-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, RoDe+UrHDxI4CcmeZonN/hP98pvGrO28oh/XuuFL3xO+WJVELxQiHs2D2BfRKU3U JSfwond8GjxtmcTbJIYpLA== 0000883976-06-000012.txt : 20061102 0000883976-06-000012.hdr.sgml : 20061102 20061102135742 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000883976-06-000012 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-Q PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20061001 FILED AS OF DATE: 20061102 DATE AS OF CHANGE: 20061102 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: RARE HOSPITALITY INTERNATIONAL INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000883976 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-EATING PLACES [5812] IRS NUMBER: 581498312 STATE OF INCORPORATION: GA FISCAL YEAR END: 1231 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-Q SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-19924 FILM NUMBER: 061181892 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 8215 ROSWELL RD STREET 2: BLDG 600 CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30350 BUSINESS PHONE: 7703999595 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 8215 ROSWELL ROAD STREET 2: BLDG 200 CITY: ATLANTA STATE: GA ZIP: 30350 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: LONGHORN STEAKS INC DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19930328 10-Q 1 rare10q100106.htm RARE HOSPITALITY 3Q 2006 10-Q

____________________________________________________________________________________________

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

__________________________

 

FORM 10-Q

__________________________

 

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of

the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the Quarterly Period Ended October 1, 2006

 

Commission file number 0-19924

 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

Georgia

58-1498312

 

 

(State or other jurisdiction of

(I. R. S. Employer

 

incorporation or organization)

Identification No.)

 

 

8215 Roswell Rd; Bldg. 600; Atlanta, GA

30350

 

 

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

 

(770) 399-9595

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter 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 x        No o

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

 

 

x Large accelerated filer

o Accelerated filer

o Non-accelerated filer

 

 

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

Yes oNo x

 

As of October 27, 2006, there were 34,071,011 shares of common stock of the Registrant outstanding.

 



 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

Part I - Financial Information

Page

 

-----

 

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements:

 

 

 

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of

 

 

October 1, 2006 and December 25, 2005

1

 

 

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

for the quarters and nine months ended

 

 

October 1, 2006 and September 25, 2005

2

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and

 

 

Comprehensive Income for the nine months ended October 1, 2006

3

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the

 

 

nine months ended October 1, 2006 and September 25, 2005

4

 

 

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

5

 

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

 

 

Financial Condition and Results of Operations

18

 

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

23

 

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

23

 

Part II - Other Information

 

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

23

 

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

23

 

 

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

24

 

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

24

 

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

24

 

 

Item 5. Other Information

24

 

 

Item 6. Exhibits

25

 

 

Signatures

25

 


Part I - Financial Information

 

Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements

 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

 

October 1,

December 25,

 

Assets

2006

2005

 

 

(As Adjusted - Note 2)

Current assets:

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,991

$

12,107

 

 

Short-term investments

6,228

6,203

 

 

Accounts receivable

15,144

15,807

 

 

Inventories

15,697

14,516

 

 

Prepaid expenses

7,597

6,558

 

 

Deferred income taxes

12,970

9,425

 

 

Assets of discontinued operations

47,661

45,978

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

 

Total current assets

108,288

110,594

 

 

Property & equipment, less accumulated depreciation and

 

 

amortization of $221,416 in 2006 and $199,707 in 2005

494,354

452,820

 

Goodwill

19,187

19,187

 

Deferred income taxes

4,284

--

 

Other

21,580

18,324

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Total assets

$

647,693

$

600,925

 

 

========

========

Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity

 

Current liabilities:

 

Accounts payable

$

29,171

$

30,026

 

 

Accrued expenses

74,126

77,983

 

 

Income taxes payable

4,501

1,152

 

 

Current installments of obligations under

 

 

capital leases

317

269

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations

3,112

1,873

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Total current liabilities

111,227

111,303

 

 

Obligations under capital leases, net

 

of current installments

40,493

38,991

 

Deferred income taxes

--

1,285

 

Other

31,302

27,432

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Total liabilities

183,022

179,011

 

 

Minority interest

1,051

1,193

 

 

-------------

-------------

Shareholders’ equity:

 

Preferred stock – no par value. Authorized 10,000 shares, none issued

--

--

 

 

Common stock

244,254

229,955

 

 

Unearned compensation-restricted stock

--

(1,470)

 

 

Retained earnings

271,841

244,711

 

 

Treasury shares at cost; 1,952 shares in 2006 and in 2005

(52,475)

(52,475)

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Total shareholders’ equity

463,620

420,721

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

647,693

$

600,925

 

 

========

========

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(In thousands, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

 

 

Quarter Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

 

-------------------

------------------------

 

 

Oct. 1,

Sept. 25,

Oct. 1,

Sept. 25,

 

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

 

---------

---------

---------

---------

 

 

(As Adjusted –

(As Adjusted –

Revenues:

Note 2)

Note 2)

 

Restaurant sales:

 

LongHorn Steakhouse

$

180,414

$

161,430

$

575,898

$ 495,116

 

 

The Capital Grille

45,473

37,891

144,523

115,908

 

 

Specialty concepts

2,007

2,059

6,184

5,712

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Total restaurant sales

227,894

201,380

726,605

616,736

 

 

Franchise revenues

165

109

440

330

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Total revenues

228,059

201,489

727,045

617,066

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

Costs and expenses:

 

Cost of restaurant sales

84,055

73,400

265,647

226,030

 

Operating expenses - restaurants

104,973

91,091

320,831

269,047

Depreciation and amortization

 

- restaurants

9,108

7,874

26,855

22,789

Provisions for asset impairments, restaurant closings,

 

and other charges

4,946

--

4,946

--

 

 

Pre-opening expense - restaurants

2,627

1,555

7,169

5,454

 

 

General and administrative expenses

15,278

12,420

48,511

35,545

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Total costs and expenses

220,987

186,340

673,959

558,865

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

 

Operating income

7,072

15,149

53,086

58,201

 

Interest expense, net

674

520

1,769

1,171

 

Minority interest (income) expense

(23)

22

102

208

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

6,421

14,607

51,215

56,822

 

Income tax expense

1,870

4,849

16,671

18,874

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Earnings from continuing operations

4,551

9,758

34,544

37,948

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations,

 

 

net of income taxes

(8,050)

(170)

(7,414)

724

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Net earnings (loss)

$

(3,499)

$

9,588

$

27,130

$

38,672

 

 

========

========

========

========

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

Basic

33,729

33,515

33,624

33,903

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

 

Diluted

34,586

34,602

34,593

35,253

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.10)

$

0.29

$

0.81

$

1.14

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.10)

$

0.28

$

0.78

$

1.10

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income

For the nine months ended October 1, 2006

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

 

Total

 

 

Common Stock

Restricted

Retained

Treasury

Shareholders’

 

Shares

Amount

Stock

Earnings

Stock

Equity

 

 

---------

-----------

-----------

-------------

--------------

---------------

 

Balance, December 25, 2005

 

(as adjusted – see Note 2)

35,436

$

229,955

$

(1,470)

$

244,711

$

(52,475)

$

420,721

Adoption of FAS 123R (see Note 3)

--

875

1,470

--

--

2,345

 

Net earnings and total

 

comprehensive income

--

--

--

27,130

--

27,130

Stock based compensation expense

--

6,670

--

--

--

6,670

Issuance of shares pursuant

 

to restricted stock award

236

--

--

--

--

--

Tax benefit of stock options

 

exercised and vesting of

 

 

restricted stock

--

2,184

--

--

--

2,184

Issuance of shares pursuant to

 

exercise of stock options

340

4,570

--

--

--

4,570

 

 

-------------

---------------

---------------

---------------

--------------

---------------

Balance, October 1, 2006

36,012

$

244,254

$

--

$

271,841

$

(52,475)

$

463,620

 

 

========

=========

=========

=========

========

=========

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands, unaudited)

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

--------------------------

 

 

October 1,

Sept. 25,

 

 

2006

2005

 

 

------------

------------

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

Net earnings from continuing operations

$

34,544

$

37,948

 

 

Adjustments to reconcile net earnings from continuing operations to

 

 

net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations:

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

28,071

25,386

 

 

Stock-based compensation

6,670

--

 

 

Changes in working capital accounts

(5,094)

(14,377)

 

Minority interest

102

208

 

 

Deferred income tax benefit

(9,114)

(6,634)

 

(Purchase)/Sale of short-term investments

(25)

25,048

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations

55,154

67,579

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations

4,394

7,519

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

Purchase of property and equipment by continuing operations

(70,793)

(57,151)

 

-------------

-------------

 

Purchase of property and equipment by discontinued operations

(4,396)

(7,517)

 

-------------

-------------

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

Purchase of common stock for treasury

--

(39,298)

 

Proceeds from line of credit

--

4,500

 

 

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

4,570

5,458

 

 

Distributions to minority partners

(244)

(281)

 

Increase (decrease) in bank overdraft included in accounts

 

 

payable and accrued liabilities

(1,537)

4,752

 

 

Principal payments on capital leases

(170)

(141)

 

Tenant incentives received under capital leases

1,720

--

 

 

Tax benefit from share-based compensation

2,184

--

 

 

-------------

-------------

 

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

 

 

of continuing operations

6,523

(25,010)

 

-------------

-------------

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

(9,118)

(14,580)

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

12,168

19,547

 

 

-------------

-------------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$

3,050

$

4,967

 

 

========

========

Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations, end of period

$

2,991

$

4,905

 

 

========

========

Cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations, end of period

$

59

$

62

 

 

========

========

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

Cash paid for income taxes

$

16,234

$

16,773

 

 

========

========

 

Cash paid for interest net of amounts capitalized

$

2,254

$

2,542

 

 

========

========

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash financing and

 

investing activities:

 

 

Assets acquired under capital lease

$

--

$

--

 

 

========

========

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

 

1.

Basis of Presentation

 

The consolidated financial statements of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of October 1, 2006 and December 25, 2005 and for the quarters and nine months ended October 1, 2006 and September 25, 2005 have been prepared by the Company, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information furnished herein reflects all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals and adjustments), which are, in the opinion of Management, necessary to fairly present the operating results for the respective periods. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally presented in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2005.

 

The Company records revenues for normal recurring sales upon the performance of services. Revenues from the sale of franchises are recognized as income when substantially all of the Company’s material obligations under the franchise agreement have been performed. Continuing royalties, which are a percentage of net sales of franchised restaurants, are accrued as income when earned.

 

The Company operates on a 52- or 53- week fiscal year ending on the last Sunday in each calendar year. Each of the four fiscal quarters is typically made up of 13 weeks; however, since fiscal 2006 will be a 53-week period, the first fiscal quarter of 2006 contained 14 operating weeks. The fiscal quarters ended October 1, 2006 and September 25, 2005 each contained 13 weeks and are referred to hereafter as the “third quarter of 2006” and the “third quarter of 2005”, respectively. The first, second, and third quarters of the 2006 fiscal year are referred to as the “nine months ended October 1, 2006” or the “40 weeks ended October 1, 2006” and the first, second and third quarters of the 2005 fiscal year are referred to as the “nine months ended September 25, 2005” or the “39 weeks ended September 25, 2005.”

 

On September 21, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved exiting the Bugaboo Creek Steak House business through the probable sale of the restaurants and brand. In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, financial results relating to the operations to be divested are presented as discontinued operations. Financial results for Bugaboo Creek Steak House for each of the fiscal quarters in the fiscal year 2005 and each of the fiscal quarters in the nine months ended October 1, 2006, were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

Fiscal Quarter

Full Year

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------

 

13 Weeks Ended

52 Weeks Ended

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------

 

March 27,

June 26,

Sept. 25,

Dec. 25,

Dec. 25,

 

 

2005

2005

2005

2005

2005

 

 

--------------

-------------

------------

------------

--------------

 

Restaurant Sales

$

24,635

$

24,022

$

23,907

$

24,746

$

97,310

 

 

-------------

-------------

------------

------------

--------------

 

Costs and expenses:

 

Cost of restaurant sales

8,893

8,683

8,897

8,974

35,447

 

 

Operating expenses-restaurants

12,808

12,529

12,682

13,146

51,165

 

 

Depreciation and amortization-

 

 

restaurants

988

1,011

1,071

1,130

4,200

 

 

Pre-opening expense-restaurants

166

350

344

73

933

 

 

Provision for asset impairments,

 

 

restaurant closings, and other charges

--

--

--

2,712

2,712

 

 

General and administrative expenses

919

978

1,175

976

4,048

 

 

------------

------------

------------

------------

--------------

 

Total costs and expenses

23,774

23,551

24,169

27,011

98,505

 

 

------------

------------

------------

------------

--------------

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

861

471

(262)

(2,265)

(1,195)

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

262

176

(92)

(743)

(397)

 

 

------------

------------

------------

------------

--------------

 

Net earnings (loss)

$

599

$

295

$

(170)

$

(1,522)

$

(798)

 

 

=======

=======

=======

=======

========

 

 

 

Fiscal Quarter

Nine Months

 

 

---------------------------------------------------------

-----------------

 

 

14 Weeks

13 Weeks Ended

40 Weeks

 

 

Ended

-------------------------------

Ended

 

 

April 2,

July 2,

Oct. 1,

Oct. 1,

 

 

2006

2006

2006

2006

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------

----------------

Restaurant Sales

$

30,255

$

27,025

$

26,010

$

83,290

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Costs and expenses:

Cost of restaurant sales

11,038

9,853

9,698

30,589

 

 

Operating expenses-restaurants

15,986

14,477

14,300

44,763

 

 

Depreciation and amortization-restaurants

1,164

1,086

1,125

3,375

 

 

Pre-opening expense-restaurants

102

161

--

263

 

 

Provision for asset impairments, restaurant

 

 

closings, and other charges

--

--

12,280

12,280

 

 

General and administrative expenses

1,270

1,195

987

3,452

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

 

Total costs and expenses

29,560

26,772

38,390

94,722

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

 

Earnings (loss) before income taxes

695

253

(12,380)

(11,432)

 

 

Income tax expense (benefit)

229

83

(4,330)

(4,018)

 

 

--------------

--------------

--------------

--------------

 

Net earnings (loss)

$

466

$

170

$

(8,050)

$

(7,414)

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

 

Earnings (loss) from discontinued operations for 2006 includes a third quarter asset impairment charge of approximately $12,280,000 ($7,982,000, net of tax) based upon Management’s estimate of the impairment to be realized upon the anticipated divestiture of the Bugaboo Creek Steak House business. Associated with this planned divestiture, in addition to costs included in the third quarter impairment charge, the Company expects to pay retention bonuses of approximately $2.0 million and incur rent termination costs of approximately $1.8 million. None of these amounts have been expensed or paid. Unless otherwise noted, discussions and amounts throughout these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations relates to the Company’s continuing operations.

 

In the third quarter of 2006, the Company changed its accounting policies associated with the accrual of utilities and vacation expense. Historically, the Company’s practice was to expense utility and vacation costs in the period in which these items were paid, which generally resulted in a full year of utilities and vacation expense in the consolidated statements of income. The utility costs are now accrued in the period used and vacation costs are accrued in the period earned. The cumulative amount of these changes as of the beginning of fiscal 2006 was approximately $5.8 million ($3.6 million, net of tax) and, as provided by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 issued in September 2006, the impact was recorded as a reduction of retained earnings as of the beginning of fiscal 2006. The pre-tax impact in the current year of this change in accounting policy was an increase in accrued expenses of approximately $175,000 and $465,000 for the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006. The changes do not have any impact on the Company’s cash flow or prior year financial statements.

 

The Company has made certain reclassifications to the fiscal 2005 consolidated financial statements, as previously reported, to conform to the current classifications. Reclassifications due to the retrospective adoption of Financial Accounting Standards Board

(“FASB”) Staff Position 13-1, “Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period” resulted in a change in net income as previously reported (see Note 2). Reclassifications associated with the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” required certain share-based awards previously reported as liabilities and contra-equity accounts to be classified as common stock (see Note 3).

 

2.

Change in Accounting for Construction Period Rent

 

On October 6, 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 13-1, “Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period” (“FSP 13-1”). FSP 13-1 is effective for the Company’s 2006 fiscal year and requires the Company to expense rental costs incurred during the construction period associated with ground or building operating leases. FSP 13-1 allows for retrospective application in accordance with FASB Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Correction.” When adopting FSP 13-1, the Company elected to retrospectively apply the provisions of FSP 13-1 to its financial statements for all prior periods.

 

Prior to the issuance of FSP 13-1, the Company capitalized all rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases during each construction period. Pursuant to FSP 13-1, rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases incurred during construction are to be recognized in pre-opening expense – restaurants for each quarter during 2006.

 

The Company did not amend its previously filed Annual Reports on Form 10-K or Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the retrospective application of FSP 13-1. Therefore, the financial statements and related financial information contained in those reports do not reflect this retrospective application of FSP 13-1.

 

The following tables contain information regarding the impact of the retrospective application of FSP 13-1. All amounts, except per share amounts are in thousands (amounts may not add due to rounding):

 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

 

 

September 25, 2005

December 25, 2005

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------

-------------------------------------------------------

 

(Results prior

(Results prior

 

 

to application

(As

(Effect of

to application

(As

(Effect of

 

 

of FSP 13-1)

Adjusted)

Change)

of FSP 13-1)

Adjusted)

Change)

 

 

-------------

--------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

ASSETS

Current assets:

 

Cash and cash equivalents

$

4,905

$

4,905

$

--

$

12,107

$

12,107

$

--

 

 

Short-term investments

9,847

9,847

--

6,203

6,203

--

 

 

Accounts receivable

12,166

12,166

--

15,807

15,807

--

 

 

Inventories

12,975

12,975

--

14,516

14,516

--

 

 

Prepaid expenses

6,904

6,904

--

6,558

6,558

--

 

 

Deferred income taxes

9,497

8,000

(1,497)

11,320

9,425

(1,895)

 

Assets of discontinued operations

47,245

46,493

(752)

47,179

45,978

(1,201)

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

------------- 

-------------

-------------

 

Total current assets

103,539

101,290

(2,249)

113,690

110,594

(3,096)

 

Property and equipment, less accumulated

 

depreciation and amortization

429,727

424,427

(5,300)

458,161

452,820

(5,341)

Goodwill

19,187

19,187

--

19,187

19,187

--

 

Other

16,836

16,836

--

18,324

18,324

--

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Total assets

$

569,289

$

561,740

$

(7,549)

$

609,362

$

600,925

$

(8,437)

 

=========

=========

=========

=========

=========

=========

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:

 

Accounts payable

$

22,315

$

22,315

$

--

$

30,026

$

30,026

$

--

 

 

Accrued expenses

66,464

51,783

(14,681)

93,540

77,983

(15,557)

 

Notes Payable

4,500

4,500

--

--

--

--

 

 

Income taxes payable

2,807

2,807

--

1,152

1,152

--

 

 

Current installments of obligations under

 

 

capital leases

273

273

--

269

269

--

 

 

Liabilities of discontinued operations

3,888

4,805

917

1,402

1,873

471

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Total current liabilities

100,247

86,483

(13,764)

126,389

111,303

(15,086)

 

Deferred income taxes

8,701

3,555

(5,146)

6,933

1,285

(5,648)

Debt, net of current installments..................

--

--

--

--

--

--

 

Obligations under capital leases, net

 

 

of current installments.............................

