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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Under Section 13 or 15 (d)

of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

FOR QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 19, 2004

  COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 1-7323

 

FRISCH’S RESTAURANTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

OHIO       31-0523213

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

     

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

2800 GILBERT AVENUE, CINCINNATI, OHIO       45206
(Address of principal executive offices)       (Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code       513-961-2660

 

Not Applicable
Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report

 

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             

 

The total number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s no par common stock, as of September 24, 2004 was:  5,039,325


Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

                   PAGE

PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

    
       ITEM 1.      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS     
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS    3
              CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET    4 - 5
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY    6
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS    7
              NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS    8 - 21
       ITEM 2.      MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL
CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
   22 - 27
       ITEM 3.      QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK
   27
       ITEM 4.      CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    27 - 28

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

    
       ITEM 1.      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS    29
       ITEM 4.      SUBMISSION ON MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS    29 - 30
       ITEM 6.      EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K    30 - 32

SIGNATURE

   33


Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Earnings

(Unaudited)

 

 

     Sixteen Weeks Ended

     September 19,
2004


   September 21,
2003


Revenue

             

Sales

   $ 84,062,163    $ 77,037,276

Other

     422,855      365,769
    

  

Total revenue

     84,485,018      77,403,045

Costs and expenses

             

Cost of sales

             

Food and paper

     29,414,304      26,205,431

Payroll and related

     27,992,646      25,887,294

Other operating costs

     17,554,540      15,559,189
    

  

       74,961,490      67,651,914

Administrative and advertising

     4,324,761      3,958,443

Interest

     806,096      733,667
    

  

Total costs and expenses

     80,092,347      72,344,024
    

  

Earnings before income taxes

     4,392,671      5,059,021

Income taxes

     1,494,000      1,771,000
    

  

Net Earnings

   $ 2,898,671    $ 3,288,021
    

  

Earnings per share (EPS) of common stock:

             

Basic net earnings per share

   $ .58    $ .66
    

  

Diluted net earnings per share

   $ .56    $ .65
    

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

3


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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheet

 

ASSETS

 

 

    

September 19,
2004

(unaudited)


  

May 30,

2004

 


Current Assets

             

Cash

   $ 557,387    $ 294,410

Receivables

             

Trade

     1,634,929      1,384,798

Other

     375,216      381,090

Inventories

     4,470,456      4,381,814

Prepaid expenses and sundry deposits

     2,550,322      2,076,319

Prepaid and deferred income taxes

     1,024,427      1,024,427
    

  

Total current assets

     10,612,737      9,542,858

Property and Equipment

             

Land and improvements

     54,215,980      50,250,328

Buildings

     76,080,694      75,040,561

Equipment and fixtures

     80,193,790      77,673,937

Leasehold improvements and buildings on leased land

     19,887,123      19,751,361

Capitalized leases

     7,519,109      7,388,580

Construction in progress

     7,424,289      6,918,091
    

  

       245,320,985      237,022,858

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     103,598,602      101,302,386
    

  

Net property and equipment

     141,722,383      135,720,472

Other Assets

             

Goodwill

     740,644      740,644

Other intangible assets

     1,376,450      1,122,982

Investments in land

     1,148,293      1,148,293

Property held for sale

     1,145,785      1,160,785

Long-term receivables

     132,532      210,578

Net cash surrender value-life insurance policies

     4,720,083      4,600,873

Other

     2,615,086      2,600,469
    

  

Total other assets

     11,878,873      11,584,624
    

  

     $ 164,213,993    $ 156,847,954
    

  

 

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

4


Table of Contents

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

 

    

September 19,
2004

(unaudited)


  

May 30,

2004

 


Current Liabilities

             

Long-term obligations due within one year

             

Long-term debt

   $ 7,157,236    $ 6,230,801

Obligations under capitalized leases

     554,774      508,520

Self insurance

     1,344,011      1,310,191

Accounts payable

     13,839,789      13,380,257

Accrued expenses

     7,120,023      8,238,293

Income taxes

     945,247      436,265
    

  

Total current liabilities

     30,961,080      30,104,327

Long-Term Obligations

             

Long-term debt

     39,776,685      35,226,734

Obligations under capitalized leases

     3,581,379      3,221,384

Self insurance

     1,949,158      2,384,893

Deferred income taxes

     3,540,082      3,540,082

Deferred compensation and other

     3,012,903      2,903,974
    

  

Total long-term obligations

     51,860,207      47,277,067

Commitments

     -      -

Shareholders’ Equity

             

Capital stock

             

Preferred stock - authorized, 3,000,000 shares
without par value; none issued

     -      -

Common stock - authorized, 12,000,000 shares
without par value; issued, 7,494,010 and 7,490,845
shares - stated value - $1

     7,494,010      7,490,845

Additional contributed capital

     62,072,606      61,976,027
    

  

       69,566,616      69,466,872

Retained earnings

     44,710,880      42,920,243
    

  

       114,277,496      112,387,115

Less cost of treasury stock (2,455,351 and 2,469,345 shares)

     32,884,790      32,920,555
    

  

Total shareholders’ equity

     81,392,706      79,466,560
    

  

     $ 164,213,993    $ 156,847,954
    

  

 

5


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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity

Sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

     Common stock
at $1 per share -
Shares and
amount


   Additional
contributed
capital


    Retained
earnings


   

Treasury

shares


    Total

 

Balance at June 1, 2003

     7,420,763      60,926,377       34,490,774       (33,072,188 )     69,765,726  

Net earnings for sixteen weeks

     -      -       3,288,021       -       3,288,021  

Stock options exercised - new shares issued

     31,751      326,655       -       -       358,406  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

     -      116,614       -       -       116,614  

Treasury shares re-issued

     -      18,180       -       44,495       62,675  

Cash dividends - $.20 per share

     -      -       (994,169 )     -       (994,169 )
    

  


 


 


 


Balance at September 21, 2003

     7,452,514      61,387,826       36,784,626       (33,027,693 )     72,597,273  

Net earnings for thirty-six weeks

     -      -       7,240,989       -       7,240,989  

Stock options exercised - new shares issued

     38,331      427,728       -       -       466,059  

Stock options exercised - treasury shares re-issued

     -      (9,103 )     -       107,138       98,035  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

     -      249,855       -       -       249,855  

Employee stock purchase plan

     -      (80,279 )     -       -       (80,279 )

Cash dividends - $.22 per share

     -      -       (1,105,372 )     -       (1,105,372 )
    

  


 


 


 


Balance at May 30, 2004

     7,490,845      61,976,027       42,920,243       (32,920,555 )     79,466,560  

Net earnings for sixteen weeks

     -      -       2,898,671       -       2,898,671  

Stock options exercised - new shares issued

     3,165      46,683       -       -       49,848  

Stock options exercised - treasury shares re-issued

     -      896       -       2,223       3,119  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

     -      10,138       -       -       10,138  

Other treasury shares re-issued

     -      38,862       -       33,542       72,404  

Cash dividends - $.22 per share

     -      -       (1,108,034 )     -       (1,108,034 )
    

  


 


 


 


Balance at September 19, 2004

   $ 7,494,010    $ 62,072,606     $ 44,710,880     ($ 32,884,790 )   $ 81,392,706  
    

  


 


 


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003

(unaudited)

 

 

     2004

    2003

 

Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:

                

Net earnings

   $ 2,898,671     $ 3,288,021  

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash from operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     3,489,168       3,327,569  

Loss on disposition of assets

     57,445       162,232  
    


 


       6,445,284       6,777,822  

Changes in assets and liabilities:

                

Accounts receivable

     (244,257 )     13,361  

Inventories

     (88,642 )     (136,283 )

Prepaid expenses and sundry deposits

     (474,003 )     (779,248 )

Other assets

     (177,938 )     572,536  

Accounts payable

     (94,794 )     1,556,534  

Accrued expenses

     (1,118,270 )     (1,078,622 )

Accrued income taxes

     508,982       713,234  

Tax benefit from stock options exercised

     10,138       116,614  

Self insured obligations

     (401,915 )     (548,745 )

Other liabilities

     108,929       64,600  
    


 


       (1,971,770 )     493,981  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     4,473,514       7,271,803  

Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities:

                

Additions to property and equipment

     (8,999,056 )     (7,054,801 )

Proceeds from disposition of property

     10,057       3,493  

Proceeds from litigation settlement

     -       1,700,000  

Change in other assets

     (138,055 )     (594,700 )
    


 


Net cash (used in) investing activities

     (9,127,054 )     (5,946,008 )

Cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities:

                

Proceeds from borrowings

     7,500,000       2,000,000  

Payment of long-term debt and capital lease obligations

     (2,155,145 )     (1,743,278 )

Cash dividends paid

     (553,709 )     (445,655 )

Proceeds from stock options exercised - new shares issued

     49,848       358,406  

Proceeds from stock options exercised - treasury shares re-issued

     3,119       -  

Other treasury shares re-issued

     72,404       62,675  
    


 


