Document

10-Q 1 arkr-20190330x10q.htm 10-Q Document

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

_________________________________________

FORM 10-Q



ý	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended March 30, 2019

Commission file number 1-09453

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



New York		13-3156768
(State or other jurisdiction of		(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)		Identification No.)



85 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York		10003
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 206-8800

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 (the “Exchange Act”) during the preceding 12 months (or for shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Yes ý No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.



Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer x		Smaller Reporting Company x

Emerging Growth Company o

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.

Yes o No o

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

Yes o No ý

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:



Class		Outstanding shares at May 8, 2019
(Common stock, $.01 par value)		3,498,844

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

On one or more occasions, we may make statements in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference herein relating to management’s current expectations of future financial performance, continued growth and changes in economic conditions or capital markets are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” “will likely result,” “hopes,” “will continue” or similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. We caution that while we make such statements in good faith and we believe such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in records and other data available from third parties, we cannot assure you that our projections will be achieved. Factors that may cause such differences include: economic conditions generally and in each of the markets in which we are located, the amount of sales contributed by new and existing restaurants, labor costs for our personnel, fluctuations in the cost of food products, adverse weather conditions, changes in consumer preferences and the level of competition from existing or new competitors.

From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements are also included in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K, our Schedule 14A, our press releases and other materials released to the public. Although we believe that at the time made, the expectations reflected in all of these forward-looking statements are and will be reasonable; any or all of the forward-looking statements may prove to be incorrect. This may occur as a result of inaccurate assumptions or as a consequence of known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors discussed in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, certain of which are beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from forward-looking statements. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a forward-looking statement in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q or other public communications that we might make as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K and Schedule 14A.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “ARKR” and the “Company” refer specifically to Ark Restaurants Corp., and its subsidiaries, partnerships, variable interest entities and predecessor entities.

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Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)



	March 30, 2019		September 29, 2018
	(unaudited)
ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes $72 at March 30, 2019 and $181 at September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	$	2,839	$	5,012
Accounts receivable (includes $332 at March 30, 2019 and $354 at September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	3,132		3,452
Employee receivables	429		386
Inventories (includes $19 at March 30, 2019 and September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	2,048		2,094
Prepaid and refundable income taxes (includes $243 at March 30, 2019 and $241 at September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	176		721
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (includes $39 at March 30, 2019 and $51 at September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	1,444		1,547
Total current assets	10,068		13,212
FIXED ASSETS - Net (includes $79 at March 30, 2019 and $0 at September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	44,030		45,264
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Net	326		349
GOODWILL	9,880		9,880
TRADEMARKS	2,610		3,331
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	2,898		2,988
INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK	7,065		7,036
OTHER ASSETS (includes $82 at March 30, 2019 and September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	2,888		2,677
TOTAL ASSETS	$	79,765	$	84,737

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable - trade (includes $150 at March 30, 2019 and $158 at September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	$	4,490	$	5,019
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (includes $295 at March 30, 2019 and $348 at September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	9,840		10,702
Dividend payable	—		868
Current portion of notes payable	1,243		1,251
Total current liabilities	15,573		17,840
OPERATING LEASE DEFERRED CREDIT (includes ($25) at March 30, 2019 and ($21) at September 29, 2018 related to VIEs)	3,034		3,301
NOTES PAYABLE, LESS CURRENT PORTION, net of deferred financing costs	19,913		19,860
TOTAL LIABILITIES	38,520		41,001
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share - authorized, 10,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 3,477 shares at March 30, 2019 and 3,470 shares at September 29, 2018	35		35
Additional paid-in capital	13,015		12,897
Retained earnings	26,895		29,364
Total Ark Restaurants Corp. shareholders’ equity	39,945		42,296
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS	1,300		1,440
TOTAL EQUITY	41,245		43,736
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	79,765	$	84,737

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)



	13 Weeks Ended						26 Weeks Ended
	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018			March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
REVENUES:
Food and beverage sales	$	34,485		$	34,400		$	74,323		$	73,017
Other revenue	826			876			1,536			1,611
Total revenues	35,311			35,276			75,859			74,628

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Food and beverage cost of sales	9,791			9,729			20,268			19,959
Payroll expenses	12,979			12,991			27,084			26,700
Occupancy expenses	3,808			4,119			8,812			9,150
Other operating costs and expenses	5,236			5,196			10,211			10,314
General and administrative expenses	2,193			2,525			5,601			5,603
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park	39			—			1,106			—
Depreciation and amortization	1,187			1,278			2,393			2,582
Total costs and expenses	35,233			35,838			75,475			74,308
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	78			(562		)	384			320
INTEREST (INCOME) EXPENSE:
Interest expense	346			287			658			520
Interest income	(15		)	(14		)	(29		)	(28		)
Total interest (income) expense, net	331			273			629			492
LOSS BEFORE PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES	(253		)	(835		)	(245		)	(172		)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	423			(145		)	446			(1,223		)
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME (LOSS)	(676		)	(690		)	(691		)	1,051
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	7			53			(40		)	(61		)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.	$	(669	)	$	(637	)	$	(731	)	$	990

