UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended: September 30, 2014

 

Commission File Number: 001-35570

 

CHANTICLEER HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

Delaware 20-2932652
(State or Jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
Incorporation or Organization)  

 

7621 Little Avenue, Suite 414, Charlotte, NC 28226

(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)

 

(704) 366-5122

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter periods as the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x 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 ¨ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company x

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x.

 

The number of shares outstanding of registrant’s common stock, par value $.0001 per share, as of November 7, 2014, was 7,240,333 shares.

 

 
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

INDEX

 

    Page
    No.
     
Part I Financial Information  
     
Item 1: Financial Statements  
     
  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2014 (unaudited) and December 31, 2013 3
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations – For the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 4
  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 6
  Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements 8
Item 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations 33
Item 3: Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk 46
Item 4: Controls and Procedures 46
     
Part II Other Information 48
     
Item 1: Legal Proceedings  
Item 1A: Risk Factors  
Item 2: Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds  
Item 3: Defaults Upon Senior Securities  
Item 4: Mine Safety Disclosures  
Item 5: Other Information  
Item 6: Exhibits  
     
Signatures    

 

2
 

 

Part I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1: FINANCIAL StatemenTS

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
ASSETS    (Unaudited)       
Current assets:          
Cash  $322,770   $442,694 
Accounts receivable   386,145    227,181 
Other receivable   44,494    50,380 
Inventories   542,344    381,408 
Due from related parties   108,417    116,305 
Prepaid expenses and other current assets   510,694    495,165 
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS   1,914,864    1,713,133 
Property and equipment, net   14,591,942    5,620,189 
Goodwill   18,191,967    6,496,756 
Intangible assets, net   3,751,653    3,424,632 
Investments at fair value   35,362    55,112 
Other investments   1,550,000    2,491,963 
Deposits and other assets   463,455    285,821 
TOTAL ASSETS  $40,499,243   $20,087,606 
           
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY          
Current liabilities:          
Current maturities of long-term debt and notes payable  $2,092,005   $835,454 
Current maturities of convertible note payable, net of discount of $136,908   363,092    - 
Derivative liability   1,513,500    2,146,000 
Accounts payable and accrued expenses   5,368,606    2,425,873 
Current maturities of capital leases payable   85,728    59,162 
Deferred rent   132,180    53,303 
Loan payable   951,360    - 
Due to related parties   186,627    12,191 
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES   10,693,098    5,531,983 
Convertible notes payable, net of discount of $ 1,833,333 and          
$2,583,333, respectively   1,166,667    416,667 
Capital leases payable, less current maturities   60,284    105,918 
Deferred rent   1,857,763    1,055,138 
Deferred tax liabilities   1,242,975    1,340,000 
Long-term debt, less current maturities   5,016,715    398,906 
TOTAL LIABILITIES   20,037,502    8,848,612 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)          
           
Stockholders' equity:          
Common stock:  $0.0001 par value; authorized 45,000,000          
shares; issued and outstanding 6,978,061 and 5,387,897 shares at          
September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively   700    541 
Additional paid in capital   32,615,110    25,404,994 
Other comprehensive income (loss)   146,880    (88,370)
Accumulated deficit   (17,885,631)   (14,472,816)
Non-controlling interest   5,584,682    394,645 
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   20,461,741    11,238,994 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY  $40,499,243   $20,087,606 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.      

 

3
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

   For the Three Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
Revenue:          
Restaurant sales, net  $9,067,744   $1,581,245 
Gaming sales, net   141,156    - 
Management fee income - non-affiliates   417,842    25,000 
Total revenue   9,626,742    1,606,245 
Expenses:          
Restaurant cost of sales   3,062,628    577,299 
Restaurant operating expenses   5,197,890    920,630 
Restaurant pre-opening expenses   62,293    7,337 
General and administrative expenses   1,426,461    948,035 
Depreciation and amortization   465,819    129,126 
Total expenses   10,215,091    2,582,427 
Loss from operations   (588,349)   (976,182)
Other income (expense)          
Equity in losses of investments   -    (13,131)
Dividend income   438,607    - 
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities   221,000    (75,900)
Interest expense   (581,215)   (383,595)
Total other income (expense)   78,392    (472,626)
Loss from operations before income taxes   (509,957)   (1,448,808)
(Benefit) expense for income taxes   (19,726)   6,019 
Net loss   (490,231)   (1,454,827)
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest   (61,209)   31,355 
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.  $(551,440)  $(1,423,472)
           
Other comprehensive income (loss):          
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (none applies to non-controlling interest)  $-   $(7,922)
Foreign translation income   177,219    15,841 
Other comprehensive loss  $(374,221)  $(1,415,553)
           
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. per common share, basic and diluted:  $(0.08)  $(0.38)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   6,628,011    3,704,526 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

4
 

  

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited)

 

   For the Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
Revenue:          
Restaurant sales, net  $21,433,613   $4,864,410 
Gaming income, net   272,391    - 
Management fee income - non-affiliates   467,993    75,000 
Total revenue   22,173,997    4,939,410 
Expenses:          
Restaurant cost of sales   7,500,535    1,840,535 
Restaurant operating expenses   12,471,771    2,833,035 
Restaurant pre-opening expenses   323,274    17,538 
General and administrative expenses   4,307,257    2,313,883 
Depreciation and amortization   1,243,195    373,226 
Total expenses   25,846,032    7,378,217 
Loss from operations   (3,672,035)   (2,438,807)
Other income (expense)          
Equity in losses of investments   (40,694)   (46,184)
Gain on extinguishment of debt   -    70,900 
Dividend income   446,445    3,785 
Realized gains   101,472    - 
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities   925,200    (75,900)
Interest expense   (1,268,756)   (438,941)
Total other income (expense)   163,667    (486,340)
Loss from operations before income taxes   (3,508,368)   (2,925,147)
(Benefit) expense for income taxes   (27,235)   27,216 
Consolidated net loss   (3,481,133)   (2,952,363)
Less: Net loss attributable to non-controlling interest   68,318    84,114 
Net loss attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.  $(3,412,815)  $(2,868,249)
           
Other comprehensive (loss) income:          
Unrealized loss on available-for-sale securities (none applies to non-controlling interest)  $(15,527)  $(44,887)
Foreign translation income   228,384    70,756 
Other comprehensive loss  $(3,199,958)  $(2,842,380)
           
Net loss per attributable to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. per common share, basic and diluted:  $(0.54)  $(0.77)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   6,279,688    3,701,804 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

5
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
Cash flows from operating activities:          
Net loss  $(3,481,133)  $(2,952,363)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:          
Depreciation and amortization   1,243,195    373,226 
Equity in losses of investments   40,694    46,184 
Common stock issued for services   354,617    124,720 
Amortization of debt discount   930,392    316,867 
Derivative liability adjustment   (925,200)   75,900 
Decrease in deferred tax liability   (97,025)   - 
Increase in deferred rent   3,431    14,670 
Amortization of warrants   152,325    272,529 
Gain on debt extinguishment   -    (70,900)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:          
(Increase) decrease in accounts and other receivables   (244,553)   46,427 
Decrease in prepaid expenses and other assets   (107,161)   (108,942)
Decrease in inventory   33,845    86,496 
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses   3,215,111    93,397 
Advance from related parties for working capital   -    52 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities   1,118,538    (1,681,737)
           
Cash flows from investing activities:          
Franchise costs   -    (75,000)
Cash acquired in acquisitions   27,527    53,684 
Restricted cash   -    (3,000,000)
Repayments of investments   -    98,434 
Purchase of property and equipment   (3,569,775)   (86,919)
Net cash used in investing activities   (3,542,248)   (3,009,801)
           
Cash flows from financing activities:          
Loan proceeds   1,458,308    3,342,000 
Advances from investors and partners   -    575,000 
Decrease in other liabilities   -    (270,646)
Proceeds from common stock issuances   835,000    - 
Subsidiary capital received   33,500    - 
Capital lease and loan payments   (142,906)   (36,821)
Net cash provided by financing activities   2,183,902    3,609,533 
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash   119,884    71,431 
Net change in cash   (119,924)   (1,010,574)
Cash, beginning of period   442,694    1,223,803 
Cash, end of period  $322,770   $213,229 

 

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

6
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, continued

(Unaudited)

 

   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30, 
   2014   2013 
         
Supplemental cash flow information:          
Cash paid for interest and income taxes:          
Interest  $63,503   $43,920 
Income taxes   1,776    - 
           
Non-cash investing and financing activities:          
Purchase of equipment using capital leases  $-   $53,943 
           
Purchases of businesses:          
Current assets excluding cash and cash equivalents  $636,894   $274,211 
Property and equipment   7,945,152    2,948,102 
Goodwill   11,930,766    1,653,016 
Trade name/trademarks/franchise fees   559,304    1,784,443 
Deposits and other assets   136,025    98,035 
Liabilities assumed   (4,286,392)   (1,490,288)
Non-controlling interest   (4,753,288)   - 
Chanticleer equity   (6,917,682)   - 
Common stock and warrants issued   (5,278,306)   (5,321,203)
Cash received in excess of cash paid in acquisition  $27,527   $53,684 

 

7
 

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1.Nature of Business

 

Organization

 

Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. (the “Company”) was organized on October 21, 1999, under its original name, Tulvine Systems, Inc., under the laws of the State of Delaware. Tulvine Systems, Inc. had limited operations and was considered a development stage company until July 2005. On April 25, 2005, Tulvine Systems, Inc. formed a wholly owned subsidiary, Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. On May 2, 2005, Tulvine Systems, Inc. merged with and changed its name to Chanticleer Holdings, Inc.

 

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Chanticleer Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiaries, Chanticleer Advisors, LLC, (“Advisors”), Avenel Ventures, LLC ("Ventures"), Chanticleer Holdings Limited ("CHL"), Chanticleer Holdings Australia Pty, Ltd. (“CHA”), Chanticleer Investment Partners, LLC (“CIP”), DineOut SA Ltd. ("DineOut”), Chanticleer and Shaw Foods (Pty) Ltd. (“C&S”), Kiarabrite (Pty) Ltd (“KPL”), Dimaflo (Pty) Ltd (“DFLO”), Tundraspex (Pty) Ltd (“TPL”), Civisign (Pty) Ltd (“CPL”), Dimalogix (Pty) Ltd (“DLOG”), Pulse Time Trade (Pty) Ltd. (“PTT”), Crown Restaurants Kft. (“CRK”), American Roadside Burgers, Inc. (“ARB”), West End Wings Ltd. (“WEW”), JF Restaurants, L.L.C (“JFR”), JF Franchising Systems, L.L.C. (“JFFS”), Tacoma Wings, LLC, Jantzen Beach Wings, LLC, Oregon Owl’s Nest, LLC, Dallas Spoon, LLC, Dallas Spoon Beverage, LLC, Hoot Campbelltown Pty. Ltd., Hoot Surfers Paradise Pty. Ltd. and Hoot Townsville Pty. Ltd. (collectively referred to as the “Company”). On July 11, 2013, the names of DFLO, CPL and DLOG were changed in South Africa to Hooters Umhlanga (Pty.) Ltd., Hooters CapeTown (Pty.) Ltd., and Hooters Emperors Palace (Pty.) Ltd., respectively. On August 30, 2013, January 8, 2014, and June 4, 2014 the names of KPL, C&S and PTT were changed to Hooters SA (Pty) Ltd., Chanticleer South Africa (Pty) Ltd. and Hooters PE, respectively. On April 1, 2014, the Company increased its ownership in the Australian Hooters entities, Hoot Campbelltown Pty. Ltd., Hoot Surfers Paradise Pty. Ltd. and Hoot Townsville Pty. Ltd., from 49% to 60%. On July 1, 2014, we purchased 60% of Hoot Parramatta Pty Ltd, Hoot Australia Pty Ltd, Hoot Penrith Pty Ltd, and TMIX Management Australia Pty Ltd. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“U.S. GAAP”).

 

The Company has a calendar year-end reporting date of December 31. The accounts of two of its subsidiaries, JFR and WEW, are consolidated based on either a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Sunday closest to each December 31. No events occurred related to the difference between the Company’s reporting calendar year-end and the Company’s two subsidiaries year-end of December 29, 2013 that materially affected the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. For the quarter ended September 30, 2013, the Company and all of its consolidated subsidiaries reported on a calendar quarter-end. For the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the Company and all subsidiaries reported on a calendar quarter-end with the exception of two non-calendar year-end subsidiaries, whose fiscal quarter each consisted of operations commencing December 30, 2013 and ending September 28, 2014 and October 5, 2014, respectively. No events occurred between these periods and September 30, 2014 that materially affect the Company’s financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

 

GENERAL

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim reporting and include all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) that are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation. These condensed consolidated financial statements have not been audited. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

 

8
 

 

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations for interim reporting. The Company believes that the disclosures contained herein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. However, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 filed with the SEC on March 31, 2014. Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

LIQUIDITY, MANAGEMENT’S PLANS AND GOING CONCERN

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. At September 30, 2014, the Company had current assets of $1,914,864, current liabilities of $10,693,098, and a working capital deficit of $8,778,234. The Company incurred a loss of $3,412,815 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and had an unrealized loss from available-for-sale securities of $15,527 and foreign currency translation gains of $228,384, resulting in a comprehensive loss of $3,199,958. The Company has historically met its liquidity requirements through the sale of equity and debt securities, sale of certain investments, and has also obtained funding at the subsidiary level for certain locations and joint ventures. The Company anticipates raising additional capital from one or more such sources during the remainder of 2014, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so.

