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STAR BUFFET INC - Quarter Report: 2009 August (Form 10-Q)

starbuffet_10q-081009.htm
 
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: August 10, 2009
 
OR
 
[  ] 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 [  ]
 
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 [  ]  No [  ]

Indicated by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or smaller reporting company.  See definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.  (check one)
Large accelerated filer [  ]                             Accelerated filer [  ]                    Non-accelerated filer [X]                  Smaller reporting company [  ]
Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes [  ]  No [X]

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.  As of September 18, 2009, there were 3,213,075 shares of Common Stock, $ .001 par value, outstanding.
 
i

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX
 
 
       Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1.   Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
 
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of August 10, 2009 and
 
January 26, 2009
1
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 12 and 28 weeks
 
ended August 10, 2009 and August 11, 2008
3
   
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 28 weeks ended
 
August 10, 2009 and August 11, 2008
4
   
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
6
   
Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
 
Results of Operations
18
   
Item 4.  Controls and Procedures
28
   
PART II.   OTHER INFORMATION
 
   
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
29
   
Item 1A. Risk Factors
29
   
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
29
   
Item 5. Other Information
30
   
Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
31
   
Signatures
32
 

PART I:  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1:    Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS



 
ASSETS
 
August 10,
 2009
   
January 26,
 2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Current assets:
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,123,000     $ 1,118,000  
Receivables, net
    860,000       603,000  
Income tax receivable
    83,000       658,000  
Inventories
    670,000       647,000  
Deferred income taxes
    415,000       437,000  
Prepaid expenses
    499,000       271,000  
                 
Total current assets
    3,650,000       3,734,000  
                 
Property, buildings and equipment, net:
               
     Property, buildings and equipment, net
    27,117,000       26,529,000  
     Property and equipment under capitalized leases, net
    18,000       37,000  
     Property and equipment leased to third parties, net
    780,000       795,000  
     Property, buildings and equipment held for future use, net
    2,625,000       4,143,000  
     Property held for sale
    931,000       931,000  
     Total property, buildings and equipment, net
    31,471,000       32,435,000  
                 
Other assets:
               
Notes receivable, net of current portion
    704,000       704,000  
Deposits and other
    591,000       376,000  
Loan costs, net
    426,000       506,000  
                 
Total other assets
    1,721,000       1,586,000  
                 
Deferred income taxes, net
    1,558,000       2,263,000  
                 
Intangible assets:
               
Goodwill
    551,000       551,000  
Other intangible assets, net
    557,000       638,000  
                 
Total intangible assets
    1,108,000       1,189,000  
                 
Total assets
  $ 39,508,000     $ 41,207,000  

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

1

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Continued)



LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
August 10,
 2009
   
January 26,
 2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
   
(Unaudited)
 
Current liabilities:
           
Accounts payable-trade
  $ 3,529,000     $ 4,192,000  
Checks written in excess of bank balance
    1,395,000       527,000  
Payroll and related taxes
    1,888,000       1,859,000  
Sales and property taxes
    1,742,000       1,829,000  
Rent, licenses and other
    749,000       766,000  
Current maturities of obligations under long-term debt
    1,708,000       3,548,000  
Current maturities of obligations under capital leases
    25,000       54,000  
                 
Total current liabilities
    11,036,000       12,775,000  
                 
Deferred rent payable
    1,197,000       1,353,000  
Other accrued long-term liabilities
    493,000       493,000  
Note payable to officer
    1,992,000       1,992,000  
Long-term debt, net of current maturities
    9,308,000       10,051,000  
                 
Total liabilities
    24,026,000       26,664,000  
                 
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 shares
    3,000       3,000  
Additional paid-in capital
    17,743,000       17,743,000  
Accumulated deficit
    (2,264,000 )     (3,203,000 )
                 
Total stockholders’ equity
    15,482,000       14,543,000  
                 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 39,508,000     $ 41,207,000  
 



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
2

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited)


   
Twelve Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-eight Weeks Ended
 
   
August 10,
   
August 11,
   
August 10,
   
August 11,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
Total revenues
  $ 19,509,000     $ 24,229,000     $ 47,664,000     $ 57,389,000  
                                 
Costs, expenses and other
                               
Food costs
    7,479,000       9,447,000       18,297,000       22,171,000  
Labor costs
    6,352,000       7,893,000       15,035,000       18,487,000  
Occupancy and other expenses
    3,923,000       4,717,000       9,347,000       11,517,000  
General and administrative expenses
    486,000       690,000       1,245,000       1,644,000  
Depreciation and amortization
    725,000       560,000       1,579,000       1,405,000  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    436,000       44,000       436,000       212,000  
    Gain on property disposal
    (306,000 )           (306,000 )      
                                 
Total costs, expenses and other
    19,095,000       23,351,000       45,633,000       55,436,000  
                                 
Income from operations
    414,000       878,000       2,031,000       1,953,000  
                                 
Interest expense
    (229,000 )     (308,000 )     (518,000 )     (626,000 )
Interest income
          1,000       75,000       12,000  
Other income
    10,000       27,000       21,000       54,000  
                                 
Income before income taxes
    195,000       598,000       1,609,000       1,393,000  
                                 
Income taxes
    110,000       205,000       670,000       465,000  
                                 
Net income
  $ 85,000     $ 393,000     $ 939,000     $ 928,000  
                                 
Net income per common share – basic
  $ 0.03     $ 0.12     $ 0.29     $ 0.29  
Net income per common share – diluted
  $ 0.03     $ 0.12     $ 0.29     $ 0.29  
                                 
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
    3,213,075       3,213,075       3,213,075       3,212,642  
Weighted average shares outstanding –diluted
    3,213,075       3,213,075       3,213,075       3,213,719  


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

3

 
STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
 
   
28 Weeks Ended
 
   
August 10,
2009
   
August 11,
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 939,000     $ 928,000  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
               
    Depreciation
    1,532,000       1,363,000  
    Amortization of franchise and licenses
    47,000       42,000  
    Amortization of loan costs
    93,000       91,000  
    Impairment of long-lived assets
    436,000       212,000  
    Gain on property disposal
    (306,000 )      
    Deferred income taxes
    727,000       277,000  
    Change in operating assets and liabilities:
               
