10-Q

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

__________________________________

FORM 10-Q

__________________________________



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

For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2015



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

Commission File No. 001-35603

__________________________________

CHUY’S HOLDINGS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

__________________________________



DELAWARE		20-5717694
(State of Incorporation or Organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

1623 TOOMEY ROAD AUSTIN, TEXAS		78704
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (512) 473-2783

__________________________________

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 þ No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No ¨

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

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

The number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at October 30, 2015 was 16,478,461.

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Part I – Financial Information	3
Item 1. Financial Statements	3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements	4
Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	5
Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	6
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	10
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	20
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	20
Part II – Other Information	21
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	21
Item 1A. Risk Factors	21
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	21
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	21
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	21
Item 5. Other Information	21
Item 6. Exhibits	21

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Part I—Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

Chuy's Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands, except share and per share data)



	September 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
ASSETS	(Unaudited)
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	10,598	$	3,815
Accounts receivable	658		922
Lease incentives receivable	1,019		4,164
Inventories	1,012		926
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	3,899		3,087
Total current assets	17,186		12,914
Property and equipment, net	130,236		118,807
Other assets and intangible assets, net	1,669		1,522
Tradename	21,900		21,900
Goodwill	24,069		24,069
Total assets	$	195,060	$	179,212
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Accounts payable	$	6,121	$	5,921
Accrued liabilities	13,726		10,397
Deferred lease incentives	1,717		1,419
Current deferred tax liability	231		231
Total current liabilities	21,795		17,968
Deferred tax liability	10,948		6,976
Accrued deferred rent	6,487		5,252
Deferred lease incentives, less current portion	23,625		22,078
Long-term debt	—		8,750
Total liabilities	62,855		61,024
Commitments and contingencies
Stockholders’ equity
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 60,000,000 shares authorized; 16,478,461 shares issued and outstanding at September 27, 2015 and 16,440,906 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2014	165		164
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 15,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued or outstanding at September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014	—		—
Paid-in capital	89,806		88,467
Retained earnings	42,234		29,557
Total stockholders’ equity	132,205		118,188
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	195,060	$	179,212

See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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Chuy's Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Income Statements

(In thousands, except share and per share data)



	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2015		September 28, 2014		September 27, 2015		September 28, 2014
Revenue	$	73,910	$	64,107	$	216,101	$	183,342
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	19,674		18,110		57,020		51,618
Labor	23,641		21,763		69,914		61,279
Operating	10,235		8,966		29,734		25,122
Occupancy	4,802		3,782		14,149		11,140
General and administrative	4,073		2,876		12,456		8,738
Marketing	576		422		1,720		1,327
Restaurant pre-opening	1,067		1,273		2,874		3,733
Depreciation and amortization	3,230		2,663		9,422		7,418
Total costs and expenses	67,298		59,855		197,289		170,375
Income from operations	6,612		4,252		18,812		12,967
Interest expense	16		36		93		77
Income before income taxes	6,596		4,216		18,719		12,890
Income tax expense	2,527		1,110		6,042		3,706
Net income	$	4,069	$	3,106	$	12,677	$	9,184
Net income per common share:
Basic	$	0.25	$	0.19	$	0.77	$	0.56
Diluted	$	0.24	$	0.19	$	0.76	$	0.55
Weighted-average shares outstanding:
Basic	16,476,472		16,436,585		16,465,499		16,423,301
Diluted	16,760,695		16,706,865		16,726,925		16,711,794

See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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Chuy's Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(In thousands)



	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2015			September 28, 2014
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	12,677		$	9,184
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	9,422			7,418
Amortization of loan origination costs	34			34
Stock-based compensation	1,255			731
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	(109		)	(523		)
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	90			29
Amortization of deferred lease incentives	(1,233		)	(932		)
Deferred income taxes	3,972			2,937
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	264			(101		)
Inventories	(86		)	(143		)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	(812		)	(467		)
Accounts payable	(2,427		)	(1,658		)
Accrued liabilities and deferred rent	4,515			1,457
Deferred lease incentives	6,223			3,266
Net cash provided by operating activities	33,785			21,232
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchase of property and equipment	(18,097		)	(26,369		)
Purchase of other assets	(315		)	(287		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(18,412		)	(26,656		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings under revolving line of credit	1,000			4,250
Payments under revolving line of credit	(9,750		)	(1,500		)
Excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation	109			523
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options	105			321
Indirect repurchase of shares for minimum tax withholdings	(54		)	—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(8,590		)	3,594
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,783			(1,830		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	3,815			5,323
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	10,598		$	3,493

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities:
Property and equipment and other assets acquired by accounts payable	$	2,627		$	1,348

Supplemental cash flow disclosures:
Cash paid for interest	$	87		$	125
Cash paid for income taxes	$	2,323		$	562

See notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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Chuy's Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Chuy’s Holdings, Inc. (the “Company” or “Chuy’s”) is in the business of developing and operating Chuy’s restaurants throughout the United States. Chuy’s is a fast-growing, full-service restaurant concept offering a distinct menu of authentic, freshly-prepared Mexican and Tex Mex inspired food. As of September 27, 2015, the Company operated 65 restaurants in fourteen states.

