UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 

 

FORM 10-QSB

 

 

Commission File Number 000-29643

 

GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.
(Exact Name of Small Business Issuer as Specified in Its Charter)
Minnesota		41-1883639
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
5831 Cedar Lake Road
St. Louis Park, MN 55416
(952) 525-2070
(Address of Principal Executive Offices and Issuer’s
Telephone Number, including Area Code)

 

Check whether the issuer:  (1) filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

 

Yes ý  No o.

 

As of July 16, 2004, the issuer had outstanding 4,311,284 shares of common stock and 1,000,000 Class A Warrants.  The number of outstanding shares of common stock includes the shares issuable upon separation of the units, each consisting of one share of common stock and one redeemable Class A Warrant, sold in the issuer’s initial public offering.

 

Transitional Small Business Disclosure Format:

Yes o  No ý.

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I		FINANCIAL INFORMATION
	ITEM 1	Financial Statements
		Condensed Balance Sheet as of June 27, 2004
		Condensed Statements of Operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2003 and June 27, 2004
		Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2003 and June 27, 2004
		Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
	ITEM 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation
	ITEM 3	Controls and Procedures
PART II		OTHER INFORMATION
	ITEM 1	Legal Proceedings
	ITEM 2	Changes in Securities
	ITEM 3	Defaults upon Senior Securities
	ITEM 4	Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
	ITEM 5	Other Information
	ITEM 6	Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

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PART I     FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1  Financial Statements

 

GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEET

(Unaudited)

 

		June 27, 2004
Current assets:
Cash		$	704,439
Inventory		277,297
Prepaids and other		268,368
Total current assets		1,250,104
Property and equipment, net		22,137,100
Intangible assets and other		401,262
Total assets		$	23,788,466
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable		$	861,517
Accrued expenses		1,840,715
Line of credit		95,348
Long-term debt, current portion		226,874
Capital lease obligations, current portion		504,612
Total current liabilities		3,529,066
Long-term debt, net of current portion		2,611,477
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion		12,012,146
Total liabilities		18,152,689
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized; 4,311,284 shares issued and outstanding		43,113
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 authorized; 54,355 Series A Convertible Preferred shares issued and outstanding		544
Additional paid-in capital		10,586,352
Accumulated deficit		(4,994,232		)
Total shareholders’ equity		5,635,777
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	23,788,466

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

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GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29, 2003			June 27, 2004			June 29, 2003			June 27, 2004
Restaurant revenues		$	3,111,026		$	7,625,932		$	5,981,186		$	13,918,803
Cost of sales:
Food, beverage and retail		909,316			2,333,702			1,728,198			4,209,817
Labor		1,061,028			2,526,463			2,046,861			4,569,684
Direct and occupancy		653,660			1,382,331			1,316,927			2,647,193
Total cost of sales		2,624,004			6,242,496			5,091,986			11,426,694
Pre-opening		—			483,349			—			748,323
General and administrative		412,806			605,478			706,423			1,194,062
Depreciation and amortization		197,159			384,970			390,195			715,010
Operating loss		(122,943		)	(90,361		)	(207,418		)	(165,286		)
Interest:
Income		23,581			221			46,882			4,192
Expense		(121,727		)	(279,125		)	(245,175		)	(511,298		)
Net other expense		(98,146		)	(278,904		)	(198,293		)	(507,106		)
Net loss		(221,089		)	(369,265		)	(405,711		)	(672,392		)
Less preferred stock dividends declared		(168,732		)	(108,710		)	(265,081		)	(455,816		)
Net loss available to common shareholders		$	(389,821	)	$	(477,975	)	$	(670,792	)	$	(1,128,208	)
Loss per common share, basic and diluted		$	(0.10	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.27	)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted		3,871,101			4,271,439			3,858,208			4,202,186

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

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GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

		Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29, 2003			June 27, 2004
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss		$	(405,711	)	$	(672,392	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		390,195			715,010
Stock option/warrant compensation		—			12,780
Decrease (increase) in:
Inventory		(72		)	(100,121		)
Prepaids and other		(64,675		)	(122,511		)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable		(12,833		)	391,473
Accrued expenses		(226,753		)	438,764
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(319,849		)	663,003
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of:
Property and equipment		(908,056		)	(1,979,625		)
Intangible assets and other		(12,327		)	(29,561		)
Net cash used in investing activities		(920,383		)	(2,009,186		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on capital lease obligations		(129,057		)	(223,642		)
Payments on long term-debt		(15,331		)	(90,985		)
Proceeds from (payments on) line of credit		—			95,348
Payment of dividends		(168,348		)	(36		)
Proceeds from long-term debt		—			750,000
Proceeds from issuance of stock		1,448,987			79,977
Net cash provided by financing activities		1,136,251			610,662
Net decrease in cash		(103,981		)	(735,521		)
Cash, beginning		3,521,842			1,439,960
Cash, ending		$	3,417,861		$	704,439
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:
Buildings acquired under capital lease agreements		$	—		$	5,675,128

