UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

 


 

FORM 10-QSB

 

ý

 

QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED SEPTEMBER 26, 2004

 

 

 

o

 

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

 

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 October 18, 2004, the issuer had outstanding 4,911,640 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 Sheets as of December 28, 2003 and September 26, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2003 and September 26, 2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Condensed Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2003 and September 26, 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

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

 

 

i



 

PART I                                             FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

ITEM 1  Financial Statements

 

GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.

 

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

 

 

December 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

 

 

(audited)

 

(unaudited)

 

ASSETS:

 

 

 

 

 

Current assets:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

 

$

1,439,960

 

$

2,144,338

 

Inventory

 

177,176

 

277,400

 

Prepaids and other

 

145,857

 

271,024

 

Total current assets

 

1,762,993

 

2,692,762

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

 

15,177,392

 

22,031,747

 

Intangible assets and other

 

381,782

 

394,406

 

Total assets

 

$

17,322,167

 

$

25,118,915

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:

 

 

 

 

 

Current liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

$

460,160

 

$

695,004

 

Accrued expenses

 

1,293,241

 

1,513,156

 

Line of credit

 

 

199,102

 

Long-term debt, current portion

 

122,584

 

222,596

 

Capital lease obligations, current portion

 

362,920

 

501,305

 

Total current liabilities

 

2,238,905

 

3,131,163

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Long-term debt, net of current portion

 

2,056,752

 

2,562,413

 

Capital lease obligations, net of current portion

 

6,702,352

 

11,884,838

 

Total liabilities

 

10,998,009

 

17,578,414

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity:

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000,000 shares authorized; 4,044,120 and 4,911,640 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2003 and September 26, 2004, respectively

 

40,441

 

49,116

 

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 10,000,000 authorized; 55,500 and 54,355 Series A Convertible Preferred shares issued and outstanding December 28, 2003 and September 26, 2004, respectively

 

555

 

544

 

Additional paid-in capital

 

10,070,429

 

12,366,334

 

Stock dividends distributable

 

702

 

 

Accumulated deficit

 

(3,787,969

)

(4,875,493

)

Total shareholders’ equity

 

6,324,158

 

7,540,501

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

 

$

17,322,167

 

$

25,118,915

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

1



 

GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended

 

 

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant revenues

 

$

3,786,885

 

9,279,191

 

$

9,768,071

 

$

23,197,994

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food, beverage and retail

 

1,094,291

 

2,819,515

 

2,822,489

 

7,029,332

 

Labor

 

1,274,087

 

3,096,410

 

3,320,948

 

7,666,094

 

Direct and occupancy

 

804,760

 

1,710,215

 

2,121,687

 

4,357,408

 

Total cost of sales

 

3,173,138

 

7,626,140

 

8,265,124

 

19,052,834

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-opening

 

270,729

 

 

270,729

 

748,323

 

General and administrative

 

449,833

 

619,888

 

1,156,256

 

1,813,950

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

206,276

 

463,263

 

596,471

 

1,178,273

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(313,091

)

569,900

 

(520,509

)

404,614

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

15,266

 

749

 

62,148

 

4,941

 

Expense

 

(133,685

)

(326,070

)

(378,860

)

(837,368

)

Other expense, net

 

 

(23,520

)

 

(23,520

)

Net other expense

 

(118,419

)

(348,841

)

(316,712

)

(855,947

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(431,510

)

221,059

 

(837,221

)

(451,333

)

Less preferred stock dividends declared

 

(168,854

)

(108,710

)

(433,935

)

(564,526

)

Net income (loss) available to common shareholders

 

$

(600,364

)

$

112,349

 

$

(1,271,156

)

$

(1,015,859

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) per common share, basic

 

$

(0.15

)

$

0.03

 

$

(0.33

)

$

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) per common share, diluted

 

$

(0.15

)

$

0.02

 

$

(0.33

)

$

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic

 

3,947,700

 

4,378,774

 

3,888,038

 

4,261,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

 

3,947,700

 

9,296,411

 

3,888,038

 

4,261,048

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

2



 

GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.