          Receivables
    78,000       (243,000 )
          Inventories
    (23,000 )     (369,000 )
          Prepaid expenses
    (228,000 )     (414,000 )
          Deposits and other
    (215,000 )     162,000  
          Deferred rent payable
    (156,000 )     (111,000 )
          Accounts payable-trade
    (663,000 )     1,023,000  
          Income taxes receivable
    575,000        
          Income taxes payable
          8,000  
          Other accrued liabilities
    (75,000 )     1,262,000  
               Total adjustments
    1,822,000       3,303,000  
          Net cash provided by operating activities
    2,761,000       4,231,000  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
  Insurance proceeds
    200,000        
 Acquisition of property, buildings and equipment
    (1,199,000 )     (6,809,000 )
          Net cash used in investing activities
    (999,000 )     (6,809,000 )
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
   Checks written in excess of cash in bank
    868,000       259,000  
   Proceeds received from officer’s note payable
          592,000  
   Payments on long term debt
    (3,952,000 )     (4,099,000 )
   Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
    1,369,000       9,830,000  
   (Payments) proceeds on line of credit, net
          (1,349,000 )
   Capitalized loan costs
    (13,000 )     (311,000 )
   Principal payment on capitalized lease obligations
    (29,000 )     (26,000 )
   Dividends paid
          (1,928,000 )
          Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities
    (1,757,000 )     2,968,000  
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
    5,000       390,000  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
    1,118,000       736,000  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
  $ 1,123,000     $ 1,126,000  

4

STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (continued)
(Unaudited)
 
 
   
28 Weeks Ended
 
   
August 10, 2009
   
August 11, 2008
 
             
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
           
             
Cash paid during the period for:
           
     Interest
  $ 427,000     $ 531,000  
                 
     Income taxes
  $ 14,000     $ 180,000  
                 
Non cash investing and financing activities:
               
                 
                 
     Exchange of stock for loan costs
  $     $ 252,000  



The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
5

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”), SBI Leasing, Inc. (‘SBI”) 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 26, 2009.  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.

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications have been made in the prior period financial statements in order to conform to the classifications adopted for reporting in fiscal 2010. Such reclassifications include an increase in other assets for loan costs, net with a corresponding decrease in total intangible assets for other intangible assets, net. The amount reclassified for August 10, 2009 and January 26, 2009 was $426,000 and $506,000, respectively. This reclassification did not affect total assets, earnings before income taxes, net earnings or earnings per share.

The following is a summary of the Company's restaurant properties as of August 10, 2009.  The Company has two reporting segments, the Buffet Division and the Non-Buffet Division. The Company’s reportable segments are aggregated based on operating similarities.  The Buffet Division includes 19 Barnhill’s Buffets, 10 HomeTown Buffets, three BuddyFreddys, two JJ North’s Grand Buffets and two Whistle Junction restaurants.  One of the 19 Barnhill’s Buffets is temporarily closed due to a kitchen fire.  The Buffet Division also has two restaurants closed for remodeling and repositioning, a closed restaurant reported as property held for sale, and a restaurant located in Arizona that is leased to a third-party operator.  In addition, one closed restaurant was converted into a warehouse for equipment in Florida during the first quarter.   The Non-Buffet Division includes six JB’s restaurants, five 4B’s restaurants, three K-BOB’S Steakhouses, two Western Sizzlin restaurants, two Casa Bonita restaurants, a Holiday House restaurant, a Bar-H Steakhouse and a Pecos Diamond Steakhouse.  Additionally, the Non-Buffet Division has a K-BOB’S Steakhouse restaurant closed for remodeling.


6

 
   
Buffet
Division
 
Non-Buffet
Division
 
 
Total
Owned
 
9
 
9
 
18
Leased
 
32
 
13
 
45
     Total
 
41
 
22
 
63


As of August 10, 2009, 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
 
8
 
 
8
Colorado
 
 
1
 
1
Florida
 
14
 
1
 
15
Idaho
 
 
1
 
1
Louisiana
 
3
 
 
3
Mississippi
 
6
 
1
 
7
Montana
 
 
7
 
7
New Mexico
 
1
 
2
 
3
Oklahoma
 
 
1
 
1
Oregon
 
1
 
 
1
Tennessee
 
3
 
 
3
Texas
 
 
4
 
4
Utah
 
1
 
3
 
4
Washington
 
1
 
 
1
Wyoming
 
1
 
 
1
     Total
 
41
 
22
 
63

As of August 10, 2009, 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
Florida
 
4
 
 
4
Texas
 
 
1
 
1
     Total
 
5
 
1
 
6

7

 
As of August 11, 2008, the Company’s operating and non-operating restaurants were 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
Florida
 
15
 
2
 
17
Georgia
 
 
1
 
1
Idaho
 
 
1
 
1
Louisiana
 
3
 
 
3
Mississippi
 
6
 
1
 
7
Montana
 
 
6
 
6
New Mexico
 
2
 
2
 
4
Oklahoma
 
 
1
 
1
Oregon
 
1
 
 
1
Tennessee
 
3
 
 
3
Texas
 
 
4
 
4
Utah
 
1
 
3
 
4
Washington
 
1
 
 
1
Wyoming
 
1
 
 
1
     Total
 
44
 
23
 
67
 
As of August 11, 2008, 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
New Mexico
 
 
1
 
1
Texas
 
 
1
 
1
     Total
 
5
 
2
 
7
 
The operating results for the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 included operations shown in the tables above and fixed charges for six non-operating restaurants for the entire period. Three of the six closed restaurants remain closed for remodeling and repositioning, one closed restaurant was leased to a third party and one closed restaurant was closed and reported as property held for sale.  In addition, one closed restaurant was converted into a warehouse for equipment in Florida during the first quarter of fiscal 2010.  The operating results for the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008 included operations shown in the tables above and the fixed charges for seven restaurants closed the entire period.