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

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GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2003 and June 27, 2004

 

1.     Nature of business and basis of presentation:

 

Nature of business:

Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd. (“the Company”) was formed to develop and operate casual dining restaurants featuring on-premise breweries.  The Company is developing these restaurant-microbreweries, known as Granite City Food & Brewery®, in selected markets throughout the United States.  The theme is casual dining with a wide variety of menu items that are prepared fresh daily, combined with freshly brewed hand-crafted beers made on-premise.  The Company produces its beer using a process called Fermentus Interruptus™, which is intended to maintain high beer quality while enhancing overall profitability by reducing unit-level brewing costs.  The first facility, located in St. Cloud, Minnesota, opened in July 1999.  Subsequently, the Company opened restaurants in Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Fargo, North Dakota; West Des Moines, Cedar Rapids and Davenport, Iowa, Lincoln, Nebraska and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

 

The Company’s current expansion strategy focuses on development of restaurants in markets where management believes the Company’s concept will have broad appeal and attractive restaurant-level economics.

 

Interim financial statements:

The Company has prepared the condensed financial statements for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2003 and June 27, 2004 without audit by the Company’s independent auditors.  In the opinion of the Company’s management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly the financial position of the Company at June 27, 2004 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods ended June 29, 2003 and June 27, 2004 have been made. Those adjustments consist only of normal and recurring adjustments.

 

Certain information and note disclosures normally included in the Company’s annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted.  These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2004.

 

The results of operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

 

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Earnings (loss) per share:

Basic earnings (loss) per common share is calculated by dividing net income (loss) less preferred stock dividends declared by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding.  Diluted earnings (loss) per common share assumes that outstanding common shares were increased by shares issuable upon exercise of stock options and warrants for which market price exceeds exercise price, less shares which could have been purchased by the Company with the related proceeds.  Calculations of the Company’s net loss per common share for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2003 and June 27, 2004 are set forth in the following table:

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29, 2003			June 27, 2004			June 29, 2003			June 27, 2004
Net loss		$	(221,089	)	$	(369,265	)	$	(405,711	)	$	(672,392	)
Less dividends declared		(168,732		)	(108,710		)	(265,081		)	(455,816		)
Net loss available to common shareholders		$	(389,821	)	$	(477,975	)	$	(670,792	)	$	(1,128,208	)
Loss per common share, basic and diluted		$	(0.10	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.27	)
Weighted average shares outstanding, basic and diluted		3,871,101			4,271,439			3,858,208			4,202,186

 

2.     Stock compensation:

 

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation awards using the intrinsic value method prescribed by Accounting Principles Board (APB) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.  No compensation cost has been recognized for options issued to employees when the exercise price of the options granted is at least equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant.  Had compensation cost been determined consistent with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (SFAS) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, as amended by SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation—Transition and Disclosure, the Company’s net loss and net loss per common share would have been changed to the following pro forma amounts:

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29, 2003			June 27, 2004			June 29, 2003			June 27, 2004
Net income (loss):
As reported		$	(221,089	)	$	(369,265	)	$	(405,711	)	$	(672,392	)
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects		$	(73,470	)	$	(168,831	)	$	(215,013	)	$	(322,523	)
Pro forma		$	(294,559	)	$	(538,096	)	$	(620,724	)	$	(994,915	)
Net income (loss) per common share
Basic and diluted as reported		$	(0.10	)	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.17	)	$	(0.27	)
Basic and diluted pro forma		$	(0.12	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.23	)	$	(0.35	)

 

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The fair value of each option grant for the pro forma disclosure required by SFAS No. 123, as amended by SFAS No. 148, is estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions for the grants:

 

		2003		2004
Dividend yield		None		None
Expected volatility		78.6%		71.4%
Expected life of option		5-10 years		5-10 years
Risk-free interest rate		3.4%		4.8%

 

3.     Change in capitalization:

 

Exercise of warrants and options:

 

During the first quarter of 2004, the Company issued an aggregate of 40,822 shares of common stock to accredited investors, upon the conversion of 645 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock originally issued on October 1, 2002.  The convertible preferred stock was converted at $1.58 per share.

 

During the first quarter of 2004, the Company issued 31,645 shares of common stock to accredited investors upon the exercise for cash of warrants originally issued on October 1, 2002, in connection with a private placement of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants.  Each warrant was exercised at $1.58 per share.

