 

186

 

51

 

845

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

154

 

14

 

 

168

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

1,379

 

548

 

(1,133

)

794

 

 

16 Weeks Ended
May 21, 2007

 

Buffet
Division (1)

 

Non-Buffet
Division
(2)

 

Other

 

Total

 

Revenues

 

$

14,912

 

$

7,125

 

$

 

$

22,037

 

Food cost

 

5,541

 

2,232

 

 

7,773

 

Labor cost

 

4,911

 

2,520

 

 

7,431

 

Interest income

 

 

 

11

 

11

 

Interest expense

 

(47

)

 

(171

)

(218

)

Depreciation & amortization

 

421

 

176

 

21

 

618

 

Impairment of long-lived assets

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

494

 

890

 

(688

)

696

 

 


(1) The sales increase was primarily from the acquisition of 20 Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants.  The food cost as a percentage of revenue increased this year primarily due to increases in wholesale food prices as compared to the prior year.  Labor cost decreased as a percentage of revenue this year primarily due to a lower labor cost in the Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants as compared to our existing buffet restaurants.  Income (loss) before income taxes increased primarily from the additional income from the Barnhill acquisition.

 

(2) The sales increased due to the acquisition of 8 Non-Buffet restaurants partially offset by the closure of 5 Non-Buffet restaurants.  The food cost as a percentage of revenue increased this year primarily due to increases in wholesale food prices as compared to the prior year.  Labor cost increased as a percentage of revenue this year primarily due to minimum wage increases in certain of our markets.  Income (loss) before income taxes decreased primarily as a result of  higher food and labor costs.

 

Total revenues increased $11,123,000 or 50.4% from $22.0 million in the 16 weeks ended May 21, 2007 to $33.2 million in the 16 weeks ended May 19, 2008. The increase in revenues was primarily attributable to 28 new store openings, resulting in sales of approximately $13.4 million, partially offset by declines in comparable same store sales primarily in the HomeTown Buffet division and the closure of seven restaurants. The decline in sales from the seven closed stores was approximately $1.3 million.

 

Food costs as a percentage of total revenues increased from 35.3% during the 16-week period ended May 21, 2007 to 38.3% during the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008. The increase as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to higher wholesale food prices and associated transportation costs.

 

Labor costs as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 33.7% during the 16-week period ended May 21, 2007 to 32.0% during the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008.  The decrease as a percentage of total revenues

 

20



 

was primarily attributable to lower labor costs in the new Barnhill restaurants as compared to the existing restaurants.  Labor costs decreased as a percentage of total revenues despite minimum wage increases in every state in which the Company operated in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2008. In response to the increased costs, the Company will attempt to increase menu pricing in fiscal 2009 with the goal of maintaining a labor cost as a percentage of sales consistent with prior results, although there can be no assurance that this will be the result (see the discussion under “Risk Factors”).

 

Occupancy and other expenses as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 20.7% during the 16-week period ended May 21, 2007 to 20.5% during the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008. The decrease as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease in facility costs as a percentage of revenues in the current year compared to the prior year.

 

General and administrative expense as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 3.8% during the 16-week period ended May 21, 2007 to 2.9% during the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008. The decrease as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to higher revenues for the 16 weeks ended May 19, 2008 as compared to the same period of the prior year. While the Company has added 28 new stores, there has been no significant increase in administrative costs or personnel.

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $618,000 during the 16-week period ended May 21, 2007 to $845,000 during the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008. The increase was primarily attributable to 28 new store opening since last year.

 

Interest expense increased from $218,000 during the 16-week period ended May 21, 2007 to $319,000 during the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008.  The increase was primarily attributable to a higher average debt balance in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 as compared to fiscal 2008 primarily from the debt to acquire the Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants.

 

Interest income remained flat at approximately $11,000 for the 16-week periods ended May 21, 2007 and May 19, 2008. Interest income was primarily generated by the Company’s outstanding notes receivable balances.

 

Other income is primarily rental income from the Company’s leased properties. Rental income was $28,000 for two properties leased for the entire 16-week period ended May 19, 2008. Rental income was $99,000 for four properties leased for the entire 16-week period ended May 21, 2007.

 

The income tax provision totaled $260,000 or 32.7% of pre-tax income for the 16-week period ended May 19, 2008 as compared to $249,000 or 35.8% of pre-tax income for the 16-week period ended May 21, 2007.