NET INCOME (LOSS) PER ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. COMMON SHARE:
Basic	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.21	)	$	0.29
Diluted	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.21	)	$	0.28

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic	3,475			3,434			3,475			3,433
Diluted	3,475			3,434			3,475			3,552

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)



For the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2019
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	Shares	Amount		Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity

BALANCE - December 29, 2018	3,477	$	35	$	13,003	$	28,434		$	41,472		$	1,390		$	42,862

Net loss	—	—		—		(669		)	(669		)	(7		)	(676		)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		12		—			12			—			12
Distributions to non-controlling interests	—	—		—		—			—			(83		)	(83		)
Dividend paid - $0.25 per share	—	—		—		(870		)	(870		)	—			(870		)

BALANCE - March 30, 2019	3,477	$	35	$	13,015	$	26,895		$	39,945		$	1,300		$	41,245


For the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	Shares	Amount		Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity

BALANCE - September 29, 2018	3,470	$	35	$	12,897	$	29,364		$	42,296		$	1,440		$	43,736

Net income (loss)	—	—		—		(731		)	(731		)	40			(691		)
Exercise of stock options	7	—		94		—			94			—			94
Stock-based compensation	—	—		24		—			24			—			24
Distributions to non-controlling interests	—	—		—		—			—			(180		)	(180		)
Dividend paid - $0.50 per share	—	—		—		(1,738		)	(1,738		)	—			(1,738		)

BALANCE - March 30, 2019	3,477	$	35	$	13,015	$	26,895		$	39,945		$	1,300		$	41,245

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (unaudited)

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)



For the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2018
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	Shares	Amount		Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity

BALANCE - December 30, 2017	3,436	$	34	$	12,407	$	28,931		$	41,372		$	1,827		$	43,199

Net loss	—	—		—		(637		)	(637		)	(53		)	(690		)
Exercise of stock options	1	—		22		—			22			—			22
Stock-based compensation	—	—		1		—			1			—			1
Distributions to non-controlling interests	—	—		—		—			—			(116		)	(116		)
Dividend paid - $0.25 per share	—	—		—		(859		)	(859		)	—			(859		)

BALANCE - March 31, 2018	3,437	$	34	$	12,430	$	27,435		$	39,899		$	1,658		$	41,557


For the 26 weeks ended March 31, 2018
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	Shares	Amount		Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity

BALANCE - September 30, 2017	3,428	$	34	$	12,247	$	28,163		$	40,444		$	1,996		$	42,440

Net income	—	—		—		990			990			61			1,051
Exercise of stock options	9	—		170		—			170			—			170
Stock-based compensation	—	—		13		—			13			—			13
Distributions to non-controlling interests	—	—		—		—			—			(399		)	(399		)
Dividend paid - $0.50 per share	—	—		—		(1,718		)	(1,718		)	—			(1,718		)

BALANCE - March 31, 2018	3,437	$	34	$	12,430	$	27,435		$	39,899		$	1,658		$	41,557

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

(In Thousands)



	26 Weeks Ended
	March 30, 2019			March 31, 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Consolidated net income (loss)	$	(691	)	$	1,051
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	24			13
Asset impairment on closure of Durgin-Park	1,067			—
Deferred income taxes	90			(1,192		)
Accrued interest on note receivable from NMR	(29		)	(28		)
Depreciation and amortization	2,393			2,582
Amortization of deferred financing costs	16			9
Operating lease deferred credit	(267		)	(156		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	320			(184		)
Inventories	46			4
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes	545			(37		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	90			270
Other assets	(211		)	(37		)
Accounts payable - trade	(529		)	(193		)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	(862		)	132
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,002			2,234

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of fixed assets	(1,469		)	(3,666		)
Loans and advances made to employees	(136		)	(47		)
Payments received on employee receivables	93			94
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,512		)	(3,619		)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on notes payable	(621		)	(1,054		)
Borrowings under credit facility	650			4,800
Dividends paid	(2,606		)	(2,575		)
Proceeds from issuance of stock upon exercise of stock options	94			170
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(180		)	(399		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(2,663		)	942
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	(2,173		)	(443		)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	5,012			1,406
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$	2,839		$	963

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	599		$	483
Income taxes	$	118		$	7

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES



NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS March 30, 2019 (Unaudited)


1.	CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The consolidated condensed balance sheet as of September 29, 2018, which has been derived from audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2018 (“Form 10-K”), and the unaudited interim consolidated condensed financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. All adjustments that, in the opinion of management are necessary for a fair presentation for the periods presented, have been reflected as required by Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Such adjustments are of a normal, recurring nature. These consolidated condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Form 10-K.

The Company had a working capital deficiency of $5,505,000 at March 30, 2019. We believe that our existing cash balances, current banking facilities and cash provided by operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements at least through May 15, 2020.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION — The consolidated condensed interim financial statements include the accounts of Ark Restaurants Corp. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities in which it has a controlling interest, collectively herein referred to as the “Company”. Also included in the consolidated condensed interim financial statements are certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

USE OF ESTIMATES — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 30, 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending September 28, 2019.

