First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (FWRG) FY 2024 MD&A

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This section and other parts of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”), which are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from the statements made herein. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements discuss our industry outlook, our expectations for the future of our business and our liquidity and capital resources as well as other non-historical statements. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “intend,” “outlook,” “potential,” “project,” “projection,” “plan,” “seek,” “may,” “could,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “can,” “can have,” “likely,” the negatives thereof and other similar expressions. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by these forward-looking statements.

These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in the context of the risks and uncertainties disclosed in Part I, Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K under the heading “Risk Factors” and in this Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

The forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be made that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

Overview

First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. The Company’s common stock trades on Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “FWRG.” A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch’s award-winning chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites for breakfast, brunch and lunch. For three consecutive years, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® by Newsweek and the Best Practice Institute, and in 2024, was named the #1 Most Loved Workplace. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the United States. In 2022, First Watch was recognized with ADP’s coveted Culture at Work Award.

The Company operates and franchises restaurants in 29 states under the “First Watch” trade name and as of December 29, 2024, the Company had 489 company-owned restaurants and 83 franchise-owned restaurants. The Company does not operate outside of the United States.

The Company’s 52- or 53-week fiscal years end on the last Sunday of each calendar year. Its fiscal quarters are comprised of 13 weeks each and end on the 13th Sunday of each quarter, save for 53-week years during which the fourth quarter ends on the 14th Sunday of the fourth quarter. All references to 2024 and 2022 reflect the results of the 52-week fiscal year ended December 29, 2024 and December 25, 2022. All references to 2023 reflect the results of the 53-week fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. We report financial and operating information in one segment.

Key Performance Indicators

Throughout “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” we commonly discuss the following key operating metrics that we believe will drive our financial results and long-term growth model. We believe these metrics are useful to investors because Management uses these metrics to evaluate performance and assess the growth of our business as well as the effectiveness of our marketing and operational strategies.

New Restaurant Openings (“NROs”): the number of new company-owned First Watch restaurants commencing operations during the period. Management reviews the number of new restaurants to assess new restaurant growth and company-owned restaurant sales.

Franchise-owned New Restaurant Openings (“Franchise-owned NROs”): the number of new franchise-owned First Watch restaurants commencing operations during the period.

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Same-Restaurant Sales Growth: the percentage change in year-over-year restaurant sales (excluding gift card breakage) for the comparable restaurant base, which we define as the number of company-owned First Watch branded restaurants open for 18 months or longer as of the beginning of the fiscal year (“Comparable Restaurant Base”). For the year ended 2024, this operating metric compares the 52-week period ended December 29, 2024 with the 52-week period ended December 31, 2023, versus the 53-week fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, in order to compare like-for-like periods. For the 52-weeks ended December 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, there were 344 restaurants and 327 restaurants in our Comparable Restaurant Base. Measuring our same-restaurant sales growth allows Management to evaluate the performance of our existing restaurant base. We believe this measure is useful for investors to provide a consistent comparison of restaurant sales results and trends across periods within our core, established restaurant base, unaffected by results of store openings, closings and other transitional changes.

Same-Restaurant Traffic Growth: the percentage change in traffic counts for the 52-week period ended December 29, 2024 as compared to the 52-week period ended December 31, 2023 using the Comparable Restaurant Base, versus the 53-week fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 in order to compare like-for-like periods. Measuring our same-restaurant traffic growth allows Management to evaluate the performance of our existing restaurant base. We believe this measure is useful for investors because same-restaurant traffic provides an indicator as to the development of our brand and the effectiveness of our marketing strategy.

Average Unit Volume (“AUV”): the total restaurant sales (excluding gift card breakage) recognized in the Comparable Restaurant Base, divided by the number of restaurants in the Comparable Restaurant Base during the period. This measurement allows Management to assess changes in consumer spending patterns at our restaurants and the overall performance of our restaurant base.

System-wide restaurants: the total number of restaurants, including all company-owned and franchise-owned restaurants.

