10-Q

UNITED STATES

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

For the quarterly period ended June 27, 2020

or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from __________ to __________

Commission file number 1-09453

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

New York	13-3156768
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)

85 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY	10003
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

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

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class	Trading symbol(s)	Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share	ARKR	The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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 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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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 Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o    No ý

As of August 7, 2020, there were 3,502,407 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.

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.

While we believe that our assumptions are reasonable, we caution that it is very difficult to predict the impact of known factors, and it is impossible for us to anticipate all factors that could affect our actual results. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this report in the context of the factors that could cause outcomes to differ materially from our expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• the impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on our company, our employees, our customers, our partners, our industry and the economy as a whole;

• the adverse impact of economic conditions on our (i) operating results and financial condition, (ii) ability to comply with the terms and covenants of our debt agreements, and (iii) ability to pay or refinance our existing debt or to obtain additional financing;

• the adverse impact of civil unrest on our (i) operating results and financial condition, (ii) ability to comply with the terms and covenants of our debt agreements, and (iii) ability to pay or refinance our existing debt or to obtain additional financing;

• our ability to open new restaurants in new and existing markets, including difficulty in finding sites and in negotiating acceptable leases;

• vulnerability to changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions;

• vulnerability to conditions in the cities in which we operate;

• vulnerability to natural disasters given the geographic concentration and real estate intensive nature of our business;

• our ability to effectively identify and secure appropriate new sites for restaurants;

• changes to food and supply costs, especially for seafood, shellfish, chicken and beef;

• negative publicity, whether or not valid, and our ability to respond to and effectively manage the accelerated impact of social media;

• concerns about food safety and quality and about food-borne illnesses;

• our ability to service our level of indebtedness;

• the impact of any security breaches of confidential customer information in connection with our electronic process of credit and debit card transactions; and

• the impact of any failure of our information technology system or any breach of our network security.

We caution you that the important factors referenced above may not contain all of the factors that are important to you. In addition, we cannot assure you that we will realize the results or developments we expect or anticipate or, even if substantially realized, that they will result in the consequences we anticipate or affect us or our operations in the ways that we expect. The forward-looking

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statements included in this report are made only as of the date hereof. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. If we do update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be made that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

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.

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)

	June 27, 2020		September 28, 2019
	(unaudited)		(Note 1)
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes $714 at June 27, 2020 and $170 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	$	20,725	$	7,177
Accounts receivable (includes $127 at June 27, 2020 and $219 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	1,293		2,621
Employee receivables	396		414
Inventories (includes $33 at June 27, 2020 and $41 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	2,660		2,222
Prepaid and refundable income taxes (includes $254 at June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	2,013		254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (includes $7 at June 27, 2020 and $12 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	1,766		1,021
Total current assets	28,853		13,709
FIXED ASSETS - Net (includes $238 at June 27, 2020 and $236 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	38,327		47,781
OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS - Net (includes $2,721 at June 27, 2020 related to VIEs)	55,984		—
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Net	52		303
GOODWILL	15,570		15,570
TRADEMARKS	3,720		3,720
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	5,466		4,106
INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK	6,860		6,821
OTHER ASSETS (includes $82 at June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	2,428		2,642
TOTAL ASSETS	$	157,260	$	94,652
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable - trade (includes $91 at June 27, 2020 and $65 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	$	2,884	$	3,549
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (includes $331 at June 27, 2020 and $440 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	11,160		10,672
Accrued income taxes	—		285
Dividend payable	876		875
Current portion of operating lease liabilities (includes $221 at June 27, 2020 related to VIEs)	6,222		—
Current portion of notes payable	2,701		2,701
Total current liabilities	23,843		18,082
OPERATING LEASE DEFERRED CREDIT (includes $(30) at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	—		10,077
OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES, LESS CURRENT PORTION (includes $2,500 at June 27, 2020 related to VIEs)	51,587		—
NOTES PAYABLE, LESS CURRENT PORTION, net of deferred financing costs (includes $723 at June 27, 2020 related to VIEs)	43,701		23,786
TOTAL LIABILITIES	119,131		51,945
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share - authorized, 10,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 3,502 shares at June 27, 2020 and 3,499 shares at September 28, 2019	35		35
Additional paid-in capital	13,440		13,277
Retained earnings	24,010		28,552
Total Ark Restaurants Corp. shareholders’ equity	37,485		41,864
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS	644		843
TOTAL EQUITY	38,129		42,707
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	157,260	$	94,652

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						39 Weeks Ended
	June 27, 2020			June 29, 2019			June 27, 2020			June 29, 2019
REVENUES:
Food and beverage sales	$	6,907		$	43,888		$	82,850		$	118,212
Other revenue	292			919			1,866			2,455
Total revenues	7,199			44,807			84,716			120,667
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Food and beverage cost of sales	1,847			11,714			22,366			31,982
Payroll expenses	3,701			14,864			31,925			41,948
Occupancy expenses	3,004			4,246			12,274			13,058
Other operating costs and expenses	852			4,840			11,834			15,051
General and administrative expenses	2,437			3,238			7,888			8,840
Loss of termination of lease	—			—			364			—
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park	—			—			—			1,106
Depreciation and amortization	981			1,174			3,188			3,568
Total costs and expenses	12,822			40,076			89,839			115,553
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	(5,623		)	4,731			(5,123		)	5,114
INTEREST (INCOME) EXPENSE:
Interest expense	283			373			1,045			1,031
Interest income	(29		)	(19		)	(103		)	(48		)
Total interest expense, net	254			354			942			983
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES	(5,877		)	4,377			(6,065		)	4,131
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(3,118		)	283			(3,213		)	728
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME (LOSS)	(2,759		)	4,094			(2,852		)	3,403
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	233			(132		)	61			(172		)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.	$	(2,526	)	$	3,962		$	(2,791	)	$	3,231
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. COMMON SHARE:
Basic	$	(0.72	)	$	1.14		$	(0.80	)	$	0.93
Diluted	$	(0.72	)	$	1.12		$	(0.80	)	$	0.92
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic	3,502			3,481			3,500			3,477
Diluted	3,502			3,530			3,500			3,531

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 June 27, 2020
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	Shares	Amount
BALANCE - March 28, 2020	3,502	$	35	$	13,382	$	26,536		$	39,953		$	877		$	40,830
Net income (loss)	—	—		—		(2,526		)	(2,526		)	(233		)	(2,759		)
Stock-based compensation	—	—		58		—			58			—			58
BALANCE - June 27, 2020	3,502	$	35	$	13,440	$	24,010		$	37,485		$	644		$	38,129
For the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020
	Common Stock			Additional Paid-In Capital		Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	Shares	Amount
BALANCE - September 28, 2019	3,499	$	35	$	13,277	$	28,552		$	41,864		$	843		$	42,707
Net income (loss)	—	—		—		(2,791		)	(2,791		)	(61		)	(2,852		)
Exercise of stock options	3	—		50		—			50			—			50
Stock-based compensation	—	—		113		—			113			—			113
Distributions to non-controlling interests	—	—		—		—			—			(138		)	(138		)
Dividends paid and accrued - $0.50 per share	—	—		—		(1,751		)	(1,751		)	—			(1,751		)
BALANCE - June 27, 2020	3,502	$	35	$	13,440	$	24,010		$	37,485		$	644		$	38,129

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 June 29, 2019
	Common Stock				Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	Shares		Amount
BALANCE - March 30, 2019	3,477		$	35	$	13,015		$	26,895		$	39,945		$	1,300		$	41,245
Net income	—		—		—			3,962			3,962			132			4,094
Exercise of stock options	34		—		409			—			409			—			409
Purchase and retirement of treasury shares	(12	)	—		(235		)	—			(235		)	—			(235		)
Stock-based compensation	—		—		65			—			65			—			65
Distributions to non-controlling interests	—		—		—			—			—			(111		)	(111		)
Dividends accrued - $0.25 per share	—		—		—			(875		)	(875		)	—			(875		)
BALANCE - June 29, 2019	3,499		$	35	$	13,254		$	29,982		$	43,271		$	1,321		$	44,592
For the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2019
	Common Stock				Additional Paid-In Capital			Retained Earnings			Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity			Non- controlling Interests			Total Equity
	Shares		Amount
BALANCE - September 29, 2018	3,470		$	35	$	12,897		$	29,364		$	42,296		$	1,440		$	43,736
Net income	—		—		—			3,231			3,231			172			3,403
Exercise of stock options	41		—		503			—			503			—			503
Purchase and retirement of treasury shares	(12	)	—		(235		)	—			(235		)	—			(235		)
Stock-based compensation	—		—		89			—			89			—			89
Distributions to non-controlling interests	—		—		—			—			—			(291		)	(291		)
Dividends paid and accrued - $0.75 per share	—		—		—			(2,613		)	(2,613		)	—			(2,613		)
BALANCE - June 29, 2019	3,499		$	35	$	13,254		$	29,982		$	43,271		$	1,321		$	44,592

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)

	39 Weeks Ended
	June 27, 2020			June 29, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Consolidated net income (loss)	$	(2,852	)	$	3,403
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	113			89
Loss on termination of lease	364			—
Asset impairment on closure of Durgin-Park	—			1,067
Deferred income taxes	(1,360		)	122
Accrued interest on note receivable from NMR	(39		)	(48		)
Depreciation and amortization	3,188			3,568
Change in operating lease assets and liabilities	261			—
Amortization of deferred financing costs	33			25
Operating lease deferred credit	(197		)	(350		)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,328			(248		)
Inventories	(438		)	(76		)
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes	(2,044		)	1,352
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(745		)	(27		)
Other assets	115			35
Accounts payable - trade	(665		)	(1,626		)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	428			(534		)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(2,510		)	6,752
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of fixed assets	(2,004		)	(2,488		)
Loans and advances made to employees	(75		)	(201		)
Payments received on employee receivables	93			139
Purchase of JB's on the Beach, net of cash acquired	—			(25		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,986		)	(2,575		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on notes payable	(1,350		)	(933		)
Borrowings under credit facility	6,300			650
Repayments of borrowings under credit facility	—			(650		)
Proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loans	14,995			—
Payments of debt financing costs	(63		)	(51		)
Dividends paid	(1,750		)	(2,606		)
Proceeds from issuance of stock upon exercise of stock options	50			268
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(138		)	(291		)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,044			(3,613		)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	13,548			564
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	7,177			5,012
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$	20,725		$	5,576
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	1,001		$	907
Income taxes	$	192		$	215
Non-cash financing activities:
Accrued divided	$	876		$	—
Note payable in connection with the purchase of JB's on the Beach	$	—		$	7,000
Changes in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	$	—		$	97
Refinancing of credit facility borrowings to term notes	$	—		$	3,200

See notes to consolidated condensed financial statements.

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ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

June 27, 2020

(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated condensed balance sheet as of September 28, 2019, which has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2019 (“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.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC — On March 11, 2020, in light of the rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19” or "Coronavirus"), the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic and the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted consumer demand, as well as the Company’s restaurant operations. Following the pandemic declaration in March 2020, federal, state and local governments began to respond to the public health crisis by requiring social distancing, "stay at home" directives, and mandatory closure of all of our locations.

As a result of state and local governments lifting “stay at home” orders and mandatory shut-down requirements in May and June 2020, the Company has reopened: (i) all of its properties located in Florida and Alabama, (ii) its operations in the New York-New York Hotel & Casino Resort in Las Vegas, (iii) Sequoia in Washington, DC, (iv) The Porch at Bryant Park in New York, NY, (v) Bryant Park Grill and Café in New York, NY, and (vi) El Rio Grande in New York, NY at varying levels of limited capacity as allowed by federal, state and local governments.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020, the Company has temporarily closed several restaurants, typically for one to five days. The Coronavirus has caused unprecedented business disruptions, especially in the hospitality industry. Although we have experienced some recovery from the initial impact of COVID-19, the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the economy and on our business remains uncertain, the duration and scope of which cannot currently be predicted.

As a result of these developments, the Company is experiencing a significant negative impact on its revenues, results of operations and cash flows, which could negatively impact its ability to meet its obligations over the next 12 months. However, we believe that our existing cash balances, which include the proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loans (see Note 7 - Notes Payable) and actions taken by management, set out below and otherwise, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements through August 12, 2021.

In response to the business disruption and liquidity concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has taken the following actions, which management expects will enable it to meet its obligations over the next 12 months:

• While restaurants were closed or continue to be closed, we furloughed all hourly employees and approximately 95% of salaried restaurant management personnel, while enacting salary reductions for all remaining restaurant management personnel.

• As restaurants re-open, restaurant management salaries were restored to 70% of pre-pandemic amounts. When a location is producing sustained cash flows, restaurant management salaries were restored to 100% of pre-pandemic amounts.

• Initially reduced the pay of all corporate and administrative staff by 50% to 75% and senior management salaries by 75% to 95%, and temporarily suspended all board fees. As of June 27, 2020, most corporate salaries have been restored to 65% of pre-pandemic levels.

• Entered into a Payment Suspension Agreement with its bank which deferred aggregate principal payments of $675,000 due on June 1, 2020 to the respective loan maturity dates. In addition, the bank agreed to relaxed financial covenants through fiscal Q3 2021 (see Note 7 - Notes Payable).

• Canceled the payment of the $0.25 dividend declared on March 2, 2020 (see Note 14 - Subsequent Events).

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• Suspended future dividend payments until such time as the Board deems appropriate to reinstate.

• Canceled or delayed all non-essential capital expenditures.

• Suspended the vast majority of lease payments for the months of April, May and June 2020 and through August 2020 for all locations that are still closed and is currently in negotiations for rent concessions, abatements and deferrals with its landlords to reduce these lease payments. While most landlords have agreed to certain concessions subsequent to quarter end, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining all of the relief it is seeking.

• Certain Company subsidiaries applied for and received a total of approximately $15.0 million of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted March 27, 2020 (see Note 7 - Notes Payable).

• Utilized additional provisions of the CARES Act to obtain tax savings as well as the deferral of our portion of social security taxes to future years.

Due to the rapid development and fluidity of this situation, the management cannot determine the ultimate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity, future results of operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce and therefore any prediction as to the ultimate material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations is uncertain. The disruption in operations has led the Company to consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its liquidity, debt covenant compliance, and recoverability of long-lived and ROU assets, goodwill and intangible assets, among others. In addition, we cannot predict how soon we will be able to reopen all of our restaurants at full capacity, and our ability to reopen will depend in part on the actions of a number of governmental bodies over which we have no control. Moreover, once restrictions are lifted, it is unclear how quickly customers will return to our restaurants, which may be a function of continued concerns over safety and/or depressed consumer sentiment due to adverse economic conditions, including job losses. If these disruptions continue, the Company expects a continued material negative impact on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations and liquidity. The extent of such negative impact will be determined, in part, by the longevity and severity of the pandemic.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION — The consolidated condensed 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 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. The accounting estimates that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments include projected cash flow, allowances for potential bad debts on receivables, assumptions regarding discount rates related to lease accounting, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments and share-based compensation, the realizable value of its tax assets and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Because of the uncertainty in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates. The results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending October 3, 2020.

RECLASSIFICATIONS — Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. The Company eliminated the presentation of restaurant operating income (loss) as a non-GAAP measure from its consolidated condensed statements of operations.

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 dates 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

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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 upon satisfaction of the performance obligation. 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.

As of June 27, 2020, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from three hotel operators totaling 82% of total accounts receivable. As of September 28, 2019, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from one hotel operator totaling 34% of total accounts receivable.

For the 13-week period ended June 27, 2020, the Company made purchases from three vendors that accounted for 46% of total purchases. For the 13-week period ended June 29, 2019, the Company did not make purchases from any one vendor that accounted for 10% or greater of total purchases.

For the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020, the Company made purchases from one vendor that accounted for 10% of total purchases. For the 39-week period ended June 29, 2019, the Company did not make purchases from any one vendor that accounted for 10% or greater of total purchases.

As of June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, all debt outstanding, other than Paycheck Protection Program loans, is with one lender (see Note 7 – Notes Payable).

GOODWILL AND TRADEMARKS — Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis. We assess the potential impairment of goodwill and trademarks annually (at the end of our fourth quarter) and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or trademarks are impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy, including but not limited to, the volatility of the Company's stock price, temporary closure of the Company's restaurants and the challenging environment for the restaurant industry in general, the Company determined that there were indicators of potential impairment of its goodwill and trademarks during the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020. As such, the Company performed a qualitative assessment for both goodwill and its trademarks and concluded that the fair value of these assets exceeded their carrying values. Accordingly, the Company did not record any impairment to its goodwill or trademarks during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020. The ultimate severity and longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, and therefore, it is possible that impairments could be identified in future periods, and such amounts could be material.

