UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 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 September 25, 202024, 2021
OR
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _________ to _________
Commission file number: 001-35249
THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 20-3031526
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 (I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
100 East Ridge Road
Ridgefield, Connecticut 06877
(Address of principal executive offices)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (203) 894-1345

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.01CHEFThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
Preferred Stock Purchase RightsCHEFThe NASDAQ Stock Market LLC
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 (§232.405 of this chapter) 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, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer Accelerated filer
Non-accelerated filerSmaller reporting company
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if 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.
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes      No  
Number of shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, outstanding at October 23, 2020: 37,769,72425, 2021: 37,884,249
1


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
FORM 10-Q
Table of Contents
  Page
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.
   
 
   
 
   
   
 
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION 
   
Item 1.
   
Item 1A.
   
Item 2.
   
Item 3.
   
Item 4.
   
Item 5.
   
Item 6.
   
 
 

2


CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this report regarding the business of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”) that are not historical facts are “forward-looking statements” that involve risks and uncertainties and are based on current expectations and management estimates; actual results may differ materially. Words such as “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “plans”, “believes”, “seeks”, “estimates” and variations of these words and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, are difficult to predict and/or could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties which could impact these statements include, but are not limited to the following: our sensitivity to general economic conditions, including disposable income levels and changes in consumer discretionary spending; our ability to expand our operations in our existing markets and to penetrate new markets through acquisitions; we may not achieve the benefits expected from our acquisitions, which could adversely impact our business and operating results; we may have difficulty managing and facilitating our future growth; conditions beyond our control could materially affect the cost and/or availability of our specialty food products or center-of-the-plate products and/or interrupt our distribution network; our increased distribution of center-of-the-plate products, like meat, poultry and seafood, involves increased exposure to price volatility experienced by those products; our business is a low-margin business and our profit margins may be sensitive to inflationary and deflationary pressures; because our foodservice distribution operations are concentrated in certain culinary markets, we are susceptible to economic and other developments, including adverse weather conditions, in these areas; fuel cost volatility may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations; our ability to raise capital in the future may be limited; we may be unable to obtain debt or other financing, including financing necessary to execute on our acquisition strategy, on favorable terms or at all; interest charged on our outstanding debt may be adversely affected by changes in the method of determining London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), or the replacement of LIBOR with an alternative rate; our business operations and future development could be significantly disrupted if we lose key members of our management team; and significant public health epidemics or pandemics, including the COVID-19 pandemic, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and, as such, speak only as of the date made. A more detailed description of these and other risk factors is contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 24, 202023, 2021 and other reports, including this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, filed by the Company with the SEC since that date. The Company is not undertaking to update any information in the foregoing report until the effective date of its future reports required by applicable laws.


3


PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.            CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS 
(Amounts in thousands, except share data)
September 25, 2020 (unaudited)December 27, 2019September 24, 2021 (unaudited)December 25, 2020
ASSETSASSETS  ASSETS  
Current assets:Current assets:  Current assets:  
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$208,545 $140,233 Cash and cash equivalents$134,217 $193,281 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $24,091 in 2020 and $8,846 in 2019100,576 175,044 
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $20,322 in 2021 and $24,027 in 2020Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $20,322 in 2021 and $24,027 in 2020151,720 96,383 
Inventories, netInventories, net98,185 124,056 Inventories, net132,802 82,519 
Prepaid expenses and other current assetsPrepaid expenses and other current assets31,466 13,823 Prepaid expenses and other current assets37,759 33,479 
Total current assetsTotal current assets438,772 453,156 Total current assets456,498 405,662 
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, netEquipment, leasehold improvements and software, net116,964 92,846 Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net118,143 115,448 
Operating lease right-of-use assetsOperating lease right-of-use assets118,677 127,649 Operating lease right-of-use assets115,182 115,224 
GoodwillGoodwill214,581 197,743 Goodwill220,376 214,864 
Intangible assets, netIntangible assets, net138,993 138,751 Intangible assets, net105,696 111,717 
Deferred taxes, netDeferred taxes, net12,390 7,535 
Other assetsOther assets3,789 3,534 Other assets3,727 3,875 
Total assetsTotal assets$1,031,776 $1,013,679 Total assets$1,032,012 $974,325 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYLIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY  
Current liabilities:Current liabilities:  Current liabilities:  
Accounts payableAccounts payable$73,969 $94,097 Accounts payable$108,972 $57,515 
Accrued liabilitiesAccrued liabilities26,891 29,847 Accrued liabilities33,746 27,924 
Short-term operating lease liabilitiesShort-term operating lease liabilities17,472 17,453 Short-term operating lease liabilities16,936 17,167 
Accrued compensationAccrued compensation10,907 8,033 Accrued compensation18,624 9,401 
Current portion of long-term debtCurrent portion of long-term debt5,904 721 Current portion of long-term debt5,624 6,095 
Total current liabilitiesTotal current liabilities135,143 150,151 Total current liabilities183,902 118,102 
Long-term debt, net of current portionLong-term debt, net of current portion396,636 386,106 Long-term debt, net of current portion394,979 398,084 
Operating lease liabilitiesOperating lease liabilities112,192 120,572 Operating lease liabilities109,827 109,133 
Deferred taxes, net4,357 10,883 
Other liabilities and deferred creditsOther liabilities and deferred credits5,440 10,034 Other liabilities and deferred credits4,238 4,416 
Total liabilitiesTotal liabilities653,768 677,746 Total liabilities692,946 629,735 
Commitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingenciesCommitments and contingencies00
Stockholders’ equity:Stockholders’ equity:  Stockholders’ equity:  
Preferred Stock - $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, 0 shares issued and outstanding at September 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019
Common Stock, - $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 37,772,640 and 30,341,941 shares issued and outstanding at September 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively378 304 
Preferred Stock - $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 24, 2021 and December 25, 2020Preferred Stock - $0.01 par value, 5,000,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding at September 24, 2021 and December 25, 2020— — 
Common Stock, - $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 37,884,249 and 37,274,768 shares issued and outstanding at September 24, 2021 and December 25, 2020, respectivelyCommon Stock, - $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 37,884,249 and 37,274,768 shares issued and outstanding at September 24, 2021 and December 25, 2020, respectively380 373 
Additional paid in capitalAdditional paid in capital300,255 212,240 Additional paid in capital311,503 303,734 
Accumulated other comprehensive lossAccumulated other comprehensive loss(2,216)(2,048)Accumulated other comprehensive loss(1,984)(2,051)
Retained earningsRetained earnings79,591 125,437 Retained earnings29,167 42,534 
Total stockholders’ equityTotal stockholders’ equity378,008 335,933 Total stockholders’ equity339,066 344,590 
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equityTotal liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,031,776 $1,013,679 Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity$1,032,012 $974,325 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
4


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) INCOME
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25,
2020
September 27,
2019
September 25,
2020
September 27,
2019
September 24,
2021
September 25,
2020
September 24,
2021
September 25,
2020
Net salesNet sales$254,030 $396,880 $829,957 $1,165,327 Net sales$484,321 $254,030 $1,187,506 $829,957 
Cost of salesCost of sales193,393 299,660 639,687 880,359 Cost of sales374,346 193,668 922,710 640,681 
Gross profitGross profit60,637 97,220 190,270 284,968 Gross profit109,975 60,362 264,796 189,276 
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses76,708 83,960 254,474 247,017 Selling, general and administrative expenses99,431 76,433 270,034 253,480 
Other operating (income) expenses(4,146)2,636 (9,812)5,681 
Operating (loss) income(11,925)10,624 (54,392)32,270 
Other operating (income) expenses, netOther operating (income) expenses, net105 (4,146)(208)(9,812)
Operating income (loss)Operating income (loss)10,439 (11,925)(5,030)(54,392)
Interest expenseInterest expense4,706 4,517 15,602 13,913 Interest expense4,191 4,706 13,362 15,602 
(Loss) income before income taxes(16,631)6,107 (69,994)18,357 
Provision for income tax (benefit) expense(5,204)1,682 (24,148)5,052 
Net (loss) income$(11,427)$4,425 $(45,846)$13,305 
Other comprehensive (loss) income:  
Income (loss) before income taxesIncome (loss) before income taxes6,248 (16,631)(18,392)(69,994)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)Provision for income tax expense (benefit)2,792 (5,204)(5,025)(24,148)
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$3,456 $(11,427)$(13,367)$(45,846)
Other comprehensive income (loss):Other comprehensive income (loss):  
Foreign currency translation adjustmentsForeign currency translation adjustments93 (71)(168)102 Foreign currency translation adjustments(90)93 67 (168)
Comprehensive (loss) income$(11,334)$4,354 $(46,014)$13,407 
Net (loss) income per share:   
Comprehensive income (loss)Comprehensive income (loss)$3,366 $(11,334)$(13,300)$(46,014)
Net income (loss) per share:Net income (loss) per share:   
BasicBasic$(0.31)$0.15 $(1.39)$0.45 Basic$0.09 $(0.31)$(0.36)$(1.39)
DilutedDiluted$(0.31)$0.15 $(1.39)$0.45 Diluted$0.09 $(0.31)$(0.36)$(1.39)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:Weighted average common shares outstanding:  Weighted average common shares outstanding:  
BasicBasic36,283,883 29,549,308 32,868,162 29,511,143 Basic36,875,784 36,283,883 36,701,927 32,868,162 
DilutedDiluted36,283,883 29,954,837 32,868,162 29,723,609 Diluted37,105,746 36,283,883 36,701,927 32,868,162 
 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
5


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share amounts)
Common StockAdditional
Paid in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
Total Common StockAdditional
Paid in
Capital
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
Retained
Earnings
Total
SharesAmount SharesAmount
Balance December 27, 201930,341,941 $304 $212,240 $(2,048)$125,437 $335,933 
Balance December 25, 2020Balance December 25, 202037,274,768 $373 $303,734 $(2,051)$42,534 $344,590 
Net lossNet loss— — — — (14,085)(14,085)Net loss— — — — (17,921)(17,921)
Stock compensationStock compensation807,433 843 — — 851 Stock compensation673,430 2,452 — — 2,458 
Cumulative translation adjustmentCumulative translation adjustment— — — (378)— (378)Cumulative translation adjustment— — — 81 — 81 
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholdingShares surrendered to pay tax withholding(159,632)(2)(2,702)— — (2,704)Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(38,503)— (1,192)— — (1,192)
Balance March 27, 202030,989,742 $310 $210,381 $(2,426)$111,352 $319,617 
Balance March 26, 2021Balance March 26, 202137,909,695 $379 $304,994 $(1,970)$24,613 $328,016 
Net loss— — — — (20,334)(20,334)
Net incomeNet income— — — — 1,098 1,098 
Stock compensationStock compensation176,037 1,997 — — 1,999 Stock compensation69,245 3,279 — — 3,280 
Public offering of common stock6,634,615 66 85,875 — — 85,941 
Warrants issued for acquisitionsWarrants issued for acquisitions— — 1,120 — — 1,120 
Cumulative translation adjustmentCumulative translation adjustment— — — 117 — 117 Cumulative translation adjustment— — — 76 — 76 
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholdingShares surrendered to pay tax withholding(1,846)— (23)— — (23)Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(17,077)— (541)— — (541)
Balance June 26, 202037,798,548 $378 $298,230 $(2,309)$91,018 $387,317 
Balance June 25, 2021Balance June 25, 202137,961,863 $380 $308,852 $(1,894)$25,711 $333,049 
Net loss— — — — (11,427)(11,427)
Net incomeNet income— — — — 3,456 3,456 
Stock compensationStock compensation(22,477)— 2,075 — — 2,075 Stock compensation(75,597)— 2,710 — — 2,710 
Cumulative translation adjustmentCumulative translation adjustment— — — 93 — 93 Cumulative translation adjustment— — — (90)— (90)
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholdingShares surrendered to pay tax withholding(3,431)— (50)— — (50)Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(2,017)— (59)— — (59)
Balance September 25, 202037,772,640 $378 $300,255 $(2,216)$79,591 $378,008 
Balance September 24, 2021Balance September 24, 202137,884,249 $380 $311,503 $(1,984)$29,167 $339,066 