 

As part of the Company’s initial public offering, the Company sold to the underwriter, for $100, stock purchase warrants for the purchase of an aggregate of 100,000 units exercisable at $4.95 per unit after June 6, 2001. Each unit consists of one share of common stock and one warrant to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, subject to adjustment.  The agreement that set forth the terms and conditions of these warrants contains certain anti-dilution provisions.  Pursuant to these provisions, the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of these warrants and the related purchase price both required adjustment upon the issuance of common stock in lieu of cash dividends to the holders of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.  These warrants also provide for a cashless exercise provision and expire on June 6, 2005.  During the first quarter of 2004, the Company issued 6,514 units upon the cashless exercise of 19,368 of such warrants.  As a result of these exercises and the anti-dilution adjustments, as of June 27, 2004, the number of units purchasable under this agreement was 87,670 and the exercise price was $4.61.

 

On June 8, 2004, the Company issued 15,822 shares of common stock to an accredited investor upon the exercise for cash of warrants originally issued on October 1, 2002, in connection with a private placement of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants.  Each warrant was exercised at $1.58 per share.

 

On June 10, 2004, the Company issued an aggregate of 31,645 shares of common stock to an accredited investor, upon the conversion of 500 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock originally issued on October 1, 2002.  The convertible preferred stock was converted at $1.58 per share.

 

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As part of the Company’s initial public offering, the Company sold 1,000,000 units, each unit consisting of one share of common stock and one redeemable Class A warrant.  Each Class A warrant entitles the holder to purchase one share of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share.  The agreement that set forth the terms and conditions of the Class A Warrants contains certain anti-dilution provisions.  Pursuant to these provisions, the number of shares purchasable upon exercise of these warrants and the related purchase price both required adjustment upon the issuance of common stock in lieu of cash dividends to the holders of the Company’s Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. As a result of these adjustments and the issuance, pursuant to Registration File No. 333-93459, of 1,072 shares of common stock upon the exercise of such warrants in May 2004 at an exercise price of $4.66, the number of shares purchasable under this agreement at June 27, 2004 was 1,071,889 and the exercise price was $4.66 per share.  The warrants expire on June 6, 2005.

 

Dividends:

On December 10, 2003, the Company authorized payment of dividends to holders of its preferred stock as of December 23, 2003.  Such dividends were paid on December 31, 2003 through the issuance of an aggregate of 70,230 shares of common stock valued at $1.58 per share.  The closing price of the stock on December 23, 2003 was $3.97 per share.  Additionally, $37 cash in lieu of fractional shares was distributed.

 

On March 11, 2004, the Company authorized payment of dividends to holders of its preferred stock as of March 23, 2004.  Such dividends were paid on March 31, 2004 through the issuance of an aggregate of 69,414 shares of common stock valued at $1.58 per share.  The closing price of the stock on March 23, 2004 was $5.00 per share.  Additionally, $36 cash in lieu of fractional shares was distributed.

 

On June 15, 2004, the Company authorized cash payment of dividends to holders of its preferred stock as of June 23, 2004.  Such dividends aggregated $108,710 and were included in accrued expenses on the Company’s balance sheet at June 27, 2004.  Such dividends were paid on June 30, 2004.

 

4.     Line of Credit:

 

In April 2004, the Company entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with maximum availability of $750,000 with an independent financial institution.  The Company pays 6.75% annual interest on amounts it borrows.  This line of credit expires September 1, 2004.  The line of credit is secured by substantially all the personal property of the Company and is guaranteed by one of the Company’s directors.  As of June 27, 2004, the Company had $95,348 outstanding on this line.

 

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ITEM 2       Management’s Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation

 

This discussion and analysis contains various non-historical forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act.  Although we believe that, in making any such statement, our expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, any such statement may be influenced by factors that could cause actual outcomes and results to be materially different from those projected.  When used in the following discussion, the words “anticipates,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “estimates” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.  You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements, which are qualified in their entirety by the cautions and risks described herein.  Please refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2003, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 29, 2004, for additional factors known to us that may cause actual results to vary.

 

Overview

 

We operate eight casual dining restaurants featuring on-premises breweries under the name Granite City Food & Brewery®.  Our activities through June 1999 were related to the development of our restaurant-microbrewery concept and the development and financing of our first restaurant which commenced operations in St. Cloud, Minnesota, in June 1999.  Over the next two-and one-half years, we opened a restaurant in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and a restaurant in Fargo, North Dakota.  We developed these restaurants using the net proceeds from a private placement of common stock completed in late 1997, an initial public offering in June 2000, financing in the form of long-term building and equipment leases, bank financing, and loans from a related party.

 

After opening two additional restaurants during the later part of 2003 located in West Des Moines and Cedar Rapids, Iowa, we opened three restaurants in 2004.  These restaurants opened in Davenport, Iowa, Lincoln, Nebraska and Minneapolis, Minnesota.  We developed these restaurants using the proceeds we obtained through the private placement of convertible preferred stock and warrants to purchase common stock in the fourth quarter of 2002, as well as equipment loans and a line of credit.  These five units were designed using the prototype we developed in early 2003, and based on the performance of these units, management plans to continue to use this prototype for future expansion.  We have entered into a multi-site development agreement with a commercial developer that provides us assistance in site selection, construction management and financing for new restaurants.  Under this agreement, we lease each new restaurant from our developer.  We continue to explore additional methods of financing in order to further pursue our expansion plans.