 

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

 

 

 

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended

 

 

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Net loss

 

$

(837,221

)

$

(451,333

)

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

596,471

 

1,178,273

 

Loss on disposal of asset

 

 

23,520

 

Stock option/warrant compensation

 

9,762

 

19,170

 

Decrease (increase) in:

 

 

 

 

 

Inventory

 

(99,364

)

(100,224

)

Prepaids and other

 

(167,159

)

(125,167

)

Increase (decrease) in:

 

 

 

 

 

Accounts payable

 

187,107

 

149,110

 

Accrued expenses

 

(6,704

)

111,205

 

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

(317,108

)

804,554

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase of:

 

 

 

 

 

Property and equipment

 

(1,950,915

)

(2,278,350

)

Intangible assets and other

 

(38,578

)

(29,560

)

Net cash used in investing activities

 

(1,989,493

)

(2,307,910

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Payments on capital lease obligations

 

(208,952

)

(354,257

)

Payments on long term-debt

 

(22,907

)

(144,327

)

Proceeds from line of credit

 

 

199,102

 

Payment of dividends

 

(168,384

)

(108,783

)

Proceeds from long-term debt

 

428,572

 

750,000

 

Proceeds from issuance of stock

 

1,381,989

 

1,865,999

 

Net cash provided by financing activities

 

1,410,318

 

2,207,734

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

(896,283

)

704,378

 

Cash, beginning

 

3,521,842

 

1,439,960

 

Cash, ending

 

$

2,625,559

 

$

2,144,338

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

Buildings acquired under capital lease agreements

 

$

1,656,114

 

$

5,675,128

 

 

See notes to condensed financial statements.

 

3



 

GRANITE CITY FOOD & BREWERY LTD.

 

NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2003 and September 26, 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 thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2003 and September 26, 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 September 26, 2004 and the results of operations and cash flows for the periods ended September 28, 2003 and September 26, 2004 have been made. Those adjustments consist only of normal and recurring adjustments.

 

The balance sheet at December 28, 2003 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements.  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 thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2004 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

 

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 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.  Diluted earnings also assumes convertible preferred stock is converted to common stock and increases the outstanding common shares, and net income available to common shareholders is increased by dividends payable on that convertible preferred

 

4



 

stock.  Calculations of the Company’s net income (loss) per common share for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2003 and September 26, 2004 are set forth in the following table:

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended

 

 

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

(431,510

)

$

221,059

 

$

(837,221

)

$

(451,333

)

Less dividends declared

 

(168,854

)

(108,710

)

(433,935

)

(564,526

)

Net loss available to common shareholders

 

$

(600,364

)

$

112,349

 

$

(1,271,156

)

$

(1,015,859

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) per common share, basic

 

$

(0.15

)

$

0.03

 

$

(0.33

)

$

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income (loss) per common share, diluted

 

$

(0.15

)

$

0.02

 

$

(0.33

)

$

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, basic

 

3,947,700

 

4,378,774

 

3,888,038

 

4,261,048

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Weighted average shares outstanding, diluted

 

3,947,700

 

9,296,411

 

3,888,038

 

4,261,048

 

 

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 income (loss) and net income (loss) per common share would have been changed to the following pro forma amounts:

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended

 

 

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

Net income (loss):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As reported

 

$

(431,510

)

$

221,059

 

$

(837,221

)

$

(451,333

)

Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects

 

$

(58,272

)

$

(147,677

)

$

(273,285

)

$

(470,199

)

Pro forma

 

$

(489,782

)

$

73,382

 

$

(1,110,506

)

$

(921,532

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss) per common share

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic as reported

 

$

(0.15

)

$

0.03

 

$

(0.33

)

$

(0.24

)

Basic pro forma

 

$

(0.17

)

$

(0.01

)

$

(0.40

)

$

(0.35

)

Diluted, as reported

 

$

(0.15

)

$

0.02

 

$

(0.33

)

$

(0.24

)

Diluted, pro forma

 

$

(0.17

)

$

0.01

 

$

(0.40

)

$

(0.35

)

 

5



 

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

 

75.0%

 

54.6%

 

Expected life of option

 

5-10 years

 

5-10 years

 

Risk-free interest rate

 

4.2%

 

4.0%

 

 

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 an aggregate of 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 September 26, 2004, the number of units purchasable under these warrants was 87,670 and the exercise price was $4.61 per unit.

 

During the second quarter of 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.

 

During the second quarter of 2004, the Company issued 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.

 

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

 

6



 

purchasable under these warrants at September 26, 2004 was 1,071,889 and the exercise price was $4.66 per share.  The warrants expire on June 6, 2005.