 

Impact of Inflation

 

The impact of inflation on the cost of food, labor, equipment and construction and remodeling of stores could affect the Company’s operations.  Many of the Company’s employees are paid hourly rates related to the federal and state minimum wage laws so that changes in these laws can result in higher labor costs to the Company. In addition, the cost of food commodities utilized by the Company is subject to market supply and demand pressures.  Shifts in these costs may have an impact on the Company’s food costs.  The Company anticipates that modest increases in these costs can be offset through pricing and other cost control efforts; however, there is no assurance that the Company would be able to pass more significant costs on to its customers or if it were able to do so, it could do so in a short period of time.

 

21



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

The Company has historically financed operations through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided from operations and available borrowings under bank lines of credit.

 

As of May 19, 2008, the Company had $1,110,000 in cash.  Cash and cash equivalents increased by $374,000 during the 16 weeks ended May 19, 2008. The net working capital deficit was $(9,330,000) and $(8,348,000) at May 19, 2008 and January 28, 2008, respectively. The increase in the net working capital deficit is primarily due to the dividend payable. Total cash provided by operations for the 16 weeks ended May 19, 2008 was approximately $1,743,000 as compared to approximately $506,000 in the 16 weeks ended May 21, 2007.  The Company spent approximately $6.2 million on capital expenditures in the first quarter of fiscal 2009 including approximately $5.8 million to purchase the 20 Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants.

 

The Company previously had a $3,000,000 unsecured revolving line of credit with M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank.  The M&I revolving line of credit bore interest at LIBOR plus two percent per annum.   The Company replaced the M&I revolving line of credit on January 31, 2008 with a Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.  The Credit Facility included a $7,000,000 term loan and a $2,000,000 revolving line of credit.  The Credit Facility was utilized to retire the Company’s unsecured revolving line of credit with M&I Marshall & Ilsley Bank; to fund the acquisition of assets associated with sixteen (16) Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants; and to provide additional working capital.  On February 29, 2008 the Company amended its Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank N.A., increasing the term loan principal from $7,000,000 to $8,000,000. The increase in the Credit Facility was used to fund the acquisition of four Barnhill’s Buffet restaurants by its newly formed, wholly-owned, independently capitalized subsidiary, Starlite Holdings, Inc.

 

The Credit Facility is guaranteed by Star Buffet, Inc. and its subsidiaries and bears interest, at the Company’s option, at Wells Fargo’s base rate plus 0.25% or at LIBOR plus 2.00%.  The Credit Facility is secured by a first priority lien on all of the Company’s assets, except for those assets that were previously pledged as security for existing obligations, in which case Wells Fargo has a second lien.  The term loan matures on January 31, 2012 and provides for principal to be amortized at $175,000 per quarter for the initial six quarters; $225,000 for the next nine quarters; with any remaining balance due at maturity.  Interest is payable monthly.  The term loan balance was $6,825,000 on May 19, 2008 and June 20, 2008.  A $2,000,000 revolving line of credit matures on January 31, 2012.  Interest on the revolver is payable monthly.  As of May 19, 2008 and June 23, 2008, no balance was outstanding on the revolving line of credit.

 

During fiscal 2008, the Company borrowed approximately $1,400,000 from Mr. Robert E. Wheaton, a principal shareholder, officer and director of the Company.  This loan dated June 15, 2007 is subordinated to the obligation to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. bears interest at 8.5%. The Company expensed $37,022 and paid $9,256 to Mr. Wheaton for interest during the first quarter of fiscal 2009. The principal balance and any unpaid interest is due and payable in full on June 5, 2012. The Company used the funds for working capital requirements.  In June 2008, the Company borrowed approximately $600,000 from Mr. Wheaton under the same terms. This results in an increase in the subordinated note balance from $1,400,000 to $2,000,000.

 

The Company believes that available cash, availability under the revolving line of credit and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy its working capital and capital expenditure requirements during the next 12 months.  Management does not believe the net working capital deficit will have any effect on the Company’s ability to operate the business and meet obligations as they come due in the next 12 months.  The Company projects that operating cash flows will exceed planned capital expenditures in the next 12 months and that funds will be available to return capital to stockholders in the form of dividends, share repurchases or both.  There can be no assurance, however, that cash and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy its working capital and capital requirements for the next 12 months or beyond.