Balance December 28, 201829,968,483 $300 $207,326 $(2,221)$103,271 $308,676 
Cumulative effect adjustment due to adoption of new accounting standard— — — — (2,027)(2,027)
Net income— — — — 1,134 1,134 
Stock compensation(23,680)— 915 — — 915 
Exercise of stock options20,383 — 412 — — 412 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — 55 — 55 
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(24,002)— (742)— — (742)
Balance March 29, 201929,941,184 $300 $207,911 $(2,166)$102,378 $308,423 
Net income— — — — 7,746 7,746 
Stock compensation346,915 1,085 — — 1,088 
Exercise of stock options7,193 — 146 — — 146 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — 118 — 118 
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(3,928)— (126)— — (126)
Balance June 28, 201930,291,364 $303 $209,016 $(2,048)$110,124 $317,395 
Net income— — — — 4,425 4,425 
Stock compensation(3,045)— 908 — — 908 
Exercise of stock options3,836 — 77 — — 77 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — (71)— (71)
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(3,525)— (133)— — (133)
Balance September 27, 201930,288,630 $303 $209,868 $(2,119)$114,549 $322,601 
Balance December 27, 201930,341,941 $304 $212,240 $(2,048)$125,437 $335,933 
Net loss— — — — (14,085)(14,085)
Stock compensation807,433 843 — — 851 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — (378)— (378)
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(159,632)(2)(2,702)— — (2,704)
Balance March 27, 202030,989,742 $310 $210,381 $(2,426)$111,352 $319,617 
Net loss— — — — (20,334)(20,334)
Stock compensation176,037 1,997 — — 1,999 
Public offering of common stock6,634,615 66 85,875 — — 85,941 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — 117 — 117 
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(1,846)— (23)— — (23)
Balance June 26, 202037,798,548 $378 $298,230 $(2,309)$91,018 $387,317 
Net loss— — — — (11,427)(11,427)
Stock compensation(22,477)— 2,075 — — 2,075 
Cumulative translation adjustment— — — 93 — 93 
Shares surrendered to pay tax withholding(3,431)— (50)— — (50)
Balance September 25, 202037,772,640 $378 $300,255 $(2,216)$79,591 $378,008 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
6


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands)
Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Cash flows from operating activities:Cash flows from operating activities:  Cash flows from operating activities:  
Net (loss) income$(45,846)$13,305 
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:  
Net lossNet loss$(13,367)$(45,846)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:  
Depreciation and amortizationDepreciation and amortization14,714 9,539 Depreciation and amortization16,270 14,714 
Amortization of intangible assetsAmortization of intangible assets10,111 9,485 Amortization of intangible assets9,778 10,111 
Provision for allowance for doubtful accounts20,447 3,277 
(Benefit) provision for allowance for doubtful accounts(Benefit) provision for allowance for doubtful accounts(744)20,447 
Non-cash operating lease expenseNon-cash operating lease expense604 1,790 Non-cash operating lease expense505 604 
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes(6,527)2,003 
Benefit for deferred income taxesBenefit for deferred income taxes(4,855)(6,527)
Amortization of deferred financing feesAmortization of deferred financing fees2,152 1,566 Amortization of deferred financing fees1,832 2,152 
Stock compensationStock compensation4,925 2,911 Stock compensation8,448 4,925 
Change in fair value of contingent earn-out liabilitiesChange in fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities(11,219)5,331 Change in fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities(1,359)(11,219)
Intangible asset impairmentIntangible asset impairment597 — 
Loss on asset disposalLoss on asset disposal52 64 Loss on asset disposal257 52 
Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:  Changes in assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:  
Accounts receivableAccounts receivable74,236 (1,069)Accounts receivable(51,582)74,236 
InventoriesInventories33,285 (7,588)Inventories(49,148)33,285 
Prepaid expenses and other current assetsPrepaid expenses and other current assets(16,227)(5,163)Prepaid expenses and other current assets(3,304)(16,227)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued compensationAccounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued compensation(29,455)(9,185)Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and accrued compensation60,443 (29,455)
Other assets and liabilitiesOther assets and liabilities2,617 (2,721)Other assets and liabilities(101)2,617 
Net cash provided by operating activities53,869 23,545 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activitiesNet cash (used in) provided by operating activities(26,330)53,869 
Cash flows from investing activities:Cash flows from investing activities:  Cash flows from investing activities:  
Capital expendituresCapital expenditures(5,409)(12,302)Capital expenditures(17,872)(5,409)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash receivedCash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received(60,437)(28,077)Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash received(7,280)(60,437)
Net cash used in investing activitiesNet cash used in investing activities(65,846)(40,379)Net cash used in investing activities(25,152)(65,846)
Cash flows from financing activities:Cash flows from financing activities:  Cash flows from financing activities:  
Payment of debt, finance lease and other financing obligationsPayment of debt, finance lease and other financing obligations(38,924)(1,793)Payment of debt, finance lease and other financing obligations(35,918)(38,924)
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net of issuance costsProceeds from the issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs85,941 Proceeds from the issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs— 85,941 
Proceeds from debt issuanceProceeds from debt issuance51,750 — 
Payment of deferred financing feesPayment of deferred financing fees(856)Payment of deferred financing fees(1,450)(856)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options635 
Surrender of shares to pay withholding taxesSurrender of shares to pay withholding taxes(2,777)(1,001)Surrender of shares to pay withholding taxes(1,792)(2,777)
Cash paid for contingent earn-out liabilityCash paid for contingent earn-out liability(2,927)(967)Cash paid for contingent earn-out liability(83)(2,927)
Borrowings under asset-based loan facilityBorrowings under asset-based loan facility100,000 Borrowings under asset-based loan facility— 100,000 
Payments under asset based loan facility(60,000)(960)
Payments under asset-based loan facilityPayments under asset-based loan facility(20,000)(60,000)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities80,457 (4,086)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activitiesNet cash (used in) provided by financing activities(7,493)80,457 
Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalentsEffect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents(168)(11)Effect of foreign currency on cash and cash equivalents(89)(168)
Net change in cash and cash equivalentsNet change in cash and cash equivalents68,312 (20,931)Net change in cash and cash equivalents(59,064)68,312 
Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of periodCash and cash equivalents-beginning of period140,233 42,410 Cash and cash equivalents-beginning of period193,281 140,233 
Cash and cash equivalents-end of periodCash and cash equivalents-end of period$208,545 $21,479 Cash and cash equivalents-end of period$134,217 $208,545 

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
7


THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)
(Amounts in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Note 1 - Operations and Basis of Presentation
 
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
 
The financial statements include the consolidated accounts of The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. (the “Company”), and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The Company’s quarterly periods end on the thirteenth Friday of each quarter. Every six to seven years, the Company will add a fourteenth week to its fourth quarter to more closely align its year-end to the calendar year. The Company’s business consists of 3 operating segments: East Coast, Midwest and West Coast that aggregate into 1 reportable segment, foodservice distribution, which is concentrated primarily in the United States. The Company’s customer base consists primarily of menu-driven independent restaurants, fine dining establishments, country clubs, hotels, caterers, culinary schools, bakeries, patisseries, chocolateries, cruise lines, casinos, specialty food stores, grocers and warehouse clubs.

The COVID-19 Pandemic

TheMany of the Company’s customers have been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”(the “Pandemic”), however there has had a materialbeen sequential improvement in the Company’s business starting in the second quarter of fiscal 2021 and continuing throughout the third quarter of fiscal 2021 which has contributed to organic sales growth of $213,719 compared to the prior year quarter.

The future impact of the Pandemic on the Company’s business, and operations and those of its customers. In an effortliquidity is difficult to limit the spread of the virus, federal, statepredict at this time and local governments have implemented measures that have resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets the Company serves, which has forced its customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. State and local governments began to ease these restrictions in mid-May, however, restrictions in certain key markets were not eased until early June. As of September 25, 2020, the majority of state and local governments with jurisdiction over markets in which the Company operates allow the Company’s customers to operate outdoor and indoor dining service while adhering to specified social distancing and capacity restrictions. The duration and extent of restrictions imposed on the Company’s customers by federal, state and local governments is highly dependent on future developments regarding the pandemic including new information aboutthat may emerge on the severity of the disease, the extent of outbreaks, federal, state and local government responses, trends in infection rates, and development of effective medical treatments for the disease, the pace of vaccination programs and future consumer spending behavior, among others. Due to COVID-19, the Company incurred estimated non-cash charges of approximately $15,800 related to incremental bad debt expense and approximately $9,800 related to incremental inventory obsolescence during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020. The adverse impact to the Company’s customer base and market capitalization at the onset of COVID-19 were considered triggering events and, accordingly, the Company performed interim goodwill and long-lived asset quantitative impairment tests during the first quarter of 2020 as described in Note 8 to these financial statements.

Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements include all the accounts of the Company and its direct and indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

Unaudited Interim Financial Statements

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and the related interim information contained within the notes to such unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) for interim information and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Accordingly, they do not include all the information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. These unaudited consolidated financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the fiscal year ended December 27, 201925, 2020 filed as part of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020.23, 2021.

The unaudited consolidated financial statements appearing in this Form 10-Q have been prepared on the same basis as the audited consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020,23, 2021, and in the opinion of management, include all normal recurring adjustments that are necessary for the fair statement of the Company’s interim period results. The year-end consolidated balance sheet data was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. Due to seasonal fluctuations, COVID-19the Pandemic and other factors, the results of operations for the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 202024, 2021 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
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The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make significant estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from management’s estimates.

Guidance Adopted in Fiscal 2020
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Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments: In June 2016 and as further amended in November 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance which requires entities to use a forward-looking expected loss model to estimate credit losses. It also requires additional disclosure related to credit quality of trade and other receivables, including information related to management’s estimate of credit allowances. The Company adopted this guidance on December 28, 2019. The Company analyzes customer creditworthiness, accounts receivable balances, payment history, payment terms and historical bad debt levels when evaluating the adequacy of its allowance for doubtful accounts. In instances where a reserve has been recorded for a particular customer, future sales to the customer are either conducted using cash-on-delivery terms or the account is closely monitored so that agreed-upon payments are received prior to orders being released. A failure to pay results in held or cancelled orders. The Company also estimates receivables that will ultimately be uncollectible based upon historical write-off experience. Management incorporates current macro-economic factors in existence as of the balance sheet date that may impact the food-away-from-home industry and/or its customers, and specifically, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the impact of COVID-19. Adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Leases: In April 2020, the FASB issued guidance describing approaches entities should follow when accounting for lease concessions negotiated due to the effects of COVID-19. The Company has negotiated rent deferrals with certain lessors that do not materially modify the amount of consideration due under the original contract terms. Consistent with the guidance, the Company elected to recognize such rent deferrals as accrued expenses. The Company continues to recognize expense during the deferral period.