 

We have developed a brewing process called Fermentus Interruptus.  We believe that Fermentus Interruptus improves the economics of our microbrewing process as it eliminates the initial stages of brewing and storage at multiple locations, thereby reducing equipment and development costs at new restaurant locations.  Having a common starting point for our initial brewing process creates consistency of taste for our product from unit to unit.  We believe that Fermentus Interruptus gives us the ability to improve unit level economics while maintaining the consistency of our beers.   This commissary brewing process will allow us to service up to 25 locations from one wort production site.  We are evaluating strategies for capitalizing on Fermentus Interruptus, including licensing of our brewing technology.

 

We believe that our operating results will fluctuate significantly because of several factors, including the timing of new restaurant openings and related expenses, profitability of new restaurants, increases or decreases in comparable restaurant sales, general economic conditions, consumer confidence in the economy, changes in consumer preferences, competitive factors and weather conditions.

 

Our restaurant revenues are comprised almost entirely of the sales of food and beverages.  The sale of retail items, such as cigarettes and promotional items, typically represent approximately 0.3% to 0.7% of total revenue.  Product costs include the costs of food, beverages and retail items.  Labor costs include direct hourly and management wages, taxes and benefits for restaurant employees.  Direct and

 

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occupancy costs include restaurant supplies, marketing costs, rent, utilities, real estate taxes, repairs and maintenance and other related costs.  Pre-opening costs consist of direct costs related to hiring and training the initial restaurant workforce and certain other direct costs associated with opening new restaurants.  General and administrative expenses are comprised of expenses associated with all corporate and administrative functions that support existing operations, management and staff salaries, employee benefits, travel, information systems and training and market research.  Depreciation and amortization include depreciation on capital expenditures.  Other income and expense includes primarily the cost of interest expense on debt and capital leases and interest income on invested assets.

 

Results of Operations

 

The following table compares operating results expressed as a percentage of total revenue for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2003 and June 27, 2004.

 

		Thirteen Weeks Ended				Twenty-six Weeks Ended
		June 29, 2003		June 27, 2004		June 29, 2003		June 27, 2004
Restaurant revenues		100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Cost of sales:
Food, beverage and retail		29.2		30.6		28.9		30.2
Labor		34.1		33.1		34.2		32.8
Direct and occupancy		21.0		18.1		22.0		19.0
Total cost of sales		84.3		81.9		85.1		82.1
Pre-opening		—		6.3		—		5.4
General and administrative		13.3		7.9		11.8		8.6
Depreciation and amortization		6.3		5.0		6.5		5.1
Operating loss		(4.0	)	(1.2	)	(3.5	)	(1.2	)
Interest:
Income		0.8		0.0		0.8		0.0
Expense		(3.9	)	(3.7	)	(4.1	)	(3.7	)
Net other expense		(3.2	)	(3.7	)	(3.3	)	(3.6	)
Net loss		(7.1	)%	(4.8	)%	(6.8	)%	(4.8	)%

 

Certain percentage amounts do not sum due to rounding.

 

Critical Accounting Policies

 

This discussion and analysis is based upon our consolidated financial statements, which were prepared in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  These principles require management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes.  We believe our estimates and assumptions are reasonable; however, actual results and the timing of the recognition of such amounts could differ from those estimates.  We have identified the following critical accounting policies and estimates utilized by management in the preparation of our financial statements:

 

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Property and equipment

 

The cost of property and equipment is depreciated over the estimated useful lives of the related assets ranging from three to 20 years.  The cost of leasehold improvements is depreciated over the length of the related lease.  Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method for financial reporting purposes and accelerated methods for income tax purposes.  Amortization of assets acquired under capital lease is included in depreciation expense.  Our accounting policies regarding property and equipment include certain management judgments regarding the estimated useful lives of such assets and the determination as to what constitutes enhancing the value of or increasing the life of existing assets.  These judgments and estimates may produce materially different amounts of depreciation and amortization expense than would be reported if different assumptions were used.

 

We continually reassess our assumptions and judgments and make adjustments when significant facts and circumstances dictate.  Historically, actual results have not been materially different than the estimates we have made.

 

Results of Operations for the Thirteen and Twenty-six Weeks Ended June 29, 2003 and June 27, 2004

 

Revenue

 

We generated $3,111,026 and $7,625,932 of revenues during the second quarter of 2003 and 2004, respectively.  During the first half of 2003 we had revenues of $5,981,186 while during the first half of 2004 we had revenues of $13,918,803, with year-to-date average restaurant sales increasing from $76,682 to $86,452 per week.  The overall 132.7% increase in revenues during the first half of the current fiscal year was due primarily to the opening of five additional restaurants since the first half of 2003.

