ARK RESTAURANTS CORP 10-K

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosure The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes included under Item 8 of this annual report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including but not limited to, those discussed elsewhere in this annual report. Please see the discussion of forward-looking statements at the beginning of this annual report under "Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements". Inflation Beginning in 2021, our operating results were impacted by geopolitical and other macroeconomic events, causing supply chain challenges and significantly increased commodity and wage inflation. While we have seen improvements in many of these areas, some of these factors continued to impact our operating results in fiscal 2024. The ongoing impact of these events could lead to further shifts in consumer behavior, wage inflation, staffing challenges, product and services cost inflation, disruptions in our supply chain and delays in opening and acquiring new restaurants. If these factors significantly impact our cash flow in the future, we may again implement mitigation actions such as continued suspension of dividends, increasing borrowings or modifying our operating strategies. Some of these measures may have an adverse impact on our business, including possible impairments of assets. Overview As of September 28, 2024, the Company owned and operated 17 restaurants and bars, 16 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and service, class of customer and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reporting segment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. 15 Accounting Period Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30. We report fiscal years under a 52/53-week format. This reporting method is used by many companies in the hospitality industry and is meant to improve year-to-year comparisons of operating results. Under this method, certain years will contain 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 both included 52 weeks. Seasonality The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionally with sales. Although our business is highly seasonal, our broader geographical reach as a result of prior acquisitions is expected to continue to mitigate some of the risk. For instance, the second quarter of our fiscal year, consisting of the non-holiday portion of the cold weather season in New York and Washington (January, February and March), is the poorest performing quarter; however, in recent years this has been partially offset by our locations in Florida as they experience increased results in the winter months. We generally achieve our best results during the warmer weather, attributable to our extensive outdoor dining availability, particularly at Bryant Park in New York and Sequoia in Washington, D.C. (our largest restaurants) and our outdoor cafes. However, even during summer months these facilities can be adversely affected by unusually cool or rainy weather conditions. Our facilities in Las Vegas are indoor and generally operate on a more consistent basis throughout the year, although in recent years the summer months have seen lower traffic. Recent Developments The Company's agreements with the Bryant Park Corporation (the “Landlord”), (a private non-profit entity that manages Bryant Park under agreements with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation) for the Bryant Park Grill & Cafe and The Porch at Bryant Park expire on April 30, 2025. During July 2023 (for the Bryant Park Grill & Cafe ) and September 2023 (for The Porch at Bryant Park) , the Company received requests for proposals (the "RFPs") from the Landlord to which we responded on October 26, 2023. The agreements offered under the RFPs for both locations are for new 10-year agreements, with one five-year renewal option. Any operator awarded the agreements must be approved by both the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and the New York Public Library. To date, the landlord has not announced the selection of a successful bidder; however, the landlord has made public statements of its intention to select an operator other than the Company. In response to these public statements and other information obtained by the Company, management has engaged outside advisors who have been assisting with our efforts to obtain the extensions by ensuring the RFP awards process is both fair and transparent. We intend to pursue all available options to protect our interests. The Bryant Park Grill & Cafe and The Porch at Bryant Park, collectively, accounted for $31.1 million and $30.4 million of our total revenues in fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively, which represented approximately 17.35% and 16.78% of our total revenue for such periods, respectively. The Company’s inability to extend or renew these leases on favorable terms, if at all, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Results of Operations The Company’s operating loss for the year ended September 28, 2024 (which includes a goodwill impairment charge of $4,000,000, a loss on the closure of El Rio Grande of $876,000 and impairment losses on right-of-use and long-lived assets in the amount of $2,500,000 related to Sequoia ) was $4,294,000, down 11.3% as compared to an operating loss for the year ended September 30, 2023 (which includes a goodwill impairment charge of $10,000,000) of $4,840,000 for the year ended September 30, 2023. Excluding the goodwill impairment charges of $4,000,000 and $10,000,000, respectively, for the fiscal years ended 2024 and 2023 and the loss on the closure of El Rio Grande of $876,000 and the impairment losses on right-of-use and long-lived assets of $2,500,000 related to Sequoia for fiscal year ended 2024, operating income for the year ended September 28, 2024 decreased 40.3% to $3,082,000 as compared to $5,160,000 for the year ended September 30, 2023. We attribute this decrease primarily to a decrease in same store sales as discussed below combined with increased base rents and inflationary pressures related to non-commodity items partially offset by the reversal of stock-based compensation expenses relating to forfeitures in the amount of $1,156,000 combined with the negative impact on the prior period of the temporary closure of Gallagher's Steakhouse for renovation on February 5, 2023 (which reopened on April 28, 2023). 