Net cash provided by financing activities

     4,916,517       232,148  
    


 


Net increase in cash and equivalents

     262,977       1,557,943  

Cash and equivalents at beginning of year

     294,410       1,133,443  
    


 


Cash and equivalents at end of quarter

   $ 557,387     $ 2,691,386  
    


 


Supplemental disclosures:

                

Interest paid

   $ 911,684     $ 854,633  

Income taxes paid (net of refunds, if any)

     974,880       941,153  

Dividends declared but not paid

     554,325       548,514  

Lease transactions capitalized

     537,777       -  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 

7


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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

First Quarter Ended September 19, 2004

 

NOTE A – ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies consistently applied in the preparation of the accompanying consolidated financial statements follows:

 

Description of the Business

 

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. (The Company) is a regional company that operates and licenses others to operate full service family-style restaurants under the name “Frisch’s Big Boy”, and operates grill buffet style restaurants under the name “Golden Corral” under certain licensing agreements. All restaurants currently operated by the Company are located in various regions of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Plans are in place to expand Golden Corral operations into certain parts of Michigan, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

 

The Company owns the trademark “Frisch’s” and has exclusive, irrevocable ownership of the rights to the “Big Boy” trademark, trade name and service mark in the states of Kentucky and Indiana, and in most of Ohio and Tennessee. Substantially all of the Frisch’s Big Boy restaurants also offer “drive-thru” service. The Company also licenses Big Boy restaurants to other operators, currently in certain parts of Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. In addition, the Company operates a commissary and food manufacturing plant near its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio that services all Big Boy restaurants operated by the Company, and is available to supply restaurants licensed to others.

 

Consolidation Practices

 

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and all of its subsidiaries. Significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. In the opinion of management, these interim financial statements include all adjustments (all of which were normal and recurring) necessary for a fair presentation of all periods presented. In addition, certain reclassifications may have been made to prior year information to conform to the current year presentation.

 

Fiscal Year

 

The Company’s fiscal year is the 52 or 53 week period ending on the Sunday nearest to the last day of May. The first quarter of each fiscal year contains sixteen weeks, while the last three quarters each normally contain twelve weeks. Every fifth or sixth year, the additional week needed to make a 53 week year is added to the fourth quarter, resulting in a thirteen week fourth quarter.

 

Use of Estimates

 

The preparation of financial statements requires management to use estimates and assumptions to measure certain items that affect the amounts reported. These judgments are based on knowledge and experience about past and current events, and assumptions about future events. Although management believes its estimates are reasonable and adequate, future events affecting them may differ markedly from current judgment.

 

Some of the more significant items requiring the use of estimates include liabilities for self insurance and deferred executive compensation, value of intangible assets, and the carrying values of long-lived assets and long-lived assets to be disposed of.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less are considered to be cash equivalents. Outstanding checks in the amount of $704,000 were included in accounts payable as of May 30, 2004.

 

Receivables

 

The Company values its trade notes and accounts receivable on the reserve method. The reserve balance was $30,000 as of September 19, 2004 and May 30, 2004. The reserve is monitored for adequacy based on historical collection patterns and write-offs, and current credit risks.

 

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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Inventories

 

Inventories, comprised principally of food items, are valued at the lower of cost, determined by the first-in, first-out method, or market.

 

Accounting for Rebates

 

Cash consideration received from certain food vendors is treated as a reduction of cost of sales and is recognized in the same period the Company sells the food.

 

Property and Equipment

 

Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is provided principally on the straight-line method over the estimated service lives, which range from 10 to 25 years for buildings or components thereof and 5 to 10 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over 10 to 25 years or the remaining lease term, whichever is shorter. Software is depreciated over three to ten years. Interest on borrowings is capitalized during active construction periods of major capital projects. Capitalized interest for the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003 was $45,000 and $70,000, respectively. In addition, capitalization of the value of certain employees’ time who worked on the implementation of the Company’s enterprise information system was $96,000 and $78,000 respectively, for the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003.

 

The cost of land not yet in service is included in “construction in progress” if construction has begun or if construction is likely within the next twelve months. Estimated remaining expenditures for new restaurant construction that was in progress as of September 19, 2004 totaled approximately $1,817,000, including $1,548,000 for two Golden Corral restaurants and $269,000 for one Big Boy restaurant. The cost of land on which construction is not likely within the next twelve months is classified as “Investments in land” in the consolidated balance sheet.

 

Under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 (SFAS 144), “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” the Company considers a history of cash flow losses on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis to be its primary indicator of potential impairment. Carrying values are reviewed for impairment when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the assets’ carrying values may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from the properties’ use and eventual disposition. When undiscounted expected future cash flows are less than carrying values, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the amount by which the carrying values exceed the net realizable values of the assets. Net realizable values are generally determined by estimates provided by real estate brokers and/or the Company’s past experience in disposing of unprofitable restaurant properties. Management believes that this policy is the Company’s only critical accounting policy because of its potential for significant impact on the financial condition and results of the Company’s operations.

 

No impairment losses were recognized during either of the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 or September 21, 2003.

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 143 (SFAS 143) “Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations” is applicable to legal obligations associated with the retirement of certain tangible long-lived assets. The adoption of SFAS 143 on June 2, 2003 did not materially impact the Company’s financial statements.

 

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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146 (SFAS 146) “Accounting for Obligations Associated with Disposal Activities” addresses the accounting treatment of costs in connection with exit or disposal activities. It requires that liabilities be recognized for exit and disposal costs only when the liabilities are incurred, rather than upon the commitment to an exit or disposal plan. SFAS 146 is effective for any disposal or exit activity initiated after December 31, 2002. Its application is not expected to materially impact the Company’s financial statements.

 

Certain surplus property is currently held for sale. All of the surplus property is stated at the lower of cost or market and is classified as “Property held for sale” in the consolidated balance sheet. Market values are generally determined by real estate brokers and/or the Company’s judgment.

 

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Including Licensing Agreements

 

Acquired goodwill is tested annually for impairment and also whenever an impairment indicator arises. Impairment losses are recorded when impairment is determined to have occurred. As of September 19, 2004 and May 30, 2003, the carrying amount of goodwill acquired in prior years was $741,000, which is net of $308,000 amortized in prior years.

 

Intangible assets having a finite useful life are subject to amortization, and are tested annually for impairment. The Company’s other intangible assets consist principally of initial franchise fees paid for each new Golden Corral restaurant the Company opens. Amortization of the $40,000 initial fee begins when the restaurant opens and is computed using the straight-line method over the 15-year term of each individual restaurant’s franchise agreement. The fees are ratably amortized at $2,667 per year per restaurant, or approximately $75,000 per year in each of the next five years for the 28 Golden Corral restaurants in operation as of September 19, 2004. Amortization was $22,000 and $17,000 respectively, for the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003. The remaining balance of other intangible assets, including fees paid for future Golden Corral restaurants, is not currently being amortized because these assets have indefinite or as yet to be determined useful lives.

 

An analysis of other intangible assets follows:

 

     September 19,
2004


    May 30,
2004


 
     (in thousands)  

Golden Corral initial franchise fees subject to amortization

   $ 1,120     $ 1,040  

Less accumulated amortization

     (196 )     (174 )
    


 


Carrying amount of Golden Corral initial franchise fees subject to amortization

     924       866  

Current portion of Golden Corral initial franchise fees subject to amortization

     (75 )     (69 )

Golden Corral fees not yet subject to amortization

     380       180  

Other intangible assets

     147       146  
    


 


Total intangible assets

   $ 1,376     $ 1,123  
    


 


 

The franchise agreements with Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc. also require the Company to pay fees based on defined gross sales. These costs are charged to operations as incurred.

 

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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue from restaurant operations is recognized upon receipt of payment from customers. Revenue from the sale of commissary products to Big Boy restaurants licensed to other operators is recognized upon shipment of product. Revenue from franchise fees, based on sales of Big Boy restaurants licensed to other operators, is recorded on the accrual method as earned. Initial franchise fees are recognized as revenue when the fees are deemed fully earned and non-refundable, ordinarily upon the execution of the license agreement, in consideration of the Company’s services to that time.

 

New Store Opening Costs

 

New store opening costs consist of new employee training costs, the cost of a team to coordinate the opening and the cost of certain replaceable items such as uniforms and china. New store opening costs are charged to expense as incurred. Opening costs for the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003 were $723,000 ($504,000 for Golden Corral and $219,000 for Big Boy) and $434,000 ($411,000 for Golden Corral and $23,000 for Big Boy), respectively.