 

We anticipate that restaurant revenues will vary from quarter to quarter.  We anticipate seasonal fluctuations in restaurant revenues due in part to increased outdoor seating and generally favorable weather conditions at all locations during the summer months.  A restaurant typically experiences a temporary period of high revenues immediately following its opening due to increased demand fostered by the publicity surrounding the opening (the “honeymoon effect”).  We experienced this effect in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Lincoln and Minneapolis in the first half of 2004, and we expect the honeymoons to continue into the third quarter of 2004 at Lincoln and Minneapolis.  Therefore, we expect the timing of new restaurant openings to cause fluctuations in restaurant revenues.  Additionally, consumer confidence in the economy and changes in consumer preferences may affect our future revenues.

 

Cost of Sales

 

Food, Beverage and Retail

 

Our food, beverage and retail cost increased by 1.4% as a percentage of revenues during both the second quarter and first half of 2004 compared to the second quarter and first half of 2003, respectively.  The increases we experienced were due primarily to new staff members becoming familiar with our concept as we opened restaurants in late 2003 and early 2004, as well as product price increase in some areas.

 

We expect that our food and beverage costs will vary going forward due to numerous variables, including seasonal changes in food costs and guest preferences.  We periodically create new menu offerings in both our craftbrewed beers and our food based upon guest preferences.  Although such menu modifications may temporarily result in increased food and beverage cost, we believe we are able to offset such increases with our weekly specials which provide variety to our guests at a great price value.  Our varieties of craftbrewed beer, which we can produce at lower cost than beers we purchase for resale, also enable us to keep our food and beverage costs low while fulfilling guest requests and building customer loyalty.  As we have opened additional units, we have experienced increased purchasing power and believe we will continue to do so with additional expansion, thereby reducing our food and beverage

 

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costs as a percentage of revenues.  Additionally, as we add new units, we believe our brewing process, Fermentus Interruptus, will allow us to keep our high quality product intact while reducing the production cost, thereby enhancing overall profitability.

 

Labor

 

Our labor costs expressed as a percentage of revenues decreased 1.0% during the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.  These costs decreased 1.4% as a percentage of revenues in the first half of 2004 compared to the first half of 2003.  Although we have experienced increases in employee benefit costs such as health and workers compensation insurance, our increased revenue base in the first half of 2004, due to the honeymoon effect, enabled us to obtain an overall decrease in labor as a percentage of revenue.

 

We expect that labor costs will vary as we add new locations.  Minimum wage laws, local labor laws and practices, as well as unemployment rates vary from state to state and will affect our labor costs, as will hiring and training expense at our new locations.  Our management believes that retaining good employees for more experienced staff ensures high quality guest service and reduces hiring and training costs.

 

Direct and Occupancy

 

Our direct and occupancy expenses decreased 2.9% as a percentage of revenues during the first quarter of 2004 compared to the first quarter of 2003.  During the first half of 2004, these expenses decreased 3.0% compared to the first half of 2003.  Operating supplies, rent and occupancy costs, repairs and maintenance and advertising expense represent the majority of our direct and occupancy expenses, a substantial portion of which is fixed or indirectly variable.  Decreases in direct and operating expenses were primarily in the areas of employee meal costs, advertising, and repair and maintenance.  Although we experienced increases in credit card discounts, hiring and training expenses and various supplies, our higher unit volumes reduced the fixed and indirectly variable costs as a percentage of revenues.

 

Pre-Opening Costs

 

Pre-opening costs experienced during the first half of 2004 related to our Davenport, Lincoln and Minneapolis restaurants.  During that time, we incurred pre-opening costs of $197,769 in Davenport, $312,976 in Lincoln and $237,578 in Minneapolis.  The Lincoln pre-opening expenses were unusually high due to the distance between Lincoln and the restaurants at which the new managers trained, causing us to incur significantly more travel, lodging and meal expenses.  Additionally, we encountered some unexpected personnel turnover and related costs during the training process there.  We expect total pre-opening expenses at each future location will be between $215,000 and $250,000.  Such costs are primarily incurred in the month of, and two months prior to, the restaurant opening.

 

General and Administrative

 

General and administrative expenses include salaries and benefits associated with our corporate staff that is responsible for overall restaurant quality, future expansion into new locations and financial controls and reporting.  Other general and administrative expenses include advertising, professional fees, office administration, centralized accounting system costs, and travel by our corporate management to the restaurant locations.  General and administrative expenses increased $192,672 during the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.  Such expenses increased $487,639 during the first half of 2004 compared to the first half of 2003.  Due to higher unit volumes, general and administrative expenses decreased 5.3% and 3.2% as a percent of revenue, during the second quarter and first half of 2004, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2003.  In order to retain and recruit core management and further build our infrastructure to facilitate growth, we incurred increased expenses related to payroll and benefits as well as additional rent and office upkeep expenses in the first half of 2004 compared to

 

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that of 2003.  During the first quarter of 2003, our president and chief executive officer did not receive any monetary compensation from our company as we believe the options issued to him represented reasonable compensation for his service through March 30, 2003.  Additionally, our travel related expenses have increased with the opening of new restaurants and the development of new sites for expansion, our advertising costs increased with a billboard campaign in the first two months of 2004, and our investor relations cost have increased with heightened investor activity.

