UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, DC 20549

FORM 10-Q


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

For the quarterly period ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023


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

Commission File Number: 001-33174

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		83-3804854
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

968 James Street
Syracuse,	New York	13203
(Address of principal executive office)		(Zip Code)

~~Registrant’s~~Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (315) 424-0513

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

Title of each class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share

TAST

The NASDAQ Global Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

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

Large accelerated filer

☐

Accelerated filer

☒

Non-accelerated filer

☐

Smaller reporting company

☒

Emerging growth company

☐

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

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

As of November ~~4, 2022,~~3, 2023, Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. had ~~53,273,272~~54,496,225 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.

Table of Contents

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

FORM 10-Q

QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023


		Page
PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1	Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited):

	Consolidated Balance Sheets	3

	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive ~~Loss~~Income (Loss)	4

	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity	5

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	6

	Notes to Unaudited Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7

Item 2	~~Management’s~~Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	2423

Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	4342

Item 4	Controls and Procedures	4342

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1	Legal Proceedings	4443

Item 1A	Risk Factors	4443

Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, ~~and~~ Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	4443

Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	4443

Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	4443

Item 5	Other Information	4443

Item 6	Exhibits	44

PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1—INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)


		October 2, 2022		January 2, 2022			October 1, 2023		January 1, 2023
ASSETS	ASSETS					ASSETS
Current assets:	Current assets:					Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,237	$	29,151	Cash and cash equivalents	$	73,020	$	18,364
Trade and other receivables	Trade and other receivables	20,823		16,644		Trade and other receivables	22,616		19,933
Inventories	Inventories	13,567		14,023		Inventories	13,076		14,417

Prepaid expenses and other current assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets	18,807		8,530		Prepaid expenses and other current assets	18,625		15,562

Total current assets	Total current assets	56,434		68,348		Total current assets	127,337		68,276

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $524,095 and $489,588, respectively		320,387		337,702
Franchise rights, net of accumulated amortization of $157,937 and $147,486, respectively (Note 4)		316,293		326,769
Goodwill (Note 4)		107,751		124,451
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $566,700 and $535,359, respectively						Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $566,700 and $535,359, respectively	300,388		312,346
Franchise rights, net of accumulated amortization of $171,262 and $161,426, respectively (Note 3)						Franchise rights, net of accumulated amortization of $171,262 and $161,426, respectively (Note 3)	302,109		312,804
Goodwill (Note 3)						Goodwill (Note 3)	107,751		107,751
Franchise agreements, at cost less accumulated amortization of $18,681 and $16,975, respectively						Franchise agreements, at cost less accumulated amortization of $18,681 and $16,975, respectively	26,461		28,256

Operating right-of-use assets, net (Note 7)		773,505		791,763
Franchise agreements, at cost less accumulated amortization of $16,696 and $14,608, respectively		29,095		30,788
Deferred income taxes (Note 9)		6,461		—
Other assets (Note 8)		14,530		7,243
Operating right-of-use assets, net (Note 6)						Operating right-of-use assets, net (Note 6)	749,679		763,935

Other assets (Note 7)						Other assets (Note 7)	11,921		14,350
Total assets	Total assets	$	1,624,456	$	1,687,064	Total assets	$	1,625,646	$	1,607,718
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY						LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:	Current liabilities:					Current liabilities:
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities (Notes 7 and 8)		$	7,293	$	5,794
Current portion of operating lease liabilities (Note 7)		46,812		44,688
Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities (Notes 6 and 7)						Current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities (Notes 6 and 7)	$	7,236	$	7,341
Current portion of operating lease liabilities (Note 6)						Current portion of operating lease liabilities (Note 6)	48,811		47,408
Accounts payable	Accounts payable	30,082		31,164		Accounts payable	31,779		30,491
Accrued interest	Accrued interest	5,173		9,433		Accrued interest	5,128		9,643

Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	46,508		50,855		Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	53,482		49,934
Accrued real estate taxes	Accrued real estate taxes	9,453		8,256		Accrued real estate taxes	9,468		8,896
Other liabilities	Other liabilities	32,428		18,433		Other liabilities	37,946		25,687
Total current liabilities	Total current liabilities	177,749		168,623		Total current liabilities	193,850		179,400
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, net of current portion (Notes 7 and 8)		478,807		465,317
Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, net of current portion (Notes 6 and 7)						Long-term debt and finance lease liabilities, net of current portion (Notes 6 and 7)	462,800		479,756

Operating lease liabilities (Note 7)		785,585		802,959
Operating lease liabilities (Note 6)						Operating lease liabilities (Note 6)	764,554		776,465

Deferred income taxes, net (Note 9)		—		7,617
Accrued postretirement benefits		1,437		1,552
Deferred income taxes, net (Note 8)						Deferred income taxes, net (Note 8)	12,188		7,665

Other liabilities (Note 6)		11,497		26,772

Other liabilities (Note 5)						Other liabilities (Note 5)	10,206		13,590
Total liabilities	Total liabilities	1,455,075		1,472,840		Total liabilities	1,443,598		1,456,876
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)
Stockholders’ equity (Note 13):
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)						Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Stockholders' equity (Note 12):						Stockholders' equity (Note 12):
Preferred stock, par value $.01; authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding—100 shares	Preferred stock, par value $.01; authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding—100 shares	—		—		Preferred stock, par value $.01; authorized 20,000,000 shares, issued and outstanding—100 shares	—		—
Voting common stock, par value $.01; authorized—100,000,000 shares, issued—55,378,225 and 53,374,341 shares, respectively, and outstanding—50,805,461 and 49,932,558 shares, respectively		529		520
Voting common stock, par value $.01; authorized—100,000,000 shares, issued—56,747,962 and 54,928,225 shares, respectively, and outstanding—51,602,340 and 50,903,111 shares, respectively						Voting common stock, par value $.01; authorized—100,000,000 shares, issued—56,747,962 and 54,928,225 shares, respectively, and outstanding—51,602,340 and 50,903,111 shares, respectively	539		530
Additional paid-in capital	Additional paid-in capital	291,624		287,816		Additional paid-in capital	296,668		292,708
Accumulated deficit	Accumulated deficit	(117,838)		(61,396)		Accumulated deficit	(108,532)		(136,968)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	Accumulated other comprehensive income	9,193		1,411		Accumulated other comprehensive income	7,798		8,702
Treasury stock, at cost	Treasury stock, at cost	(14,127)		(14,127)		Treasury stock, at cost	(14,425)		(14,130)
Total stockholders’ equity		169,381		214,224
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	1,624,456	$	1,687,064
Total stockholders' equity						Total stockholders' equity	182,048		150,842
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity						Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,625,646	$	1,607,718

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE ~~LOSS~~INCOME (LOSS)

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
October 2, 2022 October 3, 2021 October 2, 2022 October 3, 2021
Restaurant sales $ 443,961 $ 421,703 $ 1,285,382 $ 1,236,237
Operating expenses:
Food, beverage and packaging costs 138,012 131,103 401,244 371,317
Restaurant wages and related expenses 148,838 141,303 439,773 408,541
Restaurant rent expense (Note 7) 31,244 30,551 93,487 91,456
Other restaurant operating expenses 70,237 66,733 204,676 193,280
Advertising expense 17,841 16,619 51,446 48,927
General and administrative expenses (including stock-based compensation of $940, $1,458, $3,817, and $4,541, respectively) 22,572 19,209 65,416 61,276
Depreciation and amortization 19,284 20,101 58,897 61,131
Impairment and other lease charges (Notes 4 and 5) 1,196 784 19,868 1,281
Other income, net (Note 15) (1,750) (1,053) (1,109) (111)
Total operating expenses 447,474 425,350 1,333,698 1,237,098
Loss from operations (3,513) (3,647) (48,316) (861)
Loss on extinguishment of debt — — — 8,538
Interest expense 7,896 7,724 22,968 21,392
Loss before income taxes (11,409) (11,371) (71,284) (30,791)
Benefit from income taxes (Note 9) (2,712) (1,469) (14,842) (4,162)
Net loss $ (8,697) $ (9,902) $ (56,442) $ (26,629)
Basic and diluted net loss per share (Note 14) $ (0.17) $ (0.20) $ (1.11) $ (0.53)
Shares used in computing net loss per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 50,805,461 49,927,583 50,689,730 49,889,673
Comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Net loss $ (8,697) $ (9,902) $ (56,442) $ (26,629)
Change in valuation of interest rate swap (Note 8) 2,905 269 7,782 2,924
Comprehensive loss $ (5,792) $ (9,633) $ (48,660) $ (23,705)


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022		October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
Restaurant sales	$	475,761	$	443,961	$	1,406,146	$	1,285,382
Operating expenses:
Food, beverage and packaging costs	129,984		138,012		392,110		401,244
Restaurant wages and related expenses	153,712		148,838		455,305		439,773
Restaurant rent expense (Note 6)	32,207		31,244		96,221		93,487
Other restaurant operating expenses	74,685		70,237		217,528		204,676
Advertising expense	19,323		17,841		56,799		51,446
General and administrative expenses (including stock-based compensation of $1,870, $940, $3,969 and $3,817, respectively)	26,165		22,572		76,493		65,416
Depreciation and amortization	18,291		19,284		55,568		58,897
Impairment and other lease charges (Note 4)	1,591		1,196		5,680		19,868
Other income, net (Note 14)	(3,638)		(1,750)		(6,463)		(1,109)
Total operating expenses	452,320		447,474		1,349,241		1,333,698
Income (loss) from operations	23,441		(3,513)		56,905		(48,316)

Interest expense	7,189		7,896		23,089		22,968
Income (loss) before income taxes	16,252		(11,409)		33,816		(71,284)
Provision (benefit) from income taxes (Note 8)	3,634		(2,712)		5,380		(14,842)
Net income (loss)	$	12,618	$	(8,697)	$	28,436	$	(56,442)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share (Note 13)	$	0.20	$	(0.17)	$	0.44	$	(1.11)
Shares used in computing net income (loss) per share:
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	51,560,307		50,805,461		51,506,367		50,689,730
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	62,827,875		50,805,461		62,124,464		50,689,730
Comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:
Net income (loss)	$	12,618	$	(8,697)	$	28,436	$	(56,442)
Change in valuation of interest rate swap (Note 7)	(472)		2,905		(904)		7,782
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	12,146	$	(5,792)	$	27,532	$	(48,660)

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

(Unaudited)


													Accumulated																			Accumulated
								Additional					Other					Total									Additional					Other					Total
																					Common Stock			Preferred Stock			Paid-In		Accumulated			Comprehensive		Treasury Stock			Stockholders'
																					Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Capital		Deficit			Income		Shares	Amount		Equity
Balance, January 1, 2023																				Balance, January 1, 2023	53,010,414	$	530	100	$	—	$	292,708	$	(136,968)		$	8,702	(2,107,303)	$	(14,130)	$	150,842
Stock-based compensation																				Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		1,097		—			—		—	—		1,097
Vesting of non-vested shares and RSUs																				Vesting of non-vested shares and RSUs	767,359	8		—	—		(8)		—			—		—	—		—
Net income																				Net income	—	—		—	—		—		864			—		—	—		864
Purchase of treasury stock																				Purchase of treasury stock	—	—		—	—		—		—			—		(144,434)	(295)		(295)
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $260 (Note 7)																				Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $260 (Note 7)	—	—		—	—		—		—			(1,137)		—	—		(1,137)
Balance, April 2, 2023																				Balance, April 2, 2023	53,777,773	$	538	100	$	—	$	293,797	$	(136,104)		$	7,565	(2,251,737)	$	(14,425)	$	151,371
Stock-based compensation																				Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		1,002		—			—		—	—		1,002
Vesting of non-vested shares																				Vesting of non-vested shares	31,343	—		—	—		—		—			—		—	—		—
Net income																				Net income	—	—		—	—		—		14,954			—		—	—		14,954
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $41 (Note 7)																				Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $41 (Note 7)	—	—		—	—		—		—			705		—	—		705
Balance, July 2, 2023																				Balance, July 2, 2023	53,809,116	$	538	100	$	—	$	294,799	$	(121,150)		$	8,270	(2,251,737)	$	(14,425)	$	168,032
Stock-based compensation																				Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		1,870		—					—	—		1,870
Vesting of non-vested shares																				Vesting of non-vested shares	44,961	1		—	—		(1)		—					—	—		—

Net income																				Net income	—	—		—	—		—		12,618					—	—		12,618
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $274 (Note 7)																				Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $274 (Note 7)	—	—		—	—		—		—			(472)		—	—		(472)
Balance, October 1, 2023																				Balance, October 1, 2023	53,854,077	$	539	100	$	—	$	296,668	$	(108,532)		$	7,798	(2,251,737)	$	(14,425)	$	182,048
		Common Stock			Preferred Stock			Paid-In		Accumulated			Comprehensive		Treasury Stock			Stockholders'
		Shares	Amount		Shares	Amount		Capital		Deficit			Income (Loss)		Shares	Amount		Equity
Balance, January 2, 2022	Balance, January 2, 2022	52,037,511	$	520	100	$	—	$	287,816	$	(61,396)		$	1,411	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	214,224	Balance, January 2, 2022	52,037,511	$	520	100	$	—	$	287,816	$	(61,396)		$	1,411	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	214,224
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		1,941		—			—		—	—		1,941		Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		1,941		—			—		—	—		1,941
Vesting of non-vested shares and RSUs	Vesting of non-vested shares and RSUs	856,039	9		—	—		(9)		—			—		—	—		—		Vesting of non-vested shares and RSUs	856,039	9		—	—		(9)		—			—		—	—		—
Net loss	Net loss	—	—		—	—		—		(21,269)			—		—	—		(21,269)		Net loss	—	—		—	—		—		(21,269)			—		—	—		(21,269)

Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income taxes of $816 (Note 8)		—	—		—	—		—		—			4,282		—	—		4,282
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax expense of $816 (Note 7)																				Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax expense of $816 (Note 7)	—	—		—	—		—		—			4,282		—	—		4,282
Balance, April 3, 2022	Balance, April 3, 2022	52,893,550	$	529	100	$	—	$	289,748	$	(82,665)		$	5,693	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	199,178	Balance, April 3, 2022	52,893,550	$	529	100	$	—	$	289,748	$	(82,665)		$	5,693	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	199,178
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		936		—			—		—	—		936		Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		936		—			—		—	—		936
Vesting of non-vested shares	Vesting of non-vested shares	16,864	—		—	—		—		—			—		—	—		—		Vesting of non-vested shares	16,864	—		—	—		—		—			—		—	—		—

Net loss	Net loss	—	—		—	—		—		(26,476)			—		—	—		(26,476)		Net loss	—	—		—	—		—		(26,476)					—	—		(26,476)
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $211 (Note 8)		—	—		—	—		—		—			595		—	—		595
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $211 (Note 7)																				Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax benefit of $211 (Note 7)	—	—		—	—		—		—			595		—	—		595
Balance, July 3, 2022	Balance, July 3, 2022	52,910,414	$	529	100	$	—	$	290,684	$	(109,141)		$	6,288	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	174,233	Balance, July 3, 2022	52,910,414	$	529	100	$	—	$	290,684	$	(109,141)		$	6,288	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	174,233
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		940		—			—		—	—		940		Stock-based compensation	—	—		—	—		940		—			—		—	—		940
Vesting of non-vested shares	Vesting of non-vested shares	—	—		—	—		—		—			—		—	—		—		Vesting of non-vested shares	—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—	—		—

Net loss	Net loss	—	—		—	—		—		(8,697)			—		—	—		(8,697)		Net loss	—	—		—	—		—		(8,697)			—		—	—		(8,697)
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income taxes of $159 (Note 8)		—	—		—	—		—		—			2,905		—	—		2,905
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax expense of $159 (Note 7)																				Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income tax expense of $159 (Note 7)	—	—		—	—		—		—			2,905		—	—		2,905
Balance, October 2, 2022	Balance, October 2, 2022	52,910,414	$	529	100	$	—	$	291,624	$	(117,838)		$	9,193	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	169,381	Balance, October 2, 2022	52,910,414	$	529	100	$	—	$	291,624	$	(117,838)		$	9,193	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	169,381

Balance, January 3, 2021		51,486,116	$	515	100	$	—	$	306,469	$	(18,367)		$	(3,015)	(2,096,734)	$	(14,070)	$	271,532
Stock-based compensation		—	—		—	—		1,469		—			—		—	—		1,469
Vesting of non-vested shares and RSUs		522,406	5		—	—		(5)		—			—		—	—		—
Net loss		—	—		—	—		—		(7,168)			—		—	—		(7,168)
Purchase of treasury stock		—	—		—	—		—		—			—		(8,219)	(57)		(57)
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income taxes of $1,046 (Note 8)		—	—		—	—		—		—			3,159		—	—		3,159
Balance, April 4, 2021		52,008,522	$	520	100	$	—	$	307,933	$	(25,535)		$	144	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	268,935
Stock-based compensation		—	—		—	—		1,614		—			—		—	—		1,614
Vesting of non-vested shares		24,014	—		—	—		—		—			—		—	—		—

Net loss		—	—		—	—		—		(9,559)			—		—	—		(9,559)
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income taxes of $167 (Note 8)		—	—		—	—		—		—			(504)		—	—		(504)
Balance, July 4, 2021		52,032,536	$	520	100	$	—	$	309,547	$	(35,094)		$	(360)	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	260,486
Stock-based compensation		—	—		—	—		1,458		—			—		—	—		1,458
Vesting of non-vested shares		—	—		—	—		—		—		—	—		—	—		—

Conversion of preferred stock to common stock		—	—		—	—		(24,882)		—			—		—	—		(24,882)
Net loss		—	—		—	—		—		(9,902)			—		—	—		(9,902)
Change in valuation of interest rate swap, net of income taxes of $89 (Note 8)		—	—		—	—		—		—			269		—	—		269
Balance, October 3, 2021		52,032,536	$	520	100	$	—	$	286,123	$	(44,996)		$	(91)	(2,104,953)	$	(14,127)	$	227,429

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)


		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		October 2, 2022		October 3, 2021			October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:	Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:					Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities:
Net loss		$	(56,442)	$	(26,629)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(Gain) loss on disposals of property and equipment, including sale-leasebacks		1,375		(111)
Net income (loss)						Net income (loss)	$	28,436	$	(56,442)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:						Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
(Gain) loss on disposals of property and equipment, including sale-leaseback transactions						(Gain) loss on disposals of property and equipment, including sale-leaseback transactions	(1,936)		1,375
Stock-based compensation	Stock-based compensation	3,817		4,541		Stock-based compensation	3,969		3,817
Impairment and other lease charges	Impairment and other lease charges	19,868		1,281		Impairment and other lease charges	5,680		19,868
Depreciation and amortization	Depreciation and amortization	58,897		61,131		Depreciation and amortization	55,568		58,897
Amortization of deferred financing costs	Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,625		1,903		Amortization of deferred financing costs	1,625		1,625
Amortization of discount on debt	Amortization of discount on debt	95		455		Amortization of discount on debt	98		95
Deferred income taxes	Deferred income taxes	(14,842)		(4,138)		Deferred income taxes	5,098		(14,842)

Non-cash loss on extinguishment of debt		—		8,538

Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	(16,535)		3,256		Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	5,174		(16,535)
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(2,142)		50,227		Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	103,712		(2,142)
Cash flows used for investing activities:	Cash flows used for investing activities:					Cash flows used for investing activities:
Capital expenditures:	Capital expenditures:					Capital expenditures:
New restaurant development	New restaurant development	(7,220)		(5,768)		New restaurant development	(4,044)		(7,220)
Restaurant remodeling	Restaurant remodeling	(7,251)		(9,660)		Restaurant remodeling	(8,295)		(7,251)
Other restaurant capital expenditures	Other restaurant capital expenditures	(12,325)		(13,455)		Other restaurant capital expenditures	(15,746)		(12,325)
Corporate and restaurant information systems	Corporate and restaurant information systems	(2,948)		(8,660)		Corporate and restaurant information systems	(4,437)		(2,948)
Total capital expenditures	Total capital expenditures	(29,744)		(37,543)		Total capital expenditures	(32,522)		(29,744)
Acquisition of restaurants, net of cash acquired (Note 3)		—		(30,819)

Proceeds from sale of other assets	Proceeds from sale of other assets	864		229		Proceeds from sale of other assets	—		864
Properties purchased for sale-leaseback	Properties purchased for sale-leaseback	(3,996)		—		Properties purchased for sale-leaseback	(1,790)		(3,996)
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	4,052		20,186		Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	1,321		4,052
Proceeds from insurance recoveries	Proceeds from insurance recoveries	58		1,244		Proceeds from insurance recoveries	2,220		58
Net cash used for investing activities	Net cash used for investing activities	(28,766)		(46,703)		Net cash used for investing activities	(30,771)		(28,766)
Cash flows provided by financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029		—		300,000
Principal payments on Term B and B-1 Loans		(3,188)		(320,313)
Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities:						Cash flows (used in) provided by financing activities:

Principal payments on Term B Loans						Principal payments on Term B Loans	(3,188)		(3,188)

Borrowings under revolving credit facility	Borrowings under revolving credit facility	91,500		47,063		Borrowings under revolving credit facility	11,000		91,500
Repayments under revolving credit facility	Repayments under revolving credit facility	(81,500)		—		Repayments under revolving credit facility	(23,500)		(81,500)
Principal payments on finance lease liabilities	Principal payments on finance lease liabilities	(1,818)		(404)		Principal payments on finance lease liabilities	(2,302)		(1,818)
Costs associated with issuance of long-term debt		—		(5,404)

Purchase of treasury shares	Purchase of treasury shares	—		(57)		Purchase of treasury shares	(295)		—
Net cash provided by financing activities		4,994		20,885
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities						Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(18,285)		4,994
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(25,914)		24,409		Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	54,656		(25,914)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	29,151		64,964		Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	18,364		29,151
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	3,237	$	89,373	Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	73,020	$	3,237
Supplemental disclosures:	Supplemental disclosures:					Supplemental disclosures:
Interest paid on long-term debt	Interest paid on long-term debt	$	25,210	$	14,577	Interest paid on long-term debt	$	26,585	$	25,210
Interest paid on lease financing obligations	Interest paid on lease financing obligations	77		78		Interest paid on lease financing obligations	—		77
Interest paid on finance leases	Interest paid on finance leases	505		86		Interest paid on finance leases	585		505
Accruals for capital expenditures	Accruals for capital expenditures	1,916		2,059		Accruals for capital expenditures	2,306		1,916
Finance lease obligations incurred	Finance lease obligations incurred	9,085		2,798		Finance lease obligations incurred	—		9,085
Gain on sale-leaseback transactions	Gain on sale-leaseback transactions	430		17		Gain on sale-leaseback transactions	1,217		430
Operating lease assets and liabilities resulting from lease modifications and new leases	Operating lease assets and liabilities resulting from lease modifications and new leases	19,461		35,128		Operating lease assets and liabilities resulting from lease modifications and new leases	27,519		19,461
Operating cash flows related to operating leases	Operating cash flows related to operating leases	76,804		75,389		Operating cash flows related to operating leases	77,415		76,804
Income taxes paid						Income taxes paid	229		—

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

Table of Contents

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

1. Business Description

At October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. (“("Carrols Restaurant ~~Group”~~Group") operated, as franchisee, ~~1,022~~1,019 Burger King® restaurants in 23 Northeastern, Midwestern, Southcentral and Southeastern states and 6561 Popeyes® restaurants in ~~seven~~six Southeastern states. Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. is a holding company and conducts all of its operations through its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries Carrols Corporation and New CFH, LLC and their wholly-owned subsidiaries. Carrols Corporation's material wholly-owned subsidiary is Carrols LLC, a Delaware limited liability company. New CFH LLC's material direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries include Frayser Quality, LLC and Nashville Quality, LLC (and together with New CFH, LLC's immaterial direct and indirect subsidiaries, collectively, ~~“New CFH”~~"New CFH"). Unless the context otherwise requires, Carrols Restaurant Group and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries are collectively referred to as the ~~“Company.”~~

"Company."

2. Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Consolidation. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Fiscal Year. The Company uses a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. The three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and October ~~3, 2021~~2, 2022 contained thirteen and thirty-nine weeks, respectively. The ~~2022~~2023 fiscal year will end ~~January 1,~~December 31, 2023 and will contain 52 weeks.

Basis of Presentation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements as of and for the three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and October ~~3, 2021~~2, 2022 have been prepared without an audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include certain of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of such unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the ~~audited~~ consolidated financial statements contained in the ~~Company’s~~Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023. The January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 consolidated balance sheet data is derived from those audited consolidated financial statements.

Use of Estimates. The preparation of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates include accrued occupancy costs, insurance liabilities, lease accounting matters, the valuation of acquired assets and liabilities, interest rate swap valuation, the valuation of deferred income tax assets and liabilities, and the evaluation for impairment of goodwill, long-lived assets and franchise rights. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Segment Information. Operating segments are components of an entity for which discrete financial information is available and is regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker in order to allocate resources and assess performance. The Company's chief operating decision-maker, our President and Chief Executive Officer ~~(“CEO”~~("CEO"), currently evaluates the Company's operations from a number of different operational perspectives; however, resource allocation decisions are determined based on the chief operating decision-maker's evaluation of the ~~Company's operations as a whole.~~total Company operations. The Company derives all significant revenues from a single operating segment, its restaurant business. Accordingly, the Company views the operating results of its restaurants as one reportable segment.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

~~operating segment, its restaurant business. Accordingly, the Company views the operating results of its restaurants as one reportable segment.~~

~~Business Combinations.~~ In accordance with ASC 805, the Company allocates the purchase price of an acquired business to its identifiable assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values. The excess of the purchase price over the amount allocated to the assets and liabilities, if any, is recorded as goodwill. The excess value of the net identifiable assets and liabilities acquired over the purchase price, if any, is recorded as a bargain purchase gain. The Company uses all available information to estimate fair values of identifiable intangible assets and property acquired. In making these determinations, the Company may engage an independent third-party valuation specialist to assist with the valuation of certain leasehold improvements, franchise rights and favorable and unfavorable leases.

The Company estimates that the seller's carrying value of acquired restaurant equipment, subject to certain adjustments, is equivalent to the fair value of this equipment at the date of the acquisition. The fair values of assumed franchise agreements are valued as if the remaining term of the agreement is at the market rate. The fair values of acquired land, buildings, certain leasehold improvements and restaurant equipment subject to finance leases are determined using both the cost approach and market approach using significant inputs observable in the open market. The Company categorizes these inputs as Level 2 inputs under ASC 820. The fair value of acquired franchise rights and favorable or unfavorable leases positions are determined using the income approach and include unobservable inputs. The Company categorizes these inputs as Level 3 inputs under ASC 820.

Cash and Cash Equivalents. The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents. At ~~both~~ October ~~2, 2022 and January 2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the Company had $30.4 million of cash invested in money market funds classified as cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. The Company did not have any cash invested in money market funds classified as cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance ~~sheets.~~sheets as of January 1, 2023.

Food, ~~beverage~~Beverage and ~~packaging costs.~~Packaging Costs. The Company includes food, beverage and packaging costs and delivery charges, net of any vendor purchase discounts and rebates, in food, beverage, and packaging costs.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three-level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable and reflect the Company's own assumptions. Financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, accounts payable and long-term debt. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these financial instruments. Borrowings under the ~~Company’s~~Company's Senior Credit Facilities (including its term B loans) accrue interest at a floating rate tied to a standard short-term borrowing index selected at the ~~Company’s~~Company's option, plus an applicable margin. The Company's liability for its Senior Credit Facilities and 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 are carried at historical cost in the accompanying balance sheets. The fair value of our term B loans and 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 is based on recent trading activity, which are Level 2 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. As of October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the term B loans traded at ~~86.5%~~96.9% of par value and the 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 traded at ~~67.0%~~82.8% of par value.

The Company recognizes its derivative arrangements on the balance sheet at fair value, which is considered a Level 2 input. The ~~Company’s~~Company's only derivative is an interest rate swap (the ~~“Swap”~~"Swap") which is designated as a cash flow hedge. Accordingly, the ~~effective portion of the changes~~entire change in the fair value of ~~this arrangement~~the cash flow hedges included in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The amounts recorded in other comprehensive income ~~(loss) until the hedged item is recognized in earnings. Any ineffective portion of the changes in the fair value of this arrangement is immediately recognized in~~will subsequently be reclassified to earnings as an increase or decrease to interest expense as ~~applicable.~~realized through receipts or payments. The Company classifies cash inflows and outflows from derivatives within operating activities on the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. The Swap ~~is valued at $9.1~~had an asset value of $7.1 million as of October ~~2, 2022. It~~1, 2023 and it is classified as Level 2 within the ~~valuation~~fair value hierarchy.

~~CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)~~

~~(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share~~The Company's counterparties under this arrangement provided the Company with quarterly statements of the market values of these instruments based on significant inputs that were observable or could be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. The impact on the derivative liabilities for the Company and ~~per share amounts)~~

the counterparties' non-performance risk to the derivative trades was considered when measuring the fair value of derivative liabilities.

Fair value measurements of non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities are primarily used in the impairment analysis of long-lived assets, goodwill and intangible assets. Long-lived assets and definite-lived intangible assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs. As described in ~~Notes~~Note 4, ~~and 5,~~ the Company recorded ~~$16.7 million in goodwill impairment charges in the second quarter of 2022 and~~ long-lived asset impairment charges of $0.6 million and $1.0 million during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023, respectively, and $0.4 million and $1.8 million during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022, ~~and $0.6 million and $0.9 million during the three and nine months ended October 3, 2021.~~

~~Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements.~~ In March 2020, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2020-04 (“ASU 2020-04”) and subsequently ASU No. 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848) in March 2020 and January 2021, respectively. The ~~new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contract modifications and hedging relationships, including derivative instruments impacted by changes~~Company also recorded $16.7 million in the interest rates used for discounting cash flows for computing variable margin settlements, subject to meeting certain criteria, that reference the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or other reference rates expected to be discontinued in 2022 or 2023. The ASUs establish certain contract modification principles that entities can apply in other areas that may be affected by reference rate reform and certain elective hedge accounting expedients and exceptions. The ASUs may be applied prospectively and are effective for all entities as of March 12, 2020 through December 31, 2022. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance to determine the timing and extent to which it will apply to the Company's borrowing and interest rate swap arrangements. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

~~Subsequent events.~~ ~~The Company reviewed and evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.~~

~~3. Acquisitions~~

~~In 2021, the Company acquired an aggregate of 19 Burger King restaurants from other franchisees in the following transactions (in thousands except number of restaurants):~~

Closing Date Number of Restaurants Purchase Price
Fee-Owned(1)(2)
Market Location
June 17, 2021 14 $ 27,603 12 Fort Wayne, Indiana
June 23, 2021 5 3,216 1 Battle Creek, Michigan
19 $ 30,819 13

~~(1)~~The 2021 acquisitions included the purchase of 13 fee-owned restaurants, of which 12 were sold in sale-leaseback transactions during the third quarter of 2021 for net proceeds of approximately $20.2 million.

~~(2)One of the fee-owned restaurants was closed at the end of 2021 and subsequently sold~~goodwill impairment charges in the second quarter of ~~2022 for proceeds of $0.2 million.~~

2022.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The Company allocated the aggregate purchase price for the 2021 acquisitions at their estimated fair values. The following table summarizes the final allocation of the aggregate purchase price for the 2021 acquisitions:


~~Inventory~~	$	~~229~~


~~Land and buildings~~	~~20,376~~
~~Restaurant equipment~~	~~850~~
~~Restaurant equipment - subject to finance leases~~	29
~~Right-of-use assets~~	~~2,997~~
~~Leasehold improvements~~	~~550~~
~~Franchise fees~~	~~411~~
~~Franchise rights~~	~~6,025~~

~~Deferred income taxes~~	~~484~~
~~Goodwill~~	~~1,832~~
~~Operating lease liabilities~~	~~(2,900)~~
~~Finance lease liabilities for restaurant equipment~~	~~(35)~~

~~Accounts payable~~	~~(29)~~

~~Net assets acquired~~	$	~~30,819~~

Goodwill recorded in connection with the 2021 acquisitions represents costs in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying net assets of acquired restaurants. Acquired goodwill that is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes was $1.8 million in 2021.

The results of operations for the restaurants acquired are included from the closing date of the respective acquisition. The 2021 acquired restaurants contributed restaurant sales of $5.5 million and $16.5 million in the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022. It is impracticable to disclose net earnings for the post-acquisition period for the acquired restaurants as net earnings of these restaurants were not tracked on a collective basis due to the integration of administrative functions, including field supervision.

The unaudited pro forma impact on the results of operations for the restaurants acquired in 2021 for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2021 are included below. The unaudited pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of any future consolidated operating results. The following table summarizes the Company's unaudited pro forma operating results:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
October 3, 2021 October 3, 2021
Total revenue $ 421,703 $ 1,247,727
Net loss $ (9,821) $ (25,395)
Basic and diluted net loss per share $ (0.20) $ (0.51)

~~This unaudited pro forma financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies, cost savings or integration costs related to the acquired restaurants.~~

~~CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)~~

~~(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)~~

~~4. Intangible Assets~~

~~Goodwill~~. The Company is required to review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. During the second quarter of 2022, a sustained decline in the Company's stock price due to the impact of continued increases in input costs on the Company's operating margins resulted in an implied equity premium that was outside of an observable range and was determined to be an indicator of an impairment. As a result, the Company performed a quantitative interim goodwill impairment test for its reporting units during the second quarter of 2022. As part of this interim goodwill impairment test, the Company considered certain qualitative and quantitative factors, such as the Company's performance, business forecasts, capital expenditure plans, a discount rate approximating the Company's weighted average cost of capital, and an evaluation of peer company multiples, among other factors. Using both the income approach and the market approach, the Company compared the fair value of each of its reporting units to their respective carrying values. Based on the results of this analysis, the Company determined that the fair value of its Popeyes reporting unit was less than its carrying value, and as a result, recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge during the three months ended July 2, 2022 of $16.7 million. The non-cash goodwill impairment charge represented a full write-down of the goodwill for the Popeyes reporting unit and is included in impairment and other lease charges on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

During the third quarter of 2022 the Company performed its annual analysis of its remaining goodwill for the Burger King reporting unit. As part of the annual goodwill impairment test, the Company considered certain qualitative and quantitative factors, such as the Company's performance, business forecasts, capital expenditure plans, a discount rate approximating the Company's weighted average cost of capital, and an evaluation of peer company multiples, among other factors. Given the nature of the qualitative and quantitative factors considered, there is a degree of uncertainty associated with these judgments and estimates. Notably, the business forecasts and market conditions considered within the Company’s annual goodwill impairment test reflect the Company’s long-standing history of operating Burger King restaurants in various business cycles. The forecasts do not reflect an immediate change in commodity costs or wage pressures, but do reflect a normalization of these costs over time. Using both the income approach and the discounted cash flow approach, the Company compared the fair value of the reporting unit to the carrying value for the reporting unit. Based on the results of this analysis, the fair value of the reporting unit exceeded its carrying value and goodwill was not impaired as of October 2, 2022. However, there can be no assurances that goodwill will not be impaired in future periods. Estimating the fair value of goodwill requires the use of estimates and significant judgments that are based on a number of factors. These estimates and judgments may not be within the control of the Company and accordingly it is possible that the factors, judgments, and estimates could change in future periods.

~~The change in goodwill for the nine months ended October 2, 2022 is summarized below:~~


~~Balance at January 2, 2022~~	$	~~124,451~~

~~Impairment of goodwill~~	~~(16,700)~~
~~Balance at October 2, 2022~~	$	~~107,751~~

~~Franchise Rights.~~ ~~Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition of Burger King and Popeyesrestaurants are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one renewal period of twenty years.~~

The Company assesses the potential impairment of franchise rights whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, including closures of restaurants that were part of an acquisition, a shortfall in undiscounted operating cash flows over the projected remaining life of the franchise rights over the carrying value of such franchise rights for each acquisition group, or a goodwill impairment trigger. If an indicator of impairment exists, an estimate of the aggregate undiscounted cash flows from the acquired restaurants is compared to the respective carrying value of franchise rights for each acquisition. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its

~~CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)~~

~~(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)~~

~~fair value. No impairment charges were recorded related to the Company’s franchise rights for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021, respectively.~~

~~The change in franchise rights for the nine months endedOctober 2, 2022 is summarized below:~~


~~Balance at January 2, 2022~~	$	~~326,769~~

~~Amortization expense~~	~~(10,476)~~
~~Balance at October 2, 2022~~	$	~~316,293~~

Amortization expense related to franchise rights was $3.5 million and $3.5 million for the three months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021, respectively, and $10.5 million and $10.4 million for the nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021, respectively. The Company expects annual amortization expense to be $14.0 million in fiscal 2022, 2023 and 2024 and $13.9 million in 2025, 2026 and 2027.

5. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Lease ~~Charges~~

Charges.The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for impairment at the restaurant level. If an indicator of impairment exists for any of its assets, an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the primary asset for each restaurant is compared to that long-lived ~~asset’s~~asset's carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow, the Company then determines the fair value of the asset and if an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. For closed restaurant locations, the Company reviews the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of the restaurant closure to the end of the remaining lease term and records a lease charge for any right-of-use ~~(“ROU”~~("ROU") lease asset impairment or lease-related costs during the remaining term, net of any estimated sublease recoveries.

The Company determined the fair value of restaurant equipment, for those restaurants reviewed for impairment, based on current economic conditions. The Company determines the fair value of ~~right-of-use~~ROU lease assets based on an assessment of market rents and a discounted future cash flow model. The Company re-evaluates the ROU lease asset at the time the restaurant is no longer determined to be usable to the Company, which is generally when the restaurant is closed. These fair value asset measurements rely on significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements. In the normal course of business, the Company evaluates all new Accounting Standards Updates ("ASU") and other accounting pronouncements issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB"), Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), or other authoritative accounting bodies to determine the potential impact they may have on its Consolidated Financial Statements. The Company does not expect any of the recently issued accounting pronouncements, which have not already been adopted, to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

Subsequent Events. The Company reviewed and evaluated subsequent events through the issuance date of the Company's unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. See "Subsequent Events" footnote 15 for the Company's evaluation.

3. Intangible Assets

Franchise Rights. Amounts allocated to franchise rights for each acquisition of Burger King and Popeyesrestaurants are amortized using the straight-line method over the average remaining term of the acquired franchise agreements plus one twenty-year renewal period.

The Company assesses the potential impairment of franchise rights whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable, including as a result of closures of restaurants that were part of an acquisition, a shortfall in undiscounted operating cash flows over the projected remaining life of the franchise rights to the carrying value of such franchise rights for each acquisition group, or other indicators of impairment. If an indicator of impairment exists, an estimate of the aggregate undiscounted cash flows from the acquired restaurants is compared to the respective carrying value of franchise rights for each acquisition. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. No impairment charges were recorded related to the Company's franchise rights for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022.

The change in franchise rights for each of the three and nine months endedOctober 1, 2023 was from amortization expense during the period. Amortization expense related to franchise rights was $3.5 million for each of the three months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022, respectively, and $10.4 million and $10.5 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022, respectively. The Company expects annual amortization expense to be $13.9 million in fiscal 2023 through fiscal 2028.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Goodwill. The Company is required to review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. If the determined fair value of the reporting unit is less than the related carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized. The Company performs its annual impairment assessment as of the end of the eighth month of its fiscal year. Using both the income approach and the market approach, the Company compares the fair value of its Burger King reporting unit to its carrying value. As part of this goodwill impairment assessment, the Company considers certain qualitative factors, such as the Company's performance, business forecasts and expansion plans, a discount rate approximating the Company's weighted average cost of capital, general economic conditions, and evaluation of peer company multiples, among other factors. Given the nature of the qualitative and quantitative factors considered, there is a degree of uncertainty associated with these judgments and estimates. Notably, the business forecasts and market conditions considered within the Company's annual goodwill impairment test reflect the Company's long-standing history of operating restaurants in various business cycles. The forecasts reflect a normalization of commodity costs and restaurant labor margins, that we have addressed through recent pricing and promotional discounting changes, and reflect continued normalization of these costs over time.

During the third quarter of 2023, the Company performed its annual analysis of its remaining goodwill for the Burger King reporting unit. There were no goodwill impairment losses recorded during the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023. There were no goodwill impairment losses recorded during the three months ended October 2, 2022 and $16.7 million of goodwill impairment losses were recorded during the nine months ended October 2, 2022. The non-cash goodwill impairment charge in 2022 represented a full write-down of the goodwill for the Company's Popeyes reporting unit and is included in impairment and other lease charges on the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

4. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Lease Charges

During the three months ended October 1, 2023, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $1.6 million which included $0.3 million of initial impairment charges for one underperforming restaurant, capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.4 million and $1.0 million of other lease charges primarily related to one restaurant closed during the third quarter of 2023. During the nine months ended October 1, 2023, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $5.7 million, which included $0.3 million of initial impairment charges for one underperforming restaurant, capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.7 million and $4.7 million of other lease charges related to seven restaurants closed during the period.

During the three months ended October 2, 2022, the Company recorded ~~long-lived asset~~ impairment and other lease charges of $1.2 million, ~~consisting~~which included $0.3 million of initial impairment charges for three underperforming restaurants, ~~of $0.3 million,~~ capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.1 million and $0.8 million of other lease charges ~~of $0.8 million~~ primarily related to one restaurant closed during the third quarter of $0.4 million. During the nine months ended October 2, 2022, the Company recorded ~~long-lived asset~~ impairment and other lease charges of $3.2 million, ~~consisting~~which included $1.4 million of initial impairment charges for ten underperforming restaurants, ~~of $1.4 million,~~ capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.4 million, and other lease charges of $1.5 million primarily related to six restaurants closed during the period of $1.0 million.

During the three months ended October 3, 2021, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $0.8 million consisting of $0.5 million of initial impairment charges for three underperforming restaurants, capital expenditure impairment of $0.1 million at underperforming restaurants and $0.2 million of other lease charges in the third quarter of 2021. During the nine months ended October 3, 2021, the Company recorded impairment and other lease charges of $1.3 million consisting of $0.5 million related to initial impairment for four underperforming restaurants, capital expenditure impairment of $0.4 million at previously impaired restaurants and $0.4 million of other lease charges primarily from three restaurants closed during the first nine months of 2021.

1210

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

6.5. Other Liabilities, Long-Term

Other liabilities, long-term, at October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 consisted of the following:

October 2, 2022 January 2, 2022
Accrued occupancy costs $ 1,759 $ 1,741
Accrued workers’ compensation and general liability claims 4,895 4,947
Deferred compensation 2,526 2,286
Deferred federal payroll taxes — 10,808
Lease finance obligations 1,181 5,780
Other 1,136 1,210
$ 11,497 $ 26,772

On March 27, 2020, the United States enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (as amended, the “CARES Act”) as a response to the economic uncertainty resulting from COVID-19. The CARES Act provided for deferred payment of the employer portion of social security taxes through the end of 2020, with 50% of the deferred amount due December 31, 2021 (which was subsequently deferred to January 3, 2022) and the remaining 50% due December 31, 2022 (which was subsequently deferred to January 3, 2023). As of October 2, 2022, $10.8 million of this deferral remained to be repaid and was recorded as a current liability in accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits.


