GENK GEN Restaurant Group Inc

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT

Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): June 10, 2024

GEN Restaurant Group, Inc.

(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

Delaware	001-41727	87-3424935
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation)	(Commission File Number)	(IRS Employer Identification No.)
11480 South Street, Suite 205 Cerritos, CA		90703
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (562) 356-9929

Not Applicable

(Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

☐	Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
☐	Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
☐	Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

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

 

Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common stock, par value $0.001 per share		GENK		The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (The Nasdaq Global Market)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§ 230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§ 240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company ☒

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

 

 

 

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Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure.

Gen Restaurant Group, Inc. (the Company”) has updated the investor presentation slides. A copy of the Company’s slides that will be used during events, as well as, from time to time, to present and/or distribute to members of the investment community and various other industry conferences, is being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 hereto and is hereby incorporated by reference.

 

The information included in this Item 7.01 is being furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any other filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

 

Exhibit Number		Description
99.1		Investor Presentation
104		Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)

* Filed herewith.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

 

		Company Name
Date: June 10, 2024		By:	/s/ Thomas V. Croal
			Thomas V. Croal
			Chief Financial Officer

 

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Investor Overview June 2024 Exhibit 99.1

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This presentation includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions, and you should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. You can identify forward-looking statements by words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “target,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “will,” “would” or the negative of those terms, and similar expressions that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. All forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and expectations about future events and financial and other trends. There is no guarantee that future results, performance or events reflected in the forward-looking statements will be achieved or occur. No person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking statements, and, except as required by law, no person undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements for any reason after the date of this presentation. Investors are referred to filings by GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. (the “Company”) with the Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information regarding the risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. All third-party brand names and logos appearing in this presentation are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. Any such appearance does not necessarily imply any affiliation with or endorsement of the Company. Legal Disclaimer 2

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Company Overview

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Founded by two Korean immigrants in 2011 Engaging and interactive dining experience where guests serve as their own chefs 40 company-owned restaurants across seven states One of the largest Asian casual dining restaurant concepts by total revenue in the United States Passionate and loyal following of Millennials and Generation Z Extensive menu of traditional Korean and Korean-American food at an affordable, all-inclusive price About Us 7 TX Locations 3 HI Locations 2 AZ Location 3 NV Locations 15 Southern CA Locations FL NY 6 Northern CA Locations 4 1 NYC Location Note: Unit count and location as of 5/31/2024 2 FL Location 1 WA Locations

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5 Non-GAAP financial measures. See appendix for definitions and reconciliations. As of March 31, 2024. Operational Highlights Opened two new locations during the first quarter of 2024 in Seattle, Washington and Dallas, Texas with a third location in Jacksonville, Florida during April 2024. Launched new Premium Menu at all 40 nationwide locations featuring 10 gourmet protein options at an additional cost of $20 per guest. Completed an acquisition to buy out the Company’s 50% partner in GKBH Restaurant LLC, which included acquiring the rights the partner had to participate in future GEN restaurants in the State of Hawaii, on February 19, 2024. The Company now wholly owns all 40 of its locations. Financial Highlights Total revenue increased 16% to $50.8 million compared to Q1 2023 Net income was $3.7 million and 7.3% of revenue Restaurant-level adjusted EBITDA (1) was $8.4 million and 16.6% of revenue Cash and cash equivalents at March 31, 2024 was $28.1 million No long-term debt, except $5.0 million in government-funded EIDL loans, and $20.0 million available for use in revolved line of credit(2) Q1 2024 Highlights

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Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 by Quarter 6 2020: $62.7M Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 Adjusted EBITDA Margin1 COVID-19 Impacted Strong Emergence From COVID-19 $ in Millions 2021: $140.6M 2022: $163.7M 2023: $181.0M Non-GAAP financial measures. See appendix for definitions and reconciliations. YoY % Growth: 124.2% 16.4% 10.6% Net Income Margin LTM 2024: $187.9M 15.3% (17.1%) 0.4% 14.5% 19.0% 26.9% 26.3% 22.3% 21.2% 21.5% 20.2% 19.3% 19.2% 20.4% 18.4% 16.0% 16.6% 8.1% (28.0%) (11.9%) 6.3% 12.3% 20.5% 20.9% 15.0% 15.6% 15.8% 12.9% 10.8% 12.4% 13.7% 11.0% 3.6% 12.5% (2.0%) (57.3%) (26.8%) (3.9%) 2.7% 53.2% 32.0% 39.9% 8.8% 12.8% 5.6% (0.5%) 10.3% 9.6% 5.8% (0.4%) 7.3% 11.0%