Guidance Not Yet Adopted in Fiscal 2021

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes: In December 2019, the FASBFinancial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance that eliminates certain exceptions related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocations, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and other simplifications and clarifications. TheAs a result of the new guidance, will be effective for fiscal years beginning afterthe Company may recognize additional income tax benefits during interim periods in which interim losses exceed full year projections due to provisions in the guidance that remove loss limitation rules. This guidance was adopted on December 15, 2020. Early adoption is permitted. The Company expects to adopt this guidance when effective26, 2020 and adoption will havehad an immaterial impact on itsthe Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Accounting for Convertible Instruments and Contracts in an Entity’s Own Equity:In August 2020, the FASB issued guidance that simplifies the accounting models for financial instruments with characteristics of debt and equity. The amendments in the guidance result in fewer instances in which an embedded conversion feature must be accounted for separately from its host contract. This guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2021. Early adoption is permitted, but no earlier than fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020. The Company expects to adopt thisThis guidance was adopted on December 26, 2020 and adoption isdid not expected to have a material impact on itsthe Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Note 2 – Reclassifications

On September 1, 2020, the Company received a comment letter from the staff of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance (“SEC”) with respect to the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 2019, requesting information regarding the Company’s presentation of food processing costs and separate presentation of selling, general and administrative expenses from other operating expenses.

Food Processing Costs

The Company’s food processing costs represent the costs to cut and package produce and protein products, primarily beef products, for sale to the Company’s customer base. The costs associated with food processing are normally incurred immediately prior to shipment and thus, historically, the Company treated these costs as handling expenses and presented them within operating expenses on its consolidated statements of operations. The Company has also separately disclosed its food processing costs, excluding depreciation expense, in the notes to its annual consolidated financial statements. Upon further consideration and discussions with the SEC, the Company concluded that food processing costs are more fairly presented as cost of sales and such costs should include depreciation expense associated with equipment and facilities used in food processing activities. Accordingly, the Company has reclassified its food processing costs from operating expenses to cost of
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sales. In accordance with Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99 “Materiality,” and SAB No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”, the Company evaluated the impact of the reclassification and determined that the impact was not material to its consolidated financial statements for any prior annual or interim period. See Note 3 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a full description of the components of costs of sales and food processing costs.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

In response to the SEC’s comment, the Company revised its presentation of total operating expenses such that selling, general and administrative expenses are presented separately from other operating expenses. Furthermore, management has reclassified gain/loss from asset disposal, which was previously presented as a non-operating expense, to other operating expenses. See Note 3 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” for a full description of the components of selling, general and administrative expenses and other expenses.

The aggregate impact of the above reclassifications on prior periods are as follows:

Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 27, 2019September 27, 2019
As ReportedReclassAs RestatedAs ReportedReclassAs Restated
Net sales$396,880 $$396,880 $1,165,327 $$1,165,327 
Cost of sales294,887 4,773 299,660 866,670 13,689 880,359 
Gross profit101,993 (4,773)97,220 298,657 (13,689)284,968 
Selling, general and administrative expenses91,345 (7,385)83,960 266,323 (19,306)247,017 
Other operating expenses2,636 2,636 5,681 5,681 
Total operating expenses91,345 (4,749)86,596 266,323 (13,625)252,698 
Operating income10,648 (24)10,624 32,334 (64)32,270 
Interest expense4,517 4,517 13,913 13,913 
Loss on asset disposal24 (24)— 64 (64)— 
Income before income taxes6,107 6,107 18,357 18,357 
Provision for income tax expense1,682 1,682 5,052 5,052 
Net income$4,425 $$4,425 $13,305 $$13,305 

Note 32 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Revenue Recognition
 
Revenues from product sales are recognized at the point at which control of each product is transferred to the customer. The Company’s contracts contain performance obligations which are satisfied when customers have physical possession of each product. The majority of customer orders are fulfilled within a day and customer payment terms are typically 20 to 60 days from delivery. Shipping and handling activities are costs to fulfill the Company’s performance obligations. These costs are expensed as incurred and presented within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. The Company offers certain sales incentives to customers in the form of rebates or discounts. These sales incentives are accounted as variable consideration. The Company estimates these amounts based on the expected amount to be provided to customers and records a corresponding reduction in revenue. The Company does not expect a significant reversal in the amount of cumulative revenue recognized. Sales tax billed to customers is not included in revenue but rather recorded as a liability owed to the respective taxing authorities at the time the sale is recognized.







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The following table presents the Company’s net sales disaggregated by principal product category:
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 24, 2021September 25, 2020September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Center-of-the-PlateCenter-of-the-Plate$115,570 45.5 %$176,778 44.5 %$395,224 47.6 %$516,907 44.4 %Center-of-the-Plate$238,783 49.3 %$115,570 45.5 %$593,717 50.0 %$395,224 47.6 %
Dry GoodsDry Goods31,495 12.4 %65,379 16.5 %113,480 13.7 %193,518 16.6 %Dry Goods66,455 13.7 %31,495 12.4 %163,352 13.8 %113,480 13.7 %
PastryPastry27,618 10.9 %53,579 13.5 %92,427 11.1 %160,316 13.8 %Pastry48,842 10.1 %27,618 10.9 %118,952 10.0 %92,427 11.1 %
Cheese and CharcuterieCheese and Charcuterie33,329 13.1 %40,500 10.2 %83,996 10.1 %117,073 10.0 %Cheese and Charcuterie40,403 8.3 %33,329 13.1 %97,805 8.2 %83,996 10.1 %
ProduceProduce24,172 9.5 %4,875 1.2 %60,240 7.3 %13,255 1.1 %Produce35,900 7.4 %24,172 9.5 %87,049 7.3 %60,240 7.3 %
Dairy and EggsDairy and Eggs6,301 2.5 %27,480 6.9 %35,942 4.3 %81,765 7.0 %Dairy and Eggs21,922 4.5 %6,301 2.5 %53,405 4.5 %35,942 4.3 %
Oils and VinegarsOils and Vinegars9,487 3.7 %20,487 5.2 %31,082 3.7 %60,117 5.2 %Oils and Vinegars21,855 4.5 %9,487 3.7 %48,210 4.1 %31,082 3.7 %
Kitchen SuppliesKitchen Supplies6,058 2.4 %7,802 2.0 %17,566 2.2 %22,376 1.9 %Kitchen Supplies10,161 2.2 %6,058 2.4 %25,016 2.1 %17,566 2.2 %
TotalTotal$254,030 100 %$396,880 100 %$829,957 100 %$1,165,327 100 %Total$484,321 100 %$254,030 100 %$1,187,506 100 %$829,957 100 %

The Company determines its product category classification based on how the Company currently markets its products to its customers. The Company’s definition of its principal product categories may differ from the way in which other companies present similar information.

Deferred Revenue

Certain customer arrangements in the Company’s direct-to-consumer business, prepaid gift plans and gift card purchases, result in deferred revenues when cash payments are received in advance of performance. The Company recognizes revenue on its prepaid gift plans when control of each product is transferred to the customer. Performance obligations under the Company’s prepaid gift plans are satisfied within a period of twelve months or less. Gift cards issued by the Company do not have expiration dates. The Company records a liability for unredeemed gift cards at the time gift cards are sold and the liability is relieved when the card is redeemed, the value of the card is escheated to the appropriate government agency, or through breakage. Gift card breakage is estimated based on the Company’s historical redemption experience and expected trends in redemption patterns. Amounts recognized through breakage represent the portion of the gift card liability that is not subject to unclaimed property laws and for which the likelihood of redemption is remote. The Company recorded deferred revenues, reflected as accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets, of $993 and $1,345 as of September 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively.

Right of Return

The Company’s standard terms and conditions provide customers with a right of return if the goods received are not merchantable. Customers are either issued a replacement order at no cost, or are issued a credit for the returned goods. The Company recorded a refund liability of $208 and $314 as of September 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively. Refund liabilities are reflected as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The Company recognized a corresponding asset of $128 and $194 as of September 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019, respectively, for its right to recover products from customers on settling its refund liabilities. This asset is reflected as inventories, net on the consolidated balance sheets.

ContractFood Processing Costs

Sales commissions are expensed when incurred because the amortization period is one year or less. These costs are presented within selling, general and administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

Cost of Sales

The Company records cost of sales based upon the net purchase price paid for a product, including applicable freight charges incurred to deliver the product to the Company’s warehouse, and food processing costs. Food processing costs include but are not limited to direct labor and benefits, applicable overhead and depreciation of equipment and facilities used in food processing activities. Food processing costs included in cost of sales were $4,001$7,524 and $4,773$4,276 for the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2021 and September 25, 2020, and September 27, 2019, respectively, and $12,708$19,599 and $13,689$13,702 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 202024, 2021 and September 27, 2019,25, 2020, respectively.


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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses include facilities costs, product shipping and handling costs, warehouse costs, and other selling, general and administrative costs.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses includes expenses primarily related to changes in the fair value of the Company’s earn-out liabilities, gains and losses on asset disposals, asset impairments and certain third-party deal costs incurred in connection with business acquisitions or financing arrangements.

Note 43 – Net Income (Loss) Income per Share
 
The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted net income (loss) income per common share:
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 25, 2020September 27, 2019 September 24, 2021September 25, 2020September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Net (loss) income per share:   
Net income (loss) per share:Net income (loss) per share:   
BasicBasic$(0.31)$0.15 $(1.39)$0.45 Basic$0.09 $(0.31)$(0.36)$(1.39)
DilutedDiluted$(0.31)$0.15 $(1.39)$0.45 Diluted$0.09 $(0.31)$(0.36)$(1.39)
Weighted average common shares:Weighted average common shares:   Weighted average common shares:   
BasicBasic36,283,883 29,549,308 32,868,162 29,511,143 Basic36,875,784 36,283,883 36,701,927 32,868,162 
DilutedDiluted36,283,883 29,954,837 32,868,162 29,723,609 Diluted37,105,746 36,283,883 36,701,927 32,868,162 

Reconciliation of net income (loss) income per common share:
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 25, 2020September 27, 2019 September 24, 2021September 25, 2020September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Numerator:Numerator:   Numerator:   
Net (loss) income$(11,427)$4,425 $(45,846)$13,305 
Net income (loss)Net income (loss)$3,456 $(11,427)$(13,367)$(45,846)
Denominator:Denominator:   Denominator:   
Weighted average basic common shares outstandingWeighted average basic common shares outstanding36,283,883 29,549,308 32,868,162 29,511,143 Weighted average basic common shares outstanding36,875,784 36,283,883 36,701,927 32,868,162 
Dilutive effect of stock options and unvested common sharesDilutive effect of stock options and unvested common shares405,529 212,466 Dilutive effect of stock options and unvested common shares229,962 — — — 
Weighted average diluted common shares outstandingWeighted average diluted common shares outstanding36,283,883 29,954,837 32,868,162 29,723,609 Weighted average diluted common shares outstanding37,105,746 36,283,883 36,701,927 32,868,162 
 
Potentially dilutive securities that have been excluded from the calculation of diluted net income (loss) income per common share because the effect is anti-dilutive are as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 25, 2020September 27, 2019
Restricted share awards (“RSAs”)389,163 330,696 393,905 122,876 
Stock options115,639 115,639 
Convertible notes3,484,788 91,053 3,484,788 91,053 

During August 2020, management identified an unintentional error in the calculation of the Company’s basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2020. The error stemmed from the improper weighting of the 6,634,615 common shares issued during the quarter ended June 26, 2020. As a result, basic and diluted net loss per common share as previously reported for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2020 were understated. In accordance with SAB No. 99 “Materiality,” and SAB No. 108, “Considering the Effects of Prior Year
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Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements”, the Company evaluated the error and determined that the impact was not material to its consolidated financial statements for any prior annual or interim period.