 

We expect that general and administrative costs will continue to fluctuate as a percentage of restaurant revenues in the near term as we build our infrastructure to adequately sustain operations across multiple locations.  The anticipated additional restaurant revenues associated with further expansion are expected to result in greater economies of scale for our corporate expenses in the long-term.

 

Depreciation and Amortization

 

Depreciation and amortization expense increased $187,811 during the second quarter of 2004 and $324,815 during the first half of 2004 compared to the same periods in 2003 due principally to the additional depreciation related to the newly opened restaurants.  As a percentage of revenues, during the first half of 2004, depreciation expense decreased by 1.4% compared to the first half of 2003, indicating that revenues generated from our new locations more than offset the related increase in depreciation expense.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

Interest expense net of interest income increased $180,758 during the second quarter of 2004 compared to the second quarter of 2003.  Interest expense net of interest income increased $308,813 during the first half of 2004 compared to the first half of 2003.  The increases were due to the increase of debt and capital leases and the reduction of invested cash as we opened new units.  Management expects interest expense will increase with future expansion.

 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have required capital principally for the development, construction and opening of new restaurants.  To date, we have obtained gross proceeds aggregating approximately $11.0 million through the sales of our securities in our initial public offering and two private placements.  Additionally, we have obtained financing through building and equipment leases, long and short-term debt from an independent financial institution, loans from New Brighton Ventures, Inc., an entity owned in part by our President and Chief Executive Officer, and the exercise of various options and warrants for cash.

 

During the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2004, operating activities provided us $663,003 of cash, issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of warrants provided us $79,977 in cash and proceeds from long-term debt and our line of credit provided us $845,348 net cash.  We used $2,009,186 of cash to purchase equipment and other assets primarily for our Davenport, Lincoln and Minneapolis locations, and made payments on our debt and capital lease obligations aggregating $314,627.

 

During the twenty-six weeks ended June 29, 2003, the issuance of securities provided us $1,448,987 of net cash.  We used $319,849 in operating activities, $920,383 to purchase equipment, primarily for our West Des Moines location, paid dividends of $168,348 to holders of our preferred stock and made payments on our debt and capital leases aggregating $144,388.

 

In January 2004, we opened our restaurant in Davenport.   We are leasing this property from our developer under a 20-year lease agreement.   Our annual lease payments are $341,250 with $194,250 classified as a capital lease and the remaining $147,000 classified as an operating lease. This lease may be extended at our option for up to five additional five-year periods.

 

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In January 2004, we entered into a $750,000 loan agreement with an independent financial institution.  The proceeds of this loan financed the purchase of equipment for the Davenport location.  The loan is secured by substantially all of the personal property of our company and is guaranteed by one of our directors.  The interest rate on the loan is 6.125% per annum and the loan matures in January 2011.

 

In April 2004, we entered into a revolving line of credit agreement with maximum availability of $750,000 with an independent financial institution.  We pay 6.75% annual interest on amounts we borrow.  This line of credit expires September 1, 2004.  The line of credit is secured by substantially all the personal property of our company and is guaranteed by one of our directors.  As of June 27, 2004, we had $95,348 outstanding on this line.

 

In May 2004, we opened our restaurant in Lincoln.   We are leasing this property from our developer under a 20-year lease agreement for the building and a 15-year lease agreement for the land.   Our annual capital lease payments on the building lease are $168,000 and our annual operating lease payments for the land average $140,000 per year over the initial term of the lease. These leases may be extended at our option for up to five additional five-year periods.

 

In June 2004, we opened our restaurant in Minneapolis.  We are leasing this property from an independent third party under a 20-year lease agreement.  Our annual lease payments are $367,500 with $235,200 classified as a capital lease and the remaining $132,300 classified as an operating lease. This lease may be extended at our option for up to five additional five-year periods.

 

With cash generated from operations and proceeds from the revolving line of credit, management believes that we will have sufficient funds to pursue our business strategy over the next 12 months.  We continue to explore new restaurant sites and are considering various alternatives to obtain capital to fund additional expansion, including debt and equity financing, partnerships with investors or combinations thereof.  The amount of financing required for new restaurants depends upon the definitive locations, leasehold improvement costs and construction costs.  We cannot assure you that the financing needed to pursue our expansion strategy will be available on terms acceptable or favorable to us, or at all.

