Quarterly Report (10-q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

þ QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarter ended October 1, 2018

or

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

For the transition period from to

Commission File No. 001-36411

ZOE'S KITCHEN, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)




Delaware		51-0653504
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

5760 State Highway 121, Suite 250 Plano, Texas		75024
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (214) 436-8765

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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

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



Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer þ

Non-accelerated filer o	(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company o

		Emerging growth company o

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

On November 13, 2018 , there were 19,605,757 shares of common stock outstanding.

Table of Contents



Part I - Financial Information		Page
Item 1. Financial Statements		2
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets		2
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations		3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows		4
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements		5
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		15
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		30
Item 4. Controls and Procedures		31
Part II - Other Information		32
Item 1. Legal Proceedings		32
Item 1A. Risk Factors		32
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		33
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		33
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures		33
Item 5. Other Information		33
Item 6. Exhibits		34
Signatures		35

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Part I - Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Zoe's Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(in thousands, except share and per share data)



	October 1, 2018			December 25, 2017
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	2,571		$	2,276
Trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	4,238			3,148
Other accounts receivable	1,554			2,231
Inventories	2,784			2,374
Prepaid expenses and other	4,937			1,949
Total current assets	16,084			11,978
Property and equipment, net	171,381			191,686
Goodwill	29,528			29,528
Intangibles, net	5,626			6,482
Other long-term assets, net	823			848
Total long-term assets	207,358			228,544
Total assets	$	223,442		$	240,522
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	9,850		$	8,629
Accrued expenses and other	15,691			14,644
Total current liabilities	25,541			23,273
Long-term liabilities:
Long-term debt	20,500			12,500
Deemed landlord financing	26,376			33,240
Deferred rent	40,746			36,390
Deferred income taxes	2,681			4,022
Other long-term liabilities, net	—			18
Total long-term liabilities	90,303			86,170
Total liabilities	115,844			109,443
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock: $0.01 par value, 135,000,000 shares authorized as of October 1, 2018 and December 25, 2017; 19,604,590 and 19,556,044 issued and outstanding as of October 1, 2018 and December 25, 2017, respectively.	$	196		$	196
Additional paid-in capital	154,703			151,868
Accumulated deficit	(47,301		)	(20,985		)
Total stockholders' equity	107,598			131,079
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	223,442		$	240,522

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Zoe's Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations

(in thousands, except share and per share data)



	Twelve Weeks Ended						Forty Weeks Ended
	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017			October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	$	78,861		$	77,808		$	262,448		$	242,573
Royalty fees	39			45			125			146
Total revenue	78,900			77,853			262,573			242,719
Operating expenses:
Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization):
Cost of sales	24,113			22,990			78,067			71,277
Labor	25,463			23,396			83,436			72,461
Store operating expenses	18,278			16,817			59,787			52,108
General and administrative expenses	10,006			7,723			30,298			24,832
Depreciation	4,697			4,495			15,927			13,708
Amortization	234			328			830			1,167
Pre-opening costs	206			583			1,039			1,829
Impairment loss	—			—			16,313			—
Casualty loss	—			133			—			133
Loss from disposal of equipment	116			132			385			1,139
Total operating expenses	83,113			76,597			286,082			238,654
Income (loss) from operations	(4,213		)	1,256			(23,509		)	4,065
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense, net	1,261			1,093			4,128			3,479
Other income	(20		)	(21		)	(78		)	(70		)
Total other income and expenses	1,241			1,072			4,050			3,409
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	(5,454		)	184			(27,559		)	656
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,530		)	(86		)	(1,243		)	(212		)
Net income (loss)	$	(3,924	)	$	270		$	(26,316	)	$	868
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	(0.20	)	$	0.01		$	(1.35	)	$	0.04
Diluted	$	(0.20	)	$	0.01		$	(1.35	)	$	0.04
Weighted average shares of common stock outstanding:
Basic	19,549,069			19,489,074			19,529,427			19,482,227
Diluted	19,549,069			19,489,074			19,529,427			19,506,342

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Zoe's Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(in thousands)



	Forty Weeks Ended
	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$	(26,316	)	$	868
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation	15,927			13,708
Amortization of intangible assets	830			1,167
Equity-based compensation	2,739			2,381
Deferred income taxes	(1,341		)	(170		)
Amortization of loan costs	52			17
Bad debt expense	23			30
Impairment loss	16,313			—
Casualty loss	—			133
Loss from disposal of equipment	385			1,139
Accretion of deemed landlord financing	202			229
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Trade accounts receivable	(1,113		)	224
Other accounts receivable	769			16
Inventories	(409		)	(713		)
Prepaid expenses and other	(2,987		)	(2,702		)
Accounts payable	1,416			2,172
Accrued expenses and other	2,186			739
Deferred rent	4,472			6,231
Net cash provided by operating activities	13,148			25,469
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(21,024		)	(41,624		)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	—			2,291
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	74			—
Net cash used in investing activities	(20,950		)	(39,333		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from line of credit	8,000			12,500
Proceeds from deemed landlord financing	—			447
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	98			—
Payments of loan acquisition fees	(1		)	—
Net cash provided by financing activities	8,097			12,947
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	295			(917		)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period	2,276			5,493
End of period	$	2,571		$	4,576



Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest related to long-term debt	$	436		$	76
Cash paid for interest related to deemed landlord financing	3,627			3,403
Non-cash deemed landlord financing	(4,400		)	(850		)
Change in accrued purchases of property and equipment	(1,449		)	(178		)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

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Zoe's Kitchen, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Nature of Operations and Basis of Presentation

Nature of Operations

Zoe’s Kitchen, Inc. (the "Company", "Zoës", "we" or "us") primarily develops and operates fast-casual restaurants serving a distinct menu of freshly prepared Mediterranean-inspired dishes. As of October 1, 2018 , we operated 261 Company-owned restaurants and two franchise restaurants in 20 states across the United States. We have determined that we have one operating and reportable segment. All of our revenues are derived in the United States. All of our assets are located in the United States.

Merger Agreement among Zoe's Kitchen, Inc. and Cava Group, Inc.

On August 17, 2018, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Cava Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Parent”), and Pita Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, Merger Sub will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger”), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Surviving Corporation”). The time the Merger occurs is referred to as the “Effective Time.”

In the Merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock will be converted into the right to receive $12.75 in cash, without interest thereon (the “Merger Consideration”). Each outstanding award of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, whether vested or unvested, will automatically vest and accelerate in full and be cancelled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of common stock subject to such option as of the Effective Time and (ii) the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the exercise price per share of common stock subject to such option as of the Effective Time, less any applicable withholding taxes. Each share of the Company’s restricted stock that is outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time will become fully vested immediately prior to the Effective Time and will be treated as an outstanding share of common stock, and the holder thereof shall be entitled to receive the Merger Consideration with respect thereto, less any applicable withholding taxes. Each outstanding restricted stock unit award will automatically vest and accelerate in full and be cancelled and converted into the right to receive a cash payment in an amount equal to the product of (i) the number of shares of common stock subject to such restricted stock unit award and (ii) the Merger Consideration, less any applicable withholding taxes.

The obligation of the parties to consummate the Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by the Company’s stockholders at a special meeting of stockholders convened for such purpose and the absence of legal restraints and prohibitions against the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The obligation of each party to consummate the Merger is also conditioned upon the other party’s representations and warranties being true and correct to the extent specified in the Merger Agreement, the other party having performed in all material respects its obligations under the Merger Agreement and, in the case of Parent and Merger Sub, the Company not having suffered a material adverse effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement). There is no financing condition to the Merger.

The Company expects the Merger to close during the thirteen weeks ended December 31, 2018. The Company has incurred and expects to incur significant costs, expenses and fees for professional services and other transaction costs in connection with the Merger. As of October 1, 2018, the Company had incurred merger related costs of $2.0 million . Additional information about the Merger Agreement is set forth in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on August 20, 2018 and Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 9, 2018 (the "Proxy Statement") and the addendum to the Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 29, 2018.

Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practices of the United States of America ("GAAP") for interim financial information. In the

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opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair statement of the results for interim periods have been included.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in audited consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP have been omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the SEC. Due to the seasonality of our business, results for any interim financial period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year. In addition, quarterly results of operations may be impacted by the timing and amount of sales and costs associated with the opening of new restaurants. These interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements do not represent complete financial statements and should be read in conjunction with our annual financial statements included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 25, 2017 (the "2017 Form 10-K"). While the condensed consolidated balance sheet data as of December 25, 2017 was derived from audited financial statements, it does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive income (loss) is the change in equity of a business enterprise during a period from transactions and other events and circumstances from non-owner sources. Comprehensive income (loss) is the same as net income (loss) for all periods presented. Therefore, a separate statement of comprehensive income (loss) is not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Principles of Consolidation

The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Zoe’s Kitchen, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries, Zoe’s Kitchen USA, LLC and Soho Franchising, LLC. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect our financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.