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Operational Highlights

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Diverse Assortment of Side Dishes, or Banchan Family-Style Food Served on Embedded Table-Top Grills Unlimited Amount of Any Food Item for an Affordable, All-Inclusive Price Differentiated Culinary Experience with Enthusiastic Patrons Modern and Vibrant Décor and Atmosphere Engaging the Senses Meaningful Interaction Among Guests who Cook Their Own Food 8 The GEN Dining Experience

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Garlic Calamari Marinated Garlic Calamari Cajun Shrimp Marinated Shrimp with Cajun Rub Smoked Garlic Samgyupsal Marinated Pork Belly with Smoked Garlic Spicy Pork Bulgogi Thinly Sliced Marinated Spicy Pork Beef Chadol Thinly Sliced Premium Beef Brisket Spicy Chicken Marinated Spicy Chicken Beef Bulgogi Thinly Sliced Marinated Sweet & Savory Beef Korean Fried Chicken (K.F.C.) Crispy Korean Fried Chicken Unlimited quantities of menu items for a fixed price typically ranging from $19.95 to $21.99 for lunch and $28.95 to $32.95 for dinner1 Popular Menu Items Unlimited Food Items at An Affordable, All-Inclusive Price 9 Pork Poultry Seafood Galbi Marinated Bone-In Short Rib Hangjungsal Premium Pork Jowl Meat Spicy Baby Octopus Marinated Baby Octopus With Onion Garlic Chicken Marinated Chicken With Jalapeno Cheese Fondue Current pricing as of May 2024. Miracle Mile Las Vegas costs $35.95 for dinner. Manhattan, NY location costs $33.95 for dinner, $37.95 for late dinner, and $27.95 for lunch.

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New Premium Menu 10 Premium meat selection for a $20 upcharge or a la carte options allowing for better segmentation of value and premium guests Available at all 40 locations nationwide Features 10 top shelf proteins including: Wagyu Al pastor Marbling Center Cut Marinated Short Rib Pollo Asado Cajun Shrimp Carne Asada Taco Sampler Build Your Own K-Ramyun Kimchi Fried Rice Kimchi Cheese Fried Rice Implementing employee training programs to increase upselling of premium menu across all stores

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Efficient Back-of-House Operations 11 Simple transfer from package to plate Guests grill food to their liking on their table-top grill Received in ready-to-serve format Engaging and interactive dining experience where guests cook their own food New Sysco partnership allows for efficient nation-wide expansion Ready-to-serve items minimize kitchen footprint and wait times We receive ready-to-serve proteins and fresh produce from our suppliers typically two to three times per week

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Yelp(1) Total Number of Reviews: 94,500+ Average Star Rating: 4.0 Google(1) Total Number of Reviews: 47,600+ Average Star Rating: 4.1 “Food is always so good and it's so much fun making it on your own. Took my family for the first time and they had a blast. Will definitely be going back soon! Service was great, very friendly.” Review for Tempe, AZ Location “Gen Korean BBQ was SO good that I had to visit twice during my week long stay in Texas! If you're like me and have never been to a Korean BBQ, you'll be blown away upon entering.” Review for Carrollton, TX Location “The food was amazing for the price per person, the wait was worth it. I do recommend going, I'm definitely going to go there again, I'm honestly looking forward to it.” Review for Torrance, CA Location “I really enjoy my visit here, it's my go to place for Korean BBQ. They have a great selection of variety of meats on both the lunch & dinner menu.” Review for Cerritos, CA Location Differentiated Guest Experience Drives Positive Customer Ratings 12 As of June 2024.