The changes to basic and diluted weighted average common shares outstanding and corresponding impacts to basic and diluted net loss per common share for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended June 26, 2020 were follows:

 Thirteen Weeks EndedTwenty-Six Weeks Ended
 June 26, 2020June 26, 2020
As ReportedAs RestatedAs ReportedAs Restated
Net loss per share:   
Basic$(0.57)$(0.62)$(1.05)$(1.10)
Diluted$(0.57)$(0.62)$(1.05)$(1.10)
Weighted average common shares:   
Basic35,759,193 32,698,295 32,672,876 31,150,883 
Diluted35,759,193 32,698,295 32,672,876 31,150,883 
 Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 September 24, 2021September 25, 2020September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Restricted share awards (“RSAs”)50,412 742,692 297,978 689,907 
Stock options— 115,639 38,102 115,639 
Warrants126,359 — 84,854 — 
Convertible notes4,616,033 3,484,788 4,341,664 3,484,788 

Note 54 – Fair Value Measurements
 
Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value
 
The Company’s contingent earn-out liabilities are measured at fair value. These liabilities were estimated using Level 3 inputs. Long-term earn-out liabilities were $2,815$2,339 and $7,957$2,556 as of September 25, 202024, 2021 and December 27, 2019,25, 2020, respectively, and are reflected as other liabilities and deferred credits on the consolidated balance sheets. The remaining short-term earn-out liabilities are reflected as accrued liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. The fair value of contingent consideration was determined based on a probability-based approach which includes projected results, percentage probability of occurrence and the application of a discount rate to present value the payments. A significant change in projected results, discount rate, or probabilities of occurrence could result in a significantly higher or lower fair value measurement. Changes in the fair value of contingent earn-out liabilities are reflected in other operating (income)expenses, net on the consolidated statements of operations.

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The following table presents the changes in Level 3 contingent earn-out liabilities:
Fells PointBassianSid WainerOther AcquisitionsTotal
Fells PointBassianSid WainerOther AcquisitionsTotal
Balance December 27, 2019Balance December 27, 2019$4,544 $7,957 $$2,197 $14,698 Balance December 27, 2019$4,544 $7,957 $— $2,197 $14,698 
Acquisition valueAcquisition value2,081 1,383 3,464 Acquisition value— — 2,081 1,383 3,464 
Cash paymentsCash payments(2,250)(1,677)(3,927)Cash payments— (2,250)— (1,677)(3,927)
Changes in fair valueChanges in fair value(4,544)(4,337)(1,581)(757)(11,219)Changes in fair value(4,544)(4,631)(1,570)(734)(11,479)
Balance September 25, 2020$$1,370 $500 $1,146 $3,016 
Balance December 25, 2020Balance December 25, 2020$— $1,076 $511 $1,169 $2,756 
Acquisition valueAcquisition value— — — 3,400 3,400 
Cash paymentsCash payments— — — (83)(83)
Changes in fair valueChanges in fair value— 39 (511)(887)(1,359)
Balance September 24, 2021Balance September 24, 2021$— $1,115 $— $3,599 $4,714 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

 The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s convertible notes. In estimating the fair value of the convertible notes, the Company utilized Level 3 inputs including prevailing market interest rates to estimate the debt portion of the instrument and a Black Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of the conversion option. The Black Scholes model utilizes the market price of the Company’s common stock, estimates of the stock’s volatility and the prevailing risk-free interest rate in calculating the fair value estimate.
September 25, 2020December 27, 2019 September 24, 2021December 25, 2020
Carrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair ValueCarrying ValueFair Value
Convertible Senior NotesConvertible Senior Notes$150,000 $141,048 $150,000 $165,000 Convertible Senior Notes$200,000 $199,592 $150,000 $163,204 
Convertible Unsecured NoteConvertible Unsecured Note$4,000 $3,711 $4,000 $4,282 Convertible Unsecured Note$4,000 $3,901 $4,000 $4,290 
 



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Note 65 – Acquisitions
 
Sid Wainer

On January 27, 2020, pursuant to an asset purchase agreement,During the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets, including certain real-estate assets, of Sid Wainer & Son (“Sid Wainer”), a specialty food and produce distributor in New England. The finalcompleted 2 acquisitions for an aggregate purchase price wasof approximately $44,081,$8,400, consisting of $46,450$7,280 paid in cash, at closing, partially offset by a $2,369 netsubject to customary working capital true-up.adjustments, and common stock warrants of $1,120. The Company will also pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, in the form of an earn-out amountamounts which could total $4,000 over$4,230 in aggregate. The Company is in the process of finalizing a two-year period. The paymentvaluation of the earn-out liability is subject to the successful achievement of certain gross profit targets. The Company estimated the fair value of this contingent earn-out liability to be $2,081liabilities, and $500tangible and intangible assets as of January 27, 2020 and September 25, 2020, respectively.

Trademarks were valued at fair value usingthe acquisition date. When applicable, these valuations require the use of Level 3 inputs and are being amortized over 15 years.inputs. Goodwill for the Sid Wainer acquisitionthese acquisitions will be amortized over 15 years for tax purposes. The goodwill recorded primarily reflects the value of acquiring an established specialty food and produce distributor to leverage the Company’s existing products in the markets served by Sid Wainer, to supply Sid Wainer’s produce offerings to our metro New York market and any intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition.

The Company reflected net sales of $27,831 and $66,451 for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020, respectively, and an operating loss of $1,177 and $5,646 for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020, respectively,before taxes in its consolidated statement of operations related to the Sid Wainer acquisition.fiscal 2021 acquisitions as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 September 24, 2021September 24, 2021
Net sales$16,052 $25,090 
Loss before income taxes$(285)$(379)

The table below presents unaudited proPro forma consolidated income statement information of the Company as if the Sid Wainer acquisition had occurred on December 29, 2018. The pro forma results were prepared from financial information obtained fromfor these acquisitions are not presented because the sellerseffect of the business, as well as information obtained during the due diligence process associated with the acquisition. The pro forma information isthese acquisition are not necessarily indicative ofmaterial to the Company’s results of operations had the acquisition been completed on the above date, nor is it necessarily indicative of the Company’s future results. The pro forma information does not reflect any cost savings from operating efficiencies or synergies that could result from the acquisition, any incremental costs for Sid Wainer transitioning to become a public company, and also does not reflect additional revenue opportunities following the acquisition. The pro forma information reflects amortization and depreciation of the Sid Wainer acquisition at their respective fair values.
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 25, 2020September 27, 2019
Net sales$254,030 $461,034 $842,735 $1,331,487 
(Loss) income before income taxes(16,631)8,613 (70,999)19,404 
operations.

Additionally, during fiscal 2020, the Company paid approximately $16,356 for a specialty center-of-the plate distributor in New England.








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The table below sets forth the purchase price allocation of these acquisitions:
Sid WainerOther Acquisitions
Current assets$22,960 $6,172 
Customer relationships6,200 
Trademarks3,500 700 
Goodwill11,571 5,291 
Fixed assets19,425 308 
Right-of-use assets8,259 1,019 
Lease liabilities(8,259)(1,019)
Current liabilities(11,294)(932)
Earn-out liability(2,081)(1,383)
Total consideration$44,081 $16,356 
Current assets$4,240 
Customer relationships2,431 
Trademarks1,890 
Goodwill5,496 
Fixed assets707 
Right-of-use assets761 
Lease liabilities(761)
Current liabilities(2,964)
Earn-out liability(3,400)
Issuance of warrants(1,120)
Total cash consideration$7,280 

The Company recognized professional fees of $435$86 in other operating expenses related to the acquisitions in the firstsecond quarter of fiscal 2020.
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2021.

Note 76 – Inventories
 
Inventories consist primarily of finished product and are reflected net of adjustments for shrinkage, excess and obsolescence totaling $8,118$8,070 and $1,937$9,013 at September 24, 2021 and December 25, 2020, and December 27, 2019, respectively. The Company incurred estimated inventory charges of approximately $9,800 related to inventory obsolescence due to COVID-19 during fiscal 2020.

Note 87 – Equipment, Leasehold Improvements and Software
 
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software as of September 25, 202024, 2021 and December 27, 201925, 2020 consisted of the following:
Useful LivesSeptember 25, 2020December 27, 2019 Useful LivesSeptember 24, 2021December 25, 2020
LandLandIndefinite$5,020 $1,170 LandIndefinite$5,020 $5,020 
BuildingsBuildings20 years15,685 1,360 Buildings20 years15,778 15,685 
Machinery and equipmentMachinery and equipment5 - 10 years24,770 21,718 Machinery and equipment5 - 10 years25,969 24,900 
Computers, data processing and other equipmentComputers, data processing and other equipment3 - 7 years14,111 12,686 Computers, data processing and other equipment3 - 7 years14,856 14,207 
SoftwareSoftware3 - 7 years33,024 29,305 Software3 - 7 years39,834 33,063 
Leasehold improvementsLeasehold improvements1 - 40 years71,531 70,903 Leasehold improvements1 - 40 years68,754 68,747 
Furniture and fixturesFurniture and fixtures7 years3,433 3,309 Furniture and fixtures7 years3,497 3,412 
VehiclesVehicles5 - 7 years20,103 6,410 Vehicles5 - 7 years22,619 21,873 
OtherOther7 years96 95 Other7 years88 88 
Construction-in-processConstruction-in-process 9,132 9,200 Construction-in-process 16,837 8,115 
 196,905 156,156   213,252 195,110 
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortizationLess: accumulated depreciation and amortization (79,941)(63,310)Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization (95,109)(79,662)
Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, netEquipment, leasehold improvements and software, net $116,964 $92,846 Equipment, leasehold improvements and software, net $118,143 $115,448 

Construction-in-process at September 24, 2021 related primarily to the build-outs of the Company’s Los Angeles and Miami distribution facilities. Construction-in-process at December 25, 2020 and December 27, 2019 related primarily to the implementation of the Company’s Enterprise Resource Planning system. The net book value of equipment financed under finance leases at September 24, 2021 and December 25, 2020 was $12,489 and December 27, 2019 was $14,623 and $3,905,$14,705, respectively.








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The components of depreciation and amortization expense were as follows:
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 25, 2020September 27, 2019 September 24, 2021September 25, 2020September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Depreciation expenseDepreciation expense$3,792 $2,558 $11,023 $6,793 Depreciation expense$3,903 $3,792 $11,679 $11,023 
Software amortizationSoftware amortization$1,247 $926 $3,691 $2,746 Software amortization$1,707 $1,247 $4,591 $3,691 
$5,039 $3,484 $14,714 $9,539 $5,610 $5,039 $16,270 $14,714 

Note 98 – Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
COVID-19 has had a material impact on the Company’s customers. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments implemented measures that resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets the Company serves, which forced its customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. Beginning in mid-March these actions led to a significant decrease in demand for the Company’s products. The adverse impact to the Company’s customer base and market capitalization at the onset of COVID-19 were considered triggering events during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and accordingly, the Company performed interim goodwill and long-lived asset quantitative impairment tests as of March 27, 2020.