	October 1, 2023		January 1, 2023
Accrued occupancy costs	$	1,514	$	1,797
Accrued workers' compensation and general liability claims	3,768		5,239

Deferred compensation	2,788		3,002

Accrued post retirement benefits	1,254		1,347
Other	882		2,205
	$	10,206	$	13,590

7.6. Leases

The Company utilizes land and buildings in its operations under various lease agreements. The Company does not consider any one of these individual leases material to the Company's operations. Initial lease terms are generally for twenty years and provide for renewal options with rent escalations. The exercise of such renewal options is generally at the ~~Company’s~~Company's sole discretion. The Company evaluates renewal options at lease commencement and upon any lease amendments or remodeling activity to determine if such options are reasonably certain to be exercised based on economic factors. Certain leases also require variable rent, determined as a percentage of sales as defined by the terms of the applicable lease agreement. For most locations, the Company is obligated for occupancy-related costs including payment of property taxes, insurance and utilities.

Right-of-use lease assets represent the ~~Company’s~~Company's right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent the ~~Company’s~~Company's obligation to make payments in exchange for that right of use. As the rate implicit within our leases is not readily determinable, the Company uses market and term-specific incremental borrowing rates which consider the rate of interest it expects to pay on a collateralized basis to borrow an amount equal to the lease payments under similar terms. ROU assets are also reduced by lease incentives, increased by initial direct costs and adjusted by favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liabilities.

Variable lease components represent amounts that are contractually fixed as a percentage of sales and are recognized in expense as incurred. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the condensed consolidated balance sheets and are recognized as lease expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company does not account for lease components (e.g., fixed payments including rent) separately from non-lease components (e.g., common area maintenance).

The Company also utilizes certain restaurant equipment under various finance lease agreements with initial terms of generally three to eight years. The Company does not consider any one of these individual leases material to the Company's operations.

For certain leases where rent escalates based upon a change in a financial index, such as the Consumer Price Index, the difference between the index at lease inception and the subsequent fluctuations in that index are included in variable lease costs. Additionally, because the Company has elected to not separate lease and non-lease components, in limited instances variable costs also include payments to the landlord for common area

~~CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)~~

~~(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)~~

maintenance, real estate taxes, insurance and other operating expenses. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, with variable lease payments recognized in the period those costs are incurred.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Lease Cost

The components and classification of lease expense for the three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and October ~~3, 2021~~2, 2022 are as follows:


			Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended						Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
Lease cost	Lease cost	Classification	October 2, 2022		October 3, 2021		October 2, 2022		October 3, 2021		Lease cost	Classification	October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022		October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
Operating lease cost(1)	Operating lease cost(1)	Restaurant rent expense	$	26,274	$	25,951	$	78,970	$	77,410	Operating lease cost(1)	Restaurant rent expense	$	26,347	$	26,274	$	79,065	$	78,970
Operating lease cost(2)	Operating lease cost(2)	General and administrative	231		213		704		693		Operating lease cost(2)	General and administrative	307		231		948		704
Variable lease cost	Variable lease cost	Restaurant rent expense	4,970		4,599		14,517		14,046		Variable lease cost	Restaurant rent expense	5,860		4,970		17,156		14,517

Finance lease cost:	Finance lease cost:										Finance lease cost:
Amortization of right-of-use assets	Amortization of right-of-use assets	Depreciation and amortization	818		240		1,975		549		Amortization of right-of-use assets	Depreciation and amortization	822		818		2,469		1,975
Interest on lease liabilities	Interest on lease liabilities	Interest expense	227		35		505		86		Interest on lease liabilities	Interest expense	182		227		585		505
Total lease cost	Total lease cost		$	32,520	$	31,038	$	96,671	$	92,784	Total lease cost		$	33,518	$	32,520	$	100,223	$	96,671

(1)Includes short-term leases which are not material.

(2)Represents operating lease costs for property and equipment not directly related to restaurant operations.

8.7. Long-term Debt

Long-term debt at October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 consisted of the following:


		October 2, 2022		January 2, 2022			October 1, 2023		January 1, 2023

Senior Credit Facility:	Senior Credit Facility:					Senior Credit Facility:
Term B Loans	Term B Loans	$	168,688	$	171,875	Term B Loans	$	164,438	$	167,625
Revolving credit borrowings	Revolving credit borrowings	10,000		—		Revolving credit borrowings	—		12,500
Senior Notes Due 2029	Senior Notes Due 2029	300,000		300,000		Senior Notes Due 2029	300,000		300,000
Finance lease liabilities	Finance lease liabilities	13,570		6,306		Finance lease liabilities	10,544		12,826
Total Funded debt	Total Funded debt	492,258		478,181		Total Funded debt	474,982		492,951
Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities	Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities	(7,293)		(5,794)		Less: current portion of long-term debt and finance lease liabilities	(7,236)		(7,341)
Less: unamortized debt issuance costs	Less: unamortized debt issuance costs	(5,673)		(6,490)		Less: unamortized debt issuance costs	(4,592)		(5,401)
Less: unamortized original issue discount	Less: unamortized original issue discount	(485)		(580)		Less: unamortized original issue discount	(354)		(453)
Total Long-term debt	Total Long-term debt	$	478,807	$	465,317	Total Long-term debt	$	462,800	$	479,756

Senior Credit Facilities. On April 30, 2019, the Company entered into senior secured credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $550.0 million, consisting of (i) a Term Loan B Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $425.0 million (the ~~“Term~~"Term Loan B ~~Facility”~~Facility") maturing on April 30, 2026 and (ii) a revolving credit facility (including a sub-facility of $35.0 million for standby letters of credit) in an aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million maturing on April 30, 2024 (the ~~“Revolving~~"Revolving Credit ~~Facility”~~Facility" and, together with the Term Loan B Facility, the ~~“Senior~~"Senior Credit ~~Facilities”~~Facilities"). As of October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the Senior Credit Facilities, as amended, provide for an aggregate maximum commitment available for borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility of $215.0 ~~million and the~~million. The Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, matures on January 29, 2026.

The ~~Company’s~~Company's obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities are guaranteed by its subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries, including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of its subsidiaries.

~~CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)~~

~~(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)~~

Under the Senior Credit Facilities, the Company is required to make mandatory prepayments of borrowings in the event of dispositions of assets, debt issuances and insurance and condemnation proceeds (all subject to certain exceptions).

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The Senior Credit Facilities contain certain covenants, including, without limitation, those limiting the ~~Company’s~~Company's and its subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, sell or acquire assets or businesses, change the character of its business in all material respects, engage in transactions with related parties, make certain investments, make certain restricted payments or pay dividends.

In addition, the Senior Credit Facilities require the Company to meet a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) under certain circumstances. The Company is only required to maintain a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) of not greater than 5.75 to 1.00 (as measured on a most recent four quarter basis) if, and only if, on the last day of any fiscal quarter, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the aggregate face amount of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility (excluding undrawn letters of credit in an aggregate face amount up to $12.0 million) ~~exceeds~~exceed 35% of the aggregate ~~amount of the maximum borrowings~~borrowing capacity under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The Senior Credit Facilities contain customary default provisions, including that the lenders may terminate their obligation to advance and may declare the unpaid balance of borrowings, or any part thereof, immediately due and payable upon the occurrence and during the continuance of customary events of default which include, without limitation, payment default, covenant default, bankruptcy default, cross-default on other indebtedness, judgment default and the occurrence of a change of control.

As of October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, there were ~~$10.0 million~~no revolving credit borrowings outstanding and ~~$9.6~~$10.5 million of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. As this did not exceed 35% of the aggregate amount of the maximum borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, no First Lien Leverage Ratio calculation was required. However, if the Company had been subject to the First Lien Leverage Ratio, the Company's First Lien Leverage Ratio of 3.35x to 1.00 as of October 2, 2022 was below the required First Lien Leverage Ratio of 5.75 to 1.00. As a result, the Company does not expect to have to reduce its term loan borrowings mandatorily with Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities).

After reserving for issued letters of credit and outstanding revolving credit borrowings, ~~under the Revolving Credit Facility, $195.4~~$204.5 million was available for revolving credit borrowings under the ~~Revolving Credit Facility at October 2, 2022. The Company was in compliance with the covenants under its~~ Senior Credit Facilities at October ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023.

The Term Loan B Facility requires quarterly installment payments, which began on September 30, 2019. Amounts outstanding at October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 are due and payable as follows:

(i) ~~fourteen~~ten remaining quarterly installments of $1.1 million;

(ii) one final payment of $153.8 million on April 30, 2026.

At October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, borrowings under the ~~Senior Credit Facilities bore interest as follows (subject to interest rate swap as described below):~~

~~(i)~~ Revolving Credit ~~Facility:~~Facility and Term Loan B Facility each bore interest at a rate per annum equal to (a) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) plus 2.25% or (b) ~~LIBOR Rate~~Adjusted Term SOFR (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) plus 3.25%.

~~(ii) Term Loan B Facility: at a~~ (subject to the interest rate ~~per annum equal to (a) the Alternate Base Rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) plus 2.25% or (b) LIBOR Rate (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) plus 3.25%~~swap as described below).

The weighted average interest rate for borrowings on long-term debt balances was 5.7% for both the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023, and 5.4% and 5.3% for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022, ~~respectively, and 5.1% and 4.7% for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2021,~~ respectively.

Senior Notes due 2029. On June 28, 2021, the Company issued $300.0 million principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 (the ~~“Notes”~~"Notes") in a private placement. ~~The proceeds of the offering, together with $46.0 million of borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility, were used to (i) repay $74.4 million of outstanding term~~

1513

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

B-1 loans and $243.6 million of outstanding term B loans under the Senior Credit Facilities (which included scheduled principal payments), (ii) to pay fees and expenses related to the offering of the Notes and the Seventh Amendment and (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Carrols Restaurant Group and certain of its subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") entered into the Indenture (the ~~“Indenture”~~"Indenture") dated as of June 28, 2021 with the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company governing the Notes. The Indenture provides that the Notes will mature on July 1, 2029 and will bear interest at the rate of 5.875% per annum, payable semi-annually on July 1 and January 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2022. The entire principal amount of the Notes will be due and payable in full on the maturity date. The Indenture further provides that the Company (i) may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time after July 1, 2024 at the redemption prices described therein, (ii) may redeem up to 40% of the Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings completed before July 1, 2024 and (iii) must offer to purchase the Notes if it sells certain of its assets or if specific kinds of changes in control occur, all as set forth in the Indenture. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Carrols Restaurant Group and are guaranteed on an unsecured basis by the Guarantors. The Indenture contains certain covenants that limit the ability of Carrols Restaurant Group and the Guarantors to, among other things: incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock; incur liens; pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments; sell assets; agree to payment restrictions affecting Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture); enter into transactions with affiliates; or merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of the assets. Such restrictions are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications all as set forth in the Indenture. The Company was in compliance with all such covenants as of October ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023.

Interest Rate Swap. In March 2020, the Company entered into an interest rate swap agreement with certain of its lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities to mitigate the risk of increases in the variable interest rate related to term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities. The agreement matures on February 28, 2025. The interest rate swap originally fixed the interest rate on ~~$220.0 million~~50% of outstanding borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility at 0.915% plus the applicable margin in its Senior Credit ~~Facilities. The~~Facilities with the differences ~~between the variable LIBOR rate and the interest rate swap rate of 0.915% are~~ settled monthly. The ~~agreement matures on February 28, 2025.~~

~~On November 12, 2021, the Company partially terminated this interest rate swap to reduce the~~original notional amount ~~hedged from~~of $220.0 million was reduced to a notional amount of $120.0 ~~million. The reduction, which settled with net proceeds to the Company of $0.2~~ million ~~left~~and the fixed rate ~~and other terms~~ of interest was changed from 0.915% plus the ~~swap arrangement unchanged and provided~~applicable margin to 0.854% plus the ~~flexibility~~applicable margin in 2022 in connection with the transition from LIBOR to ~~repay borrowings under~~SOFR as the benchmark rate on the Company's Senior Credit ~~Facilities which previously needed to be maintained at the hedged $220.0 million notional amount.~~ Facilities.

The Company received ~~additional interest income~~$1.3 million and $3.7 million to settle the interest rate swap ofduring the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023, respectively, and received $0.4 million and $0.1 million, net, to settle the interest rate swap during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022, ~~respectively, and made net additional interest payments of $0.5 million and $1.3 million, during the three and nine months ended October 3, 2021,~~ respectively.

The fair value of the Company's interest rate swap agreement was an asset of ~~$9.1~~$7.1 million as of October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 which is included in ~~long-term~~ other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the ~~valuation~~fair value of the ~~Company's interest rate swap were~~cash flow hedges included ~~as a component~~in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive ~~loss and~~income. The amounts recorded in other comprehensive income will subsequently be reclassified to earnings as ~~the income~~an increase or ~~losses are realized.~~decrease to interest expense as realized through receipts or payments. The Company expects to ~~reclassify~~recognize net gains totaling ~~$4.1~~$5.5 million into earnings in the next twelve ~~months related to this interest rate swap.~~

The Company's counterparties under this arrangement provided the Company with quarterly statements of the market values of these instruments based on significant inputs that were observable or could be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. The Company classified this within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy described in Note 2. The impact on the derivative liabilities for the Company and the counterparties' non-performance risk to the derivative trades was considered when measuring the fair value of derivative liabilities.

months.

~~CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)~~

~~(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)~~

9.8. Income Taxes

The ~~benefit~~provision (benefit) for income taxes for the three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and October ~~3, 2021~~2, 2022 was comprised of the following:


		Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended					Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
		October 2, 2022		October 3, 2021		October 2, 2022		October 3, 2021			October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022		October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
Current	Current	$	—	$	(8)	$	—	$	(24)	Current	$	129	$	—	$	282	$	—
Deferred	Deferred	(3,394)		(3,102)		(21,010)		(8,335)		Deferred	4,837		(3,394)		6,859		(21,010)
Change in valuation allowance	Change in valuation allowance	682		1,641		6,168		4,197		Change in valuation allowance	(1,332)		682		(1,761)		6,168
Benefit for income taxes		$	(2,712)	$	(1,469)	$	(14,842)	$	(4,162)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes										Provision (benefit) for income taxes	$	3,634	$	(2,712)	$	5,380	$	(14,842)

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amount used for income tax purposes.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The provision for income taxes for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2023 of 12.3%,which is inclusive of the estimated change in the Company's valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets and excludes other discrete tax adjustments. The difference compared to the statutory rate for 2023 is primarily attributable to non-refundable business credits and also is impacted, to a lesser extent, by certain permanent non-deductible expenses, both of which are not directly related to the amount of pre-tax income recorded in the period, as well as changes in the valuation allowance. The income tax provision for the nine months ended October 1, 2023 included $1.2 million of tax expense from net discrete tax adjustments.

The benefit for income taxes for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2022 of 20.7%, which is inclusive of the estimated change in the Company's deferred tax assets valuation allowance and excludes other discrete tax adjustments. The difference compared to the statutory rate for 2022 is attributed to various nondeductible tax expenses and non-refundable business credits which are not directly related to the amount of pre-tax loss recorded in the period as well as the valuation allowance charge. The three and nine months ended October 2, 2022contained $0.1 million of tax benefit from net discrete tax adjustments.

The ~~benefit for income taxes for~~Company's federal net operating loss carryforwards generated prior to December 31, 2017 expire beginning in 2035. Federal net operating losses generated subsequent to 2017 have no expiration date. As of October 1, 2023, the ~~three~~Company had federal net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $125.9 million, general business credits ("GBC") carryforwards of $43.9 million and ~~nine months ended October 3, 2021 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2021 of 11.4%, which reflected a change~~approximately $170.5 million in ~~valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets~~state net operating loss carryforwards. The Company's GBC carryforwards begin to expire in 2032 and ~~excluded other discrete tax adjustments. The difference compared~~state net operating loss carryforwards begin to the statutory rate for 2021 is attributed to various nondeductible tax expenses. There were no net discrete tax adjustments during three months ended October 3, 2021. The nine months ended October 3, 2021 contained $0.7 million of tax benefit from net discrete tax adjustments.expire in 2023.

The Company performs an assessment of positive and negative evidence regarding the realization of its deferred income tax assets as required by ASC 740. Under ASC 740, the weight given to negative and positive evidence is commensurate only to the extent that such evidence can be objectively verified. ASC 740 prescribes that objective historical evidence, in particular the ~~Company’s~~Company's three-year cumulative loss position at October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, be given greater weight than subjective evidence, including the ~~Company’s~~Company's forecast of future taxable income, which include assumptions that cannot be objectively verified. In determining the likelihood of future realization of the deferred income tax assets as of October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 the Company considered both positive and negative evidence and weighted the effect of such evidence based upon its objectivity. At October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and January ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the Company ~~estimated~~determined that ~~the~~a valuation allowance ~~required~~was needed for certain ~~of its~~ federal income tax credits ~~that~~and state operating loss carryforwards in the amount of $42.3 million and $44.3 million, respectively, as they may expire prior to their utilization by the ~~Company was $29.2 million and $24.4 million, respectively.~~Company. The amount of the deferred tax asset considered realizable, however, could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carryforward period are reduced or increased or if objective negative evidence in the form of cumulative losses is no longer present and additional weight may be given to subjective evidence such as projections for growth. The Company recorded an income tax ~~expense~~benefit of ~~$0.7~~$1.3 million and ~~$6.2~~$1.8 million in the three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, respectively, relative to this valuation reserve.

The Company's policy is to recognize interest and/or penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. At October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and January ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits and no accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions. The tax years ~~2018~~2020 - ~~2021~~2023 remain open to examination by the major taxing jurisdictions to which the Company is subject. Although it is not reasonably possible to estimate the amount by which unrecognized tax benefits may increase within the next twelve months due to the uncertainties regarding the timing of examinations, the Company does not expect unrecognized tax benefits to significantly change in the next twelve months.

9. Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022 was $1.9 million and $0.9 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022 was $4.0 million and $3.8 million, respectively.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (IRA) implements, among other things, a 15% minimum tax on book income of certain large corporations, a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases and several tax incentives to promote clean energy. The alternative minimum tax and excise tax are effective in taxable years beginning after December 31, 2022. The alternative minimum tax would not be applicable in our next fiscal year since it is based on a three-year average annual adjusted financial statement income in excess of $1 billion. We will evaluate any impact related to the excise tax on net stock repurchases based on our relative activity.

~~10. Stock-Based Compensation~~

Stock-based compensation expense for the three months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021 was $0.9 million and $1.5 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021 was $3.8 million and $4.5 million, respectively. The first quarter of 2022 included additional stock-based compensation expense of $0.7 million related to the accelerated vesting of certain awards upon the retirement of our former CEO.

As of October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense relating to time-vested restricted shares and performance-based restricted stock ~~options~~units was approximately ~~$5.0~~$12.6 million and the Company expects to record an additional ~~$1.0~~$1.7 million in stock-based compensation expense related to the vesting of these awards in the remainder of ~~2022.~~2023. The remaining weighted average vesting period for ~~stock options and~~ non-vested shares was ~~1.8~~1.9 years and restricted stock units was 2.4 years.

~~Time-vested Restricted~~Time-based Non-vested Shares. During the nine months ended October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the Company granted ~~1,116,000 time-vested restricted~~1,425,235 non-vested shares of common stock to certain ~~of its~~ employees and officers of the Company and ~~226,584 time-vested restricted~~384,807 non-vested shares of common stock to ~~its~~the outside ~~directors.~~directors of the Company. These shares generally vest in equal installments over their three-year service period, provided the participant has continuously remained an employee, officer or director of the Company. ~~In accordance with a transition agreement entered into in connection with the retirement of the Company's former CEO, 165,000 issued time-vested restricted shares vested on April 1, 2022.~~

In addition, on April 1, 2022, the Company granted 100,000 time-vested restricted shares with a two-year vesting period to the Company's new CEO. These shares will vest in equal installments over a two-year service period, provided the participant has continuously remained employed by the Company.

~~The Company's time vested shares vest, become non-forfeitable and are expensed over their respective vesting period. The following is a~~A summary of all ~~time-vested restricted~~non-vested common share activity for the nine months ended October ~~2, 2022:~~1, 2023 was as follows:


		Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Price			Shares	Weighted Average Grant Date Price
Non-vested at January 2, 2022		1,336,830	$	6.55
Non-vested at January 1, 2023					Non-vested at January 1, 2023	1,767,811	$	3.79
Granted	Granted	1,442,584	$	2.72	Granted	1,810,042	$	2.50
Vested	Vested	(782,053)	$	6.70	Vested	(822,368)	$	4.15
Forfeited	Forfeited	(129,550)	$	4.08	Forfeited	(11,600)	$	2.48
Non-vested at October 2, 2022		1,867,811	$	3.69
Non-vested at October 1, 2023					Non-vested at October 1, 2023	2,743,885	$	2.84

The fair value of time-vested shares is based on the closing price on the date of grant.

Performance-based Restricted Shares. On April 1, 2022, 600,000 performance-based restricted shares were granted to ~~its new CEO. These~~the Company's former CEO of which 450,000 shares were forfeited on December 31, 2022. The remaining shares will fully vest on the third anniversary of the grant date based on the achievement of contractually defined EBITDA and share price growth targets. The fair value of the market-based restricted shares iswas determined using a Monte Carlo simulation valuation model and ~~these~~the shares ~~will be~~were expensed over ~~a three year performance-based vesting~~the applicable service period based on the probability of the Company's attainment of the contractually defined performance targets. This probability of performance attainment is assessed quarterly and if the Company estimates that it is not probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied, adjustments to prior expense will be recorded at that time.

Performance-based Restricted Stock Units.

~~CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)~~

~~(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share~~On July 1, 2023, the Company granted 797,915 performance-based restricted stock units to its executive officers. The number of performance-based restricted stock units that will ultimately vest and ~~per share amounts)~~

be received by the participants is based on achievement of contractually defined EBITDA growth targets to be measured over the period ending fiscal 2025. The Company estimates the fair-value of performance-based restricted stock units based on the closing stock price on the date of the grant which was $5.04. The probability of performance attainment is assessed quarterly and if the Company estimates that it is not probable that the performance conditions will be satisfied, adjustments to prior expense will be recorded at that time.