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Expansion Strategy

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Flexible Real Estate Footprint 14 Our restaurants fit in a wide variety of retail footprints Henderson, NV Torrance, CA West Covina, CA Tukwila, WA Houston, TX Pearlridge, HI Webster, TX Huntington Beach, CA Select Locations Standalone Mid Cap End Cap Chino Hills, CA Las Vegas, NV Carrollton, TX Tempe, AZ Frisco, TX Honolulu, HI Cerritos, CA New York, NY Alhambra, CA Jacksonville, FL

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Strong Unit Economics Historical Unit Metrics Targeted New Unit Metrics(1) Average Unit Volume (AUV)(2) $5.9 Million $4-5 Million Revenue per Square Foot(3) $862 $800+ Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin(4) 18.5% 18.0-20.0% Cash-on-Cash Returns(5) ~59% ~40% Payback Period(6) 1.7 Years 2.5 Years Note: These are Non-GAAP financial measures. See appendix for definitions and reconciliation. Targeted unit level metrics for new units opening in 2024 and beyond. AUVs for historical unit metrics represent units that were opened 12 full months prior to December 31, 2023. Revenue per square foot for 2023 metrics includes units opened 12 full months prior to December 31, 2023. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA margin for targeted new unit metrics based on targeted net build-out costs of less than $3.0 million. Cash-on-cash returns for historical unit metrics represent average of nine units opened in 2022 and 2023. Payback period for historical unit metrics represents average of nine units opened in 2022 and 2023. 15

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40 Units(1) in 8 States Potential for 250+ Restaurants in the U.S.(3) = 16 Proven Existing Markets Near-Term Potential New Markets FL NY CA NV AZ TX OR WA NJ MA Expansion Strategy To Achieve Long-Term Potential 10-12 New Units in 2025 Current Footprint Near-Term Growth Plan + + Long-Term Opportunity Underpenetrated Existing Markets Untapped New Markets GA MI Unit count as of 5/31/2024 Expect to open 8-9 total units in 2024 with 3 units already opened as of April 2024 and at least 5 more units expected to be open by year-end. Based on an internal study 70+ Total Units by End of 2026 8-9 New Units in 2024(2) 15 New Units in 2026 TN NC OH IL

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17 Founder led management team that is well aligned with maximizing shareholder value given their high levels of insider ownership New restaurant average payback period of ~1.4 years historically (1) Strong cash balance, minimal level of debt, and an unused $20M line of credit with self-funding growth strategy that is not expected to require additional capital in the near- to medium-term Calculated using the Company’s original 28 units. Efficient and cost effective “cook-it-yourself” business model Value-oriented customer model with unlimited orders at an affordable, all-inclusive price Attractive unit economics and stable supplier network provides a solid foundation to capitalize on the significant growth opportunities Differentiated guest experience that generates positive customer ratings, driven by a large community of millennial and Gen Z enthusiasts The GEN Difference

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Appendix 18

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Joined GEN shortly after opening of first restaurant in September 2011 Former CEO of La Salsa, Inc. and Baja Fresh Enterprises and seasoned restaurateur and entrepreneur Founder of Kim Family Foundation, supporting various charitable causes related to scholastic achievement and leadership Founder-Led Management Team Joined GEN in July 2021 12+ years of public company experience, serving as CFO and COO of InSight Health Services Corp. 18+ years serving as SVP and CFO at various entities, including the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and Silverado Senior Living Holdings, Inc. California CPA with Arthur Andersen & Co. and B.S. in Accounting from Loyola Marymount University Founded GEN with the opening of the Company’s first restaurant in Tustin, California 25+ years of entrepreneurial experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry Owner, operator and manager of multiple successful restaurant concepts David Kim | Co-CEO & Director Jae Chang | Co-CEO & Director Thomas V. Croal | CFO 19 Experience Experience Experience

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Greater control than our competition over quality, costs and lead times Well-functioning ventilation systems are critical to Korean barbeque restaurant concepts We do not rely on prohibitively expensive third-party contractors who require lengthy lead times We design and fabricate ventilation systems in-house In-House Design and Fabrication Capabilities 20