16 The following table summarizes the significant components of the Company’s operating results for the years ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively: Year Ended Variance September 28, 2024 September 30, 2023 $ % REVENUES: (in thousands) Food and beverage sales $ 179,110 $ 180,820 $ (1,710) -0.9 % Other revenue 4,435 3,973 462 11.6 % Total revenues 183,545 184,793 (1,248) -0.7 % COSTS AND EXPENSES: Food and beverage cost of sales 49,519 49,624 (105) -0.2 % Payroll expenses 65,844 66,322 (478) -0.7 % Occupancy expenses 24,622 23,472 1,150 4.9 % Other operating costs and expenses 24,125 23,498 627 2.7 % General and administrative expenses 12,263 12,407 (144) -1.2 % Depreciation and amortization 4,090 4,310 (220) -5.1 % Loss on closure of El Rio Grande 876 — 876 N/A Impairment losses on right-of-use and long-lived assets 2,500 — 2,500 N/A Goodwill impairment 4,000 10,000 (6,000) N/A Total costs and expenses 187,839 189,633 (1,794) -0.9 % OPERATING LOSS $ (4,294) $ (4,840) $ 546 11.3 % Revenues During the year ended September 28, 2024, revenues decreased -0.7% as compared to revenues for the year ended September 30, 2023. We attribute this small decrease primarily to the changes in same-store sales discussed below. Food and Beverage Same-Store Sales On a Company-wide basis, same-store food and beverage sales for the year ended September 28, 2024 decreased 1.1% as compared with the year ended September 30, 2023 as follows: Year Ended Variance September 28, 2024 September 30, 2023 $ % (in thousands) Las Vegas $ 55,794 $ 55,441 $ 353 0.6 % New York 37,318 37,039 279 0.8 % Washington, D.C. 9,135 10,599 (1,464) -13.8 % Atlantic City, NJ 2,923 2,999 (76) -2.5 % Alabama 17,885 17,175 710 4.1 % Florida 53,390 55,122 (1,732) -3.1 % Same-store sales 176,445 178,375 $ (1,930) -1.1 % Other 2,665 2,445 Food and beverage sales $ 179,110 $ 180,820 Same-store sales in Las Vegas increased marginally which we primarily attribute to the negative impact to the prior period as a result of the temporary closure of Gallagher's Steakhouse for renovation from February 5, 2023 to April 27, 2023, partially offset by a decrease in customer traffic in the current year. Same-store sales in New York increased marginally which we primarily attribute to targeted menu price increases. Same-store sales in Washington, D.C. decreased 13.8% which we primarily attribute to 17 lower headcounts, especially during lunch and after-work hours, which we attribute to continued hybrid work schedules as well as the closure of the property from Monday through lunch on Thursdays during winter months. Same-store sales in Atlantic City, NJ decreased 2.5% which we primarily attribute to lower customer traffic at the property where we are located. Same-store sales in Alabama increased 4.1% which we primarily attribute to better than expected customer traffic and targeted menu price increases. Same-store sales in Florida decreased 3.1% which we primarily attribute to lower headcounts as compared to the comparable prior period, which benefited from outsized volumes as a result of the population increase in Southeast Florida as a result of the migration of people during the pandemic partially offset by targeted menu price increases. Other food and beverage sales consist of administrative fees and other charges related to catered events. Our restaurants generally do not achieve substantial increases in revenue from year to year, which we consider to be typical of the restaurant industry. To achieve significant increases in revenue or to replace revenue of restaurants that lose customer favor or which close because of lease expirations or other reasons, we would have to open additional restaurant facilities or expand existing restaurants. There can be no assurance that a restaurant will be successful after it is opened, particularly since in many instances we do not operate our new restaurants under a trade name currently used by us, thereby requiring new restaurants to establish their own identity. Other Revenues Included in other revenues are purchase service fees which represent commissions earned by a subsidiary of the Company for providing purchasing services to other restaurant groups, as well as merchandise sales, license fees, property management fees and other rentals. The increase in other revenues for the year ended September 28, 2024 as compared to the year ended September 30, 2023 is primarily due to an increase in purchase service fees. Costs and Expenses Costs and expenses for the years ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 were as follows (in thousands): Year Ended September 28, 2024 % to Total Revenues Year Ended September 30, 2023 % to Total Revenues Increase (Decrease) $ % Food and beverage cost of sales $ 49,519 27.0 % $ 49,624 26.9 % $ (105) -0.2 % Payroll expenses 65,844 35.9 % 66,322 35.9 % (478) -0.7 % Occupancy expenses 24,622 13.4 % 23,472 12.7 % 1,150 4.9 % Other operating costs and expenses 24,125 13.1 % 23,498 12.7 % 627 2.7 % General and administrative expenses 12,263 6.7 % 12,407 6.7 % (144) -1.2 % Depreciation and amortization 4,090 2.2 % 4,310 2.3 % (220) -5.1 % Loss on closure of El Rio Grande 876 0.5 % — — % 876 N/A Impairment losses on right-of-use and long-lived assets 2,500 1.4 % — — % 2,500 N/A Goodwill impairment 4,000 2.2 % 10,000 5.4 % (6,000) N/A Total costs and expenses $ 187,839 $ 189,633 $ (1,794) Food and beverage costs as a percentage of total revenues for the year ended September 28, 2024 were consistent with last year which we attribute to stabilized commodity prices. Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the year ended September 28, 2024 were consistent with last year, which we attribute primarily to increased minimum wages in the states where we operate offset by better shift management and related overtime hours. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the year ended September 28, 2024 increased as compared to last year, which we attribute primarily to increases in base rents and increases in property and liability insurance premiums. Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the year ended September 28, 2024 increased as compared to last year primarily as a result of inflation. General and administrative expenses (which relate solely to the corporate office in New York City) for the year ended September 28, 2024 decreased as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result of the reversal of compensation 18 expense in the amount of $1,134,000 related to options that expired or were cancelled unexercised partially offset by increased legal and consulting expenses and annual merit increases. Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended September 28, 2024 decreased slightly as compared to the same period of last year, which we attribute primarily to certain assets becoming fully depreciated. Loss on Closure of El Rio Grande The Company advised the landlord of El Rio Grande (a consolidated VIE) we would be terminating the lease and closing the property permanently on or around January 1, 2025. In connection with this notification, the Company recorded a loss of $876,000 during the year ended September 28, 2024 consisting of: (i) rent and other costs incurred in accordance with the termination provisions of the lease in the amount of $398,000, (ii) accrued severance and other costs in the amount of $94,000, (iii) an impairment charge related to long-lived assets in the amount of $269,000 and (iv) the write-off of our security deposit in the amount of $238,000, all partially offset by a gain related to the write-off of ROU assets and related lease liabilities in the net amount of $123,000. Impairment Losses on Right-of-Use and Long-lived Assets During the year ended September 28, 2024, impairment indicators were identified at our Sequoia property located in Washington, D.C. due to lower-than-expected operating results. Accordingly, the Company tested the recoverability of Sequoia's ROU and long-lived assets and concluded they were not recoverable. Based on a discounted cash flow analysis, the Company recognized impairment charges of $1,561,000 and $939,000 related to Sequoia's ROU assets and long-lived assets, respectively. No impairment charges were recognized related to long-lived assets or ROU assets during the year ended September 30, 2023. Given the inherent uncertainty in projecting results of restaurants, the Company will continue to monitor the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of Sequoia and several other restaurants on an ongoing basis. If expected performance is not realized, further impairment charges may be recognized in future periods, and such charges could be material. Goodwill Impairment Goodwill is the excess of cost over fair market value of tangible and intangible net assets acquired. Goodwill is not presently amortized but tested for impairment annually or when the facts or circumstances indicate a possible impairment of goodwill as a result of a continual decline in performance or as a result of fundamental changes in a market. In performing its goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2023, the Company determined that a triggering event had occurred. Due to the volatility of the Company's stock price in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the upcoming expiration of the current Bryant Park Grill & Cafe and The Porch at Bryant Park leases on April 30, 2025 and the related requests for proposals from the landlord for both locations received in July 2023 and September 2023, respectively (see Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements), the Company determined that there were indicators of potential impairment of its goodwill as of September 30, 2023. As of September 28, 2024, there had been a lack of communication from the landlord regarding our proposals. In August 2024, the Company became aware that the landlord was in discussions with another operator. Accordingly, the Company performed qualitative and quantitative assessments of its goodwill as of September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023. The fair value of our equity was determined using the income approach. Given the relatively low volume of shares traded as of September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Company determined the income approach provided the best approximation of fair value. In the income approach, we utilized a discounted cash flow analysis, which involved estimating the expected future after-tax cash flows generated and then discounting those cash flows to present value, reflecting the relevant risks associated with the achievement of projected cash flows, the possibility that the Bryant Park Grill & Cafe and The Porch at Bryant Park leases may not be renewed beyond their expirations on April 30, 2025, and the time value of money. This approach requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including forecasted revenue growth rates, forecasted cash flows from operations, and discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in the future cash flows. Based on the impairment analysis, the carrying amount of our equity exceeded its estimated fair value, which indicated an impairment of the carrying value of our goodwill at September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023. Accordingly, during the fourth quarters of fiscal 2024 and 2023, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of $4,000,000 and $10,000,000, respectively, of which $4,000,000 and $8,000,000, respectively, was deductible for tax purposes and resulted in a deferred income tax benefit of $1,074,000 and $2,300,000, respectively. Such impairments have been attributed to factors such as, but not limited to, a decrease in the market price of the Company's common stock and lower than expected profitability. Income Taxes Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for uncertain tax positions reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income tax in numerous state taxing jurisdictions. Significant judgment and estimates are required in the determination of consolidated income tax expense. The provision for income taxes 19 reflects federal income taxes calculated on a consolidated basis and state and local income taxes which are calculated on a separate entity basis. For state and local income tax purposes, certain losses incurred by a subsidiary may only be used to offset that subsidiary’s income, with the exception of the restaurants operating in the District of Columbia. Accordingly, our overall effective tax rate has varied depending on the level of income and losses incurred at individual subsidiaries. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets in the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. The assumptions about future taxable income require the use of significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. On December 27, 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (“CAA”) was enacted and provided clarification on the tax deductibility of expenses funded with PPP loans as fully deductible for tax purposes. During the years ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Company recorded income of $285,000 and $272,000, respectively, for financial reporting purposes related to the forgiveness of its PPP loans. The forgiveness of these amounts is not taxable. The Company’s overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as the utilization of state and local net operating loss carryforwards, the generation of FICA tax credits and the mix of earnings by state taxing jurisdictions as Nevada does not impose a state income tax, as compared to the other major state and local jurisdictions in which the Company has operations. Our overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as income earned by our VIEs, generation of FICA TIP credits and the mix of geographical income for state tax purposes as Nevada does not impose an income tax. Liquidity and Capital Resources Our primary source of capital has been cash provided by operations and, in recent years, bank and other borrowings to finance specific transactions, acquisitions and large remodeling projects. We utilize cash generated from operations to fund the cost of developing and opening new restaurants and smaller remodeling projects of existing restaurants we own. Consistent with many other restaurant operators, we typically use operating lease arrangements for our restaurants. In recent years, we have been able to acquire the underlying real estate at several locations along with the restaurant operation. We believe that our operating lease arrangements provide appropriate leverage of our capital structure in a financially efficient manner. The Company had a working capital deficit of $10,659,000 at September 28, 2024 as compared to working capital deficit of $5,932,000 at September 30, 2023. This increase in the deficit is primarily the result of all of our note payments becoming current as they mature through May 31, 2025. The Company is currently working with its lender on a new credit agreement which we expect to be completed in the second fiscal quarter of 2025; however, there can be no assurances that this agreement will be completed. We believe that our existing cash balances and current banking facilities will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements and finance our operating activities for at least the next 12 months. Inflation Beginning in 2021, our operating results were impacted by geopolitical and other macroeconomic events, causing supply chain challenges and significantly increased commodity and wage inflation. While we have seen improvements in many of these areas, some of these factors continued to impact our operating results in fiscal 2024. The ongoing impact of these events could lead to further shifts in consumer behavior, wage inflation, staffing challenges, product and services cost inflation, disruptions in our supply chain and delays in opening and acquiring new restaurants. If these factors significantly impact our cash flow in the future, we may again implement mitigation actions such as continued suspension of dividends, increasing borrowings or modifying our operating strategies. Some of these measures may have an adverse impact on our business, including possible impairments of assets. While we have been able to offset inflation and other changes in the costs of key operating resources by targeted increases in menu prices, coupled with more efficient purchasing practices, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to do so in the future. From time to time, competitive conditions will limit our menu pricing flexibility. In addition, macroeconomic conditions that impact consumer discretionary spending for food away from home could make additional menu price increases imprudent. There can be no assurance that all of our future cost increases can be offset by higher menu prices or that higher menu prices will be accepted by our restaurant customers without any resulting changes in their visit frequencies or purchasing patterns. 20 Cash Flows for the Years Ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023 Net cash provided by operating activities for the year ended September 28, 2024 decreased to $4,654,000 as compared to $8,386,000 for the year ended September 30, 2023 and resulted primarily from changes in net working capital primarily related to prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes and accounts payable and accrued expenses. Net cash used in investing activities for the year ended September 28, 2024 was $2,392,000 compared to net cash provided by investing activities of $1,276,000 for the year ended September 30, 2023. This decrease resulted primarily from proceeds from the maturity of certificates of deposit in the prior period partially offset by lower purchases of fixed assets at existing restaurants in the current period. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 28, 2024 was $5,404,000 and resulted primarily from principal payments on notes payable in the amount of $1,987,000, the payment of dividends in the amount of $2,028,000 and the payment of distributions to non-controlling interests in the amount of $1,389,000. Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended September 30, 2023 was $19,686,000 and resulted primarily from principal payments on notes payable of $16,334,000 (including the prepayment of a promissory note in the amount of $6,666,000 on March 30, 2023 and the prepayment of three promissory notes in the aggregate amount of $6,046,000 on April 4, 2023), the payment of dividends in the amount of $2,252,000 and the payment of distributions to non-controlling interests in the amount of $1,139,000. On November 8, 2023, February 6, 2024, and May 7, 2024, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") declared quarterly cash dividends of $0.1875, $0.1875, and $0.1875, respectively, per share, which were paid on December 13, 2023, March 13, 2024, and June 12, 2024, respectively, to the stockholders of record of the Company's common stock at the close of business on November 30, 2023, February 29, 2024, and May 31, 2024, respectively. The Board has not declared any dividends since May 7, 2024. Future decisions to pay dividends are at the discretion of the Board and will depend upon operating performance and other factors. Restaurant Expansion and Other Developments On April 8, 2022, the Company extended its lease for Gallagher's Steakhouse at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV through December 31, 2032. In connection with the extension, the Company agreed to spend a minimum of $1,500,000 to materially refresh the premises by April 30, 2023 (as extended from September 30, 2022 due to supply chain issues). Accordingly, the property was substantially closed for renovation on February 5, 2023 and reopened on April 28, 2023. The total cost of the refresh was approximately $1,900,000. On June 24, 2022, the Company extended its lease for America at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV through December 31, 2033. In connection with the extension, the Company has agreed to spend a minimum of $4,000,000 to materially refresh the premises by December 31, 2025 (as extended from December 31, 2024, subject to further extension as set out in the agreement. To date approximately $100,000 has been spent on this refresh. On July 21, 2022, the Company extended its lease for the Village Eateries at the New York-New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV through December 31, 2034. As part of this extension, the Broadway Burger Bar and Grill and Gonzalez y Gonzalez , were carved out of the Village Eateries footprint and the extended date for those two locations is December 31, 2033. In connection with the extension, the Company has agreed to spend a minimum of $3,500,000 to materially refresh all three of these premises by December 31, 2025 (as extended from June 30, 2023), subject to further extension as set out in the agreement. To date approximately $950,000 has been spent on this refresh. Each of the above refresh obligations are to be consistent with designs approved by the landlord which shall not be unreasonably withheld. We have and will continue to pay all rent as required by the leases without abatement during construction. Note that our substantial completion of work set forth in plans approved by the landlord shall constitute our compliance with the requirements of the completion deadlines, regardless of whether or not the amount actually expended in connection therewith is less than the minimum. Our restaurants generally do not achieve substantial increases in revenue from year to year, which we consider to be typical of the restaurant industry. To achieve significant increases in revenue or to replace revenue of restaurants that lose customer favor or which close because of lease expirations or other reasons, we would have to open additional restaurant facilities or expand existing restaurants. There can be no assurance that a restaurant will be successful after it is opened, particularly since in many instances we do not operate our new restaurants under a trade name currently used by us, thereby requiring new restaurants to establish their own identity. We may take advantage of other opportunities we consider to be favorable, when they occur, depending upon the availability of financing and other factors. 21 Recent Restaurant Dispositions The Company advised the landlord of El Rio Grande (a consolidated VIE) we would be terminating the lease and closing the property permanently on or around January 1, 2025. In connection with this notification, the Company recorded a loss of $876,000 during the year ended September 28, 2024 consisting of: (i) rent and other costs incurred in accordance with the termination provisions of the lease in the amount of $398,000, (ii) accrued severance and other costs in the amount of $94,000, (iii) an impairment charge related to long-lived assets in the amount of $269,000 and (iv) the write-off of our security deposit in the amount of $238,000, all partially offset by a gain related to the write-off of ROU assets and related lease liabilities in the net amount of $123,000. Investment in and Receivable from New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC On March 12, 2013, the Company made a $4,200,000 investment in the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC (“NMR”) through its purchase of a membership interest in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, an existing member of NMR with a 63.7% ownership interest. On November 19, 2013, the Company invested an additional $464,000 in NMR through a purchase of an additional membership interest in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC resulting in a total ownership of 11.6% of Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, and an effective ownership interest in NMR of 7.4%, subject to dilution. In 2015, the Company invested an additional $222,000 in NMR with no change in ownership. In February 2017, the Company funded its proportionate share ($222,000) of a $3,000,000 capital call bringing its total investment to $5,108,000 with no change in ownership. During the years ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Company received distributions from NMR in the amounts of $26,000 and $52,000, respectively, which are included in other income in the consolidated statements of operations for the years then ended. In addition to the Company’s ownership interest in NMR, if casino gaming is approved at the Meadowlands and NMR is granted the right to conduct said gaming, the Company shall be granted the exclusive right to operate the food and beverage concessions in the gaming facility with the exception of one restaurant. In conjunction with this investment, the Company, through a 97% owned subsidiary, Ark Meadowlands LLC (“AM VIE”), also entered into a long-term agreement with NMR for the exclusive right to operate food and beverage concessions serving the