Fiscal Year

We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Monday of the calendar year. Fiscal year ended December 31, 2018 consists of 53 weeks and fiscal year ended December 25, 2017 consisted of 52 weeks. Our first fiscal quarter consists of 16 weeks, and each of our second, third and fourth fiscal quarters consists of 12 weeks, except for a 53-week year when the fourth quarter has 13 weeks.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions, such as valuation of long-lived, definite and indefinite-lived assets, estimated useful lives of assets, the reasonably assured lease terms of operating leases, the construction costs of leases where the Company is considered the owner during and after the construction period, allowance for doubtful accounts, the fair value related to equity-based compensation, the calculation of self-insurance reserves, and deferred tax valuation allowances, that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

In March 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-05, "Income Taxes (Topic 740) - Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") No. 118," which incorporates paragraphs from SAB 118 in to the accounting codification. SAB 118 addressed the application of GAAP in the reporting period in which the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "2017 Tax Act"), which the Company has adopted. See Note 8 for more information regarding effects of the 2017 Tax Act.

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Scope of Modification Accounting,” which provides guidance about which changes to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award require an entity to apply modification accounting in Topic 718. An entity will account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value

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of the modified award is the same as the original award, the vesting conditions of the modified award are the same as the original award, and the classification of the modified award as an equity instrument or liability instrument is the same as the original award. We adopted this amendment effective December 26, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments,” which provides specific guidance regarding presentation and classification on a variety of cash payments and receipts. Among the issues addressed is the classification of proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims. We adopted this amendment effective December 26, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-04, "Liabilities - Extinguishments of Liabilities (Subtopic 405-20)", which amends subtopic 405-20 to provide a scope exception that requires breakage for prepaid stored-value product liabilities to be accounted for consistent with the breakage guidance in Topic 606. We adopted this amendment effective December 26, 2017. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our condensed consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standard Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." This update was issued to replace the current revenue recognition guidance, creating a more comprehensive revenue model. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14 to defer the effective date for adoption. The update is now effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. In March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and December 2016 the FASB also issued ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20, respectively, to further clarify performance obligations and licensing implementation guidance and other general topics. We adopted this amendment using the modified retrospective approach for the fiscal year and quarter beginning December 26, 2017. See Note 2 for additional information regarding our revenue policies, sources of revenue, and contract balances.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment,” which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Under the new standard, annual and interim goodwill impairment tests will compare the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill. The pronouncement is effective for goodwill impairments tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and should be applied on a prospective basis. Early adoption is permitted for goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on our financial position or results of operations.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)," which requires entities to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclose key information about leasing arrangements. Previous lease accounting did not require certain lease types to be recognized on the balance sheet. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01 which provides an optional transition practical expedient under Topic 842 to not evaluate land easements that were not previously accounted for as leases under current lease guidance. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-10 which improves clarity of the new guidance and corrects unintended application of the new guidance. This update is an amendment to the codification and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 including interim periods within those fiscal years applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2016-02 on our financial position and results of operations, but expect that it will result in a significant increase in our long-term assets and liabilities given we have a significant number of leases which are not reflected on the balance sheet under current GAAP. In addition, rental payments under most of our leases for which we are the accounting owner will no longer be considered debt service applied to deemed landlord financing and interest expense. Instead, these rental payments will be classified as rent expense.

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2. Revenue

On December 26, 2017, we adopted Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, using the modified retrospective approach. The adoption of the standard did not have a material impact on our financial position or results from operations. The new standard did not impact our recognition of restaurant sales or royalty fees. Revenue recognized related to gift card breakage was also not impacted as we have historically recognized breakage in proportion to the pattern of customer redemption. Refer to Note 1 of our 2017 Form 10-K for our policies on revenue recognition from restaurant sales, gift cards and royalty fee accounting. Comparative period information presented in this report has not been restated and it continues to be reported under the accounting standard in effect during those periods.

Contract Balances

Contract liabilities and receivables from customers consisted of the following (in thousands):



	October 1, 2018		December 25, 2017
Sales receivable ⁽¹⁾	$	1,231	$	1,170
Gift card liability ⁽²⁾	759		1,732
Deferred revenue, current ^{(2) (3)}	442		23

(1) Included in balance of trade accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

(2) Included in balance of accrued expenses and other on our unaudited condensed consolidated balance sheet.

(3) Balance as of October 1, 2018, includes deferred revenue related to sales placed online for future dates and Zoe's Kitchen's customer loyalty program "ZK Rewards," which was launched May 1, 2018.

Revenue recognized during the period that was included in liability balances at the beginning of the period consisted of the following (in thousands):



	Twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018		Forty weeks ended October 1, 2018
Gift card liability	$	187	$	1,529
Deferred revenue, current	$	—	$	23

3. Supplemental Information

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following (in thousands):



	October 1, 2018			December 25, 2017
Buildings under deemed landlord financing	$	19,980		$	26,580
Leasehold improvements	147,909			153,425
Machinery and equipment	43,179			39,510
Computer equipment	19,718			17,013
Furniture and fixtures	8,813			7,988
Automobiles	3,409			3,946
Construction in progress	2,140			6,073
Property and equipment, gross	245,148			254,535
Less: Accumulated depreciation	(73,767		)	(62,849		)
Total Property and equipment, net	$	171,381		$	191,686

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Accrued expenses and other consisted of the following (in thousands):



	October 1, 2018		December 25, 2017
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes	$	5,342	$	5,168
Accrued capital purchases	851		2,031
Sales tax payable	1,261		945
Gift card liability	759		1,732
Other accrued expenses	7,478		4,768
Total Accrued expenses and other	$	15,691	$	14,644

4. Fair Value Measurements

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturities of these instruments.

Adjustments to the fair value of assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis as of October 1, 2018 are discussed in Note 9 Impairment Loss.

5. Bank Line of Credit and Term Loan

On November 7, 2017, we entered into a credit facility with JPMorganChase Bank, National Association (the "2017 Credit Facility"). The 2017 Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan commitment in the aggregate amount of $50.0 million , together with an incremental revolving credit commitment up to an aggregate amount of $25.0 million . The 2017 Credit Facility has a five year term and matures on November 7, 2022.

On November 7, 2017, we repaid in full our outstanding $12.5 million indebtedness under our previous credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the "2015 Credit Facility") using funds drawn on our 2017 Credit Facility. Upon repayment, the 2015 Credit Facility and all related agreements were terminated. In addition, we wrote-off all unamortized loan costs, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $0.1 million .

Revolving credit loans under the 2017 Credit Facility bear interest, at the Company’s election, at either the LIBOR plus an applicable margin or the base rate plus an applicable margin. The base rate consists of the highest of the prime rate, the federal funds rate plus 0.5% and LIBOR for a one-month interest period plus 1.0% . The applicable margin and associated loan commitment fee consists of four pricing levels based on the Company’s consolidated total debt ratio.

Applicable margin and commitment fee rates shall be the rates per annum set for in the table below:



	Applicable Margin
Total Debt Ratio	Base Rate	LIBOR	Commitment Fee Rate
>2.0 to 1.0	0.875%	1.875%	0.35%
≤ 2.0 to 1.0 but > 1.5 to 1.0	0.750%	1.750%	0.30%
≤ 1.5 to 1.0 but > 1.0	0.625%	1.625%	0.25%
≤1.0 to 1.0	0.500%	1.500%	0.20%

As of October 1, 2018 we had $20.5 million of indebtedness at a weighted-average interest rate of 3.4% under the 2017 Credit Facility. As of December 25, 2017 we had $12.5 million indebtedness at a weighted-average interest rate of 2.5% under the 2017 Credit Facility.

The 2017 Credit Facility includes specific financial covenants such as a leverage ratio and an interest coverage ratio. We are also subject to other customary covenants, including limitations on additional borrowings, dividend payments and acquisitions. As of October 1, 2018 , we were in compliance with these financial and other covenants.

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6. Equity-based Compensation

In connection with our initial public offering in April 2014 (the "IPO"), we adopted the 2014 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “2014 Incentive Plan”), which provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other stock-based awards and other cash-based awards available to directors, officers and other employees of us and our subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services to us. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2014 Incentive Plan may not exceed 1,905,799 .