 

Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

 

Operating and Capital Leases:

 

As of June 27, 2004, we had seven land and building lease agreements.  One of these leases expires in 2019, one in 2020, two in 2023, and the remaining three expire in 2024, all with renewable options for additional periods.  The building portions of these leases are classified as capital leases because their present value was greater than 90% of the estimated fair value at the beginning of the lease.  The land portions of these leases are classified as operating leases because the fair value of the land was more than 25% of the leased property at the inception of each lease.  Under three of the leases, we are required to pay additional percentage rent based upon restaurant sales.  As of June 27, 2004, future obligations relating to the land portion of these seven leases aggregated $15,650,650 plus percentage rent.  The scheduled rent increases for the land during the life of each lease are recognized on a straight-line basis.  Future obligations relating to the building portion of these seven leases aggregated $24,053,499 at June 27, 2004.

 

In 2001, we entered into a 20-year operating lease for land upon which we built our Fargo restaurant.  As of June 27, 2004, future obligations under the terms of this lease aggregated $1,251,800 plus percentage rent.

 

As of June 27, 2004, we have additional capital lease obligations outstanding of $833,491 for equipment leases expiring in 2008, and operating leases obligations outstanding aggregating $60,820 for leases expiring in 2005 for office space and various equipment items.

 

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Personal Guaranties:

 

Certain of our directors have personally guaranteed certain of our leases and loan agreements.  In connection with the $1.5 million loan we obtained in July 2001 to finance our Fargo restaurant, we entered into an agreement concerning guaranty which provides, among other things, that such guarantors will be indemnified from any liabilities they may incur by reason of their guaranties of our indebtedness. The agreement contains various covenants, one of which requires us to use our best efforts to obtain a release of one individual’s guarantee obligation by January 1, 2006.  If we have not accomplished this, we are obligated to pay him a monthly guarantee fee in the amount of $1,000 until such release is obtained.  Additionally, at a meeting held in March 2004, our board of directors agreed to compensate our President and Chief Executive Officer for his personal guaranties of equipment loans entered into in August 2003 and January 2004.  The amount of such compensation shall be calculated based on 3% of the weighted average daily balances of such loans at the end of each monthly accounting period.  As of June 27, 2004, we had accrued $16,133 of such fees.

 

Employment Agreement:

 

We have entered into an employment agreement with our President and Chief Executive Officer.  In lieu of a salary, we issued stock options to him in 1999, 2001 and 2003 as compensation for his services through March 30, 2003.  Effective April 1, 2003, we began paying an annual salary to such officer.  At a meeting held in March 2004, our board of directors approved an increase in his annual salary to $175,000 effective July 1, 2004.  Among other provisions, the employment agreement includes change in control provisions that would entitle him to receive severance pay equal to 18 months of salary if there is a change in control of our company and his employment terminates.  Based on his current salary, the maximum contingent liability under this agreement would be $262,500.

 

Development Agreement:

 

We have entered into a development agreement with Dunham Capital Management L.L.C. (“Dunham”) for the development of our restaurants.  Dunham is controlled by Donald A. Dunham, Jr., who is an affiliate of Brew Buddies, L.L.C., the largest beneficial owner of our securities.  The agreement gives Dunham the right to develop, construct and lease up to 22 restaurants for us prior to December 31, 2012.  We are not bound to authorize the construction of restaurants during that time period, but generally cannot use another developer to develop or own a restaurant as long as the development agreement is in effect.  We can use another developer if Dunham declines to build a particular restaurant, if the agreement is terminated because of a default by Dunham, or if our company is sold or merged into another company.  In the case of a merger or sale of our company, the development agreement may be terminated at such time as Dunham has completed seven restaurants under the agreement.  The development agreement provides for a cooperative process between Dunham and our company for the selection of restaurant sites and the development of restaurants on those sites, scheduling for the development and construction of each restaurant once a location is approved, and controls on the costs of development and construction using bidding and guaranteed maximum cost concepts.  The development agreement provides that restaurants will be leased to us on the basis of a triple net lease.  The rental rate of each lease will be calculated using a variable formula which is based on approved and specified costs of development and construction and an indexed interest rate.  The term of each lease is 20 years with five five-year options to renew.  As of June 27, 2004, five restaurants have been constructed for us under this development agreement.

 

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Summary of Contractual Obligations:

 

The following table summarizes our future obligations under contractual agreements as of June 27, 2004 and the time frame within which payments on such obligations are due.  This table does not include amounts related to percentage rent as such amounts have not yet been determined.  Whether or not we would incur any additional expense on our employment agreement with Mr. Wagenheim depends upon the existence of a change in control of the company.  Therefore, no percentage rent or employment agreement expense have been included in the following table.

 

 

Qualitative and Quantitative Disclosures about Market Risk

 

Our company is exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt and changes in commodity prices.

 

Changes in Interest Rate:

 

We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates relating to a lease for equipment under an agreement expiring in 2008.  On November 20, 2004, we will be required to amortize approximately $416,600 of the then remaining balance at an interest rate of prime plus 2% for 42 additional months.  At such time, our payments will increase if the prime rate is more than 10.3%.  Each percentage point above such rate would increase the total payments over the remaining life of the lease by approximately $8,500.