System-wide sales: consists of restaurant sales from our company-owned restaurants and franchise-owned restaurants. We do not recognize the restaurant sales from our franchise-owned restaurants as revenue.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the consolidated financial statements, which are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”), we use the following non-GAAP measures, which present operating results on an adjusted basis: (i) Adjusted EBITDA, (ii) Adjusted EBITDA margin, (iii) Restaurant level operating profit and (iv) Restaurant level operating profit margin. Our presentation of these non-GAAP measures includes isolating the effects of some items that are either nonrecurring in nature or have no meaningful correlation to our ongoing core operating performance. These supplemental measures of performance are not required by or presented in accordance with GAAP. Management believes these non-GAAP measures provide investors with additional visibility into our operations, facilitate analysis and comparisons of our ongoing business operations because they exclude items that may not be indicative of our ongoing operating performance, help to identify operational trends and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by Management in our financial and operational decision making. Our non-GAAP measures may not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies and have important limitations as analytical tools. These non-GAAP measures should not be considered in isolation or as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP as they may not provide a complete understanding of our performance. These non-GAAP measures should be reviewed in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP.

We use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin (i) as factors in evaluating management’s performance when determining incentive compensation, (ii) to evaluate our operating results and the effectiveness of our business strategies and (iii) internally as benchmarks to compare our performance to that of our competitors.

We use Restaurant level operating profit and Restaurant level operating profit margin (i) to evaluate the performance and profitability of operating restaurants, individually, and in the aggregate, (ii) to compare the performance of our restaurants and markets and (iii) to make decisions regarding future spending and other operational decisions.

Adjusted EBITDA: represents Net income before depreciation and amortization, interest expense, income taxes, and items that we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing core operating performance as identified in the reconciliation of Net income, the most directly comparable measure in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA, included in the section Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations below.

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Adjusted EBITDA Margin: represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues. See Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations below for a reconciliation to Net income margin, the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Restaurant Level Operating Profit: represents restaurant sales, less restaurant operating expenses, which include food and beverage costs, labor and other related expenses, other restaurant operating expenses, pre-opening expenses and occupancy expenses. Restaurant level operating profit excludes corporate-level expenses and other items that we do not consider in the evaluation of the ongoing core operating performance of our restaurants as identified in the reconciliation of Income from operations, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to Restaurant level operating profit, included in the section Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations below.

Restaurant Level Operating Profit Margin: represents Restaurant level operating profit as a percentage of restaurant sales. See Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations below for a reconciliation to Income from operations margin, the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Financial Highlights

The financial results of 2024 reflect the continued growth of the Company. The Company continued to accelerate the pace of new restaurant openings with 43 NROs in 2024 and we executed on our growth strategy as we acquired 22 operating restaurants from our franchisees in 2024.

Financial highlights for the 52-weeks ended December 29, 2024 as compared, unless otherwise indicated below, to the 53-weeks ended December 31, 2023, reflected the continued momentum of our strong operating performance and include the following:

•Total revenues increased 13.9% to $1.0 billion from $891.6 million in 2023

•System-wide sales increased to $1.2 billion from $1.1 billion in 2023

•Same-restaurant sales growth of negative 0.5%*

•Same-restaurant traffic growth of negative 4.0%*

•Income from operations decreased to $38.9 million from $41.3 million in 2023

•Income from operations margin decreased to 3.9% from 4.7% in 2023

•Restaurant level operating profit** increased to $201.8 million from $175.7 million in 2023

•Restaurant level operating profit margin** increased to 20.1% from 20.0% in 2023

•Net income decreased to $18.9 million from $25.4 million in 2023

•Adjusted EBITDA** increased to $113.8 million from $99.5 million in 2023

•Opened 50 system-wide restaurants (43 company-owned and 7 franchise-owned) across 19 states resulting in a total of 572 system-wide restaurants (489 company-owned and 83 franchise-owned) across 29 states

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*Comparison to the 52-week periods ended December 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023 in order to compare like-for-like periods. See “Key Performance Indicators” for additional information.

** See Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations section below.

Business Trends

During 2024, many restaurant industry sectors experienced downward sales pressure and traffic and “breakfast” was the most impacted daypart. The Company’s same-restaurant sales growth in 2024 was negative 0.5%, and partially offset by a 3.6% increase in carried price.

Commodity inflation was 3.2% in 2024. We expect a high-single digit percentage increase in our 2025 commodity prices as compared to the prior year.

Restaurant level labor inflation of 4.4% was offset by improvements in labor efficiencies. At year end, we were staffed with over 120 managers to lead and operate our future new company-owned restaurants. We expect 2% to 4% labor inflation in 2025.

Continuing the Company’s expansion, Management intends to open 59 to 64 net new system-wide restaurants in 2025. In addition, Management has entered into two agreements to acquire 19 restaurants from franchisees.

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Development Highlights

During 2024, the Company had a total of 50 new system-wide restaurants in 19 states. One company-owned and one franchise-owned restaurant closed in 2024. We also acquired 22 operating restaurants from our franchisees in the execution of our growth strategy. See Note 3, Business Acquisitions, in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements for additional information. At December 29, 2024, the Company had a total of 572 system-wide restaurants.