On April 20, 2018, we adopted the Zoe's Kitchen, Inc. 2018 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the "2018 Incentive Plan"), which provides for grants of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, other stock-based awards and other cash-based awards available to directors, officers and other employees of us and our subsidiaries, as well as others performing consulting or advisory services to us. The number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the 2018 Incentive Plan may not exceed 1,589,000 . Upon the effective date of the 2018 Incentive Plan, no equity awards will be made under the 2014 Incentive Plan.

The following table summarizes our stock option plan activity during the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 :



	Stock Options		Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding as of December 25, 2017	1,092,123		$	23.27
Granted	144,565		14.05
Exercised	(6,457	)	15.00
Forfeited	(52,854	)	23.72
Expired	(58,097	)	27.10
Outstanding as of October 1, 2018	1,119,280		$	21.90

Included in the stock option plan activity above are 250,000 stock options that vested immediately upon completion of the IPO and 185,679 stock options that vest in five equal annual installments following the date of the grant. All other options vest in four equal annual installments following the date of the grant. All options have a contractual term of 10 years.

The following table reflects the weighted-average assumptions utilized in the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to value the stock options granted.



		Forty Weeks Ended
		October 1, 2018
Expected volatility ⁽¹⁾		31.0%
Risk-free rate of return		2.7%
Expected life (in years) ⁽²⁾		6.3
Dividend yield		0%
Weighted-average fair value per share at date of grant		$5.09

(1) Expected volatility was based on competitors within the industry.

(2) Expected life was calculated using the simplified method, which is an average of the contractual term of the option and its ordinary vesting period, as we do not have sufficient historical data for determining the expected term of our stock option awards.

The following table summarizes our restricted stock unit plan activity during the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 :



	Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at December 25, 2017	106,620		$	24.32
Granted	198,410		13.90
Vested	(42,087	)	25.50
Forfeited	(28,731	)	16.59
Non-vested at October 1, 2018	234,212		$	16.23

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The fair value of the non-vested restricted stock units is based on the closing price on the date of grant. All of our non-vested restricted stock units vest in three or four equal annual installments following the date of the grant.

As of December 25, 2017, 65,516 shares of restricted stock with a weighted average grant date fair value of $13.36 were non-vested. During the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 , 13,103 shares of restricted stock with a weight-average grant date fair value of $13.36 vested. As of October 1, 2018 , 52,413 shares of restricted stock with a weighted average grant date fair value of $13.36 were non-vested. All shares of restricted stock vest in five equal annual installments following the date of the grant.

We recognized equity-based compensation as a component of general and administrative expenses of $0.8 million and $0.7 million during twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 and October 2, 2017 , respectively, and $2.7 million and $2.4 million during the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 and October 2, 2017 , respectively. As of October 1, 2018 , total unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested stock awards was $6.8 million , which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 2.8 years.

7. Earnings Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period, without consideration of common stock equivalents. Diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated by adjusting weighted average shares outstanding for the dilutive effect of common stock equivalents outstanding for the period, determined using the treasury-stock method.

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the period indicated:



	Twelve Weeks Ended					Forty Weeks Ended
	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017		October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017
Net income (loss) (in thousands):	$	(3,924	)	$	270	$	(26,316	)	$	868
Shares:
Basic weighted average shares outstanding	19,549,069			19,489,074		19,529,427			19,482,227
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding	19,549,069			19,489,074		19,529,427			19,506,342
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic EPS	$	(0.20	)	$	0.01	$	(1.35	)	$	0.04
Diluted EPS	$	(0.20	)	$	0.01	$	(1.35	)	$	0.04

During the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 , there were 1,122,223 stock options, 230,630 restricted stock units and 37,600 restricted stock shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. During the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 , there were 1,160,243 stock options, 117,204 restricted stock units and 52,041 restricted stock shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

During the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 , there were 1,117,189 stock options, 173,490 restricted stock units and 18,120 restricted stock shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. During the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 , there were 878,154 stock options, 104,131 restricted stock units and 15,612 restricted stock shares excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

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8. Income Taxes

In December 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “2017 Tax Act”) was enacted. The 2017 Tax Act includes a number of changes to existing U.S. tax laws that impact the Company, most notably a reduction of the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017.

The Company recognized the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act in its 2017 financial statements in accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which provides SEC staff guidance for the application of ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes", in the reporting period in which the 2017 Tax Act was signed into law. As such, the Company’s financial results reflect the income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is complete and provisional amounts for those specific income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act for which the accounting under ASC Topic 740 is incomplete but a reasonable estimate could be determined. The Company included provisional estimates of income tax effects of the 2017 Tax Act as of October 1, 2018 .

Benefit for income taxes was $1.5 million for the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 , compared to $0.1 million for the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 . Benefit for income taxes was $1.2 million for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to $0.2 million for the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 . The effective tax rate was 5% and (27)% for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 and October 2, 2017 , respectively. Our tax expense for the year primarily reflects the accrual of income tax expense related to a valuation allowance in connection with the tax amortization of the Company’s goodwill that was not available to offset existing deferred tax assets. Due to the uncertain timing of the reversal of this temporary difference, it cannot be considered as a source of future taxable income for purposes of determining a valuation allowance; therefore the deferred tax liability cannot offset deferred tax assets. As part of the 2017 Tax Act, net operating losses ("NOL") generated in 2018 and later are not subject to an expiration period and are available to offset 80% of taxable income in the year in which they are utilized. The indefinite carryforward period of 2018 and subsequent NOL’s can be used as support for the realization of indefinite-lived deferred tax liabilities to the extent that such NOL’s do not exceed 80% of the goodwill that was not available to offset existing deferred tax assets. Accordingly, the Company has recognized a deferred tax asset for the estimated NOL generated during 2018. Our quarterly provision for income taxes is measured using an annual estimated effective tax rate for the full year applied to period earnings. The comparison of our effective tax rate between periods is significantly impacted by the level of pre-tax income earned and projected for the year.

We continue to monitor and evaluate the rationale for recording a full valuation allowance for the net amount of the deferred tax assets which are in excess of the indefinite-lived deferred tax assets and liabilities. We intend to continue maintaining a full valuation allowance on these net deferred tax assets until there is sufficient evidence to support the reversal of all or some portion of these allowances. Release of the valuation allowance would result in the recognition of certain deferred tax assets and a decrease to income tax expense for the period the release is recorded. However, the exact timing and amount of the valuation allowance release are subject to change on the basis of the level of profitability that we are able to actually achieve.

9. Impairment Loss

We review our long-lived assets for impairment at the restaurant level. Impairment is reviewed annually and when certain triggering events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Restaurant assets are considered impaired if the restaurant's expected future cash flows during the remaining reasonably assured lease term are less than the carrying value of the restaurant's assets. We base expected future cash flows on recent results and other store specific and market specific factors. The amount of impairment loss is measured as the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value. The fair value of restaurant assets is determined using an expected present value approach applied to future cash flows. As such the fair values of restaurant assets rely on significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. The Level 3 assets measured at fair value associated with impairment charges consisted of leasehold improvements. There is uncertainty in the expected future cash flows used in our impairment review. If actual results do not achieve expected levels, we may recognize impairment charges in future periods and such charges could be material.

Based on decreasing sales trends at a restaurant specific level, we identified 30 under-performing restaurants whose expected cash flows would not recover our initial investment. These restaurants span multiple states and levels of maturity. During the twelve

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and forty weekends ended October 1, 2018 , we recognized an impairment loss of zero and $16.3 million , respectively. As of today, we are in the process of closing four restaurants, and we expect to close up to ten restaurants by the end of 2018.

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Franchise Agreement

Our Kentucky franchise agreement, which requires the franchisee to remit continuing royalty fees at a specified percentage of the franchisee's gross sales revenue, provides that we, as franchisor, or its authorized representative, will: (a) provide franchisee with written schedules of all foods, food products, beverages, and other items for sale, and the furniture, fixtures, supplies and equipment necessary and required for the operation of the restaurant; (b) provide franchisee with a list of approved suppliers for the products and services necessary and required for the restaurant; (c) upon the reasonable written request of franchisee, render reasonable advisory services by telephone or in writing pertaining to the operation of the restaurant; (d) provide franchisee with a sample of the standard Zoës Kitchen menu, and any modifications to the menu; (e) loan franchisee a copy of the system's operating manual and any supplements to the manual that may be published by us; and, (f) provide franchisee the opportunity to participate in group purchasing programs that we may use, develop, sponsor or provide on terms and conditions determined solely by us. In addition, as a condition to the commencement of business by any of our franchises, the franchisee must attend and successfully complete our training program. The costs related to our franchise agreement are not significant.