Stock Options. The Company has issued options to purchase shares of its common stock to certain employees and officers of the Company. These options ~~become~~became exercisable and ~~are being~~were expensed over their three-year vesting period. In accordance with a transition agreement entered into in connection with the retirement of the Company's former CEO, his remaining 412,500 unvested options became fully vested and exercisable on April 1, 2022. The options expire seven years from the date of the grant and were issued with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock price on the date of grant, or $7.12 per share.

The following is a summary of all stock option activity for the nine months ended October ~~2, 2022:~~1, 2023:

Options Weighted Average Exercise Price Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)
Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
Options outstanding at January 2, 2022 1,025,000
Forfeited (49,500) $7.12
Options Outstanding at October 2, 2022 975,500 $7.12 4.9 $—
Vested or expected to vest at October 2, 2022 975,500 $7.12 4.9 $—
Options exercisable at October 2, 2022 868,250 $7.12 4.9 $—

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)


	Options	Weighted Average Exercise Price	Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value(1)
Options outstanding at January 1, 2023	975,500


Forfeited	—
Options Outstanding at October 1, 2023	975,500	$7.12	3.9	$—
Vested or expected to vest at October 1, 2023	975,500	$7.12	3.9	$—
Options exercisable at October 1, 2023	975,500	$7.12	3.9	$—

(1)The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated using the difference between the market price of the Company's common stock at October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 of ~~$1.63~~$6.59 and the grant price for only those awards that have a grant price that is less than the market price of the Company's common stock at October ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023. There were no awards having a grant price less than the market price of the Company's common stock at October ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023.

Time-Based Restricted Stock Units. The Company has issued time-based restricted stock units ~~(“RSUs”~~("RSUs") on shares of the Company's common shares to certain officers of the Company.

The following is a summary of all RSU activity for the nine months ended October ~~2, 2022:~~1, 2023:


			Units
Non-vested at January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023			~~129,620~~38,770

Vested			~~(90,850)~~(21,295)

Non-vested at October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023			~~38,770~~17,475

~~11.~~10. Commitments and Contingencies

Lease Guarantees. Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ~~(“Fiesta”~~("Fiesta"), a former wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, was spun-off in 2012 to the Company's stockholders. As of October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the Company is a guarantor under 17 leases from the time when Fiesta was its subsidiary, which have lease terms expiring on various dates through 2030. As of October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, the guarantees include eight Fiesta restaurant property leases and nine Taco Cabana leases ~~all~~ of which ~~remain operating except for~~all but one Fiesta-owned ~~restaurant.~~restaurant is still operating. Eight of these guarantees are for leases with Pollo Operations, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiesta, and nine of the guarantees are for leases with Texas Taco Cabana, L.P., an indirect subsidiary of Taco Cabana, Inc. (together with all direct and indirect subsidiaries, ~~“Taco”~~"Taco"). Taco was a wholly owned subsidiary of Fiesta until August 16, 2021 when Fiesta sold all of its outstanding capital stock of Taco Cabana, Inc. to YTC Enterprises, LLC, an affiliate of Yadav Enterprises, Inc. The Company is fully liable for all obligations under the terms of the leases in the event that a tenant fails to pay any sums due under the lease, subject to indemnification provisions of the Separation and Distribution Agreement entered into in connection with the spin-off of Fiesta.

The maximum potential amount of future undiscounted rental payments the Company could be required to make under these leases at October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 was ~~$7.7 million.~~$8.9 million, of which $5.4 million pertains to Fiesta restaurant property leases and $3.5 million pertains to Taco restaurant property leases. The obligations under these leases will generally continue to decrease over time as these operating leases expire, except for any execution of renewal options that exist under the original leases. No payments related to these guarantees have been made by the Company to date and none are expected to be required to be made in the future. The Company has not recorded a liability for these

~~CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.~~

~~NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)~~

~~(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)~~

guarantees in accordance with ASC 460 - Guarantees as Fiesta has indemnified the Company for all such obligations and the Company did not believe it was probable it would be required to perform under any of the guarantees or direct obligations.

Litigation. The Company is party to various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on its consolidated financial statements.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Supplier Concentrations. The Company primarily utilizes four distributors, McLane Company Inc., Lineage Foodservice Solutions, LLC, Reinhart Food Service LLC and Performance Foodservice, to supply its Burger King restaurants with the majority of its foodstuffs. As of October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, such distributors supplied 31%, 30%, 29% and 10%, respectively, of the Company's Burger King restaurants. Additionally, one bakery supplies the rolls used in approximately 50% of the Company's Burger King restaurants. The Company utilizes five distributors for its Popeyes restaurants, five for poultry products and ~~two~~four for all other products. For the Company's Popeyes restaurants, one distributor, Customized Distribution Services, ~~is the~~supplies poultry ~~product supplier for 69%~~products to 53% of its restaurants and ~~the~~supplies non-poultry products ~~supplier for 91%~~to 57% of its restaurants.

~~Transition Agreement~~. On September 23, 2021, the Company entered into a transition agreement with its former CEO Daniel T. Accordino, which outlines certain payments that have been and will be made in connection with his retirement which occurred on April 1, 2022, subject to his compliance with the terms of the agreement.

~~12.~~11. Transactions with Related Parties

In connection with an acquisition of restaurants from Burger King Corporation ~~(“BKC”~~("BKC"), a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI"), in 2012, Carrols Restaurant Group issued to BKC 100 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, which ~~Carrols Restaurant Group, BKC and Blue Holdco 1, LLC (“Blue Holdco” and, together with BKC, the “BKC Stockholders”)~~was exchanged for 100 shares of newly issued Series B Convertible Preferred Stock (“("Series B Preferred ~~Stock”~~Stock") in 2018. The Series B Preferred Stock was further exchanged for 100 shares of newly issued Series D Convertible Preferred Stock in 2022. These preferred shares are convertible into 9,414,580 shares of common stock, which as of October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 represents approximately ~~15.0%~~14.7% of the outstanding shares of the Company's common stock after giving effect to the conversion of the Series BD Preferred Stock and excluding shares held in treasury. Pursuant to the Certificate of Designation of the Series BD Preferred Stock (the ~~“Certificate~~"Certificate of ~~Designation”~~Designation"), the BKC Stockholders are entitled to elect two representatives on the Company's Board of Directors. The approval of the BKC Stockholders is also required before the Company can take certain actions, including, among other things, amending the ~~Company’s~~Company's certificate of incorporation or bylaws, declaring or paying a special cash dividend, amending the size of the ~~Company’s~~Company's Board of Directors, or engaging in any business other than the ownership and operation of Burger King restaurants, in each case as more particularly described in the Certificate of Designation.

The Company operates its Burger King restaurants under franchise agreements with BKC and its Popeyes restaurants under franchise agreements with Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. ~~(“PLK”~~("PLK"), ~~a subsidiary~~both subsidiaries of RBI. These franchise agreements generally provide for an initial term of twenty years and currently have an initial franchise fee of $50,000. With BKC's and PLK's respective approval, the Company can elect to extend franchise agreements for additional ~~20 year~~20-year terms, provided that the restaurant meets the current restaurant image standard and the Company is not in default under terms of the franchise agreement. In addition to the initial franchise fee, the Company generally pays BKC a monthly royalty at a rate of 4.5% of Burger King restaurant sales and PLK a weekly royalty at a rate of 5.0% of Popeyes restaurant sales. Royalty expense was ~~$19.7~~$21.3 million and ~~$18.6~~$19.7 million in the three months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022, ~~and October 3, 2021,~~ respectively, and ~~$57.0~~$62.8 million and ~~$54.4~~$57.0 million in the nine months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and October ~~3, 2021,~~2, 2022, respectively, and is included in other restaurant operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss. Beginning in May of 2021, the Company also pays a monthly fee to BKC for use of its digital platform, which was $0.8 million and $2.2 million in the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023, respectively, and $0.6 million and $1.5 million in the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022, ~~respectively, and $0.4 million and $0.8 million in the three and nine months ended October 3, 2021,~~ respectively, and is included in other restaurant operating expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive loss.

The Company is also generally required to contribute 4%4.0% of restaurant sales from its restaurants to an advertising fund utilized by BKC and PLK for advertising, promotional programs and public relations activities, and additional amounts for local advertising in markets that approve such advertising. Advertising expense associated with these expenditures was $18.8 million and $17.4 million in the three months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022, respectively, and $55.2 million and $50.3 million in the nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022, respectively.

2018

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

~~additional amounts for local advertising in markets that approve such advertising. Advertising expense associated with these expenditures was $17.4 million~~As of October 1, 2023 and ~~$16.3 million in the three months ended~~ October 2, 2022, ~~and October 3, 2021, respectively, and $50.3 million and $47.9 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021, respectively.~~

~~As of October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021,~~ the Company leased ~~221~~218 and ~~226~~221 of its restaurant locations from BKC, respectively. As of October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and October ~~3, 2021,~~2, 2022, the terms and conditions of the leases with BKC are identical to those between BKC and their third party lessors for 9596 and 9795 restaurants, respectively. Aggregate rent under these BKC leases was $7.4 million and $6.9 million for the three months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022, respectively, and ~~$6.7~~$21.8 million ~~for the three months ended October 3, 2021, respectively,~~ and $20.4 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022, ~~and $20.2 million for the nine months ended October 3, 2021,~~ respectively. The Company does not believe that such lease terms have been significantly affected by the fact that the Company and BKC are deemed to be related parties.

~~The~~As of October 1, 2023 and January 1, 2023, the Company owed BKC and PLK ~~$17.3~~$20.5 million and ~~$16.3~~$16.0 million, respectively, ~~as of October 2, 2022 and January 2, 2022,~~ related to the payment of advertising, royalties, digital fees, rent and real estate taxes, which is normally remitted on a monthly basis. These costs are included in accounts payable, other current liabilities, and accrued real estate taxes on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

The Company, Carrols Corporation, Carrols LLC, and BKC entered into an Amended Area Development Agreement on January 4, 2021 (the ~~“Amended ADA”~~"Amended ADA"). Under the Amended ADA, Carrols LLC has agreed to open, build and operate a total of 50 new Burger King restaurants, 80% of which must be in Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. This ~~included~~includes four Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2021 (which were completed in 2021), 10 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2022 (of which six were completed in 2022), 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2023, 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2024 and 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2025. There is a 90-day cure period to meet the required restaurant development each development year. The Company is in ongoing discussions with BKC regarding its development plans, and does not believe the penalties, if any, associated with not meeting these commitments will be material.

In addition, pursuant to the Amended ADA, BKC granted Carrols LLC franchise pre-approval to build new Burger King restaurants or acquire Burger King restaurants from Burger King franchisees with respect to 500 Burger King restaurants in the aggregate in (i) Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana (excluding certain geographic areas in Indiana) and (ii) (a) 16 states, which include Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia (subject to certain exceptions for certain limited geographic areas within certain states) and (b) any other geographic locations that Carrols LLC enters after the commencement date of the Amended ADA pursuant to BKC procedures subject to certain limitations.

~~In connection with an acquisition of restaurants in 2019,~~ This pre-approval may be suspended as long as the Company ~~assumed a development agreement for Popeyes, which included an assignment by PLK of its right of first refusal under its franchise agreements~~is not in compliance with its ~~franchisees for acquisitions in two southern states, as well as a~~ development commitment to open, build and operate approximately 80 new Popeyes restaurants over six years. This development agreement with PLK was terminated on March 17, 2021, with certain covenants applicable to the Company surviving the termination. PLK reserved the right to charge the Company a $0.6 million fee if PLK and the Company were not able to come to a mutually agreeable solution with respect to such fee within a six-month period. The Company has not recorded a liability for such amount as the risk of loss is only considered reasonably possible at this time.commitments described above.

In ~~the third quarter of~~ 2022, the Company entered an agreement with BKC in connection with their "Reclaim the Flame" investment plan. Pursuant to this initiative, BKC has agreed to fund $120 million in additional advertising ~~funds~~expenditures over the period October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. Following the franchisor's investment period in 2023 and 2024, participating franchisees have agreed to increase their advertising fund contributions by 50 basis points through 2026 if a restaurant-level profitability threshold for the Burger King system is met for the full fiscal year ~~2026,~~2024, and further through 2028 if a secondary restaurant-level profitability threshold is met for the full fiscal year ~~2028.~~2026.

In the second quarter of 2023, certain subsidiaries of the Company entered into an agreement and related documentation with BKC related to its Royal Reset program. Pursuant to this program, BKC will provide the Company with the use of certain restaurant technology equipment worth approximately $12.2 million in 2023, conditioned upon the Company completing certain repairs, replacements and improvements with respect to its restaurant assets at a cost of approximately $12.2 million by March 31, 2024. As of October 1, 2023, $3.4 million in equipment has been received by the Company related to this arrangement and $10.5 million in qualified repairs, replacements and improvements have been completed by the Company.

~~13.~~12. Stockholders' Equity

2119

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Stock Repurchase Program. On August 2, 2019, the Company's Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan (“("Repurchase ~~Program”~~Program") under which the Company may repurchase up to ~~$25~~$25.0 million of its outstanding common stock. The authorization became effective August 2, 2019.

OnIn August ~~10, 2021,~~2023, the Company's Board of Directors approved an extension of the Company's Repurchase Program with approximately $11.0 million of its original ~~$25~~$25.0 million in capacity ~~remaining. The authorization will~~remaining which is set to expire on August 2, ~~2023,~~2025, unless terminated earlier by the Board of Directors. Purchases under the Repurchase Program may be made from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions (including, without limitation, the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans) in compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company has no obligation to repurchase stock under the Repurchase Program, and the timing, actual number and value of shares purchased will depend on the Company's stock price, trading volume, general market and economic conditions, and other factors.

At October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, $11.0 million was available to repurchase shares under the Repurchase Program. Shares repurchased are being held in treasury until they are retired at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

~~14.~~13. Net ~~Loss~~Income (Loss) per Share

The Company applies the two-class method to calculate and present net income (loss) per share. The Company's non-vested restricted share awards and Series BD Convertible Preferred Stock contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends and are considered participating securities for purposes of computing net ~~income (loss)~~loss per share pursuant to the two-class method. Under the two-class method, net earnings are reduced by the amount of dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and the remaining undistributed earnings are then allocated to common stock and participating securities, based on their respective rights to receive dividends. As the Company incurred a net loss for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022, and ~~October 3, 2021, and~~ losses are not allocated to participating securities under the two-class method, such method is not applicable for the aforementioned interim reporting ~~periods.~~period.

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed by dividing net income (loss) available to common stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects additional shares of common stock outstanding, where applicable, calculated using the treasury stock method or the two-class method.

~~The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net loss per share:~~

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
October 2, 2022 October 3, 2021 October 2, 2022 October 3, 2021
Basic net loss per share:
Net loss $ (8,697) $ (9,902) $ (56,442) $ (26,629)
Weighted average common shares outstanding 50,805,461 49,927,583 50,689,730 49,889,673
Basic net loss per share $ (0.17) $ (0.20) $ (1.11) $ (0.53)
Diluted net loss per share:
Net loss $ (8,697) $ (9,902) $ (56,442) $ (26,629)
Shares used in computing diluted net loss per share 50,805,461 49,927,583 50,689,730 49,889,673
Diluted net loss per share $ (0.17) $ (0.20) $ (1.11) $ (0.53)
Shares excluded from diluted net loss per share computations(1)
11,921,161 10,760,535 11,921,161 10,760,535

~~(1)Shares issuable upon conversion of preferred stock and non-vested shares were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.~~

2220

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

~~15.~~The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022		October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
Basic net income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss)	$	12,618	$	(8,697)	$	28,436	$	(56,442)
Less: Income attributable to non-vested shares	(696)		—		(1,364)		—
Less: Income attributable to preferred stock	(1,841)		—		(4,181)		—
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	$	10,081	$	(8,697)	$	22,891	$	(56,442)
Weighted average common shares outstanding	51,560,307		50,805,461		51,506,367		50,689,730
Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.20	$	(0.17)	$	0.44	$	(1.11)
Diluted net income (loss) per share:
Net income (loss)	$	12,618	$	(8,697)	$	28,436	$	(56,442)
Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	51,560,307		50,805,461		51,506,367		50,689,730
Dilutive effect of preferred stock and non-vested shares	11,267,568		—		10,618,097		—
Shares used in computing diluted net income (loss) per share	62,827,875		50,805,461		62,124,464		50,689,730
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.20	$	(0.17)	$	0.44	$	(1.11)
Shares excluded from diluted net income (loss) per share computations(1)	—		11,921,161		—		11,921,161

(1)Shares issuable upon conversion of preferred stock and non-vested shares (including non-vested restricted stock units) were excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive in such periods.

14. Other Income, net

Other income, net, for the three months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 was $3.6 million, and included a settlement with BKC under the territorial rights provision of our franchise agreement of $4.3 million and a loss on disposal of assets of $0.6 million. Other income, net, for the nine months ended October 1, 2023 was $6.5 million, and included a settlement with BKC under the territorial rights provision of our franchise agreement of $4.3 million, net gains from insurance recoveries of $1.8 million, a gain of $0.8 million from the derecognition of a lease financing obligation associated with a prior sale leaseback transaction, a gain on sale leaseback transactions of ~~$0.5~~$0.4 million,a gain from condemnation of a property of $0.3 million and a loss on disposal of assets of $1.0 million.

The three months ended October 2, 2022 included other income, net, of $1.8 million, which included a loss on sale-leaseback transactions of $0.5 million and a gain from a settlement with a vendor of ~~$2.5 million. Other income, net, for the~~$2.5 million. The nine months ended October 2, 2022 included other income, net, of $1.1 million, which included a loss on disposal of assets of $1.0 million and a gain from a settlement with a vendor of $2.5 million. ~~Other income, net, for~~

15. Subsequent Events

In October of 2023, Fiesta was acquired by affiliates of Garnett Station Partners, LLC ("GSP"). Matthew Perelman and Alexander Sloane, each a member of the ~~three months ended October 3, 2021 included a gain from insurance recoveries~~Company’s Board of ~~$1.1 million related to property damage at two~~Directors, are affiliates of GSP and affiliates of Cambridge Franchise Holdings, LLC which owns approximately 26.4% of the outstanding shares of the Company's ~~restaurants. Other income, net, for~~common stock. As disclosed in footnote 10, Fiesta is a former wholly-owned subsidiary of the ~~nine months ended October 3, 2021 included~~Company and the Company remains guarantor on eight Fiesta restaurant property leases.

CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

(Tabular amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

In November of 2023, the Company's entered into an agreement with BKC to remodel 64 restaurants in total between 2023 and 2024 in connection with their "Reclaim the Flame" remodel incentive program.

On November 9, 2023, the Company announced that its Board of Directors has declared a ~~gain from insurance recoveries~~regular quarterly cash dividend of ~~$1.1 million related to property damage at two~~$0.02 per share on all issued and outstanding shares of the Company's ~~restaurants and a loss~~common stock, including common stock issuable on ~~disposal~~the conversion of ~~assets~~our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock, that will be paid on December 15, 2023 to stockholders of ~~$0.9 million.~~record as of the close of business on November 21, 2023.

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ITEM 2—~~MANAGEMENT’S~~MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

We operate on a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. Our fiscal quarters are comprised of 13 weeks, with the exception of the fourth quarter of a 53 week year, which contains 14 weeks. Our fiscal years ended January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and ~~January 1,~~December 31, 2023 each contain 52 weeks.

Introduction

The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (or ~~“MD&A”~~"MD&A") is written to help the reader understand our company. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this report and our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023. The overview provides our perspective on the individual sections of MD&A, which include the following:

Company Overview—a general description of our business and our key financial measures.

Recent and Future Events Affecting Our Results of Operations—a description of recent events that affect, and future events that may affect, our results of operations.

Results from Operations—an analysis of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 compared to the three and nine months ended October ~~3, 2021,~~2, 2022, including a review of material items and known trends and uncertainties.

Liquidity and Capital Resources—an analysis of our cash flows, including capital expenditures, the existence and timing of commitments and contingencies, changes in capital resources and a discussion of known trends that may impact liquidity.

Application of Critical Accounting ~~Policies~~ Estimates—an overview of accounting policies requiring critical judgments and estimates.

Forward Looking Statements—cautionary information about forward-looking statements and a description of certain risks and projections.

Company Overview

Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries (collectively, ~~“Carrols~~"Carrols Restaurant ~~Group”~~Group", the ~~“Company”~~"Company", ~~“we”~~"we", ~~“our”~~"our" or ~~“us”~~"us") is one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States and has been operating restaurants for more than 60 years. We are the largest Burger King franchisee in the United States based on number of restaurants, and have operated Burger King restaurants since 1976. As of October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 we operated, as franchisee, a total of ~~1,087~~1,080 restaurants in 23 states under the trade names of Burger King and Popeyes. This included ~~1,022~~1,019 Burger King restaurants in 23 Northeastern, Midwestern, Southcentral and Southeastern states and 6561 Popeyes restaurants in ~~seven~~six Southeastern states. ~~During the second quarter of 2021, we acquired 19 Burger King~~® ~~restaurants in two separate transactions, which we refer to as the “2021 acquired restaurants.”~~

Any reference to ~~“BKC”~~"BKC" refers to Burger King ~~Corporation~~Company LLC (previously Burger King Corporation) and its indirect parent company, ~~RBI.~~Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI"). Any reference to ~~“PLK”~~"PLK" refers to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. and its indirect parent company, RBI.