We expect to open between 55 to 58 company-owned restaurants and 7 to 9 franchise-owned restaurants during 2025. We also plan to close 3 company-owned restaurants, resulting in a total of 59 to 64, net new system-wide restaurants in 2025.

Selected Operating Data

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(1) Comparing the 52-week period ended December 29, 2024 with the 52-week period ended December 31, 2023 in order to compare like-for-like periods. See “Key Performance Indicators” for additional information.

(2) Reconciliations from Income from operations and Income from operations margin, the most comparable GAAP measures to Restaurant level operating profit and Restaurant level operating profit margin, are set forth in the schedules within the Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations section below.

(3) Reconciliations from Net income and Net income margin, the most comparable GAAP measures to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, are set forth in the schedules within the Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations section below.

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Results of Operations

The discussion that follows includes a comparison of our results of operations for 2024 and 2023.

The following table summarizes our results of operations and the percentages of items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in relation to Total revenues or, where indicated, Restaurant sales for 2024 and 2023:

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(1) Percentages are calculated as a percentage of restaurant sales.

Restaurant Sales

Restaurant sales represent the aggregate sales of food and beverages, net of discounts, at company-owned restaurants. Restaurant sales in any period are directly influenced by the number of operating weeks in the period, the number of open restaurants, customer traffic and average check. Average check growth is driven by our menu price increases and changes to our menu mix.

The increase in total restaurant sales was primarily due to (i) opening and acquiring restaurants in 2024, (ii) recognizing a full year of sales for restaurants opened and acquired in 2023 and (iii) menu price increases. The increase was partially offset by (i) 2024 negative same-restaurant sales growth of 0.5% and (ii) the 53rd week of sales in 2023.

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Franchise Revenues

Franchise revenues are comprised of sales-based royalty fees, system fund contributions and the amortization of upfront initial franchise fees, which are recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the franchise agreement. Franchise revenues in any period are directly influenced by the number of open franchise-owned restaurants.

The decrease in franchise revenues during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily driven by (i) the Company’s acquisitions of franchise-owned restaurants and (ii) $0.6 million of deferred franchise revenues recognized in 2023 in connection with the acquisitions of restaurants from franchisees. The decrease was partially offset by (i) revenues from franchise-owned NROs and (ii) $0.4 million of deferred franchise revenues recognized in 2024 in connection with the acquisitions of restaurants from our franchisees.

Food and Beverage Costs

The components of food and beverage costs at company-owned restaurants are variable by nature, change with sales volume, are impacted by product mix and are subject to increases or decreases in commodity costs.

Food and beverage costs as a percent of restaurant sales decreased during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to leveraging menu price increases. The decrease was partially offset by commodity inflation of 3.2%.

Food and beverage costs increased during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily as a result of (i) the 14.5% increase in restaurant sales, (ii) opening and acquiring restaurants in 2024, (iii) recognizing a full year of costs for restaurants opened and acquired in 2023 and (iv) commodity inflation. The increase was partially affected by the additional 53rd week in 2023.

Labor and Other Related Expenses

Labor and other related expenses are variable by nature and include hourly and management wages, bonuses, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation expense and employee benefits. Factors that influence labor costs include minimum wage and payroll tax legislation, health care costs, the number and performance of our company-owned restaurants and increased competition for qualified staff.

Labor and other related expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily as a result of (i) menu price increases and (ii) improved hourly labor efficiency. This decrease was partially offset by (i) wage increases and (ii) higher health insurance costs.

The increase in labor and other related expenses during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to (i) the increase in staffing levels to support the increase in corporate-owned restaurants (ii) wage increases and (iii) higher health insurance costs. The increase was partially offset by (i) hourly labor efficiency and (ii) the additional 53rd week in 2023.

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Other Restaurant Operating Expenses

Other restaurant operating expenses consist of marketing and advertising expenses, utilities, insurance and other operating variable expenses incidental to operating company-owned restaurants, such as operating supplies (including paper products, menus and to-go supplies), credit card fees, repairs and maintenance, and third-party delivery services fees.

Other restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales during 2024 decreased as compared to 2023 primarily due to (i) leveraging menu price increases, (ii) third-party delivery related revenue and expenses, including to-go supplies and third-party delivery fees, increasing at a lower rate than total restaurant sales. This decrease was partially offset by (i) utilities expenses, (ii) restaurant advertising costs and (iii) credit card fees which increased as a percentage of restaurant sales.