Litigation

The Company is a defendant in four separate class actions. A first putative class action captioned Jonathan Reigrod, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated v. Zoe's Kitchen, Inc., Greg Dollarhyde, Kevin Miles, Thomas Baldwin, Sue Collyns, Cordia Harrington and Alec Taylor (Case No. 1:18-cv-01536-UNA), was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on October 3, 2018. The complaint alleges claims under Sections 14(a) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act 15 U.S.C. §§ 78n(a) and 78t(a) and SEC Rule 14a-9, 17 C.F.R. § 240.14a-9, against the Company and the director defendants in connection with the proposed Merger. The complaint alleges that the preliminary proxy statement filed by the Company with the SEC on September 25, 2018 omitted certain material information. Specifically, plaintiff alleges, among other things, that the preliminary proxy statement omitted certain information relating to Mr. Ronald Shaich's role with the Company following the consummation of the Merger and his relationship with the Company's largest stockholder, and certain details concerning the financial analyses and valuation methodologies used by Piper Jaffray in connection with its fairness opinion. The complaint seeks (i) to preliminarily and permanently enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, and consummating, or closing the Merger unless and until the defendants disclose the information allegedly omitted from the preliminary proxy statement, (ii) rescission, to the extent already implemented, of the Merger Agreement or any of the terms thereof, or granting the plaintiff and the putative class rescissory damages, and (iii) the award of unspecified damages, costs and disbursements, including reasonable attorneys' and expert fees and expenses, to the plaintiff and the putative class.

A second putative class action captioned Mary Toth, on Behalf of Herself and All Others Similarly Situated v. Zoe's Kitchen, Inc., Greg Dollarhyde, Thomas Baldwin, Sue Collyns, Cordia Harrington, Kevin Miles and Alec Taylor (Civil Action No. 4:18-cv-0706), was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division on October 5, 2018. The complaint alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duties and claims under Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act against the director defendants, and claims under Section 14(a) of the Exchange Act and SEC Rule 14a-9, 17 C.F.R. § 240.14a-9, against the Company and the director defendants in connection with the proposed Merger. The complaint alleges that the director defendants breached their fiduciary duties by entering into the Merger through a "flawed and unfair process", failing to take steps to maximize the value of the Company and failing to disclose certain material information. The complaint also alleges that the preliminary proxy statement filed by the Company with the SEC on September 25, 2018 omitted or misrepresented certain material information in violation of the Exchange Act, including, among other things, information regarding the following: any confidentiality agreements entered into between the Company and any interested third party; the role of the Special Committee; the role of Mr. Ronald Shaich in the sale process; and the financial analyses and valuation methodologies used by Piper Jaffray in connection with its fairness opinion. The complaint seeks (i) to enjoin defendants from proceeding with, and consummating, or closing the Merger; (ii) if the Merger is consummated, to rescind and set aside the Merger or to award plaintiff and the putative

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class rescissory damages; (iii) a declaration that the Merger Agreement was agreed to in breach of the director defendants' fiduciary duties and therefore unenforceable; (iv) to direct the director defendants to exercise their fiduciary duties to commence a sales process that is "reasonably designed to secure the best possible consideration for" the Company; (v) an accounting for the unspecified damages sustained by the plaintiff and the putative class; and (vi) unspecified costs, including reasonable attorneys' and expert fees and expenses, to the plaintiff.

A third putative class action captioned Jo-Ann Calcagno, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, v. Zoe’s Kitchen, Inc., Greg Dollarhyde, Thomas Baldwin, Sue Collyns, Cordia Harrington, Kevin Miles, and Alec Taylor, (Case No. 1:18-cv-01571-MN), was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on October 11, 2018. The complaint alleges claims under Sections 14(a) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78n(a) and 78t(a), and SEC Rule 14a-9, 17 C.F.R. § 240.14a-9, against the defendants in connection with the proposed Merger. The complaint alleges that the Proxy Statement omitted certain material information relating to the Merger, including, among other things, (i) certain details relating to the financial analyses and valuation methodologies used by Piper Jaffray in connection with its fairness opinion, (ii) certain provisions of the confidentiality agreements entered into by the Company and (iii) the fact that Ron Shaich will serve as Chairperson of the Surviving Corporation. The complaint seeks (i) to enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, and consummating, or closing the Merger, (ii) in the event the defendants consummate the Proposed Transaction, to rescind it and set it aside or award rescissory damages, (iii) to direct the defendants to file a proxy statement that states all material facts required in it or necessary to make the statements contained therein not misleading, (iv) to declare that the defendants violated Sections 14(a) and/or 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, and (v) the award of unspecified costs, including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees, to the plaintiff.

A fourth putative class action captioned Jason Connole, Individually and on Behalf of All Others Similarly Situated, v. Zoe’s Kitchen, Inc., Greg Dollarhyde, Kevin Miles, Thomas Baldwin, Sue Collyns, Cordia Harrington and Alec Taylor (Case No. 1:99-mc-09999), was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware on October 12, 2018. The complaint alleges claims under Sections 14(a) and Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, 15 U.S.C. §§ 78n(a) and 78t(a), and SEC Rule 14a-9, 17 C.F.R. § 240.14a-9, against the defendants in connection with the proposed Merger. The complaint alleges that the Proxy Statement omitted or misrepresents certain material information, including, among other things, certain information relating to (i) potential conflicts of interest faced by Company insiders and Piper Jaffray, (ii) the background process leading to the Merger and (iii) certain details concerning the financial analyses and valuation methodologies used by Piper Jaffray in connection with its fairness opinion. The complaint seeks (i) to preliminarily and permanently enjoin the defendants from proceeding with, consummating, or closing the Merger, unless and until the defendants disclose the information allegedly omitted from the proxy statement, (ii) in the event the defendants consummate the Merger, to rescind it and set it aside or award rescissory damages, (iii) ) to declare that the defendants violated Sections 14(a) and/or 20(a) of the Exchange Act and Rule 14a-9 promulgated thereunder, and (iv) the award of unspecified costs, including reasonable attorneys’ and experts’ fees, to the plaintiff.

The Company and the director defendants deny the allegations, believe that each of the above-referenced lawsuits is wholly without merit, and intend to vigorously defend these actions, as necessary. The Company believes that no additional disclosure is required to supplement any of the disclosures contained in the Company’s definitive proxy materials disseminated to holders of record of the Company’s common stock to enable such holders to make a fully informed voting decision whether to adopt the Merger Agreement. As such, the Company has made no accruals for these matters. However, to eliminate certain administrative burdens, unnecessary Company expenses and uncertainties inherent in any pending litigation, the Company has voluntarily made certain additional disclosures set forth in response to plaintiffs’ claims and allegations as referenced in the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 29, 2018.

We are currently involved in various claims and legal actions that arise in the ordinary course of our business, including claims resulting from employment related matters. None of these claims, most of which are covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us, and as of the date of this report, we are not party to any material pending legal proceedings and are not aware of any claims that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in amounts owing under successful claims could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting our consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows as of and for the periods presented below. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes in Item 1 and with the audited consolidated financial statements and the related notes included in our 2017 Form 10-K.

In addition to historical information, this discussion and analysis contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions, such as our plans, objectives, expectations, and intentions set forth under the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Forward-Looking Statements" as filed in our 2017 Form 10-K.

Pending Merger with Cava Group

On August 17, 2018, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Cava Group, Inc. ("Cava") an d Pita Merger Sub Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Cava (“Merger Sub”). Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof, the Company will be acquired by Cava, a fast-growing Mediterranean culinary brand with 66 restaurants, by means of a merger of Merger Sub with and in to the Company (the "Merger"), with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and as a wholly owned subsidiary of Cava. The combined companies will have 330 restaurants in 24 states throughout the U.S. Under the terms of the agreement, Zoës Kitchen shareholders will receive $12.75 in cash for each share of common stock they hold on the transaction closing date. The acquisition of Zoës Kitchen will be financed through a significant equity investment in Cava led by Act III Holdings, the investment vehicle created by Ron Shaich, founder, chairman, and former CEO of Panera Bread, and funds advised by The Invus Group, with participation from certain other existing investors in Cava. The obligation of the parties to consummate the acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions including the approval of the transaction by the Company stockholders at a special meeting of stockholders and the absence of legal restraints and prohibitions against the transaction, among other conditions. Additional information about the Merger Agreement is set forth in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 20, 2018 and Definitive Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 9, 2018 (the "Proxy Statement") and the addendum to the Proxy Statement filed with the SEC on October 29, 2018.

Growth Strategies and Outlook

We have expanded our restaurant base from 21 restaurants in seven states in 2008 to 263 restaurants in 20 states as of October 1, 2018 , including two franchise restaurants. We opened 22 Company-owned restaurants during the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 . We plan to open 23 restaurants in fiscal year 2018 , including the restaurants opened in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 .