 

Benefit Plans

 

The Company has two qualified defined benefit pension plans covering all of its eligible employees. (Hourly restaurant employees hired after December 31, 1998 are ineligible to enter the qualified defined benefit pension plans. Instead, these employees are offered participation in a 401(k) savings plan with a matching 40% employer cash contribution.) Qualified defined benefit pension plan benefits are based on years-of-service and other factors. The Company’s funding policy is to contribute at least annually amounts sufficient to satisfy legal funding requirements plus such additional tax-deductible amounts deemed advisable under the circumstances. Contributions are intended to provide not only for benefits attributed to service-to-date, but also for those expected to be earned in the future. In addition, the Company has an unfunded non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) that provides a supplemental retirement benefit to the executive officers of the Company and certain other “highly compensated employees” whose benefits under the qualified plans are reduced when their compensation exceeds Internal Revenue Code imposed limitations or when elective salary deferrals are made to the Company’s non-qualified Executive Savings Plan. Prepaid pension benefit costs (see Note E – Pension Plans) and Executive Savings Plan assets are the principal components of “Other long-term assets” in the balance sheet.

 

The executive officers of the Company and certain other “highly compensated employees” began receiving comparable pension benefits commencing in the year 2000, through a non-qualified Non Deferred Cash Balance Plan instead of accruing additional benefits under the qualified defined benefit pension plans and the SERP. (Also see Note E – Pension Plans.)

 

Self Insurance

 

The Company self-insures its Ohio workers’ compensation claims up to $250,000 per claim. Initial self insurance liabilities are accrued based on prior claims history. An annual review of claims experience is performed during the first quarter of ensuing fiscal years and adjustments are made to the self insurance liabilities to more closely reflect annual claims experience. Favorable claims experience allowed reserves to be lowered by $614,000 and $710,000 respectively, during the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003.

 

As of September 19, 2004, the Company had two outstanding letters of credit totaling $175,000 in support of its self-insurance program.

 

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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 

With the exception of long-term debt (see Note B Long-Term Debt), the carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments approximates fair value.

 

Income Taxes

 

Taxes are provided on all items included in the statement of earnings regardless of when such items are reported for tax purposes. The provision for income taxes in all periods has been computed based on management’s estimate of the effective tax rate for the entire year.

 

Stock Based Compensation

 

The Company accounts for stock options using the intrinsic value method of measuring compensation expense prescribed by Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 (APB 25), “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” as permitted by Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (SFAS 123), “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation.” No stock based employee compensation cost is included in net income, as all options granted have had an exercise price equal to the market value of the stock on the date of the grant. In accordance with Statement of Financial Standards No. 148 (SFAS 148), “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation – Transition and Disclosure,” the following table presents the effect on net income and earnings per share had the Company accounted for stock options using the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123:

 

     Sixteen weeks ended
     September 19,
2004


   September 21,
2003


     (in thousands, except per share data)

Net Income, as reported

   $ 2,899    $ 3,288

Deduct: total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all grants (a), net of tax effects

     129      89
    

  

Pro forma net income

   $ 2,770    $ 3,199
    

  

Earnings per share

             

Basic – as reported

   $ .58    $ .66

Basic – pro forma

   $ .55    $ .64

Diluted – as reported

   $ .56    $ .65

Diluted – pro forma

   $ .54    $ .63

 

(a) For a summary of options granted, refer to the stock option section of Note D – Capital Stock.

 

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Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE A - ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

 

The estimated total stock-based employee compensation expense was determined using the modified Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

 

     Sixteen weeks ended
     September 19,
2004


   September 21,
2003


Dividend yield

   1.61%    1.91%

Expected volatility

   29%    27%

Risk free interest rate

   3.86%    2.38%

Expected lives

   5 years    5 years

Weighted average fair value of options granted

   $8.25    $4.20

 

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

The Company reviewed all significant newly issued accounting pronouncements and concluded that, other than those disclosed herein, no material impact is anticipated on the financial statements as a result of future adoption.

 

NOTE B – LONG-TERM DEBT

 

     September 19, 2004

   May 30, 2004

     Payable
within
one year


  

Payable
after

one year


   Payable
within
one year


   Payable
after one
year


     (in thousands)

Construction Draw Facility -

                           

Construction Phase Loans

   $ -    $ 1,000    $ -    $ -

Term Loans

     7,157      28,777      6,231      25,227

Bullet Loan

     -      10,000      -      10,000

Revolving Credit Loan

     -      -      -      -
    

  

  

  

     $ 7,157    $ 39,777    $ 6,231    $ 35,227
    

  

  

  

 

The portion payable after one year matures as follows:

 

     September 19,
2004


   May 30,
2004


     (in thousands)

Period ending in 2006

   $ 8,522    $ 6,664

                  2007

     7,013      6,376

                  2008

     16,234      15,684

                  2009

     4,165      4,059

                  2010

     2,310      1,616

    Subsequent to 2010

     1,533      828
    

  

     $ 39,777    $ 35,227
    

  

 

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Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE B – LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

 

The Construction Draw Facility is an unsecured draw credit line that provides for borrowing of up to $61,500,000 to construct and open Golden Corral restaurants. As of September 19, 2004, $9,000,000 remained available to be borrowed before the Facility expires September 1, 2006, unless extended. It is subject to a ¼ percent unused commitment fee. Under the terms of the Facility, funds borrowed are initially governed as a Construction Phase Loan, with interest determined by a pricing matrix that uses changeable basis points, determined by certain of the Company’s financial ratios. The basis points are added to or subtracted from one of various indices chosen by the Company. Interest is payable at the end of each specific rate period selected by the Company, which may be monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. As of September 19, 2004, $1,000,000 that had been borrowed during the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 remained as a Construction Phase Loan, bearing interest at 3.05 percent. Within six months of the completion and opening of each restaurant, the balance outstanding under each Construction Phase Loan must be converted to a Term Loan amortized over a period not to exceed seven years. Upon conversion, the Company may select a fixed interest rate over the chosen term or may choose among various adjustable rate options. Fixed interest rates have been chosen for all of the Term Loans (original notes for $51,500,000), the weighted average of which is 6.18 percent, and all of the Term Loans are being repaid in 84 equal monthly installments of principal and interest aggregating $766,000, expiring in various periods ranging from May 2006 through September 2011. Prepayments of the Term Loans are permissible upon payment of sizeable prepayment fees and other amounts. Any outstanding Construction Phase Loan that has not been converted into a Term Loan shall mature and be payable in full on September 1, 2006, unless extended.

 

The $10,000,000 Bullet Loan is secured by mortgages on the real property of six Golden Corral restaurants. It matures and is payable in one installment on December 31, 2007. Variable rated interest, currently 3.81 percent, is determined by adding 200 basis points to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). At any time during the term of the loan, the Company has the option of designating that the loan bear interest for the remainder of the term at a fixed rate equal to the lender’s cost of funds plus 200 basis points. Variable LIBOR based interest is payable at the end of each specific rate period selected by the Company, which may be monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. Fixed cost of funds based interest shall be payable monthly in arrears.

 

A $5,000,000 unsecured Revolving Credit Loan is in place that is intended to fund temporary working capital needs. The loan, none of which was outstanding as of September 19, 2004, is subject to a 30 consecutive day out-of-debt period each year. It matures on September 1, 2006, unless extended. Interest is determined by the same pricing matrix used for Construction Phase Loans under the Construction Draw Facility, the basis points from which are added to or subtracted from one of various indices chosen by the Company. The loan is subject to a ¼ percent unused commitment fee. Interest is payable at the end of each specific rate period selected by the Company, which may be monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly.

 

These loan agreements contain covenants relating to tangible net worth, interest expense, cash flow, debt levels, capitalization changes, asset dispositions, investments and restrictions on pledging certain restaurant operating assets. The Company was in compliance with all loan covenants as of September 19, 2004. Compensating balances are not required by these loan agreements.

 

The fair values of the Bullet Loan, Revolving Credit Loan and Construction Phase Loan approximate carrying value as of September 19, 2004 and May 30, 2004 as the current provisions of the loans call for variable rated interest. The fair values of the fixed rate Term Loans shown in the following table are based on fixed rates that would be available for loans with identical terms and maturities, if borrowed at September 19, 2004 and May 30, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE B – LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

 

     September 19, 2004

   May 30, 2004

     Carrying
value


   Fair
value


   Carrying
value


   Fair
value


     (in thousands)

Construction Draw Facility -

                           

Construction Phase Loans

   $ 1,000    $ 1,000    $ -    $ -

Term Loans

     35,934      36,406      31,458      31,822

Revolving Credit Loan

     -      -      -      -

Bullet Loan

     10,000      10,000      10,000      10,000

 

NOTE C - LEASED PROPERTY

 

The Company occupies certain of its restaurants pursuant to lease agreements. The majority of the leases are for fifteen or twenty years and contain renewal options for ten to fifteen years, and/or have favorable purchase options. As of September 19, 2004, eleven of the Company’s 29 leased restaurant locations have been capitalized. Delivery equipment is also held under capitalized leases expiring during periods through 2012. Amortization of capitalized lease assets is computed on the straight-line method over the primary terms of the leases. An analysis of the capitalized leased property follows:

 

     Asset balances at

 
     September 19,
2004


    May 30,
2004


 
     (in thousands)  

Restaurant facilities

   $ 6,306     $ 6,306  

Equipment

     1,213       1,083  
    


 


       7,519       7,389  

Less accumulated amortization

     (5,820 )     (6,116 )
    


 


     $ 1,699     $ 1,273  
    


 


 

As of September 19, 2004, eighteen of the Company’s restaurant properties are occupied pursuant to operating leases, four of which are ground leases for Golden Corral restaurants. Another Golden Corral ground lease has been entered into for a restaurant to open in the spring of 2005. The operating lease table below includes scheduled payments for this lease even though payments will not begin until the restaurant opens. The Company also occupies office space under an operating lease that expires during 2013, with renewal options available through 2023. The Company has the option to purchase the office property in 2023. Total rental expense of operating leases was $499,000 and $440,000 respectively, during the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003.