The increase in other restaurant operating expenses during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to the increase in the number of restaurants driving increases in certain expenses including (i) $7.5 million of additional credit card, delivery, and license fees, (ii) $4.6 million increase in utilities and repair and maintenance expenses, (iii) $3.4 million related to operating supplies and (iv) $1.3 million related to restaurant advertising costs. The increase was partially offset by a decrease in to-go supplies costs of $0.3 million.

Occupancy Expenses

Occupancy expenses primarily consist of rent expense, property insurance, common area expenses and property taxes.

The increase in occupancy expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to higher rent expense and the deleverage associated with negative same-restaurant sales growth.

The increase in occupancy expenses during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to the increase in the number of company-owned restaurants.

Pre-opening Expenses

Pre-opening expenses are costs incurred to open new company-owned restaurants. Pre-opening expenses include pre-opening rent expense, which is recognized during the period between the date of possession of the restaurant facility and the restaurant opening date. In addition, pre-opening expenses include manager salaries, recruiting expenses, employee payroll and training costs, which are recognized in the period in which the expense was incurred. Pre-opening expenses can fluctuate from period to period, based on the number and timing of new company-owned restaurant openings.

The increase in 2024 pre-opening expenses as compared to 2023 was primarily due to (i) the higher number of restaurants opened and under construction and (ii) the increase in rents.

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General and Administrative Expenses

General and administrative expenses primarily consist of costs associated with our corporate and administrative functions that support restaurant development and operations including marketing and advertising costs incurred as well as legal fees, professional fees, stock-based compensation and expenses associated with being a public company, including costs associated with our compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. General and administrative expenses are impacted by changes in our employee headcount and costs related to strategic and growth initiatives.

The increase in general and administrative expenses during 2024 as compared to 2023 was mainly due to (i) $5.2 million increase in compensation and other related expenses such as wage increases, stock compensation and additional employee headcount to support growth, (ii) $2.7 million increase in licenses and fees related to information technology, (iii) $1.8 million related to consulting and professional services partially offset by $1.1 million related to a decrease in brand research costs and (iv) approximately $1.6 million related to travel and other miscellaneous expenses.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization consists of the depreciation of fixed assets, including leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment and the amortization of definite-lived intangible assets, which are primarily comprised of franchise rights.

The increase in depreciation and amortization during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to additional NRO assets and restaurants acquired, including reacquired rights from franchisees.

Impairments and Loss on Disposal of Assets

Impairments and loss on disposal of assets include (i) the impairment of long-lived assets and intangible assets where the carrying amount of the asset is not recoverable and exceeds the fair value of the asset, (ii) the write-off of the net book value of assets that have been retired or replaced in the normal course of business and (iii) the write-off of the net book value of assets in connection with restaurant closures and natural disasters.

In 2024, the amounts represented write-off of assets retired as a result of restaurant closures or replacements of assets. There were no impairment losses recognized. In 2023, we recorded total impairment charges of $0.5 million, which primarily related to the long-lived assets of two company-owned restaurants for which Management agreed to accelerate the expected closure dates.

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Transaction Expenses, Net

Transaction expenses, net include (i) costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of franchise-owned restaurants, (ii) costs related to certain equity offerings, (iii) costs related to restaurant closures, (iv) gains or losses associated with lease or contract terminations and (v) revaluations of contingent consideration payable to previous stockholders for tax savings generated through the use of federal and state loss carryforwards and general business credits that had been accumulated from operations prior to August 2017.

Transaction expenses, net decreased during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to (i) lower costs incurred in connection with the acquisitions of restaurants from our franchisees and (ii) contingent consideration liability reduction. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in costs incurred by us in connection with the sale of the Company’s common stock by funds managed by Advent through secondary public offerings.

Income from Operations and Income from Operations Margin

Income from operations margin decreased during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to (i) deleveraging of certain expenses, including occupancy expenses, as a result of a decline in same-restaurant sales and (ii) higher depreciation and amortization expense driven by our restaurant growth and acquisition of certain franchise-owned restaurants partially offset by (i) labor efficiency and (ii) food and beverage costs improving as a percent of sales.

Income from operations decreased during 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to (i) higher operating costs and depreciation expense driven by our restaurant growth and acquisitions of restaurants from franchisees, as well as (ii) higher general and administrative expenses primarily attributable to additional employee headcount and performance-based compensation and (iii) the 53rd week in 2023. This decrease was partially offset by the increase in restaurant sales and franchise revenues.

