FWRG 10-Q
First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (FWRG)
10-Q
2025-05-06
For: 2025-03-30
View Original
Added on
April 10, 2026
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the quarterly period ended March 30, 2025
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |||||
For the transition period from ______ to _____
Commission file number 001-40866
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||||||
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code) | ||||||||
(941 ) 907-9800
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
(Nasdaq Global Select Market) | ||||||||
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 ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.:
Large accelerated filer | ☐ | ☒ | |||||||||
Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | |||||||||
Emerging growth company | |||||||||||
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☒
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
The registrant had outstanding 60,993,214 shares of common stock as of May 2, 2025.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||||
2
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (“Form 10-Q”) contains 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 current expectations and projections relating to our financial position, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to any 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. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q in the context of the risks and uncertainties disclosed herein, including under Part I. Item 2. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and Part II. Item 1A. “Risk Factors”, and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the year ended December 29, 2024 (“2024 Form 10-K”), including under Part I. Item 1A. “Risk Factors” and Part II. Item 7. “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include the following: our vulnerability to changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions such as inflation and recession; uncertainty regarding the Russia and Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas war and the related impact on macroeconomic conditions, including inflation, as a result of such conflicts or other related events; our vulnerability to changes in economic conditions and consumer preferences; our inability to successfully open new restaurants or establish new markets; our inability to effectively manage our growth; potential negative impacts on sales at our and our franchisees’ restaurants as a result of our opening new restaurants; a decline in visitors to any of the retail centers, lifestyle centers, or entertainment centers where our restaurants are located; lower than expected same-restaurant sales growth; unsuccessful marketing programs and limited time new offerings; changes in the cost of food; unprofitability or closure of new restaurants or lower than previously experienced performance in existing restaurants; our inability to compete effectively for customers; unsuccessful financial performance of our franchisees; our limited control over our franchisees’ operations; our inability to maintain good relationships with our franchisees; conflicts of interest with our franchisees; the geographic concentration of our system-wide restaurant base in the southeast portion of the United States; damage to our reputation and negative publicity; our inability or failure to recognize, respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media; our limited number of suppliers and distributors for several of our frequently used ingredients and shortages or disruptions in the supply or delivery of such ingredients; information technology system failures or breaches of our network security; our failure to comply with federal and state laws and regulations relating to privacy, data protection, advertising and consumer protection, or the expansion of current or the enactment of new laws or regulations relating to privacy, data protection, advertising and consumer protection; our potential liability with our gift cards under the property laws of some states; our failure to enforce and maintain our trademarks and protect our other intellectual property; litigation with respect to intellectual property assets; our dependence on our executive officers and certain other key employees; our inability to identify, hire, train and retain qualified individuals for our workforce; our failure to obtain or to properly verify the employment eligibility of our employees; our failure to maintain our corporate culture as we grow; unionization activities among our employees; employment and labor law proceedings; labor shortages or increased labor costs or health care costs; risks associated with leasing property subject to long-term and non-cancelable leases; risks related to our sale of alcoholic beverages; costly and complex compliance with federal, state and local laws; changes in accounting principles applicable to us; our vulnerability to natural disasters, unusual weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks, political events, war and terrorism; our inability to secure additional capital to support business growth; our level of indebtedness; failure to comply with covenants under our credit facility; and the interests of our largest stockholder may differ from those of public stockholders.
The forward-looking statements included in this Form 10-Q are made only as of the date hereof and are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law. All information presented herein is based on our fiscal calendar. Unless otherwise stated, references to particular years, quarters, months or periods refer to our fiscal years and the associated quarters, months and periods of those fiscal years.
3
Part I - Financial Information
Item 1. Financial Statements (Unaudited)
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
| MARCH 30, 2025 | DECEMBER 29, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Assets | |||||||||||
| Current assets: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable | |||||||||||
| Inventory | |||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | |||||||||||
| Derivative assets, current | |||||||||||
| Other current assets | |||||||||||
| Total current assets | |||||||||||
| Goodwill | |||||||||||
| Intangible assets, net | |||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | |||||||||||
Property, fixtures and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $ | |||||||||||
| Other long-term assets | |||||||||||
| Total assets | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Liabilities and Equity | |||||||||||
| Current liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Accrued liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accrued compensation | |||||||||||
| Deferred revenues | |||||||||||
| Current portion of operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities, current | |||||||||||
| Total current liabilities | |||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | |||||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | |||||||||||
| Derivative liabilities | |||||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities | |||||||||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 12) | |||||||||||
| Equity: | |||||||||||
Preferred stock; $ | |||||||||||
Common stock; $ | |||||||||||
| Additional paid-in capital | |||||||||||
| Accumulated deficit | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Accumulated other comprehensive loss | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Total equity | |||||||||||
| Total liabilities and equity | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
4
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE DATA)
(Unaudited)
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||
| Restaurant sales | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Franchise revenues | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | |||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses: | |||||||||||
| Restaurant operating expenses (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below): | |||||||||||
| Food and beverage costs | |||||||||||
| Labor and other related expenses | |||||||||||
| Other restaurant operating expenses | |||||||||||
| Occupancy expenses | |||||||||||
| Pre-opening expenses | |||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Impairments and loss on disposal of assets | |||||||||||
| Transaction expenses, net | |||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | |||||||||||
| Income from operations | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other income, net | |||||||||||
| (Loss) income before income taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | ( | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Other comprehensive (loss) income | |||||||||||
| Unrealized (loss) gain on derivatives | ( | ||||||||||
| Income tax related to other comprehensive (loss) income | ( | ||||||||||
| Comprehensive (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Net (loss) income per common share - basic | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Net (loss) income per common share - diluted | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - basic | |||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding - diluted | |||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
5
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
(Unaudited)
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 31, 2023 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued under stock-based compensation plans, net | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 31, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common Stock | Additional Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss | Total Equity | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares | Amount | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance at December 29, 2024 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | ( | — | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Common stock issued under stock-based compensation plans, net | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | ( | ( | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at March 30, 2025 | $ | $ | $ | ( | $ | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
6
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(Unaudited)
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | |||||||||||
| Non-cash operating lease costs | |||||||||||
| Non-cash portion of gain on lease modifications | ( | ||||||||||
| Non-cash loss on extinguishments and modifications of debt | |||||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Amortization of debt discount and deferred issuance costs | |||||||||||