 

The Company's general and administrative expenses were $4,307,257 for the first nine months of 2014, including $506,942 non-cash expenses comprised of common stock issued for services and amortization of warrants. The Company expects costs to remain flat for the last quarter of 2014 as we continue to expand our footprint domestically and internationally for 2014 and beyond, however we expect costs to decrease as a percent of sales. Effective October 1, 2011, the Company acquired majority control of the initial three restaurants in South Africa and began consolidating these operations. In August 2012, the Company opened a restaurant in Budapest, Hungary, and earns 80% of the operating results with our operating partner earning 20%. Domestically in 2013 the Company purchased 100% of ARB on September 30, 2013 and also purchased a similar restaurant called The Burger Company in Charlotte, NC on September 9, 2014, and 56% of JFR and JFFS, owners of Just Fresh, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based casual dining concept, in December 2013. Effective November 7, 2013, the Company acquired 100% of an existing Hooters restaurant in Nottingham, England. On January 31, 2014, the Company closed the purchases of 100% of two Hooters restaurants in the states of Washington and Oregon and a gaming facility operated through the Oregon Lottery system, as well as Spoon Bar and Kitchen in Dallas, Texas. In March 2013, the Company closed its investment management business, which saved us approximately $50,000 per quarter starting fully in the third quarter of 2013. Historically, the Company also has earned 49% of the operating results with our operating partner earning 51% in our Hooters location opened in January 2012 in Campbelltown, Australia, a suburb of Sydney. During April 2014, the Company purchased an additional 11% of the Hooters location in Campbelltown from our Australian partner, increasing our ownership to 60%. Construction is also recently completed or underway on two additional Hooters Australia locations under the same terms (the Company will hold a 60% interest in each). The first site in Surfers Paradise opened to the public on July 14, 2014 and the second site in Townsville is expected to open late in the fourth quarter of 2014 or early in 2015. The Company also has a 5% interest in Beacher’s Madhouse, a variety show, which opened in Las Vegas, Nevada at the end of 2013.

 

The Company has a note with a balance at September 30, 2014 of $187,393 owed to its bank which is due on October 10, 2018 with monthly principal and interest payments of $4,406. In April 2013, the Company secured a $500,000 line of credit which is due on May 10, 2015 (original maturity date was August 10, 2014). As of September 30, 2014, the balance on the line of credit is $500,000. In February 2014 the Company secured a note with a bank for $500,000 which is due on June 10, 2019 (original maturity date of August 10, 2014). The Company also has $3,000,000 of convertible debt which the Company used for our purchase of the Hooters Nottingham (United Kingdom) location. On August 2, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with seven individual accredited investors, whereby the Company issued separate 6% Secured Subordinate Convertible Notes for a total of $3,000,000 in a private offering. These investors received 3 year warrants to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $3.00 per share. The conversion feature of the convertible debt and warrants was recorded as a derivative liability. The Company closed the purchase of Hooters Nottingham on November 6, 2013 and began operating the restaurant on November 7, 2013. In March 2014, the Company received proceeds of $500,000 from convertible debt which was used for continuing the Company’s growth and for working capital. The investor was issued 15% Secured Subordinate Convertible Notes and received five-year warrants to purchase up to 30% of the number of shares of common stock issued upon conversion of the 2014 note exercisable at $5.25 per share. The conversion feature of the convertible debt was recorded as a derivative liability. In addition the Company has notes with a balance at September 30, 2014 of $200,000 owed to two outside companies which have matured on February 23, 2014 and July 11, 2014. An extension for both notes is currently being negotiated and payment has not been demanded. The Company’s South African subsidiaries have bank overdraft and term facilities of $721,327, including a mortgage for a site we purchased in Port Elizabeth for our next Hooters location. ARB had a bank note payable of $10,249 due on August 5, 2014 which has been repaid in full. On July 1, 2014, pursuant to Purchase Agreements executed on June 30, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of a sixty percent (60%) ownership interest in Hoot Parramatta Pty Ltd, Hoot Australia Pty Ltd, Hoot Penrith Pty Ltd, and TMIX Management Australia Pty Ltd (collectively, the “Australian Entities”), which own, operate, and manage Hooters restaurant locations and gaming operations in Australia. The ownership interest in the Australian Entities was purchased from the respective entities in exchange for the Company agreeing to assume a five million dollar ($5,000,000) debt bearing interest at 12% annually and issuing two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. Originally principal repayments were as follows: $2,000,000 on December 31, 2014, $2,000,000 on June 30, 2015, and $1,000,000 on December 31, 2015. On October 15, 2014, principal repayments were restructured whereby $650,000 is due by September 30, 2015, $3,350,000 by July 31, 2016, and the remaining $1,000,000 by January 31, 2017. The Company will issue $175,000 of the Company’s common stock (87,500 shares at $2.00 per share) and 87,500 common stock warrants at $3.50 per share exercise price in consideration for the debt restructuring, The Company plans to continue to use limited partnerships or other financing vehicles, if necessary, to fund its share of costs for additional Hooters and other restaurants.

 

9
 

 

On October 17, 2013, the Company raised $2,500,000 in a private placement, pursuant to which the Company sold to the investors an aggregate of 666,667 Units at a purchase price of $3.75 per unit. Each Unit consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock and one five-year warrant, exercisable after twelve months, to purchase one share of common stock at an initial exercise price of $5.00. The Company employed a placement agent for the purpose of the private placement, and paid to the placement agent commissions in the total amount of $150,000 and five-year warrants convertible into an aggregate of 40,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

On November 7, 2013, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with three accredited investors, pursuant to which the Company sold to the investors an aggregate of 160,000 Units at a purchase price of $5.00 per Unit, closing a $800,000 private placement. Each Unit consisted of one share of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share and one five- year warrant to purchase one share of common stock. One half (80,000) of the available warrants had at an initial exercise price of $5.50, while the remaining half (80,000) of the warrants had an initial exercise price of $7.00. The Company employed a placement agent for the purpose of the private placement, and paid to the placement agent commissions in the total amount of $32,000 and five-year warrants subject to the same terms as those issued under the above transaction, convertible into an aggregate of 6,400 shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

On January 31, 2013, the Company settled outstanding liabilities of approximately $170,000 from a South African bank, previously presented in our consolidated balance sheets in “other liabilities”. Upon making a payment of approximately $99,000, the Company received a release from all other bank liabilities, resulting in a total gain on extinguishment of debt of approximately $71,000, which is presented in our financial statements as other income.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company raised from private investors $641,000 and $841,000 for the sale of 320,500 and 458,000 shares of common stock, respectively, and accompanying sales of 96,150 and 111,150 five-year common stock warrants exercisable at $3.50 per share, respectively.

 

10
 

 

In order to execute the Company’s long-term growth strategy, which includes continued expansion of the Company’s business by acquisition development or construction, the Company will need to raise additional funds through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, or other means.

 

The current constraints of cash flow from operations and the requirements to raise funds raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

2.SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

 

Revenue Recognition—In accordance with gaming industry practice, we recognize gaming revenues as the net win from gaming activities, net of taxes.

 

Business combination - For a business combination with an acquisition date on or after the beginning of the first annual reporting period beginning on or after December 15, 2008, the assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any non-controlling interest in the acquire are recognized at the acquisition date, measured at their fair values as of that date. In a business combination achieved in stages, the identifiable assets and liabilities, as well as the non-controlling interest in the acquiree, are recognized at the full amounts of their fair values. In a bargain purchase in which the total acquisition-date fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired exceeds the fair value of the consideration transferred plus any non-controlling interest in the acquire, that excess in earnings was recognized as a gain attributable to the Company.

 

Long-lived Assets

 

The Company accounts for our long-lived assets in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ ASC ”) 360, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“ ASC 360 ”), which requires that long-lived assets be evaluated whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable or the useful life has changed. Some of the events or changes in circumstances that would trigger an impairment test include, but are not limited to;

 

·significant under-performance relative to expected and/or historical results (negative comparable sales growth or operating cash flows for two consecutive years);
·significant negative industry or economic trends;
·knowledge of transactions involving the sale of similar property at amounts below the Company’s carrying value; or
·the Company’s expectation to dispose of long-lived assets before the end of their estimated useful lives, even though the assets do not meet the criteria to be classified as “held for sale.”

 

Long-lived assets are grouped for recognition and measurement of impairment at the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets. The impairment test for long-lived assets requires us to assess the recoverability of our long-lived assets by comparing their net carrying value to the sum of undiscounted estimated future cash flows directly associated with and arising from the Company’s use and eventual disposition of the assets. If the net carrying value of a group of long-lived assets exceeds the sum of related undiscounted estimated future cash flows, the Company would be required to record an impairment charge equal to the excess, if any, of net carrying value over fair value.

 

When assessing the recoverability of our long-lived assets, which include property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, the Company make assumptions regarding estimated future cash flows and other factors. Some of these assumptions involve a high degree of judgment and also bear a significant impact on the assessment conclusions. Included among these assumptions are estimating undiscounted future cash flows, including the projection of comparable sales, operating expenses, capital requirements for maintaining property and equipment and residual value of asset groups. The Company formulate estimates from historical experience and assumptions of future performance, based on business plans and forecasts, recent economic and business trends, and competitive conditions. In the event that our estimates or related assumptions change in the future, the Company may be required to record an impairment charge.

 

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The Company evaluates the remaining useful lives of long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets whenever events or circumstances indicate that a revision to the remaining period of amortization is warranted. Such events or circumstances may include (but are not limited to): the effects of obsolescence, demand, competition, and/or other economic factors including the stability of the industry in which the Company operates, known technological advances, legislative actions, or changes in the regulatory environment. If the estimated remaining useful lives change, the remaining carrying amount of the long-lived assets and identifiable intangible assets would be amortized prospectively over that revised remaining useful life.

 

Goodwill

 

The Company reviews our goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist. Goodwill is not subject to amortization and have been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. The reporting units are our restaurant brands. 

 

A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include, among others: a significant decline in the Company’s expected future cash flows; a sustained, significant decline in our stock price and market capitalization; a significant adverse change in legal factors or in the business climate; unanticipated competition; the testing for recoverability of a significant asset group within a reporting unit; and slower growth rates. Any adverse change in these factors could have a significant impact on the recoverability of these assets and could have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements

.

The goodwill impairment test involves a two-step process. The first step is a comparison of each reporting unit’s fair value to its carrying value. The Company estimates fair value using the best information available, including market information and discounted cash flow projections (also referred to as the income approach). The income approach uses a reporting unit’s projection of estimated operating results and cash flows that is discounted using a weighted-average cost of capital that reflects current market conditions. The projection uses management’s best estimates of economic and market conditions over the projected period including growth rates in sales, costs and number of units, estimates of future expected changes in operating margins and cash expenditures. Other significant estimates and assumptions include terminal value growth rates, future estimates of capital expenditures and changes in future working capital requirements. The Company validate our estimates of fair value under the income approach by comparing the values to fair value estimates using a market approach. A market approach estimates fair value by applying cash flow and sales multiples to the reporting unit’s operating performance. The multiples are derived from comparable publicly traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics of the reporting units.

 

If the fair value of the reporting unit is higher than its carrying value, goodwill is deemed not to be impaired, and no further testing is required. If the carrying value of the reporting unit is higher than its fair value, there is an indication that impairment may exist and the second step must be performed to measure the amount of impairment loss. The amount of impairment is determined by comparing the implied fair value of reporting unit goodwill to the carrying value of the goodwill in the same manner as if the reporting unit was being acquired in a business combination. Specifically, fair value is allocated to all of the assets and liabilities of the reporting unit, including any unrecognized intangible assets, in a hypothetical analysis that would calculate the implied fair value of goodwill. If the implied fair value of goodwill is less than the recorded goodwill, the Company would record an impairment loss for the difference.

 

Except for the above changes, there have been no material changes to our significant accounting policies previously disclosed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.

 

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LOSS PER COMMON SHARE

 

The Company is required to report both basic earnings per share, which is based on the weighted-average number of shares outstanding and diluted earnings per share, which is based on the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding plus all diluted shares outstanding.

 

The following table summarizes the number of common shares potentially issuable upon the exercise of certain warrants, convertible notes payable and convertible interest as of September 30, 2014 and 2013, that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net loss per common share since the effect would be antidilutive.

 

   As of September 30, 
   2014   2013 
Warrants   8,695,048    6,241,458 
Convertible notes payable   1,916,559    - 
Convertible interest   88,649    - 
  Totals   10,700,256    6,241,458 

 

RECLASSIFICATIONS

 

Certain amounts in the prior period have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported results of operations or loss per share.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

 

 

In March 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-05, "Foreign Currency Matters" ("ASU 2013-05"). The amendments in ASU 2013-05 resolve the diversity in practice about whether current literature applies to the release of the cumulative translation adjustment into net income when a parent either sells a part or all of its investment in a foreign entity or no longer holds a controlling financial interest in a subsidiary or group of assets that is a nonprofit activity or a business within a foreign entity. In addition, the amendments in ASU 2013-05 resolve the diversity in practice for the treatment of business combinations achieved in stages (sometimes also referred to as step acquisitions) involving a foreign entity. ASU 2013-05 is effective prospectively for fiscal years and interim reporting periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.

 

Deferred tax liability and asset were recognized for the deferred tax consequences of differences between the tax bases and the recognized values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination in accordance with ASC Topic 740, “Income Taxes”.

 

The FASB has issued ASU 2014-08, Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity, which includes amendments that change the requirements for reporting discontinued operations and requires additional disclosures about discontinued operations. Under the new guidance, only disposals representing a strategic shift in operations should be presented as discontinued operations. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning on or after December 15, 2014. The adoption of this standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, “Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40): Disclosure of Uncertainties about an Entity’s Ability to Continue as a Going Concern” (“ASU 2014-15”). ASU 2014-15, which is effective for annual reporting periods ending after December 15, 2016, extends the responsibility for performing the going-concern assessment to management and contains guidance on how to perform a going-concern assessment and when going-concern disclosures would be required under U.S. GAAP. The adoption of this pronouncement is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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There are several other new accounting pronouncements issued by FASB which are not yet effective. Each of these pronouncements has been or will be adopted, as applicable, by the Company. At September 30, 2014, none of these pronouncements are expected to have a material effect on the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the Company.

 

3.ACQUISITIONS

 

The Company completed the following acquisitions:

 

·American Roadside Burgers, effective September 30, 2013;
·West End Wings, LTD (Hooters Nottingham), effective November 7, 2013;
·56% ownership interest in Just Fresh, effective December 10, 2013;
·Tacoma Wings, LLC, Jantzen Beach Wings, LLC and Oregon Owl’s Nest, LLC, effective January 31, 2014; and
·Dallas Spoon, LLC and Dallas Spoon Beverage, LLC, effective January 31, 2014.
·Hoot Campbelltown Pty. Ltd., Hoot Surfers Paradise Pty. Ltd. and Hoot Townsville Pty. Ltd., step acquisition from 49% to 60% effective April 1, 2014.
·60% ownership interest in Hoot Parramatta Pty Ltd, Hoot Australia Pty Ltd, Hoot Penrith Pty Ltd, and TMIX Management Australia Pty Ltd., effective July 1, 2014.
·The Burger Company, LLC, effective September 9, 2014.