 

On August 18, 2004, one of the Company’s directors exercised a stock option for the purchase of 5,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.25 per share.  These options were issued pursuant to the 1997 Director Stock Option Plan.

 

On September 20, 2004, one of the Company’s employees exercised a stock option for the purchase of 3,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $1.65 per share.  These options were issued pursuant to the 1997 Stock Option Plan.

 

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 paid on June 30, 2004.

 

On September 9, 2004, the Company authorized cash payment of dividends to holders of its preferred stock as of September 23, 2004.  Such dividends aggregated $108,710, were included in accrued expenses on the Company’s balance sheet at September 26, 2004 and were paid on September 30, 2004.

 

Issuance of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock:

On September 17, 2004, the Company entered into a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors for the sale of approximately $8.5 million of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock.  The agreement provided for securities to be sold at an offering price of $3.25 per share of common stock, with one warrant for every 2.5 shares of common stock sold.  The warrants have a term of five years and are exercisable at $5.00 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments.  The Company completed the initial closing of this private placement, generating gross proceeds of $1,925,157 with the sale of 592,356 shares of common stock and issuance of warrants to purchase 236,944 shares of common stock.  In connection with the initial closing, the Company issued its agent a warrant to purchase 29,618 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, paid its agent cash commission of $96,258 and paid expenses related to the transaction of $125,341.  Completion of the sale of the remaining shares and warrants is subject to approval by the Company’s shareholders in compliance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.

 

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 paid annual interest at a rate of 6.75% on amounts it borrowed, which interest payments aggregated approximately $5,307.  This line of credit expired September 1, 2004, at which time the Company renewed the line at an annual interest rate of 7.00%.  This line of credit is secured by substantially all the personal property of the Company, is guaranteed by one of the Company’s directors and expires September 15, 2005.  As of September 26, 2004, the Company had $199,102 outstanding on this line.

 

7



 

5.              Provision for income taxes:

 

A provision for income taxes was not recorded in the third quarter of 2004 because a provision for income tax is not anticipated for the entire fiscal year 2004.

 

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.  Based on the performance of these units, management plans to continue to use this prototype for future expansion.  These five units were developed under our 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.

 

In September 2004, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors for the sale of approximately $8.5 million of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock.  Using the proceeds from this private placement and equipment loans as needed, we intend to add four additional restaurant units in 2005, six units in 2006, and eight units in 2007.  We completed the initial closing of this private placement, generating aggregate gross proceeds of $1,925,157, in September 2004.  Completion of the sale of the remaining shares and warrants is subject to approval by our shareholders in compliance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.

 

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

 

8



 

to service approximately 28 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, changes in food and labor costs, 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 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 includes depreciation on capital expenditures.  Other income and expense primarily represents 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 thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2003 and September 26, 2004.

 

 

 

Thirteen Weeks Ended

 

Thirty-nine Weeks Ended

 

 

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

September 28,
2003

 

September 26,
2004

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Restaurant revenues

 

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

100.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cost of sales:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Food, beverage and retail

 

28.9

 

30.4

 

28.9

 

30.3

 

Labor

 

33.6

 

33.4

 

34.0

 

33.0

 

Direct and occupancy

 

21.3

 

18.4

 

21.7

 

18.8

 

Total cost of sales

 

83.8

 

82.2

 

84.6

 

82.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pre-opening

 

7.1

 

 

2.8

 

3.2

 

General and administrative

 

11.9

 

6.7

 

11.8

 

7.8

 

Depreciation and amortization

 

5.4

 

5.0

 

6.1

 

5.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating income (loss)

 

(8.3

)

6.1

 

(5.3

)

1.7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income

 

0.4

 

0.0

 

0.6

 

0.0

 

Expense

 

(3.5

)

(3.5

)

(3.9

)

(3.6

)

Other expense, net

 

 

(0.3

)

 

(0.1

)

Net other expense

 

(3.1

)

(3.8

)

(3.2

)

(3.7

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

(11.4

)%

2.4

%

(8.6

)%

(1.9

)%

 

Certain percentage amounts do not sum due to rounding.