| Impairments and loss on disposal of assets | |||||||||||
| Gain on insurance proceeds | ( | ||||||||||
| Changes in assets and liabilities, net of effects of business combinations: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | |||||||||||
| Inventory | ( | ||||||||||
| Prepaid expenses | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other assets, current and long-term | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | ( | ||||||||||
| Accrued liabilities and other long-term liabilities | |||||||||||
| Accrued compensation and deferred payroll taxes | ( | ||||||||||
| Deferred revenues, current and long-term | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Other liabilities | ( | ||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities: | |||||||||||
| Capital expenditures | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Acquisitions, net of cash acquired | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Purchase of intangible assets | ( | ||||||||||
| Insurance proceeds | |||||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from borrowings on revolving credit facility | |||||||||||
| Repayments of borrowings on revolving credit facility | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term debt | |||||||||||
| Repayments of long-term debt, including finance lease liabilities | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Payment of debt discount and deferred issuance costs | ( | ||||||||||
| Proceeds from exercise of stock options, net of employee taxes paid | |||||||||||
| Net cash provided by financing activities | |||||||||||
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents: | |||||||||||
| Beginning of period | |||||||||||
| End of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
7
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - continued
(IN THOUSANDS)
(Unaudited)
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Supplemental cash flow information: | |||||||||||
| Cash paid for interest, net of amounts capitalized | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing and financing activities: | |||||||||||
Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities (1) | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Leased assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Remeasurements and terminations of operating lease assets and lease liabilities | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||
| Remeasurements and terminations of finance lease assets and lease liabilities | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
| Decrease in liabilities from acquisition of property, fixtures and equipment | $ | ( | $ | ( | |||||||
(1) Leased assets and liabilities obtained during the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2024 include $1.2 million from business acquisitions.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
8
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Nature of Business and Organization
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires Management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from the estimates and such differences could be material.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps
As an element of the Company’s interest rate risk management strategy, Management uses interest rate swaps. The intent of these instruments is to reduce cash flow exposure to variability in future interest rates on the Company’s debt. Management has elected to designate and qualify the interest rate swaps as cash flow hedges. As such, the instruments are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. Thereafter, gains or losses on the instruments are recognized in equity as changes to Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) and subsequently reclassified into earnings at the time of the Company’s debt interest payments.
Summary of Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures, which establishes new income tax disclosure requirements including disaggregated information about a reporting entity’s effective tax rate reconciliation as well as disaggregated information on income taxes paid. The amendments are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024 and should be applied on a prospective basis, however, retrospective application is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard and anticipates an expansion in the Company’s annual income tax disclosures.
9
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income - Expense Disaggregation Disclosures, which establishes new disclosure requirements related to purchases of inventory, employee compensation, selling expenses, depreciation and intangible amortization. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027 and should be applied on a prospective basis with the option to apply the standard retrospectively. Early adoption is permitted. Management is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard.
Recent accounting guidance not discussed herein is not applicable, did not have, or is not expected to have a material impact to the Company.
3. Revenues
Revenues recognized disaggregated by type were as follows:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Restaurant sales: | |||||||||||
| In-restaurant dining sales | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Third-party delivery sales | |||||||||||
| Take-out sales | |||||||||||
| Total restaurant sales | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Franchise revenues: | |||||||||||
| Royalty and system fund contributions | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Initial fees | |||||||||||
| Business combinations - revenues recognized | |||||||||||
| Total franchise revenues | |||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | |||||||||
The following tables include a detail of liabilities from contracts with customers:
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | DECEMBER 29, 2024 | |||||||||
| Deferred revenues: | |||||||||||
| Deferred gift card revenue | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Deferred franchise fee revenue - current | |||||||||||
| Total current deferred revenues | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Deferred franchise fee revenue - non-current | $ | $ | |||||||||
Changes in deferred gift card contract liabilities were as follows:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Deferred gift card revenue: | |||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Gift card sales | |||||||||||
| Gift card redemptions | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Gift card breakage | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Gift card liabilities assumed through acquisitions | |||||||||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
Changes in deferred franchise fee contract liabilities were as follows:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Deferred franchise fee revenue: | |||||||||||
| Balance, beginning of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Cash received | |||||||||||
| Franchise revenues recognized | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Business combinations - franchise revenues recognized | ( | ||||||||||
| Balance, end of period | $ | $ | |||||||||
4. Accounts Receivable
Accounts receivable consisted of the following:
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | DECEMBER 29, 2024 | |||||||||
| Receivable rebates from vendors | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Receivables from third-party delivery providers | |||||||||||
| Receivables from franchisees | |||||||||||
| Receivables related to gift card sales | |||||||||||
| Other receivables | |||||||||||
| Total accounts receivable | $ | $ | |||||||||
5. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consisted of the following:
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | DECEMBER 29, 2024 | |||||||||
| Construction liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Sales tax | |||||||||||
| Interest payable | |||||||||||
| Insurance liabilities | |||||||||||
| Utilities | |||||||||||
| Credit card fees | |||||||||||
| Property tax | |||||||||||
| Contingent rent | |||||||||||
| Common area maintenance | |||||||||||
| Other | |||||||||||
| Total accrued liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||
10
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
6. Debt
Long-term debt, net consisted of the following:
| MARCH 30, 2025 | DECEMBER 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Balance | Interest Rate | Balance | Interest Rate | |||||||||||||||||||
| Term Facility | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Delayed Draw Term Facility | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Financing obligation | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Unamortized debt discount and deferred issuance costs | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt, net | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Less: Current portion of long-term debt | ( | ( | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt, net | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Credit Facility
FWR Holding Corporation (“FWR”), a subsidiary of the Company, is the borrower under the credit agreement dated October 6, 2021, the terms of which were amended on February 24, 2023 and January 5, 2025, which provides for (i) a $100.0 million term loan A facility (the “Term Facility”), (ii) a $125.0 million revolving credit facility (“the Revolving Credit Facility”) and (iii) a $125.0 million delayed draw term facility (the “Delayed Draw Term Facility”, and together with the Term Facility and the Revolving Credit Facility, the “Credit Facility”).
The Delayed Draw Term Facility is available to FWR for an 18 -month period expiring July 5, 2025 and may be used to fund permitted acquisitions and new restaurant capital expenditures. Loans drawn under the Delayed Draw Term Facility will amortize at the same amortization rate per annum as applicable to loans under the Term Facility. The Credit Facility matures on January 5, 2029.
As of March 30, 2025, borrowings under the Credit Facility bear interest at the option of FWR at either (i) the alternate base rate plus a margin of between 150 and 225 basis points depending on the total rent adjusted net leverage ratio of FWR and its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis (the “Total Rent Adjusted Net Leverage Ratio”) or (ii) SOFR plus a credit spread adjustment of 10 basis points plus a margin of between 250 and 325 basis points depending on the Total Rent Adjusted Net Leverage Ratio. Refer to Note 7, Interest Rate Swaps, for information about the variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements.