In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the related notes reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”), except that certain information and notes have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with consolidated financial statements and notes included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014. The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2014, has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect certain 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 for the period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

The Company operates on a 52- or 53- week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Each quarterly period has 13 weeks, except for a 53-week year when the fourth quarter has 14 weeks. Our 2015 fiscal year will consist of 52 weeks and our 2014 fiscal year consisted of 52 weeks.

2. RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Revenue Recognition

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in GAAP when it becomes effective. In July 2015, the FASB voted to defer the effective date of this ASU by one year to annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017 (our 2018 fiscal year). Early adoption is permitted for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 (our 2017 fiscal year). The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Debt Issuance Costs

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs, which changes the presentation of debt issuance costs in the financial statements from an asset on the balance sheet to a deduction from the related debt liability. Amortization of the costs will continue to be reported as interest expense. ASU 2015-03 is effective for annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (our 2016 fiscal year). Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of this standard update is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Software Licenses

In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Customer’s Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which provides guidance about whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. ASU 2015-05 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2015 (our 2016 fiscal year). Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact, if any, this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements.

3. NET INCOME PER SHARE

The number of shares and net income per share data for all periods presented are based on the historical weighted-average shares of common stock outstanding.

Basic net income per share of the Company's common stock is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period.

Diluted net income per share of the Company's common stock is computed on the basis of the weighted-average number of shares of common stock plus the effect of dilutive potential shares of common stock equivalents outstanding during the period using the

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treasury stock method for dilutive options and deferred shares (these deferred shares were granted under the Chuy's Holdings, Inc. 2012 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the "2012 Plan"), and are referred to as "restricted stock units"). For the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 there were approximately 9,500 and 24,000 shares, respectively, of common stock equivalents that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. For the thirty-nine-week period ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, there were approximately 39,000 and 7,000 shares, respectively, of common stock equivalents that were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

The computation of basic and diluted earnings per share is as follows:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2015		September 28, 2014		September 27, 2015		September 28, 2014
BASIC
NUMERATOR:
Net income	$	4,069	$	3,106	$	12,677	$	9,184
DENOMINATOR:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	16,476,472		16,436,585		16,465,499		16,423,301
Basic net income per common share	$	0.25	$	0.19	$	0.77	$	0.56
DILUTED
NUMERATOR:
Net income	$	4,069	$	3,106	$	12,677	$	9,184
DENOMINATOR:
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	16,476,472		16,436,585		16,465,499		16,423,301
Dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock units	284,223		270,280		261,426		288,493
Weighted-average of diluted shares	16,760,695		16,706,865		16,726,925		16,711,794
Diluted net income per common share	$	0.24	$	0.19	$	0.76	$	0.55

4. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has outstanding awards under the Chuy's Holdings, Inc. 2006 Stock Option Plan (the "2006 Plan") and the 2012 Plan. Options granted under these plans vest over five years from the date of grant and have a maximum term of 10 years. Restricted stock units granted under the 2012 Plan vest over four to five years from the date of grant. As of September 27, 2015, a total of 896,591 shares of common stock are reserved and remain available for issuance under the 2012 Plan.

Stock-based compensation cost recognized in the accompanying consolidated income statements was $450,000 and $332,000 for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 and $1,255,000 and $731,000 for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014.

Stock Options

A summary of stock-based compensation activity related to stock options for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 are as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years)	Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding at December 28, 2014	684,188		$	12.27
Exercised	(18,083	)	5.78
Forfeited	(19,290	)	32.01
Outstanding at September 27, 2015	646,815		$	11.86	4.05	$	10,424
Exercisable at September 27, 2015	526,983		$	8.87	3.35	$	9,979

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above is obtained by subtracting the weighted average exercise price from the estimated fair value of the underlying common stock as of September 27, 2015 and multiplying this result by the related number of options outstanding and exercisable at September 27, 2015. The estimated fair value of the common stock as of September 27, 2015 used

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in the above calculation was $27.69 per share, the closing price of the Company’s common stock on September 25, 2015, the last trading day of the third quarter. The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 was $357,000. The fair value of options vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 was $560,000.