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Adjusted EBITDA is not recognized under GAAP. We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) before net interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization and consulting fees paid to a related party. We also exclude non-recurring items, such as gain on extinguishment of debt, and Restaurant Revitalization Fund, or RRF, grants, employee retention credits, litigation accruals, aborted deferred IPO costs written off and non-cash lease expenses. Adjusted EBITDA is intended as a supplemental measure of our performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. We are presenting Adjusted EBITDA because we believe that it provides useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results. We believe that the use of Adjusted EBITDA provides an additional tool for investors to use in evaluating ongoing operating results and trends and in comparing the Company’s financial measures with those of comparable companies, which may present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. Our presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computation of this measure may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate Adjusted EBITDA in the same fashion. Because of these limitations, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for performance measures calculated in accordance with GAAP. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using this non-GAAP measure on a supplemental basis. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA is intended as a supplemental measure of our performance that is neither required by, nor presented in accordance with, GAAP. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA is revenue less recurring expenses incurred at the restaurants, such as food costs, payroll and benefits costs, occupancy and operating expenses, but excluding restaurant-level depreciation and amortization and preopening costs. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin is the calculation of Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. We believe that Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results, as this measure depicts normal, recurring cash operating expenses essential to supporting the operations of our restaurants. We expect Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA to increase in proportion to the number of new restaurants we open and with our comparable restaurant sales growth. However, you should be aware that Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin are financial measures which are not indicative of overall results for our company, and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin do not accrue directly to the benefit of stockholders because of corporate-level expenses excluded from such measures. Our presentation of these measures should not be construed as an inference that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items. Our computation of Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies may not calculate Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin in the same fashion. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not consider them in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP. Non-GAAP Financial Measures 21

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures 22 The following tables reconcile revenue to Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and net income to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2023, December 31, 2022, December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, respectively:

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Non-GAAP Financial Measures 23 The following tables reconcile revenue to Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and net income to Adjusted EBITDA for each quarter of 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 respectively:

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Additional Financial Metrics and Other Data “Average Unit Volume” or “AUV” means the average annual restaurant sales for all restaurants open for a full 12 months before the end of the period measured. AUV is calculated by dividing annual revenue for the year presented for all such restaurants by the total number of restaurants in that base. We have not made any adjustments to exclude restaurants in 2021 that experienced temporary closures and mandated capacity limitations caused by the COVID-19 pandemic “Cash-On-Cash Returns” means Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA divided by Net Build-Out Costs “Net Build-Out Costs” means all capitalized construction and construction-related costs plus pre-opening costs associated with a new restaurant; less tenant improvement allowances provided by the landlord “Payback Period” means the length of time, in years, required to recoup Net Build-Out Costs after the restaurant opening date “Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA” means Income (loss) from operations plus adjustments to add-back the following expenses: depreciation and amortization, pre-opening costs, general and administrative expenses, related party consulting fees, management fees and non-cash lease expense. “Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin” means Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue. 24

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Investor Relations Contact 25 Investor Relations Contact: Cody Slach and Cody Cree Gateway Group, Inc. 1-949-574-3860 GENK@gateway-grp.com

v3.24.1.1.u2

Document and Entity Information	Jun. 10, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Central Index Key	0001891856
Document Type	8-K
Document Period End Date	Jun. 10, 2024
Entity Registrant Name	GEN Restaurant Group, Inc.
Entity Incorporation State Country Code	DE
Entity File Number	001-41727
Entity Tax Identification Number	87-3424935
Entity Address, Address Line One	11480 South Street
Entity Address, Address Line Two	Suite 205
Entity Address, City or Town	Cerritos
Entity Address, State or Province	CA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	90703
City Area Code	(562)
Local Phone Number	356-9929
Written Communications	false
Soliciting Material	false
Pre Commencement Tender Offer	false
Pre Commencement Issuer Tender Offer	false
Security 12b Title	Class A Common stock, par value $0.001 per share
Trading Symbol	GENK
Security Exchange Name	NASDAQ
Entity Emerging Growth Company	true
Entity Ex Transition Period	false

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