On April 11, 2025 and April 25, 2025, the Company drew $7.0 million and $20.5 million on the Delayed Draw Term Facility. The proceeds were used to fund the acquisitions completed on April 14, 2025 and April 28, 2025 discussed in Note 15, Subsequent Events.
Fair Value of Debt
The estimated fair value of the outstanding debt, excluding finance lease obligations and financing obligations, is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy and was estimated using discounted cash flow models, market yield and yield volatility. The following table includes the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s debt as of the dates indicated:
| MARCH 30, 2025 | DECEMBER 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | Carrying Value | Fair Value | Carrying Value | Fair Value | |||||||||||||||||||
| Term Facility | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Delayed Draw Term Facility | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
| Revolving Credit Facility | $ | $ | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||
Debt Covenants
The Credit Facility is guaranteed by all of FWR’s wholly-owned subsidiaries and by AI Fresh Parent, Inc., a Delaware corporation and the direct parent company of FWR (“Holdings”), and is secured by associated collateral agreements that pledge a lien on substantially all of FWR’s and each guarantor’s assets, including fixed assets and intangibles, in each case, subject to customary exceptions.
11
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Under the credit agreement, FWR (and in certain circumstances, Holdings) and its subsidiaries are subject to affirmative, negative and financial covenants, maintenance of certain ratios, restrictions on additional indebtedness and events of default for facilities of this type (with customary grace periods, as applicable, and lender remedies). FWR was in compliance with covenants under the credit agreement as of March 30, 2025.
7. Interest Rate Swaps
The Company utilizes interest rate swaps to hedge a portion of the cash flows of the Company’s variable rate debt.
On June 23, 2023, the Company entered into two variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps. These interest rate swaps have an aggregate notional amount of $90.0 million and mature on October 6, 2026. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company will pay a weighted average fixed rate of 4.16 % on the notional amount and will receive payments from the counterparties based on the three-month SOFR rate.
On May 17, 2024, the Company entered into two additional variable-to-fixed interest rate swaps. These interest rate swaps have an aggregate notional amount of $60.0 million and mature on June 30, 2027. Under the terms of the interest rate swaps, the Company will pay a weighted average fixed rate of 4.42 % on the notional amount and will receive payments from the counterparties based on the three-month SOFR rate.
The fair value measurement of the interest rate swaps was based on the contractual terms and market-based inputs. The interest rate swaps were valued using a discounted cash flow analysis on the expected cash flows using observable inputs including interest rate curves and credit spreads. Although the majority of the inputs used to value the instruments fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, the credit valuation adjustments utilized Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of current credit spreads to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and the counterparties. The impact of the credit valuation adjustments was not determined to be significant to the overall valuation. As a result, the derivative was classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Amounts reported in Other comprehensive income (loss) related to the interest rate swaps are reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on the Company’s variable-rate debt. During the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025, a total of $0.1 million was reclassified from Other comprehensive income (loss) as a reduction to Interest expense. Over the next 12 months, the Company estimates that $0.5 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.
8. Leases
The following table includes detail of lease assets and liabilities:
| (in thousands) | Consolidated Balance Sheet Classification | MARCH 30, 2025 | DECEMBER 29, 2024 | ||||||||||||||
| Finance lease assets - current | Other current assets | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease right-of-use assets | Operating lease right-of-use assets | ||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease assets | Property, fixtures and equipment, net | ||||||||||||||||
| Total lease assets | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease liabilities - current(1) | Current portion of operating lease liabilities | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Operating lease liabilities - non-current | Operating lease liabilities | ||||||||||||||||
Finance lease liabilities - current(1) | |||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease liabilities - non-current | |||||||||||||||||
| Total lease liabilities | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
_____________
(1) Excludes all variable lease expense for real estate leases.
12
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
The components of lease expense are as follows:
| (in thousands) | Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) Classification | THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||
| MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | ||||||||||||||||
| Operating lease expense | Other restaurant operating expenses Occupancy expenses Pre-opening expenses General and administrative expenses | $ | $ | ||||||||||||||
| Variable lease expense | Food and beverage costs Occupancy expenses General and administrative expenses | ||||||||||||||||
| Finance lease expense: | |||||||||||||||||
| Amortization of leased assets | Depreciation and amortization | ||||||||||||||||
| Interest on lease liabilities | Interest expense | ||||||||||||||||
Total lease expense (1) | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
_____________
(1) Includes contingent rent expense of $0.5 million and $0.5 million during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024.
Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:
| (in thousands) | THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | ||||||||||
| MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Operating cash flows - operating leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Operating cash flows - finance leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Financing cash flows - finance leases | $ | $ | |||||||||
Supplemental information related to leases was as follows:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| Weighted-average remaining lease term (in years) | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | |||||||||||
| Finance leases | |||||||||||
Weighted-average discount rate (1) | |||||||||||
| Operating leases | % | % | |||||||||
| Finance leases | % | % | |||||||||
(1) Based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate.
13
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
9. Deferred Compensation
The Company adopted a non-qualified deferred compensation plan (the “First Watch Deferred Compensation Plan”) effective January 1, 2025. The First Watch Deferred Compensation Plan allows officers and other key employees to defer their compensation within annual limits designated by the Company. Discretionary matching and other credits may be made to the accounts of active participants, which vest based on an employee’s years of service or vest in full upon an active participant’s death, disability or a Company change in control event, as defined in the plan. Participants’ earnings on contributions fluctuate with the actual earnings and losses of available investment choices selected by the participants.
While the First Watch Deferred Compensation Plan is unsecured, the Company has elected to fund certain of these obligations through a rabbi trust, the assets of which consist of Company-owned life insurance policies. The assets held in the rabbi trust are not available for general corporate purposes and are subject to creditor claims in the event of insolvency.
The cash surrender value of the life insurance policies held in the rabbi trust is recorded in other long-term assets. As of March 30, 2025, rabbi trust assets totaled $0.2 million. Changes to the cash surrender value and any increases or decreases to deferred compensation liabilities incurred under the First Watch Deferred Compensation Plan are recorded as general and administrative expenses. As of March 30, 2025, the deferred compensation obligation included in other long-term liabilities totaled $0.3 million.
10. Equity and Stock-Based Compensation
Stock option awards
There were no stock option awards granted during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025. A summary of stock option activity during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 is as follows:
| NUMBER OF OPTIONS | WEIGHTED AVERAGE EXERCISE PRICE PER SHARE | AGGREGATE INTRINSIC VALUE (in thousands) | WEIGHTED AVERAGE REMAINING CONTRACTUAL LIFE (in years) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding, December 29, 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercised | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Outstanding, March 30, 2025 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
Exercisable, March 30, 2025 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value is based on the difference between the exercise price of the stock option and the closing price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq on the last trading day of the period.