 

It is possible that changes in the Company’s operating results, unavailable loan capacity from the existing credit facility, acceleration of the Company’s capital expenditure plans, potential acquisitions or other events may

 

22



 

cause the Company to seek additional financing.  Additional financing may be raised through public or private equity and/or debt financing or from other sources.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Judgments

 

The Company prepares its condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements are based on the application of certain accounting policies, the most significant of which are described in Note 1—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies included in the Company’s Annual Report filed on Form 10-K. Certain of these policies require numerous estimates and strategic or economic assumptions that may prove inaccurate or subject to variations and may significantly affect the Company’s reported results and financial position for the period or in future periods. Changes in underlying factors, assumptions or estimates in any of these areas could have a material impact on the Company’s future financial condition and results of operations. The Company considers the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgments that are involved in preparing its consolidated financial statements.

 

Property, Buildings and Equipment

 

Property and equipment and real property under capitalized leases are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization are provided using the straight-line method over the following useful lives:

 

 

 

Years

 

Buildings

 

40

 

Building improvements

 

15 – 20

 

Furniture, fixtures and equipment

 

5 – 8

 

 

Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life of the lease or estimated economic life of the assets. The life of the lease includes renewal options determined by management at lease inception for which failure to renew options would result in a substantial economic penalty.

 

Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations as incurred. Remodeling costs are generally capitalized.

 

The Company’s accounting policies regarding buildings and equipment include certain management judgments regarding the estimated useful lives of such assets, the residual values to which the assets are depreciated and the determination as to what constitutes increasing the life of existing assets. These judgments and estimates may produce materially different amounts of depreciation and amortization expense than would be reported if different assumptions were used. As discussed further below, these judgments may also impact the Company’s need to recognize an impairment charge on the carrying amount of these assets as the cash flows associated with the assets are realized.

 

Impairment of Goodwill

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with business acquisitions. The Company reviews goodwill for possible impairment on an annual basis or when triggering events occur in accordance with SFAS 142. SFAS 142 requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level, which is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment. The Company considers each individual restaurant to be a reporting unit and therefore reviews goodwill for possible impairment by restaurant.

 

23



 

The Company utilizes a two-part impairment test.  First, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to carrying value (including goodwill).  If the carrying value is greater than the fair value, the second step is performed.  In the second step, the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of goodwill.  If the carrying value is greater, a loss is recognized. The goodwill impairment test considers the impact of current conditions and the economic outlook for the restaurant industry, the general overall economic outlook including market data, governmental and environmental factors, in establishing the assumptions used to compute the fair value of each reporting unit.  We also take into account the historical, current and future (based on probability) operating results of each reporting units and any other facts and data pertinent to valuing the reporting units in our impairment test.

 

The Company has an independent evaluation of goodwill conducted every three years.  The most recent independent valuation was conducted as of February 1, 2008.

 

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

 

The Company evaluates impairment of long-lived assets for impairment in accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. The Company assesses whether an impairment write-down is necessary for locations whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such asset are considered to be impaired, the impairment loss to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.

 

Judgments made by the Company related to the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and the ability of the Company to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets are affected by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in economic conditions, and changes in operating performance. As the Company assesses the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, these factors could cause the Company to realize a material impairment charge.

 

Insurance Programs

 

Historically, the Company was self-insured for most casualty claims, with commercial insurance for casualty claims in excess of $2 million per claim and $3 million per year as a risk reduction strategy.  Effective January 1, 2008 the Company purchased commercial insurance for casualty claims in excess of $100,000 per claim.  Accruals for self-insured losses include estimates based on historical information and expected future developments.  Differences in estimates and assumptions could result in actual liabilities that are materially different from the calculated accruals.

 

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

Under the terms of the current financing with Wells Fargo, the Company is required to obtain interest rate protection through an interest rate swap or cap with respect to not less than 50% of the term loan amount. The Company has not yet entered into any interest rate swap or cap because the Company plans to substantially reduce the term loan in the current year through cash flow from operations, asset sales and mortgage refinancing. As a result Wells Fargo has extended the time for Company to meet its obligation.