 

Future minimum lease payments under capitalized leases and operating leases, including residual value guarantees on certain of the capitalized leases, having an initial or remaining term of one year or more follow:

 

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Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE C - LEASED PROPERTY (CONTINUED)

 

Period ending September 19,    Capitalized
leases


    Operating
leases


     (in thousands)

2005

   $ 944     $ 1,384

2006

     850       1,282

2007

     620       1,117

2008

     2,481       916

2009

     122       823

2010 to 2025

     259       9,002
    


 

Total

     5,276     $ 14,524
            

Amount representing interest

     (1,140 )      
    


     

Present value of obligations

     4,136        

Portion due within one-year

     (555 )      
    


     

Long-term obligations

   $ 3,581        
    


     

 

Not included in the above table are certain leases of former operating properties that the Company has assigned or sub-let to third parties. The average annual obligations of these leases approximate $50,000 over the next five years. The Company remains contingently liable for the performance of these leases. In the event of default by the assignees or sub-lessees, the Company generally retains the right to re-assign or sub-let the properties.

 

 

NOTE D - CAPITAL STOCK

 

2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan

 

Shareholders approved the 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan (the “2003 Incentive Plan” or “Plan”) on October 6, 2003. The 2003 Incentive Plan provides for several forms of awards including stock options, stock appreciation rights, stock awards including restricted and unrestricted awards of stock, and performance awards. The Plan will continue in effect until terminated by the Board of Directors. Subject to adjustment for changes in capitalization, the maximum number of shares of common stock that the Plan may issue is 800,000. The Plan provides that the total number of shares of common stock covered by options plus the number of stock appreciation rights granted to any one individual may not exceed 80,000 during any fiscal year. Additionally, no more than 80,000 shares of common stock may be issued in payment of performance awards denominated in shares, and no more than $1,000,000 in cash (or fair market value, if paid in shares) may be paid pursuant to performance awards denominated in dollars, granted to any one individual during any fiscal year if the awards are intended to qualify as performance based compensation. Employees of the Company and non-employee directors of the Company are eligible to be selected to participate in the Plan. Participation is based on selection by the Compensation Committee (the Committee) of the Board of Directors. Although there is no limit to the number of participants in the Plan, there are approximately 40 persons currently participating in the Plan.

 

Options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock permit the holder to purchase a fixed number of shares at a fixed price. When options are granted, the Committee determines the number of shares subject to the option, the term of the option which may not exceed 10 years, the time or times when the option will become exercisable and the price per share that a participant must pay to exercise the option. No option will be granted with an exercise price that is less than 100 percent of fair market value on the date of the grant.

 

Stock appreciation rights (SAR’s) are rights to receive payment, in cash, shares of common stock or a combination of the two, equal to the excess of (1) the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of exercise over (2) the price per share of common stock established in connection with the grant of the SAR (the reference price). The reference price must be at least 100 percent of the common stock’s fair market value on the date the SAR is granted. SAR’s may be granted by the Committee in its discretion to any participant, and may have terms no longer than 10 years.

 

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Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE D - CAPITAL STOCK (CONTINUED)

 

Stock awards are grants of shares of common stock that may be restricted (subject to a holding period or other conditions) or unrestricted. The committee determines the amounts, vesting, if any, terms and conditions of the awards, including the price to be paid, if any, for restricted awards and any contingencies related to the attainment of specified performance goals or continued employment or service.

 

The Committee may also grant performance awards to participants. Performance awards are the right to receive cash, common stock or both, at the end of a specified performance period, subject to satisfaction of the performance criteria and any vesting conditions established for the award.

 

As of September 19, 2004, no awards (meaning any form of stock option, stock appreciation right, restricted stock award, unrestricted stock award or performance award) had been granted under the 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.

 

Other Stock Option Plans

 

The 1993 Stock Option Plan is not affected by the adoption of the 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan. The 1993 Stock Option Plan originally authorized the grant of stock options for up to 562,432 shares (as adjusted for changes in capitalization in earlier years) of the common stock of the Company for a ten-year period beginning May 9, 1994. Shareholders approved the Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan (Amended Plan) in October 1998, which extended the availability of options to be granted to October 4, 2008. As of September 19, 2004, 6,204 shares remained available to be optioned. Of the 556,228 cumulative shares optioned to date, 388,743 remain outstanding as of September 19, 2004.

 

Shares may be optioned to employees at not less than 75% of fair market value on the date granted. The Amended Plan added a provision for automatic, annual stock option grants of 1,000 shares to each of the Company’s non-employee directors. The per share exercise price for options granted to non-employee directors must equal 100 percent of fair market value on the date of grant. The Amended Plan also added a Company right to repurchase shares acquired on exercise of options if an optionee chooses to dispose of such shares. Stock appreciation rights are not provided for under the Amended Plan. All outstanding options under the 1993 Plan were granted at fair market value and expire 10 years from the date of grant. Outstanding options to the President and Chief Executive Officer generally vest in six months, while options granted to non-employee directors vest after one year. Outstanding options granted to other key employees vest in three equal annual installments.

 

The 1984 Stock Option Plan expired May 8, 1994. The final 14,090 outstanding options expired during the sixteen weeks ended September 21, 2003, 10 years from the date originally granted.

 

The changes in outstanding and exercisable options involving both the 1993 and the 1984 Plans are summarized below:

 

     Sixteen weeks ended
     September 19, 2004

   September 21, 2003

     No. of
shares


   Weighted avg.
price per share


   No. of
shares


   Weighted avg.
price per share


Outstanding at beginning of year

   319,993    $ 15.97    321,665    $ 13.96

Granted during the sixteen weeks

   74,000    $ 29.74    84,000    $ 18.87

Exercised during the sixteen weeks

   3,331    $ 15.90    31,751    $ 11.29

Expired during the sixteen weeks

   -      -    14,090    $ 14.38

Forfeited during the sixteen weeks

   1,919    $ 18.94    500    $ 17.17
    
         
      

Outstanding at end of quarter

   388,743    $ 18.58    359,324    $ 15.32
    
         
      

Exercisable at beginning of year

   227,314    $ 13.21    233,156    $ 13.21
    
         
      

Exercisable at end of quarter

   265,240    $ 15.29    226,813    $ 13.62
    
         
      

 

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Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE D - CAPITAL STOCK (CONTINUED)

 

Stock options outstanding and exercisable as of September 19, 2004 for the 1993 Stock Option Plan:

 

Range of Exercise

Prices per Share


   No. of
shares


   Weighted average
price per share


   Weighted average
remaining life in years


Outstanding:

              

$  8.31 to $13.00

   75,814    $10.57                        5.59 years

$13.01 to $18.00

   71,257    $13.79                        6.83 years

$18.01 to $24.20

   168,172    $19.35                        8.30 years

$24.21 to $30.13

   73,500    $29.74                        9.75 years

$  8.31 to $30.13

   388,743    $18.58                        7.77 years

Exercisable:

              

$  8.31 to $12.00

   75,814    $10.57                        -

$12.01 to $16.00

   71,257    $13.79                        -

$16.01 to $19.78

   118,169    $19.23                        -

$24.21 to $30.13

   0    0             

$  8.31 to $30.13

   265,240    $15.29                        -

 

Shareholders approved the Employee Stock Option Plan (elsewhere referred to as Employee Stock Purchase Plan) in October 1998. The Plan provides employees who have completed 90 days of continuous service with an opportunity to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock through payroll deduction. Immediately following the end of each semi-annual offering period, participant account balances are used to purchase shares of stock at the lesser of 85% of the fair market value of shares at the beginning of the offering period or at the end of the offering period. The Plan authorizes a maximum of 1,000,000 shares that may be purchased on the open market or from the Company’s treasury. As of April 30, 2004 (latest available data), 93,265 shares had been purchased through the plan. Shares purchased through the Plan are held by the Plan’s custodian until withdrawn or distributed. As of April 30, 2004, the custodian held 41,678 shares on behalf of employees.

 

A total of 58,492 common shares (as adjusted for changes in capitalization in earlier years) were reserved for issuance under the non-qualified Executive Savings Plan when it was established in 1993. As of September 19, 2004, 49,374 shares remained in the reserve, including 7,801 shares allocated but not issued to participants.

 

There are no other outstanding options, warrants or rights.