LONG-LIVED AND RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS — Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, purchased intangibles subject to amortization, and right-of-use assets ("ROU assets") are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including estimated future sales growth and estimated profit margins are included in this analysis.

The Company considers a triggering event related to long-lived assets or ROU assets in a net asset position to have occurred related to a specific restaurant if the restaurant’s cash flows for the last 12 months are less than a minimum threshold or if consistent levels of undiscounted cash flows for the remaining lease period are less than the carrying value of the restaurant’s assets. Additionally, the Company considers a triggering event related to ROU assets to have occurred related to a specific lease if the location has been subleased and future estimated sublease income is less than current lease payments. If the Company concludes that the carrying value of certain long-lived and ROU assets will not be recovered based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded to reduce the long-lived or ROU assets to their estimated fair value. The fair value is measured on a nonrecurring basis using unobservable (Level 3) inputs. There is uncertainty in the projected undiscounted future cash flows used in the Company's impairment review analysis, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. If actual performance does not achieve the

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projections, or if the assumptions used change in the future, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods, and such charges could be material.

Based on the results of this analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $364,000 related to long-lived assets and ROU assets during the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 (see Note 4 – Recent Restaurant Dispositions). Given the inherent uncertainty in projecting results of restaurants under the current circumstances, particularly taking into account the projected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is monitoring the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of several restaurants on an ongoing basis. For these restaurants, if expected performance is not realized, an impairment charge may be recognized in future periods, and such charge could be material.

REVENUE RECOGNITION — We recognize revenues when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a restaurant guest or other customer. Revenues from restaurant operations are presented net of discounts, coupons, employee meals and complimentary meals 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. Catering service revenue is generated through contracts with customers whereby the customer agrees to pay a contract rate for the service. 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 contract liability until such time. We recognized $25,000 and $3,840,000 in catering services revenue for the 13-week periods ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively, and $7,259,000 and $11,322,000 for the 39-week periods ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively. Unearned revenue, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated condensed balance sheets as of June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, was $3,753,000 and $4,549,000, respectively.

LEASES — We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. An arrangement contains a lease if it implicitly or explicitly identifies an asset to be used and conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. As a lessee, we include operating leases in Operating lease right-of-use assets and Operating lease liabilities in our consolidated condensed balance sheet. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease.  Options are included when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Amendments or modifications to lease terms are accounted for as variable lease payments. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are accounted for using the practical expedient which allows for straight-line rent expense over the remaining term of the lease. 

SEGMENT REPORTING — As of June 27, 2020, the Company owned and operated 20 restaurants and bars, 17 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, 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 February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about leases. The Company adopted the new standard on September 29, 2019 (the first day of fiscal year 2020) using the modified retrospective approach, without restating comparative periods for those lease contracts for which we have taken possession of the property as of September 28, 2019. Accordingly, prior period amounts were not revised and continue to be reported in accordance with ASC Topic 840 (“ASC 840”), the accounting standard then in effect. As part of our adoption we elected the "package of practical expedients", as well as the hindsight practical expedient, permitted under the new guidance, which, among other things, allowed the Company to continue utilizing historical classifications of leases as well as allowing us to combine lease and non-lease components of our real estate leases. We also elected to adopt the short-term lease exception for all leases with terms of 12 months or less and account for them using straight-line rent expense over the remaining life of the lease. As a result of the adoption of this guidance, we recorded ROU assets of $62,330,000 and lease liabilities related to our real estate operating leases of $63,943,000. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact retained earnings or our consolidated condensed statement of operations and had no impact on cash flows.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Non-employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to non-employees for goods and services. Under this ASU, the guidance on share-based payments to non-employees would be aligned with the requirements for

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share-based payments granted to employees, with certain exceptions. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.  Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED — In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which modifies Topic 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and for the interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting ASU 2019-12 to determine the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

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:

	June 27, 2020		September 28, 2019
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	714	$	170
Accounts receivable	127		219
Inventories	33		41
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	254		254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7		12
Due from Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates (1)	336		392
Fixed assets - net	238		236
Operating lease right-of-use assets - net	2,721		—
Other assets	82		82
Total assets	$	4,512	$	1,406
Accounts payable - trade	$	91	$	65
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	331		440
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	221		—
Operating lease deferred credit	—		(30		)
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	2,500		—
Notes payable, less current portion	723		—
Total liabilities	3,866		475
Equity of variable interest entities	646		931
Total liabilities and equity	$	4,512	$	1,406

(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 EXPANSION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

On May 15, 2019, the Company, through a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the assets of JB's on the Beach, a restaurant and bar located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, for $7,036,000 as set out below. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan from the Company’s existing lender in the amount of $7,000,000 and cash from operations.

The fair values of the assets acquired, none of which are amortizable, were allocated as follows (amounts in thousands):

Cash	$	11
Inventory	80
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	200
Trademarks	1,110
Goodwill	5,690
Liabilities assumed	(55		)
	$	7,036

Goodwill recognized in connection with this transaction represents the residual amount of the purchase price over separately identifiable intangible assets and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Concurrent with the acquisition, the Company entered into a 20-year lease (with a five-year extension option) for the restaurant facility and parking lot with the former owner of JB's on the Beach, who is also the owner of the underlying real estate. Payments under the lease are $600,000 per year with 10% increases every five years.

The consolidated condensed statements of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 include revenues and income (loss) of approximately $646,000 and $6,126,000 and $(307,000) and $316,000, respectively, related to JB's on the Beach. The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based upon the Company’s historical consolidated condensed statements of income for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 29, 2019 and includes the results of operations for JB's on the Beach for the period prior to acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information (which is presented in thousands except per share and share data), which has been adjusted for payments under the lease discussed above as well as interest expense of the term loan, is presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of what actual results of operations would have been had the acquisition of JB's on the Beach occurred on the dates indicated, nor does it purport to represent the results of operations for future periods.  

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 29, 2019		June 29, 2019
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Total revenues	$	46,423	$	128,445
Net income	$	4,123	$	3,891
Net income per share - basic	$	1.18	$	1.12
Net income per share - diluted	$	1.17	$	1.10
Basic	3,481		3,477
Diluted	3,530		3,531

During 2019, the Company was advised by the landlord of our food court at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, that they were exercising their right to relocate our space, at their sole cost, as contractually agreed to in the original lease. The new facilities were completed on September 16, 2019, on which date we closed our existing location and opened the new facilities. The Company recorded the value of the renovations made by the landlord, which includes leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, in the amount of $5,474,000 with a corresponding increase in deferred rent. The net book value of the existing leasehold improvements relating to the original location in the amount of $918,000 is being reflected as a reduction of deferred rent on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

During 2019, the Company was advised by the landlord of our food court at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Tampa, Florida, that they were exercising their right to renovate the front of the house space, at their sole cost, as contractually agreed to in the original

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lease. In connection with this renovation, we closed our existing facilities on June 2, 2019 and re-opened the renovated facilities on September 28, 2019. The Company recorded the value of the renovations made by the landlord, which includes leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, in the amount of $3,179,000 with a corresponding increase in deferred rent. The net book value of the existing leasehold improvements relating to the original location in the amount of $459,000 is being reflected as a reduction of deferred rent on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

On September 29, 2019, upon adoption of ASC 842, the unamortized Hollywood and Tampa balances of leasehold improvements and deferred rent in the amounts of $8,269,000 and $7,198,000, respectively, were reclassified as ROU assets in the net amount of $1,071,000 and are being amortized to lease expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

The Company is in the process of developing three restaurants in Easton, Ohio in partnership with the landlord of the facility. Included in fixed assets are costs of approximately $500,000 in connection with the project. The Company expects the properties to open in fiscal 2021 and 2022.

4. 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 consolidated condensed statements of operations for the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2019 are losses on closure in the amount of $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.

On April 2, 2020, the Company advised the landlord of a catering space in New York, NY that we would be terminating the lease. In connection with this notification, the Company recorded a loss of $364,000 during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2020, consisting of (i) rent accrued in accordance with the termination provisions of the lease, (ii) the write-off of the unamortized balance of purchased leasehold rights, (iii) the write-off of our security deposit, (iv) the write-off of ROU assets and related lease liabilities, and (v) the write-off of net book value of fixed assets.

5. INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM 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 September 30, 2018, the Company elected to account for this investment at cost, less impairment, adjusted for subsequent observable price changes in accordance with ASU No. 2016-01. Such change did not affect the value of our investment in NMR. There are no observable prices for this investment.

Due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy, including but not limited to, the temporary closure of the NMR facility, the Company evaluated its investment in NMR for impairment and concluded that its fair value exceeds the carrying value. Accordingly, the Company did not record any impairment during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020. The ultimate severity and longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, and therefore, it is possible that impairments could be identified in future periods, and such amounts could be material. 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

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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 June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, 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 $1,753,000 and $1,713,000 are included in Investment In and Receivable From New Meadowlands Racetrack in the consolidated condensed balance sheets at June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.

6. ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

	June 27, 2020		September 28, 2019
	(In thousands)
Sales tax payable	$	312	$	1,141
Accrued wages and payroll related costs	2,001		2,942
Customer advance deposits	4,130		5,071
Accrued occupancy and other operating expenses	4,717		1,518
	$	11,160	$	10,672

7. NOTES PAYABLE

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	June 27, 2020			September 28, 2019
	(In thousands)
Promissory Note - Rustic Inn purchase	$	3,901		$	4,043
Promissory Note - Shuckers purchase	4,505			4,675
Promissory Note - Oyster House purchase	4,418			4,728
Promissory Note - JB's on the Beach purchase	6,250			6,750
Promissory Note - Sequoia renovation	2,857			3,086
Revolving Facility	9,666			3,366
Paycheck Protection Program Loans	14,995			—
	46,592			26,648
Less: Current maturities	(2,701		)	(2,701		)
Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs	(190		)	(161		)
Long-term debt	$	43,701		$	23,786

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Notes Payable - Bank

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 "Revolving Facility”), which expires on May 31, 2021. The Revolving Facility provides for total availability of the lesser of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) $35,000,000 less the then aggregate amount of all indebtedness and obligations to BHBM. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility are payable upon maturity of the Revolving Facility with interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 3.5%, subject to adjustment based on certain ratios. As of June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, borrowings of $9,666,000 and $3,366,000, respectively, were outstanding under the Revolving Facility and had a weighted average interest rate of 3.0% and 4.9%, respectively. As of June 27, 2020, no amounts were available under the Revolving Facility to be drawn down.

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 60equal monthly installments of $83,333, commencing on November 22, 2015. In connection with the Refinancing, this 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.

• Promissory Note – JB's on the Beach purchase –On May 15, 2019, in connection with the previously discussed acquisition of JB’s on the Beach, the Company issued a promissory note under the Revolving Facility to BHBM for $7,000,000 which is payable in 23 equal quarterly installments of $250,000, commencing on September 1, 2019, with a balloon payment of $1,250,000 on June 1, 2025 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum.

• Promissory Note – Sequoia renovation – Also on May 15, 2019, the Company converted $3,200,000 of Revolving Facility borrowings incurred in connection with the Sequoia renovation to a promissory note which is payable in 23 equal quarterly installments of $114,286, commencing on September 1, 2019, with a balloon payment of $571,429 on June 1, 2025 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum.

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

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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. On April 20, 2020, the Company entered into a Payment Suspension Agreement with BHBM which deferred all monthly interest payments through June 1, 2020 and deferred aggregate principal payments of $675,000 due on June 1, 2020 to the respective loan maturity date. In addition, on June 12, 2020, as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, BHBM agreed to relaxed financial covenants through fiscal Q3 2021. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Revolving Facility as of June 27, 2020.

Paycheck Protection Program Loans

During the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020, subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) of the Company received loan proceeds from several banks (the “Lenders”) in the aggregate amount of $14,995,000 (the “PPP Loans”) under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020.

The PPP Loans are evidenced by individual promissory notes of each of the Borrowers (together, the “Notes”) in favor of the Lender, which Notes bear interest at the rate of 1.00% per annum. Funds from the PPP Loans may be used only for payroll and related costs, costs used to continue group health care benefits, mortgage payments, rent, utilities, and interest on other debt obligations that were incurred by a Borrower prior to February 15, 2020 (the “Qualifying Expenses”). Under the terms of the PPP Loans, some or all of the amounts thereunder, including accrued interest, may be forgiven if they are used for Qualifying Expenses as described in and in compliance with the CARES Act. No payments of principal or interest are due under the Notes until the date on which the amount of loan forgiveness (if any) under the CARES Act for each respective Note is remitted to the Lender, which can be up to 10 months after the end of the related notes covered period (which is defined as 24 weeks after the date of the loan) (the “Deferral Period”). Each Note may be prepaid by the respective Borrower at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties.

While the Company and each Borrower intends to use the PPP Loan proceeds exclusively for Qualifying Expenses, it is unclear and uncertain whether the conditions for forgiveness of the PPP Loans will be met under the current guidelines of the CARES Act. Accordingly, we cannot make any assurance that the Company, or any of the Borrowers, will be eligible for forgiveness of the PPP Loans, in whole or in part.

To the extent, if any, that any or all of the PPP Loans are not forgiven, beginning one month following expiration of the Deferral Period, and continuing monthly until 24 months from the date of each applicable Note (the “Maturity Date”), each respective Borrower is obligated to make monthly payments of principal and interest to the Lender with respect to any unforgiven portion of the Notes, in such equal amounts required to fully amortize the principal amount outstanding on such Notes as of the last day of the applicable Deferral Period by the applicable Maturity Date. Each Borrower is permitted to prepay its respective Note at any time without payment of any premium.

Debt issuance costs incurred in the amount of $271,000 are being amortized over the life of the agreements using the effective interest rate method and included in interest expense. Amortization expense of approximately $13,000 and $9,000 is included in interest expense for the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively. Amortization expense was $33,000 and $26,000 for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively.

8. LEASES

Other than locations where we own the underlying property, we lease our restaurant locations as well as our corporate office under various non-cancelable real-estate lease agreements that expire on various dates through 2044. We evaluate whether we control the use of the asset, which is determined by assessing whether we obtain substantially all economic benefits from the use of the asset, and whether we have the right to direct the use of the asset. If these criteria are met and we have identified a lease, we account for the contract under the requirements of ASC 842.

Upon taking possession of a leased asset, we determine its classification as an operating or finance lease. All of our real estate leases are classified as operating leases. We do not have any finance leases as of June 27, 2020. Generally, our real estate leases have initial terms ranging from 10 to 25 years and typically include renewal options. Renewal options are recognized as part of the ROU assets and lease liabilities if it is reasonably certain at the date of adoption that we would exercise the options to extend the lease. Our real estate leases typically provide for fixed minimum rent payments and/or contingent rent payments based upon sales in excess of specified thresholds. When the achievement of such sales thresholds are deemed to be probable, variable lease expense is accrued in proportion to the sales recognized during the period. For operating leases that include rent holidays and rent escalation clauses, we recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term from the date we take possession of the leased property. We record the straight-line lease expense and any contingent rent, if applicable, in occupancy expenses in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.

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Many of our real estate leases also require us to pay real estate taxes, common area maintenance costs and other occupancy costs (“non-lease components”) which are included in occupancy related expenses in the consolidated condensed statements of operations. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

As there were no explicit rates provided in our leases, we used our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

The components of lease expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations are as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 27, 2020		June 27, 2020
	(In thousands)		(In thousands)
Operating lease expense - occupancy expenses (1)	$	2,088	$	7,005
Occupancy lease expense - general and administrative expenses	158		481
Variable lease expense	132		2,500
Total lease expense	$	2,378	$	9,986

_________________________________

(1) Includes short-term leases, which are immaterial.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases:

	39 Weeks Ended
	June 27, 2020
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows related to operating leases	$	8,086
Non-cash investing activities:
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	62,330

The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates as of June 27, 2020 are as follows:

	Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	10.8 Years	5.5	%

The annual maturities of our lease liabilities as of June 27, 2020 are as follows:

	Operating Leases
Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
October 3, 2020	$	2,290
October 2, 2021	9,236
October 1, 2022	9,313
September 30, 2023	7,800
September 28, 2024	7,413
Thereafter	40,592
Total future lease commitments	76,644
Less imputed interest	(18,835		)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	57,809

9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases — The Company leases several restaurants, bar facilities, and administrative headquarters through its subsidiaries under terms expiring at various dates through 2044. 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.