There was approximately $922,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to options granted under the 2006 Plan and the 2012 Plan as of September 27, 2015. These costs will be recognized ratably through the year 2019.

Restricted Stock Units

A summary of stock-based compensation activity related to restricted stock units for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 are as follows:



	Shares		Weighted Average Fair Value		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term (Year)	Total Compensation Cost Related to Non-Vested Awards
Outstanding at December 28, 2014	87,428		$	40.36
Granted	109,023		23.51
Vested	(21,849	)	40.36
Forfeited	(4,250	)	33.50
Outstanding at September 27, 2015	170,352		$	29.75	2.99	$	4,252

The fair value of the restricted stock units is the quoted market value of our common stock on the date of grant. As of September 27, 2015, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock units was approximately $4.3 million, which is expected to be recognized ratably through the year 2020.

5. LONG-TERM DEBT

Revolving Credit Facility

On November 30, 2012, the Company entered into a secured $25 million revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, which replaced the Company's previous credit facility. As of September 27, 2015, the interest rate on our Revolving Credit Facility was 1.91%. The Revolving Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio, a lease adjusted leverage ratio and certain non-financial covenants. The Revolving Credit Facility also places certain restrictions on the payment of dividends and distributions. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, Chuy's may declare and make dividend payments so long as (i) no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing or would result therefrom and (ii) immediately after giving effect to any such dividend payment, on a pro forma basis, the lease adjusted leverage ratio is at least .50 less than the ratio required to be maintained at such time.

The obligations under the Company’s Revolving Credit Facility are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets. As of September 27, 2015 we had no borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, and the amount available for future borrowings was $25 million.

On October 30, 2015, we entered into an amendment to our Revolving Credit Facility. For additional information, see Note 9 to the Notes to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

6. ACCRUED LIABILITIES

The major classes of accrued liabilities at September 27, 2015 and December 28, 2014 are summarized as follows:



	September 27, 2015		December 28, 2014
Accrued compensation and related benefits	$	6,996	$	3,883
Other accruals	2,304		2,582
Sales and use tax	1,977		1,779
Deferred gift card revenue	941		1,326
Property tax	1,508		827
Total accrued liabilities	$	13,726	$	10,397

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7. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We are involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the ultimate disposition of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations, or cash flows.

8. INCOME TAXES

Due to higher pre-tax income levels and the utilization of the Company's remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards in the first half of 2015, the Company's federal statutory tax rate increased from 34% to 35% in the third quarter of 2015 and began paying federal tax obligations from operating cash flows.

9. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

Subsequent to September 27, 2015, the Company opened two new restaurants for a total of sixty-seven restaurants, in fourteen states.

On October 30, 2015, the Company entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to its Revolving Credit Facility. The Amendment made changes to the Revolving Credit Facility to, among other things, (1) extend the maturity date of the Revolving Credit Facility to October 30, 2020 from November 30, 2017 and (2) revise the applicable margins and leverage ratios that determine the commitment fees and interest rates payable by the Company under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Revolving Credit Facility as amended by the Amendment will continue to contain customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, including covenants settings a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Unless otherwise specified, or the context otherwise requires, the references in this report to “our Company,” “the Company,” “us,” “we” and “our” refer to Chuy’s Holdings, Inc. together with its subsidiaries.

The following discussion contains, in addition to historical information, forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2014 (our "Annual Report") and those set forth under "Cautionary Statements Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" in this report.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable based on our current knowledge of our business and operations, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We assume no obligation to provide revisions to any forward-looking statements should circumstances change, except as may be required by law.

The following discussion summarizes the significant factors affecting the consolidated operating results, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows of our company as of and for the periods presented below. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes thereto included herein.

Overview

We are a fast-growing, full-service restaurant concept offering a distinct menu of authentic, freshly-prepared Mexican and Tex Mex inspired food. We were founded in Austin, Texas in 1982 and, as of September 27, 2015, we operated 65 Chuy’s restaurants across fourteen states.

We are committed to providing value to our customers through offering generous portions of made-from-scratch, flavorful Mexican and Tex Mex inspired dishes. We also offer a full-service bar in all of our restaurants providing our customers a wide variety of beverage offerings. We believe the Chuy’s culture is one of our most valuable assets, and we are committed to preserving and continually investing in our culture and our customers’ restaurant experience.