During 2017 and continuing into 2018, the Company as well as the restaurant industry has faced challenges that have negatively impacted financial performance. These challenges are based upon a number of factors such as increased competition, heavy discounting, increased labor costs, and the influence of technology and delivery on customer spending, among others. In the third quarter of 2018 and continuing into the fourth quarter, we experienced a deceleration in our top line trends driven in part by these factors, which has negatively impacted overall financial performance.

In response to these challenges, we have undertaken a number of significant initiatives which we expect to help us drive sales and customer traffic, to improve the guest experience in our restaurants and to reduce current and future operating expenses.

To build sales, we are continuing to innovate our menu, make investments in technology to improve our digital commerce capabilities, and invest in our capabilities to meet growing off-premise demand through delivery and catering. We are also focused

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on improving our overall guest experience through continued training and development of our restaurant teams and investing in operational initiatives aimed at improving efficiencies and reducing operating complexity.

We are also taking steps to reduce current and future operating costs. We continue to evaluate our current real estate portfolio for under-performing restaurants. In the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018, we recognized a non-cash asset impairment loss of $16.3 million related to underperforming stores and $0.2 million related to store closures. We also expect to close 4 more locations by the end of fiscal 2018 and are actively evaluating closure options on 5 more locations. For fiscal year 2019, we have limited our new restaurant development to 10 locations.

We have also reduced general and administrative expenses, incurring $0.2M in severance related charges in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018. Where appropriate, we will reallocate a portion of this reduced G&A towards sales driving tactics and increasing marketing investments, which we believe will increase brand awareness and add to our transaction volume.

Key Measures We Use to Evaluate Our Performance

In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. The key measures used by our management for determining how our business is performing are restaurant sales, comparable restaurant sales growth, number of new restaurant openings, restaurant contribution, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA.

Restaurant Sales

Restaurant sales represents sales of food and beverages in Company-owned restaurants. Several factors affect our restaurant sales in any given period, including the number of restaurants in operation and per restaurant sales.

Comparable Restaurant Sales Growth

Comparable restaurant sales refers to year-over-year sales comparisons for the comparable Company-owned restaurant base. We define the comparable restaurant base to include those restaurants open for 18 fiscal periods or longer. Each fiscal period consists of 28 days. As of October 1, 2018 and October 2, 2017 , there were 211 and 178 restaurants, respectively, in our comparable Company-owned restaurant base. This measure highlights performance of existing restaurants, as the impact of new Company-owned restaurant openings is excluded.

Comparable restaurant sales growth is generated by an increase in transactions or changes in per customer spend. Per customer spend can be influenced by changes in menu prices and/or the mix and number of items sold per check.

Measuring our comparable restaurant sales allows us to evaluate the performance of our existing restaurant base. Various factors impact comparable restaurant sales, including:


•	consumer recognition of our brand and our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences;


•	overall economic trends, particularly those related to consumer spending;


•	our ability to operate restaurants effectively and efficiently to meet consumer expectations;


•	pricing;


•	customer traffic;


•	per-customer spend and average check amount;


•	marketing and promotional efforts;


•	local competition;


•	trade area dynamics;


•	introduction of new menu items; and


•	opening of new restaurants in the vicinity of existing locations.

Consistent with common industry practice, we present comparable restaurant sales on a fiscal year basis that aligns current year sales weeks with comparable periods in the prior year, regardless of whether they belong to the same calendar period or not. Although opening new Company-owned restaurants has been a significant component of our revenue growth, comparable restaurant sales is only one measure of how we evaluate our performance.

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Number of New Restaurant Openings

The number of Company-owned restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a particular reporting period. Before we open new Company-owned restaurants, we incur pre-opening costs. Some of our restaurants open with an initial start-up period of higher than normal sales volumes, which subsequently decrease to stabilized levels. Typically, our new restaurants have stabilized sales after approximately 12 to 24 weeks of operation, at which time the restaurant's sales typically begin to grow on a consistent basis. In new markets, the length of time before average sales for new restaurants stabilize is less predictable and can be longer as a result of consumers' limited awareness of our brand. New restaurants may not be profitable, and their sales performance may not follow historical patterns. The number and timing of restaurant openings has had, and is expected to continue to have, an impact on our results of operations.

The following table shows the growth in our Company-owned and franchise restaurant base:



	Twelve Weeks Ended			Forty Weeks Ended
	October 1, 2018		October 2, 2017	October 1, 2018		October 2, 2017
Company-owned Restaurant Base
Beginning of period	256		224	240		201
Openings	6		11	22		34
Closings	(1	)	—	(1	)	—
Restaurants at end of period	261		235	261		235
Franchise Restaurant Base
Beginning of period	2		3	3		3
Closings	—		—	(1	)	—
Restaurants at end of period	2		3	2		3
Total restaurants	263		238	263		238

Key Financial Definitions

Restaurant sales . Restaurant sales represent sales of food and beverages in Company-owned restaurants, net of promotional allowances and employee meals. Restaurant sales in a given period are directly impacted by the number of operating weeks in the period, the number of restaurants we operate and comparable restaurant sales growth.

Royalty fees. Royalty fees represent royalty income from our franchised restaurants.

Cost of sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of food, beverage and packaging costs. The components of cost of sales are variable in nature, change with sales volume and are influenced by menu mix and subject to increases or decreases based on fluctuations in commodity costs.

Labor. Labor includes all restaurant-level management and hourly labor costs, including salaries, wages, benefits and bonuses, payroll taxes and other indirect labor costs.

Store operating expenses. Store operating expenses include all other restaurant-level operating expenses, such as supplies, utilities, repairs and maintenance, travel costs, credit card fees, recruiting, delivery service, restaurant-level marketing costs, security and occupancy expenses.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include expenses associated with corporate and regional functions that support the development and operations of restaurants, including compensation and benefits, travel expenses, stock compensation costs, legal and professional fees, information systems, corporate office rent and other related corporate costs.

Depreciation. Depreciation consists of depreciation of fixed assets, including equipment and capitalized leasehold improvements.

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Amortization. Amortization consists of amortization of certain intangible assets including trademarks, reacquired rights and favorable leases.

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs consist of expenses incurred prior to opening a new restaurant and are made up primarily of manager salaries, relocation costs, supplies, recruiting expenses, employee payroll and training costs. Pre-opening costs also include occupancy costs recorded during the period between date of possession and the restaurant's opening date.

Impairment loss. Impairment loss consists of the loss recognized on the write down of the carrying value of leasehold improvements.

Loss from disposal of equipment. Loss from disposal of equipment is composed of the loss on disposal of assets related to retirements and replacements of leasehold improvements or equipment. These losses are related to normal disposals in the ordinary course of business, along with disposals related to selected restaurant remodeling activities.

Interest expense, net. Interest expense includes cash and imputed non-cash charges related to our deemed landlord financing, non-cash charges related to our residual value obligations, amortization of debt issue costs as well as cash payments and accrued charges related to our 2017 Credit Facility.

Provision (benefit) for income taxes. Provision (benefit) for income taxes represents federal, state and local current and deferred income tax expense.

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Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table summarizes key components of our results of operations for the periods indicated as a percentage of our total revenue, except for the components of restaurant operating costs, which are expressed as a percentage of restaurant sales.



	Twelve Weeks Ended				Forty Weeks Ended
	October 1, 2018		October 2, 2017		October 1, 2018		October 2, 2017
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	100.0	%	99.9	%	100.0	%	99.9	%
Royalty fees	0.0	%	0.1	%	0.0	%	0.1	%
Total revenue	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Operating expenses:
Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization) ⁽¹⁾ :
Cost of sales	30.6	%	29.5	%	29.7	%	29.4	%
Labor	32.3	%	30.1	%	31.8	%	29.9	%
Store operating expenses	23.2	%	21.6	%	22.8	%	21.5	%
General and administrative expenses	12.7	%	9.9	%	11.5	%	10.2	%
Depreciation	6.0	%	5.8	%	6.1	%	5.6	%
Amortization	0.3	%	0.4	%	0.3	%	0.5	%
Pre-opening costs	0.3	%	0.7	%	0.4	%	0.8	%
Impairment loss	—	%	—	%	6.2	%	—	%
Casualty loss	—	%	0.2	%	—		0.1	%
Loss from disposal of equipment	0.1	%	0.2	%	0.1	%	0.5	%
Total operating expenses	105.3	%	98.4	%	109.0	%	98.3	%
Income (loss) from operations	(5.3	)%	1.6	%	(9.0)	%	1.7	%
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense, net	1.6	%	1.4	%	1.6	%	1.4	%
Other income	(0.0	)%	(0.0	)%	(0.0	)%	(0.0	)%
Total other income and expenses	1.6	%	1.4	%	1.5	%	1.4	%
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	(6.9	)%	0.2	%	(10.5)	%	0.3	%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1.9	)%	(0.1	)%	(0.5)	%	(0.1	)%
Net income (loss)	(5.0	)%	0.3	%	(10.0)	%	0.4	%

(1) As a percentage of restaurant sales.