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LegalProceedings — In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is a party to various lawsuits arising from accidents at its restaurants and workers' 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.

On May 1, 2018, two former tipped service workers (the “Plaintiffs”), individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated personnel, filed a putative class action lawsuit (the “Complaint”) against the Company and certain subsidiaries as well as certain officers of the Company (the “Defendants”).  Plaintiffs allege on behalf of themselves and the putative class, that the Company violated certain of the New York State Labor Laws and related regulations.  The Complaint seeks unspecified money damages, together with interest, liquidated damages and attorney fees.  There has been no discovery on the merits of the Complaint and the matter is still in the initial stages of discovery concerning whether the named Plaintiffs are seeking to represent an appropriate class of tipped service workers and if so, whether the named Plaintiffs are appropriate class representatives. The Company's Motion to Dismiss the Complaint was denied on June 27, 2019. The Company believes that the allegations and claims in the Complaint are without merit, and it intends to defend itself vigorously in this litigation. However, the outcomes of legal actions are unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, and thus it is inherently difficult to determine the probability or quantification of any loss. Based on information currently available, including the Company’s assessment of the facts underlying the Complaint and advice of counsel, the Company recorded an accrual for this matter and related expenses as of June 27, 2020.

10. 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 10 years after the date of grant.

During the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020, options to purchase 266,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $21.90 per share were granted to employees, directors of the Company and other service providers.  Such options are exercisable as to 50% of the shares commencing on the second anniversary of the date of grant and as to the remaining 50% commencing on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. The grant date fair value of these stock options was $3.35 per share.

The fair value of each of the Company’s stock options is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses assumptions that relate to the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock, the expected dividend yield of our stock, the expected life of the options and the risk free interest rate. The assumptions used for the above grant include a risk free interest rate of 1.54%, volatility of 30.3%, a dividend yield of 5.2% and an expected life of 10 years.

During the 13-week period ended June 29, 2019, options to purchase 23,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $19.61 per share were granted to employees of the Company.  Such options are exercisable as to 50% of the shares commencing on the date of grant and as to an additional 50% commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Such options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $3.48 per share and totaled approximately $80,000.    

During the 13-week period ended June 29, 2019, options to purchase 11,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $20.18 per share were granted to employees of the Company.  Such options are exercisable as to 25% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 25% on the second, third and fourth anniversary thereof.  Such options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $3.55 per share and totaled approximately $39,000.  

During the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2019, options to purchase 19,500 shares of common stock with a strike price of $12.04 were exercised on a net issue basis as provided in the 2010 Plan. Accordingly, 11,774 shares were immediately repurchased and retired from treasury.

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.

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A summary of stock option activity is presented below:

	2020
	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price	Weighted Average Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of period	363,500		$19.25	4.7 Years
Options:
Granted	266,500		$21.90
Exercised	(3,500	)	$14.40
Canceled or expired	—
Outstanding and expected to vest, end of period	626,500		$20.41	6.4 Years	$	—
Exercisable, end of period	337,500		$19.26	3.7 Years	$	—
Shares available for future grant	174,500

Compensation cost charged to operations for the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 for share-based compensation programs was approximately $58,000 and $65,000, respectively, and for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 was approximately $113,000 and $89,000, respectively. The compensation cost recognized is classified as a general and administrative expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.

As of June 27, 2020, there was approximately $834,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.6 years.

11. INCOME TAXES

We calculate our interim income tax provision in accordance with ASC Topic 270, Interim Reporting and ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. At the end of each interim period, we estimate the annual effective tax rate and apply that rate to our ordinary year to date earnings. The related tax expense or benefit is recognized in the interim period in which it occurs. In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws, rates or tax status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs. The computation of the annual estimated effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and significant judgment including the expected operating (loss) income for the year, permanent and temporary differences as a result of differences between amounts measured and recognized in accordance with tax laws and financial accounting standards, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current fiscal year. The accounting estimates used to compute income tax expense may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained, or the tax environment changes.

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted to provide economic relief to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes provisions, among others, allowing for the carryback of net operating losses generated in 2018, 2019 and 2020, refunds of alternative minimum tax credits, temporary modifications to the limitations placed on the tax deductibility of net interest expense, and technical amendments regarding the expensing of qualified improvement property.

As a result of the CARES Act, the Company is expecting to carry back estimated taxable losses in fiscal year 2020 to previous tax years in which the Company was subject to higher federal corporate income tax rates. The Company accounted for this income tax benefit as part of its estimated annual effective tax rate.

The income tax benefit for the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020 was $(3,213,000). The effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020 of 52.3% differed from the statutory rate of 21% primarily as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits and the incremental benefit arising from the ability to carry back the 2020 net operating loss to prior years when the tax rate was 34%.

The income tax provision for the 39-week period ended June 29, 2019 was $728,000 and includes a discrete tax provision of approximately $304,000 in connection with the settlement of various state and local tax examinations as well as changes in the uncertain tax position liability as a result of lapses in the statute of limitations. The effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended June 29, 2019 of 17.6% differed from the statutory rate of 21% as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits, a discrete tax provision in connection with the settlement of various state and local tax examinations offset by changes in the uncertain tax position liability as a result of lapses in the statute of limitations during the interim period ended June 29, 2019.

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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.

12. 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 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.

A reconciliation of shares used in calculating earnings per basic and diluted share follows:

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 27,	June 29,	June 27,	June 29,
	2020	2019	2020	2019
Basic	3,502	3,481	3,500	3,477
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—	49	—	54
Diluted	3,502	3,530	3,500	3,531

For the 13-week and 39-week periods ended June 27, 2020, the dilutive effect of options to purchase 129,000 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 172,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.50 per share, options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.30 per share, options to purchase 11,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $20.18 per share and options to purchase 266,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $21.90 per share were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

For the 13-week and 39-week periods ended June 29, 2019, the dilutive effect of options to purchase 209,000 shares of common stock at an exercise prices ranging from $20.18 per share to $22.50 per share were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

13. DIVIDENDS

On November 26, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock which was paid on January 7, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2019.

On March 13, 2020, the Company announced that, in light of the unprecedented circumstances and rapidly changing situation with respect to COVID-19, as part of an overall plan to preserve cash flow, the Board of Directors determined that it was appropriate for the Company to defer payment of the dividend that was declared on March 2, 2020. Payment of such dividend, which was scheduled for April 6, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 16, 2020, was canceled on July 1, 2020 (see Note 14 – Subsequent Events).

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. The Company does not expect to pay quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future as a result of the disruption to its operations from the COVID-19 pandemic.

14. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Cancellation of Dividend

As a result of disruption to the Company's operations from the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 1, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the cancellation of the divided that was declared on March 2, 2020.

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

The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of our Company as of and for the periods presented below. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2019 (our "Annual Report") and the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included herein.

COVID-19 Pandemic

On March 11, 2020, in light of the rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19” or "Coronavirus"), the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic and the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted consumer demand, as well as the Company’s restaurant operations. Following the pandemic declaration in March 2020, federal, state and local governments began to respond to the public health crisis by requiring social distancing, "stay at home" directives, and mandatory closure of all of our locations.

As a result of state and local governments lifting “stay at home” orders and mandatory shut-down requirements in May and June 2020, the Company has reopened: (i) all of its properties located in Florida and Alabama, (ii) its operations in the New York-New York Hotel & Casino Resort in Las Vegas, (iii) Sequoia in Washington, DC, (iv) The Porch at Bryant Park in New York, NY, (v) Bryant Park Grill and Café in New York, NY, and (vi) El Rio Grande in New York, NY at varying levels of limited capacity as allowed by federal, state and local governments.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020, the Company has temporarily closed several restaurants, typically for one to five days. The Coronavirus has caused unprecedented business disruptions, especially in the hospitality industry. Although we have experienced some recovery from the initial impact of COVID-19, the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the economy and on our business remains uncertain, the duration and scope of which cannot currently be predicted.

As a result of these developments, the Company is experiencing a significant negative impact on its revenues, results of operations and cash flows, which could negatively impact its ability to meet its obligations over the next 12 months. However, we believe that our existing cash balances, which include the proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loans (see Note 7 - Notes Payable) and actions taken by management since mid-March 2020, set out below and otherwise, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements through August 12, 2021.

In response to the business disruption and liquidity concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has taken the following actions, which management expects will enable it to meet its obligations over the next 12 months:

• While restaurants were closed or continue to be closed, we furloughed all hourly employees and approximately 95% of salaried restaurant management personnel, while enacting salary reductions for all remaining restaurant management personnel.

• As restaurants re-open, restaurants management salaries were restored to 70% of pre-pandemic amounts. If a location is producing sustained cash flow, restaurant management salaries were restored to 100% of pre-pandemic amounts.

• Initially reduced the pay of all corporate and administrative staff by 50% to 75% and senior management salaries by 75% to 95%, and temporarily suspended all board fees. As of June 27, 2020, most corporate salaries have been restored to 65% of pre-pandemic levels.

• Entered into a Payment Suspension Agreement with its bank which deferred aggregate principal payments of $675,000 due on June 1, 2020 to the respective loan maturity dates. In addition, the bank agreed to relaxed financial covenants through fiscal Q3 2021.

• Canceled the payment of the $0.25 dividend declared on March 2, 2020.

• Suspended future dividend payments until such time as the Board deems appropriate to reinstate.

• Canceled or delayed all non-essential capital expenditures.

• Suspended the vast majority of lease payments for the months of April, May and June 2020 and through August 2020 for all locations that are still closed and is currently in negotiations for rent concessions, abatements and deferrals with its landlords to reduce these lease payments. While most landlords have agreed to certain concessions subsequent to quarter end, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining all of the relief it is seeking.

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• Certain Company subsidiaries applied for and received a total of approximately $15.0 million of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted March 27, 2020.

• Utilized additional provisions of the CARES Act to obtain tax savings as well as the deferral of our portion of social security taxes to future years.

Due to the rapid development and fluidity of this situation, the management cannot determine the ultimate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity, future results of operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce and therefore any prediction as to the ultimate material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations is uncertain. The disruption in operations has led the Company to consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its liquidity, debt covenant compliance, and recoverability of long-lived and ROU assets, goodwill and intangible assets, among others. In addition, we cannot predict how soon we will be able to reopen all of our restaurants at full capacity, and our ability to reopen will depend in part on the actions of a number of governmental bodies over which we have no control. Moreover, once restrictions are lifted, it is unclear how quickly customers will return to our restaurants, which may be a function of continued concerns over safety and/or depressed consumer sentiment due to adverse economic conditions, including job losses. If these disruptions continue, the Company expects a continued material negative impact on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations and liquidity. The extent of such negative impact will be determined, in part, by the longevity and severity of the pandemic.

Overview

As of June 27, 2020, the Company owned and operated 20 restaurants and bars, 17 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. The consolidated condensed statements of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 include revenues and income (loss) of approximately $646,000 and $6,126,000 and $(307,000) and $316,000, respectively, related to JB's on the Beach, which was acquired on May 15, 2019. 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 was located, and rising labor costs. As a result, included in the consolidated condensed statement of income for the39 weeks ended June 29, 2019 are losses on closure in the amounts of $1,106,000 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 including the current year ending October 3, 2020 will contain 53 weeks. The periods ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 each included 13 and 39 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 loss for the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020 was $(5,623,000), as compared to operating income of $4,731,000 for the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from the government mandated closure of all of our restaurants in March 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and a $364,000 loss on the termination of a lease.

The Company’s operating loss for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 was $(5,123,000) as compared to operating income of $5,114,000 for the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2019 which included a loss of $1,106,000 relating to the closure of Durgin-Park located in Boston, MA. This decrease resulted primarily from the government mandated closure of all of our restaurants in March 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic and a $364,000 loss on the termination of a lease.

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In addition to the decrease in restaurant revenue from the mandatory closures and operating at varying levels of limited capacity, the Company estimates that it incurred approximately $2,300,000 and $3,000,000 of costs directly related to COVID-19 during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 consisting primarily of payments to employees for paid-time off during restaurant closures, inventory waste, and rent and rent related costs for closed restaurants from the day that they closed.

Recently, there has been a significant increase in reported COVID-19 cases in certain states, including Florida and Alabama, where we have significant locations. This has resulted in some local governments responding by taking additional measures, including implementing a further reduction of in-restaurant capacity in certain locations. Although this is a developing situation, to this point these capacity reductions have not had a significant impact on our overall sales trends. We continue to monitor and adhere to local restrictions and are maintaining elevated safety measures, including additional sanitation and disinfecting practices and the use of gloves and facial protection for our employees.

The following table summarizes the significant components of the Company’s operating results for the 13- and 39- week periods ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019:

	13 Weeks Ended					Variance					39 Weeks Ended					Variance
	June 27, 2020			June 29, 2019		$			%		June 27, 2020			June 29, 2019		$			%
	(in thousands)										(in thousands)
REVENUES:
Food and beverage sales	$	6,907		$	43,888	$	(36,981	)	-84.3	%	$	82,850		$	118,212	$	(35,362	)	-29.9	%
Other revenue	292			919		(627		)	-68.2	%	1,866			2,455		(589		)	-24.0	%
Total revenues	7,199			44,807		(37,608		)	-83.9	%	84,716			120,667		(35,951		)	-29.8	%
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Food and beverage cost of sales	1,847			11,714		(9,867		)	-84.2	%	22,366			31,982		(9,616		)	-30.1	%
Payroll expenses	3,701			14,864		(11,163		)	-75.1	%	31,925			41,948		(10,023		)	-23.9	%
Occupancy expenses	3,004			4,246		(1,242		)	-29.3	%	12,274			13,058		(784		)	-6.0	%
Other operating costs and expenses	852			4,840		(3,988		)	-82.4	%	11,834			15,051		(3,217		)	-21.4	%
General and administrative expenses	2,437			3,238		(801		)	-24.7	%	7,888			8,840		(952		)	-10.8	%
Loss on termination of lease	—			—		—			N/A		364			—		364			100.0	%
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park	—			—		—			N/A		—			1,106		(1,106		)	-100.0	%
Depreciation and amortization	981			1,174		(193		)	-16.4	%	3,188			3,568		(380		)	-10.7	%
Total costs and expenses	12,822			40,076		(27,254		)	-68.0	%	89,839			115,553		(25,714		)	-22.3	%
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	$	(5,623	)	$	4,731	$	(10,354	)	-218.9	%	$	(5,123	)	$	5,114	$	(10,237	)	-200.2	%

Revenues

During the Company’s 13-week period ended June 27, 2020, revenues decreased 83.9% as compared to revenues in the 13-week period ended June 29, 2019. This decrease resulted primarily from the government mandated closure of all of our restaurants in March 2020 and limited re-openings beginning in late May 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Food and Beverage Same-Store Sales

On a Company-wide basis, same-store sales decreased 84.3% during the third fiscal quarter of 2020 as compared to the same period last year as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended				Variance
	June 27, 2020		June 29, 2019		$			%
	(in thousands)
Las Vegas	$	1,462	$	11,952	$	(10,490	)	-87.8	%
New York	125		11,859		(11,734		)	-98.9	%
Washington, DC	166		4,282		(4,116		)	-96.1	%
Atlantic City, NJ	—		1,645		(1,645		)	-100.0	%
Connecticut	—		476		(476		)	-100.0	%
Alabama	2,436		4,322		(1,886		)	-43.6	%
Florida	2,452		7,516		(5,064		)	-67.4	%
Same-store sales	6,641		42,052		$	(35,411	)	-84.2	%
Other	266		1,836
Food and beverage sales	$	6,907	$	43,888

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A discussion of same-store sales has not been presented for the 13-week period ended June 27, 2020 as it is not meaningful as a result of the government mandated closure of all of our restaurants in March 2020 and limited re-openings beginning in late May 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Costs and Expenses

Costs and expenses for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 were as follows (in thousands):

	13 Weeks Ended June 27, 2020		% to Total Revenues		13 Weeks Ended June 29, 2019		% to Total Revenues		Increase (Decrease)					39 Weeks Ended June 27, 2020		% to Total Revenues		39 Weeks Ended June 29, 2019		% to Total Revenues		Increase (Decrease)
									$			%										$			%
Food and beverage cost of sales	$	1,847	25.7	%	$	11,714	26.1	%	(9,867		)	-84.2	%	$	22,366	26.4	%	$	31,982	26.5	%	(9,616		)	-30.1	%
Payroll expenses	3,701		51.4	%	14,864		33.2	%	(11,163		)	-75.1	%	31,925		37.7	%	41,948		34.8	%	(10,023		)	-23.9	%
Occupancy expenses	3,004		41.7	%	4,246		9.5	%	(1,242		)	-29.3	%	12,274		14.5	%	13,058		10.8	%	(784		)	-6.0	%
Other operating costs and expenses	852		11.8	%	4,840		10.8	%	(3,988		)	-82.4	%	11,834		14.0	%	15,051		12.5	%	(3,217		)	-21.4	%
General and administrative expenses	2,437		33.9	%	3,238		7.2	%	(801		)	-24.7	%	7,888		9.3	%	8,840		7.3	%	(952		)	-10.8	%
Loss on termination of lease	—		—	%	—		—	%	—			N/A		364		0.4	%	—		—	%	364			100.0	%
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park	—		—	%	—		—	%	—			N/A		—		—	%	1,106		0.9	%	(1,106		)	-100.0	%
Depreciation and amortization	981		13.6	%	1,174		2.6	%	(193		)	-16.4	%	3,188		3.8	%	3,568		3.0	%	(380		)	-10.7	%
Total costs and expenses	$	12,822			$	40,076			$	(27,254	)			$	89,839			$	115,553			$	(25,714	)

Food and beverage costs as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020 increased as compared with the same period of last year primarily as a result of inventory write-offs required as a result of the government mandated closures of all of our restaurants in March 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Food and beverage costs as a percentage of total revenues for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 decreased as compared with the same period of last year as a result of a better mix of catering versus a la carte business at our larger properties (through the respective closure date) combined with menu price increases partially offset by increases in food costs and inventory write-offs required as a result of the government mandated closures of all of our restaurants in March 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 increased as compared with the same periods of last year primarily as a result of retaining key restaurant management personnel at reduced salaries from the respective closure date through the end of the quarter with no or limited corresponding revenues as a result of the government mandated closures of all of our restaurants in March 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 increased as compared with the same periods of last year primarily as a result of accrued rents and having no or limited sales from the respective closure date through the end of the quarter as a result of the government mandated closures of all of our restaurants in March 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 as compared to the same period of last year increased primarily as a result of increased professional fees at the restaurant-level.