 

Commitments and Contractual Obligations

 

The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments principally include obligations associated with our outstanding indebtedness and future minimum operating and capital lease obligations as set forth in the following table:

 

Contractual Obligations:

 

Total

 

Less than
one year

 

One to
three
years

 

Three to
five years

 

Greater
than
five years

 

 

 

(Dollars in thousands)

 

Long-term debt

 

$

14,501

 

$

1,802

 

$

5,000

 

$

6,948

 

$

751

 

Operating leases

 

19,566

 

3,961

 

5,414

 

4,032

 

6,159

 

Capital leases

 

88

 

50

 

38

 

 

 

Purchase commitments

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total contractual cash obligations

 

$

34,155

 

$

5,813

 

$

10,452

 

$

10,980

 

$

6,910

 

 

24



 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements. SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring fair value under GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurement. SFAS 157 also creates consistency and comparability in fair value measurements among the many accounting pronouncements that require fair value measurements but does not require any new fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years (including interim periods) beginning after November 15, 2007, which for us is the first quarter of fiscal 2009. Our adoption of SFAS 157 at the beginning of fiscal 2009 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities — Including an amendment of FASB Statement No. 115. This standard amends SFAS 115, Accounting for Certain Investment in Debt and Equity Securities, with respect to accounting for a transfer to the trading category for all entities with available-for-sale and trading securities electing the fair value option. This standard allows companies to elect fair value accounting for many financial instruments and other items that currently are not required to be accounted as such, allows different applications for electing the option for a single item or groups of items, and requires disclosures to facilitate comparisons of similar assets and liabilities that are accounted for differently in relation to the fair value option. SFAS 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007, which for us is fiscal 2009. Our adoption of SFAS 159 at the beginning of fiscal 2009 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

 

ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations. This standard requires the new acquiring entity to recognize all assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the transactions; establishes an acquisition-date fair value for said assets and liabilities; and fully discloses to investors the financial effect the acquisition will have. FAS 141 (R) is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which for us is fiscal 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact of FAS 141 (R) on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In December 2007, the FASB issued FAS 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements, and amendment of ARB No. 51 (FAS 160). This standard requires all entities to report minority interests in subsidiaries as equity in the consolidated financial statements, and requires that transactions between entities and noncontrolling interests be treated as equity. FAS 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008, which for us is fiscal 2010. We are currently evaluating the impact of FAS 160 on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

25



 

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company’s principal exposure to financial market risks is the impact that interest rate changes could have on its $2.0 million Revolving Line of Credit, of which $0 was outstanding as of May 19, 2008 and June 23, 2008. The Revolving Line of Credit interest rate is LIBOR plus two percent per annum (averaging approximately 5.3% in fiscal 2009). A hypothetical increase of 100 basis points in short-term interest rates would result in a reduction of pre-tax earnings, the amount of which would depend on the amount outstanding on the line of credit. All of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars. Accordingly, foreign exchange rate fluctuations have never had a significant impact on the Company and are not expected to in the foreseeable future.

 

Commodity Price Risk

 

The Company purchases many products which are affected by commodity price and therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, market conditions and other factors which are not considered predictable or within our control. Although many of the products purchased by the Company are subject to changes in commodity prices, certain purchasing contracts or pricing arrangements contain risk management techniques designed to minimize short-term price volatility. Typically, the Company uses these types of purchasing techniques to minimize cost volatility as an alternative to financial hedges. In many cases, the Company believes it will be able to address commodity cost increases which are significant and appear to be long-term in nature by adjusting its menu pricing, menu mix or changing its product delivery strategy. However, increases in commodity prices could result in lower operating margins for our restaurant concepts.

 

Item 4.  Controls and Procedures

 

The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the required time periods and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, as appropriate, to allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

As required by Rule 13a-15(b) under the Exchange Act, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Accounting Officer, of the effectiveness and the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Principal Accounting Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

 

Management is responsible for the preparation, integrity and fair presentation of the consolidated financial statements and Notes to the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with the U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and include certain amounts based on management’s judgment and best estimates. Other financial information presented is consistent with the consolidated financial statements.

 

Management is also responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is designed under the supervision of the Company’s principal executive and financial officers in order to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:

 

(i)

Pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of assets of the Company;

 

 

(ii)

Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

 

 

(iii)

Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

26



 

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

 

Our principal executive officer and principal accounting officer assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 28, 2008 and identified a significant deficiency and material weaknesses which are noted below.  As of May 19, 2008, the significant deficiency and material weaknesses still exists. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in Internal Control–Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”).   Based on this evaluation, our principal executive and principal accounting officers concluded that the internal controls over financial reporting were not effective as of January 28, 2008 or as of May 19, 2008, and that certain significant deficiencies and material weaknesses existed for the period covered by the Annual Report on Form 10-K as of January 28, 2008 and as of May 19, 2008 on Form 10-Q. The one significant deficiency and two material weaknesses identified included:

·      Inadequate segregation of duties (significant deficiency);

 

·      Untimely account reconciliations (material weakness); and an

 

·      Inadequate documentation of cash disbursements (material weakness).