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Twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to Twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017

The following table presents selected consolidated comparative results of operations from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 :



	Twelve Weeks Ended

	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017			Increase / (Decrease)
	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017			Dollars			Percentage

	(Dollars in thousands)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	$	78,861		$	77,808		$	1,053		1.4	%
Royalty fees	39			45			$	(6	)	(13.3	)%
Total revenue	78,900			77,853			1,047			1.3	%
Operating expenses:
Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization):
Cost of sales	24,113			22,990			1,123			4.9	%
Labor	25,463			23,396			2,067			8.8	%
Store operating expenses	18,278			16,817			1,461			8.7	%
General and administrative expenses	10,006			7,723			2,283			29.6	%
Depreciation	4,697			4,495			202			4.5	%
Amortization	234			328			(94		)	(28.7	)%
Pre-opening costs	206			583			(377		)	(64.7	)%
Casualty loss	—			133			(133		)	(100.0	)%
Loss from disposal of equipment	116			132			(16		)	(12.1	)%
Total operating expenses	83,113			76,597			6,516			8.5	%
Income (loss) from operations	(4,213		)	1,256			(5,469		)	*
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense, net	1,261			1,093			168			15.4	%
Other income	(20		)	(21		)	1			(4.8	)%
Total other income and expenses	1,241			1,072			169			15.8	%
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	(5,454		)	184			(5,638		)	*
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,530		)	(86		)	(1,444		)	1,679.1	%
Net income (loss)	$	(3,924	)	$	270		$	(4,194	)	*

* Not meaningful

Restaurant sales. The following table summarizes the growth in restaurant sales from the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 to the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 (in thousands):



	Net Sales
Restaurant sales for the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017	$	77,808
Incremental restaurant sales increase due to:
Comparable restaurant sales	(5,464		)
Restaurants not in comparable restaurant base	6,517
Restaurant sales for the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018	$	78,861

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Restaurant sales increased by $1.1 million , or 1.4% , in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 . Restaurants not in the comparable restaurant base and other sales accounted for $6.5 million of this increase. Comparable restaurant sales decreased $5.5 million , or 7.6% , in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 , comprised primarily of a 8.8% decrease in transactions and product mix offset by a 1.2% increase in price.

Royalty fees. Royalty fees remained flat in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 .

Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased $1.1 million in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to the increase in restaurant sales. As a percentage of restaurant sales, cost of sales increased from 29.5% in the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 30.6% in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 . This increase was primarily driven by higher costs in produce, frozen goods and paper products partially offset by lower costs in poultry.

Labor. Labor increased by $2.1 million in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to opening 27 new Company-owned restaurants. As a percentage of restaurant sales, labor increased from 30.1% in the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 32.3% in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 . The increase was primarily driven by the dilutive effect on margins from our newest restaurants which, on average, initially operate at less than system-wide average sales volumes, as well as an increase in wage rates, and deleverage of fixed costs from negative comparable restaurant sales.

Store operating expenses. Store operating expenses increased by $1.5 million in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to opening 27 new Company-owned restaurants. As a percentage of restaurant sales, store operating expense increased from 21.6% in the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 23.2% in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 . This increase was primarily attributable to the dilutive effect on margins from our newest restaurants, which, on average, initially operate at less than system-wide average sales volumes, as well as increased costs related to marketing and utilities, and deleverage of fixed costs from negative comparable restaurant sales.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $2.3 million in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 . As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses increased from 9.9% in the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 12.7% in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 . The increase was primarily driven by $2.0 million of accrued costs from the pending merger.

Depreciation. Depreciation increased by $0.2 million in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to opening 27 new Company-owned restaurants. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation increased from 5.8% in the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 6.0% in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 , primarily due to corporate and in-store technology investments which typically have shorter useful lives.

Amortization. Amortization decreased by $0.1 million in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 . The decrease was due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized in the prior year.

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs decreased $0.4 million in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 . As a percent of revenue, pre-opening costs decreased from 0.7% in the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 0.3% in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 , primarily due to fewer store openings.

Interest expense. Interest expense increased by $0.2 million in the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to increased interest from deemed landlord financing and increased borrowings under our 2017 Credit Facility.

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Provision (benefit) for income taxes. Benefit for income taxes was $1.5 million for the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to $0.1 million for the twelve weeks ended October 2, 2017 . Our tax expense for the year typically remains relatively constant as it primarily reflects the accrual of income tax expense related to a valuation allowance in connection with the tax amortization of the Company’s goodwill that was not available to offset existing deferred tax assets. Due to the uncertain timing of the reversal of this temporary difference, it cannot be considered as a source of future taxable income for purposes of determining a valuation allowance; therefore the deferred tax liability cannot offset deferred tax assets. The comparison of our effective tax rate between periods is significantly impacted by the level of pre-tax income earned and projected for the year.

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Forty Weeks Ended October 1, 2018 compared to Forty Weeks Ended October 2, 2017

The following table presents selected consolidated comparative results of operations from our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 :



	Forty Weeks Ended

	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017			Increase / (Decrease)
	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017			Dollars			Percentage

	(Dollars in thousands)
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
Revenue:
Restaurant sales	$	262,448		$	242,573		$	19,875		8.2	%
Royalty fees	125			146			(21		)	(14.4	)%
Total revenue	262,573			242,719			19,854			8.2	%
Operating expenses:
Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization):
Cost of sales	78,067			71,277			6,790			9.5	%
Labor	83,436			72,461			10,975			15.1	%
Store operating expenses	59,787			52,108			7,679			14.7	%
General and administrative expenses	30,298			24,832			5,466			22.0	%
Depreciation	15,927			13,708			2,219			16.2	%
Amortization	830			1,167			(337		)	(28.9	)%
Pre-opening costs	1,039			1,829			(790		)	(43.2	)%
Impairment loss	16,313			—			16,313			*
Casualty loss	—			133			(133		)	(100.0	)%
Loss from disposal of equipment	385			1,139			(754		)	(66.2	)%
Total operating expenses	286,082			238,654			47,428			19.9	%
Income (loss) from operations	(23,509		)	4,065			(27,574		)	(678.3	)%
Other income and expenses:
Interest expense, net	4,128			3,479			649			18.7	%
Other income	(78		)	(70		)	(8		)	11.4	%
Total other income and expenses	4,050			3,409			641			18.8	%
Income (loss) before provision for income taxes	(27,559		)	656			(28,215		)	*
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,243		)	(212		)	(1,031		)	486.3	%
Net income (loss)	$	(26,316	)	$	868		$	(27,184	)	*

* Not meaningful

Restaurant sales. The following table summarizes the growth in restaurant sales from the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 to the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 (in thousands):



	Net Sales
Restaurant sales for the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017	$	242,573
Incremental restaurant sales increase due to:
Comparable restaurant sales	(9,225		)
Restaurants not in comparable restaurant base	29,100
Restaurant sales for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018	$	262,448

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Restaurant sales increased by $19.9 million , or 8.2% , in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 . Restaurants not in the comparable restaurant base and other sales accounted for $29.1 million of this increase. Comparable restaurant sales decreased $9.2 million , or 4.0% , in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 , comprised primarily of a 5.7% decrease in transactions and product mix offset by a 1.7% increase in price.

Royalty fees. Royalty fees remained flat in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 .

Cost of sales. Cost of sales increased $6.8 million in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to the increase in restaurant sales. As a percentage of restaurant sales, cost of sales increased from 29.4% in the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 29.7% in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 . This increase was primarily driven by higher costs produce, paper products, refrigerated goods and frozen goods partially offset by lower costs in poultry.

Labor. Labor increased by $11.0 million in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to opening 27 new Company-owned restaurants. As a percentage of restaurant sales, labor increased from 29.9% in the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 31.8% in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 . The increase was primarily driven by the dilutive effect on margins from our newest restaurants which, on average, initially operate at less than system-wide average sales volumes, as well as an increase in wage rates, and deleverage of fixed costs from negative comparable restaurant sales.

Store operating expenses. Store operating expenses increased by $7.7 million in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to opening 27 new Company-owned restaurants. As a percentage of restaurant sales, store operating expense increased from 21.5% in the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 22.8% in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 . This increase was primarily attributable to the dilutive effect on margins from our newest restaurants, which, on average, initially operate at less than system-wide average sales volumes, as well as increased costs related to marketing and utilities, and deleverage of fixed costs from negative comparable restaurant sales.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased by $5.5 million in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 . As a percentage of revenue, general and administrative expenses increased from 10.2% in the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 11.5% in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 . The increase was primarily driven by $2.0 million of accrued costs from the pending merger as well as increased marketing spend.