Interest Expense

Interest expense primarily consists of interest and fees on our outstanding debt and the amortization expense for debt discount and deferred issuance costs.

The increase in interest expense during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due (i) an increase borrowings associated with franchise acquisitions and (ii) higher interest rates.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net includes items deemed to be non-operating based on Management’s assessment of the nature of the item in relation to our core operations.

Other income, net decreased in 2024 primarily related to insurance recoveries received in 2023 in connection with 2022 insured losses.

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Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense primarily consists of various federal and state taxes.

The change in the effective income tax rates for 2024 as compared to 2023 was mainly due to (i) the change in the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, (ii) the benefit of tax credits for FICA taxes on certain employees’ tips and (iii) impacts of executive stock-based compensation.

Net Income and Net Income Margin

The decrease in net income and net income margin during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to (i) the decrease in income from operations including deleveraging of occupancy expenses, (ii) increase in depreciation and amortization attributed primarily to locations opened and acquired in 2024 and (iii) the increase in interest expense associated with increased borrowings to fund acquisitions.

Restaurant Level Operating Profit and Restaurant level Operating Profit Margin

Restaurant level operating profit margin during 2024 increased as compared to 2023 primarily due to (i) favorable food and beverage costs as a percent of sales, (ii) favorable labor and other related expenses as a percent of sales and (iii) acquired restaurants. This was partially offset by the deleverage of occupancy expenses.

Restaurant level operating profit during 2024 increased as compared to 2023 primarily due to (i) menu price increases and (ii) revenue from the increase in the number of restaurants. This was partially offset by the increase in (i) operating costs and expenses driven by our restaurant growth and (ii) deleverage of occupancy expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

The increase in Adjusted EBITDA and consistent Adjusted EBITDA margin during 2024 as compared to 2023 was primarily due to the increase in (i) restaurant level operating profit and (ii) restaurant level operating profit margin. This was partially offset by the increase in general and administrative expenses, mainly due to the increase in compensation expense.

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Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin - The following table reconciles Net income (Loss) and Net income (loss) margin, the most directly comparable GAAP measures to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin for the periods indicated:

.

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(1) Represents non-cash, stock-based compensation expense which is recorded within General and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(2) Represents costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of franchise-owned restaurants, expenses related to debt, secondary offering costs, costs related to restaurant closures, gains or losses associated with lease or contract terminations and revaluations of contingent consideration liability.

(3) Represents costs related to process improvements and strategic initiatives. These costs are recorded within General and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(4) Represents impairment charges and costs related to the disposal of assets due to retirements, replacements, restaurant closures and natural disasters.

(5) Represents professional service costs incurred in connection with the Delaware Voluntary Disclosure Agreement Program related to unclaimed or abandoned property. These costs are recorded in General and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(6) Represents costs incurred for hiring qualified individuals. These costs are recorded within General and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(7) Severance costs are recorded in General and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(8) Represents insurance recoveries, net of costs incurred, in connection with hurricane damage, which were recorded in Other income, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(9) Represents the non-cash portion of straight-line rent expense recorded within both Occupancy expenses and General and administrative expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

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Restaurant level operating profit and Restaurant level operating profit margin - The following table reconciles Income from operations and Income from operations margin, the most comparable GAAP measures to Restaurant level operating profit and Restaurant level operating profit margin for the periods indicated:

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(1) Represents costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of franchise-owned restaurants, secondary offering costs, costs related to restaurant closures, gains or losses associated with lease or contract terminations and revaluations of contingent consideration liability.

(2) Represents impairment charges and costs related to the disposal of assets due to retirements, replacements, restaurant closures and natural disasters.

(3) Represents costs incurred in connection with hurricane damage. The costs include inventory spoilage and labor costs, which were recorded in Food and beverage costs and Labor and other related expenses, respectively, on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

(4) Represents the non-cash portion of straight-line rent expense recorded within Occupancy expenses on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

As of December 29, 2024, we had cash and cash equivalents of $33.3 million and outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of $193.8 million, excluding unamortized debt discount and deferred issuance costs. We had availability of $123.3 million under our revolving credit facility of $125.0 million, of which $1.7 million is reserved under letters of credit, and availability of $27.5 million under our delayed draw term loan pursuant to our credit agreement, as amended (“Credit Agreement”). Our principal uses of cash include capital expenditures for the development, acquisition or remodeling of restaurants, lease obligations, debt service payments and strategic infrastructure investments. Our working capital requirements are low due to our restaurants’ storage of minimal inventory and customers’ payment for purchases at the time of the sale, which frequently precedes our payment terms with suppliers.