36,929

36,929

--

38,991

38,991

--

 

Other

8,361

25,603

17,242

9,084

27,432

18,348

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Total liabilities

154,238

152,570

(1,668)

181,397

179,011

(2,386)

 

Minority interest

1,236

1,236

--

1,193

1,193

--

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

Shareholders’ equity:

 

Preferred stock, no par value. Authorized

 

 

10,000 shares, none issued

--

--

--

--

--

--

 

 

Common stock, no par value

226,569

226,569

--

229,955

229,955

--

 

 

Unearned compensation - restricted stock

(1,538)

(1,538)

--

(1,470)

(1,470)

--

 

Retained earnings

241,259

235,378

(5,881)

250,762

244,711

(6,051)

Treasury shares at cost

(52,475)

(52,475)

--

(52,475)

(52,475)

--

 

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Total shareholders’ equity

413,815

407,934

(5,881)

426,772

420,721

( 6,051)

 

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

-------------

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

$

569,289

$

561,740

$

(7,549)

$

609,362

$

600,925

$

(8,437)

 

=========

=========

=========

=========

=========

=========

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

 

 

September 25, 2005

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

(Results prior

 

 

to application

(As

(Effect of

 

 

of FSP 13-1)

Adjusted)

Change)

 

 

---------------

---------------

---------------

Total revenues

$

201,489

$

201,489

$

--

 

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

Cost of restaurant sales

73,400

73,400

--

 

 

Operating expenses - restaurants

91,091

91,091

--

 

 

Depreciation and amortization - restaurants

7,952

7,874

(78)

 

Pre-opening expense - restaurants

1,274

1,555

281

 

 

General and administrative expenses

12,420

12,420

--

 

 

------------

------------

------------

 

Total operating costs and expenses

186,137

186,340

203

 

 

------------

------------

------------

Operating income

15,352

15,149

(203)

Interest expense, net

520

520

--

 

Minority interest

22

22

--

 

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

14,810

14,607

(203)

Income tax expense (benefit)

4,926

4,849

(77)

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings from continuing operations

9,884

9,758

(126)

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings (Loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(147)

(170)

(23)

 

------------

------------

------------

 

Net earnings

$

9,737

$

9,588

$

(149)

 

=========

=========

=========

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

Basic

33,515

33,515

33,515

 

 

=========

=========

=========

 

Diluted

34,602

34,602

34,602

 

 

=========

=========

=========

Earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

Basic

$

0.29

$

0.29

$

(0.00)

 

 

=========

=========

=========

 

Diluted

$

0.28

$

0.28

$

(0.00)

 

 

=========

=========

=========

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

 

Nine Months Ended

 

 

September 25, 2005

 

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

(Results prior

 

 

to application

(As

(Effect of

 

 

of FSP 13-1)

Adjusted)

Change)

 

 

---------------

---------------

---------------

 

Total revenues

$

617,066

$

617,066

$

--

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

Cost of restaurant sales

226,030

226,030

--

 

 

Operating expenses - restaurants

269,047

269,047

--

 

 

Depreciation and amortization - restaurants

23,051

22,789

(262)

 

Pre-opening expense - restaurants

4,805

5,454

649

 

 

General and administrative expenses

35,545

35,545

--

 

 

------------

------------

------------

 

Total operating costs and expenses

558,478

558,865

387

 

 

------------

------------

------------

Operating income

58,588

58,201

(387)

Interest expense, net

1,171

1,171

--

 

Minority interest

208

208

--

 

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings before income taxes

57,209

56,822

(387)

Income tax expense (benefit)

19,020

18,874

(146)

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings from continuing operations

38,189

37,948

(241)

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

817

724

(93)

 

------------

------------

------------

 

 

Net earnings

$

39,006

$

38,672

$

(334)

 

=========

=========

=========

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

Basic

33,903

33,903

33,903

 

 

=========

=========

=========

 

Diluted

35,253

35,253

35,253

 

 

=========

=========

=========

Earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

Basic

$

1.15

$

1.14

$

(0.01)

 

=========

=========

=========

 

Diluted

$

1.11

$

1.10

$

(0.01)

 

=========

=========

=========

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 25, 2005

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

(Results prior

 

 

to application

(As

(Effect of

 

 

of FSP 13-1)

Adjusted)

Change)

 

 

---------------

---------------

---------------

 

 

Total revenues

$

839,266

$

839,266

$

--

 

Costs and expenses:

 

Cost of restaurant sales

307,741

307,741

--

 

 

Operating expenses - restaurants

364,566

364,566

--

 

 

Provision for asset impairment, restaurant closings, and other charges

557

557

--

 

 

Depreciation and amortization - restaurants

31,586

31,244

(342)

 

Pre-opening expense - restaurants

6,486

7,483

997

 

 

General and administrative expenses

48,064

48,064

--

 

 

------------

------------

------------

 

Total operating costs and expenses

759,000

759,655

655

 

 

------------

------------

------------

Operating income

80,266

79,611

(655)

Interest expense, net

1,921

1,921

--

 

Minority interest

215

215

--

 

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes

78,130

77,475

(655)

Income tax expense (benefit)

25,347

25,098

(249)

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings from continuing operations

52,783

52,377

(406)

 

------------

------------

------------

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(701)

(798)

(97)

 

------------

------------

------------

 

Net earnings

$

52,082

$

51,579

$

(503)

 

=========

=========

=========

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

 

Basic

33,764

33,764

33,764

 

 

=========

=========

=========

 

Diluted

34,817

34,817

34,817

 

 

=========

=========

=========

Earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

Basic

$

1.54

$

1.53

$

(0.01)

 

=========

=========

=========

 

Diluted

$

1.50

$

1.48

$

(0.01)

 

=========

=========

=========

 


 

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

 

 

Year Ended

 

 

December 25, 2004

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

(Results prior

 

 

to application

(As

(Effect of

 

 

of FSP 13-1)

Adjusted)

Change)

 

 

---------------

---------------

---------------

 

 

Total revenues

$

717,472

$

717,472

$

--

 

Costs and expenses:

 

 

Cost of restaurant sales

264,307

264,307

--

 

 

Operating expenses - restaurants

306,591

306,591

--

 

 

Provision for asset impairment, restaurant closings, and other charges

922

922

--

 

 

Depreciation and amortization - restaurants

27,000

26,703

(297)

 

Pre-opening expense - restaurants

6,186

7,190

1,004

 

 

General and administrative expenses

41,814

41,814

--

 

 

------------

------------

------------

 

Total operating costs and expenses

646,820

647,527

707

 

 

------------

------------

------------

Operating income

70,652

69,945

(707)

Interest expense, net

1,328

1,328

--

 

Minority interest

300

300

--

 

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings before income taxes

69,024

68,317

(707)

Income tax expense (benefit)

22,950

22,682

(268)

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings from continuing operations

46,074

45,635

(439)

 

------------

------------

------------

Earnings from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

1,456

1,354

(102)

 

------------

------------

------------

 

Net earnings

$

47,530

$

46,989

$

(541)

 

=========

=========

=========

Weighted average common shares outstanding:

 

Basic

33,811

33,811

33,811

 

 

=========

=========

=========

 

Diluted

35,374

35,374

35,374

 

 

=========

=========

=========

Earnings (loss) per common share:

 

 

Basic

$

1.41

$

1.39

$

(0.02)

 

=========

=========

=========

 

Diluted

$

1.34

$

1.33

$

(0.02)

 

=========

=========

=========

 


 

3.

Change in Accounting for Share-Based Compensation

 

The Company has various share-based compensation programs, which provide for equity awards, including stock options, restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units. These equity awards fall under several plans and are described below under “Stock Options and Restricted Stock Programs.”

 

Prior to January 1, 1996, the Company accounted for its stock option plans in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” (“APB 25”), and related interpretations. As such, compensation expense associated with stock options would be recorded on the date of grant only if the current market price of the underlying stock exceeded the exercise price. On January 1, 1996, the Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (“SFAS 123”), “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” which permitted entities to recognize as expense over the vesting period the fair value of all stock-based awards on the date of grant.

 

Alternatively, SFAS 123 also allowed entities to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and provide pro forma net earnings (loss) and pro forma earnings (loss) per share disclosures for employee stock option grants made in 1995 and future years as if the fair-value-based method defined in SFAS 123 had been applied. The Company elected to continue to apply the provisions of APB 25 and did not recognize any compensation expense from the issuance of employee stock options, but rather provided the pro forma disclosures required by SFAS 123. Under both APB 25 and SFAS 123, compensation expense associated with the issuance of restricted stock awards is recognized over the requisite vesting period.

 

In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment,” “SFAS 123R”. SFAS 123R is a revision of SFAS 123, supersedes APB 25, and amends SFAS No. 95, “Statement of Cash Flows.” Among other items, SFAS 123R eliminates the use of the intrinsic value method of accounting, and requires companies to recognize the cost of awards of equity instruments granted in exchange for employee services received, based on the grant date fair value of those share-based payments, in the financial statements. SFAS 123R was effective for the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2005; however, on April 14, 2005, the Securities and Exchange Commission announced that the effective date of SFAS 123R would be postponed until the first annual period beginning after June 15, 2005.

 

SFAS 123R permits companies to adopt its requirements using either a “modified prospective” method, or a “modified retrospective” method. Under the “modified prospective” method, compensation cost is recognized in the financial statements beginning with the effective date, based on the requirements of SFAS 123R for all share-based payments granted after that date, and based on the requirements of SFAS 123 for all unvested awards granted prior to the effective date of SFAS 123R. Under the “modified retrospective” method, the requirements are the same as under the “modified prospective” method, but this method also permits entities to restate financial statements of previous periods based on pro forma disclosures made in accordance with SFAS 123.

 

Historically, the Company utilized the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to measure the fair value of stock options granted to employees. While SFAS 123R permits entities to continue to use this model, the standard also permits the use of a “lattice” model. SFAS 123R also requires that the benefits associated with the tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required under the previous standard. This requirement will reduce net operating cash flows and increase net financing cash flows in periods after the effective date. These future amounts cannot be estimated because they depend on, among other things, when employees exercise stock options.

 

Effective December 26, 2005, the start of the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company began recording compensation expense associated with share-based awards and other forms of equity compensation in accordance with SFAS 123R. The Company adopted SFAS 123R using the modified prospective transition method, and consequently has not retroactively adjusted results from prior periods. Under this transition method, compensation cost associated with share-based awards recognized in the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal year 2006 include: (a) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted prior to, but not yet vested as of December 26, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123, and (b) compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to December 25, 2005, based on the grant-date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R. Consistent with the modified prospective transition method, all balances associated with unvested restricted stock were eliminated against the appropriate equity amounts upon the adoption of SFAS 123R. When determining grant date fair market value in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123R, the Company elected to continue to utilize the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The adoption of SFAS 123R did not have a material affect on the recognition of expense for restricted stock issued under the Company’s Managing Partner Program discussed below.

 

Managing Partner Program

 

The Company maintains a compensation program (the “Managing Partner Program”) for many of its lead restaurant managers (“MPs”). Under the Managing Partner Program, the Company enters into a 5-year employment contract with the MP that provides for i) a fixed salary; ii) quarterly bonuses calculated as a percentage of restaurant profits and as a percentage of any year-over-year increase in sales; and iii) an award of restricted Company common stock, which is issued annually, in arrears, in an amount equal to 10% of the previous four quarters aggregate salary and bonus paid under the Managing Partner Program. All salary, bonuses and restricted stock to be awarded to an MP under the Managing Partner Program is expensed as earned and reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as compensation expense.

 

The Company’s accounting for each annual award recognizes the expense associated with that specific award throughout the respective year based on Management’s estimates of the individual’s annual salary and bonus for such period. Accordingly, the fair value of each annual award of restricted stock is expensed ratably over the year earned beginning in the first month of participation in the program.

 

Stock Options and Restricted (Non-Vested) Stock Programs

 

The RARE Hospitality International, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”), provides for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, and restricted (non-vested) stock to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisors. All stock options issued under the 2002 Plan were granted at prices which were equal to or were higher than current market value on the date of the grant, are generally exercisable after three to five years, and must be exercised within ten years from the date of grant. Options exercised and restricted stock issued under the 2002 Plan represent newly issued shares. The aggregate number of shares authorized to be awarded under the 2002 Plan is 4,270,000. Not more than 2,320,000 of such aggregate number of shares may be granted as awards of restricted stock.

 

The RARE Hospitality International, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended (the “1997 Plan”), provides for the granting of incentive stock options, nonqualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units, restricted stock, dividend equivalents and other stock based awards to employees, officers, directors, consultants, and advisors. All stock options issued under the 1997 Plan were granted at prices which were equal to or were higher than current market value on the date of the grant, are generally exercisable after three to five years, and must be exercised within ten years from the date of grant. The 1997 Plan authorized the granting of options to purchase 2,981,250 shares of common stock.

 

The Amended and Restated RARE Hospitality International, Inc. 1996 Stock Plan for Outside Directors (the “1996 Stock Option Plan”) provides for the automatic granting of non-qualified stock options to outside directors. The 1996 Stock Option Plan authorizes the granting of options to purchase up to an aggregate of 225,000 shares of common stock. All stock options issued under the 1996 Stock Option Plan are granted at prices which are equal to the current market value on the date of the grant, become exercisable six months and one day after the date of grant, and must be exercised within ten years from the date of grant.

 

On February 8, 2006, the Company awarded performance-based restricted stock units to certain executives under the Company’s 2002 Plan. Performance-based restricted stock units have dividend equivalent rights equal to the cash dividend paid on shares of restricted stock. However, performance-based restricted stock units do not have voting rights of common stock and are not considered issued and outstanding. Performance-based restricted stock units would become newly issued shares when vested and converted to common stock. Conversion of those performance-based restricted stock units to common stock is contingent upon the Company meeting revenue growth and adjusted earnings per share performance goals. Each participant was granted a base number of performance-based restricted stock units. At the end of the three-year performance period, the number of units converted to shares and issued to participants will be increased, decreased or remain the same based upon actual growth in revenue and adjusted earnings per share, versus targeted growth. The shares, as determined at the end of the performance year (fiscal 2008), will be issued in February, 2009 if the Company’s targets are achieved. The total number of performance-based restricted stock units granted in the first nine months of 2006 was 71,732. The amount expensed for the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006 was approximately $137,000 and $367,000, respectively, based upon the number of units granted and Management’s estimate of the revenue and adjusted earnings per share to be achieved as compared to the respective targets. Amounts expensed will be periodically adjusted to reflect the most current projection of the achievement of performance goals.

 

On February 8, 2006, the Company also awarded restricted stock to certain executives under the Company’s 2002 Plan. Restricted stock awards are independent of option grants and are subject to forfeiture if employment terminates prior to the release of the restrictions. Such awards vest three years from the date of grant. During the vesting period, ownership of the shares cannot be transferred. Restricted stock granted represents newly issued shares and have the same cash dividend and voting rights as other common stock and are considered to be currently issued and outstanding. The Company expenses the grant date fair market value of the restricted stock ratably over the period during which the restrictions lapse. The grant date fair value is the Company’s closing stock price on the date of grant.

 

The following table provides information about the common stock that may be issued under all of the Company’s existing equity compensation plans as of October 1, 2006:

 

 

Number of Securities to

Weighted Average

Number of Securities

 

Be Issued Upon Exercise

          Price of

Remaining Available

 

 

Plan Category

Of Outstanding Awards

Outstanding Awards

for Future Issuance

 

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

 

Equity compensation

2,463,589

(1)

$

27.47

1,038,625

(6)

 

 

plans approved by

626,241

(2)

$

14.22

11,730

 

 

shareholders

126,562

(3)

$

16.98

11,251

 

 

555,757

(4)

$

8.15

--

 

 

Equity compensation plans 

 

 

not approved by shareholders

25,250

(5)

$

8.39

--

 

 

----------------

--------------

----------------

 

 

Total

3,797,399

$

21.98

1,061,606

 

 

==========

==========

 

 

 

(1)

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. Amended and Restated 2002 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 

(2)

RARE Hospitality International, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan.

 

(3)

Amended and Restated RARE Hospitality International, Inc. 1996 Stock Plan for Outside Directors. No further options may be granted under the terms of this plan.

 

(4)

LongHorn Steaks, Inc. Amended and Restated 1992 Incentive Plan. No further options may be granted under the terms of this plan.

 

(5)

These options were granted on the same terms as those under the RARE Hospitality International, Inc. 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan and were granted at prices which equated to current market value on the date of grant, are generally exercisable after three to five years, and must be exercised within ten years from the date of grant.

 

(6)

These shares may also be granted as future awards of restricted stock.

 

Grant-Date Fair Value

 

Upon adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company elected to continue to use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to calculate the grant-date fair value of awards. The fair value of options granted during the first nine months of fiscal 2006 and fiscal 2005 were calculated using the following assumptions: 

 

 

Fiscal Quarters Ended

 

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Oct. 1,

Sept. 25,

July 2,

June 26,

April 2,

March 27,

 

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

 

---------

---------

---------

--------

--------

--------

 

 

Expected life (in years)

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

 

 

Expected volatility

26.22%

28.00%

26.59%

28.00%

27.34%

28.00%

 

 

Risk-free interest rate

5.125%

4.375%

4.75%

4.375%

4.375%

4.375%

 

 

Expected dividend yield

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

0.00%

 

 

Expected life – The Company uses historical employee exercise and option expiration data to estimate the expected life assumption for the Black-Scholes grant-date valuation. The Company believes that this historical data is currently the best estimate of the expected term of a new option. The Company uses a weighted-average expected life for all awards. As part of its SFAS 123R adoption, the Company examined its historical pattern of option exercises and was unable to determine any discernable activity patterns based on certain employee populations. From this analysis, the Company continued to calculate the expected life based on one employee population, the same policy used prior to adoption of SFAS 123R.

 

Expected volatility – The Company uses the Company stock’s historical volatility for the same period of time as the expected life. The Company has no reason to believe that its future volatility will differ from the past.

 

Risk-free interest rate – The rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the same period of time as the expected life.

 

Expected dividend yield – The calculation is based on the total expected annual dividend payout divided by the average stock price.

 

The Company uses the straight-line attribution method to recognize expense for all option and restricted stock awards with graded vesting and cliff vesting. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, the Company did not have any significant restricted stock awards other than those issued under the Managing Partner Program. Share-based compensation expense for employees is recognized on a straight-line basis over the statutory vesting period of the award.

 

SFAS 123R requires compensation costs associated with share-based awards to be recognized over the requisite service period, which for the Company is the period between the earlier of the service inception date or the grant date and the award’s stated vesting date. None of the Company’s share-based awards are eligible to vest early in the event of retirement. Many of the Company’s stock option and restricted stock awards vest early in the event of death, disability or change in control. The Company immediately recognizes the entire amount of share-based compensation costs for employees in the event of death, disability, or any other early vesting.

 

The amount of share-based compensation costs recognized during a period is based on the value of the portion of the awards that are ultimately expected to vest. SFAS 123R requires forfeitures to be estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The term “forfeitures” is distinct from “cancellations” or “expirations” and represents only the unvested portion of the surrendered award. The Company currently expects, based on an analysis of its historical forfeitures, that approximately 83 percent of its unvested outstanding options and restricted stock awards will vest.

This analysis will be re-evaluated at least annually and the forfeiture rate will be adjusted as necessary. Ultimately, the actual expense recognized over the vesting period will only be for those shares that vest. Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, forfeitures were recognized as they occurred.