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 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 increased as compared with the same periods of last year primarily as a result of retaining corporate personnel at temporarily reduced salaries from the respective closure date through the end of the quarter with no or limited corresponding revenues as a result of the government mandated closures of all of our restaurants in March 2020 in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Depreciation and amortization expense for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 decreased as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result of lower charges in the current period as a result of asset impairments in the fourth quarter of 2019 and second quarter of 2020 partially offset by depreciation on improvements placed in service in fiscal 2019.

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Income Taxes

We calculate our interim income tax provision in accordance with ASC Topic 270, Interim Reporting and ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. At the end of each interim period, we estimate the annual effective tax rate and apply that rate to our ordinary year to date earnings. The related tax expense or benefit is recognized in the interim period in which it occurs. In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws, rates or tax status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs. The computation of the annual estimated effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and significant judgment including the expected operating (loss) income for the year, permanent and temporary differences as a result of differences between amounts measured and recognized in accordance with tax laws and financial accounting standards, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current fiscal year. The accounting estimates used to compute income tax expense may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained, or the tax environment changes.

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted to provide economic relief to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes provisions, among others, allowing for the carryback of net operating losses generated in 2018, 2019 and 2020, refunds of alternative minimum tax credits, temporary modifications to the limitations placed on the tax deductibility of net interest expense, and technical amendments regarding the expensing of qualified improvement property.

As a result of the CARES Act, the Company is expecting to carry back estimated taxable losses in fiscal year 2020 to previous tax years in which the Company was subject to higher federal corporate income tax rates. The Company accounted for this income tax benefit as part of its estimated annual effective tax rate.

The income tax benefit for the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020 was $(3,213,000). The effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020 of 52.3% differed from the statutory rate of 21% primarily as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits and the incremental benefit arising from the ability to carry back the 2020 net operating loss to prior years when the tax rate was 34%.

The income tax provision for the 39-week periods ended June 29, 2019 was $728,000 and includes a discrete tax provision of approximately $304,000 in connection with the settlement of various state and local tax examinations as well as changes in the uncertain tax position liability as a result of lapses in the statute of limitations. The effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended June 29, 2019 of 17.6% differed from the statutory rate of 21% as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits, a discrete tax provision in connection with the settlement of various state and local tax examinations offset by changes in the uncertain tax position liability as a result of lapses in the statute of limitations during the interim period ended June 29, 2019.

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.

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.

Consistent with many other restaurant and retail store operations, we typically use operating lease arrangements for our restaurants. In recent years we have been able to acquire the underlying real estate at several locations along with the restaurant operation. We believe that our operating lease arrangements provide appropriate leverage of our capital structure in a financially efficient manner. As of June 27, 2020, we had a cash and cash equivalents balance of $20,725,000.

Our liquidity may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including a decrease in customer traffic or average check per customer due to changes in economic conditions.

COVID-19 Pandemic

In response to the uncertain market conditions resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have enhanced our liquidity position through the following measures:

• Fully drew down our Revolving Facility as of June 9, 2020.

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• Entered into a Payment Suspension Agreement with our bank which deferred aggregate principal payments of $675,000 due on June 1, 2020 to the respective loan maturity dates.

• Although we were in compliance with all of our financial covenants under our Revolving Facility, our lender agreed to relaxed financial covenants through fiscal Q3 2021.

• Canceled the payment of the $0.25 dividend declared on March 2, 2020.

• Suspended future dividend payments until such time as the Board deems appropriate to reinstate.

• Canceled or delayed all non-essential capital expenditures.

• Suspended the vast majority of lease payments for the months of April, May and June 2020 and through August 2020 for all locations that are still closed and we are currently in negotiations for rent concessions, abatements and deferrals with our landlords to reduce these lease payments. While some landlords have agreed to certain concessions, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining all of the relief it is seeking.

• Certain Company subsidiaries applied for and received approximately $15.0 million of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020.

• Utilized additional provisions of the CARES Act to obtain tax savings as well as the deferral of our portion of social security taxes to future years.

The Company had a working capital of $5,610,000 at June 27, 2020 as compared with a deficiency of $(4,373,000) at September 28, 2019. This increase resulted primarily from the proceeds of borrowings under the Paycheck Protection Program of $15.0 million offset by the recognition of $6,222,000 of current operating lease liabilities in connection with the adoption of ASC 842 on September 29, 2019. We believe that our existing cash balances combined with measures taken due to COVID-19 pandemic described above, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements and finance our operating activities for at least the next 12 months.

Cash Flows for 39 Weeks Ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019

Net cash used in operating activities for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 decreased to ($251,000) as compared to $6,752,000 provided by operations in the same period of last year. This decrease was attributable to the impacts of government mandated closures of our restaurants in March 2020 and changes in net working capital primarily related to accounts receivable, inventory and accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Net cash used in investing activities for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 was $(1,986,000) and $(2,575,000), respectively, and resulted primarily from purchases of fixed assets at existing restaurants.

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 of $18,044,000 and $(3,613,000), respectively, resulted primarily from the payment of dividends, principal payments on notes payable and distributions to non-controlling interests and in the current period borrowings under our credit facility and the proceeds from PPP Loans.

On November 26, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock which was paid on January 7, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2019.

On March 13, 2020, the Company announced that, in light of the unprecedented circumstances and rapidly changing situation with respect to COVID-19, as part of an overall plan to preserve cash flow, the Board of Directors determined that it was appropriate for the Company to defer payment of the dividend that was declared on March 2, 2020. Payment of such dividend, which was scheduled for April 6, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 16, 2020, was canceled on July 1, 2020.

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. The Company does not expect to pay quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future as a result of the disruption to its operations from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Recent Restaurant Expansions and Other Developments

On May 15, 2019, the Company, through a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the assets of JB's on the Beach, a restaurant and bar located in Deerfield Beach, Florida for $7,036,000. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan from the Company’s existing lender in the amount of $7,000,000 and cash from operations. Concurrent with the acquisition, the Company entered into a 20 year lease (with a five year extension option) for the restaurant facility and parking lot with the former owner of JB's on the Beach, who is also the owner of the underlying real estate. Rent payments under the lease are $600,000 per year with 10% increases every five years.

During 2019, the Company was advised by the landlord of our food court at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, that they were exercising their right to relocate our space, at their sole cost, as contractually agreed to in the original lease. The new facilities were completed on September 16, 2019, on which date we closed our existing location and opened the new facilities. The Company recorded the value of the renovations made by the landlord, which includes leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, in the amount of $5,474,000 with a corresponding increase in deferred rent. The net book value of the existing leasehold improvements relating to the original location in the amount of $918,000 is being reflected as a reduction of deferred rent on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

During 2019, the Company was advised by the landlord of our food court at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Tampa, Florida, that they were exercising their right to renovate the front of the house space, at their sole cost, as contractually agreed to in the original lease. In connection with this renovation we closed our existing facilities on June 2, 2019 and re-opened the renovated facilities on September 28, 2019. The Company recorded the value of the renovations made by the landlord, which includes leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, in the amount of $3,179,000 with a corresponding increase in deferred rent. The net book value of the existing leasehold improvements relating to the original location in the amount of $459,000 is being reflected as a reduction of deferred rent on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

Upon adoption of ASC 842, the unamortized Hollywood and Tampa balances were reclassified as ROU assets in the net amount of $1,071,000 and are being amortized to lease expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

The Company is in the process of developing three restaurants in Easton, Ohio in partnership with the landlord of the facility. Included in fixed assets are costs of approximately $500,000 in connection with the project. The Company expects the properties to open in fiscal 2021 and 2022.

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 39 weeks ended June 29, 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.

On April 2, 2020, the Company advised the landlord of a catering space in New York, NY that we would be terminating the lease. In connection with this notification, the Company recorded a loss of $364,000 at March 28, 2020, consisting of rent accrued in accordance with the termination provisions of the lease, the write-off of the unamortized balance of purchased leasehold rights, our security deposit and the new book value of fixed assets.

Other Recent Events

Cancellation of Dividend

As a result of disruption to the Company's operations from the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 1, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the cancellation of the divided that was declared on March 2, 2020.

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

- 29 -

debts on accounts and notes receivable, assumptions regarding discount rates related to lease accounting, 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 28, 2019. There have been no significant changes to such policies during fiscal 2020 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 2020 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 June 27, 2020 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

As a result of governmental imposed closures of all of our facilities due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have had to make changes to the operating methods of some of our internal controls. For example, moving from manual sign-offs / in-person meetings to electronic sign-offs and electronic communications such as email and telephonic / or video conference due to out-of-office working arrangements. However, the design of our internal control framework/objectives over financial reporting is unchanged and the Company does not believe that these changes 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

Except as otherwise provided below, 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.

On May 1, 2018, two former tipped service workers (the “Plaintiffs”), individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated personnel, filed a putative class action lawsuit (the “Complaint”) against the Company and certain subsidiaries as well as certain officers of the Company (the “Defendants”).  Plaintiffs allege on behalf of themselves and the putative class, that the Company violated certain of the New York State Labor Laws and related regulations.  The Complaint seeks unspecified money damages, together with interest, liquidated damages and attorney fees.  There has been no discovery on the merits of the Complaint and the matter is still in the initial stages of discovery concerning whether the named Plaintiffs are seeking to represent an appropriate class of tipped service workers and if so, whether the named Plaintiffs are appropriate class representatives. The Company's Motion to Dismiss the Complaint was denied on June 27, 2019. The Company believes that the allegations and claims in the Complaint are without merit, and it intends to defend itself vigorously in this litigation. However, the outcomes of legal actions are unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, and thus it is inherently difficult to determine the probability or quantification of any loss. Based on information currently available, including the Company’s assessment of the facts underlying the Complaint and advice of counsel, the Company recorded an accrual for this matter and related expenses as of June 27, 2020. 

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

__________________________

- 31 -

* 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.

- 32 -

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:	August 11, 2020
	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)

- 33 -

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Michael Weinstein, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ark Restaurants Corp.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: August 11, 2020

/s/ Michael Weinstein

Michael Weinstein

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Anthony J. Sirica, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Ark Restaurants Corp.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Dated: August 11, 2020

/s/ Anthony J. Sirica

Anthony J. Sirica

Chief Financial Officer

(Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

EX-32

Exhibit 32

Certificate of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906

of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

In connection with the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 27, 2020 of Ark Restaurants Corp. (the “Registrant”) as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Michael Weinstein, Chief Executive Officer and Anthony J. Sirica, Chief Financial Officer, of the Registrant, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, that to our knowledge:

(i) this Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (15 U.S.C. 78m or 78o(d)); and

(ii) the information contained in this Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

Dated as of this 11th day of August 2020

/s/ Michael Weinstein	/s/ Anthony J. Sirica
Michael Weinstein	Anthony J. Sirica
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer	Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)	(Authorized Signatory and Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

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Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Aug. 07, 2020
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	ARK RESTAURANTS CORP
Document Type	10-Q
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--10-03
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0000779544
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Document Period End Date	Jun. 27, 2020
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2020
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Small Business	true
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		3,502,407

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes $714 at June 27, 2020 and $170 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	$ 20,725	$ 7,177
Accounts receivable (includes $127 at June 27, 2020 and $219 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	1,293	2,621
Employee receivables	396	414
Inventories (includes $33 at June 27, 2020 and $41 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	2,660	2,222
Prepaid and refundable income taxes (includes $254 at June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	2,013	254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (includes $7 at June 27, 2020 and $12 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	1,766	1,021
Total current assets	28,853	13,709
FIXED ASSETS - Net (includes $238 at June 27, 2020 and $236 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	38,327	47,781
OPERATING LEASE RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS - Net (includes $2,721 at June 27, 2020 related to VIEs)	55,984	0
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Net	52	303
GOODWILL	15,570	15,570
TRADEMARKS	3,720	3,720
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES	5,466	4,106
INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK	6,860	6,821
OTHER ASSETS (includes $82 at June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	2,428	2,642
TOTAL ASSETS	157,260	94,652
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable - trade (includes $91 at June 27, 2020 and $65 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	2,884	3,549
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (includes $331 at June 27, 2020 and $440 at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)	11,160	10,672
Accrued income taxes	0	285
Dividend payable	876	875
Current portion of operating lease liabilities (includes $221 at June 27, 2020 related to VIEs)	6,222
Current portion of notes payable	2,701	2,701
Total current liabilities	23,843	18,082
OPERATING LEASE DEFERRED CREDIT (includes $(30) at September 28, 2019 related to VIEs)		10,077
OPERATING LEASE LIABILITIES, LESS CURRENT PORTION (includes $2,500 at June 27, 2020 related to VIEs)	51,587
NOTES PAYABLE, LESS CURRENT PORTION, net of deferred financing costs (includes $723 at June 27, 2020 related to VIEs)	43,701	23,786
TOTAL LIABILITIES	119,131	51,945
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share - authorized, 10,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 3,502 shares at June 27, 2020 and 3,499 shares at September 28, 2019	35	35
Additional paid-in capital	13,440	13,277
Retained earnings	24,010	28,552
Total Ark Restaurants Corp. shareholders’ equity	37,485	41,864
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS	644	843
TOTAL EQUITY	38,129	42,707
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 157,260	$ 94,652

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,725	$ 7,177
Accounts receivable	1,293	2,621
Inventories	2,660	2,222
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	2,013	254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,766	1,021
Fixed Assets	38,327	47,781
Operating lease right-of-use asset	55,984	0
Other assets	2,428	2,642
Accounts payable - trade	2,884	3,549
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	11,160	10,672
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	6,222
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	51,587
Notes payable, less current portion	$ 43,701	$ 23,786
Common stock, par value (in USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, authorized (in shares)	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, issued (in shares)	3,502,000	3,499,000
Common stock, outstanding (in shares)	3,502,000	3,499,000
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 714	$ 170
Accounts receivable	127	219
Inventories	33	41
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	254	254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7	12
Fixed Assets	238	236
Operating lease right-of-use asset	2,721
Other assets	82	82
Accounts payable - trade	91	65
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	331	440
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	221
Operating lease deferred credit		(30)
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	2,500
Notes payable, less current portion	$ 723	$ 0