We believe that our cash flow from operations combined with our availability under the Credit Facility and our cash and cash equivalents will be sufficient to meet the Company’s liquidity needs for at least the next 12 months. We anticipate that to the extent that we require additional liquidity, or should we decide to pursue one or more significant acquisitions, the funds would be furnished first through additional indebtedness and thereafter through the issuance of equity. Although we believe that our current level of total available liquidity is sufficient to meet our short-term and long-term liquidity requirements, we regularly evaluate opportunities to improve our liquidity position in order to enhance financial flexibility. On November 7, 2022, we filed a Registration Statement on Form S-3 that allows the Company to sell up to 5,000,000 shares of common stock from time to time in one or more offerings.

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We estimate that our capital expenditures will total approximately $150.0 million to $160.0 million in 2025, not including the capital allocated to franchise acquisitions. This capital is invested primarily in new restaurant projects and planned remodels. We intend to fund the capital expenditures primarily with cash generated from our operating activities as well as with borrowings pursuant to our Credit Agreement.

Summary of Cash Flows

The following table presents a summary of our cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for 2024 and 2023:

Cash provided by operations is our typical source of liquidity used (i) to fund capital expenditures for new restaurants, (ii) to maintain and remodel existing restaurants and (iii) for debt service. Cash provided by operations increased in 2024 as compared to 2023 primarily due to the addition of new and acquired restaurants.

Cash used in investing activities increased to $206.7 million during 2024 from $123.4 million during 2023 primarily as a result of the increase in capital expenditures to support our restaurant growth and the acquisitions of restaurants from our franchisees.

Cash provided by financing activities of $74.3 million during 2024 as compared to $28.1 million during 2023 was primarily due to additional borrowings to fund the acquisition of franchise-owned restaurants.

Contractual Obligations

Material contractual obligations arising in the normal course of business primarily consist of operating and finance lease obligations, long-term debt and purchase obligations. The timing and nature of these commitments are expected to have an impact on our liquidity and capital requirements in future periods. Refer to Note 10, Debt, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements for additional information relating to our long-term debt and Note 12, Leases, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information related to our operating and financing leases.

Purchase obligations include agreements related to the construction or remodeling of restaurant facilities, the purchase of food, beverages, paper goods and other supplies, equipment purchases, marketing-related contracts, software license commitments, technology and other service contracts in the normal course of business. These obligations are generally pursuant to short-term purchase orders at prevailing market prices and are recorded as liabilities when the related goods are received or services rendered. These commitments are cancellable and there are no material financial penalties associated with these commitments in the event of early termination.

Purchase obligations also include firm minimum commitments in excess of 12 months for certain contracts. Refer to Note 18, Commitments and Contingencies, in the accompanying consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon our consolidated financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these financial statements and related notes requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. Certain of our accounting policies require the application of significant judgment by Management in selecting the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. These judgments are based on our historical experience, terms of existing contracts, our evaluation of trends in the industry, and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. We evaluate our estimates and judgments on an on-going basis. Our actual results may differ from these estimates. Judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of those policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under different conditions or using different assumptions. The accounting policies and estimates that we believe to be the most critical to an understanding of our financial condition and results of operations and that require the most complex and subjective management judgments are discussed below.

Business Combinations

We account for acquisitions using the purchase method of accounting. As such, the fair value of purchase consideration is allocated to the tangible assets acquired, liabilities assumed and intangible assets acquired based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair values of identifiable assets and liabilities is recorded as goodwill. The fair values assigned, defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between willing market participants, are based on estimates and assumptions determined by Management. We determine the fair values of tangible and intangible assets acquired generally in consultation with a third-party valuation advisor. Critical estimates in valuing certain intangible assets include, but are not limited to, future expected cash flows and discount rates. In addition, we have estimated the value and economic lives of certain tangible assets based on historical information, industry estimates and averages, which are used to calculate depreciation and amortization expense. If the subsequent actual results and updated projections of the underlying business activity change, compared with the assumptions and projections used to develop these values, we could experience impairment charges. If our estimates of the economic lives change, depreciation or amortization expense could be accelerated or extended. Management’s estimates of fair value are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which are inherently uncertain and unpredictable and, as a result, actual results may differ from estimates.