 

Total share-based compensation expense of approximately $2,311,000 and $6,672,000 has been included in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income for the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006, respectively. Included in this amount is stock option expense related to options granted, but not yet vested as of October 1, 2006, that was recognized as a result of adopting SFAS 123R, restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units issued under the Company’s new stock-based compensation programs and restricted stock expense under the Company’s Managing Partner Program. No amount of share-based compensation was capitalized. Amounts expensed under each of these programs were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

40 Weeks Ended

 

October 1, 2006

October 1, 2006

 

 

--------------------

--------------------

 

 

Performance-based restricted stock units

$

138

$

367

 

 

Restricted stock issued under new stock-based compensation programs

466

1,243

 

 

Restricted stock issued to Managing Partners

495

1,425

 

 

Stock options

1,212

3,637

 

 

------------

------------

 

 

Total stock based compensation

$

2,311

$

6,672

 

 

=======

=======

 

 

The impact of adopting SFAS 123R is as follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

40 Weeks Ended

 

October 1, 2006

October 1, 2006

 

 

------------------

------------------

 

 

General and administrative expenses

$

(1,816)

$

(5,247)

 

 

---------------

---------------

 

 

Share-based compensation expense before income taxes

(1,816)

(5,247)

 

 

Tax benefit

486

1,379

 

 

---------------

---------------

 

 

Share-based compensation expense after income taxes

$

(1,330)

$

(3,868)

 

 

=========

=========

 

 

Effect on:

 

 

Earnings per share – Basic

$

(0.04)

$

(0.12)

 

 

=========

=========

 

 

Earnings per share – Diluted

$

(0.04)

$

(0.11)

 

 

=========

=========

 

 

 

 

Prior to the adoption of SFAS 123R, benefits of tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation costs (excess tax benefits) were reported as operating cash flows. SFAS 123R requires that such tax benefits be recorded as a financing cash inflow rather than a deduction of taxes paid. For the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006, there was not any excess tax benefit recognized resulting from share-based compensation cost.

 

In November 2005, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position 123(R)-3, “Transition Election Related to Accounting for the Tax Effects of Share-Based Payment Awards” (“FSP 123R-3”). FSP 123R-3 provides an elective alternative transition method of calculating the additional paid in capital pool (“APIC Pool”) of excess tax benefits available to absorb tax deficiencies recognized subsequent to the adoption of SFAS 123R to the method otherwise required by paragraph 81 of SFAS 123R. The Company may take up to one year from the effective date of SFAS 123R-3 to evaluate its available alternatives and make its one-time election. The Company is in the process of evaluating the alternative methods for calculating the APIC Pool.

 

The following table details the effect on net income and earnings per share had share-based compensation expense been recorded for the third quarter and first nine months of fiscal 2005 based on the fair-value method under SFAS 123. The reported and pro forma net income and earnings per share for the third quarter of fiscal 2006 are the same since share-based compensation expense was calculated under the provisions of SFAS 123R (in thousands, except per share amounts): 

 

 

13 Weeks Ended

39 Weeks Ended

 

Sept. 25, 2005

Sept. 25, 2005

 

 

-------------------

-------------------

 

 

Net income, as reported

$

9,588

$

38,672

 

 

Add back: Share-based compensation expense recorded,

 

 

net of related tax effects

279

749

 

 

Deduct: Total share-based compensation expense determined under

 

 

fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

(1,205)

(3,468)

 

 

---------------

---------------

 

 

Pro forma net income

$

8,662

$

35,953

 

 

=========

=========

 

 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

As reported

$

0.29

$

1.14

 

 

=========

=========

 

 

Pro forma

$

0.26

$

1.06

 

 

=========

=========

 

 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

As reported

$

0.28

$

1.10

 

 

=========

=========

 

 

Pro forma

$

0.25

$

1.03

 

 

=========

=========

 

 

As of October 1, 2006, there was $6,873,000 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested stock option awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.0 year. As of October 1, 2006, there was $2,753,000 of unrecognized compensation costs related to unvested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.7 years.

 

Share-based Activity

 

Option activity for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 was as follows: 

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

Options

Exercise Price

 

 

-----------

-----------------

 

 

Outstanding at December 25, 2005

3,213,379

$

18.39

 

 

Granted

825,497

$

31.39

 

 

Exercised

(340,036)

$

13.44

 

 

Forfeited or Cancelled

(81,289)

$

29.87

 

 

---------------

---------------

 

 

Outstanding at October 1, 2006

3,617,551

$

21.51

 

 

=========

 

 

The fair value of options granted in the third quarter and first nine months of 2006 was $227,000 and $6,187,000, respectively. The fair value of options granted in the third quarter and first nine months of 2005 was $713,000 and $3,086,000, respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised in the third quarter of 2006 and 2005 was $290,000 and $2,353,000, respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised in the 40 weeks ended October 1, 2006 and the 39 weeks ended September 25, 2005 was $5,719,000 and $5,931,000, respectively. As of October 1, 2006 and September 25, 2005, the total intrinsic value of options outstanding and options exercisable was approximately $33.7 million and $32.8 million, respectively. Intrinsic value is the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the respective trading day and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of options exercised.

 

The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options as of October 1, 2006:

 

Range of Exercise Prices

Options Outstanding

Options Exercisable

 

------------------------------

-------------------------

------------------------

 

 

Options

Life(1)

Price(2)

Options

Price(2)

 

 

----------

---------

--------------

----------

--------------

$0.01-$5.00

47,500

1.4

$

4.33

47,500

$

4.33

 

$5.01-$10.00

623,994

3.0

$

8.26

623,994

$

8.26

 

$10.01-$15.00

458,122

4.3

$

14.73

458,122

$

14.73

 

$15.01-$20.00

573,646

5.9

$

17.47

573,646

$

17.47

 

$20.01-$25.00

207,579

7.0

$

22.40

184,616

$

22.26

 

$25.01-$30.00

665,734

7.9

$

27.43

380,091

$

27.15

 

$30.01 or greater

1,040,976

9.1

$

31.49

163,458

$

31.49

 

 

--------------

-------

--------------

--------------

--------------

 

3,617,551

6.5

$

21.51

2,431,427

$

17.15

 

 

========

========

 

 

(1) Represents the weighted-average remaining contractual life in years.

(2) Represents the weighted-average exercise price.

 

Non-vested restricted stock awards as of October 1, 2006 and changes during the nine months ended October 1, 2006 were as follows:

 

 

Weighted-Average

 

Grant Date

 

 

Shares

Fair Value

 

 

-----------

--------------

 

 

Nonvested at December 25, 2005

115,878

$

25.12

 

 

Granted

237,968

$

31.30

 

 

Vested

(43,915)

$

23.33

 

 

Forfeited

(2,197)

$

26.43

 

 

-----------

------------

 

 

Nonvested at October 1, 2006

307,734

$

30.15

 

 

=======

 

 

Total grant date fair value of restricted stock that vested during the third quarter of 2006 and 2005 was $71,000 and $502,000, respectively. Total grant date fair value of restricted stock that vested during the first nine months of 2006 and 2005 was $1,025,000 and $1,182,000, respectively. The total grant date fair value of non-vested restricted stock at October 1, 2006 was $9,277,000.

 

4.

Provision for asset impairment, restaurant closings, and other charges

 

The provision for asset impairments, restaurant closings, and other charges of approximately $4.9 million ($3.1 million, net of tax) in the third quarter of 2006 consisted of the write down of asset values for eight LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants. The impairment for four of these LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants related to Management’s decision to not exercise future lease options for these restaurants as the current lease term expires. The impairment for all these restaurants related to forecasts by Management that indicate that the investment for each of these restaurants would not be fully recovered by anticipated future cash flows. The impairment charge for each of these restaurants represents the difference between the estimated fair value, using discounted estimated future cash flows, and the carrying value.

 

5.

Long-Term Debt

 

At October 1, 2006, no borrowings were outstanding under the Company’s $100.0 million revolving credit agreement, and the Company was in compliance with all of its debt covenants. Interest expense is reported net of interest income and capitalized interest. Interest income equated to $110,000 and $204,000 for the third quarter of 2006 and 2005, respectively, and to $411,000 and $766,000 for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, respectively. Interest capitalized in the third quarter of 2006 and 2005 was $183,000 and $237,000, respectively, and was $664,000 and $738,000 for the first nine months of 2006 and 2005, respectively.

 

6.

Income Taxes

 

Income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, as it relates to continuing operations, excluding the FAS 144 charge related to the impairment of eight LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants of approximately $4.9 million ($3.1 million, net of tax), has been provided for based on an estimated approximate 33.1% effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full 2006 fiscal year. This effective income tax rate differs from applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax earnings, excluding the LongHorn FAS 144 charge, primarily due to employee FICA tip tax credits (a reduction in income tax expense) partially offset by state income taxes. The effective tax benefit rate used related to the LongHorn FAS 144 impairment charge is a blended Federal and state statutory rate of approximately 38.2%. Income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, as it relates to discontinued operations, excluding the FAS 144 charge related to the Bugaboo Creek impairment of approximately $12,280,000 ($7,982,000, net of tax), has been provided for based on an estimated approximate 33.1% effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full 2006 fiscal year. The effective tax benefit rate used related to the Bugaboo Creek FAS 144 impairment charge is a Federal statutory rate of 35%.

 

7.

Earnings Per Share

 

A reconciliation of the common share components for the basic and diluted earnings per share calculations follows (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

Quarter Ended

Nine Months Ended

 

 

---------------------

---------------------------

 

 

Oct. 1,

Sept. 25,

Oct. 1,

Sept. 25,

 

 

2006

2005

2006

2005

 

 

----------

----------

----------

----------

 

 

Basic weighted average shares outstanding

33,729

33,515

33,624

33,903

 

 

Dilutive effect of stock options

800

1,015

905

1,281

 

 

Dilutive effect of restricted stock

57

72

64

69

 

 

------------

------------

------------

------------

 

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding

34,586

34,602

34,593

35,253

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

Net earnings (loss)

$

(3,499)

$

9,588

$

27,130

$

38,672

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

Basic earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.10)

$

0.29

$

0.81

$

1.14

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per common share

$

(0.10)

$

0.28

$

0.78

$

1.10

 

 

========

========

========

========

 

Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the applicable period. Diluted earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common and potential common shares outstanding during the applicable period and includes the dilutive effect of stock options and non-vested shares of restricted stock. The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate the effect of outstanding shares, which computes total proceeds to the Company as the sum of (a) the amount the employee must pay upon exercise of the award, (b) the amount of unearned share-based compensation costs attributed to future services and (c) the amount of tax benefits, if any, that would be credited to additional paid-in capital assuming exercise of the award. Share-based compensation awards for which total proceeds to the Company would exceed the average market price over the applicable period have an antidilutive effect on earnings per share, and accordingly, are excluded from the calculation of diluted earnings per share.

 

For the quarter and nine month period ended October 1, 2006 stock option awards for 1,167,000 and 1,047,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were antidilutive. For the quarter and nine month period ended September 25, 2005 stock option awards for 365,000 and 298,000 shares, respectively, were excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because they were antidilutive.

 

8.

Comprehensive Income

 

For the quarters and nine months ended October 1, 2006 and September 25, 2005, there was no difference between the Company’s net earnings and comprehensive income.

 

9.

Other Developments

 

On September 21, 2006, the Company announced several strategic initiatives designed to enhance long-term shareholder value. These initiatives were authorized by the Company’s Board of Directors after a review of the Company’s business and growth prospects, which the Company undertook with its financial advisor, Wachovia Securities. The initiatives announced include, i) exiting the Bugaboo Creek Steak House business through the probable sale of the Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants and brand (see Note 1); ii) improving the Company’s cost of capital by recapitalizing its balance sheet with $125 million of long-term debt; iii) using the proceeds from this newly-issued debt to reduce shareholders’ equity through the repurchase of $125 million in Company common stock; and iv) accelerating the rate of development of The Capital Grille concept beginning in fiscal 2007.              

 

10.

New Accounting Pronouncements

 

In March 2006, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued EITF Issue 06-3, “How Taxes Collected from Customers and Remitted to Governmental Authorities Should Be Presented in the Income Statement (That is, Gross versus Net Presentation).” Entities may adopt a policy of presenting sales taxes in the income statement on either a gross or net basis. If taxes are significant, an entity should disclose its policy of presenting taxes and the amount of taxes. The guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company currently presents sales net of sales taxes. Accordingly, this issue will not impact the method for recording these sales taxes in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

In July 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Interpretation No. 48 (FIN 48), “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes.” FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in the financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, “Accounting for Income Taxes.” FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of FIN 48 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements.” This statement defines fair value, establishes a framework for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. The statement applies whenever other statements require or permit assets or liabilities to be measured at fair value. SFAS No. 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company is evaluating the impact the adoption of SFAS No. 157 will have on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108 (SAB 108), “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements.” SAB 108 provides guidance regarding the consideration given to prior year misstatements when determining materiality in current year financial statements, and is effective for fiscal years ending after November 15, 2006. In the third quarter of 2006, the Company adopted the provisions of SAB 108 and changed is accounting policies associated with the accrual of utilities and vacation expense (see Note 1).

 

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of

Financial Condition and Results of Continuing Operations

 

On September 21, 2006, the Company announced that its Board of Directors had approved exiting the Bugaboo Creek Steak House business through the probable sale of the restaurants and brand. In the accompanying consolidated financial statements, financial

results relating to the operations to be divested are presented as discontinued operations. Unless otherwise noted, this management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of continuing operations relates exclusively to the continuing operations of the Company.

 

On October 6, 2005, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FASB Staff Position 13-1, “Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period” (“FSP 13-1”). FSP 13-1 is effective for the Company’s fiscal 2006 and requires the Company to expense rental costs incurred during the construction period associated with ground or building operating leases. The implementation provisions of FSP 13-1 allow for retrospective application in accordance with FASB Statement No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Correction”, which permits entities to restate financial statements of previous periods. When adopting FSP 13-1, the Company elected to apply FSP 13-1 retrospectively to its financial statements for all prior periods.

 

Prior to the issuance of FSP 13-1, the Company capitalized all rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases during the construction period. With the issuance of FSP 13-1, all rental costs associated with ground or building operating leases incurred during construction are to be recognized as a pre-opening expense.

 

The retrospective application of FSP 13-1 reduced net earnings by $503,000 and $541,000 for the fiscal years ended December 25, 2005 and December 26, 2004, respectively. The reduction in net earnings is a result of increases in pre-opening expense of $997,000 and $1,004,000, offset by reductions of depreciation expense of $342,000 and $297,000; and reductions of income taxes of $249,000 and $268,000 for 2005 and 2004, respectively. The retrospective application of FSP 13-1 reduced net earnings by $149,000 and $334,000 for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005, respectively. The reduction in net earnings is a result of increases in pre-opening expense of $281,000 and $649,000, offset by reductions of depreciation expense of $78,000 and $262,000; and reductions of income taxes of $77,000 and $146,000 each for the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005, respectively. The cumulative effect of the retrospective application is a reduction in retained earnings of $5,008,000 as of the beginning of fiscal year 2004.

 

The application of FSP 13-1 to the quarter ended October 1, 2006 resulted in a net loss of $3,499,000 versus a net loss of $3,340,000 had the position not been issued. The difference in net earnings is based on the increase in pre-opening expense of $350,000, offset by reductions of depreciation expense of $113,000 and income taxes of $78,000. The retrospective application of FSP 13-1 did not have any impact on our previously reported net cash flows, sales or comparable restaurant sales. See Note 2 to the consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on the retrospective application of FSP 13-1.

 

Effective December 26, 2005, the Company adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, using the modified prospective transition method, and therefore has not restated prior periods’ results. Share-based compensation paid to the Company’s lead restaurant managers under the Managing Partner Program is recorded as operating expenses – restaurants. All other share-based compensation expense is recorded as a general and administrative expense. Total share-based compensation expense recorded in the third quarter of 2006 was approximately $2.3 million ($1.6 million, net of tax), of which $1.2 million ($1.0 million, net of tax) represents additional share-based compensation expense recorded as a result of adopting SFAS 123R and $604,000 ($373,000, net of tax) represents additional share-based compensation expense recorded for the Company’s 2006 long-term compensation programs. As described under the heading “Expense” in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, share-based compensation expense recorded in the third quarter of 2005 was $449,000 ($279,000, net of tax) and would have been $1,940,000 ($1,205,000, net of tax) had the Company recognized share-based expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income under SFAS 123 in 2005.

 

Results of Operations

 

Third quarter 2006 compared to third quarter 2005 and the first nine months of 2006 compared to the first nine months of 2005

 

Revenues

 

The Company currently derives all of its revenues from restaurant sales and franchise revenues. Total revenues increased 13.2% and 17.8% for the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year.

 

The Company’s fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week year, ending on the last Sunday in each calendar year. Each of the four quarters is typically made up of 13 weeks; however, since fiscal 2006 will be a 53-week period, the first fiscal quarter of 2006 contains 14 weeks. This additional week had a favorable effect on the Company’s revenue and operating result comparisons for the first quarter and first nine months of 2006, as compared to the prior year periods.

 

Same store sales comparisons for each of the Company’s restaurant concepts for the quarter ended October 1, 2006, consist of sales at restaurants opened prior to December 27, 2004.

 

LongHorn Steakhouse:

 

Sales in the LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants for the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006 increased 11.8% and 16.3%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior year. The increase reflects (i) a 11.8% and 15.0% increase in restaurant operating weeks in the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an increase in the restaurant base from 231 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants at the end of the third quarter of 2005 to 261 at the end of the third quarter of 2006 and (ii), with respect to the nine months ended October 1, 2006, a 2.8% increase in restaurant weeks, resulting from the additional week in the first quarter 2006, a 14-week operating period. Average weekly sales for all LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the third quarter of 2006 were $54,244, approximately equal to the comparable period in 2005. Average weekly sales for all LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants in the first nine months of 2006 increased by 1.1% over the comparable period in 2005. Same store sales for the comparable LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants decreased 0.3% in the third quarter of 2006 as compared to the same period in 2005 due to a decrease in guest counts, partially offset by an increase in average check.

 

The Capital Grille:

 

Sales in The Capital Grille restaurants for the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006, increased 20.0% and 24.7%, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year. The increase reflects (i) a 12.9% and 17.5% increase in restaurant operating weeks for the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006, respectively, as compared to the same periods of the prior fiscal year, resulting from an increase in the restaurant base from 22 The Capital Grille restaurants at the end of the third quarter 2005 to 26 restaurants at the end of the third quarter of 2006, (ii) an increase in average weekly sales and (iii), with respect to the nine months ended October 1, 2006, a 2.8% increase in restaurant weeks, resulting from the additional week in the first quarter 2006, a 14-week operating period. Average weekly sales for all The Capital Grille restaurants in the third quarter of 2006 were $140,783, a 6.3% increase from the comparable period in 2005. Average weekly sales for all The Capital Grille restaurants in the first nine months of 2006 increased by 6.1% over the comparable period in 2005. Same store sales for the comparable The Capital Grille restaurants increased 7.4% in the third quarter of 2006, due to approximately equal increases in average check and guest counts.