Goodwill Impairment Test

The Company estimated the fair value of its reporting units using an income approach that incorporates the use of a discounted cash flow model that involves many management assumptions that are based upon future growth projections which include estimates of COVID-19’s impact on our business. Assumptions include estimates of future revenues, growth rates which take into account estimated inflation rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit, projected capital
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expenditures and discount rates based upon industry and competitor analyses. On the basis of these assumptions, the Company determined that the fair values of its reporting units exceeded the net carry values of their assets and liabilities by approximately $400,000, $19,000 and $14,000 for the East Coast, Midwest and West Coast reporting units, respectively. As such, goodwill was 0t impaired as of March 27, 2020. Management determined that there were no triggering events during the second or third quarters of fiscal 2020 that would require additional goodwill impairment testing.

Long-lived Impairment Test

Long-lived assets, including other intangible assets, were tested for recoverability at the asset group level. The Company estimated the net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated from the asset group over the expected useful of the asset group’s primary asset. Key assumptions include future revenues, growth rates, estimates of future levels of gross profit and operating profit and projected capital expenditures necessary to maintain the operating capacity of each asset group. On the basis of these assumptions, the Company determined that the undiscounted cash flows for each of the Company’s asset groups exceeded their respective carry values and therefore long-lived assets were not impaired as of March 27, 2020. Management determined that there were no triggering events during the second or third quarters of fiscal 2020 that would require additional testing.

Although the Company’s interim goodwill and long-lived asset impairment tests indicated no impairment existed, the impacts of COVID-19 on our business are uncertain and will depend on future developments, and as such, it is possible that another triggering event could occur that under certain circumstances could cause us to recognize an impairment charge in the future.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill are presented as follows:
Carrying amount as of December 27, 201925, 2020$197,743214,864 
Acquisitions16,8625,496 
Foreign currency translation(24)16 
Carrying amount as of September 25, 202024, 2021$214,581220,376 

Other intangible assets consist of customer relationships being amortized over a period ranging from four to twenty years, trademarks being amortized over a period of one to forty years, and non-compete agreements being amortized over a period of two to six years.

Other intangible assets as of September 25, 202024, 2021 and December 27, 201925, 2020 consisted of the following:
September 24, 2021Weighted-Average
Remaining
Amortization Period
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Amount
Customer relationships122 months$144,130 $(62,570)$81,560 
Non-compete agreements29 months8,579 (7,952)627 
Trademarks181 months45,826 (22,317)23,509 
Total$198,535 $(92,839)$105,696 
September 25, 2020Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Amount
Customer relationships$141,399 $(52,720)$88,679 
Non-compete agreements8,579 (7,677)902 
Trademarks68,685 (19,273)49,412 
Total$218,663 $(79,670)$138,993 
December 27, 2019
December 25, 2020December 25, 2020Weighted-Average
Remaining
Amortization Period
Gross Carrying AmountAccumulated AmortizationNet Amount
Customer relationshipsCustomer relationships$135,226 $(45,454)$89,772 Customer relationships128 months$141,679 $(55,135)$86,544 
Non-compete agreementsNon-compete agreements8,579 (7,479)1,100 Non-compete agreements37 months8,579 (7,752)827 
TrademarksTrademarks64,505 (16,626)47,879 Trademarks209 months44,520 (20,174)24,346 
TotalTotal$208,310 $(69,559)$138,751 Total$194,778 $(83,061)$111,717 

The Company occasionally makes small, tuck-in acquisitions that are immaterial, both individually and in the aggregate. Therefore, increases in goodwill and gross intangible assets per the above tables may not agree to the increases of these assets as shown for specific acquisitions in Note 5 “Acquisitions.”

Amortization expense for other intangibles was $3,391$3,135 and $3,301$3,391 for the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2021 and September 25, 2020, and September 27, 2019, respectively, and $10,111$9,778 and $9,485$10,111 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2021 and September 25, 2020, respectively.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company committed to a plan to shift its brand strategy to leverage its Allen Brothers brand in its New England region and September 27, 2019, respectively.determined its Cambridge trademark did not fit the Company’s long-term strategic objectives. As a result, the Company recognized a $597 impairment charge to fully write-down the net book value of its Cambridge trademark.








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Estimated amortization expense for other intangible assets for the remainder of the fiscal year ending December 25, 202024, 2021 and each of the next four fiscal years and thereafter is as follows:
2020$3,395 
2021202113,574 2021$3,136 
2022202212,794 202211,765 
2023202311,766 202310,736 
2024202411,423 20249,876 
202520259,459 
ThereafterThereafter86,041 Thereafter60,724 
TotalTotal$138,993 Total$105,696 

Note 109 – Debt Obligations
 
Debt obligations as of September 25, 202024, 2021 and December 27, 201925, 2020 consisted of the following:
September 25, 2020December 27, 2019September 24, 2021December 25, 2020
Senior secured term loansSenior secured term loans$201,981 $238,129 Senior secured term loans$169,103 $201,553 
Convertible senior notesConvertible senior notes150,000 150,000 Convertible senior notes200,000 150,000 
Asset-based loan facilityAsset-based loan facility40,000 Asset-based loan facility20,000 40,000 
Finance lease and other financing obligationsFinance lease and other financing obligations14,350 15,798 
Convertible unsecured noteConvertible unsecured note4,000 4,000 Convertible unsecured note4,000 4,000 
Finance lease and other financing obligations14,834 3,905 
Deferred finance fees and original issue discount(8,275)(9,207)
Deferred finance fees and original issue premium (discount)Deferred finance fees and original issue premium (discount)(6,850)(7,172)
Total debt obligationsTotal debt obligations402,540 386,827 Total debt obligations400,603 404,179 
Less: current installmentsLess: current installments(5,904)(721)Less: current installments(5,624)(6,095)
Total debt obligations excluding current installmentsTotal debt obligations excluding current installments$396,636 $386,106 Total debt obligations excluding current installments$394,979 $398,084 

On June 8, 2020,March 1, 2021, the Company entered intoissued $50,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.875% Convertible Senior Notes at a sixth amendment (the “Sixth Amendment”)premium which were offered as an additional issuance and under the same terms of the Company’s $150,000 Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 initially issued on November 22, 2019. Net proceeds were used to itsrepay all outstanding borrowings under the Company's 2022 tranche of senior secured term loans of $31,166 and repay a portion of borrowings outstanding under the Company’s asset-based loan facility (“ABL Facility”). The Company incurred transaction costs of approximately $1,350 which were capitalized as deferred financing fees to be amortized over the term of the Convertible Senior Notes due 2024. At September 24, 2021, the effective interest rate charged on the Company’s Convertible Senior Notes was approximately 2.3%.

The net carry value of the Company’s Convertible Senior Notes as of September 24, 2021 and December 25, 2020 was:
September 24, 2021December 25, 2020
Principal amount outstanding$200,000 $150,000 
Unamortized deferred financing fees and premium3,366 4,999 
Net carry value$203,366 $154,999 

The components of interest expense on the Company’s Convertible Senior Notes were as follows:
 Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
 September 24, 2021September 25, 2020September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Coupon interest$937 $703 $2,656 $2,109 
Amortization of deferred financing fees and premium$224 $250 $689 $750 
Total interest$1,161 $953 $3,345 $2,859 

The Company’s senior secured term loan credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”). Upon the consent of the lenders, the Sixth Amendment converted a portion of the term loans then outstanding of $238,129 (the “Term Loans”) into a new tranche of term loans (the “2025 Tranche”) which among other things extended the maturity date by three years and increased the fixed-rate portion of interest charged by 200 basis points. The portion of the Term Loans that did not convert (the “2022 Tranche”) retained the maturity date and interest rate in effect prior to the Sixth Amendment.The Company made a prepayment of $35,719 on the 2025 Tranche immediately after it was established.

The following table summarizes the key terms of the Term Loans as of September 25, 2020:

Term LoansPrincipal OutstandingInterest RateMaturity DateScheduled Principal Payments
2022 Tranche$31,166 LIBOR + 3.5%June 22, 2022none
2025 Tranche$170,815 LIBOR + 5.5%June 22, 20250.25% per quarter

The 2025 Tranche has a springing maturity date of June 22, 2024 if, as of that date, the Company’s 1.875% convertible senior notes maturing on December 1, 2024 have not been repaid or refinanced by debt having a maturity date on or after December 23, 2025. The Sixth Amendment was accounted for as a debt modification. The Company incurred lender fees of $856 which were capitalized as debt issuance costs. Third-party transaction costs of $1,233 were expensed as incurred.

The Sixth Amendment introduced a minimum liquidity covenant which requires the Company to maintain at least $35,000 of liquidity as of the last day of any fiscal quarter where EBITDA, as defined in the Credit Agreement, is less than $10,000. The Company had minimum liquidity, as defined in the Credit Agreement, of $250,392$250,638 as of September 25, 2020.24, 2021.

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As of September 25, 2020,24, 2021, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants and the Company had reserved $20,141$20,541 of the asset-based loan facility (“ABL Facility”)Facility for the issuance of letters of credit. As of September 25, 2020,24, 2021, funds totaling $44,275$109,459 were available for borrowing under the ABL Facility. At September 25, 2020,24, 2021, the weighted average interest rate charged on the Company’s senior secured term loan was approximately 5.3%5.6% and the interest rate charged on the Company’s ABL Facility was approximately 1.9%1.3%.

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Note 1110 – Stockholders’ Equity

Preferred Stock Purchase RightsWarrants

On March 22, 2020,In connection with an acquisition during the Company’s boardsecond quarter of directors approvedfiscal 2021, the Company issued warrants with a limited duration Preferred Stock Purchase Rights Agreement (the “Rights Agreement”). Under the Rights Agreement, the boardfair value of directors approved a dividend of one preferred share$1,120 to purchase right (a “Right”) for each share outstanding shareup to 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock to purchase one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Preferred Stock of the Company at aan exercise price of $40.00$31.96 per Unit of Preferred Stock, subject to adjustment as provided in the Rights Agreement. The Rights willshare. These warrants expire on March 21, 2021, unless the Rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company or upon the occurrence of certain transactions.

Public Common Stock Offering

On May 14, 2020, the Company completed a public offering of 5,769,231 shares of its common stock at a price of $13.00 per share to the underwriters, to be reoffered by the underwriters at variable prices per share, which resulted in net proceeds of approximately $74,691 after deducting underwriters’ fees, commissions and transaction expenses. In addition, the Company granted a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 865,384 shares of its common stock at a price of $13.00 per share to the underwriters, to be reoffered by the underwriters at variable prices per share. The option was fully exercised on June 2, 2020 and resulted in additional proceeds of $11,250.April 22, 2024.

Equity Awards

The following table reflects the activity of RSAs during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020:24, 2021:
SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Time-basedPerformance-basedMarket-based
SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
SharesWeighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 27, 2019740,609 $27.68 
Unvested at December 25, 2020Unvested at December 25, 2020901,318 $16.14 — $— 26,952 $30.16 
GrantedGranted1,003,671 17.51 Granted356,956 31.72 199,231 32.00 199,241 31.44 
VestedVested(215,367)24.22 Vested(588,535)12.09 — — — — 
ForfeitedForfeited(42,678)24.45 Forfeited(61,306)27.41 (12,536)32.00 (14,508)31.24 
Unvested at September 25, 20201,486,235 $21.49 
Unvested at September 24, 2021Unvested at September 24, 2021608,433 $28.04 186,695 $32.00 211,685 $31.29 

The Company granted 1,003,671755,428 RSAs to its employees and directors at a weighted average grant date fair value of $17.51$31.72 during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020.24, 2021. These awards are a mix of time-, market- and performance-based grants that generally vest over a range of periods up to fourfive years. The Company recognized expense totaling $2,075$2,710 and $908$2,075 on its RSAs during the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2021 and September 25, 2020, and September 27, 2019, respectively, and $4,925$8,448 and $2,797$4,925 during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 202024, 2021 and September 27, 2019,25, 2020, respectively.