 

 

In connection with the acquisition of the restaurants, the Company analyzed each acquisition to determine the purchase price allocation in consideration of all identifiable intangibles.  Based on our evaluation, there were no marketing related assets, customer related intangibles or contract based arrangements for which the purchase price would be required to be allocated.  For marketing related assets, the Company did not acquire any trademarks or trade names (for Hooters acquisitions) or enter into any non-compete agreements. The Company is however required to pay royalties based on future sales. For acquisitions other than Hooters restaurants, the value of any trademark/tradename, was calculated using a relief of royalty method considering future franchise opportunities, and the value was determined to be de minimus. With respect to customer related intangibles, the Company did not acquire any customer lists or enter into any customer contractual arrangements nor did the Company enter into any licensing or royalty arrangements requiring a further allocation of the purchase price. The premium paid for the businesses represents the economic value which is not captured by other assets such as the reputation of the businesses, the value of its human capital, its future growth potential and its professional management. The acquisition of these businesses will help the Company expand its domestic operations and presence.

 

 

American Roadside Burgers (“ARB”)

 

On September 30, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement and plan of merger with ARB, whereby the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of ARB. In exchange, the Company issued 740,000 shares of its common stock and warrants to acquire 740,000 shares of common stock for $5.00 per share. The warrants are exercisable beginning October 1, 2014 until September 30, 2018. In connection with this acquisition and the related management team, the Company acquired a strategic opportunity to participate in a high-growth space with an already established brand. The Company plans to continue to expand the American Roadside chain as future opportunities are presented, which has the potential to bring revenue and profits to the Company. During March and April 2014, the Company began doing business as American Burger Co. at the two Charlotte ARB locations.

 

The shares issued in connection with the acquisition were valued based on the Company’s closing stock market price on September 30, 2013, the date the acquisition was consummated. For the fair value of the warrants issued, we used the following inputs in the application of the Black-Scholes Option Pricing model:

 

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·Current equity value: Our common stock, ticker HOTR on NASDAQ closing price on September 30, 2013, the valuation date, was $4.88.
·Strike price of the warrants: Per the warrant agreement, the strike price was $5.00.
·Time to maturity: The term of the warrants was calculated based on the time until the expiration date, which per the warrant agreement is five years.
·Volatility of the underlying asset: The volatility utilized in the analysis of the warrants was 55.0%, based on our analysis of industry peers.
·Risk-free rate of interest of: The risk-free interest rate was based on the rate of treasury securities with a similar term as the warrants, and was 1.39%.

 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to estimate the fair value of the warrants or options granted. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The Company determined the fair value of the Binomial Lattice Model and the Black-Scholes Valuation Model to be materially the same. The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s warrants was determined by the historical volatilities for industry peers and used an average of those volatilities.  The risk free interest rate was obtained from U.S. Treasury rates for the applicable periods. The contractual terms of the agreement does not provide for and the Company does not expect to declare dividends in the near future.

 

There is inherent uncertainty in our forecasts and projections, and if we had made different assumptions and estimates than those described previously, the determined fair value of our common stock as of each of the valuation dates could have been materially different.

 

On September 9, 2014, the Company purchased 100% of the net assets of The Burger Company located in Charlotte, North Carolina, a similar concept to our ARB restaurants, for a purchase price of $550,000, which consisted of $250,000 in cash and $300,000 in the Company’s common stock.

 

West End Wings (“WEW” or “Hooters Nottingham”)

 

On November 6, 2013, the Company closed the purchase of West End Wings LTD, which is the owner of the Nottingham, England Hooters restaurant location. The purchase price paid by the Company for WEW was $3,150,000.

 

The acquisition was accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations”. The condensed consolidated statements of operations include the results of the Hooters Nottingham operations beginning November 7, 2013. The assets acquired and the liabilities assumed were recorded at November 6, 2013 at estimated fair values as determined by the Company’s management.

 

In connection with the acquisition of West End Wings, the Company analyzed the acquisition to determine the purchase price allocation in consideration of all identifiable intangibles.  Based on our evaluation, there were no marketing related assets or customer related intangibles for which the purchase price would be required to be allocated.  The Company is however required to pay royalties based on future sales. For marketing-related assets, the Company did not acquire the rights to any trademarks or trade names or enter into any non-compete agreements. The value of any franchise rights was determined to be de minimis given the franchise agreement provides no significant territorial exclusiveness and given the nominal value of any required franchise fees. The premium paid for the business represents the economic value which is not captured by other assets such as the reputation of the business, the value of its human capital, its future growth potential and its professional management. The acquisition of this business will help the Company expand its international operations.

 

Just Fresh (“JF”)

 

On November 5, 2013, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with JFR and JFFS, for the purchase of a 51% ownership interest in each entity, for a total purchase price of $560,000. The transaction closed on December 10, 2013 with the execution of an Assignment, Assumption, Joinder, and Amendment Agreement with both JFR and JFFS. On December 11, 2013, the Company purchased an additional 5% interest in both JFR and JFFS from an original interest holder for the total purchase price of $30,000, increasing the Company’s ownership interest in JFR and JFFS to a total of 56%.

 

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Just Fresh currently operates six restaurants in the Charlotte, North Carolina area that offer fresh-squeezed juices, gourmet coffee, fresh-baked goods and premium-quality, made-to-order sandwiches, salads and soups.

 

Tacoma Wings, Jantzen Beach Wings and Oregon Owl’s Nest (“Hooters Pacific NW”)

 

On January 31, 2014, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger executed on December 31, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of each of Tacoma Wings, LLC, Jantzen Beach Wings, LLC and Oregon Owl’s Nest, LLC, which owned and operated the Hooters restaurant locations in Tacoma, Washington and Portland, Oregon, respectively. These entities were purchased from Hooters of Washington, LLC and Hooters of Oregon Partners, LLC (collectively, the “Hooters Sellers”) for a total purchase price of 680,272 Company units, with each unit consisting of one share of the Company’s common stock and one five-year warrant to purchase a share of the Company’s common stock. Half of the warrants are exercisable at $5.50 and half of the warrants are exercisable at $7.00. As part of this transaction, the Hooters Sellers were granted registration rights with respect to the Company’s common stock issued and underlying the warrants, and franchise rights and leasehold rights to the locations were transferred to the Company.

 

Dallas Spoon and Dallas Spoon Beverage (“Spoon”)

 

Also on January 31, 2014, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger executed on January 14, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Dallas Spoon, LLC and Dallas Spoon Beverage, LLC from Express Restaurant Holdings, LLC and Express Restaurant Holdings Beverage, LLC. The purchase price of 195,000 Company units was paid to Express Working Capital, LLC (“EWC”); the units consist of one share of the Company’s common stock and one five-year warrant to purchase a share of the Company’s common stock. Half of the warrants are exercisable at $5.50 and half of the warrants are exercisable at $7.00. As part of this transaction, EWC was granted registration rights with respect to the Company’s common stock issued and underlying the warrants, and all leaseholds and other rights were transferred to the Company.

 

For the acquisitions of Hooters Pacific NW and Spoon, the fair value of the shares was the closing stock market price on January 31, 2014, the date the deal acquisition was consummated. The fair value of the warrants issued was determined using the Black-Scholes model. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The Company determined the fair value of the Binomial Lattice Model and the Black-Scholes Valuation Model to be materially the same. The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s warrants was determined by the historical volatilities for industry peers and used an average of those volatilities.  The risk free interest rate was obtained from U.S. Treasury rates for the applicable periods. The contractual terms of the agreement does not provide for and the Company does not expect to declare dividends in the near future.

 

The assumptions were as follows:

 

Acquisitions of Hooters Pacific NW and Spoon:
Assumptions:     
Risk-free interest rate   1.49%
Expected life   5 years 
Expected volatility   50.0%
Dividends   0%

 

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Campbelltown, Penrith, Parramatta, Surfers Paradise, and Townsville (“Hooters Australia”)

 

On April 1, 2014, the Company completed the step acquisition of Hooters Australia, increasing the Company’s ownership percentage from 49% to 60%. The location in Campbelltown, a suburb of Sydney, opened in January 2012; the location in Surfers Paradise, an iconic coastal tourist destination, opened on July 14, 2014; and we expect the location in Townsville, in the northeast part of Australia, to open in late 2014. On July 1, 2014, the Company acquired 60% of the two other Hooters restaurants in Australia, in Penrith and Parramatta, suburbs of Sydney, as well as a 60% interest in the related Australian management company. These entities own, operate, and manage Australian Hooters restaurants and gaming operations. The purchase price was the assumption of $5 million in debt. Also as part of the transaction, the Company will receive 100% of all gaming revenue until the debt is repaid, and thereafter the Company will receive 60% of such revenue for the remainder of the lifetime of the gaming machines.

 

The acquisitions were accounted for using the purchase method of accounting in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations” and, accordingly, the condensed consolidated statements of operations include the results of these operations from the dates of acquisition. The assets acquired and the liabilities assumed were recorded at estimated fair values based on information currently available and based on certain assumptions as to future operations as follows:

 

   2014 Acquisitions     
   Hooters       Hooters Australia   The     
   Pacific NW   Spoon   April 1, 2014   July 1, 2014   Burger Co.   Total 
Consideration paid:                              
Common stock  $2,891,156   $828,750   $-   $-   $300,000   $4,019,906 
Warrants   978,000    280,400    -    515,600    -    1,774,000 
Assumption of debt   -    -    -    5,123,333    -    5,123,333 
Cash   -    -    100,000    -    250,000    350,000 
Total consideration paid   3,869,156    1,109,150    100,000    5,638,933    550,000    11,267,239 
                               
Current assets, excluding cash   112,078    89,817    377,296    47,777    9,926    636,894 
Property and equipment   2,731,031    391,462    2,934,307    1,603,557    284,795    7,945,152 
Goodwill   1,951,909    698,583    -    9,002,738    256,379    11,909,609 
Trademark/trade name/franchise fee   60,937    -    277,867    220,500    -    559,304 
Deposits and other assets   20,275    5,193    90,371    20,186    -    136,025 
Total assets acquired, less cash   4,876,230    1,185,055    3,679,841    10,894,758    551,100    21,186,984 
Liabilities assumed   (1,009,348)   (97,541)   (1,560,710)   (1,496,536)   (1,100)   (4,165,235)
Deferred tax liabilities   -    -              -    - 
Non-controlling interest   -    -    (993,999)   (3,759,289)   -    (4,753,288)
Chanticleer equity   -    -    (1,028,749)   -    -    (1,028,749)
Common stock and warrants issued   (3,869,156)   (1,109,150)   -    (5,638,933)   (300,000)   (10,917,239)
Cash paid   -    -    (100,000)   -    (250,000)   (350,000)
Cash received in excess of cash paid  $2,274   $21,636   $3,617   $-   $-   $27,527 

 

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   2013 Acquisitions     
                 
   ARB   WEW   JF   Total 
Consideration paid:                    
Common stock  $3,611,126   $-   $-   $3,611,126 
Warrants   1,710,077    -    -    1,710,077 
Cash   -    3,150,000    590,000    3,740,000 
Total consideration paid   5,321,203    3,150,000    590,000    9,061,203 
                     
Current assets, excluding cash   281,574    151,546    42,206    475,326 
Property and equipment   3,000,122    20,493    242,531    3,263,146 
Goodwill   2,550,611    3,159,500    425,151    6,135,262 
Trademark/trade name/franchise fee   1,784,443    -    1,010,000    2,794,443 
Deposits and other assets   98,035    -    -    98,035 
Total assets acquired, less cash   7,714,785    3,331,539    1,719,888    12,766,212 
Liabilities assumed   (1,490,288)   (372,824)   (282,317)   (2,145,429)
Deferred tax liabilities   (956,000)   -    (384,000)   (1,340,000)
Non-controlling interest   -    -    (463,571)   (463,571)
Chanticleer equity   -    -    -    - 
Common stock and warrants issued   (5,321,203)   -    -    (5,321,203)
Cash paid   -    (3,150,000)   (590,000)   (3,740,000)
Cash received in excess of cash paid  $52,706   $191,285   $-   $243,991 

 

Unaudited pro forma results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, as if the Company had acquired majority ownership of the operation on January 1 of each year is as follows. The pro forma results include estimates and assumptions which management believes are reasonable. However, pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred if the business combination had been in effect on the dates indicated, or which may result in the future.

 

   Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended 
   September 30,   September 30, 
   2014   2013   2014   2013 
                 
Net revenues  $11,437,149   $10,241,985   $27,100,251   $25,911,456 
Loss from continuing operations   (516,733)   (1,691,741)   (3,361,231)   (3,718,031)
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest   75,697    (8,232)   (39,342)   (39,842)
Net loss  $(441,036)  $(1,699,973)  $(3,400,573)  $(3,757,873)
Net loss per share, basic and diluted  $(0.07)  $(0.46)  $(0.54)  $(1.02)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted   6,628,011    3,704,526    6,279,688    3,701,804 

 

The following table includes information for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 Company’s 2014 acquisitions.

 

   Hooters       Hooters   The     
   Pacific NW   Spoon   Australia   Burger Co.   Totals 
Revenues  $3,168,058   $968,103   $3,153,589   $81,539   $7,371,289 
                          
Cost of sales   885,720    403,235    897,033    33,305    2,219,293 
Other expenses   2,380,300    722,354    2,344,558    30,847    5,478,059 
                          
Operating income (loss)  $(97,962)  $(157,486)  $(88,002)  $17,387   $(326,063)

 

Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates

 

Effective April 1, 2014, we completed the step acquisition of a 60% controlling interest in our Hooters Australia joint venture resulting in the consolidation of these entities. Prior to the acquisition, we owned 49% of the entities and accounted for the Hooters Australia investment under the equity method of accounting and our share of earnings and losses was recorded in equity in losses from investments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Hooters Australia results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 are reflected in the respective line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

 

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4.INVESTMENTS

 

OTHER INVESTMENTS ARE SUMMARIZED AS FOLLOWS AT SEPTEMBER 30, 2014 AND DECEMBER 31, 2013.