 

Franchise Revenue:

 

Franchise revenues increased to $165,000 for the third quarter and increased to $440,000 for the first nine months of 2006, from $109,000 and $330,000, respectively, for the same periods of the prior fiscal year, due to the opening of a fourth franchised location in the first quarter of 2006.

 

Costs and Expenses

 

Cost of restaurant sales as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 36.9% for the third quarter of 2006, from 36.4% for the third quarter of 2005, and was approximately 36.6% for the first nine months of both 2006 and 2005. Cost of restaurant sales as a percentage of restaurant sales for the third quarter of 2006 was higher than the comparable quarter of the prior year due primarily to higher beef contracts and, to a lesser extent, higher produce costs and menu mix shifts. The Company is under fixed price contracts with respect to approximately 75% of its protein products into early 2007, with the remaining 25% currently under contracts extending into the summer of 2007. The Company expects its cost of restaurant sales as a percentage of restaurant sales in the last quarter of 2006 to be approximately 40 to 50 basis points higher than the last quarter of 2005 due to higher priced beef contracts. Many of the food products, other than protein products, purchased by the Company are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, production problems, delivery difficulties and other factors, which are outside the control of the Company.

 

Restaurant operating expenses in the quarter and nine months ended October 1, 2006, were approximately 0.9% and 0.6% higher, respectively, as a percentage of restaurant sales, than in the quarter and nine months ended September 25, 2005. The increase was primarily due to the de-leveraging effect of the sales softness at the Company’s casual dining brands on management labor costs, as well as upon other fixed and semi-fixed expenses and to higher utility costs.

 

Restaurant depreciation increased to 4.0% of restaurant sales for the third quarter of 2006, from 3.9% of restaurant sales for the third quarter of 2005, and was approximately 3.7% for the first nine months of both 2006 and 2005. Restaurant depreciation is a relatively fixed expense and is higher in the third quarter of both comparable years due to seasonally low average weekly sales during that quarter.

 

The provision for asset impairments, restaurant closings, and other charges of approximately $4.9 million ($3.1 million, net of tax) in the third quarter of 2006 consisted of the write down of asset values for eight LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants. The impairment for four of these LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants related to Management’s decision to not exercise future lease options for these restaurants as the current lease term expires. The impairment for all these restaurants related to forecasts by Management that indicate that the investment for each of these restaurants would not be fully recovered by anticipated future cash flows. The impairment charge for each of these restaurants represents the difference between the estimated fair value, using discounted estimated future cash flows, and the carrying value.

 

Pre-opening expense for the third quarter of 2006 increased to $2,627,000, from $1,555,000 in the same period of the prior year. Pre- opening expense for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 increased to $7,169,000 from $5,454,000 for the nine months ended September 25, 2005. The amounts charged to pre-opening expense in any period are dependent upon the number of restaurants to be opened and the restaurant concept. The Company opened eight LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants and two The Capital Grille restaurants in the third quarter of 2006, compared to six LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants and no The Capital Grille restaurants in the third quarter of 2005.

 

General and administrative expenses as a percentage of total revenues increased to 6.7% for the third quarter of 2006 as compared to 6.2% for the corresponding period of the prior year and increased to 6.7% for the first nine months of 2006 from 5.8% for the same period of 2005. This increase was primarily associated with the recording of stock-based compensation as a result of the Company’s adoption of SFAS 123R and, for the first nine months of 2006, to higher accruals for management bonuses, as compared to the comparable period of 2005.

 

As a result of the relationships between revenues and expenses discussed above, the Company’s income from continuing operations decreased to approximately $7.1 million for the third quarter of 2006 and decreased to $53.1 million for the first nine months of 2006, as compared to $15.1 million and $58.2 million, respectively, for the corresponding periods of the prior year.

 

Interest expense, net increased to $674,000 in the third quarter of 2006 and to $1,769,000 for the first nine months of 2006, from $520,000 and $1,171,000 during the same periods of the prior year. The increase in interest expense, net was primarily due to additional interest expense associated with new capital lease obligations and, to a lesser extent, to lower interest income.

 

Minority interest (income) expense decreased to ($23,000) and $102,000 for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, respectively, from $22,000 and $208,000 for the same periods of the prior year.

 

Income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, as it relates to continuing operations, excluding the FAS 144 charge related to the impairment of eight LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants of approximately $4.9 million ($3.1 million, net of tax), has been provided for based on an estimated approximate 33.1% effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full 2006 fiscal year. This effective income tax rate differs from applying the statutory federal income tax rate of 35% to pre-tax earnings, excluding the LongHorn FAS 144 charge, primarily due to employee FICA tip tax credits (a reduction in income tax expense) partially offset by state income taxes. The effective tax benefit rate used related to the LongHorn FAS 144 impairment charge is a blended Federal and state statutory rate of approximately 38.2%. Income tax expense for the third quarter and first nine months of 2006, as it relates to discontinued operations, excluding the FAS 144 charge related to the Bugaboo Creek impairment of approximately $12,280,000 ($7,982,000, net of tax), has been provided for based on an estimated approximate 33.1% effective tax rate expected to be applicable for the full 2006 fiscal year. The effective tax benefit rate used related to the Bugaboo Creek FAS 144 impairment charge is a Federal statutory rate of 35%.

 

Net earnings (loss) decreased to a net loss of $3.5 million for the third quarter of 2006 from net earnings of $9.6 million for the third quarter of 2005 and decreased to $27.1 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2006 from $38.7 million for the nine months ended September 25, 2005, reflecting the net effect of the items discussed above.

 

Outlook for Future Operating Results

 

The Company expects fiscal 2006 diluted earnings per common share from continuing operations in a range of $1.41 to $1.43. This level of earnings per common share assumes (i) same store sales increases for the fourth quarter of 2006 in a range of 1% to 2% for LongHorn Steakhouse and 3% to 4% for The Capital Grille, (ii) the impact of expensing stock-based compensation and construction period rent, which is expected to total $0.18 per diluted share for fiscal 2006, (iii) FAS 144 asset impairment charges of $0.09 per diluted share for 2006, and (iv) the projected restaurant openings discussed below.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources:

 

The Company requires capital primarily for the development of new restaurants, the remodeling of existing restaurants and selected acquisitions. During the first nine months of 2006, the Company’s principal sources of working capital were cash provided by operating activities of continuing operations ($55.2 million); cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations ($4.4 million) and proceeds from the exercise of employee stock options ($4.6 million). For the first nine months of 2006, the principal use of working capital was capital expenditures ($70.8 million) for new and improved facilities related to continuing operations and ($4.4 million) for new and improved facilities related to discontinued operations.

 

The Company intends to open 30 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants and three The Capital Grille restaurants in fiscal year 2006. The Company estimates that its capital expenditures for fiscal year 2006 will be approximately $115.0 to $125.0 million. During the first nine months of 2006, the Company opened 25 LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants and three The Capital Grille restaurants, including eight LongHorn Steakhouse restaurants and two The Capital Grille restaurants during the third quarter of 2006. Management believes that available cash, cash provided by operations, available borrowings under the Company’s $100.0 million revolving credit facility and proceeds from the sale of the Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants and brand will provide sufficient funds to finance the Company’s expansion plans through the year 2007.

 

Since substantially all sales in the Company’s restaurants are for cash, and accounts payable are generally due in 7 to 30 days, the Company operates with little or negative working capital.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Significant Estimates

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of its Financial Condition and Results of Operations are based upon consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires Management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Management believes the critical accounting policies and areas that require the most significant judgments and estimates to be used in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements are property and equipment; lease accounting; impairment of long-lived assets; self insurance accruals; and income tax accounting. Except with respect to changes in the manner in which we account for share-based compensation, as discussed below, there have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies as discussed in greater detail in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contained in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005.

 

The Company has granted stock options, restricted stock and performance-based restricted stock units to certain employees, non-employee directors, consultants and advisors. The Company recognizes compensation expense for all share-based payments granted after December 25, 2005 and share grants awarded prior to but not yet vested as of December 25, 2005, in accordance with SFAS 123R. Under the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, the Company recognizes share-based compensation net of an estimated forfeiture rate and only recognizes compensation cost for those shares expected to vest on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award (normally the vesting period). Prior to SFAS 123R adoption, the Company accounted for share-based payments under APB 25 and, accordingly, only recognized compensation expense for restricted stock awards, which had a grant date intrinsic value.

 

Determining the appropriate fair value model and calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards require the input of highly subjective assumptions, including the expected life of the share-based payment awards and stock price volatility. The Company uses the Black-Scholes model to value its stock option awards. Management believes that future volatility will not materially differ from its historical volatility. Thus, the Company uses the historical volatility of the Company’s common stock over the expected life of the award. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of share-based payment awards represent Management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of Management’s judgment. As a result, if factors change and Management uses different assumptions, share-based compensation expense could be materially different in the future. In addition, the Company is required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. If the actual forfeiture rate is materially different from the estimate, share-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what has been recorded in the current period. See Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a further discussion on share-based compensation.

 

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

As of October 1, 2006, the Company had no off-balance sheet arrangements.

 

Contractual Obligations

 

The Company’s material contractual obligations are summarized and included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005. During the nine months ended October 1, 2006, there have been no material changes outside the ordinary course of business in the contractual obligations specified in the 2005 10-K.

 

Forward-Looking Statements

 

Statements contained in this report concerning liquidity and capital resources and future operating results contain certain “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. These statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company and members of its Management team, as well as assumptions on which such statements are based. All forward-looking statements in this Form 10-Q are based upon information available to the Company on the date of this report. Forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and in addition to the factors discussed elsewhere in this Form 10-Q, other factors that could cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements include the following: the ability of the Company to execute capital structure and other initiatives intended to enhance long-term shareholder value; the ability of the Company to obtain financing on terms acceptable to the Company and maintain compliance with the covenants included in such financing; the ability of the Company to repurchase its shares in the expected number and at prices that would be accretive to the Company’s financial results; the ability of the Company to effect the sale of its Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants on acceptable terms; failure of facts to conform to necessary Management estimates and assumptions regarding financial and operating matters; the Company’s ability to identify and secure suitable locations for new restaurants on acceptable terms, open the anticipated number of new restaurants on time and within budget, achieve anticipated rates of same store sales, hire and train additional restaurant personnel and integrate new restaurants into its operations; the continued implementation of the Company’s business discipline over a large and growing restaurant base; increases in the cost of construction of new restaurants; unexpected increases in cost of sales or employee, pre-opening or other expenses; the economic conditions in the new markets into which the Company expands and possible uncertainties in the customer base in these areas; fluctuations in quarterly operating results; seasonality; unusual weather patterns or events; changes in customer dining patterns; the impact of any negative publicity or public attitudes related to the consumption of beef or other products sold by the Company; unforeseen increases in commodity pricing; disruption of established sources of product supply or distribution; competitive pressures from other national and regional restaurant chains; legislation affecting the restaurant industry, including (without limitation) minimum wage and mandatory healthcare legislation; business conditions, such as inflation or a recession, or other negative effect on dining patterns, or some other negative effect on the economy, in general, including (without limitation) war, insurrection and/or terrorist attacks on United States soil; growth in the restaurant industry and the general economy; changes in monetary and fiscal policies, laws and regulations; and the risks identified from time to time in the Company’s SEC reports, including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2005, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and its current reports on Form 8-K, registration statements, press releases and other public announcements. Any forward looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it was made, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes to future operating results over time.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

Interest Rate Risk

 

The Company may be exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt.

 

As of October 1, 2006, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under its $100.0 million revolving credit facility. Amounts outstanding under such credit facility bear interest at LIBOR plus a margin of 0.50 to 1.25% (the “applicable margin” depending on the Company’s leverage ratio), or the administrative agent’s prime rate of interest at the Company’s option. Accordingly, the Company may be exposed to the impact of interest rate movements. To achieve the Company’s objective of managing its exposure to interest rate changes, the Company may from time to time use interest rate swaps.

 

Investment Portfolio

 

The Company invests portions of its excess cash, if any, in highly liquid investments. At October 1, 2006, the Company had $187,000 in high-grade overnight repurchase agreements, and $6.2 million in short-term investments in the form of federal, state, and municipal bonds. As of October 1, 2006, the Company has classified all short-term investments as trading securities. The market risk on such investments is minimal due to their short-term nature.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

In accordance with the Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15, the Company’s Management, under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by the Company in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q was recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and instructions for Form 10-Q. During the Company’s last fiscal quarter, there were no changes in internal controls over financial reporting or in other factors that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect internal controls over financial reporting.

 

Part II - Other Information

 

Item 1.

Legal Proceedings

 

There have been no material changes in the status of the Company’s legal proceedings from those described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005.

 

Item 1A. Risk Factors

 

In evaluating the Company, careful consideration should be given to the following risk factors, in addition to the other risk factors disclosed by the Company under Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2005. Each of these risk factors could adversely affect the Company’s business, operating results and/or financial condition, as well as adversely affect the value of the Company’s share price. In addition to these risk factors, please refer to the other information contained in this report, including the consolidated financial statements and related notes.

 

We may not be able to raise the additional financing required to execute our announced strategic initiatives on terms favorable to us.

 

Changes in our operating plans, acceleration of our expansion plans, divestiture of the Bugaboo Creek Steak House concept, lower than anticipated sales, increased operating expenses, or other events, may cause us to seek additional debt, convertible debt or equity financing on an accelerated basis. Financing may not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, and our failure to raise capital when needed could negatively impact our growth and other plans, as well as our financial condition and results of operations. Any additional equity financing may be dilutive to the holders of our common stock. Additional debt financing, if available, may involve significant cash payment obligations and financing and operating covenants that could restrict our ability to operate our business.

 

We may not be able to successfully complete the divestiture of the Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants and brand.

On September 21, 2006, we announced that our Board of Directors had approved exiting the Bugaboo Creek Steak House business through the possible sale of the restaurants and brand. We cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the divestiture of the Bugaboo Creek Steak House business on favorable terms, or at all. If we are unable to divest the Bugaboo Creek Steak House business for more than current carrying value, we will record a loss in connection with the sale that could be significant. If we are unable to sell the Bugaboo Creek Steak House business at all, we will be required to alter our current business strategy to determine how to proceed with this business segment. As a result, we may be required to engage in further restructuring activities or cease operating some or all of the Bugaboo Creek Steak House restaurants. In any such case, we may incur additional expenses and management’s attention may be diverted from our current business strategy.

 

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

None

 

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

 

None

 

Item 5.

Other Information

 

As described in its most recent definitive proxy statement, RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (the “Company”) and each of its named executive officers are parties to employment agreements dated April 28, 2003. On October 27, 2006 the Company and certain of these executive officers amended their respective employment agreements to provide for the renewal of the agreements and to provide for changes in the payment terms of severance compensation, the acceleration of certain restricted stock grants upon the occurrence of certain events and certain other changes deemed necessary to comply with the provisions of new section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

 

The Company and Philip J. Hickey, Jr. (“Mr. Hickey, Jr.”), Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the “Hickey, Jr. Employment Agreement”) dated April 28, 2003. The Hickey, Jr. Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2006 to provide for a term ending July 1, 2007, unless renewed on or before January 1, 2007. There was no change in Mr. Hickey, Jr.’s salary or bonus eligibility percentage.

 

The Company and Eugene I. Lee, Jr. (“Mr. Lee, Jr.”), President and Chief Operating Officer of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the “Lee, Jr. Employment Agreement”) dated April 28, 2003. The Lee, Jr. Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2006 to provide for a term ending July 1, 2007, unless renewed on or before January 1, 2007. There was no change in Mr. Lee, Jr.’s salary or bonus eligibility percentage.

 

The Company and W. Douglas Benn (“Mr. Benn”), Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the “Benn Employment Agreement”) dated April 28, 2003. The Benn Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2006 to provide for a term ending July 1, 2007, unless renewed on or before January 1, 2007. There was no change in Mr. Benn’s salary or bonus eligibility percentage.

 

The Company and Joia M. Johnson (“Ms. Johnson”), Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the Company, are parties to an employment agreement (the “Johnson Employment Agreement”) dated April 28, 2003. The Johnson Employment Agreement was amended on October 27, 2006 to provide for a term ending July 1, 2007, unless renewed on or before January 1, 2007. There was no change in Ms. Johnson’s salary or bonus eligibility percentage.

 

Item 6.

Exhibits

 

 

Exhibits Filed.

 

 

10.1 -- Third Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2006 between the Registrant and

 

Philip J. Hickey, Jr.

 

 

10.2 -- Third Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2006 between the Registrant and

 

Eugene I. Lee, Jr.

 

 

10.3 -- Third Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2006 between the Registrant and

 

W. Douglas Benn

 

 

10.4 -- Third Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated October 27, 2006 between the Registrant and

 

Joia M. Johnson

 

 

31.1 -- Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

 

31.2 -- Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) of the Exchange Act.

 

32.1 -- Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant

 

to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1).

 

 

32.2 -- Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant

 

to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. (1).

 

 

 

(1)

These exhibits are deemed to accompany this report and are not “filed” as part of the report.

 


 

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: November 2, 2006

/s/ W. Douglas Benn

 

 

W. Douglas Benn

 

 

Executive Vice President, Finance

 

and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

(Principal Financial Officer)

 

 

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THIRD AMENDMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, made and entered into as of the 27th day of October, 2006, by and between RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the “Company”), and W. DOUGLAS BENN, a resident of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the “Executive”);

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive entered into that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2003 (the “Original Agreement”), First Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2004 (the “First Amendment”) and Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2005 (the “Second Amendment”); and

WHEREAS, the Second Amendment requires the Company and Executive to renew the Original Agreement on or before October 27, 2006 in order for the term of the Original Agreement to continue past the Expiration Date (as defined in the Second Amendment); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive intend to renew the Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Third Amendment;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) in hand paid by the Company to Executive, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.            Section 1.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 1.1:

1.1.        Employment Term. The employment term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof (the “Commencement Date”) and shall continue until and end on July 1, 2007 (the “Expiration Date”), unless terminated prior thereto in accordance with Section 3 hereof. Unless renewed by mutual agreement of the Company and Executive, as expressed in writing signed by both parties on or before January 1, 2007 (the “Notice Date”), this Agreement shall terminate on the Expiration Date with no renewal or extension; provided, however, that in the event the Company chooses not to renew the Agreement, the Executive will be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the Expiration Date, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to six (6) months of his Base Compensation (as defined below), in effect immediately prior to the Expiration Date (the “Non-Renewal Severance”). Such payments of Non-Renewal Severance shall be made as and when salary would otherwise be payable to senior officers of the Company; provided, however, that on February 15, 2008, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the Non-Renewal Severance, plus an amount, if any, equal to Executive’s Base Compensation for the period of time between the Notice Date and the date on which the Company provides Executive with written notice of non-renewal. The period from the Commencement Date until the employment term expires or is terminated by the Company or Executive is hereinafter referred to as the “Employment Term.”

2.            Section 2.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.1:

2.1        Base Compensation. For all the services rendered by Executive hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive an annual salary at the rate of Three Hundred Fifty-Two Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($352,000) for each full year of the Employment Term, payable in installments at such times as the Company customarily pays its other senior officers (but in any event no less often than monthly). The Company agrees that the Executive’s salary will be reviewed at least annually to determine if an increase is appropriate, which increase shall be in the sole discretion of the Company. Executive’s salary shall be prorated for any partial year during which this Agreement remains in effect. Executive’s annual salary paid from time to time is hereafter referred to as “Base Compensation”.