 

9



 

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:

 

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 Thirty-nine Weeks Ended September 28, 2003 and September 26, 2004

 

Revenue

 

We generated $3,786,885 and $9,279,191 of revenues during the third quarter of 2003 and 2004, respectively, with average weekly sales increasing from $88,067 to $89,223 over the same periods.  During the first three quarters of 2003 we had revenues of $9,768,071 while we had revenues of $23,197,994 during the comparable period of 2004.  Average weekly sales for the comparable thirty-nine week periods increased from $80,728 in fiscal year 2003 to $87,540 in fiscal year 2004.  The overall 137.5% increase in revenues during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year was due primarily to the successful opening of five new prototype restaurants since September 2, 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 throughout the first three quarters of the current fiscal year due to our expansion in late 2003 and in the first half of 2004.  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.

 

10



 

Cost of Sales

 

Food, Beverage and Retail

 

Our food, beverage and retail cost increased 1.5% as a percentage of revenues during the thirteen weeks ended September 26, 2004 compared to the thirteen-week period ended September 28, 2003.  These costs increased 1.4% as a percentage of revenue during the first three quarters of 2004 compared to the first three quarters of 2003.   The increases we experienced were due primarily to new staff members becoming familiar with our operations as we opened restaurants in late 2003 and early 2004, as well as product price increase in some areas, particularly chicken, beef and dairy.

 

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 and introduce new craftbrewed beers 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 mitigating product price increases and maintaining or reducing our food and beverage 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 0.2% during the third quarter of 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003.  These costs decreased 1.0% as a percentage of revenues in the first three quarters of 2004 compared to the first three quarters 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 three quarters of 2004, due primarily 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 and 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 thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2004 compared to the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2003, respectively.  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 and advertising.  Although we experienced increases in credit card discounts, hiring and training expenses, various supplies and fixed rent, our higher unit volumes reduced the fixed and indirectly variable costs as a percentage of revenues.

 

11



 

Pre-Opening Costs

 

We experienced pre-opening costs 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.  Based upon general increases in the costs of labor, travel and lodging as well as our plan to train managers for an additional week prior to each opening, we expect future pre-opening expenses to average between $275,000 and $300,000 per unit.  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 corporate governance costs, professional fees, office administration, centralized accounting system costs, and travel by our corporate management to the restaurant locations.  General and administrative expenses increased $170,055 during the third quarter of 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003.  Such expenses increased $657,694 during the first three quarters of 2004 compared to the first three quarters of 2003.  These expenses decreased 5.2% and 4.0% as a percent of revenue, during the third quarter and first three quarters of 2004, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2003, indicating that revenues generated from our new locations more than offset the related increase in general and administrative expenses.  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 three quarters of 2004 compared to 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 and our advertising costs increased with a billboard campaign in the first two months of 2004.

 

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 $256,987 during the third quarter of 2004 and $581,802 during the first three quarters 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 three quarters of 2004, depreciation expense decreased by 1.0% compared to the first three quarters of 2003, due to the higher unit volumes.

 

Other Income and Expense

 

Interest expense net of interest income increased $206,902 during the third quarter of 2004 compared to the third quarter of 2003.  Interest expense net of interest income increased $515,715 during the first three quarters of 2004 compared to the first three quarters 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.  Other income and expense for the first three quarters of 2004 included a $23,520 loss on assets which had not been fully depreciated.

 

12



 

Liquidity and Capital Resources

 

We have funded our capital requirements since inception through sales of securities, building and equipment leases, debt financing and cash flow from operations.  To obtain working capital to fund additional expansion, we entered into a securities purchase agreement with accredited investors for the sale of approximately $8.5 million of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock on September 17, 2004.  The agreement provided for securities to be sold at an offering price of $3.25 per share of common stock, with one warrant for every 2.5 shares of common stock sold.  The warrants have a term of five years and are exercisable at $5.00 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution adjustments.  We completed the initial closing of this private placement, generating gross proceeds of $1,925,157 with the sale of 592,356 shares of common stock and issuance of warrants to purchase 236,944 shares of common stock.  In connection with the initial closing, we issued our agent a warrant to purchase 29,618 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.00 per share, paid our agent cash commission of $96,258 and paid expenses related to the transaction of $125,341.  Completion of the sale of the remaining shares and warrants is subject to approval by our shareholders in compliance with Nasdaq Marketplace Rules.