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Investments accounted for under the equity method  $-   $941,963 
Investments accounted for under the cost method   1,550,000    1,550,000 
     Total  $1,550,000   $2,491,963 

 

INVESTMENTS ACCOUNTED FOR USING THE EQUITY METHOD

 

Effective April 1, 2014, the Company increased its ownership stake in Hooters restaurant in Campbelltown, Australia from 49% to 60%. In addition, the Company increased its ownership stake to 60% in the two new stores recently completed or under construction in Surfers Paradise (which opened on July 4, 2014), Australia and Townsville, Australia which we expect to open late 2014. The Company consolidated these entities beginning with this Quarterly Report on form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014.

 

Also on July 1, 2014, the Company acquired 60% of the two other Hooters restaurants in Australia, in Penrith and Parramatta, suburbs of Sydney, as well as 60% interest in the related Australian management company. These entities own, operate, and manage Australian Hooters restaurants and gaming operations. The purchase price was the assumption of $5 million in debt. Also as part of the transaction, the Company will receive 100% of all gaming revenue until the debt is repaid, and thereafter the Company will receive 60% of such revenue for the remainder of the lifetime of the gaming machines.

 

Activity in investments accounted for using the equity method is summarized as follows:

 

   Nine Months Ended   Year Ended 
   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
         
Balance, beginning of year  $941,963   $1,066,915 
Equity in losses   (40,694)   (125,017)
New investments   100,000    100,000 
Step acquisition reclassification   (1,001,269)   - 
Return of capital   -    (99,935)
Balance, end of period  $-   $941,963 

 

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Equity investments consist of the following at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
Carrying value:          
Hoot Campbelltown Pty. Ltd. (49%) - Australia  $-   $483,603 
Second Hooters location (49%) - Australia   -    384,605 
Third Hooters location (49%) - Australia   -    73,755 
   $-   $941,963 

 

The summarized balance sheets for the three locations in Australia of which we owned 49% at December 31, 2013 follows:

 

   December 31, 
   2013 
ASSETS     
Current assets  $362,085 
Non-current assets   3,089,230 
TOTAL ASSETS  $3,451,315 
LIABILITIES     
Current liabilities  $972,885 
PARTNER'S EQUITY   2,478,430 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND PARTNERS' EQUITY  $3,451,315 

 

 

5.INTANGIBLE ASSETS, NET

 

GOODWILL

 

Goodwill is summarized by location as follows:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
         
South Africa  $396,487   $396,487 
ARB   2,806,990    2,550,611 
WEW (Nottingham)   2,955,507    3,124,507 
JF   425,151    425,151 
Australia   9,002,738    - 
Hooters Pacific NW   1,951,909    - 
Spoon   653,185    - 
   $18,191,967   $6,496,756 

 

Goodwill resulted from the excess paid over the fair value of the net assets acquired for the three operating restaurants in South Africa effective October 1, 2011, our ARB, Just Fresh and WEW acquisitions as of September 30, 2013, November 6, 2013 and December 10, 2013 respectively, our acquisitions of Hooters Pacific NW and Spoon as of January 31, 2014, Hooters Australia as of July 1, 2014 and our acquisition of The Burger Company as of September 9, 2014 (included in ARB amount above).

 

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OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Franchise cost for the Company’s Hooters restaurants and trademark/trade name for the Company’s Just Fresh and ARB entities consists of the following at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. The Company is amortizing these franchise costs from the opening of each restaurant for the 20-year term of the franchise agreement with HOA and the trademark/trade name over its estimated 10-year useful lives.

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
         
Franchise cost:          
South Africa  $448,888   $448,888 
Brazil *   135,000    135,000 
Australia *   498,318    - 
Hungary   106,506    106,506 
Hooters Pacific NW   56,936    - 
    1,245,648    690,394 
Trade name/trademark:          
Just Fresh   1,010,000    1,010,000 
ARB   1,784,096    1,784,327 
    2,794,096    2,794,327 
Total intangible cost   4,039,744    3,484,721 
Accumulated amortization   (288,091)   (60,089)
Intangible assets, net  $3,751,653   $3,424,632 
           
Three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:     
           
Amortization expense  $82,818   $5,372 
           
Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:     
           
Amortization expense  $228,002   $15,903 

 

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Future amortization for franchise costs and trade name/trademarks are as follows:

 

September 30,  Franchise fee   Trade name   Total 
2015  $61,590   $279,427   $341,017 
2016   61,590    279,427    341,017 
2017   61,590    279,427    341,017 
2018   61,590    279,427    341,017 
2019   61,590    279,427    341,017 
Thereafter   858,860    1,187,708    2,046,568 
  Totals  $1,166,810   $2,584,843   $3,751,653 

 

* The Brazil franchise cost and the Australian franchise costs related to future restaurants are not being amortized until they are opened.      

 

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6.LONG-TERM DEBT AND NOTES PAYABLE

 

Long-term debt and notes payable are summarized as follows.

 

      September 30,   December 31, 
      2014   2013 
            
Note payable to a bank due in monthly installments of $4,406 including interest at Wall Street Journal Prime plus 1% (minimum of 5.5%); remaining balance due October 10, 2018; collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets and guaranteed by an officer of the Company  (a)  $187,393   $218,119 
              
Line of credit to a bank, expires May 10, 2015, interest rate of Wall Street Journal Prime (3.25% as of September 30, 2014) plus 1%, floor rate of 5%  (b)   500,000    472,000 
              
Note payable to a bank due interest only at a 5% rate; balloon principal payment due June 10, 2019; collateralized by substantially all of the Company's assets and guaranteed by an officer of the Company  (c)   500,000    - 
              
Note payable to a bank, matured and paid in full August 5, 2014, interest rate of Wall St. Journal Prime plus 1%  (d)   -    38,614 
              
Loan agreement with an outside company on December 23, 2013, interest at 1% per month, accrued interest and principal due February 23, 2014, unsecured  (e)   100,000    150,000 
              
Loan agreement with an outside company on June 20, 2014, interest at 8% annual rate, accrued interest and principal due July 11, 2014, unsecured  (f)   100,000    - 
              
Bank overdraft facility; unsecured; maximum facilities $260,000; interest rate 11% at September 30, 2014, subject to annual renewal in December 2014  (g)   167,502    79,372 
              
Term facility with monthly payments of $5,000, including interest at 10.3% at September 30, 2014; due June 14, 2016  (h)   99,906    133,448 
              
Term facility dated April 2014, interest at 2.6 % over South African prime rate (prime currently 9.25%); due July 31, 2024; secured by a bond on all assets at our Port Elizabeth, South Africa location and partially guaranteed by our CEO and South African COO  (i)   327,218    - 
              
Term facility dated December 1, 2013; monthly payments of $3,172 including interest at 12.5%; due December 1, 2018; secured by a bond on all moveable assets at our Pretoria, South Africa location and partially guaranteed by our CEO  (j)   126,701    142,807 
              
Loan agreement with an outside company on July 1, 2014, interest at 12% annual rate, principal payments due per below, secured by certain secured assets and gaming revenue of the Australian entities  (k)   5,000,000    - 
              
       7,108,720    1,234,360 
Current portion of long-term debt      2,092,005    835,454 
Long-term debt, less current portion     $5,016,715   $398,906 


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(a) and (b) On April 11, 2013, the Company and Paragon Commercial Bank (“Paragon”) entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). (b) The Credit Agreement provides for an additional $500,000 revolving credit facility with a one-year term from the closing date. The Credit Agreement is available to be drawn at the Company’s discretion to finance investments in new business ventures and for the Company’s general corporate working capital requirements in the ordinary course of business. The note payable originally matured on August 10, 2013 and on November 4, 2013 the note was extended to October 10, 2018 with monthly principal and interest payments of $4,406, whereas the new credit facility (b) expires on May 10, 2015. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear monthly interest at the greater of: (i) floor rate of 5.00% or (ii) the Wall Street Journal’s prime plus rate (3.25% as of September 30, 2014) plus 1.00%. All unpaid principal and interest is due one (1) year after the closing date. Any borrowings are secured by a lien on all of the Company’s assets. The obligations under the Credit Agreement are guaranteed by Mike Pruitt, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer.

 

(c) In addition, in February 2014 the Company secured a note with Paragon for $500,000 due on June 10, 2019. The note bears interest at a 5% annual rate, payments of interest only are due monthly until the due date. This increased the Company’s aggregate obligation to Paragon to approximately $1.2 million at September 30, 2014.

 

(d) ARB entered into a term note with TD Bank in 2008 for $300,000, which has a balance of $10,249 at September 30, 2014 and had a maturity date of August 4, 2014. The interest rate is 1.75% above the Wall Street Journal prime rate (3.25%), and the monthly principal and interest payment is $4,836, subject to adjustment by TD Bank, except for the last payment which shall be the unpaid balance at maturity. The term note is personally guaranteed by two former shareholders of ARB, and TD Bank has a first lien on all ARB’s assets. The note has been paid in full.

 

(e) On December 23, 2013, the Company entered into a loan agreement with an outside company for $150,000, due on February 23, 2014. Interest is compounded monthly at a rate of 1%. As of February 23, 2014, the Company was not in compliance with the terms of this note due to non-payment of principal and interest. On March 21 and August 20, 2014, the Company paid the note holder $25,000 each of principal and accrued interest. The note holder has not issued a formal notice of default to the Company.

 

(f) On June 20, 2014, the Company entered into a loan agreement with an outside company for $100,000, due on July 11, 2014. Interest is at an 8% annual rate. The Company is currently negotiating with the lender to extend this debt. The note holder has not issued a formal notice of default to the Company.

 

(i) In April 2014, our South African subsidiary entered into a mortgage note with a South African bank for the purchase of the building in Port Elizabeth for our Hooters location. The 10-year note is for $330,220 with an annual interest rate of 2.6% above the South African prime rate (prime currently 9.25%). Monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $4,600 commenced in August, 2014. The mortgage note is personally guaranteed by our CEO and South African COO and secured by the assets of the Port Elizabeth building.

 

(k) On July 1, 2014, pursuant to Purchase Agreements executed on June 30, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of a sixty percent (60%) ownership interest in Hoot Parramatta Pty Ltd, Hoot Australia Pty Ltd, Hoot Penrith Pty Ltd, and TMIX Management Australia Pty Ltd (collectively, the “Australian Entities”), which own, operate, and manage Hooters restaurant locations and gaming operations in Australia. The ownership interest in the Australian Entities was purchased from the respective entities in exchange for the Company agreeing to assume a five million dollar ($5,000,000) debt bearing interest at 12% annually and issuing two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. Originally principal repayments were as follows: $2,000,000 on December 31, 2014, $2,000,000 on June 30, 2015, and $1,000,000 on December 31, 2015. On October 15, 2014, principal repayments were restructured whereby $650,000 is due by September 30, 2015, $3,350,000 is due by July 31, 2016, and the remaining $1,000,000 is due by January 31, 2017. The Company will issue $175,000 of the Company’s common stock (87,500 shares at $2.00 per share) and 87,500 common stock warrants at $3.50 per share exercise price in consideration for the debt restructuring before the end of November 2014.

 

During October 2014, our South African subsidiary secured additional local bank financing in the form of term and overdraft facilities of approximately $182,000 and $45,000, respectively. The five-year term facility has an annual interest rate of 3.5% above the South African prime rate (currently 9.25%). Monthly principal and interest payments of approximately $4,250 commence in December 2014.

 

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7.cONVERTIBLE NOTEs PAYABLE

 

Convertible notes payable at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
         
6% Convertible notes payable issued in August 2013  $3,000,000   $3,000,000 
Discounts on above convertible note   (1,833,333)   (2,583,333)
15% Convertible notes payable issued in March 2014   500,000    - 
Discounts on above convertible note   (136,908)   - 
    1,529,759    416,667 
Current portion of convertible notes payable   (363,092)   - 
Convertible notes payable, less current portion  $1,166,667   $416,667 

 

On August 2, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with seven individual accredited investors, whereby the Company issued separate 6% Secured Subordinate Convertible Notes (“Notes”) for a total of $3,000,000 in a private offering collateralized by the assets of the Hooters Nottingham restaurant. The funding from the private offering was used exclusively for the acquisition of the Hooters Nottingham restaurant location (acquisition described in Note 3). The Notes have the following principal terms:

 

·the principal amount of each Note shall be repaid within 36 months of the issuance date at a non-compounded 6% interest rate per annum payable quarterly beginning on the original issue date and continuing thereafter until the maturity date;
·the Note holders shall receive 10%, pro rata, of the net profit of the Hooters Nottingham restaurant, paid quarterly for the life of the location, and 10% of the net proceeds should the location be sold;
·the investors received a total of 300,000 three-year warrants, exercisable at $3.00 per share;
·beginning six months after the original issue date and until this debenture is no longer outstanding, each Note holder may convert his or her Note into shares of the Company’s common stock (at 90% of the average closing price ten days prior to conversion, unless a public offering is pending at the time of the conversion notice, which would result in the conversion price being the same price as the offering).The conversion price is subject to a floor of $1.00 per share;
·each Note holder has the right to redeem the Note for a period of sixty days following the eighteen month anniversary of the issuance of the Note, unless a capital raise is conducted within eighteen months after the issuance of the Note. In connection with the issuance of the Note, the Company also issued warrants for the purchase of 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at an exercise price of $3.00 per share through August 2, 2016.

 

The Company completed the purchase of Hooters Nottingham on November 6, 2013 and began operating the restaurant on November 7, 2013.

 

The fair value of the embedded conversion feature and the warrants is $2,265,600 and $884,600, respectively, and the aggregated total equals $3,150,200. Consequently, upon issuance of the Note, a debt discount of $3,000,000 was recorded and the original difference of $150,200, representing the fair value of the conversion feature and the warrants in excess of the debt discount, was immediately charged to interest expense. The debt discount will be amortized over the earlier of (i) the term of the debt or (ii) conversion of the debt, using the straight-line method which approximates the interest method. The amortization of debt discount is included as a component of interest expense in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

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The fair value of the embedded conversion feature and the warrants each was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model which approximated the Binomial Lattice model. Key assumptions used to apply this pricing model during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were as follows:

 

Risk-free interest rate  0.15%-0.79%
Expected life  1-5 years
Expected volatility  62%-89%

 

The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s stock options was determined by the historical volatilities of comparable companies. Risk free interest rates were obtained from U.S. Treasury rates for the applicable periods.