If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete at the end of a reporting period that falls within a measurement period not to exceed a year from the date of acquisition, we report provisional amounts in our consolidated financial statements. During the measurement period, we adjust the provisional amounts recognized at the acquisition date to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the measurement of the amounts recognized as of that date. We record these adjustments to the provisional amounts with a corresponding adjustment to goodwill. Any adjustments identified after the measurement period are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

The results of operations of acquired businesses are included in the consolidated financial statements from the acquisition date and costs that we incur to complete the business combination, such as legal and other professional fees, are expensed as they are incurred.

Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangibles

Goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles are tested for impairment annually on the first day of the fourth quarter of the fiscal year, or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Significant judgments are used to determine if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators could include negative operating performance of our restaurants, economic and restaurant industry trends, legal factors, significant competition or changes in our business strategy. Adverse changes in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of our goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets and could have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

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We have identified one reporting unit to which we have attributed goodwill. Management may elect to perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the reporting unit and/or asset group is impaired. If the qualitative assessment is not performed, or if it is not more likely than not that the estimated fair value of the reporting unit and indefinite-lived intangible assets exceeds the respective carrying value, a quantitative analysis is required.

If the qualitative assessment is not performed or if we determine that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit exceeds the carrying value, the fair value of the reporting unit is calculated using the best information available, including market information (also referred to as the market approach) and discounted cash flow projections (also referred to as the income approach). The market approach estimates fair value by applying projected cash flow earnings multiples to the reporting unit’s operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics. The income approach uses internal future cash flow estimates, which are influenced by revenue growth rates, operating margins and new restaurant openings, that are discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions. We recognize an impairment loss when the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the estimated fair value.

In performing the quantitative assessment for indefinite-lived intangibles, we estimate the fair value of trade names and trademarks using the relief-from-royalty method, which requires assumptions related to projected sales, assumed royalty rates that could be payable if we did not own the trademarks and a discount rate. We recognize an impairment loss when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated fair value.

The subjective estimates associated with Management’s judgments and assumptions in fair value calculations at the measurement date are affected by various factors including changes in economic conditions, our operating performance and our business strategies.

During 2024 and 2023, we elected to perform a qualitative assessment for our annual impairment review of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles. In considering the qualitative approach related to goodwill, we considered factors including, but not limited to, macro-economic conditions, market and industry conditions, the competitive environment, results of prior impairment tests, operational stability, the overall financial performance of the reporting unit and the impacts of the discount rates. Management also considered the specific future outlook for the reporting unit. As it relates to our trade names and trademarks, we evaluate similar factors as the goodwill assessment, in addition to impacts of potential changes to the assumed royalty rate. Based on the results of the qualitative assessment, Management concluded that impairment of goodwill and its indefinite-lived intangibles was not likely and as a result, Management was not required to perform a quantitative assessment.

Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

Long-lived assets deployed at company-owned restaurants include (i) property, fixtures and equipment, (ii) operating lease right-of-use assets, net of the related operating lease liabilities and (iii) reacquired rights to the extent the restaurants have been acquired by the Company. Long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. The comparison is performed at the lowest level of identifiable cash flows, which is primarily at the individual restaurant level. Significant judgment is used to determine the expected useful lives of long-lived assets and the estimated future cash flows, including projected sales growth, operating margins and ongoing maintenance and improvement of the assets. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized.

Definite-lived intangible assets consist of franchise rights which arose from the purchase price allocation in connection with the Advent Acquisition and also include reacquired rights from the Company’s acquisitions of franchised restaurants. Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives and are reviewed for impairment when events or change in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such assets may not be recoverable. Significant judgment is used to determine if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: negative operating performance of our restaurants, economic and restaurant industry trends, legal factors, significant competition or changes in our business strategy. Adverse changes in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and the resulting impairment charge could be material to our consolidated financial statements.

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Recoverability of definite-lived intangible assets is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the total future undiscounted net cash flows are less than the carrying amount, this may be an indication of impairment. An impairment loss is recognized when the asset’s carrying value exceeds its estimated fair value, which is generally estimated using discounted future cash flows expected from future use of the asset group.

Leases

We lease our restaurant facilities and corporate offices, as well as certain restaurant equipment under various non-cancelable agreements. At the inception of each lease, we evaluate the expected term which includes reasonably certain renewal options, and the classification as either an operating leases or a finance lease. Lease liabilities represent the present value of future lease payments. To determine the present value of the lease liability, we estimate the incremental borrowing rates corresponding to the reasonably certain lease term as our leases do not provide implicit rates. Assumptions used in determining our incremental borrowing rate include a market yield implied by our outstanding secured term loans interpolated for various maturities using our synthetic credit rating, which is determined using a regression analysis of rated publicly-traded comparable companies and their financial data.