Depreciation. Depreciation increased by $2.2 million in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to opening 27 new Company-owned restaurants. As a percentage of revenue, depreciation increased from 5.6% in the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 6.1% in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 primarily due to corporate and in-store technology investments which typically have shorter useful lives.

Amortization. Amortization decreased by $0.3 million in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 . The decrease was due to certain intangible assets becoming fully amortized in the prior year.

Pre-opening costs. Pre-opening costs decreased $0.8 million in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 . As a percent of revenue, pre-opening costs decreased from 0.8% in the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 to 0.4% in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 , primarily due to fewer store openings.

Interest expense. Interest expense increased by $0.6 million in the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 , due primarily to increased interest from deemed landlord financing and increased borrowings under our 2017 Credit Facility.

Impairment loss. During the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 we recognized impairment charges on long-lived assets of $16.3 million related to 30 under-performing restaurants.

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Provision (benefit) for income taxes. Benefit for income taxes was $1.2 million for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 compared to $0.2 million for the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 . Our tax expense for the year typically remains relatively constant as it primarily reflects the accrual of income tax expense related to a valuation allowance in connection with the tax amortization of the Company’s goodwill that was not available to offset existing deferred tax assets. Due to the uncertain timing of the reversal of this temporary difference, it cannot be considered as a source of future taxable income for purposes of determining a valuation allowance; therefore the deferred tax liability cannot offset deferred tax assets. The comparison of our effective tax rate between periods is significantly impacted by the level of pre-tax income earned and projected for the year.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement its unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP, the Company uses the following non-GAAP financial measures: restaurant contribution, EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA(collectively, the "non-GAAP financial measures"). The presentation of this financial information is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with GAAP. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures for financial and operational decision making and as a means to evaluate period-to-period comparisons. The Company believes that they provide useful information about operating results, enhance the overall understanding of past financial performance and future prospects, and allow for greater transparency with respect to key metrics used by management in its financial and operational decision making. The non-GAAP measures used by the Company may be different from the methods used by other companies.

Restaurant Contribution

Restaurant contribution is defined as restaurant sales less restaurant operating costs, which are cost of sales, labor and store operating expenses. Restaurant contribution margin is restaurant contribution as a percentage of restaurant sales. When used in conjunction with GAAP financial measures, restaurant contribution and restaurant contribution margin are supplemental measures that we believe are useful in evaluating operating performance and profitability of our restaurants. Additionally, restaurant contribution and restaurant contribution margin are key metrics used internally by our management to develop budgets and forecast, as well as assess the performance of our restaurants relative to budget and against prior periods. We believe the supplemental presentation of restaurant and restaurant contribution margin provides investors with a meaningful view of our operating performance as these measures depict the operating results that are directly impacted by our restaurants and exclude items that may not be indicative of, or are unrelated to, the ongoing operations of our restaurants. It may also assist investors to evaluate our performance relative to peers of various sizes and maturities and provide greater transparency to how our management evaluates our business as well as our financial and operational decision making.

Our management does not consider restaurant contribution or restaurant contribution margin in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitation of restaurant contribution and restaurant contribution margin is that they exclude significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in the Company's financial statements. Restaurant contribution excludes general and administrative expenses and pre-opening costs, which are considered normal, recurring cash operating expenses and are essential to support the operation and development of our restaurants. Therefore, this measure may not provide a complete understanding of the operating results of our Company as a whole.

We compensate for this limitation by relying primarily on our GAAP results and using restaurant contribution and restaurant contribution margin only supplementally. You should review the reconciliation of income from operations to restaurant contribution and restaurant contribution margin below and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

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The following table reconciles income (loss) from operations, which is a GAAP financial measure, to restaurant contribution and restaurant contribution margin:



	Twelve Weeks Ended						Forty Weeks Ended
	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017			October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017

	(Dollars in thousands)
Restaurant Contribution:
Income (loss) from operations	$	(4,213	)	$	1,256		$	(23,509	)	$	4,065
Less:
Royalty fees	39			45			125			146
Add:
General and administrative expenses	10,006			7,723			30,298			24,832
Depreciation and amortization	4,931			4,823			16,757			14,875
Pre-opening costs ⁽¹⁾	206			583			1,039			1,829
Impairment loss	—			—			16,313			—
Casualty loss ⁽²⁾	—			133			—			133
Loss from disposal of equipment	116			132			385			1,139
Restaurant Contribution	$	11,007		$	14,605		$	41,158		$	46,727

Total revenue	$	78,900		$	77,853		$	262,573		$	242,719
Less: Royalty fees	39			45			125			146
Restaurant sales	$	78,861		$	77,808		$	262,448		$	242,573

Restaurant contribution margin	14.0		%	18.8		%	15.7		%	19.3		%

(1) Represent expenses directly associated with the opening of new restaurants that are incurred prior to opening, including pre-opening rent.
(2) Represents expenses and write off of assets associated with stores in Texas and Florida affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

EBITDA is defined as net income (loss) before interest, income taxes and depreciation and amortization.

We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA plus pre-opening costs, impairment loss, casualty loss, restructuring costs, merger costs and loss from disposal of equipment. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are intended as a supplemental measures of our performance that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, GAAP. We believe that EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to management and investors regarding certain financial and business trends relating to our financial condition and operating results. Our management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (i) as a factor in evaluating management's performance when determining incentive compensation and (ii) to evaluate the effectiveness of our business strategies.

We believe that the use of EBITDA and 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 other fast casual restaurants, which may present similar non-GAAP financial measures to investors. In addition, you should be aware when evaluating EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA that in the future we may incur expenses similar to those excluded when calculating these 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 Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures computed by other companies, because all companies do not calculate Adjusted EBITDA in the same fashion.

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Our management does not consider EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA in isolation or as an alternative to financial measures determined in accordance with GAAP. The principal limitation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is that they exclude significant expenses and income that are required by GAAP to be recorded in the Company's financial statements. Some of these limitations are:


•	Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect our cash expenditures, or future requirements, for capital expenditures or contractual commitments;


•	Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs;


•	Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the interest expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal payments, on our debts;


•	although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized will often have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect any cash requirements for such replacements;


•	Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the impact of certain cash charges resulting from matters we consider not to be indicative of our ongoing operations; and


•	other companies in our industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting its usefulness as a comparative measure.

Because of these limitations, EBITDA and 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 EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA only supplementally. You should review the reconciliation of net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA below and not rely on any single financial measure to evaluate our business.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:



	Twelve Weeks Ended						Forty Weeks Ended
	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017			October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017

	(in thousands)
Adjusted EBITDA:
Net income (loss), as reported	$	(3,924	)	$	270		$	(26,316	)	$	868
Depreciation and amortization	4,931			4,823			16,757			14,875
Interest expense, net	1,261			1,093			4,128			3,479
Provision (benefit) for income taxes	(1,530		)	(86		)	(1,243		)	(212		)
EBITDA	738			6,100			(6,674		)	19,010
Pre-opening costs ⁽¹⁾	206			583			1,039			1,829
Impairment loss	—			—			16,313			—
Casualty loss ⁽²⁾	—			133			—			133
Restructuring costs ⁽³⁾	132			—			453			—
Merger costs ⁽⁴⁾	2,041			—			2,041			—
Loss from disposal of equipment	116			132			385			1,139
Adjusted EBITDA	$	3,233		$	6,948		$	13,557		$	22,111

(1) Represents expenses directly associated with the opening of new restaurants that are incurred prior to opening, including pre-opening rent.
(2) Represents expenses and write off of assets associated with stores in Texas and Florida affected by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.
(3) Represents expenses associated with cash severance and store closure related costs.
(4) Represents legal, banking and other consulting expenses associated with the pending merger with Cava.

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Summary of Cash Flows

Our primary sources of liquidity and cash flows are operating cash flows and available borrowings under our 2017 Credit Facility. We are using these sources to fund capital expenditures for new Company-owned restaurant openings, reinvest in our existing restaurants, invest in infrastructure and information technology and maintain working capital. Our working capital position benefits from the fact that we generally collect cash from sales to customers the same day, or in the case of credit or debit card transactions, within several days of the related sale, and we typically have at least 20 days to pay our vendors.