A summary of the non-vested stock option activity during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 is as follows:
| NUMBER OF OPTIONS | WEIGHTED AVERAGE GRANT DATE FAIR VALUE PER SHARE | ||||||||||
Nonvested, December 29, 2024 | $ | ||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | $ | |||||||||
| Vested | ( | $ | |||||||||
Nonvested, March 30, 2025 | $ | ||||||||||
Restricted stock units
During the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025, a total of 597,737 restricted stock units (“RSUs”) were granted. The grants will vest ratably over a period of three years from grant date. A summary of the Company’s RSU activity during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 is as follows:
14
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
| RESTRICTED STOCK UNITS | WEIGHTED AVERAGE GRANT DATE FAIR VALUE PER SHARE | AGGREGATE INTRINSIC VALUE (in thousands) | |||||||||||||||
Outstanding, December 29, 2024 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Granted | $ | ||||||||||||||||
| Forfeited | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||
| Vested | ( | $ | |||||||||||||||
Outstanding, March 30, 2025 | $ | $ | |||||||||||||||
The aggregate intrinsic value is based on the closing price of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq of $16.86 and $18.70 on March 28, 2025 and December 27, 2024, the last trading days of the periods, respectively.
Stock-based compensation expense was $2.3 million and $1.9 million during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024, respectively. The total related income tax benefit for stock-based compensation expense was $1.1 million and $1.3 million during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024, respectively.
Unrecognized stock-based compensation expense
The following represents unrecognized stock-based compensation expense and the remaining weighted average vesting period as of March 30, 2025:
UNRECOGNIZED STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION EXPENSE (in thousands) | REMAINING WEIGHTED AVERAGE VESTING PERIOD (in years) | ||||||||||
| Stock options | $ | ||||||||||
| Restricted stock units | $ | ||||||||||
11. Income Taxes
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| (Loss) income before income taxes | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | $ | $ | ( | ||||||||
| Effective income tax rate | % | % | |||||||||
The effective income tax rate for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 was 46.1 % as compared to 28.0 % for the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2024. In the United States, a restaurant company employer may claim a credit against its federal income taxes for FICA taxes paid on certain tipped wages (the “FICA tax credit”). The level of FICA tax credits is primarily driven by restaurant sales and is not impacted by costs incurred that may reduce income before provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased primarily due to the FICA tax credits, which are subject to a valuation allowance, relative to changes in pre-tax book income.
The effective income tax rates for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024 were different than the blended federal and state statutory rate primarily due to (i) the change in the valuation allowance, (ii) the benefit of tax credits for FICA taxes on certain employees’ tips and (iii) the impacts of executive stock-based compensation.
Valuation allowance
Management evaluates quarterly whether the resulting deferred tax assets are realizable given the Company’s earnings history. Based on the available evidence, the Company does not meet the more likely than not standard related to the realization of a portion of the deferred tax assets as of March 30, 2025. Accordingly, the Company has established a valuation allowance on the portion of deferred tax assets deemed not realizable, including state charitable contribution carryovers, various state loss carryforwards and various federal tax credit carryforwards.
15
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
Management continues to assess the rationale for recording a valuation allowance for deferred tax assets. As the Company’s future taxable earnings increase and deferred tax assets are utilized, it is possible that a portion of the valuation allowance will no longer be needed. Release of any valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and a decrease to income tax expense in the period of the release. The timing and amount of any release related to future taxable income is currently indeterminable.
12. Commitments and Contingencies
Legal Proceedings
The Company is subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities that arise in the ordinary course of business. The amount of the anticipated liability with respect to these matters was not material as of March 30, 2025. In the event any litigation losses become probable and estimable, the Company will recognize anticipated losses.
13. Segment Information
Management determined the Company’s single operating segment on the basis that the Company’s Chief Operating Decision Maker (the “CODM”), the Chief Executive Officer, assesses performance and allocates resources at the Company’s consolidated level. The Company’s CODM uses consolidated net income to evaluate performance and make key operating decisions, such as investments in our long-term growth strategy. This measure is also used to monitor budget against actual results.
Revenue is derived from sales of food and beverage, net of discounts, by our restaurants as well as franchise royalty, system fund and initial franchise fees. The measure of total assets for the reporting segment is reported on the consolidated balance sheets as total assets. The measure of capital expenditures for the reporting segment is reported on the consolidated statements of cash flows.
The following table details consolidated net (loss) income for the segment for the periods indicated:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | $ | |||||||||
| Less: | |||||||||||
| Food and beverage costs | |||||||||||
| Labor and other related expenses | |||||||||||
| Other restaurant operating expenses | |||||||||||
| Occupancy expenses | |||||||||||
| Pre-opening expenses | |||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | |||||||||||
General and administrative expenses(1) | |||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | |||||||||||
Other segment items(2) | |||||||||||
| Interest expense | |||||||||||
| Other income, net | ( | ( | |||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | ( | ||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
(1) General and administrative expenses excludes stock-based compensation presented separately.
(2) Other segment items included in segment net (loss) income are primarily transaction expenses, and impairments and loss on disposal of assets.
16
FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
14. Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share
The following table sets forth the computations of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands, except share and per share data) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Numerator: | |||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Denominator: | |||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic | |||||||||||
| Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted | |||||||||||
| Net (loss) income per common share - basic | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Net (loss) income per common share - diluted | $ | ( | $ | ||||||||
| Stock options outstanding not included in diluted net (loss) income per common share as their effect is anti-dilutive | |||||||||||
| Restricted stock units outstanding not included in diluted net (loss) income per share as their effect is anti-dilutive | |||||||||||
Diluted net (loss) income per common share is calculated by adjusting the weighted average shares outstanding for the theoretical effect of potential common shares that would be issued for stock option awards outstanding and unvested as of the respective periods using the treasury method.
15. Subsequent Events
Business Acquisitions
On April 28, 2025, the Company acquired 16 restaurants from a franchisee, together with other associated assets, including, but not limited to, franchise and development rights for cash of approximately $49.0 million.
On April 14, 2025, the Company acquired three restaurants from a franchisee, together with other associated assets, including, but not limited to, franchise and development rights for cash of approximately $7.0 million.
The purchase price for the acquisitions will be allocated to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed as the information necessary to complete the fair value analysis is obtained. The acquisitions were funded by borrowings under the Credit Facility. See Note 6, Debt.