 

The conversion price of the note is the 90% average price for the last 10 days of trading activity. As of the inception date of the note the shares issuable under the terms of the note were 804,764 shares or an effective conversion price of approximately $3.73 per share. The fair value of the shares as of August 2, 2013 using the Black-Scholes option pricing model was approximately $2.82 per share. On December 31, 2013 the stock price increased to $5.37 per share and the 90% average price for the last 10 days of trading activity was $4.71. The increase in the conversion price effectively decreased the number of shares that would be required to settle the contract by 161,172 shares to 637,592 shares as of December 31, 2013. The fair value of the Black-Scholes option pricing model was approximately $3.37 as of December 31, 2013. Had the conversion price been fixed we would have recognized a loss, however due to the variable conversion feature of the note the number of shares issuable offset any loss and we recognized a nominal gain for the period. The table below shows the assumptions as of the date of issuance and September 30, 2014.

 

   August 2, 2013   September 30, 2014 
Common stock closing price  $4.15   $2.07 
Conversion per share price  $3.73   $1.84 
Conversion shares   804,764    1,632,387 
Expected life (in years)   3.0    1.8 
Expected volatility   109.55%   64.60%
Call option value  $2.82   $0.79 
Risk-free interest rate   0.59%   0.58%
Dividends   0.00%   0.00%

 

In March 2014, the Company entered into an agreement whereby the Company issued a convertible promissory note for a total of $500,000. The note accrues monthly interest of 1.25% until the date the note is converted. The note is convertible into the Company’s common stock (at 85% if the offering price in future offering or 85% of the Volume Weighted Average Price (“VWAP”)). The conversion price is subject to a floor of $3.00 per share. If not converted, the note matures one year from the issuance date.

 

In connection with the issuance of the March 2014 convertible promissory note, the Company also issued to the investors warrants to purchase up to 30% of the number of shares of common stock issued upon conversion of the 2014 note, exercisable at $5.25 per share for a period of up to 5 years from the note's original issuance date.

 

The Company accounted for the issuance of the convertible promissory note and the warrants attached to the note in accordance with ASC 815 “Derivatives and Hedging.” Accordingly, the warrants and the embedded conversion option of the convertible notes are recorded as derivative liabilities at their fair market value and are marked to market through earnings at the end of each reporting period. The gross proceeds from the sale of the note are recorded net of a discount of $9,442. The debt discount relates to the beneficial conversion feature embedded in the conversion option and the fair value of the warrants attached to the notes. The debt discount is charged back to interest expense ratably over the term of the convertible note.

 

The Black-Scholes option valuation model is used to estimate the fair value of the warrants or options granted. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The Company determined the fair value of the Binomial Lattice Model and the Black-Scholes Valuation Model to be materially the same. The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s warrants was determined by the historical volatilities for industry peers and used an average of those volatilities.  The risk free interest rate was obtained from U.S. Treasury rates for the applicable periods. The contractual terms of the agreement does not provide for and the Company does not expect to declare dividends in the near future.

 

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8.accounts payable and accrued expenses

  

Accounts payable and accrued expenses are summarized as follows:

 

   September 30,   December 31, 
   2014   2013 
         
Accounts payable  $3,321,355   $1,676,145 
Accrued taxes (VAT, GST, Sales)   1,722,354    636,568 
Accrued income taxes   38,027    15,776 
Accrued interest   286,870    97,384 
   $5,368,606   $2,425,873 

 

9.loan payable

 

At September 30, 2014 the Company has an outstanding loan payable to its Australian partner of $951,360 in connection with Surfers Paradise and Townsville construction costs. The Company has agreed to repay the unsecured obligation no later than the middle of 2015.

 

10.Stockholders’ Equity

 

The Company has 45,000,000 shares of its $0.0001 par value common stock authorized at both September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and 6,978,061 shares issued and 5,387,897 shares outstanding at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.

 

On September 26, 2014, the Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”).  At the Annual Meeting, the Company’s stockholders approved an amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation to provide authority to issue up to 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock (the “Amendment”). 

 

Prior to the adoption of the Amendment, the Company was not authorized to issue any shares of preferred stock.  The Board recommended the Amendment to stockholders for approval in order to provide the Company with capital raising and financing flexibility.  The Amendment gives the Board the authority to establish, from time to time, classes or series of preferred stock and to fix the rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions granted to or imposed upon any series of preferred stock, including dividend rates and preferences, conversion provisions, voting rights, redemption provisions, liquidation rights and preferences, preemption rights, maturity dates and other matters. 

 

The Amendment became effective upon the Company’s filing of a Certificate of Amendment to our Certificate of Incorporation with the Delaware Secretary of State on October 2, 2014.

 

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Common Stock and Warrants Issued for Services

 

The fair value of any common stock issuances are valued at the closing price on the given day of an issuance, unless the agreement states some other valuation methodology, i.e. VWAP. Fair value of any warrant issuances are valued utilizing the Black-Scholes mode. The model includes subjective input assumptions that can materially affect the fair value estimates. The Company determined the fair value of the Binomial Lattice Model and the Black-Scholes Valuation Model to be materially the same. The expected stock price volatility for the Company’s warrants was determined by the historical volatilities for industry peers and used an average of those volatilities.  The risk free interest rate was obtained from U.S. Treasury rates for the applicable periods. The contractual terms of the agreement does not provide for and the Company does not expect to declare dividends in the near future. The table below sets forth the information for 2014 common stock and warrant issuances.

 

Nine months ended September 30, 2014                  
    # of shares/warrants     Per share/warrant Value     Total Value  
1 - warrants     51,250     $ 1.66     $ 85,200  
2 - shares     110,264     $ 3.22     $ 354,617  

 

1 Warrants valued using Black-Scholes

2 Shares valued using Market value approach

 

The warrants issued for services in 2014 had the following assumptions:

 

   September 30, 2014 
Common stock closing price  $2.65 
Expected life (in years)   5.5 
Expected volatility   81.20%
Call option value  $1.66 
Risk-free interest rate   1.78%
Dividends   0.00%

 

2014 Transactions

 

On January 31, 2014, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger executed on December 31, 2013, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Tacoma Wings, LLC, Jantzen Beach Wings, LLC and Oregon Owl’s Nest, LLC, which owned and operated the Hooters restaurant locations in Tacoma, Washington and Portland, Oregon and a gaming facility operated through the Oregon Lottery system (collectively “Hooters Pacific NW”) for a total purchase price of 680,272 Company units, valued at approximately $3.9 million, with each unit consisting of one share of the Company’s common stock and one five-year warrant to purchase a share of the Company’s common stock. Half of the warrants are exercisable at $5.50 and half of the warrants are exercisable at $7.00. As a part of this transaction, the sellers were granted registration rights with respect to the Company’s common stock issued and underlying the warrants.

 

Also on January 31, 2014, pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger executed on January 14, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of all of the outstanding shares of Dallas Spoon, LLC and Dallas Spoon Beverage, LLC from Express Restaurant Holdings, LLC and Express Restaurant Holdings Beverage, LLC. The purchase price of 195,000 Company units, valued at approximately $1.1 million, was paid to Express Working Capital, LLC (“EWC”); the units consist of one share of the Company’s common stock and one five-year warrant to purchase a share of the Company’s common stock. Half of the warrants are exercisable at $5.50 and half of the warrants are exercisable at $7.00. As part of this transaction, EWC was granted registration rights with respect to the Company’s common stock issued and underlying the warrants.

 

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During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 the Company issued 11,500 and 110,264 shares valued at $23,860 and $354,617, respectively, for investor relations services. The shares were valued based on the Company’s closing stock market price on the dates of issuance.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company raised from private investors $641,000 and $841,000 for 320,500 and 458,000 shares of common stock, respectively and 96,150 and 111,150 five-year common stock warrants exercisable at $3.50 per share, respectively.

 

On September 9, 2014, the Company issued 146,628 shares of our common stock for the stock portion of the acquisition of The Burger Company. The stock was valued at $300,000 based on the closing price of our common stock on such day.

 

2013 Transactions

 

On April 22, 2013, the Company issued 4,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in exchange for investor relations services to be performed over a 12 month period, valued at $7,720.

 

In September 2013, the Company issued 25,000 shares of common stock valued at $117,000 for services for a five month agreement. The Company has expensed $93,600, representing four of five months in 2013 and will expense the final month in 2014.

 

On September 30, 2013, the Company closed the purchase of ARB and issued 740,000 units which consisted of one share of common stock and one common stock warrant valued at $3,611,126 and $1,710,077, respectively.

 

On October 17, 2013, the Company raised $2,500,000 in a private placement, pursuant to which the Company sold to the Investors an aggregate of 666,667 Units at a purchase price of $3.75 per unit. Each unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share and one five-year warrant, exercisable after twelve months, to purchase one share of common stock at an initial exercise price of $5.00.

 

The Company employed a placement agent for the purpose of the private placement, and has paid to the placement agent commissions in the total amount of $150,000 and five year warrants convertible into an aggregate of 80,000 shares valued at approximately $312,000 using the Black-Scholes model.

 

During October 2013, 15,000 common stock shares valued at $62,500 were issued for investor relations services.

 

On November 5, 2013, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with JFR and JFFS for the purchase of a 51% ownership interest in each entity, for a total purchase price of $560,000. The transaction closed on December 10, 2013 with the execution of an Assignment, Assumption, Joinder, and Amendment Agreement with both JFR and JFFS. On December 11, 2013, the Company purchased an additional 5% interest in both JFR and JFFS from an original interest holder for the total purchase price of $30,000, increasing the Company’s ownership interest in JFR and JFFS to a total of 56%.

 

On November 7, 2013, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with three accredited investors, pursuant to which the Company sold to the Investors an aggregate of 160,000 Units at a purchase price of $5.00 per Unit, closing an $800,000 private placement. Each unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share and one five-year warrant to purchase one share of common stock. One half (80,000) of the available warrants are available at an initial exercise price of $5.50, while the remaining half (80,000) of the warrants are available at an initial exercise price of $7.00. The Company has paid a placement fee by issuing an aggregate of 80,000 five- year warrants valued at approximately $312,000 using the Black-Scholes model.

 

On November 26, 2013, the Company finalized a Subscription Agreement (the “Beacher’s Subscription Agreement”) with Beachers’ LV, LLC (“Beachers”), whereby the Company subscribed for five units, with each Unit consisting of a 1% membership interest in Beachers. The total capital contribution made by the Company to Beachers was $500,000. In connection with the Subscription Agreement, the Company executed a Right to Purchase Agreement with Madhouse Worldwide Investments, LLC (“MWI”) whereby the Company issued fifty three thousand three hundred and thirty four (53,334) shares of the Company’s common stock, valued at approximately $260,000, to MWI or its assigns, in exchange for a two-year option to purchase up to 25% of any ownership interest in any future Beacher’s nightclub to be offered to third party investors, and a three-year exclusive option to propose funding, participate in funding, and open future Beacher’s nightclubs in South Africa, Australia, and the United Kingdom. The Company also issued an aggregate of 50,000 five-year warrants valued at approximately $176,000 using the Black-Scholes model.

 

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11.COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

 

On October 12, 2012, Francis Howard (“Howard”), individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a lawsuit against the Company, Michael D. Pruitt, Eric S. Lederer, Michael Carroll, Paul I. Moskowitz, Keith Johnson (the “Individual Defendants”), Merriman Capital, Inc., Dawson James Securities, Inc. (the “Underwriter Defendants”), and Creason & Associates P.L.L.C. (“Creason”), in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida.  The class action lawsuit alleges violations of Section 11 of the Securities Act against all Defendants, violations of Section 12(a)(2) of the Securities Act against only the Underwriter Defendants, and violations of Section 15 against the Individual Defendants.  On February 19, 2013, Plaintiff filed an Amended Complaint alleging similar claims to those previously asserted.  On March 17, 2014, the parties signed a settlement agreement for a total of $850,000, with $837,500 to be paid on behalf of the Company by its insurance carrier, and $12,500 to be paid by Creason.  On August 14, 2014, the Court approved the settlement, which is now final.  As a result, all claims against the Company have been dismissed with prejudice.

 

On March 26, 2013, our South African operations received Notice of Motion filed in the Kwazulu-Natal High Court, Durban, Republic of South Africa, filed against Rolalor (PTY) LTD (“Rolalor”) and Labyrinth Trading 18 (PTY) LTD (“Labyrinth”) by Jennifer Catherine Mary Shaw (“Shaw”). Rolalor and Labyrinth were the original entities formed to operate the Johannesburg and Durban locations, respectively. On September 9, 2011, the assets and the then-disclosed liabilities of these entities were transferred to Tundraspex (PTY) LTD (“Tundraspex”) and Dimaflo (PTY) LTD (“Dimaflo”), respectively. The current entities, Tundraspex and Dimaflo are not parties in the lawsuit. Shaw is requesting that the Respondents, Rolalor and Labyrinth, be wound up in satisfaction of an alleged debt owed in the total amount of R4,082,636 (approximately $480,000). The two Notices were defended and argued in the High Court of South Africa (Durban) on January 31, 2014. Madam Justice Steryi dismissed the action with costs on May 5, 2014. Ms. Shaw has appealed this decision.

 

On April 1, 2013, the Company received a subpoena from the SEC, requesting various corporate documents relating to operations.  The Company intends to fully cooperate with the subpoena.

 

In connection with our 2011 acquisitions of the South African entities (whereby, on October 1, 2011, Rolalor, Alimenta 177(Pty.) Ltd. and Labyrinth transferred their respective net assets to the newly formed entities controlled by the Company), the Company believes the purchase and sale with the seller was accomplished in accordance with the laws and regulations of the taxing authorities in South Africa. However, there can be no absolute assurance as to whether the business acquired continues to have any outstanding tax and regulatory filing requirements, (i.e. not filed certain corporate tax returns for previous years) as well as whether the local authorities could seek to recover any unpaid taxes, interest, penalties, or other amounts due from the Company, its shareholders or others.  The Company is not aware of any existing obligations that remain outstanding for which the Company may be required to settle. In connection with acquiring the net assets of the business, the Company may be entitled to be reimbursed by the seller for any pre-acquisition obligations of the business that may arise post-acquisition.