We assess the impairment of the right-of-use asset at the asset group level whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable.

Changes in Management’s judgments and in the assumptions being used may produce materially different amounts in the recognition of the right-of-use assets, lease liabilities and lease expense.

Income Taxes

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets or liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax effects attributable to temporary differences between the carrying value and the tax basis of assets and liabilities as well as tax credit carryforwards. The estimates we make under this method include, among other items, depreciation and amortization expense allowable for tax purposes, credits for items such as taxes paid on reported employee tip wages, effective rates for state and local income taxes and the deductibility of certain items. In addition, our annual effective income tax rate is adjusted as additional information becomes available during the reporting period.

We recognize deferred tax assets for all deductible temporary differences to the extent that it is probable that taxable income will be available against which the deductible temporary differences can be utilized. A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is provided when it is more likely than not that a portion of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Potential for recovery of deferred tax assets is evaluated by estimating the taxable income in any available carry back period, considering future taxable income expected, scheduling of anticipated reversal of taxable temporary differences and considering prudent and feasible tax planning strategies.

We continue to monitor and evaluate the rationale for recording a valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. As we increase earnings and utilize deferred tax assets, it is possible the valuation allowance could be reduced or eliminated. In addition, our ability to utilize net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards could be adversely impacted by, among other things, a future “ownership change” as defined under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code. Changes in assumptions regarding our level and composition of earnings, tax laws or the deferred tax valuation allowance and the results of tax audits, may materially impact the effective income tax rate.

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Stock-Based Compensation and Fair Value of Common Stock

Stock-based compensation expense is measured based on the award’s fair value at the date of grant. Stock-based compensation expense related to time-based stock option awards issued under the 2017 Equity Plan is recognized on an accelerated recognition method over the requisite service period. Upon the Company’s IPO in October 2021, certain performance-based stock option awards issued under the 2017 Equity Plan for which the performance and market conditions were satisfied as a result of the Company’s IPO, converted into time-based stock option awards with the related stock-based compensation expense to be recognized on an accelerated recognition method over the remaining service period. No awards were granted under the 2017 Equity Plan during 2024 or 2023, and the Company does not intend to grant any further awards under the 2017 Equity Plan. Stock-based compensation expense related to time-based stock option awards issued under the 2021 Equity Plan is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur for all awards.

We estimate the fair value of stock option awards using the Black-Scholes valuation model, which involves several assumptions and judgments including the expected term of the stock option, expected volatility, the risk-free interest rate and the expected dividend yield. The Company does not have sufficient historical stock option exercise activity and therefore we estimated the expected term of stock options granted under the 2021 Equity Plan using the simplified method, which represents the mid-point between the vesting period and the contractual term for each grant. Prior to the IPO, the expected term of stock option awards was determined based on data from publicly traded companies. The expected volatility of stock option awards is based on the historical volatilities of a set of publicly traded peer companies in a similar industry as the Company lacks company-specific historical or implied volatility information. The risk-free interest rate is determined by reference to the U.S. Treasury yield curve for time periods approximately equal to the expected term of the stock option award. The expected dividend yield is based on the fact that the Company has never paid cash dividends and does not have intentions of paying dividends in the foreseeable future. These assumptions represented Management’s best estimate, which involved inherent uncertainties and the application of Management’s judgment. As a result, if we had used significantly different assumptions or estimates, our stock-based compensation expense could have been materially different.

The fair value of our common stock and our stock-based awards’ grant date fair value is determined based on the closing price on our common stock on Nasdaq. Prior to our IPO and our common stock being listed on Nasdaq, given the absence of a public trading market for our common stock, the estimated fair value had been determined with input from Management exercising reasonable judgment and considering several objective and subjective factors including: (i) third-party valuations of our common stock, (ii) a combination of the income approach and the market approach and (iii) general economic outlook including economic growth, inflation and interest rates.

See Note 17, Stock-Based Compensation, in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for additional information.

Insurance Reserves

The Company is self-insured for employee group health claims and Ohio workers’ compensation and carries retention levels and per-claim deductibles for a significant portion of expected losses associated with other workers’ compensation and general liability programs. We record liabilities for unresolved and incurred but not reported claims at the anticipated cost below applicable retention levels or per-claim deductible amounts. Insurance reserve liabilities are established using actuarial assumptions and judgments regarding the frequency and severity of claims.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements, see Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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