3.            Section 2.3 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.3:

2.3          Equity Awards. The Company acknowledges that it has caused the Parent to issue equity awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards (collectively, the “Equity Awards”) to Executive pursuant to the Parent’s 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) and the Parent’s Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”, together with the 1997 Plan, the “Equity Incentive Plans”). The Company represents and warrants to Executive that (i) during the Employment Term, the Company will cause Executive to be within the category of persons for which awards may be granted under the 2002 Plan or its successor plan; (ii) the Equity Incentive Plans have been approved by the Parent’s Board of Directors and shareholders and all Equity Awards granted to Executive under the Equity Incentive Plans are and shall remain in full force and effect as the legally binding obligations of the Parent and the Company throughout the Employment Term, subject to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plans and the award agreements executed in connection with the issuance of Equity Awards; and (iii) the Parent has caused all shares of stock in the Parent that may be acquired by Executive through the exercise or vesting of the Equity Awards to be registered and freely tradable, whether by means of the Parent’s filing of all necessary Form S-8 registration statements or otherwise, subject to restriction on sale or transfer of such shares under applicable securities laws by virtue of Executive’s position with the Company or ownership of the Parent’s securities.

4.           Section 3.2 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 3.2:

3.2

Payment upon Termination.

(a)    Upon termination of the Employment Term for Cause, or as a result of Executive’s resignation pursuant to Section 3.1(e), in the absence of circumstances described in Section 3.2(e), Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination and any additional compensation he may be entitled to receive under the terms of any employee benefit plan offered by the Company.

(b)    Upon termination of the Employment Term by the death of Executive, Executive’s estate shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of death; and (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro-rata share (based on days worked before death) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s death shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive’s dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from and after the date of Executive’s termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person’s or persons’ rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2(b) shall be in addition to any insurance proceeds that may be payable to Executive’s estate or beneficiaries.

(c)    In the event that during the Employment Term Executive becomes Disabled (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) and the Company thereafter terminates Executive’s employment during the continuation of such disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro rata share (based on days worked before he became disabled) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed; and (iii) continuation of Executive’s Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination of employment, for a period of ninety (90) days following the termination of employment, which shall be paid as and when salary payments would otherwise be made under Section 2 of this Agreement.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and his dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from after the date of Executive’s termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person’s or person’ rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2 (c) shall be in addition to any disability insurance payments that may be payable to Executive.

(d)    In the event that the Company terminates Executive’s employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections 3.1 (a), (b) or (c) above, except upon expiration of the Employment Term, or unless the provisions of Section 3.2(e) apply, Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to twelve (12) months of his Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Termination Severance”). Executive shall also be entitled to receive his pro-rata share (based on days worked before termination) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed. Such payments of Base Compensation and bonus shall be made over time, as and when salary and bonuses would otherwise be payable under Section 2 of this Agreement; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the termination date, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any unpaid portion of the Termination Severance.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment, (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive’s dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program , on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twelve (12) months from and after the date of Executive’s termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twelve (12) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person’s or persons’ rights to continue such benefits.

 

(e)    In the event that (i) during the Employment Term a “Change in Control” (as defined below) shall occur and (ii) within eighteen (18) months following such Change in Control, either (A) the Company substantially reduces Executive’s scope of responsibility or moves the Company’s headquarter offices away from the Metropolitan Atlanta area, and Executive resigns as a result of such action, or (B) the Company terminates Executive’s employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections (a), (b) or (c) above then, in lieu of the amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.2(d), Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to the average of the bonus paid to Executive with respect to each of the two fiscal years of the Company prior to the year in which the resignation or termination occurs; and (iii) an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of his Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination. The amount payable pursuant to clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence (the “CIC Severance”) shall be payable in periodic amounts, each equal to the periodic Base Compensation payments being made to Executive immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination, on the dates that salary payments are normally made to executives of the Company or its successor; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the date of resignation or termination, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the CIC Severance. Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, in the event that the Company shall fail to make any payment of the CIC Severance, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to the Company of the failure to make such payment, then all remaining portions of the CIC Severance shall thereupon be immediately due and payable without further notice to the Company. All payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2(e), other than the CIC Severance, shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of resignation or termination.

 

In addition to the foregoing, upon the date of resignation or termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s resignation or termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such resignation or termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of resignation or termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive’s dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of eighteen (18) months from and after the date of resignation or termination. From and after the expiration of such eighteen (18) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person’s or persons’ rights to continue such benefits.

For purposes of this subsection (e), “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following:

 

(i)           The acquisition, at one time or over time, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Parent entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control; (a) any acquisition by a Person who is on the date of this Agreement the beneficial owner of 35% or more of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, (b) any acquisition by the Parent, or (c) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Parent or any corporation controlled by the Parent;

 

(ii)          Consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or comparable persons of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation or other entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Parent or all or substantially all of the Parent’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, and (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Parent of such corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation or other entity except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or comparable body of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the incumbent Board or comparable body at the time of the execution of this Agreement, or of the action of the Board or comparable body, providing for such Business Combination.

(f)    Payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2 are in lieu of any other obligations to Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(g)    In the event that Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 3.2(c), (d) or (e), or Executive resigns from employment pursuant to Section 3.2(e), a condition of Executive’s receipt of any consideration, compensation or benefits beyond that which would otherwise be required to be paid or provided for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination shall be his execution of a separation agreement, including a full release of all claims, in a form acceptable to the Company.

5.            Section 4 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 4:

4.            Noncompetition. Executive covenants and agrees that during the term of his employment with the Company and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Executive shall not, as an officer, manager, supervisor, independent contractor or equity owner of any business or enterprise, engage or participate in any Business Activities in the Restricted Area. For purposes of this Section 4, “Business Activities” shall be those activities that relate to the management of finance, accounting or investor relations services for any “Designated Competitor”, or any single restaurant or group of restaurants that derives more than 30% of its food sales from the sale of steak products. For purposes of this Section 4, the “Restricted Area” shall be the area described in Exhibit A attached hereto, which the parties agree may be amended from time-to-time, and “Designated Competitor” shall mean Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Texas Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse, Logan’s Roadhouse, Roadhouse Grill, Ted’s Montana Grill, Steak & Ale, Traildust Steakhouse, Tumbleweed, Ryan’s Steakhouse, Sizzler, Sagebrush, Golden Corral, Chop House, Smokey Bones and Saltgrass Steakhouse, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of LongHorn Steakhouse and Bugaboo Creek Steak House. “Designated Competitor” also means Flemings, Ruth’s Chris, Smith & Wolinsky, Morton’s, Del Frisco’s, The Palm, Sullivan’s, Stonewood and Fogo de Chao, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of The Capital Grille.

Nothing in this Section 4 shall prohibit Executive from acquiring or holding, for investment purposes only, less than 2% of the outstanding publicly traded securities of any corporation that may compete directly or indirectly with the Company. The provisions of this Section 4 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect from and after the date on which the Company fails to make any payment owed to Executive under this Agreement following the Employment Term, which payment remains unpaid ten (10) business days following the receipt of written notice from Executive that such payment has not been made (provided that such cure period shall not apply with respect to the Company’s third or subsequent failure to make any payment due Executive hereunder in any twelve (12) month period); provided, however, that in the event that there is any reasonable and good faith dispute between the Company and Executive as to any amount payable to Executive, for purposes of this Section 4 the disputed amount shall not be considered due and payable until such dispute shall have been finally resolved in an appropriate legal proceeding and any time for appeal of such resolution shall have run without an appropriate appeal having been taken.

6.            Section 19 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 19:

19.          Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Third Amendment and Exhibit A thereto, which is incorporated herein by this reference, constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to Executive’s employment by the Company and there are no agreements, understandings, specific restrictions, warranties or representations, written or oral, relating to said subject matter between the parties other than those set forth herein or herein provided for. For the sake of clarity, the Third Amendment replaces and supercedes the Second Amendment, which, like the First Amendment, is hereby terminated and of no further force and effect.

7.            A new Section 24 is hereby inserted in the Original Agreement as follows:

24.          Code Section 409A.

(a)    Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, constitutes “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then if and to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable in a lump sum, such payment or distribution will be delayed until the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, and (ii) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable over time, the amount that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s separation from service will be accumulated and paid to Executive, without interest, on the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, whereupon the normal payment or distribution schedule will resume.

(b)    Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company’s obligation hereunder to pay health, hospitalization and/or long-term care insurance premiums to provide Executive and Executive’s dependant family members with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program for a stated period of time after the termination of the Employment Term (“extended medical coverage”) shall not extend beyond December 31 of the second calendar year following the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurs, and all such payments by the Company for such extended medical coverage shall be imputed as income to Executive

8.            Exhibit A of the Second Amendment shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with new Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

9.            Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Original Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.             

 

 

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Third Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

 

 

By:

_______________________________

President

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

_______________________________

 

W. DOUGLAS BENN

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Executive and the Company agree that, for purposes of this Agreement, the “Restricted Area” shall constitute the area within fifteen (15) miles of any of RARE’s restaurants in the following cities:

 

Alabama

Daphne, Dothan, Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville

Arizona

Phoenix, Scottsdale

Colorado

Denver

Connecticut

Manchester

Delaware

Bear, Newark

District of Columbia

Washington, D.C.

Florida

Altamonte Springs, Boynton Beach, Brandon, Coral Springs, Daytona Beach, Davie, Delray Beach, Destin, Fleming Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Ft. Walton Beach, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jensen Beach, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Lake Mary, Largo, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Orange Park, Orlando, Palm Harbor, Pembroke Pines, Port Richey, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Southchase, Tallahassee, Tampa, Viera, West Palm Beach, Winter Haven

Georgia

Acworth, Albany, Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Austell, Buford, Canton, Carrolton, Cartersville, College Park, Columbus, Commerce, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dalton, Dawsonville, Douglasville, Duluth, East Point, Ellijay, Fayetteville, Gainesville, Hiram, Jonesboro, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, McDonough, Macon, Marietta, Morrow, Newnan, Peachtree City, Pooler, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Snellville, Statesboro, Tifton, Tucker, Valdosta, Warner Robins, Woodstock

Illinois

Chicago, Fairview Heights, Lombard, Norridge, Peoria, Springfield

Indiana

Avon, Bloomington, Carmel, Clarksville, E. Indianapolis, Evansville, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Portage, Southport

Kansas

Kansas City, Lawrence, Leawood, Topeka

Kentucky

Bowling Green, Cold Springs, Florence, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville

Maine

Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, South Portland

Maryland

Baltimore, Bowie, Columbia, E. Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Golden Ring, Hagerstown, Landover, Laurel, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf

Massachusetts

Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, Framingham, Franklin, Haverhill, Loeminster, Marlboro, Methuen, Milford, Millbury, North Attleboro, Peabody, Plymouth, Raynham, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, Tewksbury, Watertown, W. Springfield

Michigan

Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Clinton Township, Grand Rapids, Roseville, Troy, Westland

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Mississippi

Hattiesburg

Missouri

Ballwin, Belton, Chesterfield, E. Columbia, Florissant, Hazelwood, Independence, Jefferson City, Kansas City, O’Fallon, Lee’s Summit, St. Peters, Sunset Hills

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Hampshire

Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Keene, Manchester, Nashua, Newington

New Jersey

Flanders, Hamilton, Howell, Millville, Mt. Olive, New Brunswick, Parsippany, Piscataway, Rochelle Park, Woodbridge

New York

Albany, New York City, Poughkeepsie, Rochester

North Carolina

Apex, Asheville, Brier Creek, Burlington, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, High Point, Huntersville, Pineville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem

Ohio

Beavercreek, Boardman, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, Dublin, Fairlawn, Fairview Park, Gahana, Grove City, Independence, Mayfield Heights, Maumee, Medina, Mentor, Moraine, North Canton, Pickerington, Solon, Springdale, St. Clairsville, Strongsville, West Chester, Wooster

Pennsylvania

Bensalem, Erie, Exton, Franklin Mills, Lancaster, Norristown, Penns Port, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Mills, Pottstown, Warrington, Waterfront, West Homestead, Whitman Square

Rhode Island

Providence, Warwick

South Carolina

Anderson, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Hilton Head, Mt. Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, N. Charleston, Rock Hill, Spartanburg

Tennessee

Brentwood, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Hermitage, Hixson, Jackson, Madison, Nashville

Texas

Dallas, Houston

Vermont

Williston

Virginia

Chantilly, Dulles, Massaponax, McLean, Williamsburg

West Virginia

Charleston, Morgantown

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

 

 

 

 

EX-10 4 gathers.htm THOMAS W. GATHERS EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


THIRD AMENDMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, made and entered into as of the 27th day of October, 2006, by and between RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), and THOMAS W. GATHERS, a resident of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the "Executive");

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive entered into that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2003 (the “Original Agreement”), First Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2004 (the “First Amendment”) and Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2005 (the “Second Amendment”); and

WHEREAS, the Second Amendment requires the Company and Executive to renew the Original Agreement on or before October 27, 2006 in order for the term of the Original Agreement to continue past the Expiration Date (as defined in the Second Amendment); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive intend to renew the Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Third Amendment;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) in hand paid by the Company to Executive, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.            Section 1.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 1.1:

1.1.        Employment Term. The employment term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof (the "Commencement Date") and shall continue until and end on July 1, 2007 (the “Expiration Date”), unless terminated prior thereto in accordance with Section 3 hereof. Unless renewed by mutual agreement of the Company and Executive, as expressed in writing signed by both parties on or before January 1, 2007 (the “Notice Date”), this Agreement shall terminate on the Expiration Date with no renewal or extension; provided, however, that in the event the Company chooses not to renew the Agreement, the Executive will be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the Expiration Date, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to six (6) months of his Base Compensation (as defined below), in effect immediately prior to the Expiration Date (the “Non-Renewal Severance”). Such payments of Non-Renewal Severance shall be made as and when salary would otherwise be payable to senior officers of the Company; provided, however, that on February 15, 2008, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the Non-Renewal Severance, plus an amount, if any, equal to Executive’s Base Compensation for the period of time between the Notice Date and the date on which the Company provides Executive with written notice of non-renewal. The period from the Commencement Date until the employment term expires or is terminated by the Company or Executive is hereinafter referred to as the "Employment Term."

2.            Section 2.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.1:

2.1          Base Compensation. For all the services rendered by Executive hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive an annual salary at the rate of Two Hundred Sixty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($260,000) for each full year of the Employment Term, payable in installments at such times as the Company customarily pays its other senior officers (but in any event no less often than monthly). The Company agrees that the Executive's salary will be reviewed at least annually to determine if an increase is appropriate, which increase shall be in the sole discretion of the Company. Executive's salary shall be prorated for any partial year during which this Agreement remains in effect. Executive’s annual salary paid from time to time is hereafter referred to as "Base Compensation”.

3.            Section 2.3 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.3:

2.3         Equity Awards. The Company acknowledges that it has caused the Parent to issue equity awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards (collectively, the “Equity Awards”) to Executive pursuant to the Parent’s 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) and the Parent’s Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”, together with the 1997 Plan, the “Equity Incentive Plans”). The Company represents and warrants to Executive that (i) during the Employment Term, the Company will cause Executive to be within the category of persons for which awards may be granted under the 2002 Plan or its successor plan; (ii) the Equity Incentive Plans have been approved by the Parent’s Board of Directors and shareholders and all Equity Awards granted to Executive under the Equity Incentive Plans are and shall remain in full force and effect as the legally binding obligations of the Parent and the Company throughout the Employment Term, subject to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plans and the award agreements executed in connection with the issuance of Equity Awards; and (iii) the Parent has caused all shares of stock in the Parent that may be acquired by Executive through the exercise or vesting of the Equity Awards to be registered and freely tradable, whether by means of the Parent’s filing of all necessary Form S-8 registration statements or otherwise, subject to restriction on sale or transfer of such shares under applicable securities laws by virtue of Executive’s position with the Company or ownership of the Parent’s securities.

4.            Section 3.2 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 3.2:

3.2

Payment upon Termination.

(a) Upon termination of the Employment Term for Cause, or as a result of Executive’s resignation pursuant to Section 3.1(e), in the absence of circumstances described in Section 3.2(e), Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination and any additional compensation he may be entitled to receive under the terms of any employee benefit plan offered by the Company.

(b) Upon termination of the Employment Term by the death of Executive, Executive's estate shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of death; and (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro-rata share (based on days worked before death) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s death shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive's dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from and after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2(b) shall be in addition to any insurance proceeds that may be payable to Executive’s estate or beneficiaries.

(c) In the event that during the Employment Term Executive becomes Disabled (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) and the Company thereafter terminates Executive's employment during the continuation of such disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro rata share (based on days worked before he became disabled) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed; and (iii) continuation of Executive's Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination of employment, for a period of ninety (90) days following the termination of employment, which shall be paid as and when salary payments would otherwise be made under Section 2 of this Agreement.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and his dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or person' rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2 (c) shall be in addition to any disability insurance payments that may be payable to Executive.

(d) In the event that the Company terminates Executive's employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections 3.1 (a), (b) or (c) above, except upon expiration of the Employment Term, or unless the provisions of Section 3.2(e) apply, Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to twelve (12) months of his Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Termination Severance”). Executive shall also be entitled to receive his pro-rata share (based on days worked before termination) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed. Such payments of Base Compensation and bonus shall be made over time, as and when salary and bonuses would otherwise be payable under Section 2 of this Agreement; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the termination date, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any unpaid portion of the Termination Severance.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment, (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive's dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program , on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twelve (12) months from and after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twelve (12) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

 

(e) In the event that (i) during the Employment Term a “Change in Control” (as defined below) shall occur and (ii) within eighteen (18) months following such Change in Control, either (A) the Company substantially reduces Executive's scope of responsibility, and Executive resigns as a result of such action, or (B) the Company terminates Executive’s employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections (a), (b) or (c) above then, in lieu of the amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.2(d), Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to the average of the bonus paid to Executive with respect to each of the two fiscal years of the Company prior to the year in which the resignation or termination occurs; and (iii) an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of his Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination. The amount payable pursuant to clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence (the “CIC Severance”) shall be payable in periodic amounts, each equal to the periodic Base Compensation payments being made to Executive immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination, on the dates that salary payments are normally made to executives of the Company or its successor; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the date of resignation or termination, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the CIC Severance. Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, in the event that the Company shall fail to make any payment of the CIC Severance, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to the Company of the failure to make such payment, then all remaining portions of the CIC Severance shall thereupon be immediately due and payable without further notice to the Company. All payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2(e), other than the CIC Severance, shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of resignation or termination.

 

In addition to the foregoing, upon the date of resignation or termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s resignation or termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such resignation or termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of resignation or termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive's dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of eighteen (18) months from and after the date of resignation or termination. From and after the expiration of such eighteen (18) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

For purposes of this subsection (e), “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following:

 

(i)           The acquisition, at one time or over time, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Parent entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control; (a) any acquisition by a Person who is on the date of this Agreement the beneficial owner of 35% or more of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, (b) any acquisition by the Parent, or (c) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Parent or any corporation controlled by the Parent;

 

(ii)          Consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or comparable persons of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation or other entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Parent or all or substantially all of the Parent’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, and (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Parent of such corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation or other entity except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or comparable body of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the incumbent Board or comparable body at the time of the execution of this Agreement, or of the action of the Board or comparable body, providing for such Business Combination.