 

A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting, that adversely affects the entity’s ability to initiate, authorize, record, process, or report financial data reliably in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles such that there is more than a remote likelihood that a misstatement of the entity’s financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not be prevented or detected by the entity’s internal control. A material weakness is a deficiency or a combination of deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the annual or interim consolidated financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

This is a small public company. Effective internal control contemplates segregation of duties so that no one individual handles a transaction from inception to completion. Currently, there are not enough accounting personnel to permit an adequate segregation of duties in all respects and thus a significant deficiency in our internal control exists. Management has commenced and continues an evaluation of staffing levels and responsibilities so as to comply with the segregation of duties requirements.

 

With respect to account reconciliation and cash disbursements, management has instituted additional internal control procedures to insure that: a) account reconciliations are completed earlier in the accounting cycle; and b) disbursements are not made prior to submission and approval of adequate supporting documentation. Management continues to evaluate the steps taken to eliminate the deficiencies.

 

27



 

PART II:  OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is from time to time the subject of complaints or litigation from customers alleging injury on properties operated by the Company, illness related to food quality or operational concerns. Adverse publicity resulting from such allegations may materially adversely affect the Company and its restaurants, regardless of whether such allegations are valid or whether the Company is liable. The Company also is the subject of complaints or allegations from employees from time to time. The Company believes that generally the lawsuits, claims and other legal matters to which it is subject to in the ordinary course of its business are not material to the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations, but an existing or future lawsuit or claim could result in an adverse decision against the Company that could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition and results of operations. The Company has ongoing litigation with North’s Restaurants, Inc. as described in more detail in Note L to the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

The Company anticipates increasing its menu prices in response to newly enacted federal minimum wage increases, which may have unintended consequences on its operations.

 

The Company’s profitability is highly sensitive to increases in food, labor and other operating costs that cannot always be passed on to its guests in the form of higher prices.  The minimum wage increases in  states in which the Company operates in July 2007, January 2008 and July 2008 has and will directly increase our labor costs and may indirectly increase other costs as higher wage costs for service and commodity suppliers are passed on to the Company.  In connection with higher energy prices, commodity suppliers have  passed on higher wholesale prices and higher transportation costs.  In anticipation of these past and future increases, the Company will attempt to increase menu prices in fiscal 2009 with the desire to maintain prior profitability.  However, the Company cannot predict with any certainty that the menu price increases will be sufficient to maintain its current level of profitability.  In addition, the increase in menu prices may adversely affect the volume of our sales reducing future revenues and profitability.  In addition to what is noted above, there have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in Part 1, Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2008.

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None.

 

28



 

Item 6.  Exhibits

 

(a)   The following exhibits are attached to this report:

 

Exhibit
Number

 

Description
of Exhibit

 

 

 

3.1

 

Certificate of Incorporation*

3.2

 

Bylaws, as amended on September 22, 1997*

4.1

 

Form of Common Stock Certificate**

10.1

 

Asset Purchase Agreement dated February 5, 2008 with Barnhill’s Buffet, Inc. and Starlite Holdings, Inc. including First Amendment.

31.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2

 

Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1

 

Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2

 

Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

99.1

 

Press release dated June 30, 2008.

 


* Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 1 (Registration No. 333- 32249).

** Previously filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement on Form S-1, Amendment No. 2 (Registration No. 333- 32249).

 

29



 

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 hereunto duly authorized.

 

 

 

 

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 27, 2008

 

By:

/s/ Robert E. Wheaton

 

 

 

Robert E. Wheaton

 

 

 

Chairman of the Board,

 

 

 

President, Chief Executive Officer and

 

 

 

Principal Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 27, 2008

 

By:

/s/ Ronald E. Dowdy

 

 

 

Ronald E. Dowdy

 

 

 

Group Controller,

 

 

 

Treasurer, Secretary and

 

 

 

Principal Accounting Officer

 

30