8

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

In April 2009, the Company refinanced an existing real estate mortgage with the Bank of Utah.  The Company entered into a $1,194,000 five year fixed rate real estate mortgage with the Bank of Utah. The mortgage has monthly payments including interest of $10,972. The interest rate is 7.25%.  The mortgage is secured by the HomeTown Buffet in Layton, Utah and the JB’s restaurant in Vernal, Utah. The Company used the funds to payoff the previous loan with the Bank of Utah of $696,000 and the obligation to Wells Fargo.

In May, 2009, the Company had a kitchen fire in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The Company has $800,000 worth of property coverage and $150,000 extra expense coverage subject to $100,000 deductible. The Company will spend approximately $635,000 to replace the Barnhill’s Buffet and booked a gain $306,000 after deducting the net loss of existing assets of $229,000 and the $100,000 deductible. As part of trade receivables the Company has booked $335,000 in insurance proceeds receivable as of August 10, 2009.  Total proceeds booked for property coverage from insurance for this matter was $535,000 as of August 10, 2009.

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS 165”).  This Statement is intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date—that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued.  This disclosure should alert all users of financial statements that an entity has not evaluated subsequent events after that date in the set of financial statements being presented.  SFAS 165 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  SFAS 165 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial position or results from operations. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through September 24, 2009 which is the date that these financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In June 2009, the Company opened a 4B’s restaurant in Butte, Montana.

Subsequent to August 10, 2009, the Company financed part of the $1.1 million purchase of the land and building of its Whistle Junction restaurant in Titusville, Florida with a real estate mortgage with the Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida.  The Company entered into a $750,000 twenty year fixed rate real estate mortgage with a balloon payment due August 26, 2014. The mortgage has monthly payments including interest of $6,100. The interest rate is 7.5%.  The mortgage is secured by the Whistle Junction restaurant in Titusville, Florida.

Subsequent to August 10, 2009, the Company determined two restaurant leases would not be renewed. The restaurants in Chandler, Arizona and Olympia, Washington will be closed and impaired in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  A pretax impairment charge of approximately $570,000 will be taken in the third fiscal quarter.

Note (C) Related Party Transactions

Mr. Robert E. Wheaton owns approximately 45.3% of the Company's outstanding common shares including exercisable options held by him 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 stockholder, officer and director of the Company.  This loan dated June 15, 2007 is subordinated to the obligation to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. and bears interest at 8.5%. In June, 2008, the Company borrowed an additional $592,000 from Mr. Wheaton under the same terms. This resulted in an increase in the subordinated note balance from $1,400,000 to $1,992,000.  The Company expensed and paid $91,000 to Mr. Wheaton for interest during the first two quarters of fiscal 2010. The principal balance and any unpaid interest is due and payable in full on June 5, 2012.  The Company used the funds borrowed from Mr. Wheaton for working capital requirements.

9

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 operating 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 26, 2009. The Company evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on income before income taxes.

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)
28 weeks Ended
 August 10, 2009
 
Buffet
Division
   
Non-Buffet
Division
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 31,292     $ 16,372     $     $ 47,664  
Interest income
                75       75  
Interest expense
    (1 )           (517 )     (518 )
Depreciation & amortization
    1,076       483       20       1,579  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    290       146             436  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    724       2,393       (1,508 )     1,609  
Total assets
    23,592       12,792       3,124       39,508  
28 weeks Ended
 August 11, 2008
                               
Revenues
  $ 42,648     $ 14,741     $     $ 57,389  
Interest income
                12       12  
Interest expense
    (3 )           (623 )     (626 )
Depreciation & amortization
    1,076       304       25       1,405  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    198       14             212  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,822       1,547       (1,976 )     1,393  
Total assets
    26,489       12,345       3,509       42,343  


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:

12 Weeks Ended August 10, 2009
 
Net Income
   
Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
  $ 85,000       3,213,075     $ 0.03  
Dilutive stock options                                                                                 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
  $ 85,000       3,213,075     $ 0.03  
                         
12 Weeks Ended August 11, 2008
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
  $ 393,000       3,213,075     $ 0.12  
Dilutive stock options                                                                                 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
  $ 393,000       3,213,075     $ 0.12  


28 weeks Ended August 10, 2009
 
Net Income
   
Shares
   
Per Share Amount
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
  $ 939,000       3,213,075     $ 0.29  
Dilutive stock options                                                                                 
                 
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
  $ 939,000       3,213,075     $ 0.29  
                         
28 weeks Ended August 11, 2008
                       
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic
  $ 928,000       3,212,642     $ 0.29  
Dilutive stock options                                                                                 
          1,077        
Weighted average common shares outstanding – diluted
  $ 928,000       3,213,719     $ 0.29  

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for the 12 weeks ended August 10, 2009 and August 11, 2008 used to calculate diluted earnings per share exclude stock options to purchase 33,000 and 40,000 shares of common stock, respectively, due to the market price of the underlying stock being less than the exercise price.

Weighted-average common shares outstanding for the 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009 and August 11, 2008 used to calculate diluted earnings per share exclude stock options to purchase 33,000 and 28,000 shares of common stock, respectively, due to the market price of the underlying stock being less than the exercise price.

Note (F) Goodwill

Goodwill primarily 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.

11

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 performs its annual impairment analysis on February 1st.  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 August 10, 2009 that would have had an impact on goodwill. There were no goodwill impairment losses for the 28-week periods ended August 10, 2009 and August 11, 2008.

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 acquisition costs are amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated life of the loan.  The license agreement is amortized using the straight-line method over 11 years. Trademarks have an indefinite asset life, total $255,000, 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 certain 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.


12

 
Note (J) Properties, Building and Equipment

The components of property, buildings and equipment used in restaurant operations and one property used as a warehouse, not including property under capitalized leases, leased to third parties, held for future use and held for sale, are as follows:
 
   
August 10,
2009
   
January 26,
2009
 
Property, buildings and equipment:
           
   Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  $ 24,308,000     $ 24,993,000  
   Land
    5,102,000       4,285,000  
   Buildings and leasehold improvements
    23,179,000       22,592,000  
      52,589,000       51,870,000  
   Less accumulated depreciation
    (25,472,000 )     (25,341,000 )
    $ 27,117,000     $ 26,529,000  

The components of property under capitalized leases are as follows:

Property and equipment under capitalized leases
  $ 706,000     $ 706,000  
   Less accumulated amortization
    (688,000 )     (669,000 )
    $ 18,000     $ 37,000  
 
Total property, buildings and equipment includes the following land, equipment and buildings and leaseholds associated with six non-operating units as of August 10, 2009 and as of January 26, 2009. As of August 10, 2009 one of the six units is leased to a third-party operator, three units are closed for remodeling and repositioning and one unit is included in property held for sale.  In addition, one previously closed restaurant was converted into a warehouse to store Company equipment in Florida in the first quarter of fiscal 2010. The property had a net building and land value of $937,000 and $817,000, respectively, at the time of transfer.
 