 

In addition to the matters disclosed above, the Company may be involved in legal proceedings and claims which have arisen in the ordinary course of business. These actions, when ultimately concluded and settled, will not, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect upon the financial position, results of operations or cash flows of the company.

 

 

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12.DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE

 

Assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis are summarized in the following tables according to FASB ASC 820 pricing levels.

 

   Fair Value Measurement Using 
       Quoted prices         
       in active   Significant     
       markets of   other   Significant 
       identical   observable   Unobservable 
   Recorded   assets   inputs   Inputs 
   value   (Level 1)   (Level 2)   (Level 3) 
                 
September 30, 2014                    
Assets:                    
Available-for-sale securities  $35,362   $35,362   $-   $- 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Embedded conversion feature  $1,436,700   $-   $-   $1,436,700 
Warrant liability   76,800    -    -    76,800 
   $1,513,500   $-   $-   $1,513,500 
                     
December 31, 2013                    
Assets:                    
Available-for-sale securities  $55,112   $55,112   $-   $- 
                     
Liabilities:                    
Embedded conversion feature  $2,146,000   $-   $-   $2,146,000 

 

At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company's available-for-sale equity securities were valued using Level 1 inputs as summarized above. Level 1 inputs are based on unadjusted prices for identical assets in active markets that the Company can access.

 

The derivative liabilities are measured at fair value using quoted market prices and estimated volatility factors based on historical quoted market prices for the Company’s common stock, and are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

Certain assets are not carried at fair value on a recurring basis, including investments accounted for under the equity and cost methods. Accordingly, such investments are only included in the fair value hierarchy disclosure when the investment is subject to re-measurement at fair value after initial recognition and the resulting re-measurement is reflected in the consolidated financial statements.

 

 The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value, including net transfers in and/or out, of all financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company did not have any warrants or conversion feature financial assets for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

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       Conversion     
   Warrants   Feature   Total 
             
Balance at January 1, 2014  $-   $2,146,000   $2,146,000 
                
Change in fair value of derivative liability   (34,500)   (814,800)   (849,300)
                
Amount included in debt discounts   111,300    105,500    216,800 
Balance at September 30, 2014  $76,800   $1,436,700   $1,513,500 

 

The following are revenues and operating income (loss) by geographic area as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   Three Months Ended September 30,   Nine Months Ended September 30, 
Revenue:  2014   2013   2014   2013 
United States  $3,957,161   $25,000   $10,445,982   $75,000 
South Africa   1,601,493    1,302,709    4,905,249    4,165,886 
Australia   2,641,909    -    3,153,589    - 
Europe   1,426,179    278,536    3,669,177    698,524 
   $9,626,742   $1,606,245   $22,173,997   $4,939,410 
                     
Operating income (loss):               
United States  $(729,351)  $(767,524)  $(3,408,663)  $(1,850,054)
South Africa   (70,571)   (98,973)   (220,186)   (320,212)
Australia   192,566    -    (88,002)   - 
Europe   19,007    (109,685)   44,816    (268,541)
   $(588,349)  $(976,182)  $(3,672,035)  $(2,438,807)

 

13.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

During October 2014, the Company re-priced certain warrants with an original exercise price of $5.50 and $7.00 to $2.00, subject to immediate cash exercise. The Company received $349,544 of funds related to this transaction.

 

On October 15, 2014, the Company’s $5,000,000 debt related to our Hooters Australia purchase was restructured whereby $650,000 is due by September 30, 2015, $3,350,000 is due by July 31, 2016, and the remaining $1,000,000 is due by January 31, 2017. The Company will issue prior to the end of November 2014 $175,000 of the Company’s common stock (87,500 shares at $2.00 per share) and 87,500 common stock warrants at $3.50 per share exercise price in consideration for the debt restructuring.

 

During October 2014, the Company’s South African subsidiary secured additional local bank financing in the form of term and overdraft facilities of approximately $182,000 and $45,000, respectively.

 

On October 30, 2014, the Company announced the opening of a new South Africa Hooters location on December 13, 2014 in Ruimsig, a suburb of Johannesburg. It is Chanticleer's third location in the Johannesburg area and fourth in the province of Gauteng. The Company believes the location will generate significantly higher revenues than at its prior CapeTown location, and plans to re-enter the CapeTown market in mid-2015. The Company, through our subsidiary, has entered in a lease for this location and will begin paying rent upon opening.

 

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On November 11, 2014, the Company announced Just Fresh will to have the grand opening of its seventh location in the Ballantyne Corporate Park in Charlotte, NC on November 19, 2014. The Company, through our subsidiary, has entered in a lease for this location and will begin paying rent upon opening.

 

ITEM 2: Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

Forward-looking statements appear in this report, including, but not limited to, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and in other written and oral statements made by or on behalf of us. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our goals, strategies, expectations, competitive environment, regulation, availability of resources, future events and future financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements typically can be identified by such words as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “forecast,” “project,” “intend,” “expect,” “believe,” “should,” “could,” “may” or other similar words or expressions. We caution readers that such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the risk factors set forth in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and in other reports and statements that we file with the SEC. Such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied herein, including, but not limited to, the following:

 

·Operating losses continuing for the foreseeable future; we may never be profitable;

 

·Inherent risks in expansion of operations, including our ability to acquire additional territories, generate profits from new restaurants, find suitable sites and develop and construct locations in a timely and cost-effective way;

 

·General risk factors affecting the restaurant industry, including current economic climate, costs of labor and food prices;

 

·Intensive competition in our industry and competition with national, regional chains and independent restaurant operators;

 

·Our rights to operate and franchise Hooters-branded restaurants are dependent on the Hooters’ franchise agreements;

 

·Our business depends on our relationship with Hooters;

 

·We do not have full operational control over the businesses of our franchise partners;

 

·Failure by Hooters to protect its intellectual property rights, including its brand image;

 

·Our business has been adversely affected by declines in discretionary spending and may be affected by changes in consumer preferences;

 

·Increases in costs, including food, labor and energy prices;

 

·Our business and the growth of our Company is dependent on the skills and expertise of management and key personnel;

 

·Constraints could effect our ability to maintain competitive cost structure, including, but not limited to labor constraints;

 

·Work stoppages at our restaurants or supplier facilities or other interruptions of production;

 

·Our food service business and the restaurant industry are subject to extensive government regulation;

 

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·We may be subject to significant foreign currency exchange controls in certain countries in which we operate;

 

·Inherent risk in foreign operations;

 

·We may not attain our target development goals and aggressive development could cannibalize existing sales;

 

·Current conditions in the global financial markets and the distressed economy;

 

·A decline in market share or failure to achieve growth;

 

·Unusual or significant litigation, governmental investigations or adverse publicity, or otherwise;

 

·Adverse effects on our operations resulting from the current class action litigation in which the Company is one of several defendants;

 

·Adverse effects on our results from a decrease in or cessation or clawback of government incentives related to investments; and

 

·Adverse effects on our operations resulting from certain geo-political or other events.

 

Our forward-looking statements are based upon our beliefs and assumptions using information available at the time the statements are made. We caution the reader not to place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements (i) as these statements are neither a prediction nor a guarantee of future events or circumstances and (ii) the assumptions, beliefs, expectations and projections about future events may differ materially from actual results. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect developments occurring after the statement is made, except as otherwise required by law.

 

Management’s Analysis of Business

 

Our business focus is operating Hooters franchises internationally and several restaurant and bar concepts domestically. We previously have operated in two business segments – Hooters franchise restaurants and investment management and consulting services businesses. However, we effectuated our exit from our investment management and consulting services segment during the second quarter of fiscal 2013. We own and operate Hooters franchises both domestically and internationally, various fast casual restaurant brands domestically, and several other domestic restaurant and bar concepts, including the American Roadside Burgers (currently doing business as American Burger Co. at the two Charlotte ARB locations) restaurant chain and a majority interest in the Just Fresh restaurant chain.  Hooters restaurants are casual beach-themed establishments with sports on television, jukebox music, and the “nearly world famous” Hooters Girls.  The menu consists of spicy chicken wings, seafood, sandwiches and salads.  The menu of each location can vary with the local tastes.  Hooters began in 1983 with its first restaurant in Clearwater, Florida. From the original restaurant and licensee Mr. Robert Brooks, Hooters has become a global brand, with locations in 44 states domestically and over 430 Hooters restaurants worldwide. Besides restaurants, Hooters has also branched out to other areas, including licensing its name to a golf tour and the sale of packaged food in supermarkets. ARB is a 10-year-old fast casual dining chain, known for its diverse menu featuring fresh salads, customized burgers, milk shakes, sandwiches, and beer and wine. Each restaurant features a nostalgic "made in America" theme. The first ARB location opened in 2006 in Smithtown, N.Y. and has since expanded to 2 locations in Charlotte, N.C. (currently doing business as American Burger Co.), 1 location in Columbia, S.C. and the newest location is in Greenville, S.C. The Just Fresh restaurant chain first opened in 1994 and currently operates six company owned locations throughout North Carolina that offer fresh-squeezed juices, gourmet coffee, fresh-baked goods and premium-quality, made-to-order sandwiches, salads and soups. The founders of Just Fresh modeled their concept around the idea that a fresher, more nutritional diet can have positive effects on physical health and overall wellness.

 

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We expect to either own 100% of the restaurant or franchise location, or partner with a local individual in the countries or regions we target.   We based this decision on what we believe to be the successful launch of our South African Hooters venture and believe we have aligned partners and operators in various domestic and international markets. We are focused on expanding our Hooters, ARB, and Just Fresh operations, and expect to invest in the United States, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Europe.

 

Effective September 30, 2013, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of ARB pursuant to an agreement and plan of merger with ARB.

 

Effective November 7, 2013, we acquired 100% of an existing Hooters restaurant in Nottingham, England.

 

On December 10, 2013, we closed the purchase of a majority ownership interest in JF Restaurants, LLC and JF Franchising Systems, LLC, the owners of the Just Fresh Restaurant chain. On December 11, 2013, we purchased an additional 5% interest in the entities owning Just Fresh, bringing the Company’s ownership interest to 56% in each entity.

 

On January 31, 2014, we closed the purchases of 100% of two Hooters restaurants in the states of Washington and Oregon and a gaming facility operated through the Oregon Lottery system, as well as the seafood restaurant Spoon Bar and Kitchen in Dallas, Texas.

 

On April 1, 2014, we completed the step acquisition of Hooters Australia, increasing the Company’s ownership percentage from 49% to 60% for three Hooters Australia locations, two of which currently are open and the third location is under construction.

 

On July 1, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 60% of two additional Australian Hooters restaurants and gaming operations as well as 60% interest in the related Australian management company.

 

On September 9, 2014, we completed the acquisition of 100% of the assets of The Burger Company, a Charlotte, NC based restaurant.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES AND GOING CONCERN

  

Historical information:

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates the realization of assets and the satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. At September 30, 2014, the Company had current assets of $1,914,864, current liabilities of $10,693,098, and a working capital deficit of $8,778,234. The Company incurred a loss of $3,412,815 during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and had an unrealized loss from available-for-sale securities of $15,527 and foreign currency translation gains of $228,384, resulting in a comprehensive loss of $3,199,958. The Company has historically met its liquidity requirements through the sale of equity and debt securities, sale of certain investments, and has also obtained funding at the subsidiary level for certain locations and joint ventures. The Company anticipates raising additional capital from one or more such sources during the remainder of 2014, although there can be no assurance that it will be able to do so.

 

The Company's corporate general and administrative expenses were $4,307,257 for the first nine months of 2014, including $506,942 non-cash expenses comprised of common stock issued for services and amortization of warrants. The Company expects costs to remain flat for the last quarter of 2014 as we continue to expand our footprint domestically and internationally for 2014 and beyond, however we expect costs to decrease as a percent of sales. Effective October 1, 2011, the Company acquired majority control of the initial three restaurants in South Africa and began consolidating these operations. In August 2012, the Company opened a restaurant in Budapest, Hungary, and earns 80% of the operating results with our operating partner earning 20%. Domestically in 2013 the Company purchased 100% of ARB on September 30, 2013, and 56% of JFR and JFFS, owners of Just Fresh, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based casual dining concept, in December 2013. Effective November 7, 2013, the Company acquired 100% of an existing Hooters restaurant in Nottingham, England. On January 31, 2014, the Company closed the purchases of 100% of two Hooters restaurants in the states of Washington and Oregon and a gaming facility operated through the Oregon Lottery system, as well as Spoon Bar and Kitchen in Dallas, Texas. In March 2013, the Company closed its investment management business, which saved us approximately $50,000 per quarter starting in the third quarter of 2013. The Company also has earned 49% of the operating results with our operating partner earning 51% in our Hooters location opened in January 2012 in Campbelltown, Australia, a suburb of Sydney. During April 2014, the Company purchased an additional 11% of the Hooters location in Campbelltown from our Australian partner, increasing our ownership to 60%. Construction is also recently completed or underway on two additional Hooters Australia locations under the same terms (the Company will hold a 60% interest in each). The first site in Surfers Paradise opened to the public on July 14, 2014 and the second site in Townsville site is expected to open late in 2014. The Company also has a 5% interest in Beacher’s Madhouse, a variety show, which opened in Las Vegas, Nevada at the end of 2013.