(f) Payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2 are in lieu of any other obligations to Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(g) In the event that Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 3.2(c), (d) or (e), or Executive resigns from employment pursuant to Section 3.2(e), a condition of Executive's receipt of any consideration, compensation or benefits beyond that which would otherwise be required to be paid or provided for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination shall be his execution of a separation agreement, including a full release of all claims, in a form acceptable to the Company.

5.            Section 4 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 4:

4.            Noncompetition. Executive covenants and agrees that during the term of his employment with the Company and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Executive shall not, as an officer, manager, supervisor, independent contractor or equity owner of any business or enterprise, engage or participate in any Business Activities in the Restricted Area. For purposes of this Section 4, "Business Activities" shall be those activities that relate to the management of human resources, compensation and benefits, risk management or training services for any “Designated Competitor”, or any single restaurant or group of restaurants that derives more than 30% of its food sales from the sale of steak products. For purposes of this Section 4, the "Restricted Area" shall be the area described in Exhibit A attached hereto, which the parties agree may be amended from time-to-time, and “Designated Competitor” shall mean Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Texas Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse, Logan’s Roadhouse, Roadhouse Grill, Ted’s Montana Grill, Steak & Ale, Traildust Steakhouse, Tumbleweed, Ryan’s Steakhouse, Sizzler, Sagebrush, Golden Corral, Chop House, Smokey Bones and Saltgrass Steakhouse, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of LongHorn Steakhouse and Bugaboo Creek Steak House. “Designated Competitor” also means Flemings, Ruth’s Chris, Smith & Wolinsky, Morton’s, Del Frisco’s, The Palm, Sullivan’s, Stonewood and Fogo de Chao, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of The Capital Grille.

Nothing in this Section 4 shall prohibit Executive from acquiring or holding, for investment purposes only, less than 2% of the outstanding publicly traded securities of any corporation that may compete directly or indirectly with the Company. The provisions of this Section 4 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect from and after the date on which the Company fails to make any payment owed to Executive under this Agreement following the Employment Term, which payment remains unpaid ten (10) business days following the receipt of written notice from Executive that such payment has not been made (provided that such cure period shall not apply with respect to the Company’s third or subsequent failure to make any payment due Executive hereunder in any twelve (12) month period); provided, however, that in the event that there is any reasonable and good faith dispute between the Company and Executive as to any amount payable to Executive, for purposes of this Section 4 the disputed amount shall not be considered due and payable until such dispute shall have been finally resolved in an appropriate legal proceeding and any time for appeal of such resolution shall have run without an appropriate appeal having been taken.

6.            Section 19 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 19:

19.         Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Third Amendment and Exhibit A thereto, which is incorporated herein by this reference, constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to Executive’s employment by the Company and there are no agreements, understandings, specific restrictions, warranties or representations, written or oral, relating to said subject matter between the parties other than those set forth herein or herein provided for. For the sake of clarity, the Third Amendment replaces and supercedes the Second Amendment, which, like the First Amendment, is hereby terminated and of no further force and effect.

7.            A new Section 24 is hereby inserted in the Original Agreement as follows:

24.          Code Section 409A.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, constitutes “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then if and to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable in a lump sum, such payment or distribution will be delayed until the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, and (ii) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable over time, the amount that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s separation from service will be accumulated and paid to Executive, without interest, on the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, whereupon the normal payment or distribution schedule will resume.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company’s obligation hereunder to pay health, hospitalization and/or long-term care insurance premiums to provide Executive and Executive’s dependant family members with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program for a stated period of time after the termination of the Employment Term (“extended medical coverage”) shall not extend beyond December 31 of the second calendar year following the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurs, and all such payments by the Company for such extended medical coverage shall be imputed as income to Executive

8.            Exhibit A of the Second Amendment shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with new Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

9.            Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Original Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.             

 

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Third Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

 

 

By:

_______________________________

President

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

_______________________________

 

THOMAS W. GATHERS

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Executive and the Company agree that, for purposes of this Agreement, the "Restricted Area" shall constitute the area within fifteen (15) miles of any of RARE's restaurants in the following cities:

 

Alabama

Daphne, Dothan, Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville

Arizona

Phoenix, Scottsdale

Colorado

Denver

Connecticut

Manchester

Delaware

Bear, Newark

District of Columbia

Washington, D.C.

Florida

Altamonte Springs, Boynton Beach, Brandon, Coral Springs, Daytona Beach, Davie, Delray Beach, Destin, Fleming Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Ft. Walton Beach, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jensen Beach, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Lake Mary, Largo, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Orange Park, Orlando, Palm Harbor, Pembroke Pines, Port Richey, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Southchase, Tallahassee, Tampa, Viera, West Palm Beach, Winter Haven

Georgia

Acworth, Albany, Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Austell, Buford, Canton, Carrolton, Cartersville, College Park, Columbus, Commerce, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dalton, Dawsonville, Douglasville, Duluth, East Point, Ellijay, Fayetteville, Gainesville, Hiram, Jonesboro, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, McDonough, Macon, Marietta, Morrow, Newnan, Peachtree City, Pooler, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Snellville, Statesboro, Tifton, Tucker, Valdosta, Warner Robins, Woodstock

Illinois

Chicago, Fairview Heights, Lombard, Norridge, Peoria, Springfield

Indiana

Avon, Bloomington, Carmel, Clarksville, E. Indianapolis, Evansville, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Portage, Southport

Kansas

Kansas City, Lawrence, Leawood, Topeka

Kentucky

Bowling Green, Cold Springs, Florence, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville

Maine

Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, South Portland

Maryland

Baltimore, Bowie, Columbia, E. Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Golden Ring, Hagerstown, Landover, Laurel, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf

Massachusetts

Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, Framingham, Franklin, Haverhill, Loeminster, Marlboro, Methuen, Milford, Millbury, North Attleboro, Peabody, Plymouth, Raynham, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, Tewksbury, Watertown, W. Springfield

 

Michigan

Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Clinton Township, Grand Rapids, Roseville, Troy, Westland

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Mississippi

Hattiesburg

Missouri

Ballwin, Belton, Chesterfield, E. Columbia, Florissant, Hazelwood, Independence, Jefferson City, Kansas City, O'Fallon, Lee's Summit, St. Peters, Sunset Hills

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Hampshire

Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Keene, Manchester, Nashua, Newington

New Jersey

Flanders, Hamilton, Howell, Millville, Mt. Olive, New Brunswick, Parsippany, Piscataway, Rochelle Park, Woodbridge

New York

Albany, New York City, Poughkeepsie, Rochester

North Carolina

Apex, Asheville, Brier Creek, Burlington, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, High Point, Huntersville, Pineville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem

Ohio

Beavercreek, Boardman, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, Dublin, Fairlawn, Fairview Park, Gahana, Grove City, Independence, Mayfield Heights, Maumee, Medina, Mentor, Moraine, North Canton, Pickerington, Solon, Springdale, St. Clairsville, Strongsville, West Chester, Wooster

Pennsylvania

Bensalem, Erie, Exton, Franklin Mills, Lancaster, Norristown, Penns Port, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Mills, Pottstown, Warrington, Waterfront, West Homestead, Whitman Square

Rhode Island

Providence, Warwick

South Carolina

Anderson, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Hilton Head, Mt. Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, N. Charleston, Rock Hill, Spartanburg

Tennessee

Brentwood, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Hermitage, Hixson, Jackson, Madison, Nashville

Texas

Dallas, Houston

Vermont

Williston

Virginia

Chantilly, Dulles, Massaponax, McLean, Williamsburg

West Virginia

Charleston, Morgantown

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

 

 

 

 

EX-10 5 hickey.htm PHILIP J. HICKEY, JR. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


THIRD AMENDMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, made and entered into as of the 27th day of October, 2006, by and between RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), and PHILIP J. HICKEY, JR., a resident of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the "Executive");

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive entered into that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2003 (the “Original Agreement”), First Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2004 (the “First Amendment”) and Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2005 (the “Second Amendment”); and

WHEREAS, the Second Amendment requires the Company and Executive to renew the Original Agreement on or before October 27, 2006 in order for the term of the Original Agreement to continue past the Expiration Date (as defined in the Second Amendment); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive intend to renew the Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Third Amendment;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) in hand paid by the Company to Executive, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.            Section 1.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 1.1:

1.1.        Employment Term. The employment term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof (the "Commencement Date") and shall continue until and end on July 1, 2007 (the “Expiration Date”), unless terminated prior thereto in accordance with Section 3 hereof. Unless renewed by mutual agreement of the Company and Executive, as expressed in writing signed by both parties on or before January 1, 2007 (the “Notice Date”), this Agreement shall terminate on the Expiration Date with no renewal or extension; provided, however, that in the event the Company chooses not to renew the Agreement, the Executive will be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the Expiration Date, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to twelve (12) months of his Base Compensation (as defined below), in effect immediately prior to the Expiration Date (the “Non-Renewal Severance”). Such payments of Non-Renewal Severance shall be made as and when salary would otherwise be payable to senior officers of the Company; provided, however, that on February 15, 2008, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the Non-Renewal Severance, plus an amount, if any, equal to Executive’s Base Compensation for the period of time between the Notice Date and the date on which the Company provides Executive with written notice of non-renewal. The period from the Commencement Date until the employment term expires or is terminated by the Company or Executive is hereinafter referred to as the "Employment Term."

2.            Section 2.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.1:

2.1          Base Compensation. For all the services rendered by Executive hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive an annual salary at the rate of Seven Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($725,000) for each full year of the Employment Term, payable in installments at such times as the Company customarily pays its other senior officers (but in any event no less often than monthly). The Company agrees that the Executive's salary will be reviewed at least annually to determine if an increase is appropriate, which increase shall be in the sole discretion of the Company. Executive's salary shall be prorated for any partial year during which this Agreement remains in effect. Executive’s annual salary paid from time to time is hereafter referred to as "Base Compensation”.

3.            Section 2.3 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.3:

2.3         Equity Awards. The Company acknowledges that it has caused the Parent to issue equity awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards (collectively, the “Equity Awards”) to Executive pursuant to the Parent’s 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) and the Parent’s Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”, together with the 1997 Plan, the “Equity Incentive Plans”). The Company represents and warrants to Executive that (i) during the Employment Term, the Company will cause Executive to be within the category of persons for which awards may be granted under the 2002 Plan or its successor plan; (ii) the Equity Incentive Plans have been approved by the Parent’s Board of Directors and shareholders and all Equity Awards granted to Executive under the Equity Incentive Plans are and shall remain in full force and effect as the legally binding obligations of the Parent and the Company throughout the Employment Term, subject to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plans and the award agreements executed in connection with the issuance of Equity Awards; and (iii) the Parent has caused all shares of stock in the Parent that may be acquired by Executive through the exercise or vesting of the Equity Awards to be registered and freely tradable, whether by means of the Parent’s filing of all necessary Form S-8 registration statements or otherwise, subject to restriction on sale or transfer of such shares under applicable securities laws by virtue of Executive’s position with the Company or ownership of the Parent’s securities.

4.            Section 3.2 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 3.2:

3.2

Payment upon Termination.

(a) Upon termination of the Employment Term for Cause, or as a result of Executive’s resignation pursuant to Section 3.1(e), in the absence of circumstances described in Section 3.2(e), Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination and any additional compensation he may be entitled to receive under the terms of any employee benefit plan offered by the Company.

(b) Upon termination of the Employment Term by the death of Executive, Executive's estate shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of death; and (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro-rata share (based on days worked before death) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s death shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive's dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from and after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2(b) shall be in addition to any insurance proceeds that may be payable to Executive’s estate or beneficiaries.

(c) In the event that during the Employment Term Executive becomes Disabled (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) and the Company thereafter terminates Executive's employment during the continuation of such disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro rata share (based on days worked before he became disabled) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed; and (iii) continuation of Executive's Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination of employment, for a period of ninety (90) days following the termination of employment, which shall be paid as and when salary payments would otherwise be made under Section 2 of this Agreement.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and his dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or person' rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2 (c) shall be in addition to any disability insurance payments that may be payable to Executive.

(d) In the event that the Company terminates Executive's employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections 3.1 (a), (b) or (c) above, except upon expiration of the Employment Term, or unless the provisions of Section 3.2(e) apply, Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of his Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Termination Severance”). Executive shall also be entitled to receive his pro-rata share (based on days worked before termination) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed. Such payments of Base Compensation and bonus shall be made over time, as and when salary and bonuses would otherwise be payable under Section 2 of this Agreement; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the termination date, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any unpaid portion of the Termination Severance.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment, (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive's dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program , on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twelve (12) months from and after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twelve (12) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

 

(e) In the event that (i) during the Employment Term a “Change in Control” (as defined below) shall occur and (ii) within eighteen (18) months following such Change in Control, either (A) the Company substantially reduces Executive's scope of responsibility or moves the Company’s headquarter offices away from the Metropolitan Atlanta area, and Executive resigns as a result of such action, or (B) the Company terminates Executive’s employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections (a), (b) or (c) above then, in lieu of the amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.2(d), Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to the average of the bonus paid to Executive with respect to each of the two fiscal years of the Company prior to the year in which the resignation or termination occurs; and (iii) an amount equal to thirty-six (36) months of his Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination. The amount payable pursuant to clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence (the “CIC Severance”) shall be payable in periodic amounts, each equal to the periodic Base Compensation payments being made to Executive immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination, on the dates that salary payments are normally made to executives of the Company or its successor; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the date of resignation or termination, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the CIC Severance. Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, in the event that the Company shall fail to make any payment of the CIC Severance, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to the Company of the failure to make such payment, then all remaining portions of the CIC Severance shall thereupon be immediately due and payable without further notice to the Company. All payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2(e), other than the CIC Severance, shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of resignation or termination.

 

In addition to the foregoing, upon the date of resignation or termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s resignation or termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such resignation or termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of resignation or termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive's dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of eighteen (18) months from and after the date of resignation or termination. From and after the expiration of such eighteen (18) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

For purposes of this subsection (e), “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following:

 

(i)           The acquisition, at one time or over time, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Parent entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control; (a) any acquisition by a Person who is on the date of this Agreement the beneficial owner of 35% or more of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, (b) any acquisition by the Parent, or (c) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Parent or any corporation controlled by the Parent;

 

(ii)          Consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or comparable persons of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation or other entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Parent or all or substantially all of the Parent’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, and (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Parent of such corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation or other entity except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or comparable body of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the incumbent Board or comparable body at the time of the execution of this Agreement, or of the action of the Board or comparable body, providing for such Business Combination.

(f) Payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2 are in lieu of any other obligations to Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(g) In the event that Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 3.2(c), (d) or (e), or Executive resigns from employment pursuant to Section 3.2(e), a condition of Executive's receipt of any consideration, compensation or benefits beyond that which would otherwise be required to be paid or provided for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination shall be his execution of a separation agreement, including a full release of all claims, in a form acceptable to the Company.

5.            Section 4 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 4:

4.            Noncompetition. Executive covenants and agrees that during the term of his employment with the Company and for a period of eighteen (18) months thereafter, Executive shall not, as an officer, manager, supervisor, independent contractor or equity owner of any business or enterprise, engage or participate in any Business Activities in the Restricted Area. For purposes of this Section 4, "Business Activities" shall be those activities that relate to the development, operation or franchising of any “Designated Competitor”, or any single restaurant or group of restaurants that derives more than 30% of its food sales from the sale of steak products. For purposes of this Section 4, the "Restricted Area" shall be the area described in Exhibit A attached hereto, which the parties agree may be amended from time-to-time, and “Designated Competitor” shall mean Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Texas Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse, Logan’s Roadhouse, Roadhouse Grill, Ted’s Montana Grill, Steak & Ale, Traildust Steakhouse, Tumbleweed, Ryan’s Steakhouse, Sizzler, Sagebrush, Golden Corral, Chop House, Smokey Bones and Saltgrass Steakhouse, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of LongHorn Steakhouse and Bugaboo Creek Steak House. “Designated Competitor” also means Flemings, Ruth’s Chris, Smith & Wolinsky, Morton’s, Del Frisco’s, The Palm, Sullivan’s, Stonewood and Fogo de Chao, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of The Capital Grille.

Nothing in this Section 4 shall prohibit Executive from acquiring or holding, for investment purposes only, less than 2% of the outstanding publicly traded securities of any corporation that may compete directly or indirectly with the Company. The provisions of this Section 4 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect from and after the date on which the Company fails to make any payment owed to Executive under this Agreement following the Employment Term, which payment remains unpaid ten (10) business days following the receipt of written notice from Executive that such payment has not been made (provided that such cure period shall not apply with respect to the Company’s third or subsequent failure to make any payment due Executive hereunder in any twelve (12) month period); provided, however, that in the event that there is any reasonable and good faith dispute between the Company and Executive as to any amount payable to Executive, for purposes of this Section 4 the disputed amount shall not be considered due and payable until such dispute shall have been finally resolved in an appropriate legal proceeding and any time for appeal of such resolution shall have run without an appropriate appeal having been taken.

6.            Section 19 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 19:

19.         Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Third Amendment and Exhibit A thereto, which is incorporated herein by this reference, constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to Executive’s employment by the Company and there are no agreements, understandings, specific restrictions, warranties or representations, written or oral, relating to said subject matter between the parties other than those set forth herein or herein provided for. For the sake of clarity, the Third Amendment replaces and supercedes the Second Amendment, which, like the First Amendment, is hereby terminated and of no further force and effect.

7.             A new Section 24 is hereby inserted in the Original Agreement as follows:

24.            Code Section 409A.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, constitutes “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then if and to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable in a lump sum, such payment or distribution will be delayed until the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, and (ii) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable over time, the amount that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s separation from service will be accumulated and paid to Executive, without interest, on the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, whereupon the normal payment or distribution schedule will resume.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company’s obligation hereunder to pay health, hospitalization and/or long-term care insurance premiums to provide Executive and Executive’s dependant family members with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program for a stated period of time after the termination of the Employment Term (“extended medical coverage”) shall not extend beyond December 31 of the second calendar year following the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurs, and all such payments by the Company for such extended medical coverage shall be imputed as income to Executive

8.            Exhibit A of the Second Amendment shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with new Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

9.            Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Original Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.             

 

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Third Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

 

 

By:

_______________________________

President

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

_______________________________

 

PHILIP J. HICKEY, JR.

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Executive and the Company agree that, for purposes of this Agreement, the "Restricted Area" shall constitute the area within fifteen (15) miles of any of RARE's restaurants in the following cities:

 

Alabama

Daphne, Dothan, Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville

Arizona

Phoenix, Scottsdale

Colorado

Denver

Connecticut

Manchester

Delaware

Bear, Newark

District of Columbia

Washington, D.C.