At September 25, 2020,24, 2021, the total unrecognized compensation cost for unvested RSAs was $13,275$20,830 and the weighted-average remaining period was approximately 2.02.2 years. Of this total, $11,048$12,531 related to RSAs with time-based vesting provisions and $2,227$8,299 related to RSAs with performance-based vesting provisions. At September 25, 2020,24, 2021, the weighted-average remaining period for time-based vesting and performance-based vesting RSAs were approximately 2.02.1 years and 2.22.4 years, respectively.

The Company’s stock options fully vested during the first quarter of fiscal 2019. The Company recognized expense of 0 and $114 on stock options during the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2019, respectively. NaNNo share-based compensation expense related to the Company’s RSAs or stock options has been capitalized. As of September 25, 2020,24, 2021, there were 1,254,514895,646 shares available for grant under the 2019 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan.

Note 12 – Income Taxes

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) was signed into law on March 27, 2020. The legislation provides temporary changes to the extent to which companies can carryback net operating losses, changes to interest expense deduction limitations and other tax relief provisions.

The Company’s effective income tax rate was 34.5% and 27.5% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020 and September 27, 2019, respectively. The higher effective tax rate in the current fiscal year is primarily related to the Company’s current net loss forecast for fiscal 2020 which, under the CARES Act, allows the Company to claim Federal tax refunds against prior year taxes paid, including taxes paid in fiscal 2015 and 2017, both of which were at statutory tax rates of 35%. The
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Company’s income tax provision reflects the impact of an expected income tax refund receivable of $20,973 as of September 25, 2020 which is reflected in prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

Note 1311 – Related Parties
 
The Chefs’ Warehouse Mid-Atlantic, LLC, a subsidiary of the Company, leases a distribution facility that is 100% owned by entities controlled by Christopher Pappas, the Company’s chairman, president and chief executive officer, and John Pappas, the Company’s vice chairman and one of its directors, and are deemed to be affiliates of these individuals. Expense related to this facility totaled $124 and $108$124 during the thirteen weeks ended September 24, 2021 and September 25, 2020, and September 27, 2019, respectively, and $365$370 and $325$365 during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 24, 2021 and September 25, 2020, and September 27, 2019, respectively. This lease was amended during the first quarter of fiscal 2020 and expires on September 30, 2023.

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Note 1412 – Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Supplemental cash flow disclosures:Supplemental cash flow disclosures:Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for income taxes, net of cash receivedCash paid for income taxes, net of cash received$308 $6,045 Cash paid for income taxes, net of cash received$(194)$308 
Cash paid for interest, net of cash receivedCash paid for interest, net of cash received$12,741 $12,477 Cash paid for interest, net of cash received$10,690 $12,741 
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities:
Operating cash flows from operating leasesOperating cash flows from operating leases$20,206 $18,575 Operating cash flows from operating leases$18,965 $20,206 
Operating cash flows from finance leasesOperating cash flows from finance leases$411 $65 Operating cash flows from finance leases$411 $411 
ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:ROU assets obtained in exchange for lease liabilities:
Operating leasesOperating leases$5,800 $154,330 Operating leases$13,308 $5,800 
Finance leasesFinance leases$14,017 $1,820 Finance leases$536 $14,017 
Other non-cash investing and financing activities:Other non-cash investing and financing activities:Other non-cash investing and financing activities:
Warrants issued for acquisitionsWarrants issued for acquisitions$1,120 $— 
Convertible notes issued for acquisitions$$4,000 
Contingent earn-out liabilities for acquisitionsContingent earn-out liabilities for acquisitions$3,464 $7,929 Contingent earn-out liabilities for acquisitions$3,400 $3,464 

Note 13 – Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act

In response to the Pandemic, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. Among other provisions it allows for a refundable Employee Retention Tax Credit (“ETRC”) to eligible employers equal to 50% of qualified wages paid to employees from March 12, 2020 to December 31, 2020, capped at $10 per employee. In December 2020, the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 was passed, which expands the ETRC by increasing the credit to 70% of qualified wages paid from January 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021, capped at $10 per employee per quarter. During the second quarter of fiscal 2021, the Company recognized a receivable of $1,418 related to the ETRC which is presented within prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balance sheet and the related expense reduction is presented within selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of operations

Note 14 – Subsequent Events

On October 5, 2021, the Company acquired substantially all of the assets of a specialty center-of-plate producer and distributor in Las Vegas, Nevada. The purchase price was approximately $3,025 paid in cash at closing and is subject to a customary working capital true-up. The Company is required to pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, of up to $5,000 over a four-year period upon successful attainment of certain performance targets.
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ITEM 2.         MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is provided as a supplement to the accompanying consolidated financial statements and footnotes to help provide an understanding of our financial condition, changes in our financial condition and results of operations. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with information included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 24, 2020.23, 2021. Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “Company”, “Chefs’ Warehouse”, “we”, “us” and “our” refer to The Chefs’ Warehouse, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Business Overview

We are a premier distributor of specialty foods in nine of the leading culinary markets in the United States. We offer more than 55,00050,000 stock-keeping units (“SKUs”), ranging from high-quality specialty foods and ingredients to basic ingredients and staples and center-of-the-plate proteins. We serve more than 34,000 customer locations, primarily located in our sixteen geographic markets across the United States and Canada, and the majority of our customers are independent restaurants and fine dining establishments. As a result of our acquisition of Allen Brothers, Inc. (“Allen Brothers”) and our “Shop Like a Chef” online platform, we also sell certain of our products directly to consumers.

Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on our Business and Operations

The COVID-19 pandemic (“COVID-19”) has had a material impact on our business and operations and thoseMany of our customers. In an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments began implementing various restrictions beginning in late March that resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets we serve, which forced our customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations. State and local governments began to ease these restrictions in mid-May, however, restrictions in certain of our key markets were not eased until early June. As of September 25, 2020, the majority of state and local governments with jurisdiction over markets in which the Company operates allow the Company’s customers to operate outdoor dining and indoor dining service while adhering to specified social distancing and capacity restrictions. The duration and extent of restrictions imposed on our customers by federal, state and local governments is dependent on future developments regarding the pandemic, including new information about the severity of the disease, trends in infection rates, and development of effective medical treatments for the disease, among others.

Our customers continued to behave been adversely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic (the “Pandemic”), however we have seen sequential improvement in our business throughout fiscal 2021 which has contributed to organic sales growth of $213.7 million during the third quarter ended September 25, 2020 which has resulted in a $178.1 million decline in our organic salesof fiscal 2021 compared to the prior year quarter. Due to COVID-19, we incurred estimated non-cash charges of $15.8 million related to incremental bad debt expense and approximately $9.8 million related to estimated inventory obsolescence during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020.

Our management team is responding rapidly to the changing landscape and pursuing alternate sources of revenue to mitigate the extent of sales declines in our core customer base. Our sales force is working closely with our core customers and developing solutions to help them fulfill the demand in their communities while complying with health and safety restrictions. We are actively entering into new business relationships which include retail food outlets as they have experienced increases in consumer demand and shortages in their traditional supply chains due to COVID-19. As we develop these new sales channels, we are negotiating favorable credit terms given the nature of the underlying customer base and the current market environment. In addition, our purchasing teams have worked diligently to shift our product purchases to SKUs that are in high demand. Thus far, we have not experienced difficulties in procuring products from our suppliers.

In response to the pandemic, we expanded our direct-to-consumer product offerings by launching our “Shop Like a Chef” online home delivery platform in several of the markets we serve. We now offer products directly to consumers through our Allen Brothers and “Shop Like a Chef” online platforms.

We have implemented cost control measures during this time of demand volatility. Our variable cost structure naturally decreases as our sales decrease, however, we are also reducing our fixed cost structure. Among other actions, we have postponed planned capital expenditures, returned certain equipment on short-term rental agreements, and reduced compensation expense through salary reductions, furloughs and lay-offs as we right-size our organization to current levels of demand.

Management determined COVID-19’s adverse impact on our operations and our market capitalization were triggering events that required us to test goodwill and long-lived assets for impairment as of March 27, 2020. No impairments were recorded as a result of these tests. Although there were no additional triggering events during the second or third quarter of 2020, the impacts
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of COVID-19 on our business are uncertain and will depend on future developments, and as such, it is possible that another triggering event could occur that under certain circumstances could cause us to recognize an impairment charge in the future.

On March 18, 2020, we drew $100.0 million on our asset-based loan facility to increase our cash on hand during the early stages of the pandemic’s impact to our business and have subsequently repaid $60.0 million of the draw.

On May 14 and June 2, 2020, we completed public offerings for a total of 6,634,615 shares of our common stock which resulted in net proceeds of approximately $85.9 million. See Note 10 “Stockholders’ Equity” to our consolidated financial statements for a full description.

On June 8, 2020, we amended our senior secured credit agreement which converted $207.0 million of the term loans then outstanding into a new tranche of term loans (the “2025 Tranche”), which, among other things, extended the maturity date by three years and increased the fixed-rate portion of interest charged by 200 basis points. The Company made a prepayment of $35.7 million on the 2025 Tranche immediately after it was established. See Note 9 “Debt Obligations” to our consolidated financial statements for a full description.

We closed the quarter with total cash and cash equivalents of $208.5$134.2 million, and approximately $44.3$109.5 million of remaining availability under our asset-based loan facility as of September 25, 2020.24, 2021.

The future impact of COVID-19the Pandemic on our business, operations and liquidity is difficult to predict at this time and is highly dependent upon decisions made byon future developments including new information that may emerge on the severity of the disease, the extent of outbreaks, federal, state and local governmentsgovernment responses, trends in infection rates, development of effective medical treatments for the disease, the pace of vaccination programs and future consumer spending behavior.behavior, among others.

Reclassifications

In response to a comment letter from the staff of the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance, we have reclassified our food processing costs, previously included in operating expenses, to cost of sales and have split our historical presentation of operating expenses between selling, general and administrative expenses and other operating expenses. These reclassifications have no impact on the Company’s operating income, net income or cash flows. Furthermore, management has reclassified gain/loss from asset disposal, which was previously presented as a non-operating expense, to other operating expenses. See Note 2 “Reclassifications” to our consolidated financial statements for a full description of these reclassifications.

Recent Acquisitions

On February 3, 2020,During the second quarter of fiscal 2021, we entered intocompleted two acquisitions for an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets of Cambridge Packing Co, Inc., a specialty center-of-the-plate producer and distributor in New England. The cashaggregate purchase price wasof approximately $16.4$8.4 million, inclusiveconsisting of a $0.6$7.3 million paid in cash at closing, subject to customary working capital true-up.adjustments, and common stock warrants valued at approximately $1.1 million. We are required towill also pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, in the form of up to $3.0earn-out amounts which could total $4.2 million over a two-year period upon successful attainment of certain gross profit targets.in aggregate.