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The following is an overview of the key financial measures discussed in our results of operations:

•Restaurant sales consists of food and beverage sales at our restaurants, net of sales discounts and refunds and excluding sales tax. Restaurant sales are influenced by changes in comparable restaurant sales, our franchisors' marketing and promotional activities, menu price ~~increases,~~changes, guest traffic, new restaurant development, restaurant acquisitions ~~of restaurants, franchisor promotions~~ and closures of restaurants. Comparable restaurant sales reflect the change in year-over-year sales for a comparable restaurant base. Restaurants we acquire are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been owned for 12 months and newly developed restaurants are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been open for 15 months. Restaurants are excluded from comparable restaurant sales during extended periods of closure, which primarily occur due to restaurant remodeling activity. For comparative purposes, where applicable, the calculation of the changes in comparable restaurant sales is based either on a 53-week or 52-week year and compares against the respective 52-week prior period.

•Food, beverage, and packaging costs consists of food, beverage and packaging costs and delivery commissions, less purchase discounts and vendor rebates. Food, beverage, and packaging costs are generally influenced by changes in commodity costs, the mix of items sold, the level of promotional discounting, menu price changes, the effectiveness of our restaurant-level controls to manage food and paper costs, and the relative contribution of delivery sales.

•Restaurant wages and related expenses include all restaurant management and hourly productive labor costs and related benefits, employer payroll taxes and restaurant-level bonuses. Payroll and related benefits are subject to inflation, including minimum wage increases as well as competitive wage increases required to adequately staff our restaurants and increased costs for health insurance, ~~workers’~~workers' compensation insurance and federal and state unemployment insurance.

•Restaurant rent expense includes straight-lined lease costs and variable rent on our restaurant leases characterized as operating leases.

•Other restaurant operating expenses include all other restaurant-level operating costs, the major components of which are royalty expenses paid to BKC and PLK, utilities, repairs and maintenance, operating supplies, real estate taxes and credit card fees.

•Advertising expense includes advertising payments to BKC and PLK based on a percentage of sales as required under our franchise and operating agreements and additional local marketing and promotional expenses in certain of our markets.

•General and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of salaries and expenses associated with corporate and administrative functions that support the development and operations of our restaurants, legal, auditing and other professional fees, acquisition costs and stock-based compensation expense.

•EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted Net ~~Loss~~Income (Loss) are non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA represents net ~~loss~~income (loss) before income taxes, interest expense, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA represents EBITDA adjusted to exclude impairment and other lease charges, ~~acquisition costs,~~ stock-based compensation expense, restaurant pre-opening costs, executive transition, non-recurring litigation and other professional expenses, ~~loss on extinguishment of debt,~~ and other income, net. Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA represents ~~loss~~income (loss) from operations as adjusted to exclude general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, restaurant pre-opening costs and other income, net. Adjusted Net ~~Loss~~Income (Loss) represents net ~~loss~~income (loss) as adjusted, net of tax, to exclude impairment and other lease charges, ~~acquisition costs,~~ restaurant pre-opening costs, executive transition, non-recurring litigation and other professional expenses, ~~loss on extinguishment of debt,~~ other income, net, and the change in the valuation allowance for deferred taxes.

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•We are presenting Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted Net ~~Loss~~Income (Loss) because we believe that they provide a more meaningful comparison than EBITDA and net ~~loss~~income (loss) of our core business operating results, as well as with those of other similar companies. Additionally, we present Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA because it excludes restaurant pre-opening costs, other income, net, and the impact of general and administrative expenses such as salaries and expenses associated with corporate and administrative functions that support the development and operations of our restaurants, legal, auditing and other professional fees. Although these costs are not directly related to restaurant-level operations, these costs are necessary for the profitability of our restaurants.

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Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted Net ~~Loss,~~Income (Loss), when viewed with our results of operations in accordance with U.S. GAAP and the accompanying reconciliations on page ~~31,~~35, provide useful information about operating performance and period-over-period growth, and provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our core business without regard to potential distortions. Additionally, management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing cash earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced.

However, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted Net ~~Loss~~Income (Loss) are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under U.S. GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered as alternatives to net ~~loss, loss~~income (loss), income (loss) from operations or cash flow from operating activities as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies. For the reconciliation between Net ~~Loss~~Income (loss) to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net ~~Loss~~Income (Loss) and the reconciliation of ~~loss~~income from operations to Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA, see page ~~31.~~35.

EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted Net ~~Loss~~Income (Loss) have important limitations as analytical tools. These limitations include the following:

•EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA do not reflect our capital expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments to purchase capital equipment;

•EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA do not reflect the interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service principal or interest payments on our debt;

•Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets that we currently depreciate and amortize will likely have to be replaced in the future, and EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA do not reflect the cash required to fund such replacements; and

•EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA and Adjusted Net ~~Loss~~Income (Loss) do not reflect the effect of earnings or charges resulting from matters that our management does not consider to be indicative of our ongoing operations. However, some of these charges (such as impairment and other lease charges, litigation costs and ~~acquisition costs)~~changes in the valuation allowance for deferred taxes) have recurred and may reoccur.

•Depreciation and amortization primarily includes the depreciation of fixed assets, including equipment, owned buildings and leasehold improvements utilized in our restaurants, the amortization of franchise rights from our acquisitions of restaurants and the amortization of franchise fees paid to BKC and PLK.

•Impairment and other lease charges include non-operating charges resulting from the following circumstances:

◦•~~for~~For property and equipment and finite-lived intangible assets, a potential impairment charge is evaluated whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable. ~~Impairment charges are determined by~~If an ~~assessment~~indicator of impairment exists, an estimate of the ~~recoverability of carrying values of these assets relative to their future operating~~aggregate undiscounted cash flows from the acquired restaurants is compared to the respective carrying value of franchise rights for each acquisition. If an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over ~~their remaining useful life.~~its fair value.

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•~~for infinite~~For indefinite lived intangible assets including goodwill, a potential impairment charge is evaluated whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may be impaired. Impairment charges are determined by a comparison of the carrying value of a reporting unit to its fair value.

◦•~~for~~For restaurant closures prior to their lease or franchise end dates, lease charges are recorded for our obligations under the related leases and franchise agreements for closed locations ~~net of estimated sublease recoveries.~~that are not otherwise recoverable.

•Interest expense consists of interest expense associated with our Term B ~~and Term B-1~~ Loans under our Senior Credit Facilities, our 5.875% Senior Notes Due 2029 (the ~~“Notes”~~"Notes"), our revolving credit borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities, finance lease liabilities, amortization of deferred financing costs, amortization of original issue discount, and payments and receipts made in connection with our interest rate swap arrangement.

Recent and Future Events Affecting our Results of Operations

BKC's "Reclaim the Flame" Plan

In September 2022, BKC announced its "Reclaim the Flame" plan, which was developed in collaboration with its franchisees to accelerate sales growth and drive restaurant-level profitability. The plan includes Burger King investing $400 million through 2024, comprised of $150 million in advertising and digital investments to "Fuel the Flame" and $250 million for a "Royal Reset" involving investments in restaurant technology, kitchen equipment, building enhancements and high-quality remodels and relocations. Under BKC's "Royal Reset" program, BKC will make certain contributions towards franchisee remodel costs, which increase in value if BKC owns the property and/or if the franchisee agrees to pay higher royalty rates over the 20-year franchise term renewal. The "Royal Reset" program also includes a $50 million co-investment with its franchisees in a restaurant refresh program, whereby BKC will match certain restaurant improvement spending by franchisees by providing them with restaurant technology equipment at no cost.

We have entered into the following agreements related to BKC's "Reclaim the Flame" plan:

•In the third quarter of 2022, we entered into an agreement with BKC in connection with their "Reclaim the Flame" advertising investments. BKC agreed to fund $120 million in additional advertising expenditures over the period October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. Following the investment period in 2023 and 2024, participating franchisees, including us, have agreed to increase our advertising fund contributions by 0.5% of restaurant sales through 2026 if a restaurant-level profitability threshold for the Burger King system is met for the full fiscal year 2024, and further through 2028 if a secondary restaurant-level profitability threshold is met for the full fiscal year 2026.

•In the second quarter of 2023, we entered into an agreement and related documentation with BKC in connection with their "Royal Reset" program that will provide us with approximately $12.2 million of restaurant technology equipment in 2023, conditioned upon us completing certain repairs, replacements and improvements to our restaurant assets at a cost of approximately $12.2 million by March 31, 2024. As of October 1, 2023, $3.4 million in equipment has been received by us related to this arrangement and $10.5 million in qualified repairs, replacements and improvements have been completed by us.

•In November of 2023, we entered into an agreement with BKC to remodel 64 restaurants in total between 2023 and 2024 in connection with their "Reclaim the Flame" remodel incentive program. We expect approximately one-half of the projects we begin in 2024 to be in BKC's latest "Sizzle" restaurant image. The new “Sizzle” format includes enhancements to guest experience through digital improvements, updated drive-thru and pick-up, as well as signature design elements We completed the first ground-up "Sizzle" restaurant in the Burger King system in October 2023 in Marion, North Carolina.

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~~costs, amortization~~Capital Expenditures

We continue to review on an ongoing basis our future development and remodel plans in relation to our available capital resources, construction materials and restaurant equipment availability, and our expected return on investment. We expect that our capital expenditures in 2023 will be approximately $50 million.

We incurred $30.3 million of ~~original issue discount, and payments required under our interest rate swap arrangement.~~

~~Recent and Future Events Affecting our Results~~capital expenditures in the first nine months of ~~Operations~~

2023, net of insurance recoveries. In the first nine months of 2023, we completed remodels of one Burger King ~~Restaurant Acquisitions~~restaurant and two Popeyes restaurants. In all of 2023, we expect to complete development of two new Burger King restaurants and to remodel eleven Burger King restaurants and two Popeyes restaurants.

~~In 2021, we acquired 19 restaurants from other franchisees in~~Cash Dividend

On November 9, 2023, the ~~following transactions ($ in thousands):~~

Closing Date Number of Restaurants Purchase Price
Fee-Owned(1)(2)
Market Location
June 17, 2021 14 $ 27,603 12 Fort Wayne, Indiana
June 23, 2021 5 3,216 1 Battle Creek, Michigan
19 $ 30,819 13

~~(1)~~Company's Board of Directors announced the initiation of a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.02 per share on all issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, including common stock issuable on the conversion of our Series D Convertible Preferred Stock. The ~~2021 acquisitions included the purchase~~cash dividend will be paid on December 15, 2023 to stockholders of ~~13 fee-owned restaurants, of which 12 were sold in sale-leaseback transactions during the third quarter of 2021 for net proceeds of approximately $20.2 million.~~

~~(2) One~~record as of the ~~fee-owned properties was closed at the end~~close of ~~2021, and subsequently sold in the second quarter of 2022 for proceeds of $0.2 million.~~

~~The unaudited pro forma impact~~business on the results of operations for the 2021 acquisitions is included below. The unaudited pro forma results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results that would have occurred had the acquisitions been consummated at the beginning of the periods presented, nor are they necessarily indicative of any future consolidated operating results. This unaudited pro forma financial information does not give effect to any anticipated synergies, operating efficiencies or cost savings or any transaction costs related to the 2021 acquired restaurants. The following table summarizes certain unaudited pro forma financial information related to our operating results for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2021:

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
October 3, 2021 October 3, 2021
Total revenue $ 421,703 $ 1,247,727
Income from operations $ (3,539) $ 785
Adjusted EBITDA $ 18,582 $ 69,001
November 21, 2023.

Area Development and Remodeling Agreement

The Company, Carrols Corporation, Carrols LLC, and BKC entered into an Amended Area Development on January 4, 2021 (the ~~“Amended ADA”~~"Amended ADA"). Under the Amended ADA, Carrols LLC ~~has~~ agreed to open, build and operate a total of 50 new Burger King restaurants, 80% of which must be in Kentucky, Tennessee and Indiana. This ~~includes~~included four Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2021 (which were completed in 2021), 10 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2022 (of which six were completed in 2022), 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2023, 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2024, and 12 additional Burger King restaurants by September 30, 2025. There is a 90-day cure period to meet the required restaurant development each development year. We are in ongoing discussions with BKC regarding our development plans, and do not believe that the penalties, if any, associated with not meeting these commitments will be material.

In addition, pursuant to the Amended ADA, BKC granted Carrols LLC franchise pre-approval to build new Burger King restaurants or acquire Burger King restaurants from Burger King franchisees with respect to 500 Burger King restaurants in the aggregate in (i) Kentucky, Tennessee and ~~Indiana (excluding~~ certain geographic areas in ~~Indiana)~~Indiana and (ii) (a) 16 states, which include Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont and Virginia (subject to certain exceptions for certain limited geographic areas within certain states) and (b) any other geographic locations that Carrols LLC enters after the commencement date of the Amended ADA pursuant to BKC procedures subject to certain limitations.

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~~In connection with an acquisition of restaurants~~ This pre-approval may be suspended as long as the Company is not in ~~2019 we assumed a development agreement for Popeyes, which included an assignment by PLK of its right of first refusal under its franchise agreements~~compliance with its ~~franchisees for acquisitions in two southern states, as well as a~~ development commitment to open, build and operate approximately 80 new Popeyes restaurants over six years. This development agreement with PLK was terminated on March 17, 2021, with certain covenants applicable to us surviving the termination. PLK reserved the right to charge us a $0.6 million fee if the parties to the termination agreement were not able to come to a mutually agreeable solution with respect to such fee within a six-month period. We have not recorded a liability for such amount as the risk of loss is only considered reasonably possible at this time.

~~BKC's “Reclaim the Flame” Plan~~

In September 2022, BKC announced its “Reclaim the Flame” plan, which was developed in collaboration with its franchisees to accelerate sales growth and drive restaurant-level profitability. The plan includes Burger King investing $400 million through 2024, comprised of $150 million in advertising and digital investments to“Fuel the Flame” and $250 million for a “Royal Reset” involving investments in restaurant technology, kitchen equipment, building enhancements and high-quality remodels and relocations.

In the third quarter of 2022, we entered into an agreement with BKC in connection with their “Reclaim the Flame” investment plan. Pursuant to this initiative, BKC has agreed to fund $120 million in additional advertising funds over the period October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2024. Following the investment period in 2023 and 2024, participating franchisees, including us, have agreed to increase our advertising fund contributions by 50 basis points through 2026 if a profitability threshold for the Burger King system is met for the full fiscal year 2026, and further through 2028 if a secondary profitability threshold is met for the full fiscal year 2028.

Under BKC's “Royal Reset” program, BKC will make certain contributions towards franchisee remodel costs, which increase in value if BKC owns the property and/or if the franchisee agrees to pay a 1% higher royalty rate over the 20-year franchise term renewal. At this time, we do not expect participation in the “Royal Reset” program to materially impact our levels of capital expenditures. It may, however, allow us to complete more projects with the same capital allocation.

~~Capital Expenditures~~

We expect that our capital expenditures in 2022 will approximate $40.0 million. We continue to review on an ongoing basis our future development and remodel plans in relation to our available capital resources, supply chain availability and our expected return on investment.

We incurred $28.8 million of capital expenditures in the first nine months of 2022, net of proceeds from sale of other assets of $0.9 million and net proceeds from sale-leasebacks of $0.1 million. We opened four Burger King restaurants and completed remodels of nine Burger King restaurants in the first nine months of 2022. In all of 2022, we expect to complete development of six new Burger King restaurants and to remodel ten Burger King restaurants and one Popeyes restaurant.commitments described above.

Issuance of Senior Notes and Amendments to our Senior Credit Facilities

Senior Credit Facilities. On April 30, 2019, we entered into senior secured credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $550.0 million, consisting of (i) a ~~Term Loan~~term loan B ~~Facility~~facility in an aggregate principal amount of $425.0 million (the ~~“Term~~"Term Loan B ~~Facility”~~Facility") maturing on April ~~30,~~26, 2026, and (ii) a revolving credit facility (including a sub-facility of $35.0 million for standby letters of credit) in an aggregate principal amount of $125.0 million originally maturing on April 30, 2024 (the ~~“Revolving~~"Revolving Credit ~~Facility”~~Facility" and, together with the Term Loan B Facility, the ~~“Senior~~"Senior Credit ~~Facilities”~~Facilities"). As of October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023, as amended, we had $164.4 million of aggregate principal amount of our Term Loan B Facility outstanding. As of October 1, 2023 the Senior Credit Facilities, as amended, provide for an aggregate maximum commitment available for borrowings and issuances of letters of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility of $215.0 ~~million and the~~million. The Revolving Credit Facility, as amended, matures on January 29, 2026.

~~Our obligations~~As of October 1, 2023, there were no revolving credit borrowings outstanding and $10.5 million of letters of credit were issued under ~~the Senior~~our Revolving Credit ~~Facilities are guaranteed by our subsidiaries~~Facility. After reserving for issued letters of credit and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of our assets, including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of our subsidiaries. Under the Senior Credit Facilities, we are required to make mandatory prepayments ofoutstanding revolving credit borrowings, ~~in the event of dispositions of assets, debt issuances and insurance and condemnation proceeds (all subject to certain exceptions).~~

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The Senior Credit Facilities contain certain covenants, including, without limitation, those limiting our and our subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, sell or acquire assets or businesses, change the character of our business in all material respects, engage in transactions with related parties, make certain investments, make certain restricted payments or pay dividends.

In addition, the Senior Credit Facilities require us to meet a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) under certain circumstances. We are only required to maintain a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) of not greater than 5.75 to 1.00 (as measured on a most recent four quarter basis) if, and only if, on the last day of any fiscal quarter, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding$204.5 million was available for revolving credit borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the aggregate face amount of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility (excluding undrawn letters of credit in an aggregate face amount up to $12.0 million) exceeds 35% of the aggregate amount of the maximum borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.on October 1, 2023.

Senior Notes due 2029. On June 28, 2021, wethe Company issued $300.0 million principal amount of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2029 (the "Notes") in a private placement. ~~The proceeds~~

Table of the offering, together with $46.0 million of revolving credit borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities, were used to (i) repay $74.4 million of outstanding term B-1 loans and $243.6 million of outstanding term B loans under our Senior Credit Facilities (which included scheduled principal payments), (ii) to pay fees and expenses related to the offering of the Notes and the Seventh Amendment and (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes.Contents

Carrols Restaurant Group and certain of its subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”) entered into the Indenture (the “Indenture”) dated as of June 28, 2021 with the Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company governing the Notes. The Indenture provides that the Notes will mature on July 1, 2029 and will bear interest at the rate of 5.875% per annum, payable semi-annually on July 1 and January 1 of each year, beginning on January 1, 2022. The entire principal amount of the Notes will be due and payable in full on the maturity date. The Indenture further provides that we (i) may redeem some or all of the Notes at any time after July 1, 2024 at the redemption prices described therein, (ii) may redeem up to 40% of the Notes using the proceeds of certain equity offerings completed before July 1, 2024 and (iii) must offer to purchase the Notes if it sells certain of its assets or if specific kinds of changes in control occur, all as set forth in the Indenture. The Notes are senior unsecured obligations of Carrols Restaurant Group and are guaranteed on an unsecured basis by the Guarantors. The Indenture contains certain covenants that limit the ability of Carrols Restaurant Group and the Guarantors to, among other things: incur indebtedness or issue preferred stock; incur liens; pay dividends or make distributions in respect of capital stock or make certain other restricted payments or investments; sell assets; agree to payment restrictions affecting Restricted Subsidiaries (as defined in the Indenture); enter into transactions with affiliates; or merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of the assets. Such restrictions are subject to certain exceptions and qualifications all as set forth in the Indenture.

Interest Rate Swap Agreement

WeIn March 2020 we entered into ~~a five-year~~an interest rate swap agreement ~~commencing March 3, 2020 and ending February 28, 2025~~ with ~~a notional amount~~certain of ~~$220.0 million to swap variable rate interest payments (one-month LIBOR plus~~our lenders under the ~~applicable margin) under our~~ Senior Credit Facilities ~~for fixed interest payments bearing an~~to mitigate the risk of increases in the variable interest rate related to term loan borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities. The agreement matures on February 28, 2025. The interest rate swap originally fixed the interest rate on 50% of outstanding borrowings under the Senior Credit Facility at 0.915% plus the applicable margin in our Senior Credit ~~Facilities. On November 12,~~Facilities with the difference settled monthly. The original notional amount of $220.0 million was reduced to $120.0 million in 2021 ~~we partially terminated this~~and the fixed rate of interest was changed from 0.915% plus the applicable margin to 0.854% plus the applicable margin in 2022 in connection with the transition from LIBOR to SOFR as the benchmark rate on our Senior Credit Facilities.

The Company received $1.3 million and $3.7 million to settle the interest rate swap to reduce the notional amount hedged from $220.0 million to $120.0 million, and obtain the flexibility to repay borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities which previously needed to be maintained at the hedged $220.0 million notional amount. The fixed rate and other terms of the swap arrangement remained unchanged as a result of the partial termination, which settled with net proceeds to us of $0.2 million.

~~Stock Repurchase Program~~

On August 2, 2019, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase plan (the “Repurchase Program”) under which we may repurchase up to $25 million of our outstanding common stock. The authorization became effective August 2, 2019, and on August 10, 2021, was extended through August 2, 2023. Purchases under the Repurchase Program may be made from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices or in privately negotiated transactions (including, without limitation, the use of Rule 10b5-1 plans) in compliance with applicable federal securities laws, including Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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~~We did not repurchase any shares in~~during the three orand nine months ended October ~~2, 2022 or October 3, 2021. As of October 2, 2022, $11.0~~1, 2023, respectively. We expect to recognize net gains totaling $5.5 million ~~was available~~related to ~~repurchase shares under~~ the ~~Repurchase Program. We have no obligation to repurchase additional shares of stock under~~interest rate swap agreement during the ~~Repurchase Program, and the timing, actual number and value of shares purchased will depend on our stock price, trading volume, general market and economic conditions and other factors.~~next twelve months.

