COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Jul. 02, 2011

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

(9)  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

Guarantees

We guarantee various leases for franchisees and locations sold in prior years.  Remaining rental commitments required under these leases are approximately $437,000.  In the event of a default under any of these agreements, we will have the right to repossess the premises and operate the business to recover amounts paid under the guarantee either by liquidating assets or operating the business.

We account for such lease guarantees in accordance with ASC Topic 460.  Under ASC Topic 460, we would be required to recognize the fair value of guarantees issued or modified after December 31, 2002, for non-contingent guarantee obligations, and also a liability for contingent guarantee obligations based on the probability that the guaranteed party will not perform under the contractual terms of the guaranty agreement.

We do not believe it is probable that we will be required to perform under the remaining lease guarantees and therefore, no liability has been accrued in our condensed consolidated financial statements.

Litigation

From time to time, we are a defendant in litigation arising in the ordinary course of our business, including claims resulting from “slip and fall” accidents, claims under federal and state laws governing access to public accommodations, employment-related claims and claims from guests alleging illness, injury or other food quality, health or operational concerns. To date, none of this litigation, some of which is covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us.

We own the building where our corporate offices are located.  On April 16, 2001, we filed suit against the owner of the adjacent shopping center to determine our right to non-exclusive parking in the shopping center.  During fiscal year 2007, the appellate court affirmed and upon re-hearing, again affirmed the granting of a summary judgment in favor of the shopping center.  The seller from whom we purchased the building was named as a defendant in the lawsuit by the owner of the adjacent shopping center and we filed and served a cross-complaint against the seller.  During the fourth quarter of our fiscal year 2009, the seller was awarded reimbursement of its attorneys' fees and costs in the amount of $109,000 and during the second quarter of our fiscal year 2010, the trial court denied our motion for re-consideration of a portion of the award. During the third quarter of our fiscal year 2010, we paid the award of attorneys' fees and costs.  During the second quarter of our fiscal year 2009, the seller filed suit against us for malicious prosecution.  During the second quarter of our fiscal year 2010, the court denied the seller's motion for punitive damages.  Subsequent to the end of the third quarter of our fiscal year 2011, we settled the suit with a payment of $2,500.