 

Treasury Stock

 

As of September 19, 2004, the Company’s treasury held 2,455,351 shares of the Company’s common stock. From September 1998 through January 2002, 1,135,286 shares of the Company’s common stock were repurchased at a cost of $12,162,000 pursuant to repurchase programs authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors. No shares were repurchased under the authorization that expired on October 7, 2004.

 

Most of the remaining shares held in the treasury were acquired in August 1997 pursuant to the terms of a modified “Dutch Auction” self-tender offer.

 

18


Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE D - CAPITAL STOCK (CONTINUED)

 

Earnings Per Share

 

Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of outstanding common shares during the period presented. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of common stock equivalents, which assumes the exercise and conversion of dilutive stock options.

 

     Basic earnings per share

   Stock
equivalents


   Diluted earnings per share

   Weighted average
shares outstanding


   EPS

        Weighted average
shares outstanding


   EPS

September 19, 2004

   5,034,866    $ .58    124,322    5,159,188    $ .56

September 21, 2003

   4,964,226      .66    103,397    5,067,623      .65

 

NOTE E - PENSION PLANS

 

As discussed more fully in Note A – Accounting Policies, the Company sponsors two qualified defined benefit plans plus an unfunded non-qualified Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan (SERP) for “highly compensated employees” (HCE’s). The following table shows the components of net periodic pension cost for the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003:

 

     Sixteen weeks ended  
Net periodic pension cost components    September 19,
2004


    September 21,
2003


 

Service cost

   $ 621     $ 521  

Interest cost

     484       391  

Expected return on plan assets

     (628 )     (469 )

Amortization of prior service cost

     23       21  

Amortization of loss

     120       146  
    


 


Net periodic pension cost

   $ 620     $ 610  
    


 


 

 

Contributions to the Plans are expected to exceed $2,120,000 during fiscal 2005. In addition, $304,000 from the fiscal 2004 was contributed to the plans after May 30, 2004.

 

Compensation expense (not included in the net periodic pension cost described above) relating to the Non Deferred Cash Balance Plan (see Note A – Accounting Policies) was $151,000 and $154,000 respectively, during the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003. Fiscal 2005’s contribution to the Non-Deferred Cash Balance Plan is expected to exceed $500,000.

 

The Company also sponsors two 401(k) plans and a non-qualified Executive Savings Plan for certain HCE’s who have been disqualified from participation in the 401(k) plans (see Note A – Accounting Policies). In the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003, matching contributions to the 401(k) plans amounted to $53,000 and $49,000 respectively. Matching contributions to the Executive Savings Plan were $8,000 and $5,000 respectively, during the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003.

 

The Company does not sponsor post retirement health care benefits.

 

19


Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE F – SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company has two reportable segments within the food service industry: Big Boy restaurants and Golden Corral restaurants. Financial information by operating segment is as follows:

 

     Sixteen weeks ended  
     September 19,
2004


    September 21,
2003


 
     (in thousands)  

Sales

                

Big Boy

   $ 55,192     $ 53,169  

Golden Corral

     28,870       23,868  
    


 


     $ 84,062     $ 77,037  
    


 


Earnings before income taxes

                

Big Boy

   $ 6,253     $ 6,669  

Opening expense

     (219 )     (23 )
    


 


Total Big Boy

     6,034       6,646  

Golden Corral

     1,614       1,339  

Opening expense

     (504 )     (411 )
    


 


Total Golden Corral

     1,110       928  

Administrative expense

     (2,368 )     (2,147 )

Interest expense

     (806 )     (734 )

Other – net

     423       366  
    


 


Total Corporate Items

     (2,751 )     (2,515 )
    


 


     $ 4,393     $ 5,059  
    


 


Depreciation and amortization

                

Big Boy

   $ 2,196     $ 2,266  

Golden Corral

     1,293       1,062  
    


 


     $ 3,489     $ 3,328  
    


 


Capital expenditures

                

Big Boy

   $ 3,227     $ 1,735  

Golden Corral

     5,772       5,320  
    


 


     $ 8,999     $ 7,055  
    


 


 

     As of
     September 19,
2004


  

May 30,

2004


Identifiable assets

             

Big Boy

   $ 88,846    $ 84,680

Golden Corral

     75,368      72,168
    

  

     $ 164,214    $ 156,848
    

  

 

20


Table of Contents

Frisch’s Restaurants, Inc. and Subsidiaries

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

 

NOTE G – CONTINGENCIES

 

The construction of a Golden Corral restaurant in Canton, Ohio was halted in August 2001 in order to assess structural concerns. In March 2002, a final assessment of the defects resulted in the Company’s decision to construct a new building on another part of the lot. (The restaurant finally opened for business in January 2003.) On July 30, 2002, the general contractor that built the defective building filed a demand for arbitration against the Company seeking $294,000 plus interest, fees, and costs it claims is owed by the Company under the construction contract. The Company denies the claim and has filed a counterclaim against the general contractor alleging defective construction and claiming damages, lost profits, interest and costs in an amount exceeding $1,000,000. The Company is vigorously prosecuting this claim and believes that it will ultimately prevail.

 

On August 29, 2002, the Company filed a separate lawsuit against the architect that designed the defective building alleging negligent design and claiming damages, lost profits, interest and costs exceeding $2,500,000. In July 2003, the Company resolved all claims, counterclaims and cross claims against the trial court defendants, including the architect and the architect’s structural engineering consultant. The defendants agreed to pay the Company the sum of $1,700,000 in full and final settlement of all claims. The Company received the settlement funds in full during the first quarter of fiscal year 2004 and the case was dismissed.

 

NOTE H - RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A Big Boy licensed restaurant owned by an officer and director of the Company and two Big Boy licensed restaurants owned by children and other family members of an officer and directors of the Company pay to the Company franchise and advertising fees, employee leasing and other fees, and make purchases from the Company’s commissary.

 

The total paid to the Company by these three restaurants amounted to $1,488,000 and $1,340,000 respectively, during the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004 and September 21, 2003. The amount owed to the Company from these restaurants was $193,000 and $116,000 respectively, as of September 19, 2004 and May 30, 2004. Amounts due are generally settled within 28 days of billing.

 

All related party transactions described herein were effected on substantially similar terms as transactions with persons having no relationship with the Company.

 

21


Table of Contents

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

 

 

Overview

 

The Company’s First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 consists of the sixteen weeks ended September 19, 2004, and compares with the sixteen weeks ended September 21, 2003, which constituted the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004. The first quarter of the Company’s fiscal year normally accounts for a disproportionate share of annual revenue and earnings because it contains sixteen weeks whereas the following three quarters normally contain only twelve weeks each. Operations consist of two reportable segments within the restaurant industry: “Big Boy” restaurants and “Golden Corral” restaurants.

 

Record revenue of $84,485,000 was achieved for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005, an increase of $7,082,000, or 9.1 percent above revenue for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004. Net earnings for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 were $2,899,000, or diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $.56, compared to $3,288,000, or diluted EPS of $.65 in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004.

 

The decline in earnings can be directly traced to disappointing same store sales increases in Big Boy Restaurants, same store sales decreases in Golden Corral restaurants and higher food costs.

 

Results for the first quarters of both years were positively impacted by favorable claims experience in the Company’s self insurance program. Self insurance reserves were lowered by $614,000 ($405,000 net after income tax, or $.08 diluted EPS) in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005, while the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004 received the benefit of a $710,000 adjustment ($461,000 net after income tax, or $.09 diluted EPS).

 

Results of Operations

 

The Company’s revenues consist primarily of retail restaurant sales. Big Boy restaurant sales also include wholesale sales from the Company’s commissary to restaurants licensed to other Big Boy operators, the amounts of which total less than three percent of total revenue in the First Quarters of Fiscal 2005 and 2004. Total revenue also includes franchise and other fees, the amounts of which were not material to the First Quarters of Fiscal 2005 and 2004. References to sales or revenue in the discussion that follows refer to restaurant sales (including the minimal amounts of wholesale sales discussed above).

 

Changes in sales occur when new restaurants are opened and older restaurants are closed. Changes in customer counts and menu price increases affect changes in same store sales. Consolidated restaurant sales reached record heights during the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005:

 

     1st Quarter
     2005

   2004

     (in thousands)

Big Boy sales

   $ 55,192    $ 53,169

Golden Corral sales

     28,870      23,868
    

  

Consolidated restaurant sales

   $ 84,062    $ 77,037
    

  

 

Most of the increase in Big Boy sales resulted from more restaurants in operation, as same store sales in Big Boy restaurants increased only .6 percent during the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005. A 1.8 percent decline in customer counts at same stores was covered by a 2.5 percent rise in the average guest check, reflecting average menu price increases of 1.1 percent implemented shortly before last year’s first quarter ended, 1.6 percent near the end of last year’s third quarter and 1.5 percent near the end of this year’s first quarter. The disappointing .6 percent same store increase was the second consecutive quarter of soft same store sales increases.

