Note 18 - Transactions With Affiliates and Related Parties

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2019

Transactions with Affiliates and Related Parties

The Company made payments to related parties in the amount of

$1.4

million,

$685,000,

and

$653,000

during

2019,

2018,

and

2017,

respectively. The disbursements made during

2019,

2018,

and

2017

include

$1.1

million,

$400,000,

and

$361,000,

respectively, in fees for marketing, graphic design, architectural and project management services paid to InterArch, a company owned by the spouse of Vernon W. Hill, II. Mr. Hill is the Chairman of the Company, and beneficially owns

8.2%

of the common shares currently outstanding. The Company paid

$158,000,

$165,000

and

$172,000

during

2019,

2018,

and

2017

to Glassboro Properties, LLC related to a land lease agreement for its Glassboro store. Mr. Hill has an ownership interest in Glassboro Properties LLC, a commercial real estate firm.

The Company paid

$120,000

during

2019,

2018

and

2017

to Brian Communications for public relations services in addition to reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses and other reimbursable costs. Brian Tierney, a member of the Board of Directors, is the CEO of Brian Communications, a strategic communications agency.