 

In February 2007, we will have a balloon payment due of approximately $1,325,000 on the loan we obtained from an independent financial institution in July 2001.  Currently, this loan bears a fixed interest rate of 8.75%. If it becomes necessary to refinance such balloon balance, we may not be able to secure financing at the same interest rate.  The effect of a higher interest rate would depend upon the negotiated financing terms.

 

Changes in Commodity Prices:

 

Many of the food products we purchase are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to unpredictable price volatility.   These commodities are generally purchased based upon market prices established with vendors.  Extreme fluctuations in commodity prices and/or long-term changes could have an adverse affect on us.  Substantially all of our food and supplies are available from several sources, which helps to control commodity price risks.  Additionally, we have the ability to increase menu prices, or vary the menu items offered, in response to a food product price increases.  If, however, competitive circumstances limit our menu price flexibility, margins could be negatively impacted.

 

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Our company does not enter into derivative contracts either to hedge existing risks or for speculative purposes.

 

Seasonality

 

We expect that our sales and earnings will fluctuate based on seasonal patterns.  We anticipate that our highest sales and earnings will occur in the second and third quarters due to the milder climate and availability of outdoor seating during those quarters in our existing and proposed markets.

 

Inflation

 

The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations are food, supplies and labor costs.  A large number of our restaurant personnel are paid at rates based on the applicable minimum wage, and increases in the minimum wage directly affect our labor costs.  In the past, we have been able to minimize the effect of these increases through menu price increases and other strategies.  To date, inflation has not had a material impact on our operating results.

 

ITEM 3       Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain a system of disclosure controls and procedures that is designed to provide reasonable assurance that information, which is required to be disclosed, is accumulated and communicated to management timely.  At the end of the period covered by this report, we carried out an evaluation under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based upon that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely alerting them to material information relating to our company required to be disclosed in our periodic filings with the SEC.

 

During our most recent fiscal quarter, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

PART II      OTHER INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1		Legal Proceedings
		Not applicable.
ITEM 2		Changes in Securities
		(a)         Not applicable.
		(b)         Not applicable.
		(c)         On March 31, 2004, we issued 69,414 shares of common stock to the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock.  We issued such common stock in lieu of $109,710 in cash dividends otherwise payable to those investors on that date.

 

On June 8, 2004, we issued 15,822 shares of common stock to an accredited investor upon the exercise for cash of warrants originally issued on October 1, 2002, in connection with a private placement of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and warrants.  Each warrant was exercised at $1.58 per share.

 

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On June 10, 2004, we issued an aggregate of 31,645 shares of common stock to an accredited investor, upon the conversion of 500 shares of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock originally issued on October 1, 2002.  The convertible preferred stock was converted at $1.58 per share.

 

The foregoing issuances were made in reliance upon the exemption provided in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act.  Such securities are restricted as to sale or transfer, unless registered under the Securities Act, and the certificates representing such securities contain restrictive legends preventing sale, transfer or other disposition, unless registered under the Securities Act.  In addition, the recipients of such securities received, or had access to, material information concerning our company, including, but not limited to, our reports on Form 10-KSB, Form 10-QSB and Form 8-K, as filed with the SEC.  No underwriting discounts or commissions were paid in connection with the issuances of such common stock.

 

(d)                                 Not applicable.

 

(e)                                  Not applicable.

 

ITEM 3		Defaults upon Senior Securities
		Not applicable.
ITEM 4		Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
		Not applicable.
ITEM 5		Other Information
		Not Applicable.
ITEM 6		Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K
		(a)         Exhibits
		See “Index to Exhibits.”
		(b)         Reports on Form 8-K
		None.

 

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SIGNATURES

 

 

In accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

		GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.
Date:  July 23, 2004	By:	/s/ Monica A. Underwood
		Monica A. Underwood
		Interim Chief Financial Officer and
		Corporate Controller

 

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

 

Exhibit Number		Description
10.1		Business Loan Agreement between Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd. and First National Bank, dated April 14, 2004 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB, filed on May 3, 2004 (File No. 0-29643)).
10.2		Promissory Note for the principal sum of $750,000 issued by Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd., Borrower, to First National Bank, Lender, dated April 14, 2004 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB, filed on May 3, 2004 (File No. 0-29643)).
10.3		Commercial Guarantee Agreement between Granite City Food & Brewery Ltd., Borrower, First National Bank, Lender, and Steven J. Wagenheim, Guarantor, dated April 14, 2004 (incorporated by reference to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-QSB, filed on May 3, 2004 (File No. 0-29643)).
31.1		Certification by Steven J. Wagenheim, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2		Certification by Monica A. Underwood, Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller of the Company, pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1		Certification by Steven J. Wagenheim, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2		Certification by Monica A. Underwood, Interim Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Controller of the Company, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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