Florida

Altamonte Springs, Boynton Beach, Brandon, Coral Springs, Daytona Beach, Davie, Delray Beach, Destin, Fleming Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Ft. Walton Beach, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jensen Beach, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Lake Mary, Largo, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Orange Park, Orlando, Palm Harbor, Pembroke Pines, Port Richey, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Southchase, Tallahassee, Tampa, Viera, West Palm Beach, Winter Haven

Georgia

Acworth, Albany, Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Austell, Buford, Canton, Carrolton, Cartersville, College Park, Columbus, Commerce, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dalton, Dawsonville, Douglasville, Duluth, East Point, Ellijay, Fayetteville, Gainesville, Hiram, Jonesboro, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, McDonough, Macon, Marietta, Morrow, Newnan, Peachtree City, Pooler, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Snellville, Statesboro, Tifton, Tucker, Valdosta, Warner Robins, Woodstock

Illinois

Chicago, Fairview Heights, Lombard, Norridge, Peoria, Springfield

Indiana

Avon, Bloomington, Carmel, Clarksville, E. Indianapolis, Evansville, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Portage, Southport

Kansas

Kansas City, Lawrence, Leawood, Topeka

Kentucky

Bowling Green, Cold Springs, Florence, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville

Maine

Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, South Portland

Maryland

Baltimore, Bowie, Columbia, E. Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Golden Ring, Hagerstown, Landover, Laurel, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf

Massachusetts

Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, Framingham, Franklin, Haverhill, Loeminster, Marlboro, Methuen, Milford, Millbury, North Attleboro, Peabody, Plymouth, Raynham, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, Tewksbury, Watertown, W. Springfield

Michigan

Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Clinton Township, Grand Rapids, Roseville, Troy, Westland

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Mississippi

Hattiesburg

Missouri

Ballwin, Belton, Chesterfield, E. Columbia, Florissant, Hazelwood, Independence, Jefferson City, Kansas City, O'Fallon, Lee's Summit, St. Peters, Sunset Hills

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Hampshire

Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Keene, Manchester, Nashua, Newington

New Jersey

Flanders, Hamilton, Howell, Millville, Mt. Olive, New Brunswick, Parsippany, Piscataway, Rochelle Park, Woodbridge

New York

Albany, New York City, Poughkeepsie, Rochester

North Carolina

Apex, Asheville, Brier Creek, Burlington, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, High Point, Huntersville, Pineville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem

Ohio

Beavercreek, Boardman, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, Dublin, Fairlawn, Fairview Park, Gahana, Grove City, Independence, Mayfield Heights, Maumee, Medina, Mentor, Moraine, North Canton, Pickerington, Solon, Springdale, St. Clairsville, Strongsville, West Chester, Wooster

Pennsylvania

Bensalem, Erie, Exton, Franklin Mills, Lancaster, Norristown, Penns Port, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Mills, Pottstown, Warrington, Waterfront, West Homestead, Whitman Square

Rhode Island

Providence, Warwick

South Carolina

Anderson, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Hilton Head, Mt. Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, N. Charleston, Rock Hill, Spartanburg

Tennessee

Brentwood, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Hermitage, Hixson, Jackson, Madison, Nashville

Texas

Dallas, Houston

Vermont

Williston

Virginia

Chantilly, Dulles, Massaponax, McLean, Williamsburg

West Virginia

Charleston, Morgantown

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

 

 

 

 

EX-10 6 johnson.htm JOIA M. JOHNSON EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


THIRD AMENDMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, made and entered into as of the 27th day of October, 2006, by and between RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), and JOIA M. JOHNSON, a resident of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the "Executive");

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive entered into that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2003 (the “Original Agreement”), First Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2004 (the “First Amendment”) and Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2005 (the “Second Amendment”); and

WHEREAS, the Second Amendment requires the Company and Executive to renew the Original Agreement on or before October 27, 2006 in order for the term of the Original Agreement to continue past the Expiration Date (as defined in the Second Amendment); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive intend to renew the Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Third Amendment;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) in hand paid by the Company to Executive, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.            Section 1.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 1.1:

1.1.        Employment Term. The employment term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof (the "Commencement Date") and shall continue until and end on July 1, 2007 (the “Expiration Date”), unless terminated prior thereto in accordance with Section 3 hereof. Unless renewed by mutual agreement of the Company and Executive, as expressed in writing signed by both parties on or before January 1, 2007 (the “Notice Date”), this Agreement shall terminate on the Expiration Date with no renewal or extension; provided, however, that in the event the Company chooses not to renew the Agreement, the Executive will be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the Expiration Date, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to six (6) months of her Base Compensation (as defined below), in effect immediately prior to the Expiration Date (the “Non-Renewal Severance”). Such payments of Non-Renewal Severance shall be made as and when salary would otherwise be payable to senior officers of the Company; provided, however, that on February 15, 2008, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the Non-Renewal Severance, plus an amount, if any, equal to Executive’s Base Compensation for the period of time between the Notice Date and the date on which the Company provides Executive with written notice of non-renewal. The period from the Commencement Date until the employment term expires or is terminated by the Company or Executive is hereinafter referred to as the "Employment Term."

2.            Section 2.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.1:

2.1          Base Compensation. For all the services rendered by Executive hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive an annual salary at the rate of Three Hundred Thirty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($330,000) for each full year of the Employment Term, payable in installments at such times as the Company customarily pays its other senior officers (but in any event no less often than monthly). The Company agrees that the Executive's salary will be reviewed at least annually to determine if an increase is appropriate, which increase shall be in the sole discretion of the Company. Executive's salary shall be prorated for any partial year during which this Agreement remains in effect. Executive’s annual salary paid from time to time is hereafter referred to as "Base Compensation”.

3.            Section 2.3 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.3:

2.3         Equity Awards. The Company acknowledges that it has caused the Parent to issue equity awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards (collectively, the “Equity Awards”) to Executive pursuant to the Parent’s 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) and the Parent’s Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”, together with the 1997 Plan, the “Equity Incentive Plans”). The Company represents and warrants to Executive that (i) during the Employment Term, the Company will cause Executive to be within the category of persons for which awards may be granted under the 2002 Plan or its successor plan; (ii) the Equity Incentive Plans have been approved by the Parent’s Board of Directors and shareholders and all Equity Awards granted to Executive under the Equity Incentive Plans are and shall remain in full force and effect as the legally binding obligations of the Parent and the Company throughout the Employment Term, subject to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plans and the award agreements executed in connection with the issuance of Equity Awards; and (iii) the Parent has caused all shares of stock in the Parent that may be acquired by Executive through the exercise or vesting of the Equity Awards to be registered and freely tradable, whether by means of the Parent’s filing of all necessary Form S-8 registration statements or otherwise, subject to restriction on sale or transfer of such shares under applicable securities laws by virtue of Executive’s position with the Company or ownership of the Parent’s securities.

4.            Section 3.2 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 3.2:

3.2

Payment upon Termination.

(a) Upon termination of the Employment Term for Cause, or as a result of Executive’s resignation pursuant to Section 3.1(e), in the absence of circumstances described in Section 3.2(e), Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination and any additional compensation she may be entitled to receive under the terms of any employee benefit plan offered by the Company.

(b) Upon termination of the Employment Term by the death of Executive, Executive's estate shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of death; and (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro-rata share (based on days worked before death) of the bonus to which she would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if she had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s death shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive's dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from and after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2(b) shall be in addition to any insurance proceeds that may be payable to Executive’s estate or beneficiaries.

(c) In the event that during the Employment Term Executive becomes Disabled (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) and the Company thereafter terminates Executive's employment during the continuation of such disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro rata share (based on days worked before she became disabled) of the bonus to which she would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if she had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed; and (iii) continuation of Executive's Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination of employment, for a period of ninety (90) days following the termination of employment, which shall be paid as and when salary payments would otherwise be made under Section 2 of this Agreement.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and her dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or person' rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2 (c) shall be in addition to any disability insurance payments that may be payable to Executive.

(d) In the event that the Company terminates Executive's employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections 3.1 (a), (b) or (c) above, except upon expiration of the Employment Term, or unless the provisions of Section 3.2(e) apply, Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to twelve (12) months of her Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Termination Severance”). Executive shall also be entitled to receive her pro-rata share (based on days worked before termination) of the bonus to which she would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if she had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed. Such payments of Base Compensation and bonus shall be made over time, as and when salary and bonuses would otherwise be payable under Section 2 of this Agreement; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the termination date, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any unpaid portion of the Termination Severance.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment, (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive's dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program , on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twelve (12) months from and after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twelve (12) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

 

(e) In the event that (i) during the Employment Term a “Change in Control” (as defined below) shall occur and (ii) within eighteen (18) months following such Change in Control, either (A) the Company substantially reduces Executive's scope of responsibility, and Executive resigns as a result of such action, or (B) the Company terminates Executive’s employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections (a), (b) or (c) above then, in lieu of the amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.2(d), Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to the average of the bonus paid to Executive with respect to each of the two fiscal years of the Company prior to the year in which the resignation or termination occurs; and (iii) an amount equal to twenty-four (24) months of her Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination. The amount payable pursuant to clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence (the “CIC Severance”) shall be payable in periodic amounts, each equal to the periodic Base Compensation payments being made to Executive immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination, on the dates that salary payments are normally made to executives of the Company or its successor; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the date of resignation or termination, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the CIC Severance. Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, in the event that the Company shall fail to make any payment of the CIC Severance, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to the Company of the failure to make such payment, then all remaining portions of the CIC Severance shall thereupon be immediately due and payable without further notice to the Company. All payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2(e), other than the CIC Severance, shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of resignation or termination.

 

In addition to the foregoing, upon the date of resignation or termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s resignation or termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such resignation or termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of resignation or termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive's dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of eighteen (18) months from and after the date of resignation or termination. From and after the expiration of such eighteen (18) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

For purposes of this subsection (e), “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following:

 

(i)           The acquisition, at one time or over time, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Parent entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control; (a) any acquisition by a Person who is on the date of this Agreement the beneficial owner of 35% or more of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, (b) any acquisition by the Parent, or (c) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Parent or any corporation controlled by the Parent;

 

(ii)          Consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or comparable persons of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation or other entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Parent or all or substantially all of the Parent’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, and (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Parent of such corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation or other entity except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or comparable body of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the incumbent Board or comparable body at the time of the execution of this Agreement, or of the action of the Board or comparable body, providing for such Business Combination.

(f) Payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2 are in lieu of any other obligations to Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(g) In the event that Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 3.2(c), (d) or (e), or Executive resigns from employment pursuant to Section 3.2(e), a condition of Executive's receipt of any consideration, compensation or benefits beyond that which would otherwise be required to be paid or provided for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination shall be her execution of a separation agreement, including a full release of all claims, in a form acceptable to the Company.

5.            Section 4 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 4:

4.            Noncompetition. Executive covenants and agrees that during the term of his employment with the Company and for a period of one (1) year thereafter, Executive shall not, as an officer, manager, supervisor, independent contractor or equity owner of any business or enterprise, engage or participate in any Business Activities in the Restricted Area. For purposes of this Section 4, "Business Activities" shall be those activities that relate to the management of legal, real estate development or construction services for any “Designated Competitor”,

 

or any single restaurant or group of restaurants that derives more than 30% of its food sales from the sale of steak products. For purposes of this Section 4, the "Restricted Area" shall be the area described in Exhibit A attached hereto, which the parties agree may be amended from time-to-time, and “Designated Competitor” shall mean Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Texas Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse, Logan’s Roadhouse, Roadhouse Grill, Ted’s Montana Grill, Steak & Ale, Traildust Steakhouse, Tumbleweed, Ryan’s Steakhouse, Sizzler, Sagebrush, Golden Corral, Chop House, Smokey Bones and Saltgrass Steakhouse, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of LongHorn Steakhouse and Bugaboo Creek Steak House. “Designated Competitor” also means Flemings, Ruth’s Chris, Smith & Wolinsky, Morton’s, Del Frisco’s, The Palm, Sullivan’s, Stonewood and Fogo de Chao, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of The Capital Grille.

Nothing in this Section 4 shall prohibit Executive from acquiring or holding, for investment purposes only, less than 2% of the outstanding publicly traded securities of any corporation that may compete directly or indirectly with the Company. The provisions of this Section 4 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect from and after the date on which the Company fails to make any payment owed to Executive under this Agreement following the Employment Term, which payment remains unpaid ten (10) business days following the receipt of written notice from Executive that such payment has not been made (provided that such cure period shall not apply with respect to the Company’s third or subsequent failure to make any payment due Executive hereunder in any twelve (12) month period); provided, however, that in the event that there is any reasonable and good faith dispute between the Company and Executive as to any amount payable to Executive, for purposes of this Section 4 the disputed amount shall not be considered due and payable until such dispute shall have been finally resolved in an appropriate legal proceeding and any time for appeal of such resolution shall have run without an appropriate appeal having been taken.

6.            Section 19 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 19:

19.         Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Third Amendment and Exhibit A thereto, which is incorporated herein by this reference, constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to Executive’s employment by the Company and there are no agreements, understandings, specific restrictions, warranties or representations, written or oral, relating to said subject matter between the parties other than those set forth herein or herein provided for. For the sake of clarity, the Third Amendment replaces and supercedes the Second Amendment, which, like the First Amendment, is hereby terminated and of no further force and effect.

7.             A new Section 24 is hereby inserted in the Original Agreement as follows:

24.            Code Section 409A.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, constitutes “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then if and to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable in a lump sum, such payment or distribution will be delayed until the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, and (ii) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable over time, the amount that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s separation from service will be accumulated and paid to Executive, without interest, on the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, whereupon the normal payment or distribution schedule will resume.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company’s obligation hereunder to pay health, hospitalization and/or long-term care insurance premiums to provide Executive and Executive’s dependant family members with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program for a stated period of time after the termination of the Employment Term (“extended medical coverage”) shall not extend beyond December 31 of the second calendar year following the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurs, and all such payments by the Company for such extended medical coverage shall be imputed as income to Executive

8.            Exhibit A of the Second Amendment shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with new Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

9.            Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Original Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.             

 

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Third Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

 

 

By:

_______________________________

President

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

_______________________________

 

JOIA M. JOHNSON

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Executive and the Company agree that, for purposes of this Agreement, the "Restricted Area" shall constitute the area within fifteen (15) miles of any of RARE's restaurants in the following cities:

 

Alabama

Daphne, Dothan, Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville

Arizona

Phoenix, Scottsdale

Colorado

Denver

Connecticut

Manchester

Delaware

Bear, Newark

District of Columbia

Washington, D.C.

Florida

Altamonte Springs, Boynton Beach, Brandon, Coral Springs, Daytona Beach, Davie, Delray Beach, Destin, Fleming Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Ft. Walton Beach, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jensen Beach, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Lake Mary, Largo, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Orange Park, Orlando, Palm Harbor, Pembroke Pines, Port Richey, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Southchase, Tallahassee, Tampa, Viera, West Palm Beach, Winter Haven

Georgia

Acworth, Albany, Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Austell, Buford, Canton, Carrolton, Cartersville, College Park, Columbus, Commerce, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dalton, Dawsonville, Douglasville, Duluth, East Point, Ellijay, Fayetteville, Gainesville, Hiram, Jonesboro, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, McDonough, Macon, Marietta, Morrow, Newnan, Peachtree City, Pooler, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Snellville, Statesboro, Tifton, Tucker, Valdosta, Warner Robins, Woodstock

Illinois

Chicago, Fairview Heights, Lombard, Norridge, Peoria, Springfield

Indiana

Avon, Bloomington, Carmel, Clarksville, E. Indianapolis, Evansville, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Portage, Southport

Kansas

Kansas City, Lawrence, Leawood, Topeka

Kentucky

Bowling Green, Cold Springs, Florence, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville

Maine

Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, South Portland

Maryland

Baltimore, Bowie, Columbia, E. Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Golden Ring, Hagerstown, Landover, Laurel, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf

Massachusetts

Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, Framingham, Franklin, Haverhill, Loeminster, Marlboro, Methuen, Milford, Millbury, North Attleboro, Peabody, Plymouth, Raynham, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, Tewksbury, Watertown, W. Springfield

Michigan

Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Clinton Township, Grand Rapids, Roseville, Troy, Westland

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Mississippi

Hattiesburg

Missouri

Ballwin, Belton, Chesterfield, E. Columbia, Florissant, Hazelwood, Independence, Jefferson City, Kansas City, O'Fallon, Lee's Summit, St. Peters, Sunset Hills

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Hampshire

Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Keene, Manchester, Nashua, Newington

New Jersey

Flanders, Hamilton, Howell, Millville, Mt. Olive, New Brunswick, Parsippany, Piscataway, Rochelle Park, Woodbridge

New York

Albany, New York City, Poughkeepsie, Rochester

North Carolina

Apex, Asheville, Brier Creek, Burlington, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, High Point, Huntersville, Pineville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem

Ohio

Beavercreek, Boardman, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, Dublin, Fairlawn, Fairview Park, Gahana, Grove City, Independence, Mayfield Heights, Maumee, Medina, Mentor, Moraine, North Canton, Pickerington, Solon, Springdale, St. Clairsville, Strongsville, West Chester, Wooster

Pennsylvania

Bensalem, Erie, Exton, Franklin Mills, Lancaster, Norristown, Penns Port, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Mills, Pottstown, Warrington, Waterfront, West Homestead, Whitman Square

Rhode Island

Providence, Warwick

South Carolina

Anderson, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Hilton Head, Mt. Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, N. Charleston, Rock Hill, Spartanburg

Tennessee

Brentwood, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Hermitage, Hixson, Jackson, Madison, Nashville

Texas

Dallas, Houston

Vermont

Williston

Virginia

Chantilly, Dulles, Massaponax, McLean, Williamsburg

West Virginia

Charleston, Morgantown

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

 

 

 

 

EX-10 7 lee.htm EUGENE I. LEE, JR. EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


THIRD AMENDMENT OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

THIS THIRD AMENDMENT, made and entered into as of the 27th day of October, 2006, by and between RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC., a Delaware corporation (hereinafter referred to as the "Company"), and EUGENE I. LEE, JR., a resident of the State of Georgia (hereinafter referred to as the "Executive");

WITNESSETH:

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive entered into that certain Employment Agreement, dated as of April 28, 2003 (the “Original Agreement”), First Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2004 (the “First Amendment”) and Second Amendment of Employment Agreement, dated as of October 27, 2005 (the “Second Amendment”); and

WHEREAS, the Second Amendment requires the Company and Executive to renew the Original Agreement on or before October 27, 2006 in order for the term of the Original Agreement to continue past the Expiration Date (as defined in the Second Amendment); and

WHEREAS, the Company and Executive intend to renew the Original Agreement on the terms and conditions set forth in this Third Amendment;

NOW, THEREFORE, for and in consideration of the sum of One Dollar ($1.00) in hand paid by the Company to Executive, the receipt and sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, and the mutual covenants and obligations contained herein, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

1.            Section 1.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 1.1:

1.1.        Employment Term. The employment term of this Agreement shall commence on the date hereof (the "Commencement Date") and shall continue until and end on July 1, 2007 (the “Expiration Date”), unless terminated prior thereto in accordance with Section 3 hereof. Unless renewed by mutual agreement of the Company and Executive, as expressed in writing signed by both parties on or before January 1, 2007 (the “Notice Date”), this Agreement shall terminate on the Expiration Date with no renewal or extension; provided, however, that in the event the Company chooses not to renew the Agreement, the Executive will be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the Expiration Date, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to twelve (12) months of his Base Compensation (as defined below), in effect immediately prior to the Expiration Date (the “Non-Renewal Severance”). Such payments of Non-Renewal Severance shall be made as and when salary would otherwise be payable to senior officers of the Company; provided, however, that on February 15, 2008, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the Non-Renewal Severance, plus an amount, if any, equal to Executive’s Base Compensation for the period of time between the Notice Date and the date on which the Company provides Executive with written notice of non-renewal. The period from the Commencement Date until the employment term expires or is terminated by the Company or Executive is hereinafter referred to as the "Employment Term."