On January 27, 2020, we entered into an asset purchase agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets, including certain real-estate assets, of Sid Wainer & Son, a specialty food and produce distributor in New England. The cash purchase price was approximately $44.1 million, inclusive of a $2.4 million working capital true-up. We are required to pay additional contingent consideration, if earned, of up to $4.0 million over a two-year period upon successful attainment of certain gross profit targets.
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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 25, 2020September 27, 2019
Net sales$254,030 $396,880 $829,957 $1,165,327 
Cost of sales193,393 299,660 639,687 880,359 
Gross profit60,637 97,220 190,270 284,968 
Selling, general and administrative expenses76,708 83,960 254,474 247,017 
Other operating (income) expenses(4,146)2,636 (9,812)5,681 
Operating (loss) income(11,925)10,624 (54,392)32,270 
Interest expense4,706 4,517 15,602 13,913 
(Loss) income before income taxes(16,631)6,107 (69,994)18,357 
Provision for income tax (benefit) expense(5,204)1,682 (24,148)5,052 
Net (loss) income$(11,427)$4,425 $(45,846)$13,305 
21


Thirteen Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 24, 2021September 25, 2020September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Net sales$484,321 $254,030 $1,187,506 $829,957 
Cost of sales374,346 193,668 922,710 640,681 
Gross profit109,975 60,362 264,796 189,276 
Selling, general and administrative expenses99,431 76,433 270,034 253,480 
Other operating (income) expenses, net105 (4,146)(208)(9,812)
Operating income (loss)10,439 (11,925)(5,030)(54,392)
Interest expense4,191 4,706 13,362 15,602 
Income (loss) before income taxes6,248 (16,631)(18,392)(69,994)
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)2,792 (5,204)(5,025)(24,148)
Net income (loss)$3,456 $(11,427)$(13,367)$(45,846)

Management evaluates the results of operations and cash flows using a variety of key performance indicators, including net sales compared to prior periods and internal forecasts, costs of our products and results of our cost-control initiatives, and use of operating cash. These indicators are discussed throughout the “Results of Operations” and “Liquidity and Capital Resources” sections of this MD&A.

Thirteen Weeks Ended September 25, 202024, 2021 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended September 27, 201925, 2020

Net Sales
20202019$ Change% Change
Net sales$254,030 $396,880 $(142,850)(36.0)%
20212020$ Change% Change
Net sales$484,321 $254,030 $230,291 90.7 %

SalesOrganic growth from acquisitions contributed $35.3$213.7 million, or 8.9%84.2%, to sales growth. Organicgrowth and the remaining sales declined $178.1growth of $16.6 million, or 44.9%6.5%, versus the prior year period primarily due to impacts of COVID-19.resulted from acquisitions. Organic case count declinedincreased approximately 49.3%57.5% in our specialty category. In addition, specialty unique customers and placements declined 32.2%increased 36.9% and 46.7%50.4%, respectively, compared to the prior year period. PoundsOrganic pounds sold in our center-of-the-plate category decreased 45.4%increased 56.9% compared to the prior year. Estimated inflation was 1.6%10.9% in our specialty category and was 2.7%28.0% in our center-of-the-plate category compared to the prior year period.

Gross Profit
20202019$ Change% Change20212020$ Change% Change
Gross profitGross profit60,637 97,220 (36,583)(37.6)%Gross profit109,975 60,362 49,613 82.2 %
Gross profit marginGross profit margin23.9 %24.5 %Gross profit margin22.7 %23.8 %

Gross profit declinedincreased primarily as a result of reduced sales due to the impacts of COVID-19.increased sales. Gross profit margin decreased approximately 63105 basis points. Gross profit margins decreased 240increased 301 basis points in the Company’s specialty category predominately due to unfavorable sales mix and higher estimated inventory losses due to the impacts of COVID-19.COVID-19 in the prior year quarter, partially offset by inflation. Gross profit margins increased 142decreased 488 basis points in the Company’s center-of-the-plate category due to inflation and higher retail sales volumes in the current period.prior year quarter.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
20202019$ Change% Change20212020$ Change% Change
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses76,708 83,960 (7,252)(8.6)%Selling, general and administrative expenses99,431 76,433 22,998 30.1 %
Percentage of net salesPercentage of net sales30.2 %21.2 %Percentage of net sales20.5 %30.1 %

The decreaseincrease in selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily due to lowerhigher costs associated with compensation and benefits and lower general and administrative related costs in the quarter, partially offset by the impacts of recent acquisitions.to support sales growth. Our ratio of selling, general and administrative expenses to net sales was higher as a result of adverse COVID-19 impactsdecreased predominately due to our sales growth.
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Other Operating (Income) Expenses, Net
20202019$ Change% Change
Other operating (income) expenses(4,146)2,636 (6,782)(257.3)%
20212020$ Change% Change
Other operating (income) expenses, net105 (4,146)4,251 (102.5)%

The decreaseincrease in net other operating expenses was primarily due to non-cash creditscharges of $4.6$0.1 million for changes in the fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities compared to non-cash chargescredits of $2.5$4.6 million in the prior year period.

Interest Expense
20202019$ Change% Change
Interest expense4,706 4,517 189 4.2 %
20212020$ Change% Change
Interest expense4,191 4,706 (515)(10.9)%

22


Interest expense increased slightly as result of higher average long-term debt balances, offset bydecreased primarily due to lower effective interest rates charged on our outstanding debt as a result of the $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes issued on March 1, 2021 which were used to repay higher interest rate debt.

Provision for Income Taxes
20202019$ Change% Change20212020$ Change% Change
Provision for income tax (benefit) expense(5,204)1,682 (6,886)(409.4)%
Provision for income tax expense (benefit)Provision for income tax expense (benefit)2,792 (5,204)7,996 (153.7)%
Effective tax rateEffective tax rate31.3 %27.5 %Effective tax rate44.7 %31.3 %

The effective tax rate in the current period is driven by various discrete items. The Company’s effective tax rate excluding these discrete items was approximately 29.2%. The higher effective tax rate in fiscal 2020 is primarily related to our current net loss forecast for fiscal 2020 which allowsallowed us to claim tax refunds against taxes paid in fiscal 2015 and 2017, both of which were at statutory tax rates of 35%.

Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 25, 202024, 2021 Compared to Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 201925, 2020

Net Sales
20202019$ Change% Change
Net sales$829,957 $1,165,327 $(335,370)(28.8)%
20212020$ Change% Change
Net sales$1,187,506 $829,957 $357,549 43.1 %

SalesOrganic growth from acquisitions contributed $103.9$322.1 million, or 8.9%38.8%, to sales growth. Organicgrowth and the remaining sales declined $439.2growth of $35.5 million, or 37.7%4.3%, versus the prior year period primarily due to impacts of COVID-19.resulted from acquisitions. Organic case count declinedincreased approximately 42.1%22.9% in our specialty category. In addition, specialty unique customers and placements declined 30.8%increased 23.0% and 42.8%23.8%, respectively, compared to the prior year period. PoundsOrganic pounds sold in our center-of-the-plate category decreased 36.9%increased 21.2% compared to the prior year. Estimated deflationinflation was 0.2%8.7% in our specialty category and inflation was 4.2%14.2% in our center-of-the-plate category compared to the prior year period.

Gross Profit
20202019$ Change% Change20212020$ Change% Change
Gross profitGross profit190,270 284,968 (94,698)(33.2)%Gross profit264,796 189,276 75,520 39.9 %
Gross profit marginGross profit margin22.9 %24.5 %Gross profit margin22.3 %22.8 %

Gross profit declinedincreased primarily as a result of reduced sales due to the impacts of COVID-19.growth. Gross profit margin decreased approximately 15351 basis points. Gross profit margins decreased 372increased 292 basis points in the Company’s specialty category predominately due to unfavorable sales mix and higher estimated inventory losses due to the impacts of COVID-19.COVID-19 in the prior year quarter, partially offset by inflation. Gross profit margins increased 134decreased 376 basis points in the Company’s center-of-the-plate category due to higher retail sales volumes in the current period.inflation. Our prior year gross profit results include a charge of approximately $9.8 million related to estimated inventory losses from obsolescence due to impactsat the onset of COVID-19.the Pandemic.





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Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
20202019$ Change% Change20212020$ Change% Change
Selling, general and administrative expensesSelling, general and administrative expenses254,474 247,017 7,457 3.0 %Selling, general and administrative expenses270,034 253,480 16,554 6.5 %
Percentage of net salesPercentage of net sales30.7 %21.2 %Percentage of net sales22.7 %30.5 %

The increase in selling, general and administrative expense relates primarily to our recent acquisitions andhigher operating expenses in fiscal 2021 to support sales growth, partially offset by an estimated non-cash charge of approximately $15.8 million recorded in the prior year related to incremental bad debt expense as a result of COVID-19.expense. Our ratio of selling, general and administrative expenses to net sales was higherlower as a result of sales growth and of the Pandemic’s adverse COVID-19 impacts to our sales growth and a 218104 basis point increasedecrease in non-cash charges related to bad debt expense.

Other Operating (Income ) Expenses, Net
20202019$ Change% Change
Other operating (income) expenses(9,812)5,681 (15,493)(272.7)%
20212020$ Change% Change
Other operating income, net(208)(9,812)9,604 (97.9)%

The decrease in net other operating expensesincome relates primarily to non-cash credits of $11.2$1.4 million for changes in the fair value of our contingent earn-out liabilities in the fiscal 2021 period compared to non-cash chargescredits of $5.3$11.2 million in the prior year period.period and a $0.6 million impairment of Cambridge trademarks as a result of a shift in brand strategy to leverage our Allen Brothers brand in our New England region during the second quarter of fiscal 2021.
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Interest Expense
20202019$ Change% Change
Interest expense15,602 13,913 1,689 12.1 %
20212020$ Change% Change
Interest expense13,362 15,602 (2,240)(14.4)%

Interest expense increaseddecreased primarily due to $1.2 million in one-time third-party costs incurred during the second quarter of 2020 in connection with the extension of a majority of our senior secured term loans and thelower effective interest rates charged on our outstanding debt as a result of the $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of Convertible Senior Notes issued on November 22, 2019.March 1, 2021 which were used to repay higher interest rate debt.

Provision for Income Taxes
20202019$ Change% Change20212020$ Change% Change
Provision for income tax (benefit) expense(24,148)5,052 (29,200)(578.0)%
Provision for income tax benefitProvision for income tax benefit(5,025)(24,148)19,123 (79.2)%
Effective tax rateEffective tax rate34.5 %27.5 %Effective tax rate27.3 %34.5 %

The higher effective tax rate in the prior period is primarily related to the carryback of a portion of our currentfiscal 2020 net loss forecast for fiscal 2020 which allowsallowed us to claim tax refunds against taxes paid in fiscal 2015 and 2017, both of which were at statutory tax rates of 35%.

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LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

We finance our day-to-day operations and growth primarily with cash flows from operations, borrowings under our senior secured credit facilities and other indebtedness, operating leases, trade payables and equity financing.

Indebtedness

The following table presents selected financial information on our indebtedness (in thousands):
September 25, 2020December 27, 2019September 24, 2021December 25, 2020
Senior secured term loanSenior secured term loan$201,981 $238,129 Senior secured term loan$169,103 $201,553 
Total convertible debtTotal convertible debt154,000 154,000 Total convertible debt204,000 154,000 
Borrowings outstanding on asset-based loan facilityBorrowings outstanding on asset-based loan facility40,000 — Borrowings outstanding on asset-based loan facility20,000 40,000 
Finance leases and other financing obligationsFinance leases and other financing obligations14,834 3,905 Finance leases and other financing obligations14,350 15,798 
TotalTotal$410,815 $396,034 Total$407,453 $411,351 

As of September 25, 2020,24, 2021, we have various floating- and fixed-rate debt instruments with varying maturities for an aggregate principal amount of $396.0$393.1 million.