 

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The Company has a note with a balance at September 30, 2014 of $187,393 owed to its bank which is due on October 10, 2018 with monthly principal and interest payments of $4,406. In April 2013, the Company secured a $500,000 line of credit which became due on May 10, 2015 (original maturity date of August 10, 2014). As of September 30, 2014, the balance on the line of credit is $500,000. In February 2014 the Company secured a note with a bank for $500,000 due on June 10, 2019 (original due date of August 10, 2014). The Company also has $3,000,000 of convertible debt which the Company used for our purchase of the Hooters Nottingham (United Kingdom) location On August 2, 2013, the Company entered into an agreement with seven individual accredited investors, whereby the Company issued separate 6% Secured Subordinate Convertible Notes for a total of $3,000,000 in a private offering. These investors received 3 year warrants to purchase 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock at $3.00 per share. The conversion feature of the convertible debt and warrants was recorded as a derivative liability. The Company closed the purchase of Hooters Nottingham on November 6, 2013 and began operating the restaurant on November 7, 2013. In March 2014, the Company received proceeds of $500,000 from convertible debt which was used for continuing the Company’s growth and for working capital. The investor was issued 15% Secured Subordinate Convertible Notes and received five year warrants to purchase up to 30% of the number of shares of common stock issued upon conversion of the 2014 note exercisable at $5.25 per share. The conversion feature of the convertible debt was recorded as a derivative liability. In addition the Company has a note with at balance at September 30, 2014 of $200,000 owed to two outside companies which have matured, an extension for both notes are currently being negotiated and payment has not been demanded. The Company’s South African subsidiaries have bank overdraft and term facilities with a balance of $721,327, including a mortgage for a site we purchased in Port Elizabeth for our next Hooters location. ARB had a bank note payable of $10,249 due on August 5, 2014 which has been repaid in full. On July 1, 2014, pursuant to Purchase Agreements executed on June 30, 2014, the Company completed the acquisition of a sixty percent (60%) ownership interest in Hoot Parramatta Pty Ltd, Hoot Australia Pty Ltd, Hoot Penrith Pty Ltd, and TMIX Management Australia Pty Ltd (collectively, the “Australian Entities”), which own, operate, and manage Hooters restaurant locations and gaming operations in Australia. The ownership interest in the Australian Entities was purchased from the respective entities in exchange for the Company agreeing to assume a five million dollar ($5,000,000) debt bearing interest at 12% annually and issuing two hundred fifty thousand (250,000) warrants to purchase shares of our common stock. Originally principal repayments were as follows: $2,000,000 on December 31, 2014, $2,000,000 on June 30, 2015, and $1,000,000 on December 31, 2015. On October 15, 2014, principal repayments were restructured whereby $650,000 is due by September 30, 2015, $3,350,000 by July 31, 2016, and the remaining $1,000,000 by January 31, 2017. The Company will issue $175,000 of the Company’s common stock (87,500 shares at $2.00 per share) and 87,500 common stock warrants at $3.50 per share exercise price in consideration for the debt restructuring, The Company plans to continue to use limited partnerships or other financing vehicles, if necessary, to fund its share of costs for additional Hooters and other restaurants.

 

On October 17, 2013, the Company raised $2,500,000 in a private placement, pursuant to which the Company sold to the investors an aggregate of 666,667 Units at a purchase price of $3.75 per unit. Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock and one five-year warrant, exercisable after twelve months, to purchase one share of common stock at an initial exercise price of $5.00. The Company employed a placement agent for the purpose of the private placement, and paid to the placement agent commissions in the total amount of $150,000 and five year warrants convertible into an aggregate of 40,000 shares.

 

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On November 7, 2013, the Company entered into a Subscription Agreement with three accredited investors, pursuant to which the Company sold to the investors an aggregate of 160,000 Units at a purchase price of $5.00 per Unit, closing a $800,000 private placement. Each Unit consists of one share of the Company’s common stock, $0.001 par value per share and one five- year warrant to purchase one share of common stock. One half (80,000) of the available warrants are available at an initial exercise price of $5.50, while the remaining half (80,000) of the warrants are available at an initial exercise price of $7.00. The Company employed a placement agent for the purpose of the private placement, and has paid to the placement agent commissions in the total amount of $32,000 and five-year warrants subject to the same terms as those issued under the above transaction, convertible into an aggregate of 6,400 shares of common stock.

 

During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company raised from private investors $641,000 and $841,000 for 320,500 and 458,000 shares of common stock, respectively and 96,150 and 111,150 five-year common stock warrants exercisable at $3.50 per share, respectively.

 

In order to execute the Company’s long-term growth strategy, which includes continued expansion of the Company’s business by acquisition or developing or constructing, the Company will need to raise additional funds through public or private equity offerings, debt financings, or other means.

 

The current constraints of cash flow from operations and the requirements to raise funds raise substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. These condensed consolidated financial statements do not reflect any adjustments that might result from the outcome of these uncertainties.

 

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Comparison of three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

 

Revenue and expenses from operations are summarized below.

 

   2014   2013 
   Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales   Amount   % of Restaurant Net Sales 
                 
Restaurant sales, net  $9,067,744        $1,581,245      
Gaming income, net   141,156         -      
Management fees -  non-affiliate   417,842         25,000      
    9,626,742         1,606,245      
                     
Expenses:                    
Restaurant cost of sales   3,062,628    33.8%   577,299    36.5%
Restaurant operating expenses   5,197,890    57.3%   920,630    58.2%
Restaurant pre-opening expenses   62,293    0.7%   7,337    0.5%
General and administrative   1,426,461    15.7%   948,035    60.0%
Depreciation and amortization   465,819    5.1%   129,126    8.2%
Total expenses   10,215,091    112.7%   2,582,427    163.3%
Loss from operations  $(588,349)       $(976,182)     

 

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Revenue

 

Restaurant revenues increased $7,486,499 (473.5%) from the third quarter of 2013 to the third quarter of 2014. The increase was largely attributable to acquisitions as discussed in Note 3.

 

Gaming income, net increased by $141,456 from the third quarter of 2013 to the third quarter of 2014 as a result of the Company’s acquisitions on January 31, 2014 of the Hooters restaurant and attached gaming facility in Oregon, run by the state’s lottery commission and on July 1, 2014 of 100% of the gaming revenue in our Australian location until the Australian debt is repaid, and thereafter the Company will receive 60% for the remainder of the lifetime of the gaming machines.

 

We expect gaming income, net to increase in the fourth quarter of 2014, however we have a limited history to be able to forecast a range.

 

Revenues for the management business increased $392,842 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, due to a management fee earned related to the Company’s investment in Hooters of America. The Company does not expect to earn a similar fee for the next 12 months.

 

Restaurant cost of sales

 

Restaurant cost of sales amounted to $3,062,628, or 33.8% of restaurant net sales in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and $577,299, or 36.5% of restaurant net sales in the year earlier period.

 

In 2013 the Company only had one restaurant location in Europe (Hungary which opened in August 2012) and four in South Africa. Cost of sales percentage declined in 2014 in Europe as we added another location in Nottingham, UK in late 2013 which had a 34.6% cost of sales. Cost of sales in South Africa rose approximately 1.5% primarily from opening a fifth location in South Africa. We also acquired restaurants in late 2013 in several domestic locations (American Roadside Burgers and Just Fresh) and early 2014 (Spoon, Pacific NW and the Australia locations) which had no operations attributable to the Company in the 2013 period.

 

Our cost of sales for each region of operations is detailed in the table below. The percentage is for the regions cost of sales separately.

 

   2014 Cost of Sales   2013 Cost of Sales   Change -  Cost of Sales 
   Dollars   %   Dollars   %   Dollars   % 
Hooters - South Africa  $609,502    38.1%  $477,014    36.6%  $132,488    1.4%
Hooters - Europe   494,747    34.7%   100,285    36.0%   394,462    -1.3%
American Roadside Burgers   293,021    36.8%   -         293,021    36.8%
Just Fresh   443,993    36.3%   -         443,993    36.3%
Hooters - Australia   745,309    28.8%   -         745,309    28.8%
Hooters - Pacific NW   341,057    30.6%   -         341,057    30.6%
Spoon   134,999    43.0%   -         134,999    43.0%
   Total Cost of Sales  $3,062,628    33.8%  $577,299    36.5%  $2,485,329    -2.7%
Total Restaurant Revenues  $9,067,744        $1,581,245        $7,486,499      

 

Restaurant operating expenses

 

Restaurant operating expenses amounted to $5,197,890 or 57.3% of restaurant net sales in the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $920,630, or 58.2% of restaurant net sales in the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

Additionally, our significant acquisitions mentioned above are detailed in the table below showing our restaurant operating expenses (“opex”) and percentage of total revenue by region.

 

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   2014 Restaurant Opex   2013 Restaurant Opex   Change -  Restaurant Opex 
   Dollars   % of total revenues   Dollars   % of total revenues   Dollars   % 
Hooters - South Africa  $852,410    53.2%  $745,495    57.2%  $106,915    -4.0%
Hooters - Europe   778,187    54.6%   175,135    62.9%   603,052    -8.3%
American Roadside Burgers   577,069    72.4%   -    0.0%   577,069    72.4%
Just Fresh   652,898    53.3%   -    0.0%   652,898    53.3%
Hooters - Australia   1,378,936    53.2%   -    0.0%   1,378,936    53.2%
Hooters - Pacific NW   757,660    68.0%   -    0.0%   757,660    68.0%
Spoon   200,730    63.9%   -    0.0%   200,730    63.9%
Total Restaurant Opex  $5,197,890    57.3%  $920,630    58.2%  $4,277,260    -0.9%
Total Restaurant Revenues  $9,067,744        $1,581,245        $7,486,499      

 

Restaurant pre-opening expenses

 

Restaurant pre-opening expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 amounted to $62,293 and $7,337, respectively. The increase in 2014 was due primarily to rent expenses incurred before opening of the two newly constructed Hooters in Australia, one location which opened in Surfers Paradise in July 2014 and the other in Townsville expected to open in late 2014.

 

General and Administrative Expense (“G&A”)

 

G&A amounted to $1,426,461 or 15.7% of restaurant net sales in the three months ended September 30, 2014 and $948,035 or 60.0% of restaurant net sales in the year earlier period. The more significant components of G&A are summarized as follows:

 

   2014   2013 
         
Professional fees  $264,288   $128,403 
Payroll and benefits   395,786    206,954 
Consulting and investor relation fees   292,583    124,953 
Travel and entertainment   87,185    41,611 
Shareholder services and fees   28,848    12,593 
Other G&A   357,771    433,521 
   $1,426,461   $948,035 

 

G&A costs are expected to be approximately $1.4 million per quarter for the last quarter of 2014, including approximately $0.3 million of non-cash G&A costs. We expect the costs associated with the activities of the restaurant business and corporate activities continuing to grow, but we expect the G&A as a percentage of sales to decline.

 

Professional fees increased $135,885 in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 because we expanded our footprint domestically and internationally, incurred costs both for legal fees related to our shareholder lawsuit and accounting fees related to our substantial growth.

 

Payroll and benefits increased $188,832 in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 primarily due to the addition of restaurant management personnel starting in the fourth quarter of 2013 and additional corporate employees commencing employment with the Company in the last two quarters of 2013.

 

Consulting and investor relations fees increased $167,630 in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 primarily due to the Company seeking to increase our footprint in the publicly-traded company and restaurant arenas. Non-cash fees for services totaled $124,275 and $39,239 in the third quarter of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

39
 

 

Travel and entertainment increased $45,574 in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 as Company personnel, primarily the CEO and Director of Restaurant Training, traveled to increase our Company awareness, visit our restaurant locations, and secure financing and partners for the restaurant locales.

 

Shareholder services and fees increased $16,255 in the third quarter of 2014 compared to the third quarter of 2013 primarily from additional fees for issuances of securities and related filings with the SEC.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is summarized as follows.

 

   2014   2013 
         
Depreciation expense  $388,119   $123,728 
Amortization expense   77,700    5,398 
   $465,819   $129,126 

 

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is due to the acquisitions (Note 3).

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

Other income (expense) consisted of the following for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   2014   2013 
Other income (expense):          
Equity in losses of investments  $-   $(13,131)
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities   221,000    (75,900)
Interest expense   (581,215)   (383,595)
Dividend income   438,607    - 
   $78,392   $(472,626)

 

Equity in Earnings of Investments

 

Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates

 

Effective April 1, 2014, we completed the step acquisition of a 60% controlling interest in our Hooters Australia joint venture resulting in the consolidation of these entities. Prior to the acquisition, we owned 49% of the entities and accounted for the Hooters Australia investment under the equity method of accounting and our share of earnings and losses was recorded in equity in losses from investments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Hooters Australia results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 are reflected in the respective line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

 

Equity in earnings of investments includes our share of earnings from investments in which we own at least 20% and are being accounted for using the equity method. This included losses from the Hoot Campbelltown partnership in the 2013 third quarter period of $13,131.

 

Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liability

 

Change in fair value of derivative liability amounted to $221,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the third quarter of 2013 which amounted to a loss of $75,900, and is related to the warrants issued with our convertible debt. The liability is a non-cash income or expense and will be adjusted quarterly based on the price of the Company’s common stock.

 

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Interest Expense

 

Interest expense increased by $197,620 from the third quarter of 2013 to the third quarter of 2014, as the Company increased its debt obligations in the second half of 2013 and continuing into 2014, to fund the Company’s growth.

 

Dividend income

 

Dividend income increased from $0 to $438,607 in the three months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily from our share of a cash dividend from our investment in Hooters of America.

 

Comparison of nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

 

   2014   2013 
   Amount   % of Restaurant
Net Sales
   Amount   % of Restaurant
Net Sales
 
                 
Restaurant sales, net  $21,433,613        $4,864,410      
Gaming income, net   272,391         -      
Management fees -  non-affiliate   467,993         75,000      
    22,173,997         4,939,410      
                     
Expenses:                    
  Restaurant cost of sales   7,500,535    35.0%   1,840,535    37.8%
  Restaurant operating expenses   12,471,771    58.2%   2,833,035    58.2%
  Restaurant pre-opening expenses   323,274    1.5%   17,538    0.4%
  General and administrative   4,307,257    20.1%   2,313,883    47.6%
  Depreciation and amortization   1,243,195    5.8%   373,226    7.7%
     Total expenses   25,846,032    120.6%   7,378,217    151.7%
Loss from operations  $(3,672,035)       $(2,438,807)     

 

Revenue

 

Revenue amounted to $21,433,613 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $4,864,410 for the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

Restaurant revenues increased $ 16,569,203 (340.62%) from the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to the first nine months of 2014. The increase was largely attributable to acquisitions as discussed in Note 3.