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
REVENUES:
Total revenues	$ 7,199	$ 44,807	$ 84,716	$ 120,667
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Payroll expenses	3,701	14,864	31,925	41,948
Other operating costs and expenses	852	4,840	11,834	15,051
General and administrative expenses	2,437	3,238	7,888	8,840
Loss of termination of lease	0	0	364	0
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park	0	0	0	1,106
Depreciation and amortization	981	1,174	3,188	3,568
Total costs and expenses	12,822	40,076	89,839	115,553
OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)	(5,623)	4,731	(5,123)	5,114
INTEREST (INCOME) EXPENSE:
Interest expense	283	373	1,045	1,031
Interest income	(29)	(19)	(103)	(48)
Total interest expense, net	254	354	942	983
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES	(5,877)	4,377	(6,065)	4,131
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(3,118)	283	(3,213)	728
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME (LOSS)	(2,759)	4,094	(2,852)	3,403
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests	233	(132)	61	(172)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.	$ (2,526)	$ 3,962	$ (2,791)	$ 3,231
NET INCOME (LOSS) PER ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. COMMON SHARE:
Basic (in USD per share)	$ (0.72)	$ 1.14	$ (0.80)	$ 0.93
Diluted (in USD per share)	$ (0.72)	$ 1.12	$ (0.80)	$ 0.92
WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic (in shares)	3,502	3,481	3,500	3,477
Diluted (in shares)	3,502	3,530	3,500	3,531
Food and beverage sales
REVENUES:
Total revenues	$ 6,907	$ 43,888	$ 82,850	$ 118,212
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of goods and services sold	1,847	11,714	22,366	31,982
Other revenue
REVENUES:
Total revenues	292	919	1,866	2,455
Occupancy expenses
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Cost of goods and services sold	$ 3,004	$ 4,246	$ 12,274	$ 13,058

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-In Capital	Retained Earnings	Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’ Equity	Non- controlling Interests
BALANCE (in shares) at Sep. 29, 2018		3,470,000
BALANCE at Sep. 29, 2018	$ 43,736	$ 35	$ 12,897	$ 29,364	$ 42,296	$ 1,440
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	3,403			3,231	3,231	172
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		41,000
Exercise of stock options	503		503		503
Purchase and retirement of treasury stock (in shares)		(12,000)
Purchase and retirement of treasury shares	(235)		(235)		(235)
Stock-based compensation	89
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(291)					(291)
Dividends paid and accrued	(2,613)			(2,613)	(2,613)
BALANCE (in shares) at Jun. 29, 2019		3,499,000
BALANCE at Jun. 29, 2019	44,592	$ 35	13,254	29,982	43,271	1,321
BALANCE (in shares) at Mar. 29, 2019		3,477,000
BALANCE at Mar. 29, 2019	41,245	$ 35	13,015	26,895	39,945	1,300
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	4,094			3,962	3,962	132
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		34,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 409		409		409
Purchase and retirement of treasury stock (in shares)	(11,774)	(12,000)
Purchase and retirement of treasury shares	$ (235)		(235)		(235)
Stock-based compensation	65		65		65
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(111)					(111)
Dividends paid and accrued	(875)			(875)	(875)
BALANCE (in shares) at Jun. 29, 2019		3,499,000
BALANCE at Jun. 29, 2019	44,592	$ 35	13,254	29,982	43,271	1,321
BALANCE (in shares) at Sep. 28, 2019		3,499,000
BALANCE at Sep. 28, 2019	42,707	$ 35	13,277	28,552	41,864	843
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	$ (2,852)			(2,791)	(2,791)	(61)
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	3,500	3,000
Exercise of stock options	$ 50		50		50
Stock-based compensation	113		113		113
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(138)					(138)
Dividends paid and accrued	(1,751)			(1,751)	(1,751)
BALANCE (in shares) at Jun. 27, 2020		3,502,000
BALANCE at Jun. 27, 2020	38,129	$ 35	13,440	24,010	37,485	644
BALANCE (in shares) at Mar. 28, 2020		3,502,000
BALANCE at Mar. 28, 2020	40,830	$ 35	13,382	26,536	39,953	877
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income (loss)	(2,759)			(2,526)	(2,526)	(233)
Stock-based compensation	58		58		58
BALANCE (in shares) at Jun. 27, 2020		3,502,000
BALANCE at Jun. 27, 2020	$ 38,129	$ 35	$ 13,440	$ 24,010	$ 37,485	$ 644

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parentheticals) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends accrued (in USD per share)	$ 0.50	$ 0.75
Dividends paid (in USD per share)	$ 0.5	$ 0.75

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CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Consolidated net income (loss)	$ (2,852)	$ 3,403
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Stock-based compensation	113	89
Loss of termination of lease	364	0
Asset impairment on closure of Durgin-Park	0	1,067
Deferred income taxes	(1,360)	122
Accrued interest on note receivable from NMR	(39)	(48)
Depreciation and amortization	3,188	3,568
Change in operating lease assets and liabilities	261	0
Amortization of deferred financing costs	33	25
Operating lease deferred credit	(197)	(350)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	1,328	(248)
Inventories	(438)	(76)
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes	(2,044)	1,352
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(745)	(27)
Other assets	115	35
Accounts payable - trade	(665)	(1,626)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	428	(534)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(2,510)	6,752
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of fixed assets	(2,004)	(2,488)
Loans and advances made to employees	(75)	(201)
Payments received on employee receivables	93	139
Purchase of JB's on the Beach, net of cash acquired	0	(25)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,986)	(2,575)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on notes payable	(1,350)	(933)
Borrowings under credit facility	6,300	650
Repayments of borrowings under credit facility	0	(650)
Proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loans	14,995	0
Payments of debt financing costs	(63)	(51)
Dividends paid	(1,750)	(2,606)
Proceeds from issuance of stock upon exercise of stock options	50	268
Distributions to non-controlling interests	(138)	(291)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,044	(3,613)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	13,548	564
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	7,177	5,012
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	20,725	5,576
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	1,001	907
Income taxes	192	215
Non-cash financing activities:
Accrued divided	876	0
Note payable in connection with the purchase of JB's on the Beach	0	7,000
Changes in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	0	97
Refinancing of credit facility borrowings to term notes	$ 0	$ 3,200

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation and Critical Accounting Policies

BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated condensed balance sheet as of September 28, 2019, which has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 28, 2019 (“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.

COVID-19 PANDEMIC — On March 11, 2020, in light of the rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus (“COVID-19” or "Coronavirus"), the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak to be a global pandemic and the United States declared a National Public Health Emergency. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted consumer demand, as well as the Company’s restaurant operations. Following the pandemic declaration in March 2020, federal, state and local governments began to respond to the public health crisis by requiring social distancing, "stay at home" directives, and mandatory closure of all of our locations.

As a result of state and local governments lifting “stay at home” orders and mandatory shut-down requirements in May and June 2020, the Company has reopened: (i) all of its properties located in Florida and Alabama, (ii) its operations in the New York-New York Hotel & Casino Resort in Las Vegas, (iii) Sequoia in Washington, DC, (iv) The Porch at Bryant Park in New York, NY, (v) Bryant Park Grill and Café in New York, NY, and (vi) El Rio Grande in New York, NY at varying levels of limited capacity as allowed by federal, state and local governments.

Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020, the Company has temporarily closed several restaurants, typically for one to five days. The Coronavirus has caused unprecedented business disruptions, especially in the hospitality industry. Although we have experienced some recovery from the initial impact of COVID-19, the long-term impact of COVID-19 on the economy and on our business remains uncertain, the duration and scope of which cannot currently be predicted.

As a result of these developments, the Company is experiencing a significant negative impact on its revenues, results of operations and cash flows, which could negatively impact its ability to meet its obligations over the next 12 months. However, we believe that our existing cash balances, which include the proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loans (see Note 7 - Notes Payable) and actions taken by management, set out below and otherwise, will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements through August 12, 2021.

In response to the business disruption and liquidity concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company has taken the following actions, which management expects will enable it to meet its obligations over the next 12 months:

• While restaurants were closed or continue to be closed, we furloughed all hourly employees and approximately 95% of salaried restaurant management personnel, while enacting salary reductions for all remaining restaurant management personnel.

• As restaurants re-open, restaurant management salaries were restored to 70% of pre-pandemic amounts. When a location is producing sustained cash flows, restaurant management salaries were restored to 100% of pre-pandemic amounts.

• Initially reduced the pay of all corporate and administrative staff by 50% to 75% and senior management salaries by 75% to 95%, and temporarily suspended all board fees. As of June 27, 2020, most corporate salaries have been restored to 65% of pre-pandemic levels.

• Entered into a Payment Suspension Agreement with its bank which deferred aggregate principal payments of $675,000 due on June 1, 2020 to the respective loan maturity dates. In addition, the bank agreed to relaxed financial covenants through fiscal Q3 2021 (see Note 7 - Notes Payable).

• Canceled the payment of the $0.25 dividend declared on March 2, 2020 (see Note 14 - Subsequent Events).

• Suspended future dividend payments until such time as the Board deems appropriate to reinstate.

• Canceled or delayed all non-essential capital expenditures.

• Suspended the vast majority of lease payments for the months of April, May and June 2020 and through August 2020 for all locations that are still closed and is currently in negotiations for rent concessions, abatements and deferrals with its landlords to reduce these lease payments. While most landlords have agreed to certain concessions subsequent to quarter end, there can be no assurance that the Company will be successful in obtaining all of the relief it is seeking.

• Certain Company subsidiaries applied for and received a total of approximately $15.0 million of loans under the Paycheck Protection Program of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), which was enacted March 27, 2020 (see Note 7 - Notes Payable).

• Utilized additional provisions of the CARES Act to obtain tax savings as well as the deferral of our portion of social security taxes to future years.

Due to the rapid development and fluidity of this situation, the management cannot determine the ultimate impact that the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity, future results of operations, suppliers, industry, and workforce and therefore any prediction as to the ultimate material adverse impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition, liquidity, and future results of operations is uncertain. The disruption in operations has led the Company to consider the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on its liquidity, debt covenant compliance, and recoverability of long-lived and ROU assets, goodwill and intangible assets, among others. In addition, we cannot predict how soon we will be able to reopen all of our restaurants at full capacity, and our ability to reopen will depend in part on the actions of a number of governmental bodies over which we have no control. Moreover, once restrictions are lifted, it is unclear how quickly customers will return to our restaurants, which may be a function of continued concerns over safety and/or depressed consumer sentiment due to adverse economic conditions, including job losses. If these disruptions continue, the Company expects a continued material negative impact on its consolidated financial condition, future results of operations and liquidity. The extent of such negative impact will be determined, in part, by the longevity and severity of the pandemic.

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION — The consolidated condensed 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 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. The accounting estimates that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments include projected cash flow, allowances for potential bad debts on receivables, assumptions regarding discount rates related to lease accounting, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments and share-based compensation, the realizable value of its tax assets and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Because of the uncertainty in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates. The results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending October 3, 2020.

RECLASSIFICATIONS — Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. The Company eliminated the presentation of restaurant operating income (loss) as a non-GAAP measure from its consolidated condensed statements of operations.

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 dates 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 upon satisfaction of the performance obligation. 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.

As of June 27, 2020, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from three hotel operators totaling 82% of total accounts receivable. As of September 28, 2019, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from one hotel operator totaling 34% of total accounts receivable.

For the 13-week period ended June 27, 2020, the Company made purchases from three vendors that accounted for 46% of total purchases. For the 13-week period ended June 29, 2019, the Company did not make purchases from any one vendor that accounted for 10% or greater of total purchases.

For the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020, the Company made purchases from one vendor that accounted for 10% of total purchases. For the 39-week period ended June 29, 2019, the Company did not make purchases from any one vendor that accounted for 10% or greater of total purchases.

As of June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, all debt outstanding, other than Paycheck Protection Program loans, is with one lender (see Note 7 – Notes Payable).

GOODWILL AND TRADEMARKS — Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis. We assess the potential impairment of goodwill and trademarks annually (at the end of our fourth quarter) and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or trademarks are impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy, including but not limited to, the volatility of the Company's stock price, temporary closure of the Company's restaurants and the challenging environment for the restaurant industry in general, the Company determined that there were indicators of potential impairment of its goodwill and trademarks during the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020. As such, the Company performed a qualitative assessment for both goodwill and its trademarks and concluded that the fair value of these assets exceeded their carrying values. Accordingly, the Company did not record any impairment to its goodwill or trademarks during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020. The ultimate severity and longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, and therefore, it is possible that impairments could be identified in future periods, and such amounts could be material.

LONG-LIVED AND RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS — Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, purchased intangibles subject to amortization, and right-of-use assets ("ROU assets") are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including estimated future sales growth and estimated profit margins are included in this analysis.

The Company considers a triggering event related to long-lived assets or ROU assets in a net asset position to have occurred related to a specific restaurant if the restaurant’s cash flows for the last 12 months are less than a minimum threshold or if consistent levels of undiscounted cash flows for the remaining lease period are less than the carrying value of the restaurant’s assets. Additionally, the Company considers a triggering event related to ROU assets to have occurred related to a specific lease if the location has been subleased and future estimated sublease income is less than current lease payments. If the Company concludes that the carrying value of certain long-lived and ROU assets will not be recovered based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded to reduce the long-lived or ROU assets to their estimated fair value. The fair value is measured on a nonrecurring basis using unobservable (Level 3) inputs. There is uncertainty in the projected undiscounted future cash flows used in the Company's impairment review analysis, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. If actual performance does not achieve the projections, or if the assumptions used change in the future, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods, and such charges could be material.

Based on the results of this analysis, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $364,000 related to long-lived assets and ROU assets during the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 (see Note 4 – Recent Restaurant Dispositions). Given the inherent uncertainty in projecting results of restaurants under the current circumstances, particularly taking into account the projected impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company is monitoring the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of several restaurants on an ongoing basis. For these restaurants, if expected performance is not realized, an impairment charge may be recognized in future periods, and such charge could be material.

REVENUE RECOGNITION — We recognize revenues when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a restaurant guest or other customer. Revenues from restaurant operations are presented net of discounts, coupons, employee meals and complimentary meals 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. Catering service revenue is generated through contracts with customers whereby the customer agrees to pay a contract rate for the service. 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 contract liability until such time. We recognized $25,000 and $3,840,000 in catering services revenue for the 13-week periods ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively, and $7,259,000 and $11,322,000 for the 39-week periods ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively. Unearned revenue, which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated condensed balance sheets as of June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, was $3,753,000 and $4,549,000, respectively.

LEASES — We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. An arrangement contains a lease if it implicitly or explicitly identifies an asset to be used and conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. As a lessee, we include operating leases in Operating lease right-of-use assets and Operating lease liabilities in our consolidated condensed balance sheet. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease.  Options are included when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Amendments or modifications to lease terms are accounted for as variable lease payments. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are accounted for using the practical expedient which allows for straight-line rent expense over the remaining term of the lease. 

SEGMENT REPORTING — As of June 27, 2020, the Company owned and operated 20 restaurants and bars, 17 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, 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 February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about leases. The Company adopted the new standard on September 29, 2019 (the first day of fiscal year 2020) using the modified retrospective approach, without restating comparative periods for those lease contracts for which we have taken possession of the property as of September 28, 2019. Accordingly, prior period amounts were not revised and continue to be reported in accordance with ASC Topic 840 (“ASC 840”), the accounting standard then in effect. As part of our adoption we elected the "package of practical expedients", as well as the hindsight practical expedient, permitted under the new guidance, which, among other things, allowed the Company to continue utilizing historical classifications of leases as well as allowing us to combine lease and non-lease components of our real estate leases. We also elected to adopt the short-term lease exception for all leases with terms of 12 months or less and account for them using straight-line rent expense over the remaining life of the lease. As a result of the adoption of this guidance, we recorded ROU assets of $62,330,000 and lease liabilities related to our real estate operating leases of $63,943,000. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact retained earnings or our consolidated condensed statement of operations and had no impact on cash flows.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Non-employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to non-employees for goods and services. Under this ASU, the guidance on share-based payments to non-employees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees, with certain exceptions. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.  Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED — In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which modifies Topic 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and for the interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting ASU 2019-12 to determine the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

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VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entities

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:

	June 27, 2020		September 28, 2019
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	714	$	170
Accounts receivable	127		219
Inventories	33		41
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	254		254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7		12
Due from Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates (1)	336		392
Fixed assets - net	238		236
Operating lease right-of-use assets - net	2,721		—
Other assets	82		82
Total assets	$	4,512	$	1,406
Accounts payable - trade	$	91	$	65
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	331		440
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	221		—
Operating lease deferred credit	—		(30		)
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	2,500		—
Notes payable, less current portion	723		—
Total liabilities	3,866		475
Equity of variable interest entities	646		931
Total liabilities and equity	$	4,512	$	1,406

(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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RECENT RESTAURANT EXPANSION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Recent Restaurant Expansion and Other Developments

RECENT RESTAURANT EXPANSION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS

On May 15, 2019, the Company, through a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary, acquired the assets of JB's on the Beach, a restaurant and bar located in Deerfield Beach, Florida, for $7,036,000 as set out below. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan from the Company’s existing lender in the amount of $7,000,000 and cash from operations.