The components are as follows:

   
August 10,
2009
   
January 26,
2009
 
Property and equipment leased to third parties:
     Equipment
  $ 222,000     $ 222,000  
     Land
    224,000       224,000  
     Buildings and leaseholds
    685,000       685,000  
      1,131,000       1,131,000  
                 
   Less accumulated depreciation
    (351,000 )     (336,000 )
    $ 780,000     $ 795,000  


13





   
August 10,
2009
   
January 26,
2009
 
Property, buildings and equipment held for future use:
     Equipment
  $ 4,266,000     $ 3,273,000  
     Land
    742,000       1,559,000  
     Buildings and leaseholds
    1,257,000       2,484,000  
      6,265,000       7,316,000  
             
   Less accumulated depreciation
    (3,640,000 )     (3,173,000 )
    $ 2,625,000     $ 4,143,000  

   
August 10,
2009
   
January 26,
2009
 
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 two quarters of fiscal 2009.  The Company recorded $405,000 of impairment expense related the leasehold improvements in two closed restaurants in the second quarter of fiscal 2010.

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.
 
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
 
496,000
 
February 2015

14

 
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:
 
   
28 weeks Ended
 
   
August 10, 2009
   
August 11, 2008
 
   
Options
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
   
Options
   
Weighted Average Exercise Price
 
Outstanding at beginning of period
    39,000     $ 6.21       40,000     $ 6.20  
Granted
        $           $  
Exercised
        $           $  
Forfeited
    6,000     $ 6.70       0     $ 5.00  
Outstanding at end of period
    33,000     $ 6.13       40,000     $ 6.21  
                                 
Exercisable at end of period
    33,000     $ 6.13       40,000     $ 6.21  
                                 
Weighted average fair value of options granted during the period
  $ N/A             $ N/A          
 
The following summarizes information about stock options outstanding at August 10, 2009:
 
   
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
    11,000      
0.2
    $ 5.00       11,000     $ 5.00  
$6.70
    22,000      
5.5
 
  $ 6.70       22,000     $ 6.70  
      33,000                       33,000          
 
The Company did not grant any stock options in the first two quarters of fiscal 2010 or fiscal 2009.

Note (L) Commitments and Contingencies

Prior to the Company’s formation in 1998, HTB entered into franchise agreements for each of its HomeTown Buffet locations which require the payment of a royalty fee to HomeTown Buffet, Inc. The royalty fee is 2% of the gross sales of each HomeTown Buffet restaurant. The franchise agreements have a 20-year term (with two five-year renewal options). The franchisor requires HTB to operate each restaurant in conformity with Franchise Operating Manuals and Recipe Manuals and Menus. The franchise agreements also place certain limits on the Company’s ability to operate competing buffet businesses within specified geographic areas.  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. However, many state franchise laws limit the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise.

15

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.  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.  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 former 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 proceeds from future asset sales are adequate for recovery of the remaining principal amount of the note receivable.  The Company has not provided an allowance for bad debts for the note as of August 10, 2009.

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 from time to time the subject of complaints or litigation from customers alleging injury on properties operated by the Company, illness or other food quality, health 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 the lawsuits, claims and other legal matters to which it has become subject in the 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.

Note (M) Taxes

The effective tax rate is approximately 41.6% and 33.3% for the 28-week periods ended August 10, 2009 and August 11, 2008, respectively.  The Company was 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 in 2008.  The Company has deferred income tax assets of $1,973,000 and $2,700,000 on August 10, 2009 and January 26, 2009, respectively and there are no deferred income tax liabilites.  These deferred income tax assets are net of a valuation allowance of $193,000.The deferred tax asset is primarily the timing difference on deferred rent and fixed assets. Income taxes for the 12 and 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009 are:

   
12 weeks
   
28 weeks
 
Current provision (benefit)
  $ (444,000 )   $ (57,000 )
Deferred provison
    554,000       727,000  
Total
  $ 110,000     $ 670,000  


16

Note (N) Insurance Programs

Historically, the Company has purchased first dollar insurance for workers’ compensation claims; high-deductible primary property coverage; and excess policies for casualty losses.  Effective January 1, 2008, the Company modified its program for insuring casualty losses by lowering the self-insured retention levels from $2 million per occurrence to $100,000 per occurrence.  Accruals for self-insured casualty losses include estimates of expected claims payments.  Actual liabilities could be materially different from calculated accruals because of the degree of estimation required at period ends.  The valuation reserves for the quarters ended August 10, 2009 and August 11, 2008 were $46,000 and $29,000, respectively.

Note (O) Subsequent Events

In August 2009, the Company financed part of the $1.1 million purchase of the land and building of its Whistle Junction restaurant in Titusville, Florida with a real estate mortgage with the Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida.  The Company entered into a $750,000 twenty year fixed rate real estate mortgage with a balloon payment due August 26, 2014. The mortgage has monthly payments including interest of $6,100. The interest rate is 7.5%.  The mortgage is secured by the Whistle Junction restaurant in Titusville, Florida.

In August 2009, the Company determined two restaurant leases would not be renewed. The restaurants in Chandler, Arizona and Olympia, Washington will be closed and impaired in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  A pretax impairment charge of approximately $570,000 will be taken in the third fiscal quarter.