 

The Company currently operates 90 Big Boy restaurants, including one that opened in August 2004 and one that reopened in late September 2004 that had been closed for rebuilding in May 2004. During the last twelve months one other new Big Boy opened in January 2004, while another Big Boy restaurant was relocated to a superior site within the same neighborhood. Two buildings are likely to be constructed in the near term, including one rebuild and one relocation. One older, very low volume Big Boy will cease operating in November 2004.

 

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The Golden Corral sales increases were also the result of more restaurants in operation:

 

     First Quarter
2005


   First Quarter
2004


In operation at beginning of year

   26            20        

Opened during the first quarter

   1            2        

In operation at end of first quarter

   27            22        

Total sales weeks

   424            335        

 

Two Golden Corral restaurants were under construction as of September 19, 2004, including one that opened in late September 2004. The other one should open in November 2004. Current plans call for four Golden Corrals to open respectively in April, June, August and September of 2005.

 

Golden Corral same store sales decreased 4.5 percent during the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005. Customer counts declined 10.9 percent while the average guest check increased 7.2 percent, reflecting price increases of 3.3 percent in November 2003 and 2.3 percent in May 2004. The decline in customer counts can be attributed to the “sister-store” effect of building additional restaurants in existing markets which temporarily causes decreased customer counts in individual restaurants.

 

Following general industry practice, same store sales comparisons include only those restaurants that had been open for five full fiscal quarters prior to the start of the comparison periods. Accordingly, only twenty restaurants are included in the 4.5 percent decrease mentioned above, whereas a total of 27 Golden Corral restaurants were in operation at the end of the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005.

 

Pre-tax earnings for both operating segments are highlighted below (also see Note F to the consolidated financial statements):

 

     1st Quarter
     2005

   2004

     (in thousands)

Big Boy pre-tax earnings

   $ 6,034    $ 6,646

Golden Corral pre-tax earnings

     1,110      928
    

  

Total pre-tax earnings by segment

   $ 7,144    $ 7,574
    

  

 

The operating percentages shown in the following table are percentages of restaurant sales (as defined in a previous paragraph) rather than of total revenue. The table supplements the discussion that follows which concerns cost of sales for both the Big Boy and Golden Corral reporting segments, including food cost, payroll and other operating costs.

 

     1st Quarter 2005

   1st Quarter 2004

     Total

   Big

   GC

   Total

   Big

   GC

          Boy

             Boy

    

Sales

   100.0    100.0    100.0    100.0    100.0    100.0

Food and Paper

   35.0    32.5    39.8    34.0    31.6    39.5

Payroll and Related

   33.3    34.7    30.7    33.6    34.8    31.0

Other Operating Costs (including opening costs)

   20.9    19.5    23.5    20.2    18.7    23.4

Gross Profit

   10.8    13.3    6.0    12.2    14.9    6.1

 

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The higher food and paper cost percentages for the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 are the result of higher commodity costs, especially meat and dairy, in both the Big Boy and Golden Corral restaurant segments. Golden Corral food cost percentages moderated during the latter half of the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 reflecting a drop in the market price of sirloin top butts that are used on the Golden Corral Great Steaks Buffet. The food and paper cost percentages for the Golden Corral segment are much higher than the Big Boy segment because of the all-you-can-eat nature of the Golden Corral concept. Menu price hikes, as discussed above, helped to counter the effects of the higher cost of food.

 

Self insured claims experience is reviewed annually during the first quarter. The assumptions used to measure these adjustments can be complex and sometimes require management to exercise considerable judgment. However, management does not consider the adjustments made during the annual review to be critical to the fair presentation of the Company’s financial condition or its results of operations for the fiscal year taken as a whole. Favorable claims experience allowed self insurance liabilities to be lowered by $614,000 during the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 and by $710,000 in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004.

 

Payroll and related cost percentages moved downward in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 for both the Big Boy and Golden Corral restaurant segments, even when the benefit of the self insurance reserve adjustments that were apportioned to payroll and related costs is excluded. There was no appreciable change in average pay rates for either Big Boy or Golden Corral. Golden Corral management continues its sharp focus on controlling the number of service hours worked.

 

Pressure is once again mounting in Washington for an increase in the minimum wage. If such legislation is enacted, the Company would counter the effects with higher menu prices, together with tighter payroll standards and a reduction in hours worked. New overtime pay rules initiated by the U.S. Department of Labor went into effect in August 2004. The new rules had a negligible impact on the Company.

 

Net periodic pension cost (computed under Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132 R) was $620,000 and $610,000 respectively, in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 and the First Quarter of 2004. The leveling of the expense reflects the peak of the impact that resulted from earlier years’ poor returns on equity investments that are held by the Company’s defined benefit pension plans. Costs should begin to taper downward in future years, assuming expected returns on investments are achieved. Contributions to these plans for Fiscal 2005 are expected to exceed $2,120,000.

 

Other operating costs include occupancy costs such as maintenance, rent, depreciation, property tax, insurance and utilities; field supervision; accounting and payroll preparation costs; franchise fees for Golden Corral restaurants; opening costs and many other restaurant operating expenses. As most of these expenses tend to be more fixed in nature, same store sales decreases at Golden Corral cause these costs to be a higher percentage of sales, as reflected in the above table. Driving the increase for Big Boy restaurants was higher opening costs and higher manager trainee costs.

No impairments of assets were recorded in either the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 or the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004.

 

Administrative and advertising expense increased $366,000 during the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005, or 9.3 percent higher than the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004. The largest component of the increase is higher spending for advertising and marketing that is proportionate with higher sales levels, reflecting the Company’s long standing policy to spend a constant percentage of Big Boy and Golden Corral sales on advertising and marketing.

 

Interest expense increased $72,000 during the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005, or 9.9 percent higher than the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004. The increase was caused by the combination of higher debt and the creep in interest rates.

 

Income tax expense as a percentage of pretax earnings was estimated at 34 percent in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 and was 35 percent in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2004. These rates have been kept consistently low through the Company’s use of tax credits, principally the federal credit allowed for Employer Social Security and Medicare Taxes Paid on Certain Employee Tips, and to a lesser degree, the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC). WOTC has been restored by Congress retroactively to January 1, 2004.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

Two factors are required for an accounting policy to be deemed critical. The policy must be significant to the fair presentation of a company’s financial condition and its results of operations, and the policy must require

 

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management’s most difficult, subjective or complex judgments. Management believes that its policy used in accounting for the impairment of long-lived assets is the Company’s only critical accounting policy because of its potential for significant impact on financial condition and results of operations. A discussion of this policy can be found under the “Property and Equipment” caption of Note A to the consolidated financial statements.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

Restaurant sales provide the Company’s principal source of cash. The funds from sales are immediately available for the Company’s use, as substantially all restaurant sales are received in cash or credit cards. Net earnings plus depreciation provide the primary source of cash provided by operating activities. Other sources of cash may include borrowing against credit lines, proceeds from employees’ exercising of stock options and occasional sales of real estate. In addition to servicing debt, these cash flows are utilized for discretionary objectives, including capital projects (principally restaurant expansion) and dividends.

 

The Company has historically maintained a strategic negative working capital position, a common practice in the restaurant industry. As significant cash flows are consistently provided by operations, and credit lines are readily available, the use of this practice should not hinder the Company’s ability to satisfactorily retire any of its obligations when due, including the aggregated contractual obligations and commercial commitments as shown in the following table below.

 

 

 

Aggregated Information about Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments

September 19, 2004

 

     Payments due by period (in thousands)
     Total

   year 1

   year 2

   year 3

   year 4

   year 5

  

more
than

5 years


    Long-Term Debt

   46,934    7,157    8,522    7,013    16,234    4,165    3,843

    Rent due under Capital Lease Obligations

   5,276    944    850    620    2,481    122    259

1  Rent due under Operating Leases

   14,524    1,384    1,282    1,117    916    823    9,002

    Unconditional Purchase Obligations

   3,364    3,308    56                    

    Other Long-Term Obligations

   None                              

    Total Contractual Cash Obligations

   70,098    12,793    10,710    8,750    19,631    5,110    13,104

 

1 Not included are certain leases of former operating properties that the Company has assigned or sub-let to third parties. The average annual obligations of these leases approximate $50 over the next five years. The Company remains contingently liable for the performance of these leases. In the event of default by the assignees or sub-lessees, the Company generally retains the right to re-assign or re-sublet the properties.

 

 

 

 

The working capital deficit was $20,348,000 as of September 19, 2004. The working capital deficit is expected to continue increasing over the next few years at a modest, manageable pace as construction debt is prudently increased to supplement the use of internally generated cash to finance expansion plans. In October 2004, the maximum amount that may be borrowed under the terms of the Company’s Construction Draw Facility was increased by $6,500,000, which increased to $9,000,000 the amount that is currently available to be drawn upon before the Facility expires on September 1, 2006, unless extended. Additionally, a $5,000,000 working capital revolving line of credit (currently unused) is readily available if needed.