17
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary Statement
The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and our audited consolidated financial statements and notes included in our 2024 Form 10-K. As discussed in the “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements,” the following discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may materially differ from those discussed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to these differences include, but are not limited to, those identified in our 2024 Form 10-K, including under “Item 1A. Risk Factors” and “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and in “Part II, Item 1A. Risk Factors” of this Form 10-Q.
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.
The Company operates and franchises restaurants in 30 states under the “First Watch” trade name and as of March 30, 2025, the Company had 498 company-owned restaurants and 86 franchise-owned restaurants.
Recent Developments
Financial highlights for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 (“first quarter of 2025”) as compared, unless otherwise indicated below, to the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2024 (“first quarter of 2024”), reflected the continued momentum of our operating performance and include the following:
•Opened 13 system-wide restaurants in 10 states, resulting in a total of 584 system-wide restaurants (498 company-owned and 86 franchise-owned) across 30 states
•Total revenues increased 16.4% to $282.2 million in the first quarter of 2025 from $242.4 million in the first quarter of 2024
•System-wide sales increased 11.5% to $323.0 million in the first quarter of 2025 from $289.6 million in the first quarter of 2024
•Same-restaurant sales growth of 0.7%
•Same-restaurant traffic growth of negative 0.7%
•Income from operations margin decreased to 0.4% during the first quarter of 2025 from 5.1% in the first quarter of 2024
•Restaurant level operating profit margin* decreased to 16.5% in the first quarter of 2025 from 20.8% in the first quarter of 2024
•Net loss of $(0.8) million, or $(0.01) per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2025 from net income of $7.2 million, or $0.12 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2024
•Adjusted EBITDA* decreased to $22.8 million in the first quarter of 2025 from $28.6 million in the first quarter of 2024
___________________
* See Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliations section below.
18
Business Trends
In the first quarter, we experienced same-restaurant traffic growth of negative 0.7%. Though remaining somewhat challenged in the near-term due to the dynamic macroenvironment, we expect traffic to improve in the second half of the year when we anticipate benefiting from the results of increased focused marketing initiatives. Commodity inflation was 7.7% in the first quarter of 2025, largely driven by four of our top five commodities: eggs, coffee, bacon and avocados. We expect commodity inflation to remain in the high single-digit percentage range for the balance of the year based on current market conditions. We estimate that the tariffs enacted in April 2025 will increase our food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales by approximately 0.1% and supplies costs as a percentage of restaurant sales by approximately 0.2% for 2025.
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.
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 thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024, there were 383 restaurants and 344 restaurants, respectively, 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 as compared to the same period in the prior year using the Comparable Restaurant Base. 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 an increase in same-restaurant traffic provides an indicator as to the development of our brand and the effectiveness of our marketing strategy.
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.
19
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 each operating restaurant, individually and in the aggregate, and (ii) to make decisions regarding future spending and other operational decisions.
Adjusted EBITDA: represents Net income (loss) 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 (loss), the most directly comparable measure in accordance with GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA, included in the section Non-GAAP Financial Measure Reconciliations below.
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 (loss) 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.
Selected Operating Data
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED MARCH 30, 2025 | |||||||||||||||||
| COMPANY-OWNED | FRANCHISE-OWNED | TOTAL | |||||||||||||||
Beginning of period | 489 | 83 | 572 | ||||||||||||||
New restaurant openings | 10 | 3 | 13 | ||||||||||||||
Closures | (1) | — | (1) | ||||||||||||||
End of period | 498 | 86 | 584 | ||||||||||||||
20
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | ||||||||||
| System-wide sales (in thousands) | $ | 322,999 | $ | 289,581 | |||||||
| Same-restaurant sales growth | 0.7 | % | 0.5 | % | |||||||
| Same-restaurant traffic growth | (0.7) | % | (4.5) | % | |||||||
| Income from operations (in thousands) | $ | 1,113 | $ | 12,286 | |||||||
| Income from operations margin | 0.4 | % | 5.1 | % | |||||||
Restaurant level operating profit (in thousands) (1) | $ | 46,122 | $ | 49,862 | |||||||
Restaurant level operating profit margin (1) | 16.5 | % | 20.8 | % | |||||||
| Net (loss) income (in thousands) | $ | (829) | $ | 7,214 | |||||||
| Net (loss) income margin | (0.3) | % | 3.0 | % | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands) (2) | $ | 22,753 | $ | 28,590 | |||||||
Adjusted EBITDA margin (2) | 8.1 | % | 11.8 | % | |||||||
(1) 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 Measures Reconciliations section below.
(2) Reconciliations from Net income (loss) and Net income (loss) margin, the most comparable GAAP measures, to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin, are set forth in the schedules within the Non-GAAP Financial Measures Reconciliations section below.
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes our results of operations and the percentages of certain items in relation to Total revenues or, where indicated, Restaurant sales for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Restaurant sales | $ | 279,591 | 99.1 | % | $ | 239,308 | 98.7 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues | 2,649 | 0.9 | % | 3,141 | 1.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 282,240 | 100.0 | % | $ | 242,449 | 100.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
| Operating costs and expenses | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Restaurant operating expenses (1) (exclusive of depreciation and amortization shown below): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage costs | 66,647 | 23.8 | % | 52,184 | 21.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Labor and other related expenses | 96,754 | 34.6 | % | 79,735 | 33.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Other restaurant operating expenses | 44,259 | 15.8 | % | 36,792 | 15.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Occupancy expenses | 23,149 | 8.3 | % | 19,168 | 8.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening expenses | 2,660 | 1.0 | % | 1,567 | 0.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 30,219 | 10.7 | % | 27,658 | 11.4 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 16,557 | 5.9 | % | 12,271 | 5.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Impairments and loss on disposal of assets | 9 | — | % | 119 | — | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Transaction expenses, net | 873 | 0.3 | % | 669 | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Total operating costs and expenses | 281,127 | 99.6 | % | 230,163 | 94.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||
Income from operations (1) | 1,113 | 0.4 | % | 12,286 | 5.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (3,334) | (1.2) | % | (2,599) | (1.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | 684 | 0.2 | % | 326 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| (Loss) income before income taxes | (1,537) | (0.5) | % | 10,013 | 4.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | 708 | 0.3 | % | (2,799) | (1.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (829) | (0.3) | % | $ | 7,214 | 3.0 | % | |||||||||||||||
(1) As a percentage of restaurant sales.