On March 1, 2021, the we issued $50.0 million aggregate principal amount of 1.875% Convertible Senior Notes at a premium which were offered as an additional issuance of our $150.0 million Convertible Senior Notes due 2024 issued on November 22, 2019. Net proceeds were used to repay all outstanding borrowings under the our 2022 tranche of senior secured term loans of $31.2 million and repay a portion of borrowings outstanding under our asset-based loan facility. We incurred transaction costs of approximately $1.4 million which were capitalized as deferred financing fees to be amortized over the term of the underlying debt.


Liquidity

The following table presents selected financial information on liquidity (in thousands):
September 25, 2020December 27, 2019September 24, 2021December 25, 2020
Cash and cash equivalentsCash and cash equivalents$208,545 $140,233 Cash and cash equivalents$134,217 $193,281 
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents
95,084 162,772 
Working capital, excluding cash and cash equivalents
138,379 94,279 
Availability under asset-based loan facilityAvailability under asset-based loan facility44,275 133,359 Availability under asset-based loan facility109,459 50,282 
TotalTotal$347,904 $436,364 Total$382,055 $337,842 

We anticipateare not providing guidance on our capital expenditures excluding cash paid for acquisitions, for fiscal 2020 will be in the range of $8.0 million to $10.0 million which is down from our original estimate of $38.0 million to $42.0 million. The decrease is a result of us postponing certain investments2021 due to COVID-19.the continued uncertainty with regards to the pace of the economic recovery and the duration of the Pandemic related restrictions on our customers. We believe our existing balances of cash and cash equivalents, working capital and the availability under our asset-based loan facility, are sufficient to satisfy our working capital needs, capital expenditures, debt service and other liquidity requirements associated with our current operations over the next 12 months.




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Cash Flows

The following table presents selected financial information on cash flows (in thousands):
Thirty-Nine Weeks EndedThirty-Nine Weeks Ended
September 25, 2020September 27, 2019September 24, 2021September 25, 2020
Net (loss) income$(45,846)$13,305 
Net lossNet loss$(13,367)$(45,846)
Non-cash chargesNon-cash charges$35,259 $35,966 Non-cash charges$30,729 $35,259 
Changes in working capitalChanges in working capital$64,456 $(25,726)Changes in working capital$(43,692)$64,456 
Cash provided by operating activities$53,869 $23,545 
Cash (used in) provided by operating activitiesCash (used in) provided by operating activities$(26,330)$53,869 
Cash used in investing activitiesCash used in investing activities$(65,846)$(40,379)Cash used in investing activities$(25,152)$(65,846)
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities$80,457 $(4,086)
Cash (used in) provided by financing activitiesCash (used in) provided by financing activities$(7,493)$80,457 

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Net cash provided byused in operations was $53.9$26.3 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 202024, 2021 consisting of a net loss of $45.8$13.4 million offset by $35.3$30.7 million of non-cash charges and cash generated frominvestments in working capital growth of $64.5$43.7 million. Non-cash charges were relatively unchanged perioddecreased $4.5 million primarily due to period.a $15.8 million charge incurred in the prior year related to incremental bad debt expense due to the onset of the Pandemic, partially offset by changes in the fair value of earn-out liabilities. The cash generated fromused for working capital increasegrowth of $90.2$108.1 million is primarily driven by the impacts of reduced demand dueCompany’s reinvestment in working capital to COVID-19.support sales growth.

Net cash used in investing activities was $65.8$25.2 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020,24, 2021, driven by $60.4capital expenditures of $17.9 million which included the build-outs of our Los Angeles, New England and Miami distribution facilities and $7.3 million in cash used to fund acquisitions and $5.4 million in capital expenditures which included implementations of our Enterprise Resource Planning system.paid for acquisitions.

Net cash provided byused in financing activities was $80.5$7.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 25, 2020,24, 2021, driven by $85.9 million net proceeds from our common stock offering and $40.0$35.9 million of net drawspayments made on senior term loans and finance lease obligations and a $20.0 million payment on our asset-based loan facility, partially offset by payments$51.8 million of debt and finance lease obligationsproceeds from the issuance of $38.9 million.additional convertible senior notes.

Seasonality

Excluding our direct-to-consumer business, we generally do not experience any material seasonality. However, our sales and operating results may vary from quarter to quarter due to factors such as changes in our operating expenses, management’s ability to execute our operating and growth strategies, personnel changes, demand for our products, supply shortages, weather patterns and general economic conditions.

Our direct-to-consumer business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, with direct-to-consumer center-of-the-plate protein sales typically higher during the holiday season in our fourth quarter; accordingly, a disproportionate amount of operating cash flows from this portion of our business is generated by our direct-to-consumer business in the fourth quarter of our fiscal year. Despite a significant portion of these sales occurring in the fourth quarter, there are operating expenses, principally advertising and promotional expenses, throughout the year.

The Pandemic has had a material impact on our business and operations and those of our customers. Our net sales were most significantly impacted during the second quarter of fiscal 2020 when, in an effort to limit the spread of the virus, federal, state and local governments began implementing various restrictions that resulted in the closure of non-essential businesses in many of the markets we serve, which forced our customers in those markets to either transition their establishments to take-out service, delivery service or temporarily cease operations.

Inflation

Our profitability is dependent on, among other things, our ability to anticipate and react to changes in the costs of key operating resources, including food and other raw materials, labor, energy and other supplies and services. Substantial increases in costs and expenses could impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along to our customers. The impact of inflation and deflation on food, labor, energy and occupancy costs can significantly affect the profitability of our operations.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 25, 2020,24, 2021, we did not have any off-balance sheet arrangements, as defined in Item 303(a)(4)(ii) of Regulation S-K.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements requires it to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. The SEC has defined critical accounting policies as those that are both most important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial
25


condition and results and require its most difficult, complex or subjective judgments or estimates. Based on this definition, we believe our critical accounting policies include the following: (i) determining our allowance for doubtful accounts, (ii) inventory valuation, with regard to determining inventory balance adjustments for excess and obsolete inventory, (iii) business combinations, (iv) valuing goodwill and intangible assets, (v) vendor rebates and other promotional incentives, (vi) self-insurance reserves, (vii)(vi) accounting for income taxes and (viii)(vii) contingent earn-out liabilities. Our critical accounting policies and estimates are described in the Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020. Pursuant to our adoption of Accounting Standards Update 2016-13 Financial Instruments - Credit Losses: Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on December 28, 2019, our accounting policy for determining our allowance for doubtful accounts has been changed as follows:23, 2021.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
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We analyze customer creditworthiness, accounts receivable balances, payment history, payment terms and historical bad debt levels when evaluating the adequacy of our allowance for doubtful accounts. In instances where a reserve has been recorded for a particular customer, future sales to the customer are either conducted using cash-on-delivery terms or the account is closely monitored so that agreed-upon payments are received prior to orders being released. A failure to pay results in held or cancelled orders. We also estimate receivables that will ultimately be uncollectible based upon historical write-off experience. Management incorporates current macro-economic factors in existence as of the balance sheet date that may impact the food-away-from-home industry and/or its customers, and specifically, beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. We may be required to increase or decrease our allowance for doubtful accounts due to various factors, including the overall economic environment and particular circumstances of individual customers. 

ITEM 3.         QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

As of September 25, 2020,24, 2021, we had an aggregate $242.0$189.1 million of indebtedness outstanding under the Term Loan and ABL Facility that bore interest at variable rates. A 100 basis point increase in market interest rates would decrease our after tax earnings by approximately $1.6$2.4 million per annum, holding other variables constant.

ITEM 4.         CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of September 25, 2020.24, 2021.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 25, 202024, 2021 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 involved in legal proceedings, claims and litigation arising out of the ordinary conduct of our business. Although we cannot assure the outcome, management presently believes that the result of such legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements, and no material amounts have been accrued in our consolidated financial statements with respect to these matters.

ITEM 1A.         RISK FACTORS

Except as stated below, there have been no material changes to our risk factors as previously disclosed in Part I, Item 1A. included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 27, 201925, 2020 filed with the SEC on February 24, 2020.23, 2021. In addition to the information contained herein, you should consider the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Significant public health epidemics or pandemics, including COVID-19, may adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A public health epidemic or pandemic can significantly impact our business or those of our core customers or suppliers, particularly if located in geographies in which we have significant operations. Such events could significantly impact the food-away-from-home industry and other industries that are sensitive to changes in consumer discretionary spending habits. In addition, our operations could be disrupted if we were required to quarantine employees that work at our various distribution centers and processing facilities.

For instance, the recent outbreak of COVID-19 and its development into a pandemic is resulting in governmental authorities in many locations where we operate, and in which our customers are present and suppliers operate, to impose mandatory closures, seek voluntary closures and impose restrictions on, or advisories with respect to, travel, business operations and public gatherings or interactions. Among other matters, these actions have required or strongly urged various venues where foodservice products are served, including restaurants and hotels, to reduce or discontinue operations, which has and will continue to adversely affect demand in the foodservice industry, including demand for our products and services. In addition, the perceived risk of infection and health risk associated with COVID-19, and the illness of many individuals across the globe, is resulting in many of the same effects intended by such governmental authorities to stop the spread of COVID-19. These events have had, and could continue to have, an adverse impact on numerous aspects of our business, financial condition and results of operations including, but not limited to, our growth, product costs, supply chain disruptions, labor shortages, logistics constraints, customer demand for our products and industry demand generally, consumer spending, our liquidity, the price of our securities and trading markets with respect thereto, our ability to access capital markets, and the global economy and financial markets generally. The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic impacts our financial condition or results of operations is uncertain and will depend on future developments including new information that may emerge on the severity of the disease, the extent of the outbreak, federal, state and local government responses, trends in infection rates, and development of effective medical treatments for the disease,among others.

27


ITEM 2.         UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased(1)
Average
Price
Paid Per Share
Total
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
June 27, 2020 to July 24, 2020— $— — — 
July 25, 2020 to August 21, 20203,199 13.62 — — 
August 22, 2020 to September 25, 2020232 16.60 — — 
Total3,431 $13.82 — — 
Total Number
of Shares
Repurchased(1)
Average
Price
Paid Per Share
Total
Number of Shares
Purchased as Part
of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
Maximum
Number (or
Approximate
Dollar Value) of
Shares That May
Yet Be Purchased
Under the Plans
or Programs
June 26, 2021 to July 23, 2021— $— — — 
July 24, 2021 to August 20, 20211,732 29.62 — — 
August 21, 2021 to September 24, 2021285 27.42 — — 
Total2,017 $29.31 — — 

(1)During the thirteen weeks ended September 25, 2020,24, 2021, we withheld 3,4312,017 shares of our common stock to satisfy tax withholding requirements related to restricted shares of our common stock awarded to our officers and key employees resulting from either elections under 83(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or upon vesting of such awards.

ITEM 3.     DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

None.

ITEM 4.         MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

ITEM 5.         OTHER INFORMATION

None.

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ITEM 6.         EXHIBITS
Exhibit No. Description
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
   
 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101.INS XBRL Instance Document – the instance document does not appear on the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document
  
101.SCH XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
  
101.CAL XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
  
101.DEF XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
  
101.LAB XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
  
101.PRE XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document
104Cover Page Interactive Data File - the cover page XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.


    *    Management Contract or Compensatory Plan or Arrangement
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on October 28, 2020.27, 2021.
 THE CHEFS’ WAREHOUSE, INC.
 (Registrant)
  
Date: October 28, 202027, 2021  /s/ James Leddy
James Leddy
 Chief Financial Officer
 (Principal Financial Officer)
 
Date: October 28, 202027, 2021  /s/ Timothy McCauley
Timothy McCauley
 Chief Accounting Officer
 (Principal Accounting Officer)

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