We had negative working capital of $9.5 million as of October 1, 2018 compared to negative working capital of $11.3 million as of December 25, 2017 . The improvement in negative working capital resulted primarily from draws on our 2017 Credit Facility as well as timing of annual invoices reflected in prepaid expenses. We believe that cash and cash equivalents, expected cash flow from operations and available borrowings on our 2017 Credit Facility are adequate to fund our operating lease obligations, capital expenditures and working capital obligations for the next 12 months. However, our ability to continue to meet these requirements and obligations will depend on, among other things, our ability to achieve anticipated levels of revenue and cash flow from operations and our ability to manage costs and working capital successfully.

The following table summarizes consolidated cash flow data for the periods indicated:



	Forty Weeks Ended
	October 1, 2018			October 2, 2017

	(in thousands)
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows Data:
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	13,148		$	25,469
Net cash used in investing activities	(20,950		)	(39,333		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	8,097			12,947

Cash Flows Provided by Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities decreased to $13.1 million for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 from $25.5 million for the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 . Net cash provided by operating activities consists primarily of net income, adjusted for non-cash expenses such as depreciation and amortization, and the net change in operating assets and liabilities.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 consisted primarily of net income adjusted for non-cash expenses and increases in deferred rent offset by an increase in prepaid expenses and other. The increase in deferred rent is related to new store openings. The increase in prepaid expenses and other is primarily related to the timing of several annual corporate invoices and prepaid rent.

Cash Flows Used in Investing Activities

Net cash used in investing activities decreased to $21.0 million for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 from $39.3 million for the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 . The decrease was primarily due to opening fewer stores in 2018 compared to 2017.

Cash Flows Provided by Financing Activities

Cash flows provided by financing activities decreased to $8.1 million for the forty weeks ended October 1, 2018 from $12.9 million for the forty weeks ended October 2, 2017 , primarily due to less borrowings under our 2017 Credit Facility in the current year.

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Credit Facility

On November 7, 2017, we entered into the 2017 Credit Facility with JPMorganChase Bank, National Association as administrative agent. The 2017 Credit Facility consists of a revolving loan commitment in the aggregate amount of $50.0 million , together with an incremental revolving credit commitment up to an aggregate amount of $25.0 million . The 2017 Credit Facility has a five year term and matures on November 7, 2022. As of October 1, 2018 , we had $20.5 million of indebtedness under the 2017 Credit Facility.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of October 1, 2018 , we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our discussion and analysis of operating results and financial condition are based upon our financial statements. The preparation of our financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on past experience and other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, and we evaluate these estimates on an ongoing basis. Our critical accounting policies are those that materially affect our financial statements and involve difficult, subjective or complex judgments by management. Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of current events and actions that may impact us in the future, actual results may be materially different from the estimates.

We believe our critical accounting policies are affected by significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements and that the judgments and estimates are reasonable. Our critical accounting polices and estimates are described in our annual consolidated financial statements and the related notes in our 2017 Form 10-K. Including consideration of adopting the new revenue recognition and cash flow standards, there have been no material changes affecting our critical accounting policies and estimates for the twelve weeks ended October 1, 2018 .

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We are exposed to interest rate risk through fluctuations of interest rates on our investments and debt, as applicable. Changes in interest rates affect the interest income we earn, and therefore impact our cash flows and results of operations.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to commodity price risks. Many of the ingredients we use to prepare our food, as well as our packaging materials, are commodities or ingredients that are affected by the price of other commodities, exchange rates, foreign demand, weather, seasonality, production, availability and other factors outside our control. We work closely with our suppliers and use a mix of forward pricing protocols under which we agree with our supplier on fixed prices for deliveries at some time in the future, fixed pricing protocols under which we agree on a fixed price with our supplier for the duration of that protocol, and formula pricing protocols under which the prices we pay are based on a specified formula related to the prices of the goods, such as spot prices. However, a majority of the dollar value of goods purchased by us is effectively at spot prices. Generally our pricing protocols with suppliers can remain in effect for periods ranging from one to 18 months, depending on the outlook for prices of the particular ingredient. We have tried to increase, where necessary, the number of suppliers for our ingredients, which we believe can help mitigate pricing volatility, and we follow industry news, trade issues, exchange rates, weather, crises and other world events that may affect our ingredient prices. Increases in ingredient prices could adversely affect our results if we choose for competitive or other reasons not to increase menu prices at the same rate at which ingredient costs increase, or if menu price increases result in customer resistance.

Inflation

The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations are food, labor costs, energy costs and materials used in the construction of new restaurants. Increases in the minimum wage directly affect our labor costs. Many of our leases require us to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary increases. Finally, the cost of constructing our restaurants is subject to inflationary increases in the costs of labor and material. Over the past five years, inflation has not significantly affected our operating results.

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Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of October 1, 2018 , the Company's management carried out an evaluation with the participation of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, were effective to provide reasonable assurance that the information we are required to file under the Exchange Act is recorded and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

There have been no changes in internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended October 1, 2018 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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Part II - Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Refer to Note 10, Commitments and Contingencies, of the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 25, 2017, with the exception of the following:

The announcement and pendency of the proposed Merger may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Uncertainty about the effect of the proposed Merger on our employees, customers, and other parties may have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation regardless of whether the proposed Merger is completed. These risks to our business include the following, all of which could be exacerbated by a delay in the completion of the proposed Merger:


•	the impairment of our ability to attract, retain, and motivate our employees, including key personnel;


•	the diversion of significant management time and resources towards the completion of the proposed Merger;


•	difficulties maintaining relationships with customers, suppliers, and other business partners;


•	delays or deferments of certain business decisions by our customers, suppliers, and other business partners;


•	the inability to pursue alternative business opportunities or make appropriate changes to our business because the Merger Agreement requires us to conduct our business in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice and not engage in certain kinds of transactions prior to the completion of the proposed Merger;


•	litigation relating to the proposed Merger and the costs related thereto; and


•	the incurrence of significant costs, expenses, and fees for professional services and other transaction costs in connection with the proposed Merger.

Failure to consummate the proposed Merger within the expected timeframe or at all could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There can be no assurance that the proposed Merger be consummated. The consummation of the proposed Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including, among other things, the approval of the Merger Agreement and the Merger by the Company’s stockholders at a special meeting of stockholders convened for such purpose and the absence of legal restraints and prohibitions against the Merger and the other transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. The obligation of each party to consummate the Merger is also conditioned upon the other party’s representations and warranties being true and correct to the extent specified in the Merger Agreement, the other party having performed in all material respects its obligations under the Merger Agreement and, in the case of Cava and Merger Sub, the Company not having suffered a material adverse effect (as defined in the Merger Agreement).There can be no assurance that these and other conditions to closing will be satisfied in a timely manner or at all.

The Merger Agreement also provides that the Merger Agreement may be terminated by us or Cava under certain circumstances, and in certain specified circumstances upon termination of the Merger Agreement we will be required to pay Cava a termination fee of $8.5 million. If we are required to make this payment, doing so may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

There can be no assurance that a remedy will be available to us in the event of a breach of the Merger Agreement by Cava or its affiliates or that we will wholly or partially recover for any damages incurred by us in connection with the proposed Merger. A failed transaction may result in negative publicity and a negative impression of us among our customers or in the investment community or business community generally. Further, any disruptions to our business resulting from the announcement and pendency of the proposed Merger, including any adverse changes in our relationships with our customers, partners, suppliers and employees, could continue or accelerate in the event of a failed transaction. In addition, if the proposed Merger is not completed, and there are no other parties willing and able to acquire the Company at a price of $12.75 per share or higher, on terms

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acceptable to us, the share price of our common stock will likely decline to the extent that the current market price of our common stock reflects an assumption that the proposed Merger will be completed. Also, we have incurred, and will continue to incur, significant costs, expenses and fees for professional services and other transaction costs in connection with the proposed Merger, for which we will have received little or no benefit if the proposed Merger is not completed. Many of these fees and costs will be payable by us even if the proposed Merger is not completed and may relate to activities that we would not have undertaken other than to complete the proposed Merger.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

33

Table of Contents

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibit Index



Exhibit Number		Description of Exhibit
2.1 +		Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of August 16, 2018, by and among Zoe's Kitchen, Inc., Cava Group, Inc. and Pita Merger Sub, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to our Form 8-K filed on August 20, 2018)
31.1		Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2		Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1 *		Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS		XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

+ The exhibits and schedules to the Agreement and Plan of Merger have been omitted from this Report pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K. The Company will furnish copies of any such schedules and exhibits to the SEC upon request.

* This certification is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Exchange Act, or otherwise subject to the liability of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference into any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act.

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SIGNATURES

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

Date: November 13, 2018

ZOE'S KITCHEN, INC.



By:	/s/ Kevin Miles
	Name: Kevin Miles
	Title: President and Chief Executive Officer



By:	/s/ Sunil Doshi
	Name: Sunil Doshi
	Title: Chief Financial Officer

35

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