21
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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Restaurant sales: | |||||||||||||||||
| In-restaurant dining sales | $ | 226,727 | $ | 195,199 | 16.2 | % | |||||||||||
| Third-party delivery sales | 32,005 | 25,935 | 23.4 | % | |||||||||||||
| Take-out sales | 20,859 | 18,174 | 14.8 | % | |||||||||||||
| Total Restaurant sales | $ | 279,591 | $ | 239,308 | 16.8 | % | |||||||||||
The increase in total restaurant sales as compared to the same period in the prior year was due principally to restaurant sales of (i) $25.6 million for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 from 46 NROs opened between March 31, 2024 and March 30, 2025, (ii) $10.5 million from 21 restaurants acquired from franchisees between March 31, 2024 and March 30, 2025, (iii) menu price increases, partially offset by a decrease in same-restaurant traffic and increased promotional usage.
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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Franchise revenues: | |||||||||||||||||
| Royalty and system fund contributions | $ | 2,587 | $ | 3,009 | (14.0) | % | |||||||||||
| Initial fees | 62 | 102 | (39.2) | % | |||||||||||||
| Business acquisitions - franchise revenues recognized | — | $ | 30 | (100.0) | % | ||||||||||||
| Total Franchise revenues | $ | 2,649 | $ | 3,141 | (15.7) | % | |||||||||||
The decrease in franchise revenues during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily driven by the Company’s acquisitions of 21 franchise-owned restaurants, partially offset by franchise revenues from the 8 franchise-owned NROs between March 31, 2024 and March 30, 2025.
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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage costs | $ | 66,647 | $ | 52,184 | 27.7 | % | |||||||||||
| As a percentage of restaurant sales | 23.8 | % | 21.8 | % | 2.0 | % | |||||||||||
Food and beverage costs as a percent of restaurant sales increased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to (i) commodity inflation largely driven by four of our top five commodities: eggs, coffee, bacon and avocados, and (ii) increased portion size of meat in certain menu items, partially offset by the leverage associated with menu price increases.
Food and beverage costs increased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result (i) the 46 NROs and 21 restaurants acquired from franchisees between March 31, 2024 and March 30, 2025, (ii) commodity inflation and (iii) increased portion size of meat in certain menu items.
22
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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Labor and other related expenses | $ | 96,754 | $ | 79,735 | 21.3 | % | |||||||||||
| As a percentage of restaurant sales | 34.6 | % | 33.3 | % | 1.3 | % | |||||||||||
Labor and other related expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily as a result of increases in (i) wage rates and (ii) health insurance costs, partially offset by the leverage associated with menu price increases.
The increase in labor and other related expenses during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to (i) the increase in the number of restaurants and related headcount, (ii) wage increases and (iii) increased health insurance costs.
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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Other restaurant operating expenses | $ | 44,259 | $ | 36,792 | 20.3 | % | |||||||||||
| As a percentage of restaurant sales | 15.8 | % | 15.4 | % | 0.4 | % | |||||||||||
As a percentage of restaurant sales, the increase in other restaurant operating expenses for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to (i) utilities expenses, (ii) operating supply costs, in particular, to-go supplies, (iii) repairs and maintenance, (iv) third-party delivery fees and (v) restaurant-level marketing costs.
The increase in other restaurant operating expenses during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to the increase in the number of restaurants driving increases expenses including (i) $2.5 million utilities and repair and maintenance expenses, (ii) $2.2 million operating supplies, (iii) $1.2 million third-party delivery fees, (iv) $0.9 million credit card fees, (v) $0.4 million insurance expense and (vi) $0.3 million restaurant marketing.
Occupancy Expenses
Occupancy expenses primarily consist of rent expense, property insurance, common area expenses and property taxes.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Occupancy expenses | $ | 23,149 | $ | 19,168 | 20.8 | % | |||||||||||
| As a percentage of restaurant sales | 8.3 | % | 8.0 | % | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||
As a percentage of restaurant sales, the increase in occupancy expenses for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to higher rent expense associated with newer restaurants.
The increase in occupancy expenses during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to the increase in the number of company-owned restaurants.
23
Pre-opening Expenses
Pre-opening expenses are costs incurred to open new company-owned restaurants. Pre-opening expenses include rent expense, 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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Pre-opening expenses | $ | 2,660 | $ | 1,567 | 69.8 | % | |||||||||||
The increase in pre-opening expenses during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily from (i) increases in pre-opening rent and (ii) the higher number of restaurants opened and under construction.
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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | $ | 30,219 | $ | 27,658 | 9.3 | % | |||||||||||
The increase in general and administrative expenses during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was mainly due to (i) $1.7 million increase in marketing expenses, (ii) $0.5 million increase in licenses and fees including information technology related expenses for an increased number of restaurants and (iii) approximately $0.2 million related to other 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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | $ | 16,557 | $ | 12,271 | 34.9 | % | |||||||||||
The increase in depreciation and amortization during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year is primarily related to depreciating and amortizing the assets of NROs and of acquired restaurants, including reacquired rights from franchisees .
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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Transaction expenses, net | $ | 873 | $ | 669 | 30.5 | % | |||||||||||
24
The increase in Transaction expenses, net during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to recording a $0.6 million reduction to contingent consideration liability in the first quarter of 2024 offset in part by $0.3 million of debt modification costs incurred in the first quarter of 2024.
Income from Operations
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Income from operations | $ | 1,113 | $ | 12,286 | (90.9) | % | |||||||||||
| As a percentage of restaurant sales | 0.4 | % | 5.1 | % | (4.7) | % | |||||||||||
Income from operations margin decreased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to increases in restaurant level expenses as a percent of restaurant sales, primarily (i) food and beverage cost inflation, (ii) labor and other related expense including health insurance, (iii) higher depreciation and amortization expense driven by restaurant growth, (iv) other restaurant operating expenses including utilities, supplies and repairs and maintenance costs, and (v) occupancy and preopening rent expense, offset in part by leveraging certain general and administrative expenses.
Income from operations decreased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as revenue increases were exceeded by increases in various other costs compared to the same period in the prior year including (i) labor and related expenses, (ii) food and beverage costs, (iii) other restaurant operating expenses, (iv) occupancy and preopening rent expense, (v) depreciation and amortization expense and (vi) general and administrative expenses.
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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | 3,334 | $ | 2,599 | 28.3 | % | |||||||||||
The increase in interest expense during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was due to (i) increased 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.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Other income, net | $ | 684 | $ | 326 | 109.8 | % | |||||||||||
Other income, net increased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to insurance recoveries recognized during the first quarter of 2025.
Income Tax
Income tax benefit (expense) primarily consists of various federal and state taxes.