17

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 26, 2009.  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; the Company’s success in integrating newly acquired under performing or unprofitable restaurants; the impact of competitive products and pricing; the 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 26, 2009, and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Overview

Consolidated net income for the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 decreased approximately $308,000 to $85,000 or $0.03 per diluted share as compared with net income of $393,000 or $0.12 per diluted share for the comparable prior year period.  The decrease in net income is due to a decrease in income from operations of approximately $464,000 primarily from higher impairment and depreciation costs partially offset by lower interest expense and a $306,000 gain on property disposals related to the fire in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Total revenues decreased approximately $4.7 million or 19.5% from $24.2 million in the 12 weeks ended August 11, 2008 to $19.5 million in the 12 weeks ended August 10, 2009. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to 10 closed stores resulting in a sales decline of approximately $2.1 million and sales declines of approximately $3.3 million in comparable same store sales.  The decline in sales was partially offset by $700,000 increase attributable to new stores or stores only opened for a portion of the second quarter of last year.

Consolidated net income for the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 increased approximately $11,000 to $939,000 or $0.29 per diluted share as compared with net income of $928,000 or $0.29 per diluted share for the comparable prior year period.  The increase in net income is due to a increase in income from operations of approximately $78,000 primarily from a $306,000 gain on property disposals related to the fire in Jonesboro, Arkansas and lower general and administrative costs of approximately $399,000 offset by higher depreciation and amortization and impairment of long-lived assets. Total revenues decreased approximately $9.7 million or 16.9% from $57.4 million in the 28 weeks ended August 11, 2008 to $47.7 million in the 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to 12 closed stores resulting in a sales decline of approximately $5.6 million and sales declines of approximately $5.6 million in comparable same store sales.  The decline in sales was partially offset by $1.5 million increase attributable to new stores or stores only opened for a portion of the second quarter of last year.  The Company believes the decline in same store sales is a result of weaker economic conditions and due to new restaurant competition in certain markets.  The decline in sales on a same store basis significantly impacts consolidated net income because occupancy, salaries, benefits, and other expenses are primarily fixed in nature and generally do not vary significantly with restaurant sales volume. Occupancy and other expense includes major expenditures such as rent, insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance and advertising.

18

Recent Developments

In April 2009, the Company refinanced an existing real estate mortgage with the Bank of Utah. The Company entered into a $1,194,000 five year fixed rate real estate mortgage with the Bank of Utah.  The mortgage has monthly payments including interest of $10,972.  The interest rate is 7.25%.The mortgage is secured by the HomeTown Buffet in Layton, Utah and the JB’s restaurant in Vernal, Utah.  The Company used the funds to payoff the previous loan with the Bank of Utah of $696,000 and to reduce the obligation to Wells Fargo.

In May, 2009, the Company had a kitchen fire in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The Company has $800,000 worth of property coverage and $150,000 extra expense coverage subject to a $100,000 deductible. The Company will spend approximately $635,000 to replace the Barnhill’s Buffet and booked a gain of $306,000 after deducting the net loss of existing assets of $229,000 and the $100,000 deductible. As part of trade receivables the Company has booked $335,000 insurance proceeds receivable as of August 10, 2009.

In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS 165”).  This Statement is intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date—that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued.  This disclosure should alert all users of financial statements that an entity has not evaluated subsequent events after that date in the set of financial statements being presented.  SFAS 165 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  SFAS 165 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial position or results from operations. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through September 24, 2009 which is the date that these financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

In June 2009, the Company opened a 4B’s restaurant in Butte, Montana.

Subsequent to August 10, 2009, the Company financed part of the $1.1 million purchase of the land and building of its Whistle Junction restaurant in Titusville, Florida with a real estate mortgage with the Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida.  The Company entered into a $750,000 twenty year fixed rate real estate mortgage with a balloon payment due August 26, 2014. The mortgage has monthly payments including interest of $6,100. The interest rate is 7.5%.  The mortgage is secured by the Whistle Junction restaurant in Titusville, Florida.

Subsequent to August 10, 2009, the Company determined two restaurant leases would not be renewed. The restaurants in Chandler, Arizona and Olympia, Washington will be closed and impaired in the third quarter of fiscal 2010.  A pretax impairment charge of approximately $570,000 will be taken in the third fiscal quarter.


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.

19

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.

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 12 and 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009 and August 11, 2008.
 
   
Twelve Weeks Ended
   
Twenty-eight Weeks Ended
 
   
August 10,
   
August 11,
   
August 10,
   
August 11,
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
                         
Total revenues
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
                                 
Costs, expenses and other
                               
   Food costs
    38.3       39.0       38.4       38.6  
   Labor  costs
    32.6       32.6       31.5       32.2  
   Occupancy and other expenses
    20.1       19.5       19.6       20.1  
   General and administrative expenses
    2.5       2.9       2.6       2.9  
   Depreciation and amortization
    3.7       2.3       3.3       2.5  
   Impairment of long-lived assets
    2.2       0.2       0.9       0.4  
Gain on property disposal
    (1.6 )           (0.7 )      
   Total costs and expenses
    97.9       96.4       95.7       96.6  
                                 
Income from operations
    2.1       3.6       4.3       3.4  
                                 
   Interest expense
    (1.2 )     (1.3 )     (1.1 )     (1.1 )
   Interest income
    0.0       0.0       0.2       0.0  
   Other income
    0.1       0.1       0.0       0.1  
      Income before income taxes
    1.0       2.5       3.4       2.4  
                                 
Income taxes
    0.6       0.9       1.4       0.8  
                                 
Net income
    0.4 %     1.6 %     2.0 %     1.6 %
                                 
Effective income tax rate
    56.4 %     34.3 %     41.6 %     33.3 %
 
20

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.
 
(Dollars in Thousands)
28 weeks Ended
 August 10, 2009
 
Buffet
Division (1)
   
Non-Buffet
Division(2)
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 31,292     $ 16,372     $     $ 47,664  
Food cost
    13,286       5,011             18,297  
Labor cost
    9,497       5,538             15,035  
Interest income
                75       75  
Interest expense
    (1 )           (517 )     (518 )
Depreciation & amortization
    1,076       483       20       1,579  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    290       146             436  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    724       2,393       (1,508 )     1,609  
                         
28 weeks Ended
 August 11, 2008
 
Buffet
Division (1)
   
Non-Buffet
Division(2)
   
Other
   
Total
 
Revenues
  $ 42,648     $ 14,741     $     $ 57,389  
Food cost
    17,345       4,826             22,171  
Labor cost
    13,172       5,315             18,487  
Interest income
                12       12  
Interest expense
    (3 )           (623 )     (626 )
Depreciation & amortization
    1,076       304       25       1,405  
Impairment of long-lived assets
    198       14             212  
Income (loss) before income taxes
    1,822       1,547       (1,976 )     1,393  

(1) The sales decrease was primarily from declines in comparable same store sales and nine closed 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 lower management labor costs compared to the prior year.  Income (loss) before income taxes decreased primarily as a result of the decline in revenue and increases in food and impairment expense.