Our restaurants have a common décor, but we believe each location is unique in format, offering an “unchained” look and feel, as expressed by our motto “If you’ve seen one Chuy’s, you’ve seen one Chuy’s!” We believe our restaurants have an upbeat, funky, eclectic, somewhat irreverent atmosphere, while still maintaining a family-friendly environment.

Our Growth Strategies and Outlook

Our growth is based primarily on the following strategies:


•	Pursue new restaurant development;


•	"Backfill" smaller existing markets to build brand awareness;


•	Deliver consistent same store sales through providing high-quality food and service; and


•	Leverage our infrastructure.

As of September 27, 2015, we opened six restaurants year-to-date and opened two additional restaurant subsequent to September 27, 2015. Over the next five years, we expect to grow our restaurant base by a compounded annualized growth rate of approximately 20%. We have an established presence in Texas, the Southeast and the Midwest, with restaurants in multiple large markets in these regions. Our growth plan over the next five years focuses on developing additional locations in our existing core markets and major markets while continuing to "backfill" our smaller existing markets in order to build our brand awareness.

Performance Indicators

We use the following performance indicators in evaluating our performance:

•

Number of Restaurant Openings. Number of restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a particular fiscal period. For restaurant openings we incur pre-opening costs, which are defined below, before the restaurant opens. Typically new restaurants open with an initial start-up period of higher than normalized sales volumes, which decrease to a steady level approximately six to twelve months after opening. However, operating costs during this initial six to twelve month period are also higher than normal, resulting in restaurant operating margins that are generally lower during the start-up period of operation and increase to a steady level approximately nine to twelve months after opening.


•	Comparable Restaurant Sales. We consider a restaurant to be comparable in the first full quarter following the 18th month of operations. Changes in comparable restaurant sales reflect changes in sales for the comparable group of restaurants

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over a specified period of time. Changes in comparable sales reflect changes in customer count trends as well as changes in average check. Our comparable restaurant base consisted of 48 and 39 restaurants at September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, respectively.


•	Average Check. Average check is calculated by dividing revenue by total entrées sold for a given time period. Average check reflects menu price increases as well as changes in menu mix. Our management team uses this indicator to analyze trends in customers’ preferences, effectiveness of menu changes and price increases and per customer expenditures.


•	Average Weekly Customers. Average weekly customers is measured by the number of entrées sold per week. Our management team uses this metric to measure changes in customer traffic.

•

Average Unit Volume. Average unit volume consists of the average sales of our comparable restaurants over a certain period of time. This measure is calculated by dividing total comparable restaurant sales within a period of time by the total number of comparable restaurants within the relevant period. This indicator assists management in measuring changes in customer traffic, pricing and development of our brand.


•	Operating Margin. Operating margin represents income from operations as a percentage of our revenue. By monitoring and controlling our operating margins, we can gauge the overall profitability of our company.

The following table presents operating data for the periods indicated:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2015			September 28, 2014			September 27, 2015			September 28, 2014
Total restaurants (at end of period)	65			58			65			58
Total comparable restaurants (at end of period)	48			39			48			39
Average unit volumes (in thousands)	$	1,200		$	1,230		$	3,630		$	3,728
Change in comparable restaurant sales	4.2		%	3.0		%	3.1		%	3.1		%
Average check	$	14.27		$	13.65		$	14.24		$	13.71

Our Fiscal Year

We operate on a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the last Sunday of the calendar year. Each quarterly period has 13 weeks, except for a 53-week year when the fourth quarter has 14 weeks. Our 2014 fiscal year consisted of 52 weeks and our 2015 fiscal year will consist of 52 weeks.

Key Financial Definitions

Revenue. Revenue primarily consists of food and beverage sales and also includes sales of our t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats. Revenue is presented net of discounts associated with each sale. Revenue in a given period is directly influenced by the number of operating weeks in such period, the number of restaurants we operate and comparable restaurant sales growth.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales consists primarily of food, beverage and merchandise related costs. The components of cost of sales are variable in nature, change with sales volume and are subject to increases or decreases based on fluctuations in commodity costs.

Labor Costs. Labor costs include restaurant management salaries, front-and back-of-house hourly wages and restaurant-level manager bonus expense and payroll taxes.

Operating Costs. Operating costs consist primarily of restaurant-related operating expenses, such as supplies, utilities, repairs and maintenance, travel cost, insurance, employee benefits, credit card fees, recruiting, delivery service and security. These costs generally increase with sales volume but decline as a percentage of revenue.