 

Operating cash flows were $4,474,000 in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005, or $2,798,000 lower than the First quarter of Fiscal 2004. The decrease is due to the combination of lower earnings and decreases in accounts payable.

 

Investing activities in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 included $8,999,000 in capital costs. The capital spending includes $5,772,000 for Golden Corral restaurants, consisting of new restaurant construction, site acquisitions and remodeling costs. Also included in the capital costs was $3,227,000 spent on Big Boy restaurants, consisting of new restaurant construction, remodeling existing restaurants including kitchen and dining room expansions, routine equipment replacements and other capital outlays.

 

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Table of Contents

It is the Company’s policy to own the land on which it builds new restaurants; however, it is sometimes necessary to enter ground leases to obtain desirable land on which to build. Four of the 27 Golden Corral restaurants have been built on leased land. Another Golden Corral ground lease has been entered into for a restaurant to open in the Spring of 2005. All of these leases have been accounted for as operating leases. As of September 19, 2004, the Company occupied a total of 29 restaurants pursuant to leases, eleven of which are capital leases under the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 13 (SFAS 13), “Accounting for Leases” as amended.

 

Financing activities in the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005 included $7,500,000 of new debt borrowed against the Company’s credit lines. Scheduled and other payments of long-term debt and capital lease obligations amounted to $2,155,000 during the First Quarter of Fiscal 2005. Regular quarterly cash dividends paid to shareholders totaled $554,000. Dividends declared but not paid as of September 19, 2004 totaled $554,000. The Company expects to continue its 44 year practice of paying regular quarterly cash dividends.

 

The Company’s stock repurchase program expired October 7, 2004. It had authorized the repurchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. No shares were acquired during the two year life of the program as the price at which shares of the Company’s common stock had been traded did not warrant the utilization of the program.

 

As of September 19, 2004, 389,000 shares remain outstanding under the 1993 Stock option Plan, including 265,000 fully vested shares at a weighted average price per share of $15.29. Shareholders approved the 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan in October 2003. The maximum number of shares that the new Plan may issue is 800,000. As of September 19, 2004, no awards had been granted under the 2003 Stock option and Incentive Plan.

 

Construction costs remaining to be paid for the Big Boy restaurant that reopened in late September was estimated at $269,000 as of September 19, 2004. The approximate cost to build and equip a new Big Boy restaurant ranges from $2,300,000 to $2,800,000, depending on land cost. Two buildings are likely to be constructed during the next twelve months, consisting of one rebuild and one relocation. Approximately one-fifth of the Company’s Big Boy restaurants are routinely renovated or decoratively updated each year at an average cost of $75,000 per restaurant. In addition, certain high-volume Big Boy restaurants are regularly evaluated to determine whether their kitchens should be redesigned for increased efficiencies. A typical kitchen redesign costs approximately $125,000.

 

The Company reached a new agreement with Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc. in July 2004. The new agreement added 21 Golden Corral restaurants to the development schedule, bringing the total to 62 to be in operation by December 31, 2011. Twenty-seven restaurants were in operation as of September 19, 2004 and the 28th opened shortly after the quarter ended. The build-out plan calls for one more to open before December 31, 2004, five will be opened each year through December 2010, with the final three to be opened in 2011. Costs remaining for two restaurants that were under construction as of September 19, 2004 were estimated at $1,548,000. The cost to build and equip each Golden Corral restaurant ranges from $2,500,000 to $3,400,000, including land and land improvements, the cost of which can vary greatly from location to location. Five of the original Golden Corral restaurants have reached the age at which remodeling is warranted. The work to be completed in Fiscal 2005 will cost approximately $150,000 per restaurant.

 

Risk Factors and Safe Harbor Statement

 

Statements included in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as that item is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified in sentences that contain words such as “should”, “could”, “will”, “may”, “plan”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project”, “intend”, “believe” and similar words that are used to convey the fact that the statement being made is prospective and does not strictly relate to historical or present facts. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from anticipated results. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking statements that may be contained in this MD&A.

 

Food safety is the most significant risk to any company that operates in the restaurant industry. It has become the focus of increased government regulatory initiatives at the local, state and federal levels resulting in higher compliance costs to the Company. To limit the Company’s exposure to the risk of food contamination, management rigorously emphasizes and enforces the Company’s food safety policies in all of the Company’s restaurants, and at the commissary and food manufacturing plant that the Company operates for Big Boy restaurants. These policies are designed to work cooperatively with programs established by health agencies at all levels of government authority,

 

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Table of Contents

including the federal Hazard Analysis of Critical Control Points (HACCP) program. In addition, the Company makes use of ServSafe Training, a nationally recognized program developed by the National Restaurant Association. The ServSafe program provides accurate, up-to-date science-based information to all levels of restaurant workers on all aspects of food handling, from receiving and storing to preparing and serving. All restaurant managers are required to receive re-certification in ServSafe Training every five years.

 

Other examples of risks and uncertainties facing the Company include, but are not limited to, the following: intense competition for customers; consumer perceptions of value, food quality and quality of service; changing consumer preferences, particularly based on concerns with nutritional content of the Company’s food or restaurant food in general; changing demographics in neighborhoods where the Company operates restaurants; changes in business strategy and development plans; the rising cost of quality sites on which to build restaurants; poor selection of restaurant sites; changes in the supply and cost of food; the effects of other inflationary pressures, especially higher costs for health care benefits and higher energy prices; rolling power outages; shortages of qualified labor; seasonal weather conditions, particularly during the winter months of the third quarter; natural disasters; fires or explosions; criminal acts, including bomb threats, robberies, hostage taking, kidnapping and other violent crimes; acts of terrorists or acts of war; civil disturbances; boycotts; variable interest rates; limitations on borrowing capacity; legal claims; changes in accounting standards; estimates used in preparing financial statements; disruptions to the business during transitions to new computer software; financial stability of technology vendors to support computer software over the long-term; unauthorized access to information systems; changes in governmental regulations regarding the environment; exposure to penalties for potential violations of numerous governmental regulations in general, and immigration (I-9) and minor labor regulations in particular; any future imposition by OSHA of costly ergonomics regulations on workplace safety; legislative changes affecting labor law, especially increases in the federal minimum wage; and legislation or court rulings that result in changes to tax codes.

 

The Company continually takes reasonable preventive measures to reduce its risks and uncertainties. However, the nature of some risks and uncertainties leaves the Company with little control. The materialization of any of the risks and uncertainties identified herein, together with those risks not specifically listed or those that are presently unforeseen, could result in significant adverse effects on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, which could include the permanent closure of the affected restaurant(s) with an impairment of assets charge taken against earnings.

 

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

The Company has market risk exposure to interest rate changes primarily relating to its $10,000,000 bullet loan. Interest rates are presently determined by adding 200 basis points to the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). The Company does not currently use derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to changes in interest rates. The Company does not use foreign currency.

 

Food supplies for Big Boy restaurants are generally plentiful and may be obtained from any number of suppliers. Quality and price are the principal determinants of source. Centralized purchasing and food preparation through the Company’s commissary and food manufacturing plant ensures uniform product quality and safety, timeliness of distribution to restaurants and results in lower food and supply costs. Certain commodities, principally beef, chicken, pork, dairy products, fish, french fries and coffee, are generally purchased based upon market prices established with vendors. Purchase contracts for some of these items may contain contractual provisions that limit the price to be paid. The Company does not use financial instruments as a hedge against changes in commodity pricing.

 

Except for items such as fresh produce and dairy products that are purchased from any number of local suppliers, the Company currently purchases substantially all food, beverage and other menu items for use in its Golden Corral restaurants from the same vendor that Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc. (Franchisor) uses for its operations. Deliveries are made two to three times per week. Other vendors are available to provide products that meet the Franchisor’s specifications should the Company wish or need to make a change.

 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

The Company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) reviewed and evaluated the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Securities Exchange Act regulations 240.13a-15(e) and 240.15d-15(e) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s CEO and CFO concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 19, 2004.

 

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Table of Contents

The Company completed the second and final implementation phase of its enterprise information system in September 2004. Phase I of the implementation, which included new software modules for the General Ledger, Accounts Payable, Procurement, Inventory Control and Asset Management, was completed in April 2004. Phase II of the implementation incorporated Payroll and Human Resources modules into the system. Certain changes in the system of internal control have been instituted to enhance the effectiveness of all the system’s modules.

 

There were no other significant changes in the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended September 19, 2004 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

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Table of Contents

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

The Company is the owner of a Golden Corral Restaurant located in North Canton, Ohio. In 2001, The Company’s general contractor, Fortney & Weygandt, Inc. (“Fortney”) constructed a Golden Corral Restaurant at the original location on the North Canton site. Complicated geological conditions at the site required that the restaurant be built on a structural slab (platform), which rested upon driven piles. The foundation system for the building had been designed by a Houston, Texas engineering firm called Maverick Engineering, Inc. (“Maverick”). Maverick was a subcontractor to Frisch’s architect of record, LMH&T.