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Income tax benefit (expense) | $ | 708 | $ | (2,799) | (125.3) | % | |||||||||||
| Effective income tax rate | 46.1 | % | 28.0 | % | 18.1 | % | |||||||||||
25
In the United States, a restaurant company employer may claim a credit against its federal income taxes for FICA taxes paid on certain tipped wages (the “FICA tax credit”). The level of FICA tax credits is primarily driven by restaurant sales and is not impacted by costs incurred that may reduce income before provision for income taxes. The provision for income taxes decreased primarily due to the FICA tax credits, which are subject to a valuation allowance, relative to changes in pre-tax book income.
The change in the effective income tax rates for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year was primarily due to the change in pre-tax book income relative to the FICA tax credit and valuation allowance.
Net (Loss) Income
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (829) | $ | 7,214 | (111.5) | % | |||||||||||
| As a percentage of total revenues | (0.3) | % | 3.0 | % | (3.3) | % | |||||||||||
Net (loss) income and net (loss) income margin during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 decreased as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to the (i) decrease in income from operations as expenses increased at a higher rate than revenue and (ii) increase in interest expense associated with increased borrowings to fund acquisitions, offset partially by the impact of income taxes.
Restaurant Level Operating Profit and Restaurant Level Operating Profit Margin
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Restaurant level operating profit | $ | 46,122 | $ | 49,862 | (7.5) | % | |||||||||||
| Restaurant level operating profit margin | 16.5 | % | 20.8 | % | (4.3) | % | |||||||||||
Restaurant level operating profit margin during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 decreased as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to (i) inflation across commodities and supplies, (ii) increases in restaurant-level wages, and (iii) increases in occupancy and preopening rent expenses. This was partially offset by the leverage associated with menu price.
Restaurant level operating profit for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 decreased as compared to the same period in the prior year due to operating expense increases, including (i) labor costs, (ii) food and beverage expenses, (iii) other restaurant operating expenses, and (iv) occupancy and preopening rent, exceeding revenue increases.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | Change | ||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 22,753 | $ | 28,590 | (20.4) | % | |||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 8.1 | % | 11.8 | % | (3.7) | % | |||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA decreased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to (i) the decrease in restaurant level operating profit and (ii) the increase in general and administrative expenses including increased marketing spend.
Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 compared to the same period in the prior year primarily due to a decrease in restaurant level operating profit margin partially offset by leveraging of general and administrative expenses.
26
Non-GAAP Financial Measures 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:
.
_____________________________
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Net (loss) income | $ | (829) | $ | 7,214 | |||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 16,557 | 12,271 | |||||||||
| Interest expense | 3,334 | 2,599 | |||||||||
| Income tax (benefit) expense | (708) | 2,799 | |||||||||
| EBITDA | 18,354 | 24,883 | |||||||||
Strategic costs (1) | 1,234 | 235 | |||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment and modification of debt | — | 428 | |||||||||
Stock-based compensation (2) | 2,259 | 1,866 | |||||||||
Delaware Voluntary Disclosure Agreement Program (3) | 24 | 8 | |||||||||
Transaction expenses, net (4) | 873 | 669 | |||||||||
Impairments and loss on disposal of assets (5) | 9 | 119 | |||||||||
Recruiting and relocation costs (6) | — | 204 | |||||||||
Severance costs (7) | — | 178 | |||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 22,753 | $ | 28,590 | |||||||
| Total revenues | $ | 282,240 | $ | 242,449 | |||||||
| Net (loss) income margin | (0.3) | % | 3.0 | % | |||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 8.1 | % | 11.8 | % | |||||||
| Additional information | |||||||||||
Deferred rent expense (8) | $ | 185 | $ | 343 | |||||||
(1) 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).
(2) 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).
(3) 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).
(4) Represents costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of franchise-owned restaurants, secondary offering costs and, in 2024, an offsetting gain on release of contingent consideration liability and expenses related to debt.
(5) Represents costs related to the disposal of assets due to retirements, replacements or certain restaurant closures. There were no impairments recognized during the periods presented.
(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 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).
27
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:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Income from operations | $ | 1,113 | $ | 12,286 | |||||||
| Less: Franchise revenues | (2,649) | (3,141) | |||||||||
| Add: | |||||||||||
| General and administrative expenses | 30,219 | 27,658 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 16,557 | 12,271 | |||||||||
Transaction expenses, net (1) | 873 | 669 | |||||||||
Impairments and loss on disposal of assets (2) | 9 | 119 | |||||||||
| Restaurant level operating profit | $ | 46,122 | $ | 49,862 | |||||||
| Restaurant sales | $ | 279,591 | $ | 239,308 | |||||||
| Income from operations margin | 0.4 | % | 5.1 | % | |||||||
| Restaurant level operating profit margin | 16.5 | % | 20.8 | % | |||||||
| Additional information | |||||||||||
Deferred rent expense (3) | $ | 135 | $ | 293 | |||||||
(1) Represents costs incurred in connection with the acquisition of franchise-owned restaurants, secondary offering costs and, in 2024, an offsetting gain on release of contingent consideration liability and expenses related to debt.
(2) Represents costs related to the disposal of assets due to retirements, replacements or certain restaurant closures. There were no impairments recognized during the periods presented.
(3) 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
As of March 30, 2025, we had cash and cash equivalents of $18.6 million and outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility of $195.6 million, excluding unamortized debt discount and deferred issuance costs. We had availability of $119.9 million under our revolving credit facility of $125.0 million, of which $2.1 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 storing minimal inventory and customers pay for their 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.
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 plan to fund the capital expenditures primarily with cash generated from our operating activities as well as with borrowings pursuant to our Credit Agreement.
28
Summary of Cash Flows
The following table presents a summary of our cash provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 and March 31, 2024:
| THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED | |||||||||||
| (in thousands) | MARCH 30, 2025 | MARCH 31, 2024 | |||||||||
| Cash provided by operating activities | $ | 20,138 | $ | 24,982 | |||||||
| Cash used in investing activities | (36,605) | (32,002) | |||||||||
| Cash provided by financing activities | 1,762 | 562 | |||||||||
| Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | (14,705) | $ | (6,458) | |||||||
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 decreased during the thirteen week period ended March 30, 2025 as compared to the thirteen week period ended March 31, 2024 primarily due to the decrease in income from operations.
Cash used in investing activities increased during the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 from the thirteen weeks ended March 31, 2024 due principally to increases in the number of new restaurants and capital projects into which the Company is investing, offset in part by $3.4 million paid in the prior year to acquire a franchise location.
Cash provided by financing activities includes (i) borrowing the Company’s Credit Facility to fund capital projects and related debt issuance costs, net of debt repayments and (ii) proceeds from stock option exercises.
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is based upon the accompanying unaudited interim consolidated financial statements and notes thereto, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. The preparation of these unaudited interim consolidated 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. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies as disclosed in “Critical Accounting Estimates” in the 2024 Form 10-K.