Occupancy Costs. Occupancy costs include rent charges, both fixed and variable, as well as common area maintenance costs, property insurance and taxes, the amortization of tenant allowances and the adjustment to straight-line rent. These costs are generally fixed but a portion may vary with an increase in sales when the lease contains percentage rent.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses include costs associated with corporate and administrative functions that support our operations, including senior and supervisory management and staff compensation (including stock-based compensation) and benefits, travel, legal and professional fees, information systems, corporate office rent and other related corporate costs.

Marketing. Marketing costs include costs associated with our local restaurant marketing programs, community service and sponsorship activities, our menus and other promotional activities.

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Restaurant Pre-opening Costs. Restaurant pre-opening costs consist of costs incurred before opening a restaurant, including manager salaries, relocation costs, supplies, recruiting expenses, initial new market public relations costs, pre-opening activities, employee payroll and related training costs for new employees. Restaurant pre-opening costs also include rent recorded during the period between date of possession and the restaurant opening date.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization principally include depreciation on fixed assets, including equipment and leasehold improvements, and amortization of certain intangible assets for restaurants.

Interest Expense. Interest expense consists primarily of interest on our outstanding indebtedness and the amortization of our debt issuance costs reduced by capitalized interest.

Results of Operations

Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Results and Seasonality

Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including the timing of new restaurant openings and related expenses, profitability of new restaurants, weather, increases or decreases in comparable restaurant sales, general economic conditions, consumer confidence in the economy, changes in consumer preferences, competitive factors, changes in food costs, changes in labor costs and rising gas prices. In the past, we have experienced significant variability in restaurant pre-opening costs from quarter to quarter primarily due to the timing of restaurant openings. We typically incur restaurant pre-opening costs in the five months preceding a new restaurant opening. In addition, our experience to date has been that labor and direct operating costs associated with a newly opened restaurant during the first several months of operation are often materially greater than what will be expected after that time, both in aggregate dollars and as a percentage of restaurant sales. Accordingly, the number and timing of new restaurant openings in any quarter has had, and is expected to continue to have, a significant impact on quarterly restaurant pre-opening costs, labor and direct operating costs.

Our business also is subject to fluctuations due to seasonality and adverse weather. The spring and summer months have traditionally had higher sales volume than other periods of the year. Holidays, severe winter weather, hurricanes, thunderstorms and similar conditions may impact restaurant unit volumes in some of the markets where we operate and may have a greater impact should they occur during our higher volume months. As a result of these and other factors, our financial results for any given quarter may not be indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

Thirteen Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Compared to Thirteen Weeks Ended September 28, 2014

The following table presents, for the periods indicated, the consolidated statement of operations (in thousands):



	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2015		% of Revenue		September 28, 2014		% of Revenue		$ Change			% Change
Revenue	$	73,910	100.0	%	$	64,107	100.0	%	$	9,803		15.3	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	19,674		26.6	%	18,110		28.2	%	1,564			8.6	%
Labor	23,641		32.0	%	21,763		33.9	%	1,878			8.6	%
Operating	10,235		13.8	%	8,966		14.0	%	1,269			14.2	%
Occupancy	4,802		6.5	%	3,782		5.9	%	1,020			27.0	%
General and administrative	4,073		5.5	%	2,876		4.5	%	1,197			41.6	%
Marketing	576		0.8	%	422		0.7	%	154			36.5	%
Restaurant pre-opening	1,067		1.5	%	1,273		2.0	%	(206		)	(16.2	)%
Depreciation and amortization	3,230		4.4	%	2,663		4.2	%	567			21.3	%
Total costs and expenses	67,298		91.1	%	59,855		93.4	%	7,443			12.4	%
Income from operations	6,612		8.9	%	4,252		6.6	%	2,360			55.5	%
Interest expense	16		—	%	36		0.1	%	(20		)	(55.6	)%
Income before income taxes	6,596		8.9	%	4,216		6.5	%	2,380			56.5	%
Income tax expense	2,527		3.4	%	1,110		1.6	%	1,417			127.7	%
Net income	$	4,069	5.5	%	$	3,106	4.9	%	$	963		31.0	%

Revenue. Revenue increased $9.8 million, or 15.3%, to $73.9 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $64.1 million for the comparable period in 2014. This increase was primarily driven by $9.0 million in incremental revenue from an additional 102 operating weeks provided by 11 new restaurants opened during and subsequent to the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014 and increased revenue at our comparable restaurants. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenue

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related to our non-comparable restaurants that are not included in the incremental revenue discussed above. Revenue for these non-comparable restaurants is historically lower as the stores transition out of the 'honeymoon' period that follows a restaurant's initial opening.