The fair values of the assets acquired, none of which are amortizable, were allocated as follows (amounts in thousands):

Cash	$	11
Inventory	80
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	200
Trademarks	1,110
Goodwill	5,690
Liabilities assumed	(55		)
	$	7,036

Goodwill recognized in connection with this transaction represents the residual amount of the purchase price over separately identifiable intangible assets and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

Concurrent with the acquisition, the Company entered into a 20-year lease (with a five-year extension option) for the restaurant facility and parking lot with the former owner of JB's on the Beach, who is also the owner of the underlying real estate. Payments under the lease are $600,000 per year with 10% increases every five years.

The consolidated condensed statements of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 include revenues and income (loss) of approximately $646,000 and $6,126,000 and $(307,000) and $316,000, respectively, related to JB's on the Beach. The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based upon the Company’s historical consolidated condensed statements of income for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 29, 2019 and includes the results of operations for JB's on the Beach for the period prior to acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information (which is presented in thousands except per share and share data), which has been adjusted for payments under the lease discussed above as well as interest expense of the term loan, is presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of what actual results of operations would have been had the acquisition of JB's on the Beach occurred on the dates indicated, nor does it purport to represent the results of operations for future periods.  

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 29, 2019		June 29, 2019
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Total revenues	$	46,423	$	128,445
Net income	$	4,123	$	3,891
Net income per share - basic	$	1.18	$	1.12
Net income per share - diluted	$	1.17	$	1.10
Basic	3,481		3,477
Diluted	3,530		3,531

During 2019, the Company was advised by the landlord of our food court at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Hollywood, Florida, that they were exercising their right to relocate our space, at their sole cost, as contractually agreed to in the original lease. The new facilities were completed on September 16, 2019, on which date we closed our existing location and opened the new facilities. The Company recorded the value of the renovations made by the landlord, which includes leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, in the amount of $5,474,000 with a corresponding increase in deferred rent. The net book value of the existing leasehold improvements relating to the original location in the amount of $918,000 is being reflected as a reduction of deferred rent on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

During 2019, the Company was advised by the landlord of our food court at the Hard Rock Casino and Hotel in Tampa, Florida, that they were exercising their right to renovate the front of the house space, at their sole cost, as contractually agreed to in the original lease. In connection with this renovation, we closed our existing facilities on June 2, 2019 and re-opened the renovated facilities on September 28, 2019. The Company recorded the value of the renovations made by the landlord, which includes leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment, in the amount of $3,179,000 with a corresponding increase in deferred rent. The net book value of the existing leasehold improvements relating to the original location in the amount of $459,000 is being reflected as a reduction of deferred rent on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease term.

On September 29, 2019, upon adoption of ASC 842, the unamortized Hollywood and Tampa balances of leasehold improvements and deferred rent in the amounts of $8,269,000 and $7,198,000, respectively, were reclassified as ROU assets in the net amount of $1,071,000 and are being amortized to lease expense on a straight-line basis over the remaining terms of the respective leases.

The Company is in the process of developing three restaurants in Easton, Ohio in partnership with the landlord of the facility. Included in fixed assets are costs of approximately $500,000 in connection with the project. The Company expects the properties to open in fiscal 2021 and 2022.

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RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Recent Restaurant Dispositions [Abstract]

Recent Restaurant Dispositions

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 consolidated condensed statements of operations for the 39 weeks ended June 29, 2019 are losses on closure in the amount of $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.

On April 2, 2020, the Company advised the landlord of a catering space in New York, NY that we would be terminating the lease. In connection with this notification, the Company recorded a loss of $364,000 during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2020, consisting of (i) rent accrued in accordance with the termination provisions of the lease, (ii) the write-off of the unamortized balance of purchased leasehold rights, (iii) the write-off of our security deposit, (iv) the write-off of ROU assets and related lease liabilities, and (v) the write-off of net book value of fixed assets.

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INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

ASU 2016-01 Transition [Abstract]

Investment in and Receivable from New Meadowlands Racetrack

INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM 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 September 30, 2018, the Company elected to account for this investment at cost, less impairment, adjusted for subsequent observable price changes in accordance with ASU No. 2016-01. Such change did not affect the value of our investment in NMR. There are no observable prices for this investment.

Due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy, including but not limited to, the temporary closure of the NMR facility, the Company evaluated its investment in NMR for impairment and concluded that its fair value exceeds the carrying value. Accordingly, the Company did not record any impairment during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020. The ultimate severity and longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, and therefore, it is possible that impairments could be identified in future periods, and such amounts could be material. 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 June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, 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 $1,753,000 and $1,713,000 are included in Investment In and Receivable From New Meadowlands Racetrack in the consolidated condensed balance sheets at June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, respectively.

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ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

	June 27, 2020		September 28, 2019
	(In thousands)
Sales tax payable	$	312	$	1,141
Accrued wages and payroll related costs	2,001		2,942
Customer advance deposits	4,130		5,071
Accrued occupancy and other operating expenses	4,717		1,518
	$	11,160	$	10,672

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NOTES PAYABLE - BANK

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Notes Payable [Abstract]

Notes Payable - Bank

NOTES PAYABLE

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	June 27, 2020			September 28, 2019
	(In thousands)
Promissory Note - Rustic Inn purchase	$	3,901		$	4,043
Promissory Note - Shuckers purchase	4,505			4,675
Promissory Note - Oyster House purchase	4,418			4,728
Promissory Note - JB's on the Beach purchase	6,250			6,750
Promissory Note - Sequoia renovation	2,857			3,086
Revolving Facility	9,666			3,366
Paycheck Protection Program Loans	14,995			—
	46,592			26,648
Less: Current maturities	(2,701		)	(2,701		)
Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs	(190		)	(161		)
Long-term debt	$	43,701		$	23,786

Notes Payable - Bank

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 "Revolving Facility”), which expires on May 31, 2021. The Revolving Facility provides for total availability of the lesser of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) $35,000,000 less the then aggregate amount of all indebtedness and obligations to BHBM. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility are payable upon maturity of the Revolving Facility with interest payable monthly at LIBOR plus 3.5%, subject to adjustment based on certain ratios. As of June 27, 2020 and September 28, 2019, borrowings of $9,666,000 and $3,366,000, respectively, were outstanding under the Revolving Facility and had a weighted average interest rate of 3.0% and 4.9%, respectively. As of June 27, 2020, no amounts were available under the Revolving Facility to be drawn down.

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 60equal monthly installments of $83,333, commencing on November 22, 2015. In connection with the Refinancing, this 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.

• Promissory Note – JB's on the Beach purchase –On May 15, 2019, in connection with the previously discussed acquisition of JB’s on the Beach, the Company issued a promissory note under the Revolving Facility to BHBM for $7,000,000 which is payable in 23 equal quarterly installments of $250,000, commencing on September 1, 2019, with a balloon payment of $1,250,000 on June 1, 2025 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum.

• Promissory Note – Sequoia renovation – Also on May 15, 2019, the Company converted $3,200,000 of Revolving Facility borrowings incurred in connection with the Sequoia renovation to a promissory note which is payable in 23 equal quarterly installments of $114,286, commencing on September 1, 2019, with a balloon payment of $571,429 on June 1, 2025 and bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum.

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. On April 20, 2020, the Company entered into a Payment Suspension Agreement with BHBM which deferred all monthly interest payments through June 1, 2020 and deferred aggregate principal payments of $675,000 due on June 1, 2020 to the respective loan maturity date. In addition, on June 12, 2020, as a result of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, BHBM agreed to relaxed financial covenants through fiscal Q3 2021. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Revolving Facility as of June 27, 2020.

Paycheck Protection Program Loans

During the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020, subsidiaries (the “Borrowers”) of the Company received loan proceeds from several banks (the “Lenders”) in the aggregate amount of $14,995,000 (the “PPP Loans”) under the Paycheck Protection Program (the “PPP”) of the CARES Act, which was enacted March 27, 2020.

The PPP Loans are evidenced by individual promissory notes of each of the Borrowers (together, the “Notes”) in favor of the Lender, which Notes bear interest at the rate of 1.00% per annum. Funds from the PPP Loans may be used only for payroll and related costs, costs used to continue group health care benefits, mortgage payments, rent, utilities, and interest on other debt obligations that were incurred by a Borrower prior to February 15, 2020 (the “Qualifying Expenses”). Under the terms of the PPP Loans, some or all of the amounts thereunder, including accrued interest, may be forgiven if they are used for Qualifying Expenses as described in and in compliance with the CARES Act. No payments of principal or interest are due under the Notes until the date on which the amount of loan forgiveness (if any) under the CARES Act for each respective Note is remitted to the Lender, which can be up to 10 months after the end of the related notes covered period (which is defined as 24 weeks after the date of the loan) (the “Deferral Period”). Each Note may be prepaid by the respective Borrower at any time prior to maturity with no prepayment penalties.

While the Company and each Borrower intends to use the PPP Loan proceeds exclusively for Qualifying Expenses, it is unclear and uncertain whether the conditions for forgiveness of the PPP Loans will be met under the current guidelines of the CARES Act. Accordingly, we cannot make any assurance that the Company, or any of the Borrowers, will be eligible for forgiveness of the PPP Loans, in whole or in part.

To the extent, if any, that any or all of the PPP Loans are not forgiven, beginning one month following expiration of the Deferral Period, and continuing monthly until 24 months from the date of each applicable Note (the “Maturity Date”), each respective Borrower is obligated to make monthly payments of principal and interest to the Lender with respect to any unforgiven portion of the Notes, in such equal amounts required to fully amortize the principal amount outstanding on such Notes as of the last day of the applicable Deferral Period by the applicable Maturity Date. Each Borrower is permitted to prepay its respective Note at any time without payment of any premium.

Debt issuance costs incurred in the amount of $271,000 are being amortized over the life of the agreements using the effective interest rate method and included in interest expense. Amortization expense of approximately $13,000 and $9,000 is included in interest expense for the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively. Amortization expense was $33,000 and $26,000 for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019, respectively.

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LEASES

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Leases

LEASES

Other than locations where we own the underlying property, we lease our restaurant locations as well as our corporate office under various non-cancelable real-estate lease agreements that expire on various dates through 2044. We evaluate whether we control the use of the asset, which is determined by assessing whether we obtain substantially all economic benefits from the use of the asset, and whether we have the right to direct the use of the asset. If these criteria are met and we have identified a lease, we account for the contract under the requirements of ASC 842.

Upon taking possession of a leased asset, we determine its classification as an operating or finance lease. All of our real estate leases are classified as operating leases. We do not have any finance leases as of June 27, 2020. Generally, our real estate leases have initial terms ranging from 10 to 25 years and typically include renewal options. Renewal options are recognized as part of the ROU assets and lease liabilities if it is reasonably certain at the date of adoption that we would exercise the options to extend the lease. Our real estate leases typically provide for fixed minimum rent payments and/or contingent rent payments based upon sales in excess of specified thresholds. When the achievement of such sales thresholds are deemed to be probable, variable lease expense is accrued in proportion to the sales recognized during the period. For operating leases that include rent holidays and rent escalation clauses, we recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term from the date we take possession of the leased property. We record the straight-line lease expense and any contingent rent, if applicable, in occupancy expenses in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Many of our real estate leases also require us to pay real estate taxes, common area maintenance costs and other occupancy costs (“non-lease components”) which are included in occupancy related expenses in the consolidated condensed statements of operations. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

As there were no explicit rates provided in our leases, we used our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments.

The components of lease expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations are as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 27, 2020		June 27, 2020
	(In thousands)		(In thousands)
Operating lease expense - occupancy expenses (1)	$	2,088	$	7,005
Occupancy lease expense - general and administrative expenses	158		481
Variable lease expense	132		2,500
Total lease expense	$	2,378	$	9,986

_________________________________

(1) Includes short-term leases, which are immaterial.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases:

	39 Weeks Ended
	June 27, 2020
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows related to operating leases	$	8,086
Non-cash investing activities:
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	62,330

The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates as of June 27, 2020 are as follows:

	Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	10.8 Years	5.5	%

The annual maturities of our lease liabilities as of June 27, 2020 are as follows:

	Operating Leases
Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
October 3, 2020	$	2,290
October 2, 2021	9,236
October 1, 2022	9,313
September 30, 2023	7,800
September 28, 2024	7,413
Thereafter	40,592
Total future lease commitments	76,644
Less imputed interest	(18,835		)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	57,809

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases — The Company leases several restaurants, bar facilities, and administrative headquarters through its subsidiaries under terms expiring at various dates through 2044. 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.

LegalProceedings — In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is a party to various lawsuits arising from accidents at its restaurants and workers' 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.

On May 1, 2018, two former tipped service workers (the “Plaintiffs”), individually and on behalf of all other similarly situated personnel, filed a putative class action lawsuit (the “Complaint”) against the Company and certain subsidiaries as well as certain officers of the Company (the “Defendants”).  Plaintiffs allege on behalf of themselves and the putative class, that the Company violated certain of the New York State Labor Laws and related regulations.  The Complaint seeks unspecified money damages, together with interest, liquidated damages and attorney fees.  There has been no discovery on the merits of the Complaint and the matter is still in the initial stages of discovery concerning whether the named Plaintiffs are seeking to represent an appropriate class of tipped service workers and if so, whether the named Plaintiffs are appropriate class representatives. The Company's Motion to Dismiss the Complaint was denied on June 27, 2019. The Company believes that the allegations and claims in the Complaint are without merit, and it intends to defend itself vigorously in this litigation. However, the outcomes of legal actions are unpredictable and subject to significant uncertainties, and thus it is inherently difficult to determine the probability or quantification of any loss. Based on information currently available, including the Company’s assessment of the facts underlying the Complaint and advice of counsel, the Company recorded an accrual for this matter and related expenses as of June 27, 2020.

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STOCK OPTIONS

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Stock Options

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 10 years after the date of grant.

During the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020, options to purchase 266,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $21.90 per share were granted to employees, directors of the Company and other service providers.  Such options are exercisable as to 50% of the shares commencing on the second anniversary of the date of grant and as to the remaining 50% commencing on the fourth anniversary of the date of grant. The grant date fair value of these stock options was $3.35 per share.

The fair value of each of the Company’s stock options is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses assumptions that relate to the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock, the expected dividend yield of our stock, the expected life of the options and the risk free interest rate. The assumptions used for the above grant include a risk free interest rate of 1.54%, volatility of 30.3%, a dividend yield of 5.2% and an expected life of 10 years.

During the 13-week period ended June 29, 2019, options to purchase 23,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $19.61 per share were granted to employees of the Company.  Such options are exercisable as to 50% of the shares commencing on the date of grant and as to an additional 50% commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant. Such options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $3.48 per share and totaled approximately $80,000.    

During the 13-week period ended June 29, 2019, options to purchase 11,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $20.18 per share were granted to employees of the Company.  Such options are exercisable as to 25% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and 25% on the second, third and fourth anniversary thereof.  Such options had an aggregate grant date fair value of $3.55 per share and totaled approximately $39,000.  

During the 13 weeks ended June 29, 2019, options to purchase 19,500 shares of common stock with a strike price of $12.04 were exercised on a net issue basis as provided in the 2010 Plan. Accordingly, 11,774 shares were immediately repurchased and retired from treasury.

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:

	2020
	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price	Weighted Average Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of period	363,500		$19.25	4.7 Years
Options:
Granted	266,500		$21.90
Exercised	(3,500	)	$14.40
Canceled or expired	—
Outstanding and expected to vest, end of period	626,500		$20.41	6.4 Years	$	—
Exercisable, end of period	337,500		$19.26	3.7 Years	$	—
Shares available for future grant	174,500

Compensation cost charged to operations for the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 for share-based compensation programs was approximately $58,000 and $65,000, respectively, and for the 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 and June 29, 2019 was approximately $113,000 and $89,000, respectively. The compensation cost recognized is classified as a general and administrative expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations.

As of June 27, 2020, there was approximately $834,000 of unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a period of 3.6 years.