SEASONALITY — The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionally with sales. The first and second fiscal quarters, which include the winter months, usually reflect lower customer traffic than in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. However, sales in the third and fourth fiscal quarters can be adversely affected by inclement weather due to the significant amount of outdoor seating at the Company’s restaurants.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS — The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values of notes receivable and payable are determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments as of the balance sheet date and approximate the carrying value of such debt instruments.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks and highly liquid investments generally with original maturities of three months or less. Outstanding checks in excess of account balances, typically vendor payments, payroll and other contractual obligations disbursed after the last day of a reporting period are reported as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated condensed balance sheets.

CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company reduces credit risk by placing its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions with high credit ratings. At times, such amounts may exceed Federally insured limits. Accounts receivable are primarily comprised of normal business receivables, such as credit card receivables, that are collected in a short period of time and amounts due from the hotel operators where the Company has a location, and are recorded when the products or services have been delivered. The Company reviews the collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis, and provides for an allowance when it considers the entity unable to meet its obligation. The concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally limited due to the short payment terms extended by the Company and the number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base.

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As of March 30, 2019, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from one hotel operator totaling 22% of total accounts receivable. As of September 29, 2018, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from two hotel operators totaling 47% of total accounts receivable.

For the 13- and 26-week periods ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, the Company did not make purchases from any one vendor that accounted for 10% or greater of total purchases for the respective period.

As of March 30, 2019, all debt outstanding is with one lender (see Note 6 – Notes Payable – Bank).

SEGMENT REPORTING — As of March 30, 2019, the Company owned and operated 19 restaurants and bars, 19 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and service, class of customers and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reporting segment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES — In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, and issued subsequent amendments to the initial guidance to provide additional clarification on specific topics (“ASC 606”). This ASU provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The Company adopted ASC 606 using the modified retrospective method on September 30, 2018 and, based on our evaluation of our revenue streams, determined that there was not a material impact as of the date of adoption between the new revenue standard and how we previously recognized revenue, and therefore the adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

Revenues from restaurant operations are presented net of discounts and recognized when food, beverage and retail products are sold. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from sales and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Revenues from catered events are recognized in income upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (the date the event is held) and all customer payments, including nonrefundable upfront deposits, are deferred as a liability until such time. Revenues from gift cards are deferred and recognized upon redemption. Deferrals are not reduced for potential non-use as we have a legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions in which they are sold.

In January 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-1, Financial Instruments – Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The guidance requires equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. The amendments in this update also simplified the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, eliminate the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet and require these entities to use the exit price notion when measuring fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. This guidance also changes the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments as well as clarifying the guidance related to valuation allowance assessments when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 with respect to its Investment in New Meadowlands Racetrack (see Note 4). Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update provides clarification regarding how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows and addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. The amendments in this guidance address the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current guidance prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, interpretations of this guidance have developed in practice over the years for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. The amendments in the update will require recognition of current and deferred income taxes resulting from an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

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In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-1, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This update provides that when substantially all the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-2, Leases. This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This update is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, which is when we plan to adopt these provisions. We plan to elect the available practical expedients on adoption and we expect our balance sheet presentation to be materially impacted upon adoption due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. We are continuing to evaluate the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated condensed financial statements and related disclosures.


2.	VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Company consolidates any variable interest entities in which it holds a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary. Generally, a variable interest entity, or VIE, is an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about an entity’s activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is generally the entity that has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of three VIEs and, accordingly, consolidates the financial results of these entities. Following are the required disclosures associated with the Company’s consolidated VIEs:



	March 30, 2019			September 29, 2018
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	72		$	181
Accounts receivable	332			354
Inventories	19			19
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	243			241
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	39			51
Due from Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates (1)	277			338
Fixed assets - net	79			—
Other assets	82			82
Total assets	$	1,143		$	1,266

Accounts payable - trade	$	150		$	158
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	295			348
Operating lease deferred credit	(25		)	(21		)
Total liabilities	420			485
Equity of variable interest entities	723			781
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,143		$	1,266


(1)	Amounts Due from and to Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates are eliminated upon consolidation.

The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs. Conversely, assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against the Company’s general assets.

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3.	RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS

As of December 29, 2018, the Company determined that it would not be able to operate Durgin-Park profitably due to decreased traffic at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, MA, where it is located, and rising labor costs. As a result, included in the Statements of Operations for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 are losses on closure in the amounts of $39,000 and $1,106,000, respectively, consisting of: (i) impairment of trademarks in the amount of $721,000, (ii) accelerated depreciation of fixed assets in the amount of $333,000, and (iii) write-offs of prepaid and other expenses in the amount of $52,000. The restaurant closed on January 12, 2019.