 

Shortly before the scheduled opening of the restaurant, it was discovered that, due to a combination of design and construction errors, the building had shifted, which caused separation of the building from its underground plumbing system. The Company elected to demolish the original structure, and subsequently built a new building on a different portion of the original parcel. The restaurant’s grand opening was, therefore, delayed until January 2003.

 

On July 30, 2002, the Company’s general contractor, Fortney, filed a Demand for Arbitration against the Company with the American Arbitration Association. Fortney sought recovery of its “outstanding contract balance,” in the sum of $293,638, plus interest, fees, and costs. Fortney contends that it is owed this money by the Company under the terms of the General Construction Contract. The Company has denied that it owes these monies to Fortney, and has filed a counterclaim against Fortney alleging defective construction. The Company’s claim against Fortney is for excess cost of construction, loss profits, interest and costs, in an amount exceeding $1,000,000.

 

On August 29, 2002, the Company filed a lawsuit in the Stark County, Ohio Court of Common Pleas against its former architect, LMH&T, alleging negligent design as a casual factor in the demise of the original structure. The Company sought dameages including lost profits, interest, and costs exceeding $2,500,000. LMH&T brought into the lawsuit its structural engineering consultant, Maverick, as well as the Company’s soils consultant, Cowherd Banner Carlson Engineering (“CBC”).

 

In July 2003, the Company resolved all claims, counterclaims, and cross-claims, against and involving the trial court defendants. The trial court defendants, including LMH&T and Maverick, agreed to pay to the Company the sum of $1,700,000 in full and final settlement of all claims. The Company received the settlement funds in full during the first quarter of fiscal year 2004 and the case was dismissed.

 

The resolution between the Company and the trial court defendants (design team) is separate and apart from the dispute between Fortney and the Company, which remains before the American Arbitration Association. In that action, Fortney continues to seek recovery of $293,638, plus interest, fees, and costs. The Company continues to seek the balance of its claim from Fortney.

 

From time to time, the Company is subject to various claims and suits in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that any ultimate liability for such claims will have a material impact on its earnings, cash flows or financial position.

 

ITEMS 2, 3, and 5, the answers to which are either “none” or “not applicable”, are omitted.

 

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

 

  a) The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on October 4, 2004.

 

  b) Directors elected on October 4, 2004 to serve until the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders:

 

Jack C. Maier

  William J. Reik, Jr.

William A. Mauch

  Lorrence T. Kellar

 

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Table of Contents

Directors whose terms continued after the meeting (serving until the 2005 annual meeting of shareholders):

 

Malcolm M. Knapp

  Dale P. Brown   Daniel W. Geeding

Blanche F. Maier

  Craig F. Maier    

 

 

  c) The following matters were voted upon:

 

  1) Election of Directors to serve until the 2006 annual meeting of shareholders:

 

Name


 

For


 

Withheld

Authority


            Jack C. Maier

  3,737,363   63,230

            William A. Mauch

  3,735,647   64,946

            William J. Reik, Jr.

  3,790,015   10,578

            Lorrence T. Kellar

  3,791,610    8,983

 

 

  2) Proposal to ratify the appointment of Grant Thornton LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year commencing May 31, 2004 was approved. It received the following votes:

 

For


 

Against


 

Abstain


3,784,755

  10,687   5,151

 

  d) Not applicable

 

 

 

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

 

a) EXHIBITS

 

3 (a) Third Amended Articles of Incorporation, filed as Exhibit (3) (a) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for 1993, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

3 (b) Code of Regulations, filed as Exhibit (3) (a) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for December 15, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

3 (c) Amendments to the Code of Regulations adopted October 1, 1984, filed as Exhibit (3) (b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for December 15, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

3 (d) Amendments to the Code of Regulations adopted October 24, 1996, filed as Exhibit (3) (c) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for December 15, 1996, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

10 (a) Intellectual Property Use and Noncompete Agreement between the Registrant and Liggett Restaurant Enterprises LLC (now known as Big Boy Restaurants International, LLC) dated January 8, 2001, filed as Exhibit (10) (a) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for March 4, 2001, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

10 (b) Transfer Agreement between the Registrant and Liggett Restaurant Enterprises LLC (now known as Big Boy Restaurants International, LLC) dated January 8, 2001, filed as Exhibit (10) (b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for March 4, 2001, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

10 (c)1 First Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (Golden Corral) and Exhibit 10(c)2 Second Amended and Restated Loan Agreement (Revolving and Bullet Loans) between the Registrant and US Bank NA effective October 15, 2004 are filed herewith.

 

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10 (d) Area Development Agreement, Termination Agreement and Addendum effective July 20, 2004 between the Registrant and Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc., filed as Exhibit 10 (f) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

 

10 (e) Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Jack C. Maier effective May 29, 2000, filed as Exhibit (10) (d) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for September 17, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (f) Employment Agreement between the Registrant and Craig F. Maier effective June 2, 2003, filed as Exhibit 10 (h) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for 2003, is incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (g) Frisch’s Executive Savings Plan effective November 15, 1993, filed as Exhibit (10) (a) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for September 17, 1995, is incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (h) Second Amendment to the Frisch’s Executive Savings Plan effective July 28, 2004, is filed herewith. *

 

10 (i) Frisch’s Executive Retirement Plan effective June 1, 1994, filed as Exhibit (10) (b) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for September 17, 1995, is incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (j) Amendment No. 1 to Frisch’s Executive Retirement Plan effective January 1, 2000, filed as Exhibit 10 (k) to the Registrant’s form 10-K Annual Report for 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.*

 

10 (k) 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, filed as Appendix A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated August 28, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (l) Forms of agreement to be used for stock options granted to employees and to non-employee directors under the Registrant’s 2003 Stock Option and Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2 to the Registrant’s From 8-K dated October 1, 2004, are incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (m) Amended and Restated 1993 Stock Option Plan, filed as Exhibit A to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated September 9, 1998, is incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (n) Employee Stock Option Plan, filed as Exhibit B to the Registrant’s Proxy Statement dated September 9, 1998, is incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (o) Agreement between the Registrant and Craig F. Maier dated November 21, 1989, filed as Exhibit (10) (g) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for 1990, is incorporated herein by reference. *

 

10 (p) Frisch’s Nondeferred Cash Balance Plan effective January 1, 2000, filed as Exhibit (10) (r) to the Registrant’s Form 10-Q Quarterly Report for December 10, 2000, is incorporated herein by reference, together with the Trust Agreement established by the Registrant between Firstar Bank, N.A. (Trustee) (now known as US Bank) and Donald H. Walker (Grantor). There are identical Trust Agreements between Firstar Bank, N.A. (Trustee) (now known as US Bank) and Craig F. Maier, Paul F. McFarland, W. Gary King, Karen F. Maier, Ken C. Hull, Michael E. Conner, Todd M. Rion and certain other “highly compensated employees” (Grantors). *

 

10 (q) Senior Executive Bonus Plan effective June 2, 2003, filed as Exhibit (10) (s) to the Registrant’s Form 10-K Annual Report for 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.*

 

* denotes compensatory plan or agreement

 

 

15 Letter re: unaudited interim financial statements, is filed herewith.

 

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31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to rule 13a -14(a) is filed herewith.

 

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to rule 13a - 14(a) is filed herewith.

 

32.1 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer is filed herewith.

 

32.2 Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer is filed herewith.

 

 

b). Reports on Form 8-K:

 

A Form 8-K was filed July 9, 2004 reporting under item 12 the Registrant’s press release announcing financial results for the year ended May 30, 2004.

 

A Form 8-K was filed on July 26, 2004 reporting under item 5 the Registrant’s press release announcing that it had entered an agreement with Golden Corral Franchising Systems, Inc. to add 21 Golden Corral Restaurants to its development plans.

 

A Form 8-K was filed on August 2, 2004 reporting under item 12 a correction to the condensed balance sheet as of May 30, 2004 that had been attached to the Registrant’s year end earnings press release.

 

A Form 8-K was filed on October 1, 2004 reporting under item 1.01, Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement, to provide the forms of agreement to be used for stock options granted to employees and to non-employee directors under the Registrant’s 2003 Stock option and Incentive Plan. Copies of the forms of agreement were attached as Exhibits 99.1 and 99.2.

 

A Form 8-K was filed on October 18, 2004 reporting under item 2.02, Results of Operations and Financial Condition, the Registrant’s press release announcing financial results for the quarter ending September 19, 2004.

 

A Form 8-K was filed on October 19, 2004 reporting under item 2.03, Creation of a Direct Financial Obligation, the Registrant’s agreement to amend and restate its credit facilities with US Bank NA.

 

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SIGNATURE

 

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

 

    FRISCH’S RESTAURANTS, INC.
    (registrant)

DATE   October 19, 2004

   
    BY     /s/ Donald H. Walker        
    Donald H. Walker
    Vice President – Finance, Treasurer and
    Principal Financial and Accounting Officer

 

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