Comparable restaurant sales increased 4.2% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2014. The increase in comparable restaurant sales was driven primarily by a 4.4% increase in average check, offset by a 0.2% decrease in average weekly customers. Our revenue mix attributed to bar sales was 18.3% during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to 17.9% during the comparable period in 2014.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue decreased to 26.6% during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 from 28.2% during the comparable period in 2014. This decrease is the result of decreases in grocery, dairy and chicken costs, partially offset by increases in beef and produce costs.

Labor Costs. Labor costs as a percentage of revenue decreased to 32.0% during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 from 33.9% during the comparable period in 2014, primarily as a result of efficiencies gained from internal initiatives, including labor scheduling best practices and manager staffing based on volume as well as leverage from increased sales. The implementation of these initiatives started during the first quarter of 2015.

Operating Costs. Operating costs as a percentage of revenue decreased to 13.8% during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 from 14.0% during the comparable period in 2014, primarily the result of a decrease in workers compensation and other general and employee related insurance costs of 20 basis points, a decrease in travel costs of 10 basis points partially offset by an increase in insurance costs of 20 basis related to certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act which went into effect in the first quarter of 2015.

Occupancy Costs. Occupancy costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 6.5% during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 from 5.9% during the comparable period in 2014, primarily as a result of higher rental expense and property taxes at certain of our newly opened restaurants as we continue our expansion into larger markets in the East and Northeast.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $1.2 million, or 41.6%, to $4.1 million for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $2.9 million during the comparable period in 2014. This increase was primarily driven by an increase in performance based bonuses of $0.8 million, an increase in stock-based compensation of $0.1 million associated with new grants under our long-term incentive program, an increase in salary expense of $0.2 million related to additional employees as we continue to strengthen our infrastructure for growth and smaller increases in other categories related to growth of $0.1 million.

Marketing Costs. As a percentage of revenue marketing costs remained relatively constant at 0.8% during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to 0.7% during the same period in 2014.

Restaurant Pre-opening Costs. Restaurant pre-opening costs decreased $0.2 million to $1.1 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to $1.3 million during the same period in 2014. This decrease is primarily the result of differences in the timing of our development schedule. The current year development schedule is backloaded with more openings scheduled in the fourth quarter compared to 2014. We opened two new restaurants during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to four restaurants opened during the same period in 2014.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization costs increased $0.6 million to $3.2 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $2.7 million during the comparable period in 2014, primarily as the result of an increase in equipment and leasehold improvement costs associated with our new restaurants.

Interest Expense. Interest expense as a percentage of revenue remained flat at less than 0.1%. There were no borrowings outstanding as of September 27, 2015 or during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015.

Income Tax Expense. Due to higher pre-tax income levels and the utilization of the Company’s remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards in the first half of 2015, the Company's federal statutory tax rate increased from 34% to 35% in the third quarter of 2015 and began paying federal tax obligations from operating cash flows. This increase in tax rate along with lower employment tax credits on employee tips as a percentage of pretax income increased the Company’s effective tax rate to 38.3% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to 26.3% during the same period in 2014. As a result of this increase in federal statutory tax rate during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015, we recorded a discrete tax item of approximately $0.4 million to increase our net deferred tax liabilities. The effective income tax rate for 2015 excluding this discrete item is estimated to be between 29% and 31%. The effective tax rates differ from the statutory tax rates of 35% and 34% for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, respectively primarily due to normal recurring tax credits attributable to employment taxes paid on employee tips and the above discrete item related to the change in the federal statutory tax rate during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015.

Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, net income increased 31.0% to $4.1 million during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $3.1 million during the comparable period in 2014.

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Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 Compared to Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Weeks Ended September 28, 2014



	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2015		% of Revenue		September 28, 2014		% of Revenue		$ Change			% Change
Revenue	$	216,101	100.0	%	$	183,342	100.0	%	$	32,759		17.9	%
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales	57,020		26.4	%	51,618		28.2	%	5,402			10.5	%
Labor	69,914		32.4	%	61,279		33.4	%	8,635			14.1	%
Operating	29,734		13.8	%	25,122		13.7	%	4,612			18.4	%
Occupancy	14,149		6.5	%	11,140		6.1	%	3,009			27.0	%
General and administrative	12,456		5.8	%	8,738		4.8	%	3,718			42.5	%
Marketing	1,720		0.8	%	1,327		0.7	%	393			29.6	%
Restaurant pre-opening	2,874		1.3	%	3,733		2.0	%	(859		)	(23.0	)%
Depreciation and amortization	9,422		4.3	%	7,418		4.0	%	2,004			27.0	%
Total costs and expenses	197,289		91.3	%	170,375		92.9	%	26,914			15.8	%
Income from operations	18,812		8.7	%	12,967		7.1	%	5,845			45.1	%
Interest expense	93		—	%	77		0.1	%	16			20.8	%
Income before income taxes	18,719		8.7	%	12,890		7.0	%	5,829			45.2	%
Income tax expense	6,042		2.8	%	3,706		2.0	%	2,336			63.0	%
Net income	$	12,677	5.9	%	$	9,184	5.0	%	$	3,493		38.0	%