4.	INVESTMENT IN NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK

On March 12, 2013, the Company made a $4,200,000 investment in the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC (“NMR”) through its purchase of a membership interest in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, an existing member of NMR with a then 63.7% ownership interest. On November 19, 2013, the Company invested an additional $464,000 in NMR through a purchase of an additional membership interest in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC resulting in a total ownership of 11.6% of Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, and an effective ownership interest in NMR of 7.4%, subject to dilution. In 2015, the Company invested an additional $222,000 in NMR and on February 7, 2017, the Company invested an additional $222,000 in NMR, both as a result of capital calls, bringing its total investment to $5,108,000 with no change in ownership. As of September 29, 2018, this investment was accounted for based on the cost method. As of March 30, 2019, the Company elected to account for this investment at cost, less impairment, adjusted for subsequent observable price changes in accordance with ASU No. 2016-1. Such change did not affect the value of our investment in NMR as no events or changes in circumstances occurred during the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 that would indicate impairment and there are no observable prices for this investment. Any future changes in the carrying value of our Investment in NMR will be reflected in earnings.

In addition to the Company’s ownership interest in NMR through Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, if casino gaming is approved at the Meadowlands and NMR is granted the right to conduct said gaming, neither of which can be assured, the Company shall be granted the exclusive right to operate the food and beverage concessions in the gaming facility with the exception of one restaurant.

In conjunction with this investment, the Company, through a 97% owned subsidiary, Ark Meadowlands LLC (“AM VIE”), also entered into a long-term agreement with NMR for the exclusive right to operate food and beverage concessions serving the new raceway facilities (the “Racing F&B Concessions”) located in the new raceway grandstand constructed at the Meadowlands Racetrack in northern New Jersey. Under the agreement, NMR is responsible to pay for the costs and expenses incurred in the operation of the Racing F&B Concessions, and all revenues and profits thereof inure to the benefit of NMR. AM VIE receives an annual fee equal to 5% of the net profits received by NMR from the Racing F&B Concessions during each calendar year. AM VIE is a variable interest entity; however, based on qualitative consideration of the contracts with AM VIE, the operating structure of AM VIE, the Company’s role with AM VIE, and that the Company is not obligated to absorb expected losses of AM VIE, the Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary and not required to consolidate the operations of AM VIE.

The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with AM VIE is limited to any receivable from AM VIE’s primary beneficiary (NMR, a related party). As of March 30, 2019 and September 29, 2018, no amounts were due AM VIE by NMR.

On April 25, 2014, the Company loaned $1,500,000 to Meadowlands Newmark, LLC. The note bears interest at 3%, compounded monthly and added to the principal, and is due in its entirety on January 31, 2024. The note may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time without penalty or premium. On July 13, 2016, the Company made an additional loan to Meadowlands Newmark, LLC in the amount of $200,000. Such amount is subject to the same terms and conditions as the original loan as discussed above. The principal and accrued interest related to this note in the amounts of $1,957,000 and $1,928,000 are included in Investment In and Receivable From New Meadowlands Racetrack in the consolidated condensed balance sheets at March 30, 2019 and September 29, 2018, respectively.

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5.	ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:



	March 30, 2019		September 29, 2018
	(In thousands)

Sales tax payable	$	1,406	$	820
Accrued wages and payroll related costs	2,268		3,226
Customer advance deposits	4,238		4,439
Accrued occupancy and other operating expenses	1,928		2,217
	$	9,840	$	10,702


6.	NOTES PAYABLE – BANK

Long-term debt consists of the following:



	March 30, 2019			September 29, 2018
	(In thousands)

Promissory Note - Rustic Inn purchase	$	4,186		$	4,327
Promissory Note - Shuckers purchase	4,845			5,015
Promissory Note - Oyster House purchase	5,036			5,346
Credit Facility	7,218			6,568
	21,285			21,256
Less: Current maturities	(1,243		)	(1,251		)
Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs	(129		)	(145		)
Long-term debt	$	19,913		$	19,860

On June 1, 2018, the Company refinanced (the "Refinancing") its then existing indebtedness with its current lender, Bank Hapoalim B.M. (“BHBM”), by entering into an amended and restated credit agreement (the “New Revolving Facility”), which expires on May 31, 2021. The New Revolving Facility provides for total availability of the lesser of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) $25,000,000 less the then aggregate amount of all indebtedness and obligations to BHBM. Borrowings under the New Revolving Facility are payable upon maturity of the New Revolving Facility with interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 3.5%, subject to adjustment based on certain ratios. As of March 30, 2019 and September 29, 2018, borrowings of $7,218,000 and $6,568,000, respectively, were outstanding under the New Revolving Facility and had a weighted average interest rate of 5.2% and 5.4%, respectively.