(2) The sales increased due to the addition of four Non-Buffet restaurants with sales of approximately $1.9 million partially offset by the closure of four Non-Buffet restaurants with net loss of sales of approximately $900,000.  The food cost as a percentage of revenue decreased this year primarily due to lower food costs in the Casa Bonita in Tulsa which was not opened until the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2009.  Labor cost decreased as a percentage of revenue this year primarily due to lower management labor costs compared to the prior year.  Income (loss) before income taxes increased primarily as a result of lower food and labor costs.

Total revenues decreased $4.7 million or 19.5% from $24.2 million in the 12 weeks ended August 11, 2008 to $19.5 million in the 12 weeks ended August 10, 2009. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to 10 closed stores resulting in a sales decline of approximately $2.1 million and sales declines of approximately $3.3 million in comparable same store sales.  The decline in sales was partially offset by $700,000 increase in new stores or stores only opened for a portion of the second quarter of last year.  Total revenues decreased approximately $9.7 million or 16.9% from $57.4 million in the 28 weeks ended August 11, 2008 to $47.7 million in the 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009. The decrease in revenues was primarily attributable to 12 closed stores resulting in a sales decline of approximately $5.6 million and sales declines of approximately $5.6 million in comparable same store sales.  The decline in sales was partially offset by $1.5 million increase in new stores or stores only opened for a portion of the second quarter of last year.  The Company believes the decline in same store sales is a result of weaker economic conditions and due to new restaurant competition in certain markets.  The decline in sales on a same store basis significantly impacts consolidated net income because occupancy, salaries, benefits, and other expenses are primarily fixed in nature and generally do not vary significantly with restaurant sales volume. Occupancy and other expense includes major expenditures such as rent, insurance, property taxes, utilities, maintenance and advertising.

21

Food costs as a percentage of total revenues decreased from 39.0% during the 12-week period ended August 11, 2008 to 38.3% during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009, and from 38.6% during the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008 to 38.4% during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009. The decrease for the 12 and 28 weeks as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to lower food costs in the non-buffet restaurants.  The non-buffet restaurants traditionally have lower food cost as a percentage of revenues than the buffet restaurants.  The non-buffet restaurants contributed a higher percentage of total sales during the current fiscal year as compared to the same periods in the prior year, therefore lowering the overall food cost this year as a percentage of sales.

Labor costs as a percentage of total revenues remained flat from 32.6% during the 12-week period ended August 11, 2008 and during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009, and decreased from 32.2% during the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008 to 31.5% during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009.  The decrease as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to lower management labor costs as compared to the prior year. The decrease in total dollars of approximately $1.5 million and $3.4 million, respectively, was primarily from the decrease in total revenues.  The lower management labor costs were primarily attributable the Company temporarily suspending its manager bonus program. With minimum wage increases in July 2009 and January 2010 the labor percentage may increase in the future.

Occupancy and other expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased from 19.5% during the 12-week period ended August 11, 2008 to 20.1% during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009, and decreased from 20.1% during the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008 to 19.6% during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009.  The increase in the 12-week period ending August 10, 2009 was primarily attributable to higher utility costs as a percentage of revenue.  The decrease for the 28-week period ending August 10, 2009 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 2.9% during the 12-week period ended August 11, 2008 to 2.5% during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009, and from 2.9% during the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008 to 2.6% during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009.   The decrease for the 12 and 28-week periods ending August 10, 2009 as a percentage of total revenues was primarily attributable to lower field costs as compared to the same periods of the prior year.

Depreciation and amortization expense increased from $560,000 during the 12-week period ended August 11, 2008 to $725,000 during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009, and increased from $1,405,000 during the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008 to $1,579,000 during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009. The increase was primarily attributable increases in property acquired.

Interest expense decreased from $308,000 during the 12-week period ended August 11, 2008 to $229,000 during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009, and from $626,000 during the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008 to $518,000 during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009.  The decrease was attributable to a lower average debt balances and lower interest rates in the first two quarters of fiscal 2010 as compared to fiscal 2009.

Interest income decreased from $1,000 during the 12-week period ended August 11, 2008 to $0 during the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009, and increased from $12,000 during the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008 to $75,000 during the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009. Interest income was primarily generated by the Company’s tax refund in the first quarter of fiscal 2010.

22

Other income is primarily rental income from the Company’s leased properties. Rental income was $10,000 for one property leased for the entire 12-week period ended August 10, 2009. Rental income was $12,000 for one property leased for the entire 12-week period ended August 11, 2008.  The Company also had other income in the second quarter of fiscal 2009 of approximately $15,000 on the settlement of debt regarding the purchase of the Western Sizzlin in Magnolia, Arkansas.  Rental income was $21,000 for one property leased for the entire 28-week period ended August 10, 2009.  Rental income was $39,000 for one property leased for part of the first quarter and one property leased for the entire 28-week period ended August 11, 2008.

The income tax provision totaled $110,000 or 56.4% of pre-tax income for the 12-week period ended August 10, 2009 as compared to $205,000 or 34.3% of pre-tax income for the 12-week period ended August 11, 2008.  The income tax provision totaled $670,000 or 41.6% of pre-tax income for the 28-week period ended August 10, 2009 as compared to $465,000 or 33.3% of pre-tax income for the 28-week period ended August 11, 2008. The increases were primarily attributable the Company being unable to currently utilize all of its tax credits.

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.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

In recent years, the Company has financed operations through a combination of cash on hand, cash provided from operations, available borrowings under bank lines of credit and loans from the principal shareholder.