~~Future~~ Restaurant Closures

We evaluate the performance of our restaurants on an ongoing basis including an assessment of the current and future operating results of each restaurant in relation to its cash flow and future occupancy costs, and with regard to franchise agreement renewals, the cost of required capital improvements. We may elect to close restaurants based on these evaluations.

In ~~all of 2021~~2022, we permanently closed ~~five~~ten Burger King ~~restaurants, excluding one restaurant relocated within its trade area.~~restaurants. In the first nine months of ~~2022,~~2023, we permanently closed ~~eight~~three Burger King restaurants and four Popeyes restaurants. We currently anticipate approximately ten restaurant closures ~~for~~in total in all of ~~2022,~~2023, outside of any restaurants being relocated within their trade area.

Our determination of whether to close restaurants in the future is subject to further evaluation and may change. We may incur lease charges in the future from closures of underperforming restaurants prior to the expiration of their contractual lease term. We do not believe that the future impact on our results of operations due to restaurant closures will be material, although there can be no assurance in this regard.

Effect of Minimum Wage Increases

~~Certain of~~We are subject to minimum wage requirements in the states and municipalities ~~in which~~ we operate in, and periodically these municipalities have ~~increased their~~and may continue to increase these minimum wage ~~rates~~rates. Notably, for ~~2021 and in many cases have also approved additional increases for future periods. Most notably, New York State increased the minimum wage applicable to~~ our ~~business to $14.50 an hour on January~~restaurant portfolio as of October 1, ~~2021 and then to 15.00 an hour on July 1, 2021, from $13.75 an hour in 2020 and $12.75 per hour in 2019. New York State has a Youth Jobs Program which~~2023, we have received tax credits from annually since 2016. The program extends through 2027, and we received $1.0 million for 2021 and approximately $0.6 million for the prior three years from New York State related to these credits. We had ~~123 restaurants in New York State at October 2, 2022. We also had one restaurant in Massachusetts that has annual minimum wage increases reaching $15.00 per hour in 2023, 10~~ten restaurants in New Jersey that have annual minimum wage increases reaching ~~$15.00~~$15.13 per hour in 2024, and 4645 total restaurants in Illinois and Maryland that have annual minimum wage increases reaching $14.00 per hour in 2024 and $15.00 per hour in ~~2025, all~~2025. Recent increases in certain other states minimum wage rates have ranged from 2% to 4%, including those affecting our restaurants in Ohio and Michigan, where we had 114 and 56 restaurants as of October ~~2, 2022.~~

In1, 2023, respectively. We do not expect these minimum wage rate changes to have a material impact on our results, and in most cases we are now paying in excess of state minimum wages given the current labor ~~market,~~market.

New York State has a Youth Jobs Program tax credit extending through 2027 from which we have ~~seen competitive pressure on wage rates that has significantly outpaced statutory minimums as the re-opening of the economy has increased demand~~received tax credits annually. We expect to receive approximately $0.6 million and $0.7 million from New York State related to these credits for ~~labor at all levels of the workforce.~~2022 and 2023, respectively. On October 1, 2023 we had 124 restaurants in New York State.

We typically attempt to offset the effects of wage inflation, at least in part, through periodic menu price increases. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset these wage increases in the future.

~~Inflation Reduction Act~~

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~~Results of Operations~~

Reconciliations of Net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, Loss from operations to Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA, and Net loss to Adjusted Net Loss for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021 are as follows (in thousands, except for per share data):

Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: October 2, 2022 October 3, 2021 October 2, 2022 October 3, 2021
Net loss $ (8,697) $ (9,902) $ (56,442) $ (26,629)
Benefit from income taxes (2,712) (1,469) (14,842) (4,162)
Interest expense 7,896 7,724 22,968 21,392
Depreciation and amortization 19,284 20,101 58,897 61,131
EBITDA 15,771 16,454 10,581 51,732
Impairment and other lease charges 1,196 784 19,868 1,281
Acquisition costs(1)
— 108 — 400
Stock-based compensation expense 940 1,458 3,817 4,541
Pre-opening costs(2)
84 30 173 59
Executive transition, litigation and other professional expenses(3)
1,436 801 3,757 1,315
Loss on extinguishment of debt — — — 8,538
Other income, net(4)(5)
(1,750) (1,053) (1,109) (111)
Adjusted EBITDA $ 17,677 $ 18,582 $ 37,087 $ 67,755

Reconciliation of Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA:
Loss from operations $ (3,513) $ (3,647) $ (48,316) $ (861)
Add:
General and administrative expenses 22,572 19,209 65,416 61,276
Pre-opening costs(2)
84 30 173 59
Depreciation and amortization 19,284 20,101 58,897 61,131
Impairment and other lease charges 1,196 784 19,868 1,281
Other income, net(4)(5)
(1,750) (1,053) (1,109) (111)
Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA $ 37,873 $ 35,424 $ 94,929 $ 122,775

Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Loss:
Net loss $ (8,697) $ (9,902) $ (56,442) $ (26,629)
Add:
Impairment and other lease charges 1,196 784 19,868 1,281
Acquisition costs(1)
— 108 — 400
Pre-opening costs(2)
84 30 173 59
Executive transition, litigation and other professional expenses(3)
1,436 801 3,757 1,315
Other income, net(4)(5)
(1,750) (1,053) (1,109) (111)
Loss on extinguishment of debt — — — 8,538
Income tax effect on above adjustments(6)
(242) (168) (5,672) (2,871)
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes(7)
682 1,641 6,168 4,197
Adjusted Net Loss $ (7,291) $ (7,759) $ (33,257) $ (13,821)
Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share(8)
$ (0.14) $ (0.16) $ (0.66) $ (0.28)
Adjusted diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 50,805 49,928 50,690 49,890

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~~(1)~~Acquisition costs for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2021 primarily include integration, travel, legal and professional fees incurred in connection with restaurant acquisitions during the second quarter in 2021 which were included in general and administrative expenses.

~~(2)Pre-opening costs for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021 include training, labor and occupancy costs incurred during the construction of new restaurants.~~

~~(3)~~Executive transition, litigation and other professional expenses for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021 include executive recruiting and transition costs, costs pertaining to an ongoing lawsuit with one of the Company's former vendors and other non-recurring professional service expenses.

~~(4)~~Other income, net, for the three months ended October 2, 2022 included a loss on sale leaseback transactions of $0.5 million and a gain from a settlement with a vendor of $2.5 million. Other income, net, for the nine months ended October 2, 2022 included a loss on disposal of assets of $1.0 million and a gain from a settlement with a vendor of $2.5 million.

~~(5)~~Other income, net, for the three months ended October 3, 2021 included a gain from insurance recoveries of $1.1 million related to property damage at two of the Company's restaurants. Other income, net, for the nine months ended October 3, 2021 included a gain from insurance recoveries of $1.1 million related to property damage at two of the Company's restaurants and a loss on disposal of assets of $0.9 million.

~~(6)~~The income tax effect related to the adjustments to Adjusted Net Loss was calculated using an incremental income tax rate of 25% for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021.

~~(7)~~Reflects the removal of the income tax expense recorded in connection with an increase to our valuation allowance on deferred income tax assets during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022 and October 3, 2021.

~~(8)Adjusted diluted net loss per share is calculated based on Adjusted Net Loss and the dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding for the respective periods, where applicable.~~

Three Months Ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 Compared to Three Months Ended October ~~3, 2021~~2, 2022

The following table highlights the key components of sales and the number of restaurants in operation for our third quarter ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 as compared to the third quarter ended October ~~3, 2021:~~2, 2022:

Three Months Ended
October 2, 2022 October 3, 2021
Restaurant Sales $ 443,961 $ 421,703
Burger King 421,853 401,308
Popeyes 22,108 20,395
Change in Comparable Restaurant Sales(a)
5.0 % 2.4 %
Change in Comparable Burger King Restaurant Sales(a)
4.9 % 2.7 %
Change in Comparable Popeyes Restaurant Sales(a)
6.5 % (3.2) %
Burger King Restaurants operating at beginning of period: 1,023 1,027
New restaurants opened, including relocations(b)
1 1
Restaurants acquired — —
Restaurants closed, including relocations(b)
(2) (1)
Burger King Restaurants at end of period 1,022 1,027
Average number of operating Burger King restaurants 1,022.8 1,024.5
Popeyes Restaurants operating at beginning and end of period: 65 65
Average number of operating Popeyes restaurants 65.0 64.2

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	Three Months Ended
	October 1, 2023			October 2, 2022
Restaurant Sales	$	475,761		$	443,961
Burger King	451,892			421,853
Popeyes	23,869			22,108

Change in Comparable Restaurant Sales(a)	8.2		%	5.0		%
Change in comparable Burger King restaurant sales(a)	8.1		%	4.9		%
Change in comparable Popeyes restaurant sales(a)	11.7		%	6.5		%

Burger King Restaurants operating at beginning of period:	1,019			1,023
New restaurants opened, including relocations(b)	—			1

Restaurants closed, including relocations(b)	—			(2)
Burger King restaurants at end of period	1,019			1,022
Average number of operating Burger King restaurants	1,012.2			1,022.8

Popeyes Restaurants operating at beginning and end of period:	62			65

Restaurants closed, including relocations(b)	(1)			—
Popeyes Restaurants operating at end of period	61			65
Average number of operating Popeyes restaurants	60.8			65.0

a.(a)Restaurants we acquire are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been operated by us for 12 months. Sales from restaurants that we develop are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been open for 15 months. The calculation of changes in comparable restaurant sales is based on a comparison to the comparable 13-week period 52 weeks prior.

b.(b)There were no restaurant relocations during the periods presented. ~~For the third quarter of 2021, closed restaurants includes one restaurant closed as a result of a relocation within its existing market which did not open until the fourth quarter of 2021.~~

Restaurant Sales. Total restaurant sales in the third quarter of ~~2022~~2023 increased ~~$22.3~~$31.8 million to ~~$444.0~~$475.8 million from the third quarter of ~~2021.~~2022. Our comparable restaurant sales increased ~~5.0%~~8.2% compared to the third quarter of ~~2021 and~~2022, which reflected an increase in average check of ~~10.7% which was partially offset by a decrease~~7.8% and an increase in customer traffic of ~~5.2%~~0.4%. The change in average check included a ~~10.0%~~6.3% effective price increase compared to the third quarter of ~~2021~~2022 for our Burger King restaurants and 11.5% for our Popeyes restaurants. Promotional sales discounts in the third quarter of ~~2022~~2023 were ~~16.1%~~11.5% of restaurant sales at our Burger King restaurants compared to ~~20.1%~~16.1% in the third quarter of ~~2021.~~2022. Hours of operation at our restaurants increased 3.4% in the third quarter of 2023 compared to the third quarter of 2022. Restaurant sales were also impacted by the ~~four~~two new Burger King restaurants built since the end of the third quarter of ~~2021~~2022, the five Burger King restaurants and ~~the ten~~four Popeyes restaurants closed since the end of the third quarter of ~~2021.~~2022, and restaurant remodeling closures.

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Operating Costs and Expenses (percentages stated as a percentage of total revenue). The following table sets forth, for the three months ended October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023 and October ~~3, 2021,~~2, 2022, selected operating results as a percentage of total ~~revenue:~~restaurant sales:


		Three Months Ended (13 weeks)				Three Months Ended (13 weeks)
		October 2, 2022		October 3, 2021				October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
Costs and expenses (all restaurants):	Costs and expenses (all restaurants):						Costs and expenses (all restaurants):
Food, beverage and packaging costs	Food, beverage and packaging costs	31.1	%	31.1	%		Food, beverage and packaging costs	27.3	%	31.1	%
Restaurant wages and related expenses	Restaurant wages and related expenses	33.5	%	33.5	%		Restaurant wages and related expenses	32.3	%	33.5	%
Restaurant rent expense	Restaurant rent expense	7.0	%	7.2	%		Restaurant rent expense	6.8	%	7.0	%
Other restaurant operating expenses	Other restaurant operating expenses	15.8	%	15.8	%		Other restaurant operating expenses	15.7	%	15.8	%
Advertising expense	Advertising expense	4.0	%	3.9	%		Advertising expense	4.1	%	4.0	%
General and administrative	General and administrative	5.1	%	4.6	%		General and administrative	5.5	%	5.1	%

Food, beverage and packaging costs ~~were flat at~~decreased to 27.3% of restaurant sales in the third quarter of 2023 from 31.1% of restaurant sales in the third quarter of ~~2022 and 31.1% of restaurant sales in the third quarter of 2021, but decreased sequentially from 31.7% of restaurant sales in the second quarter of~~ 2022. Compared to the third quarter of last year, the third quarter of 2022 reflected increased commodity pricing at our Burger King restaurants (3.6%), and increased commodities pricing at our Popeyes restaurants (0.2%). These cost pressures were offset byThis decrease reflects the impact of menu price increases taken at our Burger King restaurants since the end of the third quarter of ~~2021 (2.9%~~2022 (1.8%) ~~and~~, lower promotional discounting in the third quarter of ~~2022~~2023 at our Burger King restaurants (1.1%) and lower commodity pricing at our Burger King restaurants (0.3%) which were partially offset by higher commodity pricing at our Popeyes restaurants (0.1%). Food, beverage and packaging costs in the third quarter of 2023 were also impacted by the benefit from a new vendor agreement of $3.4 million, of which $2.3 million related to purchases in the first six months of 2023.

Restaurant wages and related expenses ~~were flat at~~decreased to 32.3% of restaurant sales in the third quarter of 2023 from 33.5% in the third quarter of 2022. The hourly labor rate, inclusive of minimum wage increases, increased 3.8% in the third quarter of 2023 from the third quarter of 2022 compared to an increase of 7.2% in the third quarter of 2022 from the third quarter of 2021. The hourly labor rate increase in the third quarter of 2023 from the third quarter of 2022 was mostly offset by a decrease in restaurant team member hours of 3.0%, which includes the impact of a lower restaurant count in 2023.

Restaurant rent expense decreased to 6.8% in the third quarter of 2023 from 7.0% in the third quarter of 2022 due to the impact of higher sales volumes on our rental costs, which are approximately 80% fixed.

Other restaurant operating expenses decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 15.7% in the third quarter of 2023 from 15.8% of restaurant sales in the third quarter of 2022, and ~~33.5%~~increased $4.4 million. The margin improvement was primarily driven by the impact of an increase in average check of 7.8% on our operating costs, which include royalty expense and credit card fees which directly increase with selling prices, but also include other fixed costs not directly tied to sales. In the third quarter of 2023 the increased expense was primarily related to higher repairs and maintenance costs of $2.0 million, higher royalty costs of $1.6 million, and higher credit card fees of $0.6 million.

Advertising expense increased to 4.1% of restaurant sales in the third quarter of 2021, but decreased from 33.8% in the second quarter of 2022. We are now lapping the competitive pressure on wage rates that began late in the second quarter of 2021 that has significantly outpaced statutory minimums rate increases as the re-opening of the economy post-pandemic increased demand for labor at all levels of the workforce. The impact of base hourly labor rate increases2023 compared to 4.0% in the third quarter of 2022 ~~inclusive of minimum wage increases, was 7.7% when compared~~due to ~~the prior year period.~~

~~Restaurant rent expense as a percentage of restaurant sales was 7.0% in the third quarter of 2022 and 7.2% the third quarter of 2021 as we leveraged fixed rent on higher sales volumes.~~

Other restaurant operating expenses remained flat as a percentage of restaurant sales at 15.8% in both the third quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2021. Compared to the prior year period, in the third quarter of 2022 we did see higherincreased spending on ~~utilities (0.1%) and repair and maintenance expenses (0.1%), which were offset by improvements in leverage on other components of operating expenses.~~

~~Advertising expense was approximately 4.0% of restaurant sales in both the third quarter of 2022 and the third quarter of 2021.~~

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local advertising.

Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA. As a result of the factors discussed above, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA increased ~~$2.4~~$27.9 million, or ~~6.9%~~74%, to $65.8 million in the third quarter of 2023 compared to $37.9 million in the third quarter of ~~2022 compared to $35.4 million in the third quarter of 2021.~~2022. As a percentage of total restaurant sales, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA increased to 13.8% in the third quarter of 2023 from 8.5% in the third quarter of ~~2022 from 8.4% in the third quarter of 2021.~~2022. For a reconciliation between Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA and ~~loss~~Income (loss) from operations see page ~~31.~~35.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased ~~$3.4~~$3.6 million in the third quarter of ~~2022~~2023 to ~~$22.6~~$26.2 million, and ~~was 5.1%~~increased to 5.5% as a percentage of total restaurant sales in the third quarter of ~~2022 and 4.6%~~2023 from 5.1% in the third quarter of ~~2021.~~2022. The ~~$3.4~~$3.6 million increase ~~includes increased professional fees~~included higher incentive compensation accruals of ~~$1.1~~$3.5 million, ~~(including certain non-recurring executive transition and litigation costs),~~ higher ~~conference and travel costs~~salaries of ~~$0.8~~$1.0 million and higher ~~bonus accruals due to the impact~~stock compensation expense of ~~a reversal of bonus accruals in the third quarter of 2021 ($1.5 million). These increases~~$0.9 million, which were partially offset by lower ~~stock-based compensation expense ($0.5 million).~~professional fees of $0.7 million and lower travel expenses of $0.7 million.

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Adjusted EBITDA. As a result of the factors above, Adjusted EBITDA ~~decreased~~increased to $41.9 million in the third quarter of 2023 from $17.7 million in the third quarter of ~~2022 from $18.6 million in the third quarter of 2021.~~2022. As a percentage of total restaurant sales, Adjusted EBITDA ~~decreased~~increased to ~~4.0%~~8.8% in the third quarter of ~~2022~~2023 from ~~4.4%~~4.0% in the third ~~quarter of 2021, but increased compared to Adjusted EBITDA of 3.4% of restaurant sales in the second~~ quarter of 2022. For a reconciliation between ~~net loss~~Net Income (Loss) and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see page ~~31.~~35.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $~~0.8~~1.0 million to $18.3 million in the third quarter of 2023 from $19.3 million in the third quarter of ~~2022 from $20.1 million in the third quarter of 2021.~~2022.

Impairment and Other Lease Charges. ~~Impairment~~During the third quarter of 2023, impairment and other lease charges were ~~$1.2~~$1.6 million, inconsisting of capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.4 million, initial impairment charges for one underperforming restaurant of $0.3 million and $1.0 million of other lease charges primarily related to one restaurant closed during the quarter.

During the third quarter of 2022, we recorded impairment and other lease charges of $1.2 million consisting of $0.3 million of initial impairment charges for three underperforming restaurants, capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.1 million and $0.8 million of other lease charges ~~of $0.8 million~~ primarily related to one restaurant closed during the third quarter of 2022 of $0.4 million. During the third quarter of 2021, we recorded impairment and other lease charges of $0.8 million consisting of $0.5 million of initial impairment charges for three underperforming restaurants, capital expenditure impairment at previously impaired restaurants of $0.1 million and $0.2 million of other lease charges.2022.

Other ~~income,~~Income, net. Other income, net, was ~~$1.8~~$3.6 million in the third quarter of ~~2022~~2023 and included a settlement with BKC under the territorial rights provision of our franchise agreement of $4.3 million and a loss on disposal of assets of $0.6 million. Other income, net, in the third quarter of 2022 was $1.8 million which was comprised of a loss on sale leaseback transactions of $0.5 million and a gain from a settlement with a vendor of $2.5 million. ~~Other income, net, was $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2021 and included a gain from insurance recoveries of $1.1 million related to property damage at two of the Company's restaurants.~~

Interest Expense. Interest expense ~~increased~~decreased to $7.2 million in the third quarter of 2023 from $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2022 ~~from $7.7 million in the third quarter of 2021.~~due to lower outstanding debt balances. Our weighted average interest rate for long-term borrowings increased to 5.7% in the third quarter of 2023 from 5.4% in the third quarter of 2022, ~~from 5.1% in the third quarter of 2021,~~ due to the ~~impact of~~ higher variable rates on the ~~unhedged portion of~~borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities inthat are not subject to the ~~third quarter of 2022.~~interest rate swap. Variable rate increases on our Senior Credit Facilities have and will be offset by our interest rate swap which, until its expiration in February 2025, fixes the interest rate on $120.0 million of debt outstanding under our Senior Credit Facilities. ~~Prior to November 12, 2021, the interest rate swap hedged a notional value of $220.0 million.~~ At the end of the third quarter of ~~2022,~~2023, after consideration of our interest rate swap, approximately 90% of our long-term debt (including current portion) was at a fixed rate.

~~Benefit~~Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes for the three months ended October 1, 2023, was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2023 of 12.3%, which is inclusive of the estimated change in our valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets and excludes other discrete tax adjustments. The difference compared to the statutory rate for 2023 is attributable to various permanent non-deductible expenses and non-refundable business credits which are not directly related to the amount of pre-tax income recorded in the period as well as the impact of changes to our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets, which was a decrease of $1.3 million in the third quarter of 2023. There was $0.5 million of discrete tax expense in the third quarter of 2023.

For the three months ended October 2, 2022, the benefit for income taxes was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2022 of 20.7%., which is inclusive of the estimated change in our valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets and excludes other discrete tax adjustments. The difference compared to the statutory rate for 2022 is attributable to various permanent non-deductible expenses and non-refundable business credits which are not directly related to the amount of pre-tax loss recorded in the period as well as the impact of increases to our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets. During the three months ended October 2, 2022, our benefit for income taxes from continuing operations was reduced by $0.7 million due to an increase in our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets. There was $0.1 million discrete tax benefits in the third quarter of 2022.

For the three months ended October 3, 2021, the benefit for income taxes was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2021 of 11.4%. The difference compared to the statutory rate for 2021 was attributable to various permanent non-deductible expenses which are not directly related to the amount of pre-

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~~tax loss recorded in a period as well as the impact of an increase~~changes to our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets, which was an increase of ~~$1.6 million.~~$0.7 million in the third quarter of 2022. There was $0.1 million ~~in net~~of discrete tax benefit in the third quarter of ~~2021.~~2022.