 

During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 26, 2004, operating activities provided us $804,554 of net cash, the sale of common stock described above provided us $1,774,785 of net cash, issuance of common stock pursuant to the exercise of options and warrants provided us $91,214 in net cash, and proceeds from long-term debt and our line of credit provided us $949,102 of net cash.  We used $2,307,910 of cash to purchase equipment and other assets primarily for our Davenport, Lincoln and Minneapolis locations, made payments on our debt and capital lease obligations aggregating $498,584, and paid cash dividends aggregating $108,783 to holders of our convertible preferred stock.

 

During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2003, the issuance of securities provided us $1,381,989 of net cash and proceeds from long-term debt provided us $428,572 of net cash.  We used $317,108 of such cash in operating activities, $1,989,493 to purchase equipment, primarily for our West Des Moines and Cedar Rapids locations, paid cash dividends of $168,384 to holders of our preferred stock, and made payments on our debt and capital leases aggregating $231,859.

 

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.

 

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 paid annual interest at a rate of 6.75% on amounts we borrowed, which interest payments aggregated approximately $5,307.  This line of credit expired September 1, 2004, at which time we renewed the line at an annual interest rate of 7.00%.  This line of credit is secured by substantially all our personal property, is guaranteed by one of our directors and expires September 15, 2005.  As of September 26, 2004, we had $199,102 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 $151,165 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.

 

13



 

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 our private placement, management believes that we will have sufficient funds to pursue our business strategy over the next three years.  We continue to explore new restaurant sites and we expect to continue our strategy of obtaining equipment financing as needed for additional units. Our expansion plans are dependent upon shareholder approval of the sale of the remaining shares and warrants offered as part of our September 17, 2004 securities purchase agreement with accredited investors.  If we do not receive such approval, we will need to seek 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 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 September 26, 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 September 26, 2004, future obligations relating to the land portion of these seven leases aggregated $15,616,046 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 $23,737,608 at September 26, 2004.

 

In 2001, we entered into a 20-year operating lease for land upon which we built our Fargo restaurant.  As of September 26, 2004, future obligations under the terms of this lease aggregated $1,233,800 plus percentage rent.

 

As of September 26, 2004, we have additional capital lease obligations outstanding of $770,683 for equipment leases expiring in 2008, and operating lease obligations outstanding aggregating $49,250 for leases expiring in 2005 for office space and various equipment items.

 

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 is calculated based on 3% of the weighted average daily balances of such loans at the end of each monthly accounting period.  As of September 26, 2004, we had accrued $26,513 of such fees.

 

14



 

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 for such severance pay 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., a significant 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 September 26, 2004, five restaurants have been constructed for us under this development agreement.

 

Summary of Contractual Obligations:

 

The following table summarizes our obligations under contractual agreements as of September 26, 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.  In addition, 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.

 

 

 

Payments due by period

 

Contractual Obligations

 

Total

 

Less than
1 year

 

1-3 years

 

3-5 years

 

More than 5
years

 

Line of credit

 

$

199,102

 

$

199,102

 

$

 

$

 

$

 

Long-term debt

 

2,785,009

 

54,417

 

468,026

 

1,773,978

 

488,588

 

Capital lease obligations

 

24,508,291

 

402,229

 

3,033,063

 

2,740,500

 

18,332,499

 

Operating lease obligations

 

16,899,096

 

253,310

 

1,908,600

 

1,881,696

 

12,855,490

 

Personal guarantees

 

133,704

 

10,042

 

67,289

 

42,284

 

14,089

 

Total obligations

 

$

44,525,202

 

$

919,100

 

$

5,476,978

 

$

6,438,458

 

$

31,690,666

 

 

15



 

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 only if the prime rate is more than 10.3%.

 

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.  Although SYSCO Corporation is our primary supplier of food, substantially all of the food and supplies we purchase 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.

 

 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

 

16



 

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

 

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

 

 

 

 

 

(a)                                  A description of unregistered sales of equity securities during the third quarter of 2004 was previously included in our Current Report on Form 8-K, dated September 17, 2004.

 

 

 

 

 

(b)                                 Not applicable.

 

 

 

 

 

(c)                                  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

 

 

 

 

 

On September 17, 2004, we filed a Current Report on Form 8-K reporting that we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with accredited investors for the sale of approximately $8.5 million of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock, and completed the initial closing thereunder.

 

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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: November 1, 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

 

Securities Purchase Agreement between the Company and the Investors named as signatories thereto, dated September 17, 2004 (incorporated by reference to our Registration Statement on Form S-3, filed on October 15, 2004 (File No. 333-119768)).

 

 

 

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.

 

19