As of August 10, 2009, the Company had $1,123,000 in cash.  Cash and cash equivalents increased by $5,000 during the 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009. The net working capital deficit was $(7,386,000) and $(9,041,000) at August 10, 2009 and January 26, 2009, respectively. Total cash provided by operations for the 28 weeks ended August 10, 2009 was approximately $2,761,000 as compared to approximately $4,231,000 in the 28 weeks ended August 11, 2008.  The Company spent approximately $1,199,000 on capital expenditures in the first two quarters of fiscal 2010.

The Company has Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank N.A. consisting of $8,000,000 term loan and a $2,000,000 revolving line of credit.  The Credit Facility is guaranteed by Star Buffet’s 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 pledged as security for obligations existing as of January 31, 2008, 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; and $225,000 for the next nine quarters; and any remaining balance to be paid at maturity.  Interest is payable monthly.  The term loan balance was $4,675,000 on September 18, 2009.  The $2,000,000 revolving line of credit matures on January 31, 2012.  Interest on the revolver is payable monthly.  As of September 18, 2009, the revolving line of credit balance was $550,000.

23

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. and bears interest at 8.5%. In June, 2008, the Company borrowed an additional $592,000 from Mr. Wheaton under the same terms. This resulted in an increase in the subordinated note balance from $1,400,000 to $1,992,000.  The Company expensed and paid $91,000 to Mr. Wheaton for interest during the first two quarters of fiscal 2010. The principal balance and any unpaid interest is due and payable in full on June 5, 2012.  The Company used the funds borrowed from Mr. Wheaton for working capital requirements.

In April 2009, the Company refinanced an existing real estate mortgage with the Bank of Utah.  The Company entered into a $1,194,000 five year fixed rate real estate mortgage with the Bank of Utah. The mortgage has monthly payments including interest of $10,972. The interest rate is 7.25%. The mortgage is secured by the HomeTown Buffet in Layton, Utah and the JB’s restaurant in Vernal, Utah. The Company used the funds to payoff the previous loan with the Bank of Utah of $696,000 and to reduce the Company’s obligation on the term loan to Wells Fargo.

In August 2009, the Company financed part of the $1.1 million purchase of the land and building of its Whistle Junction restaurant in Titusville, Florida with a real estate mortgage with the Mainstreet Community Bank of Florida.  The Company entered into a $750,000 twenty year fixed rate real estate mortgage with a balloon payment due August 26, 2014. The mortgage has monthly payments including interest of $6,100. The interest rate is 7.5%.  The mortgage is secured by the Whistle Junction restaurant in Titusville, Florida.

The Company believes that cash on hand, availability under the revolving line of credit and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy working capital, capital expenditure and refinancing requirements during the next 12 months.  Additionally, management does not believe that the net working capital deficit will have any material effect on the Company’s ability to operate the business or meet obligations as they come due.  However, there can be no assurance that cash on hand, availability under the revolving line of credit and cash flow from operations will be sufficient to satisfy its working capital, capital expenditure and refinancing requirements.  Furthermore, given uncertain financial market conditions, on February 20, 2009, the Board of Directors voted to indefinitely suspend the annual dividend on the outstanding common stock of the Company.

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 be subject to variations, that may significantly affect the Company's reported results and financial position for the reported 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.


24

 
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 the 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 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.

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.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

The Company evaluates 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 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.

25

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 has purchased first dollar insurance for workers’ compensation claims; high-deductible primary property coverage; and excess policies for casualty losses.  Effective January 1, 2008, the Company modified its program for insuring casualty losses by lowering the self-insured retention levels from $2 million per occurrence to $100,000 per occurrence.  Accruals for self-insured casualty losses include estimates of expected claims payments.  Because of large, self-insured retention levels, actual liabilities could be materially different from calculated accruals.

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 of its wholly-owned direct and indirect independently capitalized subsidiaries 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
  $ 13,008     $ 1,709     $ 3,347     $ 6,682     $ 1,270  
Operating leases
    11,501       2,384       3,214       2,086       3,817  
Capital leases
    25       25                    
Purchase commitments
    1,100       1,100                    
Total contractual cash obligations
  $ 25,634     $ 5,218     $ 6,561     $ 8,768     $ 5,087  
 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

Under the terms of the current financing with Wells Fargo, the Company was 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. Wells Fargo has agreed to permanently waive the requirement for an interest rate swap or cap agreement.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS 157).  In February 2008, FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-2 which delayed the applicability of SFAS 157’s fair-value measurements of certain nonfinancial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.  In October 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair value of a Financial Asset When the Market for That Asset Is Not Active (collectively SFAS 157).  SFAS 157 establishes a framework for measuring the fair value of assets and liabilities. This framework is intended to provide increased consistency in how fair value determinations are made under various existing accounting standards which permit, or in some cases require, estimates of fair market value. SFAS 157 also expands financial statement disclosure requirements about a Company’s use of fair value measurements, including the effect of such measures on earnings. SFAS 157 was adopted in the beginning of fiscal 2009 for the Company’s financial assets and liabilities.  The Company does not anticipate the application of SFAS 157 to nonfinancial assets and nonfinancial liabilities will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

26

In March 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 161, Disclosures about Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities—an Amendment of SFAS No. 133 (“SFAS 161”).  SFAS 161 modifies existing requirements to include qualitative disclosures regarding the objectives and strategies for using derivatives, fair value amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments and disclosures about credit-risk-related contingent features in derivative agreements. In addition, SFAS 161 requires the cross-referencing of derivative disclosures within the consolidated financial statements and notes.  This statement is effective for fiscal years and interim periods beginning after November 15, 2008.  For the Company the statement was effective at of the 2010 fiscal year.  The Company does not currently have any derivative instruments and hedging activities and the adoption of SFAS 161 has not had a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2008, the FASB issued FSP No. APB 14-1, Accounting for Convertible Debt Instruments that May be Settled in Cash Upon Conversion (Including Partial Cash Settlement) (“APB 14-1”).  APB 14-1 requires that the liability and equity components of convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash (or other assets) upon conversion (including partial cash settlement) be separately accounted for in a manner that reflects an issuer’s nonconvertible debt borrowing rate. The resulting debt discount is amortized over the period the convertible debt is expected to be outstanding as additional non-cash interest expense. APB 14-1 was effective for the Company at the beginning of its 2010 fiscal year.  Retrospective application to all periods presented is required except for instruments that were not outstanding during any of the periods that will be presented in the annual financial statements for the period of adoption but were outstanding during an earlier period. The Company does not currently have any convertible debt instruments and the adoption of APB 14-1 has not had a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2008, the FASB ratified Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue 07-5, Determining Whether an Instrument (or an Embedded Feature) Is Indexed to an Entity’s Own Stock (“EITF 07-5”). EITF 07-5 provides that an entity should use a two step approach to evaluate whether an equity-linked financial instrument (or embedded feature) is indexed to its own stock, including evaluating the instrument’s contingent exercise and settlement provisions. It also clarifies the impact of foreign currency denominated strike prices and market-based employee stock option valuation instruments on the evaluation. EITF 07-5 was effective for the Company at the beginning of its 2010 fiscal year.  The Company does not currently have any instrument (or an embedded feature) that is indexed to its own stock and the adoption of EITF 07-5 has not had a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
 