In connection with the refinancing, the Company also amended the principal amounts and payment terms of its outstanding term notes with BHBM as follows:

•

Promissory Note – Rustic Inn purchase – On February 25, 2013, the Company issued a promissory note to BHBM for $3,000,000. The note bore interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum, and was payable in 36 equal monthly installments of $83,333, commencing on March 25, 2013. On February 24, 2014, in connection with the acquisition of The Rustic Inn, the Company borrowed an additional $6,000,000 from BHBM under the same terms and conditions as the original loan which was consolidated with the remaining principal balance from the original borrowing at that date. The new loan was payable in 60 equal monthly installments of $134,722, which commenced on March 25, 2014. In connection with the Refinancing, this note was amended and restated and increased by $2,783,333 of credit facility borrowings. The new principal amount of $4,400,000, which is secured by a mortgage on The Rustic Inn real estate, is payable in 27 equal quarterly installments of $71,333, commencing on September 1, 2018, with a balloon payment of $2,474,000 on June 1, 2025 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum.


•	Promissory Note – Shuckers purchase – On October 22, 2015, in connection with the acquisition of Shuckers, the Company issued a promissory note to BHBM for $5,000,000. The note bore interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum, and was payable in 60 equal monthly installments of $83,333, commencing on November 22, 2015. In connection with the Refinancing, this

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note was amended and restated and increased by $2,433,324 of credit facility borrowings. The new principal amount of $5,100,000, which is secured by a mortgage on the Shuckers real estate, is payable in 27 equal quarterly installments of $85,000, commencing on September 1, 2018, with a balloon payment of $2,805,000 on June 1, 2025 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum.

•

Promissory Note – Oyster House purchase – On November 30, 2016, in connection with the acquisition of the Oyster House properties, the Company issued a promissory note under the Revolving Facility to BHBM for $8,000,000. The note bore interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum, and was payable in 60 equal monthly installments of $133,273, commencing on January 1, 2017. In connection with the Refinancing, this note was amended and restated and separated into two notes. The first note, in the principal amount of $3,300,000, is secured by a mortgage on the Oyster House Gulf Shores real estate, is payable in 19 equal quarterly installments of $117,857, commencing on September 1, 2018, with a balloon payment of $1,060,716 on June 1, 2023 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum. The second note, in the principal amount of $2,200,000, is secured by a mortgage on the Oyster House Spanish Fort real estate, is payable in 27 equal quarterly installments of $36,667, commencing on September 1, 2018, with a balloon payment of $1,210,000 on June 1, 2025 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum.

Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the New Revolving Facility in the amount of $125,000 are being amortized over the life of the agreements on a straight-line basis and included in interest expense. Amortization expense of approximately $8,000 and $3,000 is included in interest expense for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively. Amortization expense was $16,000 and $9,000 for the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018, respectively.

Borrowings under the Revolving Facility, which include all of the above promissory notes, are secured by all tangible and intangible personal property (including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, general intangibles, documents, chattel paper, instruments, letter-of-credit rights, investment property, intellectual property and deposit accounts) and fixtures of the Company.

The loan agreements provide, among other things, that the Company meet minimum quarterly tangible net worth amounts, as defined therein, maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.1:1 on a latest 12-months' basis and minimum annual net income amounts, and contain customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. The agreements also contain customary negative covenants, subject to negotiated exceptions, on liens, relating to other indebtedness, capital expenditures, liens, affiliate transactions, disposal of assets and certain changes in ownership. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the New Revolving Facility as of March 30, 2019.


7.	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases — The Company leases several restaurants, bar facilities, and administrative headquarters through its subsidiaries under terms expiring at various dates through 2032. Most of the leases provide for the payment of base rents plus real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses and, in certain instances, for the payment of a percentage of the restaurant’s sales in excess of stipulated amounts at such facility and in one instance based on profits.

Legal Proceedings — In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is a party to various lawsuits arising from accidents at its restaurants and worker’s compensation claims, which are generally handled by the Company’s insurance carriers. The employment by the Company of management personnel, waiters, waitresses and kitchen staff at a number of different restaurants has resulted, from time to time, in litigation alleging violation by the Company of employment discrimination laws. Management believes, based in part on the advice of counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Other - On February 21, 2019, the Company, through a wholly subsidiary, entered into an agreement to purchase the assets of a restaurant and bar in Deerfield Beach, Florida for $7,000,000. The purchase will be financed with borrowings from BHBM and is subject to, amount other things, entering into a lease with the property owner satisfactory to Ark as well as the consent of the current mortgage holders of the property. The transaction is expected to close during the third fiscal quarter of 2019.


8.	STOCK OPTIONS

The Company has options outstanding under two stock option plans, the 2010 Stock Option Plan (the “2010 Plan”) and the 2016 Stock Option Plan (the “2016 Plan”). Options granted under both plans are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted and expire ten years after the date of grant.

No options or performance-based awards were granted during the 26-week week period ended March 30, 2019.

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The Company also maintains a Section 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan. Under the Company's Section 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan, compensation paid in excess of $1,000,000 to any employee who is the chief executive officer, or one of the three highest paid executive officers on the last day of that tax year (other than the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer) is not tax deductible.