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INCOME TAXES

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

INCOME TAXES

We calculate our interim income tax provision in accordance with ASC Topic 270, Interim Reporting and ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Income Taxes. At the end of each interim period, we estimate the annual effective tax rate and apply that rate to our ordinary year to date earnings. The related tax expense or benefit is recognized in the interim period in which it occurs. In addition, the effect of changes in enacted tax laws, rates or tax status is recognized in the interim period in which the change occurs. The computation of the annual estimated effective tax rate at each interim period requires certain estimates and significant judgment including the expected operating (loss) income for the year, permanent and temporary differences as a result of differences between amounts measured and recognized in accordance with tax laws and financial accounting standards, and the likelihood of recovering deferred tax assets generated in the current fiscal year. The accounting estimates used to compute income tax expense may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained, or the tax environment changes.

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted to provide economic relief to those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes provisions, among others, allowing for the carryback of net operating losses generated in 2018, 2019 and 2020, refunds of alternative minimum tax credits, temporary modifications to the limitations placed on the tax deductibility of net interest expense, and technical amendments regarding the expensing of qualified improvement property.

As a result of the CARES Act, the Company is expecting to carry back estimated taxable losses in fiscal year 2020 to previous tax years in which the Company was subject to higher federal corporate income tax rates. The Company accounted for this income tax benefit as part of its estimated annual effective tax rate.

The income tax benefit for the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020 was $(3,213,000). The effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended June 27, 2020 of 52.3% differed from the statutory rate of 21% primarily as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits and the incremental benefit arising from the ability to carry back the 2020 net operating loss to prior years when the tax rate was 34%.

The income tax provision for the 39-week period ended June 29, 2019 was $728,000 and includes a discrete tax provision of approximately $304,000 in connection with the settlement of various state and local tax examinations as well as changes in the uncertain tax position liability as a result of lapses in the statute of limitations. The effective tax rate for the 39-week period ended June 29, 2019 of 17.6% differed from the statutory rate of 21% as a result of the tax benefits related to the generation of FICA tax credits, a discrete tax provision in connection with the settlement of various state and local tax examinations offset by changes in the uncertain tax position liability as a result of lapses in the statute of limitations during the interim period ended June 29, 2019.

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.

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INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Income Per Share of Common Stock

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 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.

A reconciliation of shares used in calculating earnings per basic and diluted share follows:

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 27,	June 29,	June 27,	June 29,
	2020	2019	2020	2019
Basic	3,502	3,481	3,500	3,477
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—	49	—	54
Diluted	3,502	3,530	3,500	3,531

For the 13-week and 39-week periods ended June 27, 2020, the dilutive effect of options to purchase 129,000 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 172,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.50 per share, options to purchase 20,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $22.30 per share, options to purchase 11,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $20.18 per share and options to purchase 266,500 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $21.90 per share were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

For the 13-week and 39-week periods ended June 29, 2019, the dilutive effect of options to purchase 209,000 shares of common stock at an exercise prices ranging from $20.18 per share to $22.50 per share were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

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DIVIDENDS

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Dividends [Abstract]

Dividends

DIVIDENDS

On November 26, 2019, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock which was paid on January 7, 2020, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 16, 2019.

On March 13, 2020, the Company announced that, in light of the unprecedented circumstances and rapidly changing situation with respect to COVID-19, as part of an overall plan to preserve cash flow, the Board of Directors determined that it was appropriate for the Company to defer payment of the dividend that was declared on March 2, 2020. Payment of such dividend, which was scheduled for April 6, 2020 to shareholders of record on March 16, 2020, was canceled on July 1, 2020 (see Note 14 – Subsequent Events).

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. The Company does not expect to pay quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future as a result of the disruption to its operations from the COVID-19 pandemic.

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SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Cancellation of Dividend

As a result of disruption to the Company's operations from the COVID-19 pandemic, on July 1, the Board of Directors unanimously approved the cancellation of the divided that was declared on March 2, 2020.

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Principles of Consolidation

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION — The consolidated condensed 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 financial statements are certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

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. The accounting estimates that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments include projected cash flow, allowances for potential bad debts on receivables, assumptions regarding discount rates related to lease accounting, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments and share-based compensation, the realizable value of its tax assets and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Because of the uncertainty in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates. The results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for any other interim period or for the year ending October 3, 2020.

Reclassifications

RECLASSIFICATIONS — Certain reclassifications of prior period amounts have been made to conform to the current period presentation. The Company eliminated the presentation of restaurant operating income (loss) as a non-GAAP measure from its consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Seasonality

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

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 dates and approximate the carrying value of such debt instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

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 upon satisfaction of the performance obligation. 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.

Goodwill and Trademarks

GOODWILL AND TRADEMARKS — Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis. We assess the potential impairment of goodwill and trademarks annually (at the end of our fourth quarter) and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or trademarks are impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated condensed statements of operations.

Due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy, including but not limited to, the volatility of the Company's stock price, temporary closure of the Company's restaurants and the challenging environment for the restaurant industry in general, the Company determined that there were indicators of potential impairment of its goodwill and trademarks during the 13 weeks ended June 27, 2020. As such, the Company performed a qualitative assessment for both goodwill and its trademarks and concluded that the fair value of these assets exceeded their carrying values. Accordingly, the Company did not record any impairment to its goodwill or trademarks during the 13 and 39 weeks ended June 27, 2020. The ultimate severity and longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, and therefore, it is possible that impairments could be identified in future periods, and such amounts could be material.

Long-lived And Right-Of-Use-Assets

LONG-LIVED AND RIGHT-OF-USE ASSETS — Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, purchased intangibles subject to amortization, and right-of-use assets ("ROU assets") are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including estimated future sales growth and estimated profit margins are included in this analysis.

The Company considers a triggering event related to long-lived assets or ROU assets in a net asset position to have occurred related to a specific restaurant if the restaurant’s cash flows for the last 12 months are less than a minimum threshold or if consistent levels of undiscounted cash flows for the remaining lease period are less than the carrying value of the restaurant’s assets. Additionally, the Company considers a triggering event related to ROU assets to have occurred related to a specific lease if the location has been subleased and future estimated sublease income is less than current lease payments. If the Company concludes that the carrying value of certain long-lived and ROU assets will not be recovered based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded to reduce the long-lived or ROU assets to their estimated fair value. The fair value is measured on a nonrecurring basis using unobservable (Level 3) inputs. There is uncertainty in the projected undiscounted future cash flows used in the Company's impairment review analysis, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. If actual performance does not achieve the projections, or if the assumptions used change in the future, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods, and such charges could be material.

Revenue Recognition

REVENUE RECOGNITION — We recognize revenues when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a restaurant guest or other customer. Revenues from restaurant operations are presented net of discounts, coupons, employee meals and complimentary meals 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. Catering service revenue is generated through contracts with customers whereby the customer agrees to pay a contract rate for the service. 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 contract liability until such time.

Leases

LEASES — We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. An arrangement contains a lease if it implicitly or explicitly identifies an asset to be used and conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. As a lessee, we include operating leases in Operating lease right-of-use assets and Operating lease liabilities in our consolidated condensed balance sheet. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease.  Options are included when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Amendments or modifications to lease terms are accounted for as variable lease payments. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are accounted for using the practical expedient which allows for straight-line rent expense over the remaining term of the lease.

Segment Reporting

SEGMENT REPORTING — As of June 27, 2020, the Company owned and operated 20 restaurants and bars, 17 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and services, 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 and New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

RECENTLY ADOPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES — In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting, including requiring lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for leases with lease terms of more than 12 months. The new guidance also requires additional disclosures about leases. The Company adopted the new standard on September 29, 2019 (the first day of fiscal year 2020) using the modified retrospective approach, without restating comparative periods for those lease contracts for which we have taken possession of the property as of September 28, 2019. Accordingly, prior period amounts were not revised and continue to be reported in accordance with ASC Topic 840 (“ASC 840”), the accounting standard then in effect. As part of our adoption we elected the "package of practical expedients", as well as the hindsight practical expedient, permitted under the new guidance, which, among other things, allowed the Company to continue utilizing historical classifications of leases as well as allowing us to combine lease and non-lease components of our real estate leases. We also elected to adopt the short-term lease exception for all leases with terms of 12 months or less and account for them using straight-line rent expense over the remaining life of the lease. As a result of the adoption of this guidance, we recorded ROU assets of $62,330,000 and lease liabilities related to our real estate operating leases of $63,943,000. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact retained earnings or our consolidated condensed statement of operations and had no impact on cash flows.

In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Non-employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which simplifies the accounting for share-based payments granted to non-employees for goods and services. Under this ASU, the guidance on share-based payments to non-employees would be aligned with the requirements for share-based payments granted to employees, with certain exceptions. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2020.  Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS NOT YET ADOPTED — In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which modifies Topic 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and for the interim periods therein. The Company is currently evaluating the effect of adopting ASU 2019-12 to determine the impact on the Company’s consolidated financial position and results of operations.

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VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]

Schedule of Variable Interest Entities

Following are the required disclosures associated with the Company’s consolidated VIEs:

	June 27, 2020		September 28, 2019
	(in thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents	$	714	$	170
Accounts receivable	127		219
Inventories	33		41
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	254		254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7		12
Due from Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates (1)	336		392
Fixed assets - net	238		236
Operating lease right-of-use assets - net	2,721		—
Other assets	82		82
Total assets	$	4,512	$	1,406
Accounts payable - trade	$	91	$	65
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	331		440
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	221		—
Operating lease deferred credit	—		(30		)
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	2,500		—
Notes payable, less current portion	723		—
Total liabilities	3,866		475
Equity of variable interest entities	646		931
Total liabilities and equity	$	4,512	$	1,406

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

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RECENT RESTAURANT EXPANSION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Allocation of Fair Values of Assets Acquired

The fair values of the assets acquired, none of which are amortizable, were allocated as follows (amounts in thousands):

Cash	$	11
Inventory	80
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	200
Trademarks	1,110
Goodwill	5,690
Liabilities assumed	(55		)
	$	7,036

Pro Forma Information

The unaudited pro forma financial information (which is presented in thousands except per share and share data), which has been adjusted for payments under the lease discussed above as well as interest expense of the term loan, is presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of what actual results of operations would have been had the acquisition of JB's on the Beach occurred on the dates indicated, nor does it purport to represent the results of operations for future periods.  

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 29, 2019		June 29, 2019
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)
Total revenues	$	46,423	$	128,445
Net income	$	4,123	$	3,891
Net income per share - basic	$	1.18	$	1.12
Net income per share - diluted	$	1.17	$	1.10
Basic	3,481		3,477
Diluted	3,530		3,531

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ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Disclosure Text Block Supplement [Abstract]

Schedule of Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

	June 27, 2020		September 28, 2019
	(In thousands)
Sales tax payable	$	312	$	1,141
Accrued wages and payroll related costs	2,001		2,942
Customer advance deposits	4,130		5,071
Accrued occupancy and other operating expenses	4,717		1,518
	$	11,160	$	10,672

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NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Notes Payable [Abstract]

Schedule of Debt

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	June 27, 2020			September 28, 2019
	(In thousands)
Promissory Note - Rustic Inn purchase	$	3,901		$	4,043
Promissory Note - Shuckers purchase	4,505			4,675
Promissory Note - Oyster House purchase	4,418			4,728
Promissory Note - JB's on the Beach purchase	6,250			6,750
Promissory Note - Sequoia renovation	2,857			3,086
Revolving Facility	9,666			3,366
Paycheck Protection Program Loans	14,995			—
	46,592			26,648
Less: Current maturities	(2,701		)	(2,701		)
Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs	(190		)	(161		)
Long-term debt	$	43,701		$	23,786

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LEASES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Leases [Abstract]

Lease Cost

The components of lease expense in the consolidated condensed statements of operations are as follows:

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 27, 2020		June 27, 2020
	(In thousands)		(In thousands)
Operating lease expense - occupancy expenses (1)	$	2,088	$	7,005
Occupancy lease expense - general and administrative expenses	158		481
Variable lease expense	132		2,500
Total lease expense	$	2,378	$	9,986

_________________________________

(1) Includes short-term leases, which are immaterial.

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases:

	39 Weeks Ended
	June 27, 2020
	(In thousands)
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows related to operating leases	$	8,086
Non-cash investing activities:
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$	62,330

The weighted average remaining lease terms and discount rates as of June 27, 2020 are as follows:

	Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	Weighted Average Discount Rate
Operating leases	10.8 Years	5.5	%

Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities

The annual maturities of our lease liabilities as of June 27, 2020 are as follows:

	Operating Leases
Fiscal Year Ending	(In thousands)
October 3, 2020	$	2,290
October 2, 2021	9,236
October 1, 2022	9,313
September 30, 2023	7,800
September 28, 2024	7,413
Thereafter	40,592
Total future lease commitments	76,644
Less imputed interest	(18,835		)
Present value of lease liabilities	$	57,809

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STOCK OPTIONS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Share-based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]

Summary of Option Activity

A summary of stock option activity is presented below:

	2020
	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price	Weighted Average Contractual Term	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of period	363,500		$19.25	4.7 Years
Options:
Granted	266,500		$21.90
Exercised	(3,500	)	$14.40
Canceled or expired	—
Outstanding and expected to vest, end of period	626,500		$20.41	6.4 Years	$	—
Exercisable, end of period	337,500		$19.26	3.7 Years	$	—
Shares available for future grant	174,500

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INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Jun. 27, 2020

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted

A reconciliation of shares used in calculating earnings per basic and diluted share follows:

	13 Weeks Ended		39 Weeks Ended
	June 27,	June 29,	June 27,	June 29,
	2020	2019	2020	2019
Basic	3,502	3,481	3,500	3,477
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options	—	49	—	54
Diluted	3,502	3,530	3,500	3,531

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands				3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 20, 2020 USD ($)	Mar. 02, 2020 $ / shares	Nov. 26, 2019 $ / shares	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($) segment $ / shares	Jun. 29, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares	Sep. 28, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 29, 2019 USD ($)
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Deferred aggregate principal payments	$ 675
Deferred dividend payment (in USD per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.25	$ 0.25		$ 0.25	$ 0.50	$ 0.75
Impairment charge				$ 364
Revenues				7,199	$ 44,807	$ 84,716	$ 120,667
Unearned revenue				3,753		3,753		$ 4,549
Right-of-use asset				55,984		55,984		$ 0	$ 62,330
Lease liabilities				57,809		$ 57,809			$ 63,943
Restaurants and Bars
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment						20
Fast Food Concepts and Catering Operations
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment						17
Catering Services
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Revenues				$ 25	$ 3,840	$ 7,259	$ 11,322
Three Vendors
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk				46.00%
Three Hotel Operators | Accounts Receivable
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk						82.00%
One Hotel Operator | Accounts Receivable
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Concentration risk								34.00%
Paycheck Protection Program Loan
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Paycheck Protection Program loan				$ 14,995		$ 14,995
COVID-19
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Restaurant management personnel furloughed						95.00%
Salary restoration, restaurant management						70.00%
Salary restoration for sustained profitability restaurants						100.00%
Salary restoration for corporate staff						65.00%
Deferred aggregate principal payments	$ 675
COVID-19 | Minimum
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Length of restaurant temporary closure						1 day
Temporary salary reduction, corporate and administrative staff						50.00%
Temporary salary reduction, senior management						75.00%
COVID-19 | Maximum
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Length of restaurant temporary closure						5 days
Temporary salary reduction, corporate and administrative staff						75.00%
Temporary salary reduction, senior management						95.00%
COVID-19 | Paycheck Protection Program Loan
Business And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Paycheck Protection Program loan				$ 15,000		$ 15,000

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VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 27, 2020 variable_interest_entity
Variable Interest Entities [Abstract]
Number of VIEs with primary benefits	3