In May 2009, the FASB issued SFAS No. 165, Subsequent Events (“SFAS 165”).  This Statement is intended to establish general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued.  It requires the disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events and the basis for that date—that is, whether that date represents the date the financial statements were issued or were available to be issued.  This disclosure should alert all users of financial statements that an entity has not evaluated subsequent events after that date in the set of financial statements being presented.  SFAS 165 is effective for interim and annual periods ending after June 15, 2009.  SFAS 165 is not expected to have any impact on the Company’s financial position or results from operations. The Company has evaluated subsequent events through September 24, 2009 which is the date that these financial statements were filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

In May 2008, the FASB issued SFAS No. 162, “The Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles” (“SFAS 162”).  SFAS 162 is intended to improve financial reporting by identifying a consistent framework, or hierarchy, for selecting accounting principles to be used in preparing financial statements that are presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for nongovernmental entities.  Prior to the issuance of SFAS 162, the GAAP hierarchy was defined in the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Statement on Auditing Standards No. 69, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles”.  SFAS 162 is effective 60 days following the Securities and Exchange Commission’s approval of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board Auditing amendments to AU Section 411, “The Meaning of Present Fairly in Conformity With Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.”  The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS 162 to have an impact on its operating results or financial position.
 
 
27

In June, 2009, the FASB approved the “FASB Accounting Standards Codification” (“Codification”), which will officially launch on July 1, 2009, and will be effective for financial statements for interim or annual reporting periods ending after September 15, 2009.  The Codification is not expected to change U. S. GAAP, but will combine all authoritative standards into a comprehensive, topically organized online database.  After the Codification launch on July 1, 2009 only one level of authoritative GAAP will exist, other than guidance issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).  All other accounting literature excluded from the Codification will be considered non-authoritative.  The Company is currently evaluating the potential effect on its financial statements.

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 such 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.

Our principal executive officer and principal accounting officer assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of January 26, 2009 and identified two significant deficiencies which are noted below.  A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit attention by those responsible for oversight of the Company’s financial reporting.  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.  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”).  The two significant deficiencies identified included:

 
·
Inadequate segregation of duties (significant deficiency);

 
·
Incorrect application of gain contingency (significant deficiency).

As of August 10, 2009, the significant deficiency for inadequate segregation of duties still exists.  This significant deficiency has been communicated to the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm and the audit committee and has been taken into account by the Company’s principal executive officer and principal accounting officer in reviewing the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Based on the foregoing, these officers have concluded that the Company’s internal control over financial reporting remains ineffective due to the same factors that were assessed at January 26, 2009.

There have been no changes to our internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with our evaluation that occurred during our latest fiscal quarter of 2010 that materially affects, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

28

 
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 or results of operations.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

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 26, 2009.

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

The annual meeting of stockholders was held on June 22, 2009.  Of the 3,213,075 shares of the Company’s common stock issued and outstanding and entitled to vote at the meeting, there were present at the meeting, in person or by proxy, the holders of 3,101,060 common shares, representing 96.51% of the total number of shares entitled to vote at the meeting.  This percentage represents a quorum.  The following matters were voted upon at the stockholders’ meeting:

1.           Each of the five nominees to the Board of Directors was elected to serve a one-year term expiring at the annual meeting of stockholders to be held in 2010 or until their successors are elected and qualified:
 
Name
Number of Votes Cast
 
For
 
Authority Withheld
Robert E. Wheaton
2,942,306
 
2,381
Thomas G. Schadt
2,943,506
 
1,181
Craig B. Wheaton
2,943,200
 
1,487
B. Thomas M. Smith, Jr.
2,943,506
 
1,181
Todd S. Brown
2,943,606
 
1,081
 
2.           The ratification of the selection of Mayer Hoffman McCann P.C. as independent public accountants of the Company for the current fiscal year was approved by the following vote:
 
Votes Cast
Number of Shares
For
3,067,569
Against
1,109
Abstain
32,382
Broker Non-Votes
112,015

29

Item 5.  Other Information

During the second fiscal quarter the Audit Committee dismissed our prior auditors and appointed Moss Adams LLP to serve as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal 2010, as reported on the Form 8-K dated August 5, 2009 filed with the SEC by the Company.
 
 
30

Item 6.  Exhibits

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

Exhibit 
Description
Number
of Exhibit                                                                                                           

3.1 
Certificate of Incorporation*
3.2 
Bylaws, as amended on September 22, 1997*
4.1 
Form of Common Stock Certificate**
31.1 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2 
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2 
Certification of Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 906 of theSarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
99.1 
Press release dated September 24, 2009.

* 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).



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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 hereunto duly authorized.
 
 
STAR BUFFET, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
 
       
September 24, 2009 
By:
/s/ Robert E. Wheaton  
   
Robert E. Wheaton
Chairman of the Board,
President, Chief Executive Officer and
Principal Executive Officer
 
       
       
       
September 24, 2009 
By:
/s/ Ronald E. Dowdy   
   
Ronald E. Dowdy
Group Controller,
Treasurer, Secretary and
Principal Accounting Officer
 
 
 
32