2.            Section 2.1 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.1:

2.1        Base Compensation. For all the services rendered by Executive hereunder, the Company shall pay Executive an annual salary at the rate of Four Hundred Seventy Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($470,000) for each full year of the Employment Term, payable in installments at such times as the Company customarily pays its other senior officers (but in any event no less often than monthly). The Company agrees that the Executive's salary will be reviewed at least annually to determine if an increase is appropriate, which increase shall be in the sole discretion of the Company. Executive's salary shall be prorated for any partial year during which this Agreement remains in effect. Executive’s annual salary paid from time to time is hereafter referred to as "Base Compensation”.

3.            Section 2.3 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 2.3:

2.3         Equity Awards. The Company acknowledges that it has caused the Parent to issue equity awards, including incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards (collectively, the “Equity Awards”) to Executive pursuant to the Parent’s 1997 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the “1997 Plan”) and the Parent’s Amended and Restated 2002 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”, together with the 1997 Plan, the “Equity Incentive Plans”). The Company represents and warrants to Executive that (i) during the Employment Term, the Company will cause Executive to be within the category of persons for which awards may be granted under the 2002 Plan or its successor plan; (ii) the Equity Incentive Plans have been approved by the Parent’s Board of Directors and shareholders and all Equity Awards granted to Executive under the Equity Incentive Plans are and shall remain in full force and effect as the legally binding obligations of the Parent and the Company throughout the Employment Term, subject to the terms of the Equity Incentive Plans and the award agreements executed in connection with the issuance of Equity Awards; and (iii) the Parent has caused all shares of stock in the Parent that may be acquired by Executive through the exercise or vesting of the Equity Awards to be registered and freely tradable, whether by means of the Parent’s filing of all necessary Form S-8 registration statements or otherwise, subject to restriction on sale or transfer of such shares under applicable securities laws by virtue of Executive’s position with the Company or ownership of the Parent’s securities.

4.            Section 3.2 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 3.2:

 

3.2

Payment upon Termination.

(a) Upon termination of the Employment Term for Cause, or as a result of Executive’s resignation pursuant to Section 3.1(e), in the absence of circumstances described in Section 3.2(e), Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination and any additional compensation he may be entitled to receive under the terms of any employee benefit plan offered by the Company.

(b) Upon termination of the Employment Term by the death of Executive, Executive's estate shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of death; and (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro-rata share (based on days worked before death) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s death shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive's dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from and after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2(b) shall be in addition to any insurance proceeds that may be payable to Executive’s estate or beneficiaries.

(c) In the event that during the Employment Term Executive becomes Disabled (as defined in Section 3.1(b)) and the Company thereafter terminates Executive's employment during the continuation of such disability, Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to Executive’s pro rata share (based on days worked before he became disabled) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed; and (iii) continuation of Executive's Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination of employment, for a period of ninety (90) days following the termination of employment, which shall be paid as and when salary payments would otherwise be made under Section 2 of this Agreement.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and his dependent family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twenty-four (24) months from after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twenty-four (24) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or person' rights to continue such benefits.

Payments pursuant to this Section 3.2 (c) shall be in addition to any disability insurance payments that may be payable to Executive.

(d) In the event that the Company terminates Executive's employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections 3.1 (a), (b) or (c) above, except upon expiration of the Employment Term, or unless the provisions of Section 3.2(e) apply, Executive shall be entitled to receive the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of termination, and the Company will be obligated to pay Executive an amount equal to eighteen (18) months of his Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of termination (the “Termination Severance”). Executive shall also be entitled to receive his pro-rata share (based on days worked before termination) of the bonus to which he would have been entitled under Section 2.2 if he had been an employee on the date bonuses for the then-current fiscal year were distributed. Such payments of Base Compensation and bonus shall be made over time, as and when salary and bonuses would otherwise be payable under Section 2 of this Agreement; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the termination date, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any unpaid portion of the Termination Severance.

In addition to the foregoing, upon such termination of employment, (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and to pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive's dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program , on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of twelve (12) months from and after the date of Executive's termination of employment. From and after the expiration of such twelve (12) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

(e) In the event that (i) during the Employment Term a “Change in Control” (as defined below) shall occur and (ii) within eighteen (18) months following such Change in Control, either (A) the Company substantially reduces Executive's scope of responsibility or moves the Company’s headquarter offices away from the Metropolitan Atlanta area, and Executive resigns as a result of such action, or (B) the Company terminates Executive’s employment for any reason other than those set forth in subsections (a), (b) or (c) above then, in lieu of the amounts payable pursuant to Section 3.2(d), Executive shall be entitled to receive (i) the compensation under Section 2.1 owed to Executive but unpaid for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination; (ii) a lump sum equal to the average of the bonus paid to Executive with respect to each of the two fiscal years of the Company prior to the year in which the resignation or termination occurs; and (iii) an amount equal to thirty-six (36) months of his Base Compensation, as in effect immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination. The amount payable pursuant to clause (iii) of the immediately preceding sentence (the “CIC Severance”) shall be payable in periodic amounts, each equal to the periodic Base Compensation payments being made to Executive immediately prior to the date of resignation or termination, on the dates that salary payments are normally made to executives of the Company or its successor; provided, however, that on February 15 of the year following the date of resignation or termination, the Company shall pay Executive in one lump sum any remaining unpaid portion of the CIC Severance. Notwithstanding the provisions of the immediately preceding sentence, in the event that the Company shall fail to make any payment of the CIC Severance, which failure is not cured within thirty (30) days following written notice to the Company of the failure to make such payment, then all remaining portions of the CIC Severance shall thereupon be immediately due and payable without further notice to the Company. All payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2(e), other than the CIC Severance, shall be made within thirty (30) days following the date of resignation or termination.

 

In addition to the foregoing, upon the date of resignation or termination (i) all of Executive’s Equity Awards that are outstanding on the date of Executive’s resignation or termination from employment shall be deemed amended, without further action by the Parent, the Company or Executive, so that any portion of such Equity Awards that would have vested solely with the passage of time over the twenty-four (24) month period following such resignation or termination, had Executive remained an employee of the Company during such period, shall be immediately vested and exercisable as of the date of resignation or termination, and any such stock options shall thereafter continue or expire in accordance with their original terms, and (ii) the Company shall continue to provide and pay for all health, hospitalization and long-term care insurance premiums necessary to provide Executive and Executive's dependant family members, if any, with coverage under the Company's group health insurance program, on the same terms and conditions as offered to other executives of the Company throughout the period of coverage, for a period of eighteen (18) months from and after the date of resignation or termination. From and after the expiration of such eighteen (18) month period, all applicable laws shall continue to apply to any person's or persons' rights to continue such benefits.

For purposes of this subsection (e), “Change in Control” means and includes each of the following:

 

(i)           The acquisition, at one time or over time, by any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “1934 Act”) (a “Person”) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the 1934 Act) of 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Parent entitled to vote generally in the election of directors (the “Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities”); provided, however, that for purposes of this subsection (i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change of Control; (a) any acquisition by a Person who is on the date of this Agreement the beneficial owner of 35% or more of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, (b) any acquisition by the Parent, or (c) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by the Parent or any corporation controlled by the Parent;

 

(ii)          Consummation of a reorganization, merger, share exchange or consolidation or sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Parent (a “Business Combination”), in each case, unless, following such Business Combination, (i) all or substantially >all of the individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities immediately prior to such Business Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, more than 60% of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors or comparable persons of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination (including, without limitation, a corporation or other entity which as a result of such transaction owns the Parent or all or substantially all of the Parent’s assets either directly or through one or more subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions as their ownership immediately prior to such Business Combination of the Outstanding Corporation Voting Securities, and (ii) no Person (excluding any corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination or any employee benefit plan (or related trust) of the Parent of such corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination) beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 35% or more of the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of such corporation or other entity except to the extent that such ownership existed prior to the Business Combination, and (iii) at least a majority of the members of the board of directors or comparable body of the corporation or other entity resulting from such Business Combination were members of the incumbent Board or comparable body at the time of the execution of this Agreement, or of the action of the Board or comparable body, providing for such Business Combination.

(f) Payments made pursuant to this Section 3.2 are in lieu of any other obligations to Executive pursuant to the terms of this Agreement.

(g) In the event that Executive's employment is terminated pursuant to Sections 3.2(c), (d) or (e), or Executive resigns from employment pursuant to Section 3.2(e), a condition of Executive's receipt of any consideration, compensation or benefits beyond that which would otherwise be required to be paid or provided for performance rendered under this Agreement as of the date of resignation or termination shall be his execution of a separation agreement, including a full release of all claims, in a form acceptable to the Company.

5.            Section 4 of the Original Agreement shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 4:

4.            Noncompetition. Executive covenants and agrees that during the term of his employment with the Company and for a period of eighteen (18) months thereafter, Executive shall not, as an officer, manager, supervisor, independent contractor or equity owner of any business or enterprise, engage or participate in any Business Activities in the Restricted Area. For purposes of this Section 4, "Business Activities" shall be those activities that relate to the development, operation or franchising of any “Designated Competitor”, or any single restaurant or group of restaurants that derives more than 30% of its food sales from the sale of steak products. For purposes of this Section 4, the "Restricted Area" shall be the area described in Exhibit A attached hereto, which the parties agree may be amended from time-to-time, and “Designated Competitor” shall mean Outback Steakhouse, Texas Roadhouse, Texas Steakhouse, Lone Star Steakhouse, Logan’s Roadhouse, Roadhouse Grill, Ted’s Montana Grill, Steak & Ale, Traildust Steakhouse, Tumbleweed, Ryan’s Steakhouse, Sizzler, Sagebrush, Golden Corral, Chop House, Smokey Bones and Saltgrass Steakhouse, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of LongHorn Steakhouse and Bugaboo Creek Steak House. “Designated Competitor” also means Flemings, Ruth’s Chris, Smith & Wolinsky, Morton’s, Del Frisco’s, The Palm, Sullivan’s, Stonewood and Fogo de Chao, all of which the Company deems to be similar to and current competitors of The Capital Grille.

Nothing in this Section 4 shall prohibit Executive from acquiring or holding, for investment purposes only, less than 2% of the outstanding publicly traded securities of any corporation that may compete directly or indirectly with the Company. The provisions of this Section 4 shall terminate and be of no further force and effect from and after the date on which the Company fails to make any payment owed to Executive under this Agreement following the Employment Term, which payment remains unpaid ten (10) business days following the receipt of written notice from Executive that such payment has not been made (provided that such cure period shall not apply with respect to the Company’s third or subsequent failure to make any payment due Executive hereunder in any twelve (12) month period); provided, however, that in the event that there is any reasonable and good faith dispute between the Company and Executive as to any amount payable to Executive, for purposes of this Section 4 the disputed amount shall not be considered due and payable until such dispute shall have been finally resolved in an appropriate legal proceeding and any time for appeal of such resolution shall have run without an appropriate appeal having been taken.

6.            Section 19 of the Original Agreement, as revised by the Second Amendment, shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following new Section 19:

19.         Entire Agreement. This Agreement, together with the Third Amendment and Exhibit A thereto, which is incorporated herein by this reference, constitutes the entire Agreement between the parties hereto with regard to Executive’s employment by the Company and there are no agreements, understandings, specific restrictions, warranties or representations, written or oral, relating to said subject matter between the parties other than those set forth herein or herein provided for. For the sake of clarity, the Third Amendment replaces and supercedes the Second Amendment, which, like the First Amendment, is hereby terminated and of no further force and effect.

7.            A new Section 24 is hereby inserted in the Original Agreement as follows:

24.          Code Section 409A.

(a) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, if any amount or benefit that would otherwise be payable or distributable under this Agreement by reason of Executive’s separation from service, constitutes “deferred compensation” for purposes of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), then if and to the extent necessary to comply with Code Section 409A: (i) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable in a lump sum, such payment or distribution will be delayed until the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, and (ii) if the payment or distribution of such amount or benefit is payable over time, the amount that would otherwise be payable during the six-month period immediately following Executive’s separation from service will be accumulated and paid to Executive, without interest, on the first day following the six-month anniversary of Executive’s separation from service, whereupon the normal payment or distribution schedule will resume.

(b) Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, the Company’s obligation hereunder to pay health, hospitalization and/or long-term care insurance premiums to provide Executive and Executive’s dependant family members with coverage under the Company’s group health insurance program for a stated period of time after the termination of the Employment Term (“extended medical coverage”) shall not extend beyond December 31 of the second calendar year following the year in which Executive’s separation from service occurs, and all such payments by the Company for such extended medical coverage shall be imputed as income to Executive

8.            Exhibit A of the Second Amendment shall be deleted in its entirety and replaced with new Exhibit A attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference.

9.            Except as otherwise set forth herein, the Original Agreement shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect.             

 

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Third Amendment as of the date first above written.

 

RARE HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, INC.

 

 

 

By:

_______________________________

President

 

EXECUTIVE

 

 

 

_______________________________

 

EUGENE I. LEE, JR.

 

 

 

EXHIBIT A

 

Executive and the Company agree that, for purposes of this Agreement, the "Restricted Area" shall constitute the area within fifteen (15) miles of any of RARE's restaurants in the following cities:

 

Alabama

Daphne, Dothan, Hoover, Huntsville, Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika, Prattville

Arizona

Phoenix, Scottsdale

Colorado

Denver

Connecticut

Manchester

Delaware

Bear, Newark

District of Columbia

Washington, D.C.

Florida

Altamonte Springs, Boynton Beach, Brandon, Coral Springs, Daytona Beach, Davie, Delray Beach, Destin, Fleming Island, Ft. Lauderdale, Ft. Myers, Ft. Walton Beach, Hollywood, Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Jensen Beach, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Lake Mary, Largo, Melbourne, Merritt Island, Miami, Naples, Ocala, Orange Park, Orlando, Palm Harbor, Pembroke Pines, Port Richey, Sarasota, St. Augustine, St. Petersburg, Southchase, Tallahassee, Tampa, Viera, West Palm Beach, Winter Haven

Georgia

Acworth, Albany, Alpharetta, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Austell, Buford, Canton, Carrolton, Cartersville, College Park, Columbus, Commerce, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dalton, Dawsonville, Douglasville, Duluth, East Point, Ellijay, Fayetteville, Gainesville, Hiram, Jonesboro, Kennesaw, Lawrenceville, Lithonia, McDonough, Macon, Marietta, Morrow, Newnan, Peachtree City, Pooler, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Snellville, Statesboro, Tifton, Tucker, Valdosta, Warner Robins, Woodstock

Illinois

Chicago, Fairview Heights, Lombard, Norridge, Peoria, Springfield

Indiana

Avon, Bloomington, Carmel, Clarksville, E. Indianapolis, Evansville, Indianapolis, Merrillville, Portage, Southport

Kansas

Kansas City, Lawrence, Leawood, Topeka

Kentucky

Bowling Green, Cold Springs, Florence, Frankfort, Lexington, Louisville

Maine

Auburn, Augusta, Bangor, Biddeford, South Portland

Maryland

Baltimore, Bowie, Columbia, E. Columbia, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Golden Ring, Hagerstown, Landover, Laurel, Upper Marlboro, Waldorf

Massachusetts

Boston, Braintree, Brockton, Burlington, Chestnut Hill, Dedham, Framingham, Franklin, Haverhill, Loeminster, Marlboro, Methuen, Milford, Millbury, North Attleboro, Peabody, Plymouth, Raynham, Seekonk, Shrewsbury, Tewksbury, Watertown, W. Springfield

Michigan

Allen Park, Auburn Hills, Clinton Township, Grand Rapids, Roseville, Troy, Westland

Minnesota

Minneapolis

Mississippi

Hattiesburg

Missouri

Ballwin, Belton, Chesterfield, E. Columbia, Florissant, Hazelwood, Independence, Jefferson City, Kansas City, O'Fallon, Lee's Summit, St. Peters, Sunset Hills

Nevada

Las Vegas

New Hampshire

Amherst, Bedford, Concord, Keene, Manchester, Nashua, Newington

New Jersey

Flanders, Hamilton, Howell, Millville, Mt. Olive, New Brunswick, Parsippany, Piscataway, Rochelle Park, Woodbridge

New York

Albany, New York City, Poughkeepsie, Rochester

North Carolina

Apex, Asheville, Brier Creek, Burlington, Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, Greensboro, Greenville, Hickory, High Point, Huntersville, Pineville, Wilmington, Winston-Salem

Ohio

Beavercreek, Boardman, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, Dublin, Fairlawn, Fairview Park, Gahana, Grove City, Independence, Mayfield Heights, Maumee, Medina, Mentor, Moraine, North Canton, Pickerington, Solon, Springdale, St. Clairsville, Strongsville, West Chester, Wooster

Pennsylvania

Bensalem, Erie, Exton, Franklin Mills, Lancaster, Norristown, Penns Port, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Mills, Pottstown, Warrington, Waterfront, West Homestead, Whitman Square

Rhode Island

Providence, Warwick

South Carolina

Anderson, Columbia, Florence, Greenville, Hilton Head, Mt. Pleasant, Myrtle Beach, N. Charleston, Rock Hill, Spartanburg

Tennessee

Brentwood, Chattanooga, Clarksville, Hermitage, Hixson, Jackson, Madison, Nashville

Texas

Dallas, Houston

Vermont

Williston

Virginia

Chantilly, Dulles, Massaponax, McLean, Williamsburg

West Virginia

Charleston, Morgantown

Wisconsin

Milwaukee

 

 

 

 

EX-31 8 ex311.htm EXHIBIT 31.1 - PHILIP J. HICKEY, JR.

EXHIBIT 31.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, Philip J. Hickey, Jr., certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of RARE Hospitality International, Inc.;

 

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 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 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: November 2, 2006

/s/ Philip J. Hickey, Jr.

 

 

Philip J. Hickey, Jr.

 

 

Chairman of the Board and

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

 

EX-31 9 ex312.htm EXHIBIT 31.2 - W. DOUGLAS BENN

EXHIBIT 31.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

SECTION 302 OF THE

SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

 

I, W. Douglas Benn, certify that:

 

 

1.

I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of RARE Hospitality International, Inc.;

 

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 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 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.

 

 

Date: November 2, 2006

/s/ W. Douglas Benn

 

 

W. Douglas Benn

 

 

Executive Vice President, Finance and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

EX-32 10 ex321.htm EXHIBIT 32.1 - PHILIP J. HICKEY, JR.

 

EXHIBIT 32.1

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

In connection with the quarterly report of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 1, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Philip J. Hickey, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of the Registrant, certify, in accordance with Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

 

(1)

The Report, to which this certification is attached as Exhibit 32.1, fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

 

Dated: November 2, 2006

/s/ Philip J. Hickey, Jr.

 

 

Philip J. Hickey, Jr.

 

 

Chief Executive Officer

 

 

 

EX-32 11 ex322.htm EXHIBIT 32.2 - W. DOUGLAS BENN

EXHIBIT 32.2

 

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

RULE 13a-14(b) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AND 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

 

In connection with the quarterly report of RARE Hospitality International, Inc. (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended October 1, 2006 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, W. Douglas Benn, Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer of the Registrant, certify, in accordance with Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, that to the best of my knowledge:

 

 

(1)

The Report, to which this certification is attached as Exhibit 32.1, fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

 

 

(2)

The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant.

 

 

Date: November 2, 2006

/s/ W. Douglas Benn

 

 

W. Douglas Benn

 

 

Executive Vice President, Finance and

 

Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 

 

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