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VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES - Schedule of variable interest entities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2020	Mar. 28, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019	Sep. 28, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Mar. 29, 2019	Sep. 29, 2018
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,725			$ 7,177
Accounts receivable	1,293			2,621
Inventories	2,660			2,222
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	2,013			254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	1,766			1,021
Fixed Assets	38,327			47,781
Operating lease right-of-use asset	55,984		$ 62,330	0
Other assets	2,428			2,642
TOTAL ASSETS	157,260			94,652
Accounts payable - trade	2,884			3,549
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	11,160			10,672
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	6,222
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	51,587
Notes payable, less current portion	43,701			23,786
TOTAL LIABILITIES	119,131			51,945
Equity of variable interest entities	38,129	$ 40,830		42,707	$ 44,592	$ 41,245	$ 43,736
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	157,260			94,652
Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	714			170
Accounts receivable	127			219
Inventories	33			41
Prepaid and refundable income taxes	254			254
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	7			12
Due from Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates	336			392
Fixed Assets	238			236
Operating lease right-of-use asset	2,721
Other assets	82			82
TOTAL ASSETS	4,512			1,406
Accounts payable - trade	91			65
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	331			440
Current portion of operating lease liabilities	221
Operating lease deferred credit				(30)
Operating lease liabilities, less current portion	2,500
Notes payable, less current portion	723			0
TOTAL LIABILITIES	3,866			475
Equity of variable interest entities	646			931
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$ 4,512			$ 1,406

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RECENT RESTAURANT EXPANSION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS - Narrative (Details)					3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 29, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 16, 2019 USD ($)	May 15, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($) developing_restaurant
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Notes payable		$ 26,648,000			$ 46,592,000	$ 46,592,000
Property, plant and equipment, net		47,781,000			38,327,000	38,327,000
Deferred rent		10,077,000
Right-of-use asset	$ 62,330,000	0			55,984,000	$ 55,984,000
Number of developing restaurants | developing_restaurant						3
JB's on the Beach
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Consideration				$ 7,036,000
Notes payable		3,086,000		$ 7,000,000	2,857,000	$ 2,857,000
Revenues of acquiree since acquisition					646,000	6,126,000
Income of acquiree since acquisition					$ (307,000)	316,000
JB's on the Beach
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Lease term				20 years
Lease renewal term				5 years
Annual rent payments				$ 600,000
Rent percent increase every five years				10.00%
Rent increase period				5 years
Easton, Ohio
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, additions						$ 500,000
Leasehold Improvements And Furniture, Fixtures And Equipment | Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, Hollywood Florida
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, additions			$ 5,474,000
Property, plant and equipment, net			918,000
Deferred rent			$ 5,474,000
Leasehold Improvements And Furniture, Fixtures And Equipment | Hard Rock Casino and Hotel, Tampa, Florida
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, additions		3,179,000
Property, plant and equipment, net		459,000
Deferred rent		$ 3,179,000
ASC 842 | Leasehold Improvements And Furniture, Fixtures And Equipment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Right-of-use asset	1,071,000
ASC 842 | Leasehold Improvements And Furniture, Fixtures And Equipment | Hard Rock Casino And Hotel, Hollywood And Tampa, Florida
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, additions	(8,269,000)
Deferred rent	$ (7,198,000)

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RECENT RESTAURANT EXPANSION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS - Schedule of Assets Acquired (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	May 15, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 15,570	$ 15,570
JB's on the Beach
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash			$ 11
Inventory			80
Furniture, fixtures and equipment			200
Trademarks			1,110
Goodwill			5,690
Liabilities assumed			(55)
Assets acquired, net			$ 7,036

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RECENT RESTAURANT EXPANSION AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS - Pro Forma Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Basic (in shares)	3,502	3,481	3,500	3,477
Diluted (in shares)	3,502	3,530	3,500	3,531
JB's on the Beach
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues		$ 46,423		$ 128,445
Net income		$ 4,123		$ 3,891
Net income per share - basic (in USD per share)		$ 1.18		$ 1.12
Net income per share - diluted (in USD per share)		$ 1.17		$ 1.10
Basic (in shares)		3,481		3,477
Diluted (in shares)		3,530		3,531

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RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Mar. 28, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0	$ 1,106
Loss of termination of lease	$ 0	$ 364	$ 0	$ 364	0
Durgin Park
RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Loss on closure of Durgin-Park					1,106
Accelerated depreciation					333
Amortization of prepaid and other expenses					52
Durgin Park | Trademarks
RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Trademark impairment					$ 721

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INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK (Details) - USD ($)					9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Feb. 07, 2017	Apr. 25, 2014	Nov. 19, 2013	Mar. 12, 2013	Jun. 27, 2020	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 28, 2019	Jul. 13, 2016
New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC
INVESTMENT IN NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK (Details) [Line Items]
Payments to acquire businesses				$ 4,200,000
Ownership percentage			7.40%
Payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries	$ 222,000		$ 464,000			$ 222,000
Long-term Investments					$ 5,108,000
Meadowlands Newmark LLC
INVESTMENT IN NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK (Details) [Line Items]
Ownership percentage			11.60%	63.70%
Loans to related party		$ 1,500,000
Interest rate		3.00%
Loan maturity date		Jan. 31, 2024
Additional loan								$ 200,000
Principal and accrued interest					$ 1,753,000		$ 1,713,000
Ark Meadowlands LLC
INVESTMENT IN NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK (Details) [Line Items]
Ownership percentage by parent					97.00%
Profit participation percentage					5.00%
Maximum loss					$ 0		$ 0

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ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES - Schedule of Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019
Schedule of Accrued Expenses And Other Current Liabilities [Abstract]
Sales tax payable	$ 312	$ 1,141
Accrued wages and payroll related costs	2,001	2,942
Customer advance deposits	4,130	5,071
Accrued occupancy and other operating expenses	4,717	1,518
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	$ 11,160	$ 10,672

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NOTES PAYABLE - BANK - Schedule of Long-term Debt (Details) - USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019	May 15, 2019
NOTES PAYABLE - Schedule of Long-term debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 46,592,000	$ 26,648,000
Less: Current maturities	(2,701,000)	(2,701,000)
Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs	(190,000)	(161,000)
Long-term debt	43,701,000	23,786,000
Revolving Credit Facility
NOTES PAYABLE - Schedule of Long-term debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	9,666,000	3,366,000
The Rustic Inn
NOTES PAYABLE - Schedule of Long-term debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	3,901,000	4,043,000
Shuckers Inc
NOTES PAYABLE - Schedule of Long-term debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	4,505,000	4,675,000
Oyster House
NOTES PAYABLE - Schedule of Long-term debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	4,418,000	4,728,000
Sequoia Renovation
NOTES PAYABLE - Schedule of Long-term debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	6,250,000	6,750,000
JB's on the Beach
NOTES PAYABLE - Schedule of Long-term debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	2,857,000	3,086,000	$ 7,000,000
Paycheck Protection Program Loan
NOTES PAYABLE - Schedule of Long-term debt [Line Items]
Notes payable	$ 14,995,000	$ 0

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NOTES PAYABLE - BANK - Narrative (Details)								3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Apr. 20, 2020 USD ($)	May 15, 2019 USD ($) installment	Jun. 01, 2018 USD ($) installment	Nov. 30, 2016 USD ($) installment	Oct. 22, 2015 USD ($) installment	Feb. 24, 2014 USD ($) installment	Feb. 25, 2013 USD ($) installment	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2019 USD ($)	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2019 USD ($)	Sep. 28, 2019 USD ($)
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Notes payable								$ 46,592,000		$ 46,592,000		$ 26,648,000
Deferred aggregate principal payments	$ 675,000
Deferred financing costs incurred								271,000		271,000
Amortization								13,000	$ 9,000	33,000	$ 26,000
The Rustic Inn
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Notes payable								3,901,000		3,901,000		4,043,000
Shuckers Inc
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Notes payable								4,505,000		4,505,000		4,675,000
Oyster House
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Notes payable								4,418,000		4,418,000		4,728,000
JB's on the Beach
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Notes payable		$ 7,000,000						2,857,000		2,857,000		3,086,000
Sequoia Renovation
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Notes payable								6,250,000		6,250,000		6,750,000
Paycheck Protection Program Loan
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Notes payable								14,995,000		14,995,000		0
Paycheck Protection Program loan								14,995,000		14,995,000
Bank Hapoalim B.M. | The Rustic Inn
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate							3.50%
Face amount							$ 3,000,000
Number of installments | installment						60	36
Frequency of periodic payment						monthly	monthly
Periodic payment						$ 134,722	$ 83,333
Date of first required payment						Mar. 25, 2014	Mar. 25, 2013
Bank loan related to acquisition						$ 6,000,000
Bank Hapoalim B.M. | Shuckers Inc
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate					3.50%
Face amount					$ 5,000,000
Number of installments | installment					60
Frequency of periodic payment					monthly
Periodic payment					$ 83,333
Date of first required payment					Nov. 22, 2015
Revolving Credit Facility
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Notes payable								9,666,000		9,666,000		3,366,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Bank Hapoalim B.M.
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Expiration date			May 31, 2021
Current borrowing capacity			$ 10,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 35,000,000
Basis spread on variable rate			3.50%
Credit facility								$ 9,666,000		$ 9,666,000		$ 3,366,000
Weighted average interest rate								3.00%		3.00%		4.90%
Available borrowing capacity								$ 0		$ 0
Revolving Credit Facility | Bank Hapoalim B.M. | Oyster House
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate				3.50%
Face amount				$ 8,000,000
Number of installments | installment				60
Frequency of periodic payment				monthly
Periodic payment				$ 133,273
Date of first required payment				Jan. 01, 2017
Revolving Credit Facility | Bank Hapoalim B.M. | JB's on the Beach
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		3.50%
Number of installments | installment		23
Periodic payment		$ 250,000
Date of first required payment		Sep. 01, 2019
Balloon payment to be paid		$ 1,250,000
Notes payable		$ 7,000,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Bank Hapoalim B.M. | Sequoia Renovation
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate		3.50%
Number of installments | installment		23
Periodic payment		$ 114,286
Date of first required payment		Sep. 01, 2019
Balloon payment to be paid		$ 571,429
Notes payable		$ 3,200,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Amendment | Bank Hapoalim B.M. | The Rustic Inn
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.50%
Face amount			$ 4,400,000
Number of installments | installment			27
Frequency of periodic payment			quarterly
Periodic payment			$ 71,333
Date of first required payment			Sep. 01, 2018
Additional borrowing capacity			$ 2,783,333
Balloon payment to be paid			$ 2,474,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Amendment | Bank Hapoalim B.M. | Shuckers Inc
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.50%
Face amount			$ 5,100,000
Number of installments | installment			27
Frequency of periodic payment			quarterly
Periodic payment			$ 85,000
Date of first required payment			Sep. 01, 2018
Additional borrowing capacity			$ 2,433,324
Balloon payment to be paid			$ 2,805,000
Revolving Credit Facility | Amendment | Bank Hapoalim B.M. | Oyster House Gulf Shores
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.50%
Face amount			$ 3,300,000
Number of installments | installment			19
Frequency of periodic payment			quarterly
Periodic payment			$ 117,857
Date of first required payment			Sep. 01, 2018
Balloon payment to be paid			$ 1,060,716
Revolving Credit Facility | Amendment | Bank Hapoalim B.M. | Oyster House Spanish Fort
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Basis spread on variable rate			3.50%
Face amount			$ 2,200,000
Number of installments | installment			27
Frequency of periodic payment			quarterly
Periodic payment			$ 36,667
Date of first required payment			Sep. 01, 2018
Balloon payment to be paid			$ 1,210,000
Minimum
NOTES PAYABLE - BANK (Details) [Line Items]
Fixed charge coverage ratio										1.1

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LEASES - Narrative (Details)	Jun. 27, 2020
Minimum
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term	10 years
Maximum
Lessor, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Lease term	25 years

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LEASES - Components of Lease Expense (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 27, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease expense - occupancy expenses	$ 2,088	$ 7,005
Occupancy lease expense - general and administrative expenses	158	481
Variable lease expense	132	2,500
Total lease expense	$ 2,378	$ 9,986

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LEASES - Supplemental Cash Flow (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
Operating cash flows related to operating leases	$ 8,086
ROU assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities	$ 62,330

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LEASES - Weighted Average Lease Terms (Details)	Jun. 27, 2020
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term	10 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted Average Discount Rate	5.50%

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LEASES - Annual Maturities of Lease Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jun. 27, 2020	Sep. 29, 2019
Leases [Abstract]
October 3, 2020	$ 2,290
October 2, 2021	9,236
October 1, 2022	9,313
September 30, 2023	7,800
September 28, 2024	7,413
Thereafter	40,592
Total future lease commitments	76,644
Less imputed interest	(18,835)
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 57,809	$ 63,943

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease expiration year	2044

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STOCK OPTIONS (Details)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($)	Jun. 29, 2019 USD ($) $ / shares shares	Jun. 27, 2020 USD ($) plan $ / shares shares	Jun. 29, 2019 USD ($)
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) | shares		19,500	266,500
Exercise price (in USD per share)		$ 12.04	$ 21.90
Risk free interest rate			1.50%
Volatility rate			30.30%
Dividend yield			5.20%
Expected term			10 years
Purchase and retirement of treasury stock (in shares) | shares		11,774
Compensation paid | $			$ 1,000,000
Stock-based compensation | $	$ 58,000	$ 65,000	113,000	$ 89,000
Unrecognized compensation | $	$ 834,000		$ 834,000
Unrecognized compensation, period for recognition			3 years 7 months 6 days
Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Number of stock option plans | plan			2
Expiration period			10 years
Granted (in shares) | shares			266,500
Exercise price (in USD per share)			$ 21.90
Grant date fair value (in US dollars per share)			$ 3.35
Tranche One | Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			50.00%
Tranche Two | Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting percentage			50.00%
Stock Option 2010 Plan | Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) | shares		23,000
Exercise price (in USD per share)		$ 19.61
Grant date fair value (in US dollars per share)		$ 3.48
Share-based payment award granted fair value | $		$ 80,000
Stock Option 2010 Plan | Tranche One | Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		50.00%
Stock Option 2010 Plan | Tranche Two | Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		50.00%
Stock Option 2016 Plan | Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Granted (in shares) | shares		11,000
Exercise price (in USD per share)		$ 20.18
Grant date fair value (in US dollars per share)		$ 3.55
Share-based payment award granted fair value | $		$ 39,000
Stock Option 2016 Plan | Tranche One | Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		25.00%
Stock Option 2016 Plan | Tranche Two | Employee Stock Option
STOCK OPTIONS (Details) [Line Items]
Vesting percentage		25.00%

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STOCK OPTIONS (Details) - Schedule of stock options, activity - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Sep. 28, 2019
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)		363,500
Granted (in shares)	19,500	266,500
Exercised (in shares)		(3,500)
Canceled or expired (in shares)		0
Outstanding and expected to vest, end of period (in shares)		626,500	363,500
Exercisable, end of period (in shares)		337,500
Shares available for future grant (in shares)		174,500
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Abstract]
Outstanding, beginning of period (in USD per share)		$ 19.25
Exercised (in USD per share)	$ 12.04	21.90
Canceled or expired (in USD per share)		14.40
Outstanding and expected to vest, end of period (in USD per share)		20.41	$ 19.25
Exercisable, end of period (in USD per share)		$ 19.26
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Additional Disclosures [Abstract]
Weighted average contractual term, outstanding		6 years 4 months 24 days	4 years 8 months 12 days
Weighted average contractual term, exercisable		3 years 8 months 12 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding and expected to vest		$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable		$ 0

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INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$ (3,118)	$ 283	$ (3,213)	$ 728
Effective income tax rate			52.30%	17.60%
Discrete tax provision				$ 304

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INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic (in shares)	3,502	3,481	3,500	3,477
Effect of dilutive securities:
Stock options (in shares)	0	49	0	54
Diluted (in shares)	3,502	3,530	3,500	3,531

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INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK - NARRATIVE (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)		209,000		209,000
Exercise Price One
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	129,000		129,000
Exercise price of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 14.40		$ 14.40
Exercise Price Two
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	5,000		5,000
Exercise price of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 20.26		$ 20.26
Exercise Price Three
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	172,500		172,500
Exercise price of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 22.50		$ 22.50
Exercise Price Four
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	20,000		20,000
Exercise price of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 22.30		$ 22.30
Exercise Price Five
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	11,000		11,000
Exercise price of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 20.18		$ 20.18
Exercise Price Six
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Shares excluded from computation of earning per share (in shares)	266,500		266,500
Exercise price of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in USD per share)	$ 21.90		$ 21.90
Minimum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Exercise price of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in USD per share)		$ 20.18		$ 20.18
Maximum
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Exercise price of shares excluded from computation of earnings per share (in USD per share)		$ 22.50		$ 22.50

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DIVIDENDS (Details) - $ / shares			3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Mar. 02, 2020	Nov. 26, 2019	Jun. 29, 2019	Jun. 27, 2020	Jun. 29, 2019
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared (in USD per share)	$ 0.25	$ 0.25	$ 0.25	$ 0.50	$ 0.75