A summary of stock option activity is presented below:



	2019
	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price	Weighted Average Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of period	378,750		$18.46	4.8 Years
Options:
Granted	—
Exercised	(6,500	)	$14.40
Canceled or expired	(5,000	)	$20.07
Outstanding and expected to vest, end of period	367,250		$18.51	4.3 Years	$	942,000
Exercisable, end of period	354,750		$18.39	4.1 Years	$	942,000

Shares available for future grant	475,000

Compensation cost charged to operations for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 for share-based compensation programs was approximately $12,000 and $1,000, respectively, and for the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 was approximately $24,000 and $13,000, respectively. The compensation cost recognized is classified as a general and administrative expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.

As of March 30, 2019, there was approximately $23,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a period of six months.


9.	INCOME TAXES

The Company’s provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of federal and state taxes, as applicable, in amounts necessary to align the Company’s year-to-date tax provision with the effective rate that it expects to achieve for the full year. Each quarter the Company updates its estimate of the annual effective tax rate and records cumulative adjustments as necessary.

The income tax provision for the 26-week period ended March 30, 2019 was $446,000 and includes a discrete tax provision of approximately $450,000 in connection with the settlement of a tax examination. The effective tax rate for the 26-week period ended March 30, 2019 of (182.3)% differed from the statutory rate of 21% as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits offset by a discrete tax provision in connection with the settlement of a tax examination.

The income tax benefit for the 26-week period ended March 31, 2018 was ($1,223,000) and includes a discrete tax benefit related to the one-time remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities for reduced federal tax rate enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The effective rate of (711.0%) for the 26-weeks ended March 31, 2018 differed from the blended statutory rate of 24% as a result of tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits, operating income attributable to non-controlling interests that is not taxable to the Company coupled with a discrete tax benefit related to the one-time remeasurement of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities for reduced federal tax rate enacted as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

The Company’s overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as the utilization of state and local net operating loss carryforwards, the generation of FICA tax credits and the mix of earnings by state taxing jurisdictions as Nevada does not impose a state income tax, as compared to the other major state and local jurisdictions in which the Company has operations. The final annual tax rate cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from current estimates.


10.	INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income attributable to Ark Restaurants Corp. by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Our diluted earnings per share is computed similarly to basic earnings per share, except

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that it reflects the effect of common shares issuable upon exercise of stock options, using the treasury stock method in periods in which they have a dilutive effect.

For the 13-week and 26-week periods ended March 30, 2019, the dilutive effect of options to purchase 35,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $12.04 per share, options to purchase 133,750 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.40 per share, options to purchase 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $20.26 per share, options to purchase 173,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.50 per share and options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.30 per share were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

For the 13-week period ended March 31, 2018, options to purchase 64,000, 156,300 and 193,000 shares of common stock at exercise prices of $12.04, $14.40 and $22.50 per share, respectively, were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact was anti-dilutive.

For the 26-week period ended March 31, 2018, options to purchase 64,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $12.04 per share, options to purchase 156,300 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $14.40 per share and options to purchase 193,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.50 per share were included in diluted earnings per share.


11.	DIVIDENDS

On December 3, 2018 and March 1, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock to be paid on January 3, 2019 and April 5, 2019 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 18, 2018 and March 15, 2019. The Company intends to continue to pay such quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future; however, the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors.

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

As of March 30, 2019, the Company owned and operated 19 restaurants and bars, 19 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and service, class of customer and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reporting segment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. As of December 29, 2018, the Company determined that it would not be able to operate Durgin-Park profitably due to decreased traffic at the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, MA, where it is located, and rising labor costs. As a result, included in the Statements of Operations for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 are losses on closure in the amounts of $39,000 and $1,106,000, respectively, consisting of: (i) impairment of trademarks in the amount of $721,000, (ii) accelerated depreciation of fixed assets in the amount of $333,000, and (iii) write-offs of prepaid and other expenses in the amount of $52,000. The restaurant closed on January 12, 2019.

Accounting Period

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30. We report fiscal years under a 52/53-week format. This reporting method is used by many companies in the hospitality industry and is meant to improve year-to-year comparisons of operating results. Under this method, certain years will contain 53 weeks. The periods ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 each included 13 and 26 weeks.

Seasonality

The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionately with sales. At our properties located in the northeast, the first and second fiscal quarters, which include the winter months, usually reflect lower customer traffic than in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. However, sales in the third and fourth fiscal quarters can be adversely affected by inclement weather due to the significant amount of outdoor seating at the Company’s restaurants.

Results of Operations

The Company’s operating income for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2019 was $79,000, as compared to an operating loss of $562,000 for the 13 weeks ended March 31, 2018. This increase resulted primarily from strong performance at our properties located in Florida and Alabama partially offset by increased labor costs and weaker than expected results at our NY properties. The Company’s operating income for the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 was $384,000, which included a loss of $1,067,000 relating to the closure

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of Durgin-Park located in Boston, MA, as compared to $320,000 for the 26 weeks ended March 31, 2018. This increase resulted primarily from strong catering revenues at our New York properties in the first fiscal quarter combined with strong performance at our properties located in Florida and Alabama partially offset by increased labor costs.