Net ~~Loss.~~Income (Loss). As a result of the above, net ~~loss~~income for the third quarter of ~~2022~~2023 was ~~$8.7~~$12.6 million, or ~~$0.17~~$0.20 per diluted share, compared to net loss in the third quarter of ~~2021~~2022 of ~~$9.9~~$8.7 million, or ~~$0.20~~$0.17 per diluted share.

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Nine Months Ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 Compared to Nine Months Ended October ~~3, 2021~~2, 2022

The following table highlights the key components of sales for the nine-month period ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 as compared to the nine-month period ended October ~~3, 2021:~~2, 2022:


		Nine Months Ended							Nine Months Ended
		October 2, 2022			October 3, 2021				October 1, 2023			October 2, 2022
Restaurant Sales	Restaurant Sales	$	1,285,382		$	1,236,237		Restaurant Sales	$	1,406,146		$	1,285,382
Burger King	Burger King	1,219,440			1,172,455			Burger King	1,334,949			1,219,440
Popeyes	Popeyes	65,942			63,782			Popeyes	71,197			65,942

Change in Comparable Restaurant Sales(a)	Change in Comparable Restaurant Sales(a)	3.2		%	8.9		%	Change in Comparable Restaurant Sales(a)	10.1		%	3.2		%
Change in Comparable Burger King Restaurant Sales(a)	Change in Comparable Burger King Restaurant Sales(a)	3.2		%	9.6		%	Change in Comparable Burger King Restaurant Sales (a)	10.0		%	3.2		%
Change in Comparable Popeyes Restaurant Sales (a)	Change in Comparable Popeyes Restaurant Sales (a)	3.5		%	(2.7)		%	Change in Comparable Popeyes Restaurant Sales (a)	10.9		%	3.5		%

Burger King Restaurants operating at beginning of period:	Burger King Restaurants operating at beginning of period:	1,026			1,009			Burger King Restaurants operating at beginning of period:	1,022			1,026
New restaurants opened, including relocations(b)	New restaurants opened, including relocations(b)	4			3			New restaurants opened, including relocations (b)	—			4
Restaurants acquired		—			19

Restaurants closed, including relocations(b)	Restaurants closed, including relocations(b)	(8)			(4)			Restaurants closed, including relocations (b)	(3)			(8)
Burger King Restaurants at end of period		1,022			1,027
Burger King restaurants at end of period								Burger King restaurants at end of period	1,019			1,022
Average number of operating Burger King restaurants	Average number of operating Burger King restaurants	1,023.8			1,014.1			Average number of operating Burger King restaurants	1,016.2			1,023.8

Popeyes Restaurants operating at beginning and end of period:	Popeyes Restaurants operating at beginning and end of period:	65			65			Popeyes Restaurants operating at beginning and end of period:	65			65

Restaurants closed, including relocations(b)								Restaurants closed, including relocations(b)	(4)			—
Popeyes Restaurants operating at end of period								Popeyes Restaurants operating at end of period	61			65
Average number of operating Popeyes restaurants	Average number of operating Popeyes restaurants	65.0			64.7			Average number of operating Popeyes restaurants	62.6			65.0

b.(b)There were no restaurant relocations induring the first nine months of 2022. For the first nine months of 2021, closed restaurants includes one restaurant closed as a result of a relocation within its existing market which did not open until the fourth quarter of 2021.periods presented.

Restaurant Sales. Total restaurant sales in the first nine months of ~~2022~~2023 increased ~~4.0%~~9.4% to ~~$1,285.4~~$1,406.1 million from ~~$1,236.2~~$1,285.4 million in the first nine months of ~~2021.~~2022. Comparable restaurant sales increased ~~3.2%~~10.1% in the first nine months of ~~2022, which reflected~~2023 due to an increase in average check of ~~10.0%~~11.0% and a decrease in customer traffic of ~~6.2%~~0.8%. The ~~effect~~change in average check included an effective price increase of approximately 8.3% at our Burger King restaurants and 13.2% at our Popeyes restaurants compared to the first nine months of 2022. Promotional sales discounts in the first nine months of ~~2022 from menu price increases taken~~2023 were 11.2% of restaurant sales at our Burger King restaurants ~~since~~compared to 17.1% in the ~~beginning~~first nine months of ~~2021 was approximately 9.1%.~~2022. Hours of operation increased 3.8% in the first nine months of 2023 at our Burger King restaurants and 2.0% at our Popeyes restaurants compared to the first nine months of 2022. Restaurant sales were also impacted by the ~~inclusion of sales in all of 2022 from the 19 restaurants acquired in the second quarter of 2021, the four~~six new Burger King restaurants built since the ~~end~~beginning of ~~the third quarter of 2021~~2022 and the ~~ten~~13 Burger King restaurants and four Popeyes restaurants closed since the end of the ~~third quarter~~beginning of ~~2021.~~2022.

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Operating Costs and Expenses (percentages stated as a percentage of total revenue unless otherwise noted). The following table sets forth, for the nine months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 and October ~~3, 2021,~~2, 2022, selected operating results as a percentage of total ~~revenue:~~restaurant sales:


		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		October 2, 2022		October 3, 2021			October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
Costs and expenses (all restaurants):	Costs and expenses (all restaurants):					Costs and expenses (all restaurants):
Food, beverage and packaging costs	Food, beverage and packaging costs	31.2	%	30.0	%	Food, beverage and packaging costs	27.9	%	31.2	%
Restaurant wages and related expenses	Restaurant wages and related expenses	34.2	%	33.0	%	Restaurant wages and related expenses	32.4	%	34.2	%
Restaurant rent expense	Restaurant rent expense	7.3	%	7.4	%	Restaurant rent expense	6.8	%	7.3	%
Other restaurant operating expenses	Other restaurant operating expenses	15.9	%	15.6	%	Other restaurant operating expenses	15.5	%	15.9	%
Advertising expense	Advertising expense	4.0	%	4.0	%	Advertising expense	4.0	%	4.0	%
General and administrative	General and administrative	5.1	%	5.0	%	General and administrative	5.4	%	5.1	%

Food, beverage and packaging costs ~~increased~~decreased to 27.9% in the first nine months of 2023 from 31.2% in the first nine months of ~~2022 from 30.0% in~~2022. This decrease reflects the first nine months of 2021. This increase compared to last year reflected increased commodity pricing at our Burger King restaurants (4.3%), increased commodity pricing at our Popeyes restaurants (0.2%) and increased delivery commissions (0.1%). These cost pressures were offset in part by the favorable impact of menu price increases taken at our Burger King restaurants since the beginning of ~~2021 (2.7%~~2022 (2.3%) and lower promotional discounting in the first nine months of ~~2022~~2023 at our Burger King restaurants ~~(1.0%~~(1.5%), which were partially offset by increased commodity pricing at our Burger King restaurants (0.6%) and increased commodity pricing at our Popeyes restaurants (0.1%). Food, beverage and packaging costs in the first nine months of 2023 were also impacted by the benefit from a new vendor agreement of $3.4 million.

Restaurant wages and related expenses was 32.4% in the first nine months of 2023 and 34.2% the first nine months of 2022. The hourly labor rate, inclusive of minimum wage increases, increased 4.4% in the first nine months of 2023 from the first nine months of 2022 compared to an increase of 10.3% in the first nine months of 2022 from the first nine months of 2021. The increase in 2023 was mostly offset by a decrease in restaurant team member hours of 3.2% in the first nine months of 2023 from the first nine months of 2022, which includes the impact from a lower restaurant count in 2023.

Restaurant rent expense decreased to 6.8% in the first nine months of 2023 from 7.3% in the first nine months of 2022 due to the impact of higher sales volumes on our rental costs, which are approximately 80% fixed.

Other restaurant operating expenses decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales to 15.5% in the first nine months of 2023 from 15.9% of restaurant sales in the first nine months of 2022, and ~~33.0% the first nine months of 2021. We benefited in the first half of 2021~~increased $12.9 million from labor adjustments we made at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic to restrict overtime and reduce staffing levels. Beginning late in the second quarter of 2021, we have seen competitive pressure on wage rates that has significantly outpaced statutory minimums as the re-opening of the economy increased demand for labor at all levels of the workforce. The impact of base hourly labor rate increases over the first nine months of 2022, inclusive of minimum wage increases, was 10.4% when compared to the prior year period. ~~This rate~~The margin improvement was primarily driven by an increase in average check of 11.0% on our operating costs, which include royalty expense and credit card fees which directly increase ~~has moderated over the first nine months of 2022, as we began lapping the period that began last year.~~

~~Restaurant rent expense decreased~~with selling prices, but also other fixed costs not directly tied to ~~7.3% in the first nine months of 2022 from 7.4% in the first nine months of 2021 due to the effect of higher sales volumes on generally fixed rental costs.~~

Other restaurant operating expenses increased to 15.9% in the first nine months of 2022 from 15.6% in the first nine months of 2021. The first and second quarters of 2021 reflected cost savings realized from the constrained pandemic operating environment.sales. In the first nine months of ~~2022, we saw~~2023, the increased expense was primarily due to higher ~~spending on~~royalty costs of $5.7 million, higher repairs and maintenance costs of $3.9 million, higher utilities ~~(0.2%)~~expense of $2.1 million, higher credit card fees of $1.9 million, higher digital fee costs of $0.7 million and lower general liability insurance ~~(0.2%), which were partially offset by lower spending on supplies (0.1%).~~claims costs of $2.4 million.

Advertising expense was 4.0% restaurant sales in both the first nine months of ~~2022~~2023 and the first nine months of ~~2021.~~2022.

Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA. As a result of the factors above, Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA ~~decreased $27.8~~increased $93.3 million, or ~~22.7%~~98.2%, to ~~$94.9~~$188.2 million in the first nine months of ~~2022~~2023 compared to ~~$122.8~~$94.9 million in the prior year period, and, as a percentage of total ~~revenue,~~restaurant sales, was 13.4% in the first nine months of 2023 and 7.4% in the first nine months of ~~2022 and 9.9% in the first nine months of 2021.~~2022. For a reconciliation between Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA and ~~loss~~Income (loss) from operations see page ~~31.~~35.

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General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased ~~$4.1~~$11.1 million in the first nine months of ~~2022~~2023 to ~~$65.4~~$76.5 million and increased to 5.4% as a percentage of total ~~revenue, increased to~~restaurant sales from 5.1% ~~from 5.0% in the prior year period. The increase in total general and administrative expenses~~ in the first nine months of ~~2022~~2022. The $11.1 million increase was primarily due to higher ~~salaries and training labor ($2.1~~incentive compensation accruals of $10.9 million ~~including $0.5 million higher executive severance in 2022 than in 2021), higher conference and travel expenses ($1.4 million),~~ and higher ~~professional fees ($1.4~~salaries of $1.0 million, ~~including certain executive transition and placement costs)~~ which were partially offset by $1.1 million of lower ~~stock compensation expense ($0.7 million) and lower performance bonus accruals of $0.8 million. The first quarter of 2022 included additional~~

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~~stock-based compensation expense of $0.7 million related~~legal fees due to costs incurred regarding a settlement in the ~~accelerated vesting of certain awards upon the retirement of our former CEO.~~prior year.

Adjusted EBITDA. As a result of the factors above, Adjusted EBITDA ~~decreased~~increased to $116.9 million in the first nine months of 2023 from $37.1 million in the first nine months of 2022 ~~from $67.8 million~~and as a percentage of total restaurant sales, increased to 8.3% in the first nine months of ~~2021.~~2023 from 2.9% in the first nine months of 2022. For a reconciliation between net ~~loss~~income (loss) and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA see page ~~31.~~35.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $55.6 million in the first nine months of 2023 from $58.9 million in the first nine months of ~~2022 from $61.1 million in the first nine months of 2021.~~2022.

Impairment and Other Lease Charges. Impairment and other lease charges were $5.7 million in the first nine months of 2023, which consisted of capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.7 million and $4.7 million of other lease charges primarily related to seven restaurants closed during the period.

Impairment and other lease charges were $19.9 million in the first nine months of 2022, ~~consisting~~which consisted of $16.7 million in goodwill impairment charges, $1.4 million of initial impairment charges for ten underperforming restaurants, ~~of $1.4 million,~~ capital expenditures at previously impaired restaurants of $0.4 million, and ~~other~~ lease charges ~~of $1.5 million~~ primarily related to six restaurants closed during the period of ~~$1.0~~$1.5 million.

~~Impairment and other lease charges were $1.3 million~~ The non-cash goodwill impairment charge in 2022 represented a full write-down of the ~~first nine months of 2021, consisting of $0.5 million related to initial impairment~~goodwill for ~~four underperforming restaurants, capital expenditure impairment of $0.4 million at previously impaired restaurants and $0.4 million of other lease charges.~~our Popeyes reporting unit.

Other Income, net. ~~Other income, net, was $1.1 million in the~~The first nine months of ~~2022~~2023 included other income, net, of $6.5 million, which was comprised of a settlement with BKC under the territorial rights provision of our franchise agreement of $4.3 million, net gains from insurance recoveries of $1.8 million, a gain of $0.8 million from the derecognition of a lease financing obligation associated with a prior sale leaseback transaction, a $0.4 million gain on a sale leaseback transaction, a gain from property condemnation of $0.3 million and ~~included~~ a loss on disposal of assets of $1.0 million.

The first nine months of 2022 included other income, net, of $1.1 million ~~and~~which was primarily comprised of a gain from a settlement with a vendor of $2.5 ~~million. Other income, net, was $0.1~~ million ~~in the first nine months of 2021 and included a gain from insurance recoveries of $1.1 million related to property damage at two of the Company's restaurants~~ and a loss on disposal of assets of ~~$0.9~~$1.0 million.

~~Loss on Extinguishment of Debt.~~ During the first nine months of 2021, we recognized a loss on extinguishment of debt of $8.5 million in connection with the early extinguishment of our term B-1 loans and partial extinguishment of our term B loans under our Senior Credit Facilities. The loss consisted of the proportional write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs and unamortized original issuance discount.

Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $23.1 million in the first nine months of 2023 from $23.0 million in the first nine months of ~~2022 from $21.4 million in the first nine months of 2021.~~2022. The weighted average interest rate on borrowings under our ~~long term~~long-term debt increased to 5.7% in the first nine months of 2023 from 5.3% in the first nine months of 2022, ~~from 4.7% in the first nine months of 2021,~~ due to the ~~impact of the 5.875% interest rate on our new Senior Notes issued in June of 2021 as well as~~ higher variable rates on the ~~unhedged portion of~~borrowings under our Senior Credit ~~Facilities.~~Facilities that are not subject to the interest rate swap. Variable rate increases on our Senior Credit Facilities have and will be offset by our interest rate swap which, until its expiration in February 2025, fixes the interest rate on $120.0 million of debt outstanding under our Senior Credit Facilities. ~~Prior to November 12, 2021, the interest rate swap hedged a notional value of $220.0 million.~~ At the end of the ~~third quarter~~first nine months of ~~2022,~~2023, after consideration of our interest rate swap, approximately 90% of our long-term debt (including current portion) was at a fixed rate.

~~Benefit~~Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes for the first nine months of 2023 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2023 of 12.3%, which is inclusive of the estimated change in the Company's valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets and excludes other discrete tax adjustments. The difference compared to the statutory rate for 2023 is attributable to various permanent non-deductible expenses and non-refundable business credits which are not directly related to the amount of pre-tax loss recorded in a period as well as the impact of a decrease to our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets of $1.8 million. There was $1.2 million of tax expense from net discrete tax adjustments during the nine months ended October 1, 2023.

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The benefit for income taxes for the first nine months of 2022 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2022 of 20.7%, which is inclusive of the estimated change in the Company's valuation allowance on its deferred tax assets and excludes ~~any~~other discrete tax adjustments. The difference compared to the statutory rate for 2022 is attributable to various permanent non-deductible expenses and non-refundable business credits which are not directly related to the amount of pre-tax loss recorded in the period as well as the impact of increases to our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets of $6.2 million. There was a discrete tax benefit of $0.1 million in ~~discrete tax benefits during~~ the nine months ended October 2, 2022.

The benefit for income taxes for the first nine months of 2021 was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate for all of 2021 of 11.4%, which excludes any discrete tax adjustments. The difference compared to the statutory rate for 2021 is attributable to various permanent non-deductible expenses which are not directly related to the amount of pre-tax loss recorded in a period as well as the impact of an increase to our valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets of $4.2 million. There was $0.7 million of tax benefit from net discrete tax adjustments during the nine months ended October 3, 2021.

Net ~~Loss.~~Income (Loss). As a result of the above, net ~~loss~~income for the first nine months of ~~2022~~2023 was ~~$56.4~~$28.4 million, or ~~$1.11~~$0.44 per diluted share, compared to a net loss in first nine months of ~~2021~~2022 of ~~$26.6~~$56.4 million, or ~~$0.53~~$1.11 per diluted share.

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Results of Operations

Reconciliations of Net Income (loss) to EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted Net Income (Loss), and Income (loss) from operations to Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022 are as follows (in thousands, except for per share data):


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
Reconciliation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:	October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022		October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
Net income (loss)	$	12,618	$	(8,697)	$	28,436	$	(56,442)
Provision (benefit) from income taxes	3,634		(2,712)		5,380		(14,842)
Interest expense	7,189		7,896		23,089		22,968
Depreciation and amortization	18,291		19,284		55,568		58,897
EBITDA	41,732		15,771		112,473		10,581
Impairment and other lease charges	1,591		1,196		5,680		19,868

Stock-based compensation expense	1,870		940		3,969		3,817

Pre-opening costs(1)	—		84		4		173
Executive transition, litigation and other professional expenses(2)	316		1,436		1,218		3,757
Other income, net(3)(4)	(3,638)		(1,750)		(6,463)		(1,109)

Adjusted EBITDA	$	41,871	$	17,677	$	116,881	$	37,087


Reconciliation of Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA:
Income (loss) from operations	$	23,441	$	(3,513)	$	56,905	$	(48,316)
Add:
General and administrative expenses	26,165		22,572		76,493		65,416

Pre-opening costs(1)	—		84		4		173
Depreciation and amortization	18,291		19,284		55,568		58,897
Impairment and other lease charges	1,591		1,196		5,680		19,868
Other income, net(3)(4)	(3,638)		(1,750)		(6,463)		(1,109)
Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA	$	65,850	$	37,873	$	188,187	$	94,929


Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Income (Loss):
Net income (loss)	$	12,618	$	(8,697)	$	28,436	$	(56,442)
Add:
Impairment and other lease charges	1,591		1,196		5,680		19,868


Pre-opening costs(1)	—		84		4		173
Executive transition, litigation and other professional expenses(2)	316		1,436		1,218		3,757
Other income, net(3)(4)	(3,638)		(1,750)		(6,463)		(1,109)

Income tax effect on above adjustments(5)	433		(242)		(110)		(5,672)
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes(6)	(1,332)		682		(1,761)		6,168
Adjusted Net Income (Loss)	$	9,988	$	(7,291)	$	27,004	$	(33,257)
Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share(7)	$	0.16	$	(0.14)	$	0.43	$	(0.66)
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	62,828		50,805		62,124		50,690

(1)Pre-opening costs for the three months ended October 1, 2023 and the nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022 include training, labor and occupancy costs incurred during the construction of new restaurants.

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(2)Executive transition, litigation and other professional expenses for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023 include executive recruiting and transition costs and other non-recurring professional expenses. Executive transition, litigation and other professional expenses for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2022 include executive recruiting and severance costs, costs pertaining to an ongoing lawsuit with one of the Company's former vendors and other non-recurring professional expenses.

(3)The three months ended October 1, 2023 included other income, net, of $3.6 million, which was comprised of a settlement with BKC under the territorial rights provision of our franchise agreement of $4.3 million, and a loss on disposal of assets of $0.6 million. The nine months ended October 1, 2023 included other income, net, of $6.5 million, which was comprised of a settlement with BKC under the territorial rights provision of our franchise agreement of $4.3 million, net gains from insurance recoveries of $1.8 million, a gain of $0.8 million from the derecognition of a lease financing obligation associated with a prior sale leaseback transaction, a gain of $0.4 million from a sale leaseback transaction, a gain from condemnation of a property of $0.3 million and a loss on disposal of assets of $1.0 million.

(4)The three months ended October 2, 2022 included other income, net, of $1.8 million which was comprised of a loss on sale leaseback transactions of $0.5 million and a gain from a settlement with a vendor of $2.5 million. The nine months ended October 2, 2022 included other income, net, of $1.1 million which was comprised of a loss on disposal of assets of $1.0 million and a gain from a settlement with a vendor of $2.5 million.

(5)The income tax effect related to the adjustments to Adjusted Net Income (Loss) was calculated using an incremental income tax rate of 25% for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022.

(6)Reflects the change in the valuation allowance on all our net deferred taxes for the three and nine months ended October 1, 2023 and October 2, 2022.

(7)Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share is calculated based on Adjusted Net Income (Loss) and the dilutive weighted average common shares outstanding for the respective periods, where applicable.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

As is common in the restaurant industry, we maintain relatively low levels of accounts receivable and inventories and receive trade credit based upon negotiated terms for purchasing food products and other supplies. As a result, we may at times maintain current liabilities in excess of current assets, which results in a working capital deficit. We are able to operate with a substantial working capital deficit because:

•restaurant operations are primarily conducted on a cash basis;

•rapid turnover results in a limited investment in inventories; and

•cash from sales is usually received before related liabilities for ~~food,~~ supplies and payroll become due.

Interest payments under our debt obligations, capital expenditures ~~including~~(including for ~~our remodeling initiatives,~~restaurant remodeling), payments of royalties and advertising to BKC and PLK, and payments related to our lease obligations ~~each~~ represent significant liquidity requirements for us, not including any discretionary expenditures for the acquisition or development of additional Burger King and Popeyes restaurants.