 

Gaming income, net increased by $272,391 from the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as the result of the Company’s acquisition on January 31, 2014 of the Hooters restaurant and attached gaming facility in Oregon, run by the state’s lottery commission. On July 1, 2014, we announced the acquisition of 60% of the two other Hooters in Australia, in Penrith and Parramatta, suburbs of Sydney, as well as the Australian management company. The purchase price was the assumption of $5 million in debt. Also as part of the transaction, the Company receives 100% of the gaming revenue until the debt is repaid, and thereafter the Company will receive 60% for the remainder of the lifetime of the gaming machines.

 

We expect gaming income, net to increase in the fourth quarter of 2014, however we have a limited history to be able to forecast a range.

 

41
 

 

Revenues for the management business increased $392,993 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, due to a management fee earned related to the Company’s investment in Hooters of America. The Company does not expect to earn a similar fee for the next 12 months.

 

Restaurant cost of sales

 

Restaurant cost of sales amounted to $7,500,535, or 35% of restaurant net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $1,840,535, or 37.8% of restaurant net sales in the year earlier period.

 

In 2013 the Company only had one restaurant location in Europe (Hungary which opened in August 2012) and four in South Africa. Cost of sales percentage declined in 2014 in Europe as we added another location in Nottingham, UK in late 2013 which had a 34.6% cost of sales. Cost of sales in South Africa rose approximately 1.5% primarily from opening a fifth location in South Africa. We also acquired restaurants in late 2013 in several domestic locations (American Roadside Burgers and Just Fresh) and early 2014 (Spoon, Pacific NW and the Australia locations) which had no operations in the 2013 period.

 

Our cost of sales for each region of operations is detailed in the table below. The percentage is for the regions cost of sales separately.

 

                         
   2014 Cost of Sales   2013 Cost of Sales   Change -  Cost of Sales 
   Dollars   %   Dollars   %   Dollars   % 
Hooters - South Africa  $1,871,237    38.1%  $1,588,395    38.1%  $282,842    0.0%
Hooters - Europe   1,295,113    35.3%   252,140    36.1%   1,042,973    -0.8%
American Roadside Burgers   850,217    38.6%   -         850,217    38.6%
Just Fresh   1,297,980    35.7%   -         1,297,980    35.7%
Hooters - Australia   897,033    28.9%   -         897,033    28.9%
Hooters - Pacific NW   885,720    30.0%   -         885,720    30.0%
Spoon   403,235    41.7%   -         403,235    41.7%
Total Cost of Sales  $7,500,535   35.0%  $1,840,535   37.8%  $5,660,000   -2.8%
Total Restaurant Revenues  $21,433,613        $4,864,410        $16,569,203      

 

Restaurant operating expenses

 

Restaurant operating expenses amounted to $12,471,772 or 58.2% of restaurant net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to $2,833,035, or 58.2% of restaurant net sales in the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

Additionally, our significant acquisitions mentioned above are detailed in the table below showing our restaurant operating expenses (“opex”) and percentage of total revenue by region.

 

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   2014 Restaurant Opex   2013 Restaurant Opex   Change -  Restaurant Opex 
   Dollars   % of total revenues   Dollars   % of total revenues   Dollars   % 
Hooters - South Africa  $2,578,841    52.6%  $2,366,029    56.8%  $212,812    -4.2%
Hooters - Europe   1,935,890    52.8%   467,006    66.9%   1,468,884    -14.1%
American Roadside Burgers   1,698,098    77.1%   -    0.0%   1,698,098    77.1%
Just Fresh   1,905,199    52.3%   -    0.0%   1,905,199    52.3%
Hooters - Australia   1,721,287    55.5%   -    0.0%   1,721,287    55.5%
Hooters - Pacific NW   2,007,479    68.1%   -    0.0%   2,007,479    68.1%
Spoon   624,978    64.6%   -    0.0%   624,978    64.6%
Total Restaurant Opex  $12,471,772    58.2%  $2,833,035    58.2%  $9,638,737    -0.1%
Total Restaurant Revenues  $21,433,613        $4,864,410        $16,569,203      

 

Restaurant pre-opening expenses

 

Restaurant pre-opening expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 amounted to $323,274 and $17,538, respectively. The increase in 2014 was incurred primarily for the two openings in Australia, one location which opened in Surfers Paradise in July 2014 and the other location which is expected to open in Townsville in late 2014.

 

General and Administrative Expense (“G&A”)

 

G&A amounted to $4,307,257 or 20.1% of restaurant net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $2,313,883 or 47.6% of restaurant net sales for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The more significant components of G&A are summarized as follows:

 

   2014   2013 
         
Professional fees  $899,285   $466,050 
Payroll and benefits   1,238,820    660,048 
Consulting and investor relation fees   1,083,031    658,808 
Travel and entertainment   221,490    109,864 
Shareholder services and fees   103,334    43,683 
Other G&A   761,297    375,430 
   $4,307,257   $2,313,883 

 

G&A costs are expected to be approximately $1.4 million per quarter for the remainder of 2014, including approximately $0.3 million of non-cash G&A costs. We expect the costs associated with the activities of the restaurant business and corporate activities to continue to grow, while we expect the G&A as a percentage of sales to decline.

 

Professional fees increased $433,235 in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 because we expanded our footprint domestically and internationally, incurred costs both for legal fees related to our shareholder lawsuit and accounting fees related to our substantial growth.

 

Payroll and benefits increased $578,772 in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 primarily due to the addition of restaurant management personnel starting in the fourth quarter of 2013 and additional corporate employees commencing employment with the Company in the last two quarters of 2013.

 

Consulting and investor relations fees increased $424,223 in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 primarily due to the Company seeking to increase our footprint in the publicly-traded company and restaurant arenas. Non-cash fees for services totaled $439,817 and $124,720 in the first nine months of 2014 and 2013, respectively.

 

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Travel and entertainment increased $111,626 in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 as Company personnel, primarily the CEO and Director of Restaurant Training, traveled to increase our Company awareness, visit our restaurant locations, and secure financing and partners for the restaurant locales.

 

Shareholder services and fees increased $59,651 in the first nine months of 2014 compared to the first nine months of 2013 primarily from additional fees for securities issuances and related filings with the SEC.

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 is summarized as follows.

 

   2014   2013 
         
Depreciation expense  $1,089,275   $362,695 
Amortization expense   153,920    10,531 
   $1,243,195   $373,226 

 

The increase in depreciation and amortization expense is due to the acquisitions (Note 3).

 

OTHER INCOME (EXPENSE)

 

Other income (expense) consisted of the following for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:

 

   2014   2013 
Other income (expense):          
Equity in losses of investments  $(40,694)  $(46,184)
Gain on extinguishment of debt   -    70,900 
Realized gains   101,472    - 
Change in fair value of derivative liabilities   925,200    (75,900)
Interest expense   (1,268,756)   (438,941)
Miscellaneous income   446,445    3,785 
   $163,667   $(486,340)

 

Equity in losses of investments

 

Income from operations of unconsolidated affiliates

 

Effective April 1, 2014, we completed the step acquisition of a 60% controlling interest in our Hooters Australia joint venture resulting in the consolidation of these entities. Prior to the acquisition, we owned 49% of the entities and accounted for the Hooters Australia investment under the equity method of accounting and our share of earnings and losses was recorded in equity in losses from investments in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income. The Hooters Australia results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 are reflected in the respective line items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income.

 

Equity in earnings of investments includes our share of earnings from investments in which we own at least 20% and are being accounted for using the equity method. This included losses from the Hoot Campbelltown partnership in the 2013 period of $46,184 and a loss in the 2014 period before acquisition of $40,694.

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt

 

Gain on extinguishment of debt of $70,900 was recorded upon settlement of certain debts related to our South African subsidiary.

 

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Change in Fair Value of Derivative Liability

 

Change in fair value of derivative liability amounted to $925,200 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same period of 2013 which amounted to a loss of $75,900, and is related to the warrants issued with our convertible debt. The liability is a non-cash income or expense and will be adjusted quarterly based on the price of the Company’s common stock.

 

Interest Expense

 

Interest expense increased by $829,815 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the same 2013 period, as the Company increased its debt obligations in the second half of 2013 and continuing into 2014, to fund the Company’s growth.

 

Dividend income

 

Dividend income increased from $3,785 to $446,445 in the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily from our share of a cash dividend from our investment in Hooters of America.

 

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Item 3: QUANTITATIVE and QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

 

Not applicable.

  

Item 4: Controls and Procedures

 

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

 

Under the PCAOB standards, a control deficiency exists when the design or operation of a control does not allow management or employees, in the normal course of performing their assigned functions, to prevent or detect misstatements on a timely basis. A significant deficiency is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting that is less severe than a material weakness, yet important enough to merit the attention by those responsible for oversight of the company's financial reporting. A material weakness is a deficiency, or combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company's annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) and Rule 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (Exchange Act), as of September 30, 2014. Our management has determined that, as of September 30, 2014, the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were ineffective.

 

Management's report on internal control over financial reporting

 

Management Responsibility for ICOFR. Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Exchange Act. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with the United States' generally accepted accounting principles (US GAAP), including those policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and disposition of the assets of the Company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with US GAAP and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

 

Management’s Evaluation of ICOFR. Management evaluated our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2014. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission in Internal Control — Integrated Framework. As a result of this assessment and based on the criteria in this framework, management has concluded that, as of September 30, 2014, our internal control over financial reporting was ineffective.

 

Material Weaknesses

 

A material weakness is a control deficiency, or a combination of control deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of our annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis.

 

46
 

 

Management identified the following material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting:

 

  Lack of sufficient qualified personnel to design, implement, and maintain an effective control environment as it relates to financial reporting. Given the significant expansion of the business and all of our operations, primarily from September 30, 2013 forward, we did not create an effective control environment with a sufficient complement of personnel and with the appropriate level of accounting knowledge, experience, and training in U.S. GAAP to assess the completeness and accuracy of certain accounting and reporting matters.
     
  Period-end financial reporting process. Given the significant expansion of the business and all of our operations, we did not design or maintain effective controls over the period-end financial reporting process, including controls with respect to the preparation, review, supervision, and monitoring of accounting operations and financial reporting. More specifically, due to the expansion of our business, we did not yet prepare timely accounting reconciliations nor did we have adequate financial reporting personnel to prepare timely and accurate financial statements, including related disclosures.

The material weaknesses described above could result in misstatements that would result in a material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements in a future annual or interim period that would not be prevented or detected.

 

Remediation Plans

We have initiated several steps and plan to continue to evaluate and implement measures designed to improve our internal control over financial reporting in order to remediate the material weaknesses, noted above.

 

While our evaluation of the appropriate remediation plans is still ongoing, efforts to date have included recruiting experienced accounting personnel, relating to our acquisitions during the year. As an interim measure, the Company utilizes third party consultants to assist in the preparation of financial reporting and other financial aspects of the business, as well as continuing to integrate the Company’s subsidiaries accounting personnel and processes.

 

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

As a result of the investigation into the Company’s South African subsidiaries financial and accounting functions as set forth above, the Audit Committee made several recommendations to the Board to address the identified material weaknesses in Company’s internal control over financial reporting. As a result of the acquisitions of ARB in September 2013, WEW in November 2013, Just Fresh in December 2013, Hooters Pacific NW in January 2014, Spoon in January 2014, the Australian entities in April and July 2014 and The Burger Co. in September 2014, the Company is evaluating and implementing changes to processes, policies and other components of its internal control over financial reporting with respect to the consolidation of the newly acquired operations into the Company’s financial statements.  Management continues to be engaged in substantial efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal control procedures and the design of those control procedures relating to the newly acquired companies.  Except for the activities described above, there were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2014, that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

  

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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1: LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

 

See Note 10—Commitments and Contingencies of the notes to the condensed consolidated financial statements set forth in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for a description of material legal proceedings.

 

ITEM 1A: RISK FACTORS

 

There have been no material changes in our risk factors as previously disclosed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Readers should carefully consider the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of Part I of the Annual Report on Form 10-K, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described in the Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or future results.

 

ITEM 2: UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

Common Stock and Common Stock Warrant Issuances

 

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company raised from private investors $641,000 for 320,500 and 458,000 shares of common stock and 96,150 five-year common stock warrants exercisable at $3.50 per share. Subsequent to September 30, 2014, the Company re-priced certain warrants with an original exercise price of $5.50 and $7.00 to $2.00, subject to immediate cash exercise. The Company received $349,544 of funds related to this transaction. On September 9, 2014, the Company purchased 100% of the net assets of The Burger Company located in Charlotte, North Carolina, a similar concept to our ARB restaurants, for a purchase price of $550,000, which consisted of $250,000 in cash and $300,000 (146,628 shares) in the Company’s common stock. During the three months ended September 30, 2014 the Company issued 11,500 shares valued at $23,860 for investor relations services.

  

ITEM 3: DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 4: MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 5: OTHER INFORMATION

 

None.

 

ITEM 6: EXHIBITS

 

The exhibits filed with this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are set forth in the Exhibit Index and are incorporated herein by reference.

 

48
 

 

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.

 

 

  CHANTICLEER HOLDINGS, INC.
     
Date: November 14, 2014 By:  /s/ Michael D. Pruitt
  Michael D. Pruitt
  Chief Executive Officer
     
  /s/ Eric S. Lederer
  Eric S. Lederer
  Chief Financial Officer
  Principal Accounting Officer

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

  

Exhibit

Description

   
3.1 Certificate of Amendment to Certificate of Incorporation effective October 2, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on October 2, 2014).
   
10.1 Debt Assumption Agreements dated July 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 3, 2014).
   
10.2 Gaming Assignment dated July 1, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 3, 2014).
   
10.3 Asset Purchase Agreement by and between Chanticleer Holdings, Inc., The Burger Company, LLC and American Burger Morehead, LLC dated September 9, 2014 (incorporated by reference to the exhibit filed with our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on September 10, 2014).
   
31.1

Certification of Periodic Report by Michael D. Pruitt, as Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

   
31.2

Certification of Periodic Report by Eric S. Lederer, as Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or 15d-14(a) of the Exchange Act, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

   
32.1

Certification of Periodic Report by Michael D. Pruitt, as Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 

   
32.2

Certification of Periodic Report by Eric S. Lederer, as Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. 

   
101

The following financial information from our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2014, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language) includes: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013, and (iv) the Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

 

Our SEC file number reference for documents filed with the SEC pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is 001-35570. Prior to June 7, 2012, our SEC file number reference was 000-29507.

 

50