Revenue. Revenue increased $32.8 million, or 17.9%, to $216.1 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $183.3 million for the comparable period in 2014. This increase was primarily driven by $30.5 million in incremental revenue from an additional 377 operating weeks provided by 17 new restaurants opened during and subsequent to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014 and increased revenue at our comparable restaurants. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in revenue related to our non-comparable restaurants that are not included in the incremental revenue discussed above. Revenue for these non-comparable restaurants is historically lower as the stores transition out of the 'honeymoon' period that follows a restaurant's initial opening.

Comparable restaurant sales increased 3.1% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to the thirty-nine weeks ended September 28, 2014. The increase in comparable restaurant sales was driven primarily by a 3.9% increase in average check, offset by a 0.8% decrease in average weekly customers. The decrease in average weekly customers is primarily attributable to higher than normal inclement weather days throughout the Southeast and Texas during the first quarter of 2015 which had an approximate $1.1 million impact on comparable sales. Our revenue mix attributed to bar sales was 18.5% during both the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014.

Cost of Sales. Cost of sales as a percentage of revenue decreased to 26.4% during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from 28.2% during the comparable period in 2014. This decrease is the result of a combination of last year's inflationary spike in dairy and produce costs (primarily lime costs) which has now decreased to more normal levels as well as other decreases in grocery and chicken costs and the benefit from menu price increases taken in September 2014 and February 2015, partially offset by increases in beef costs.

Labor Costs. Labor costs as a percentage of revenue decreased to 32.4% during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from 33.4% during the comparable period in 2014, primarily as a result of efficiencies gained from internal initiatives, including labor scheduling best practices and manager staffing based on volume as well as leverage from increased sales. The implementation of these initiatives started during the first quarter of 2015.

Operating Costs. Operating costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 13.8% during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from 13.7% during the comparable period in 2014, primarily as a result of an increase in insurance costs of 30 basis points primarily related to certain provisions of the Affordable Care Act which went into effect in the first quarter of 2015 partially offset by a decrease in liquor taxes of 10 basis points and a decrease in travel related expenses of 10 basis points.

Occupancy Costs. Occupancy costs as a percentage of revenue increased to 6.5% during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from 6.1% during the comparable period in 2014, primarily as a result of higher rental expense and property taxes at certain of our newly opened restaurants as we continue our expansion into larger markets in the East and Northeast.

General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $3.7 million, or 42.5%, to $12.5 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $8.7 million during the comparable period in 2014. This increase was

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primarily driven by an increase in stock-based compensation of $0.5 million associated with new grants under our long-term incentive program, an increase in salary expense of $0.7 million related to additional employees as we continue to strengthen our infrastructure for growth, an increase in performance-based bonuses of $1.7 million, legal and professional fees related to growth of $0.3 million and smaller increases in other categories of $0.5 million.

Marketing Costs. As a percentage of revenue marketing costs remained relatively constant at 0.8% during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to 0.7% during the same period in 2014.

Restaurant Pre-opening Costs. Restaurant pre-opening costs decreased $0.9 million to $2.9 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to $3.7 million during the same period in 2014. This decrease is primarily the result of differences in the timing of our development schedule. The current year development schedule is backloaded with more openings scheduled in the fourth quarter compared to 2014. We opened six new restaurants during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to ten restaurants opened during the same period in 2014.

Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization costs increased $2.0 million to $9.4 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $7.4 million during the comparable period in 2014, primarily as the result of an increase in equipment and leasehold improvement costs associated with our new restaurants.

Interest Expense. Interest expense as a percentage of revenue remained flat at less than 0.1%. There were no borrowings outstanding as of September 27, 2015.