new raceway facilities (the “Racing F&B Concessions”) located in the new raceway grandstand constructed at the Meadowlands Racetrack in northern New Jersey. Under the agreement, NMR is responsible to pay for the costs and expenses incurred in the operation of the Racing F&B Concessions, and all revenues and profits thereof inure to the benefit of NMR. AM VIE receives an annual fee equal to 5% of the net profits received by NMR from the Racing F&B Concessions during each calendar year. On April 25, 2014, the Company loaned $1,500,000 to Meadowlands Newmark, LLC. The note bears interest at 3%, compounded monthly and added to the principal, and is due in its entirety on January 31, 2024. The note may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time without penalty or premium. The principal and accrued interest related to this note in the amounts of $1,442,000 and $1,399,000, are included in Investment In and Receivable From New Meadowlands Racetrack in the consolidated balance sheets at September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, respectively. On April 30, 2023, the due date of the note was extended to June 30, 2029. Notes Payable – Bank On March 30, 2023, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), with its lender, Bank Hapoalim B.M. (“BHBM”). This facility, which matures on June 1, 2025, replaced our revolving credit facility which was entered into on June 1, 2018 (the "Prior Credit Agreement"). Under the terms of the Credit Agreement: (i) a promissory note under the Prior Credit Agreement in the amount of $6,666,000 was repaid, (ii) BHBM established a new revolving credit facility in the amount of $10,000,000 with a commitment termination date of May 31, 2025, (iii) the Company may use the revolving commitments of BHBM to obtain letters of credit up to a sublimit thereunder of $1,000,000, and (iv) the LIBOR rate option for all borrowings was replaced with the secured overnight financing rate for U.S. Government Securities (“SOFR”). Advances under the Credit Agreement bear interest, at the Company's election at the time of the advance, at either BHBM's prime rate of interest plus a 0.45% spread or SOFR plus a 3.65% spread. In addition, there is a 0.30% per annum fee for any unused portion of the $10,000,000 revolving facility. As of September 28, 2024, no advances were outstanding under the Credit Agreement. As of September 28, 2024, the weighted average interest on the outstanding BHBM indebtedness was approximately 8.9%. The replacement of LIBOR with SOFR as a reference rate in our debt agreements did not have a material adverse effect on our financial position or materially affect our interest expense. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement, which include the promissory notes as discussed in Note 10 of the consolidated financial statements in the aggregate amount of $5,167,000, are secured by all tangible and intangible personal property (including 22 accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, general intangibles, documents, chattel paper, instruments, letter-of-credit rights, investment property, intellectual property and deposit accounts) and fixtures of the Company. The loan agreements provide, among other things, that the Company meet minimum quarterly tangible net worth amounts, maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and meet minimum annual net income amounts. The loan agreements also contain customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants as well as customary negative covenants, subject to negotiated exceptions on liens, relating to other indebtedness, capital expenditures, liens, affiliate transactions, disposal of assets and certain changes in ownership. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Credit Agreement as of September 28, 2024 except for the minimum annual net income requirement. On December 11, 2024, BHBM agreed to waive applicability of this covenant (and any breach arising therefrom) as of September 28, 2024. Paycheck Protection Program Loans Prior to fiscal 2023, the Company received loan proceeds from several banks in the aggregate amount of $15,106,000 (the “PPP Loans”) under the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020. Under the terms of the PPP Loans, some or all of the amounts thereunder, including accrued interest, were to be forgiven if they were used for Qualifying Expenses as described in and in compliance with the CARES Act. During the year ended September 30, 2023, $272,000 of PPP Loans (including $6,000 of accrued interest), were forgiven. During the year ended September 30, 2023, the Company made payments related to the unforgiven portion of PPP Loans in the aggregate amount of $531,000. As of September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, no PPP Loans were outstanding; however, the Company was denied forgiveness of one PPP Loan in fiscal 2023 in the amount of $285,000 and accordingly such amount was repaid. The Company filed an appeal concurrent with the repayment, which was granted and the amount was forgiven and refunded to the Company in November 2023. Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. While all of these significant accounting policies impact our financial condition and results of operations, we view certain of these policies as critical. Policies determined to be critical are those policies that have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements and require management to use a greater degree of judgment and estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates. We believe that given current facts and circumstances, it is unlikely that applying any other reasonable judgments or estimate methodologies would cause a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows for the periods presented in this report. Below are listed certain policies that management believes are critical: Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a restaurant guest or other customer. Revenues from restaurant operations are presented net of discounts, coupons, employee meals and complimentary meals and recognized when food, beverage and retail products are sold. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from sales and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Catering service revenue is generated through contracts with customers whereby the customer agrees to pay a contract rate for the service. Revenues from catered events are recognized in income upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (the date the event is held) and all customer payments, including nonrefundable upfront deposits, are deferred as a liability until such time. Revenues from gift cards are deferred and recognized upon redemption. Deferrals are not reduced for potential non-use as we generally have a legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions in which they are sold. Other revenues include purchase service fees which represent commissions earned by a subsidiary of the Company for providing purchasing services to other restaurant groups, as well as license fees, property management fees and other rentals. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP 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. Significant estimates are used for, but are not limited to: (i) projected cash flows related to asset impairments, including goodwill and intangibles, (ii) income tax valuation allowances for deferred tax assets, (iii) allowances for potential credit losses on receivables, (iv) assumptions regarding 23 discount rates related to lease accounting, (v) the useful lives and recoverability of our long-lived assets, such as fixed assets and intangibles, (vi) fair values of financial instruments, (vii) share-based compensation, (viii) estimates made in connection with acquisition purchase price allocations, (ix) uncertain tax positions, and (x) determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. The Company’s accounting estimates require the use of judgment as future events and the effect of these events cannot be predicted with certainty. The accounting estimates may change as new events occur, as more experience is acquired and as more information is obtained. The Company evaluates and updates assumptions and estimates on an ongoing basis and may use outside experts to assist in the Company’s evaluation, as considered necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Long-Lived Assets Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment subject to amortization, and right-of-use assets ("ROU assets") are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including estimated future sales growth and estimated profit margins are included in this analysis. The Company considers a triggering event related to long-lived or ROU assets in a net asset position to have occurred related to a specific restaurant if the restaurant’s cash flows for the last 12 months are less than a minimum threshold or if consistent levels of undiscounted cash flows for the remaining lease period are less than the carrying value of the restaurant’s assets. Additionally, the Company considers a triggering event related to ROU assets to have occurred related to a specific lease if the location has been subleased and future estimated sublease income is less than current lease payments. If the Company concludes that the carrying value of certain long-lived and ROU assets will not be recovered based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded to reduce the long-lived or ROU assets to their estimated fair value. The fair value is measured on a nonrecurring basis using unobservable (Level 3) inputs. There is uncertainty in the projected undiscounted future cash flows used in the Company's impairment review analysis, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. If actual performance does not achieve the projections, or if the assumptions used change in the future, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods, and such charges could be material. During the year ended September 28, 2024, impairment indicators were identified at our Sequoia property located in Washington, D.C. due to lower-than-expected operating results. Accordingly, the Company tested the recoverability of Sequoia's ROU and long-lived assets and concluded they were not recoverable. Based on a discounted cash flow analysis, the Company recognized impairment charges of $1,561,000 and $939,000 related to Sequoia's ROU assets and long-lived assets, respectively. No impairment charges were recognized related to long-lived assets or ROU assets during the year ended September 30, 2023. Given the inherent uncertainty in projecting results of restaurants, the Company will continue to monitor the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of Sequoia and several other restaurants on an ongoing basis. If expected performance is not realized, further impairment charges may be recognized in future periods, and such charges could be material. Recoverability of Investment in New Meadowlands Racetrack (“NMR”) The carrying value of our investment in Meadowlands Newmark LLC, which has a 63.7% ownership in NMR, is determined using the cost method. In accordance with the cost method, our initial investment is recorded at cost and we record dividend income when applicable, if dividends are declared. We review our investment in NMR each reporting period to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on its fair value. As a result, we performed an assessment of the recoverability of our indirect investment in NMR as of September 28, 2024 which involved critical accounting estimates. These estimates require significant management judgment, include inherent uncertainties and are often interdependent; therefore, they do not change in isolation. Factors that management estimated include, among others, the probability of gambling being approved in northern New Jersey and NMR obtaining a license to operate a casino, revenue levels, cost of capital, marketing spending, tax rates and capital spending. In performing this assessment, we estimate the fair value of our investment in NMR using our best estimate of these assumptions which we believe would be consistent with what a hypothetical marketplace participant would use. The variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events and our inability as a minority shareholder to control certain outcomes and, thus, our accounting estimates may change from period to period. If other assumptions and estimates had been used when these tests were performed, impairment charges could have resulted. 