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 unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
We are exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations in interest rates on our debt obligations. On June 23, 2023, we entered into a variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreement with two financial institutions to hedge $90.0 million of the outstanding variable rate debt. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, the Company will pay a weighted average fixed rate of 4.16% on the notional amount and will receive payments from the counterparties based on the three-month secured overnight financing rate. On May 17, 2024, we entered into a variable-to-fixed interest rate swap agreement with two financial institutions to hedge an additional $60.0 million of the $195.6 million variable rate debt outstanding. Under the terms of the interest rate swap agreement, the Company will pay a weighted average fixed rate of 4.42% on the notional amount and will receive payments from the counterparties based on the three-month secured overnight financing rate. Refer to Note 7, Interest Rate Swaps, in the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
29
Except as described above, there have been no material changes to our exposure to market risks as disclosed in the 2024 Form 10-K.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act, such as this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.
Disclosure controls and procedures also include, without limitation, controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Due to the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting discussed below, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of March 30, 2025, our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective. In light of this fact, our management has performed additional analyses, reconciliations, and other post-closing procedures and has concluded that, notwithstanding the material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting, the consolidated financial statements for the periods covered by and included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q fairly present, in all material respects, our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented in conformity with GAAP.
Previously Identified Material Weaknesses
A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of annual or interim financial statements would not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.
Refer to the management report on internal control over financial reporting in Part II - Item 9A of the 2024 Form 10-K filed with SEC on March 11, 2025 for a discussion of the material weaknesses that continue to exist as of March 30, 2025.
Remediation Efforts
We continue to implement measures designed to improve the Company’s internal control over financial reporting to address and remediate the previously identified material weaknesses. To date, such measures include the following:
•Hired new and reassigned existing financial reporting, accounting, and information technology leadership with public company experience to enhance public company financial reporting, technical accounting, and information technology services and solutions.
•Augmented financial reporting capabilities by staffing professionals with knowledge and experience in income tax, internal audit, information technology, and legal.
•Established various policies, including a formal delegation of authority policy defining the protocols for reviewing and authorizing commitments, contracts, invoices, and transactions as well as account reconciliation and journal entry policies that provide the framework to ensure the performance of consistent procedures in reconciling general ledger balances to supporting documentation and set the standards for the preparation and review of journal entries.
•Formalized certain roles and reviewed responsibilities, including ensuring appropriate segregation of duties.
•Designed and implemented period-end financial reporting controls, such as controls over the preparation and review of account reconciliations, financial statement disclosures, and the consolidated financial statements, including controls around classification of cash flows and disclosure of noncash items, as well as establishing a formal management Disclosure Committee to review the draft financial statements and disclosures prior to release, including a sub-certification process from various functional groups.
30
•Enhanced access restrictions for certain users over general ledger journal entries and designed new processes to further automate journal entries and segregate journal entry creation from journal entry approval authority.
While the material weaknesses previously disclosed have not yet been remediated as of March 30, 2025, management is devoting substantial resources to the ongoing remediation efforts. As we continue to evaluate and work to improve our internal control over financial reporting, we may take additional measures to address control deficiencies, or we may modify certain of the remediation measures described above. The material weaknesses will not be considered remediated until the applicable controls operate for a sufficient period of time and management has concluded, through testing, that these controls are designed and operating effectively.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2025 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.
31
Part II - Other Information
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, we are involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We currently do not believe that the ultimate resolution of any of these actions, individually or taken in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, liquidity or capital resources. A significant increase in the number of claims or an increase in amounts owing under successful claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. See Note 12, Commitments and Contingencies, in the accompanying notes to the unaudited interim consolidated financial statements.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
In addition to the other information discussed in this report, please consider the factors described in Part I, Item 1A., “Risk Factors” in our 2024 Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our 2024 Form 10-K, but these are not the only risks facing our Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Insider Adoption or Termination of Trading Arrangements:
During the fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2025, none of our directors or officers adopted or terminated
| Name & Title | Date Adopted | Character of Trading Arrangement (1) | Aggregate Number of Shares of Common Stock to be Sold Pursuant to Trading Arrangement | Duration (2) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Up to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Up to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Up to | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
_____________________
(1) Each trading arrangement marked as a “Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangement” is intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c), as amended (the “Rule”).
(2) Each trading arrangement permits transactions through and including the earliest to occur of (i) the completion of all purchases or sales or the expiration of all of the orders relating to such trades, or (ii) the date listed in the table. Trading
32
arrangements marked as a “Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangement” only permits transactions upon the expiration of the applicable mandatory cooling-off period under the Rule.
(3) Mr. Tomasso’s trading plan provides for the sale of up to 935,825 shares on a quarterly basis as follows: (i) Up to 233,955 shares during the first quarterly period beginning on the later of June 16, 2025 or the end of the applicable mandatory cooling-off period and ending 90 days later, (ii) up to 233,955 shares during the second quarterly period, (iii) up to 233,955 shares during the third quarterly period, and (iv) up to 233,955 shares during the fourth quarterly period. The sales in each quarterly period are subject to limit prices.
(4) Mr. Hope’s trading plan provides for the sale of up to 177,570 shares after the applicable mandatory cooling-off period subject to limit prices.
(5) Mr. Wolszczak’s trading plan provides for the sale of up to 70,000 shares after the applicable mandatory cooling-off period subject to limit prices.
Item 6. Exhibits
The exhibits listed in the Exhibits index to this Form 10-Q are incorporated herein by reference.
| Exhibit No. | Description | FILINGS REFERENCED FOR INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE | ||||||||||||
| 10.1* | March 14, 2025, Form 8-K, Exhibit 10.1 | |||||||||||||
| 31.1 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 31.2 | Filed herewith | |||||||||||||
| 32.1** | Furnished herewith | |||||||||||||
| 101 | The financial information from First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the first fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2025, filed on May 6, 2025, formatted in Inline Extensible Business Reporting Language (“iXBRL”) | Filed herewith | ||||||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Date File (formatted as iXBRL and contained in Exhibit 101) | Filed herewith | ||||||||||||
* Denotes a management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.
** This certification is not deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section. This certification will not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except to the extent that the registrant specifically incorporates them by reference.
33
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized on May 6, 2025.
| FIRST WATCH RESTAURANT GROUP, INC. | ||||||||
| By: | /s/ Christopher A. Tomasso | |||||||
| Name: | Christopher A. Tomasso | |||||||
| Title: | President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||||
| By: | /s/ Mel Hope | |||||||
| Name | Mel Hope | |||||||
| Title: | Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | |||||||
34