The following table summarizes the significant components of the Company’s operating results for the 13- and 26- week periods ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018:



	13 Weeks Ended					Variance					26 Weeks Ended				Variance
	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018			$			%		March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018		$			%
	(in thousands)										(in thousands)
REVENUES:
Food and beverage sales	$	34,485	$	34,400		$	85		0.2	%	$	74,323	$	73,017	$	1,306		1.8	%
Other revenue	826		876			(50		)	-5.7	%	1,536		1,611		(75		)	-4.7	%
Total revenues	35,311		35,276			35			0.1	%	75,859		74,628		1,231			1.6	%
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Food and beverage cost of sales	9,791		9,729			62			0.6	%	20,268		19,959		309			1.5	%
Payroll expenses	12,979		12,991			(12		)	-0.1	%	27,084		26,700		384			1.4	%
Occupancy expenses	3,808		4,119			(311		)	-7.6	%	8,812		9,150		(338		)	-3.7	%
Other operating costs and expenses	5,236		5,196			40			0.8	%	10,211		10,314		(103		)	-1.0	%
General and administrative expenses	2,193		2,525			(332		)	-13.1	%	5,601		5,603		(2		)	—	%
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park	39		—			39			N/A		1,106		—		1,106			N/A
Depreciation and amortization	1,187		1,278			(91		)	-7.1	%	2,393		2,582		(189		)	-7.3	%
Total costs and expenses	35,233		35,838			(605		)	-1.7	%	75,475		74,308		1,167			1.6	%
OPERATING INCOME	$	78	$	(562	)	$	640		114.1	%	$	384	$	320	$	64		20.0	%

Revenues

During the Company’s 13-week period ended March 30, 2019, revenues increased 0.1% as compared to revenues in the 13-week period ended March 31, 2018. This increase resulted primarily from the same-store sales impacts discussed below, partially offset by sales in the prior period related to the closure of Durgin-Park which was closed in January 2019.

Food and Beverage Same-Store Sales

On a Company-wide basis, same-store sales increased 0.9% during the second fiscal quarter of 2019 as compared to the same period last year as follows:



	13 Weeks Ended				Variance
	March 30, 2019		March 31, 2018		$			%
	(in thousands)
Las Vegas	$	12,628	$	12,761	$	(133	)	-1.0	%
New York	5,409		5,776		(367		)	-6.4	%
Washington, DC	2,031		1,978		53			2.7	%
Atlantic City, NJ	1,705		1,694		11			0.6	%
Connecticut	553		565		(12		)	-2.1	%
Alabama	2,832		2,657		175			6.6	%
Florida	8,902		8,320		582			7.0	%
Same-store sales	34,060		33,751		$	309		0.9	%
Other	425		649
Food and beverage sales	$	34,485	$	34,400

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Same-store sales in Las Vegas decreased 1.0% primarily as a result of increased competition. Same-store sales in New York decreased 6.4% primarily as a result of weaker than expected catering revenues combined with increased competition. Same-store sales in Washington, DC increased 2.7% due to better performance at our newly renovated property Sequoia offset by decreased traffic at our Thunder Grill property as a result of a major tenant vacating the adjacent space. Same-store sales in Atlantic City increased 0.6% as a result of an overall increase in traffic in Atlantic City due to the legalization of sports gambling in New Jersey. Same-store sales in Alabama increased 6.6% primarily as a result of better weather conditions in the current period. Same-store sales in Florida increased 7.0% as a result of the completion in December 2017 of the road construction project started in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 by the local municipality near The Rustic Inn in Dania Beach, FL combined with modest menu price increases. Other food and beverage sales consist of sales related to new restaurants opened or acquired during the applicable period, sales related to properties that were closed and other fees.

Costs and Expenses

Costs and expenses for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 were as follows (in thousands):



	13 Weeks Ended March 30, 2019		% to Total Revenues		13 Weeks Ended March 31, 2018		% to Total Revenues		Increase (Decrease)					26 Weeks Ended March 30, 2019		% to Total Revenues		26 Weeks Ended March 31, 2018		% to Total Revenues		Increase (Decrease)
	13 Weeks Ended March 30, 2019		% to Total Revenues		13 Weeks Ended March 31, 2018		% to Total Revenues		$			%		26 Weeks Ended March 30, 2019		% to Total Revenues		26 Weeks Ended March 31, 2018		% to Total Revenues		$			%
Food and beverage cost of sales	$	9,791	27.7	%	$	9,729	27.6	%	$	62		0.6	%	$	20,268	26.7	%	$	19,959	26.7	%	$	309		1.5	%
Payroll expenses	12,979		36.8	%	12,991		36.8	%	(12		)	-0.1	%	27,084		35.7	%	26,700		35.8	%	384			1.4	%
Occupancy expenses	3,808		10.8	%	4,119		11.7	%	(311		)	-7.6	%	8,812		11.6	%	9,150		12.3	%	(338		)	-3.7	%
Other operating costs and expenses	5,236		14.8	%	5,196		14.7	%	40			0.8	%	10,211		13.5	%	10,314		13.8	%	(103		)	-1.0	%
General and administrative expenses	2,193		6.2	%	2,525		7.2	%	(332		)	-13.1	%	5,601		7.4	%	5,603		7.5	%	(2		)	—	%
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park	39		N/A		—		N/A		39			N/A		1,106		1.5	%	—		N/A		1,106			N/A
Depreciation and amortization	1,187		3.4	%	1,278		3.6	%	(91		)	-7.1	%	2,393		3.2	%	2,582		3.5	%	(189		)	-7.3	%
Total costs and expenses	$	35,233			$	35,838			$	(605	)			$	75,475			$	74,308			$	1,167

Food and beverage costs as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 were consistent with the same periods of last year as expected and resulted from a better mix of catering versus a la carte business at our larger properties combined with menu price increases offset by increases in food costs.

Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 were consistent with the same periods of last year primarily as a result of minimum wage increases associated with changes to labor laws partially offset by a better mix of catering versus a la carte business at our larger properties combined with menu price increases.

Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 decreased slightly as compared to the same periods of last year primarily as a result of higher sales at properties where rents are relatively fixed or where the Company owns the premises at which the property operates.

Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2019 increased 0.1% as compared to the same period of last year. Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 decreased 0.3% as compared to the same period of last year as a result of increased sales as many of these costs are fixed.

General and administrative expenses (which relate solely to the corporate office in New York City) as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 decreased as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result reduced consulting fees partially offset by of annual wage increases and higher professional fees.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the 13 and 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 decreased as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result of assets becoming fully depreciated in the prior period partially offset by depreciation on the improvements made at the Sequoia property which were placed in service in the fourth fiscal quarter of 2017.

Income Taxes

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The income tax provision for the 26-week period ended March 30, 2019 was $446,000 and includes a discrete tax provision of approximately $450,000 in connection with the settlement of a tax examination. The effective tax rate for the 26-week period ended March 30, 2019 of (182.3)% differed than the statutory rate of 21% as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits offset by a discrete tax provision in connection with the settlement of a tax examination.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of capital has been cash provided by operations and, in recent years, bank and other borrowings to finance specific transactions, acquisitions and large remodeling projects. We utilize cash generated from operations to fund the cost of developing and opening new restaurants and smaller remodeling projects of existing restaurants we own.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 decreased to $2,002,000 as compared to $2,234,000 provided by operations in the same period of last year. This decrease was attributable to changes in net working capital primarily related to accounts receivable, prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes and accounts payable and accrued expenses partially offset by increased operating income.

Net cash used in investing activities for the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 was $1,512,000 and $3,619,000, respectively and resulted primarily from purchases of fixed assets at existing restaurants.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the 26 weeks ended March 30, 2019 and March 31, 2018 of ($2,663,000) and $942,000, respectively, resulted primarily from the payment of dividends, principal payments on notes payable and distributions to non-controlling interests, offset by borrowings under the credit facility.

The Company had a working capital deficiency of $5,505,000 at March 30, 2019 as compared with a deficiency of $4,628,000 at September 29, 2018. We believe that our existing cash balances, current banking facilities and cash provided by operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements at least through May 15, 2020.

The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the New Revolving Facility as of March 30, 2019.

Recent Restaurant Dispositions

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Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements requires the application of certain accounting policies, which may require the Company to make estimates and assumptions of future events. In the process of preparing its consolidated condensed financial statements, the Company estimates the appropriate carrying value of certain assets and liabilities, which are not readily apparent from other sources. The primary estimates underlying the Company’s consolidated condensed financial statements include allowances for potential bad debts on accounts and notes receivable, leases, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments, the realizable value of its tax assets and other matters. Management bases its estimates on certain assumptions, which it believes are reasonable in the circumstances, and actual results could differ from those estimates. Although management does not believe that any change in those assumptions in the near term would have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operations, differences in actual results could be material to the consolidated condensed financial statements.

The Company’s critical accounting policies are described in the Company’s Form 10-K for the year ended September 29, 2018. There have been no significant changes to such policies during fiscal 2019 other than those disclosed in Note 1 to the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

See Note 1 to the consolidated condensed financial statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including those adopted in fiscal 2019 and the expected dates of adoption and the anticipated impact on the consolidated condensed financial statements.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Not Applicable

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, we evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, our management, including our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of March 30, 2019 to ensure that all material information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to them as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure and that all such information is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) of the Exchange Act) that occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2019 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations of the Effectiveness of Internal Control

A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the internal control system are met. Because of the inherent limitations of any internal control system, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues, if any, within a company have been detected.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

The Company is not subject to pending legal proceedings, other than ordinary claims incidental to its business, which the Company does not believe will materially impact results of operations.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Not Applicable.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32 Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

101.INS* XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE* XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

__________________________

* Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.

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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.



Date:	May 14, 2019

	ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.

By:	/s/ Michael Weinstein
	Michael Weinstein
	Chairman & Chief Executive Officer
	(Principal Executive Officer)

By:	/s/ Anthony J. Sirica
	Anthony J. Sirica
	Chief Financial Officer
	(Authorized Signatory and Principal
	Financial and Accounting Officer)

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