24 As mentioned above, these factors do not change in isolation and, therefore, we do not believe it is practicable or meaningful to present the impact of changing a single factor. Furthermore, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, future impairment charges could result. Leases We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. An arrangement contains a lease if it implicitly or explicitly identifies an asset to be used and conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. As a lessee, we include operating leases in Operating lease ROU assets and Operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. ROU assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. Options are included when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Amendments or modifications to lease terms are accounted for as variable lease payments. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are accounted for using the practical expedient which allows for straight-line rent expense over the remaining term of the lease. Deferred Income Tax Valuation Allowance We provide such allowance due to uncertainty that some of the deferred tax amounts may not be realized. Certain items, such as state and local tax loss carryforwards, are dependent on future earnings or the availability of tax strategies. Future results could require an increase or decrease in the valuation allowance and a resulting adjustment to income in such period. Goodwill and Trademarks Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis. We assess the potential impairment of goodwill and trademarks annually (at the end of our fourth quarter) and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or trademarks are impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated statements of operations. With respect to goodwill, the Company assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a more detailed quantitative impairment test. The Company may elect to bypass the qualitative assessment and proceed directly to the quantitative test. When performing the quantitative test, an impairment loss is recognized if the carrying value of our equity, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value. In performing its goodwill impairment test as of September 30, 2023, the Company determined that a triggering event had occurred. Due to the volatility of the Company's stock price in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2023, the upcoming expiration of the current Bryant Park Grill & Cafe and The Porch at Bryant Park leases on April 30, 2025 and the related requests for proposals from the landlord for both locations received in July 2023 and September 2023, respectively (see Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies to the Consolidated Financial Statements), the Company determined that there were indicators of potential impairment of its goodwill as of September 30, 2023. As of September 28, 2024, there had been a lack of communication from the landlord regarding our proposals. In August 2024, the Company became aware that the landlord was in discussions with another operator. Accordingly, the Company performed qualitative and quantitative assessments for its goodwill as of September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023. The fair value of the equity was determined using the income approach. Given the relatively low volume of shares traded as of September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, the Company determined the income approach provided the best approximation of fair value. In the income approach, we utilized a discounted cash flow analysis, which involved estimating the expected future after-tax cash flows generated and then discounting those cash flows to present value, reflecting the relevant risks associated with the achievement of projected cash flows, the possibility that the Bryant Park Grill & Cafe and The Porch at Bryant Park leases may not be renewed beyond their expirations on April 30, 2025, and the time value of money. This approach requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including forecasted revenue growth rates, forecasted cash flows from operations, and discount rates that reflect the risk inherent in the future cash flows. More specifically, the weighted average cost of capital is a sensitive estimate as it reflects the market conditions including the risk that the Bryant Park Grill & Café and The Porch at Bryant Park leases will not be renewed. Our impairment analysis for trademarks consists of a comparison of the fair value to the carrying value of the assets. This comparison is made based on a review of historical, current and forecasted sales and profit levels, as well as a review of any factors that may indicate potential impairment. For the years ended September 28, 2024 and September 30, 2023, our impairment analysis did not result in any other charges related to trademarks. 25 Stock-Based Compensation The Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes it as expense over the applicable vesting period using the straight-line method. Excess income tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense that must be recognized directly in equity are considered financing rather than operating cash flow activities. The fair value of each of the Company’s stock options is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses assumptions that relate to the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock, the expected dividend yield of our stock, the expected life of the options and the risk-free interest rate. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of employee stock options. Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including those adopted in fiscal 2024 and the expected dates of adoption and the anticipated impact on the consolidated financial statements. Recent Developments See Note 17 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recent developments that have occurred subsequent to September 28, 2024. Item 7A . Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Not applicable. Item 8 . Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Our consolidated financial statements are included in this report immediately following Part IV. Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure None.