If our future financing needs increase, we may need to arrange additional debt or equity financing. We continually evaluate and consider various financing alternatives to enhance or supplement our existing financial resources, including our Senior Credit Facilities. However, there can be no assurance that we will be able to enter into any such arrangements on acceptable terms or at all.

We believe our cash balances, cash generated from our operations and availability of revolving credit borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities provide sufficient cash availability to cover our anticipated working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities was $103.7 million in the first nine months of 2023 compared to net cash used in operating activities ~~was~~of $2.1 million in the first nine months of ~~2022 compared to~~2022. The increase in the net cash provided ~~by operating activities of $50.2 million in the first nine months of 2021. The decrease~~ was due primarily to ~~a decrease~~an increase of ~~$41.2~~$79.8 million in adjusted EBITDA and a ~~decrease~~net increase in cash provided by working capital components of $19.8 million, and the non-cash write-off of debt extinguishment costs in the first nine months of 2021, which were partially offset by higher non-cash impairment and other lease charges of $18.6 million in the first nine months of 2022. Working$21.7 million. Net working capital changes in the first nine months of 2023 and 2022 both included ~~the~~a repayment of $10.8 million of employer payroll taxes deferred in 2020 under the CARES Act, ~~as well as a net reduction in accrued interest~~which is now fully repaid.

Table of ~~$4.2 million.~~Contents

Investing Activities. Net cash used for investing activities in the first nine months of 2023 and 2022 was $30.8 million and ~~2021 was~~ $28.8 million, ~~and $46.7 million,~~ respectively. The first nine month of 2021 included $30.8 million of cash paid for the acquisition of 19 restaurants in two acquisitions during the first nine months of 2021. This cost included the purchase of 13 fee-owned restaurants, of which 12 were sold in sale-leaseback transactions during the third quarter of 2021 for net proceeds of approximately $20.2 million and one that was closed and then sold in the second quarter of 2022 for proceeds of $0.2 million.

Capital expenditures are a large component of our investing activities and include: (1) new restaurant development, which may include the purchase of real estate; (2) restaurant remodeling, which includes the renovation or rebuilding of the interior and exterior of our existing restaurants including expenditures associated with our franchise agreement renewals and certain restaurants that we acquire; (3) other restaurant capital expenditures, which include capital maintenance expenditures for the ongoing reinvestment and enhancement of our restaurants, and from time to time, to support BKC's and PLK's initiatives; and (4) corporate and restaurant information systems, including expenditures for our point-of-sale systems for restaurants that we acquire.

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The following table sets forth our capital expenditures for the periods presented (in thousands):


		Nine Months Ended					Nine Months Ended
		October 2, 2022		October 3, 2021			October 1, 2023		October 2, 2022
New restaurant development	New restaurant development	$	7,220	$	5,768	New restaurant development	$	4,044	$	7,220
Restaurant remodeling	Restaurant remodeling	7,251		9,660		Restaurant remodeling	8,295		7,251
Other restaurant capital expenditures	Other restaurant capital expenditures	12,325		13,455		Other restaurant capital expenditures	15,746		12,325
Corporate and restaurant information systems	Corporate and restaurant information systems	2,948		8,660		Corporate and restaurant information systems	4,437		2,948
Total capital expenditures	Total capital expenditures	$	29,744	$	37,543	Total capital expenditures	$	32,522	$	29,744
Number of new restaurant openings, including relocations	Number of new restaurant openings, including relocations	4		3		Number of new restaurant openings, including relocations	—		4

In the first nine months of 2023 and 2022, investing activities also included proceeds from ~~the sale~~sale-leaseback transactions of ~~other assets~~$1.3 million and $4.1 million, respectively, and proceeds from insurance recoveries of ~~$0.9 million.~~ $2.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.

In the first nine months of ~~2021,~~2023 and 2022, investing activities also included ~~proceeds from property insurance recoveries~~the purchase of ~~$1.2 million.~~certain operating restaurant properties to be sold in sale-leaseback transactions of $1.8 million and $4.0 million, respectively.

Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2023 was $18.3 million and included repayment of $12.5 million of net revolving credit borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities, principal payments of $3.2 million of outstanding term B loans under our Senior Credit Facilities, and principal payments on finance leases of $2.3 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2022 was $5.0 million and included $10.0 million of net revolving credit borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities, principal payments of $3.2 million ~~of outstanding term~~on the Term Loan B ~~loans under our Senior Credit Facilities,~~Facility and principal payments on finance leases of $1.8 million.

Net cash provided by financing activities in the nine months of 2021 was $20.9 million and included the issuance of $300.0 million principal amount of the Notes, principal payments of $320.3 million of outstanding term B and B-1 loans under our Senior Credit Facilities, $47.1 million of net revolving credit borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities, and $5.4 million in financing costs paid in connection with the issuance of the Notes and amendments to our Senior Credit Facilities. We also made principal payments on finance leases of $0.4 million in the first nine months of 2021.

Senior Notes due 2029. On June 28, 2021, we issued $300.0 million principal amount of the Notes in a private placement as described above under “—"—Recent and Future Events Affecting our Results of Operations-Issuance of Notes and Amendments to our Senior Credit ~~Facilities”~~Facilities". The proceeds of the offering, together with $46.0 million of revolving credit borrowings under our Senior Credit Facilities, were used to (i) repay $74.4 million of outstanding term B-1 loans and $243.6 million of outstanding term B loans under our Senior Credit Facilities (which included scheduled principal payments), (ii) to pay fees and expenses related to the offering of the Notes and the Seventh Amendment and (iii) for working capital and general corporate purposes.

Senior Credit Facilities.As described above under “—"—Recent and Future Events Affecting Our Results of Operations—Issuance of Notes and Amendments to our Senior Credit ~~Facilities”~~Facilities", we entered into the Senior Credit Facilities and subsequent amendments to the Senior Credit Facilities.

Our obligations under the Senior Credit Facilities are guaranteed by our subsidiaries and are secured by first priority liens on substantially all of our assets and our subsidiaries, including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of our subsidiaries. Under the Senior Credit Facilities, we are required to make mandatory prepayments of borrowings ~~in the event of~~following dispositions of assets, debt issuances and the receipt of insurance and condemnation proceeds (all subject to certain exceptions).

The Senior Credit Facilities contain certain covenants, including without limitation, those limiting our and our subsidiaries' ability to, among other things, incur indebtedness, incur liens, sell or acquire assets or businesses, change the character of ~~our~~its business in ~~all~~any material ~~respects,~~respect, engage in transactions with related parties, make certain investments, make certain restricted payments or pay dividends.

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In addition, the Senior Credit Facilities require us to meet ~~a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) under certain circumstances. We are only required to maintain~~ a First Lien Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities) of not greater than 5.75 to 1.00 (as measured on a most recent four quarter basis) if, and only if, on the last day of any fiscal quarter, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility and the aggregate face amount of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility (excluding undrawn letters of credit in an aggregate face amount up

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to $12.0 million) exceeds 35% of the aggregate amount of the maximum revolving credit borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility.

As of October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, there were ~~$10.0 million~~no revolving credit borrowings outstanding and ~~$9.6~~$10.5 million of letters of credit issued under the Revolving Credit Facility. After reserving for issued letters of credit and outstanding revolving credit borrowings, ~~$195.4~~$204.5 million was available for revolving credit borrowings at October 1, 2023 under the ~~Senior~~Revolving Credit ~~Facilities at October 2, 2022.~~Facility.

As ~~the $10.0 million~~there were no borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility (and only ~~$9.6~~$10.5 million of outstanding letters of credit) at October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023, we did not exceed 35% of the aggregate borrowing capacity and no First Lien Leverage Ratio calculation was required. However, if we had been subject to the First Lien Leverage Ratio, the Company's First Lien Leverage Ratio was ~~3.35x~~0.70x to 1.00 as of October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 which was below the required First Lien Leverage Ratio of 5.75x to 1.00. As a result, we do not expect to have to reduce our term loan borrowings mandatorily with Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the Senior Credit Facilities). We were in compliance with the financial covenants under our Senior Credit Facilities at October ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023.

At October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, borrowings under ~~our Senior Credit Facilities bore interest as follows (subject to~~ the ~~interest rate swap as described below):~~

The weighted average interest rate for borrowings on long-term debt balances were 5.7% for the nine months ended October 1, 2023 and 5.4% for the ~~three and~~ nine months ended October 2, ~~2022 and 5.1% for the three and nine months ended October 3, 2021.~~2022.

The Term Loan B Facility is due and payable in quarterly installments which began on September 30, 2019. Amounts outstanding at October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 are due and payable as follows:

(i) ~~fourteen~~ten quarterly installments of $1.1 million;

(ii) one final payment of $153.8 million on April 30, 2026.

Interest Rate ~~Swap.~~ Swap. In March 2020, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement ~~with~~ certain of our lenders under the Senior Credit Facilities to mitigate the risk of increases in the variable interest rate related to term loan borrowings under the ~~Term Loan B Facility.~~Senior Credit Facilities. The agreement matures on February 28, 2025. The interest rate swap originally fixed the interest rate on ~~$220.0 million~~50% of outstanding borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities at 0.915% plus the applicable margin in its Senior Credit Facilities with the differences settled monthly. The original notional amount of $220.0 million was reduced to $120.0 million in 2021 and the fixed rate of interest was changed from 0.915% plus the applicable margin to 0.854% plus the applicable margin in 2022 in connection with the transition from LIBOR to SOFR as the benchmark rate on our Senior Credit Facilities. ~~The agreement matures on February 28, 2025. On November 12, 2021, we partially terminated this interest rate swap to reduce the notional amount hedged from $220.0 million to $120.0~~

We received payments of $1.3 million and obtain the flexibility to repay borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities which previously needed to be maintained at the hedged $220.0 million notional amount. The fixed rate and other terms of the swap arrangement remained unchanged as a result of the partial termination, which settled with net proceeds to us of $0.2 million.

~~The differences between the variable LIBOR rate and the interest rate swap rate of 0.915% are settled monthly. We received net additional interest income of $0.4 million and $0.1~~$3.7 million to settle the interest rate swap during the three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, respectively, and ~~made net additional interest payments of $0.5~~received $0.4 million and ~~$1.3~~$0.1 million, net, to settle the interest rate swap during the three and nine months ended and October ~~3, 2021,~~2, 2022, respectively.

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The fair value of our interest rate swap agreement was an asset of ~~$9.1~~$7.1 million as of October ~~2, 2022 and~~1, 2023 which is included in long-term other assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the ~~valuation~~fair value of ~~our interest rate swap were~~the cash flow hedges included ~~as a component~~in the assessment of hedge effectiveness is recognized in accumulated other comprehensive ~~loss, and~~income. The amounts recorded in other comprehensive income will subsequently be reclassified to earnings as ~~the losses are realized.~~an increase or decrease to interest expense as realized through receipts or payments. We expect to ~~reclassify~~recognize net gains totaling ~~$4.1~~$5.5 million into earnings in the next twelve months.

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A table of our contractual obligations as of January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 was included in Item 7, ~~“Management's~~"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of ~~Operations”~~Operations" of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023. There have been no significant changes to our contractual obligations during the three months ended October ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 other than as described under “—"—Recent and Future Events Affecting Our Results of Operations—Issuance of Notes and Amendments to our Senior Credit ~~Facilities”~~Facilities".

Inflation

The inflationary factors that have historically affected our results of operations include increases in food and paper costs, labor and other operating expenses, the cost of providing medical and prescription drug insurance to our employees and energy costs. Wages paid in our restaurants are impacted by changes in federal and state hourly minimum wage rates and the Fair Labor Standards Act. Accordingly, changes in the federal and state hourly minimum wage rates and increases in the wage level to not be considered an hourly employee will directly affect our labor costs.

In 2021 and 2022, the ~~current labor market, we have seen competitive pressure on wage rates that has significantly outpaced statutory minimums as the re-opening~~reopening of the economy ~~has~~from the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions increased demand for labor at all levels of the work force and escalated inflation to levels the U.S. economy had not recently experienced. Beginning in the ~~workforce. In~~second quarter of 2021 and extending into most of 2022, we ~~have~~were heavily impacted by the sustained levels of commodity and labor inflation. Over that time period, we also experienced ~~inflationary cost pressures in labor and commodity costs as a result of challenges impacting our restaurants and our supply chains. The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the~~ difficulty ~~and cost of~~ maintaining adequate staffing levels at our restaurants and were impacted by staffing challenges within our supply chain. In 2023, we have seen commodity and labor inflation pressures abate from their peaks and as well as ~~for businesses~~improvements in ~~our supply chain that we depend on for commodities. At this point, there is limited visibility as to when these inflationary pressures may abate.~~the availability of labor.

We typically attempt to offset the effect of inflation, at least in part, through periodic menu price increases and various cost reduction programs. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to offset such inflationary cost increases in the future.

Application of Critical Accounting ~~Policies~~Estimates

Our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparing consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by the application of our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are described in the ~~“Significant~~"Significant Accounting ~~Policies”~~Policies" footnote in the notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023. Critical accounting estimates are those that require application of ~~management’s~~management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. There have been no material changes affecting our critical accounting policies or estimates previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023.

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Forward Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains statements which constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ~~“Securities Act”~~"Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the ~~“Exchange Act”~~"Exchange Act"). Statements that are predictive in nature or that depend upon or refer to future events or conditions are forward-looking statements. These statements are often identified by the words ~~“may”~~"may", ~~“might”~~"might", ~~“will”~~"will", ~~“should”~~"should", ~~“anticipate”~~"anticipate", ~~“believe”~~"believe", ~~“expect”~~"expect", ~~“intend”~~"intend", ~~“estimate”~~"estimate", ~~“hope”~~"hope", ~~“plan”~~"plan" or similar expressions. In addition, expressions of our strategies, intentions or plans are also forward looking statements. These statements reflect ~~management’s~~management's current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their date. There are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond our control. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those projected or implied in the forward-looking statements. We have identified significant factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those stated or implied in the forward-looking statements. We believe important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations include the following, in addition to other risks and uncertainties discussed herein and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended January ~~2, 2022:~~1, 2023:

•The impact of health concerns such as the COVID-19 ~~pandemic;~~pandemic or reports of cases of food borne illnesses such as "mad cow" disease, and the possibility that consumers could lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain food products as well as negative publicity regarding food quality, illness, injury or other health concerns;

•Effectiveness of the Burger King and Popeyes advertising programs and the overall success of the Burger King and Popeyes brands;

•Increases in food costs and other commodity costs;

•Our ability to hire and retain employees at current or increased wage rates;

•Competitive conditions, including pricing pressures, discounting, aggressive marketing, the potential impact of ~~competitors’~~competitors' new unit openings and promotions on sales of our restaurants, and competition impacting the cost and availability of labor;

•~~Our ability to integrate any restaurants we acquire;~~

•Regulatory factors;

•Environmental conditions and regulations;

•General economic conditions, particularly in the retail sector;

•Weather conditions;

•Fuel prices;

•Significant disruptions in service or supply by any of our suppliers or distributors;

•Changes in consumer perception of dietary health and food safety;

•Labor and employment benefit costs, including the effects of minimum wage increases, healthcare reform and changes in the Fair Labor Standards Act;

•The outcome of pending or future legal claims or proceedings;

•Our ability to manage our growth and successfully implement our business strategy;

•Our ability to service our indebtedness;

•Our borrowing costs and credit ratings, which may be influenced by the credit ratings of our competitors;

•The availability and terms of necessary or desirable financing or refinancing and other related risks and uncertainties; and

•Factors that affect the restaurant industry generally, including recalls if products become adulterated or misbranded, liability if our products cause injury, ingredient disclosure and labeling laws and regulations, reports of cases of foodborne illnesses such as “mad cow” disease, and the possibility that consumers could lose confidence in the safety and quality of certain food products as well as negative publicity regarding food quality, illness, injury, or other health concerns.regulations.

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ITEM 3—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

There were no material changes from the information presented in Item 7A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 with respect to our market risk sensitive instruments.

A 1% change in interest rates would have resulted in a ~~$0.2~~$0.1 million and ~~$0.5~~$0.4 million change to interest expense for the three and nine months ended October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, respectively, and a ~~$0.6~~$0.2 million and ~~$1.9~~$0.5 million ~~change to interest expense~~ for the three and nine months ended October ~~3, 2021,~~2, 2022, respectively.

ITEM 4—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d – 15(e) under the Exchange Act), designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange ~~Commission’s~~Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the ~~issuer’s~~issuer's management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as other key members of our management. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October ~~2, 2022.~~1, 2023.

Changes in Internal Control. During the three months ended October ~~2, 2022,~~1, 2023, we did not make any changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II—OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

We are a party to various litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that the outcome of any of these other matters meet the disclosure or recognition standards, nor will they have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Part I - Item 1A of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January ~~2, 2022~~1, 2023 describes important risk factors that could materially affect our business, consolidated financial condition or results of operations or cause our operating results to differ materially from the indicated or cause our operating results to differ materially from those indicated or suggested by forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q or presented elsewhere by management from time to time.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities, ~~and~~ Use of Proceeds, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

None

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable

Item 5. Other Information

~~None~~(c)

On September 14, 2023, Cambridge Franchise Holdings, LLC ("CFH") entered into a Master Forward Confirmation Agreement (the “Second Master Forward Confirmation”) (A) intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act and (B) covering up to the lesser of (i) 3,285,622 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (such shares, the “Second Forward Shares”) and (ii) the maximum number of Second Forward Shares permitted to be sold under Rule 144 of the Securities Act. Pursuant to a first Supplemental Confirmation, dated September 14, 2023, and supplementing the Second Master Forward Confirmation (the “Delayed Start Supplemental Confirmation”), the first date on which any sales in connection with the Delayed Start Supplemental Confirmation will be executed will be on or after the later of (A) the third business day after the Company files its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third fiscal quarter of 2023 and (B) December 14, 2023. The Second Master Forward Confirmation will remain in effect until the date on which the Second Forward Shares have been sold under the Second Forward Master Confirmation. Matthew Perelman and Alexander Sloane are members of the Company's Board of Directors and are the managing principals of Cambridge Franchise Partners, LLC, which is the sole member and manager of CFH. Accordingly, each of Mr. Perelman and Mr. Sloane may be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the Second Forward Shares owned directly by CFH.

On September 14, 2023, Anthony Hull, Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of the Company, entered into a 10b5-1 sales plan (the “Hull 10b5-1 Sales Plan”) intended to satisfy the affirmative defense of Rule 10b5-1(c) under the Exchange Act. The Hull 10b5-1 Sales Plan provides for the sale of up to 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock and will remain in effect until the earlier of (1) December 31, 2025 and (2) the date on which an aggregate 75,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been sold under the Hull 10b5-1 Sales Plan. The first date on which any sales in connection with the Hull 10b5-1 Sales Plan will be executed will be on the later of (A) the third business day after the Company files its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third fiscal quarter of 2023 and (B) December 14, 2023.

No other directors or executive officers of the Company adopted, modified or terminated any contract, instruction or written plan for the purchase or sale of the Company’s securities that was intended to satisfy the affirmative defense

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conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c) or any non-Rule 10b5 trading arrangement, (as defined in Item 408(c) of Regulation S-K) during the quarterly period covered by this report.

Item 6. Exhibits

(a)The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.


Exhibit No.





31.1						Chief Executive ~~Officer’s~~Officer's Certificate Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
31.2						Chief Financial ~~Officer’s~~Officer's Certificate Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
32.1						Chief Executive ~~Officer’s~~Officer's Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
32.2						Chief Financial ~~Officer’s~~Officer's Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc.
101.INS						XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
101.SCH						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE						Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104						Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

# Filed herewith

+ Compensatory plan or arrangement

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SIGNATURES

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



			CARROLS RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

Date: November ~~10, 2022~~9, 2023			/s/ ~~Paulo A. Pena~~Deborah M. Derby
			(Signature)
			~~Paulo A. Pena~~Deborah M. Derby President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: November ~~10, 2022~~9, 2023			/s/ Anthony E. Hull
			(Signature)
			Anthony E. Hull Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer


Closing Date	Number of Restaurants	Purchase Price		Fee-Owned(1)(2)	Market Location
June 17, 2021	14	$	27,603	12	Fort Wayne, Indiana
June 23, 2021	5	3,216		1	Battle Creek, Michigan
	19	$	30,819	13


Reconciliation of Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA:
Loss from operations	$	(3,513)	$	(3,647)	$	(48,316)	$	(861)
Add:
General and administrative expenses	22,572		19,209		65,416		61,276

Pre-opening costs(2)	84		30		173		59
Depreciation and amortization	19,284		20,101		58,897		61,131
Impairment and other lease charges	1,196		784		19,868		1,281
Other income, net(4)(5)	(1,750)		(1,053)		(1,109)		(111)
Adjusted Restaurant-Level EBITDA	$	37,873	$	35,424	$	94,929	$	122,775


Reconciliation of Adjusted Net Loss:
Net loss	$	(8,697)	$	(9,902)	$	(56,442)	$	(26,629)
Add:
Impairment and other lease charges	1,196		784		19,868		1,281
Acquisition costs(1)	—		108		—		400

Pre-opening costs(2)	84		30		173		59
Executive transition, litigation and other professional expenses(3)	1,436		801		3,757		1,315
Other income, net(4)(5)	(1,750)		(1,053)		(1,109)		(111)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	—		—		—		8,538
Income tax effect on above adjustments(6)	(242)		(168)		(5,672)		(2,871)
Valuation allowance for deferred taxes(7)	682		1,641		6,168		4,197
Adjusted Net Loss	$	(7,291)	$	(7,759)	$	(33,257)	$	(13,821)
Adjusted diluted net income (loss) per share(8)	$	(0.14)	$	(0.16)	$	(0.66)	$	(0.28)
Adjusted diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	50,805		49,928		50,690		49,890