Income Tax Expense. Due to higher pre-tax income levels and the utilization of the Company’s remaining federal net operating loss carryforwards in the first half of 2015, the Company's federal statutory tax rate increased from 34% to 35% in the third quarter of 2015 and began paying federal tax obligations from operating cash flows. This increase in tax rate along with lower employment tax credits on employee tips as a percentage of pre-tax income increased the Company’s effective tax rate to 32.3% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to 28.8% during the same period in 2014. As a result of this increase in federal statutory tax rate during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015, we recorded a discrete tax item of approximately $0.4 million to increase our net deferred tax liabilities. The effective income tax rate for 2015 excluding this discrete item is estimated to be between 29% and 31%. The effective tax rates differ from the statutory tax rates of 35% and 34% for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014, respectively primarily due to normal recurring tax credits attributable to employment taxes paid on employee tips and the above discrete item related to the change in the federal statutory tax rate during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015.

Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, net income increased 38.0% to $12.7 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $9.2 million during the comparable period in 2014.

Liquidity

Our principal sources of cash are net cash provided by operating activities, which includes tenant improvement allowances from our landlords, and borrowings under our $25 million credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"). Our need for capital resources is driven by our restaurant expansion plans, ongoing maintenance of our restaurants, investment in our corporate and information technology infrastructure, obligations under our operating leases and interest payments on our debt. Based on our current growth plans, we believe our expected cash flows from operations, expected tenant improvement allowances and available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility will be sufficient to finance our planned capital expenditures and other operating activities for at least the next twelve months.

Consistent with many other restaurant and retail chain store operations, we use operating lease arrangements for our restaurants. We believe that these operating lease arrangements provide appropriate leverage of our capital structure in a financially efficient manner.

Our liquidity may be adversely affected by a number of factors, including a decrease in customer traffic or average check per customer due to changes in economic conditions.

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Cash Flows for Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014

The following table summarizes the statement of cash flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 and September 28, 2014 (in thousands):



	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	September 27, 2015			September 28, 2014
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	33,785		$	21,232
Net cash used in investing activities	(18,412		)	(26,656		)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(8,590		)	3,594
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6,783			(1,830		)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	3,815			5,323
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	10,598		$	3,493

Operating Activities. Net cash provided by operating activities increased $12.6 million to $33.8 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015, from $21.2 million during the comparable period in 2014. Our business is almost exclusively a cash business. Almost all of our receipts come in the form of cash and cash equivalents and a large majority of our expenditures are paid within a 30 day period. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from the comparable period in 2014 was primarily due to an increase in net income of $3.5 million; net increases in non-cash reconciling items of $3.7 million primarily related to increases in depreciation and amortization as a result of our continued expansion, increases in stock-based compensation associated with new grants under our long-term incentive program, an increase in excess tax benefit from stock-based compensation partially offset by a combination of a decrease in deferred income taxes and an increase in amortization of deferred lease incentives. This increase also included net increases from changes in operating assets and liabilities of $5.3 million primarily related to increases in accrued liabilities and deferred lease incentives due to timing differences.

Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities decreased $8.2 million to $18.4 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015, from $26.7 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended 2014. This decrease resulted from the timing of our construction schedule and the related construction payments associated with the construction of our six new restaurants that opened during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015, as well as expenditures related to four additional unopened restaurants currently under construction as compared to ten new restaurants opened and five additional restaurants under construction during the comparable period in 2014.

Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities was $8.6 million for the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 compared to $3.6 million provided by financing activities during the comparable period in 2014. This increase in net cash used was primarily the result of $8.8 million in net payments on the Revolving Credit facility (net of borrowings of $1.0 million) during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015, compared to net borrowings of $2.8 million (net of payments of $1.5 million) during the comparable period in 2014. Proceeds from the exercise of stock options decreased by $0.2 million to $0.1 million during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 from $0.3 million during the comparable period in 2014. During the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 we also incurred $0.1 million related to the indirect repurchase of shares for minimum tax withholdings. In addition, during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015 we recognized $0.4 million less in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation compared to the same period in 2014 as a result of a decrease in option exercises during the current period.

As of September 27, 2015, we had no financing transactions, arrangements or other relationships with any unconsolidated affiliates or related parties. Additionally, we had no financing arrangements involving synthetic leases or trading activities involving commodity contracts.

Capital Resources

Long-Term Capital Requirements

Our capital requirements are primarily dependent upon the pace of our growth plan and resulting new restaurants. Our growth plan is dependent upon many factors, including economic conditions, real estate markets, restaurant locations and the nature of our lease agreements. Our capital expenditure outlays are also dependent on costs for maintenance and capacity additions in our existing restaurants as well as information technology and other general corporate capital expenditures.

The capital resources required for a new restaurant depend on whether the restaurant is a ground-up construction or a conversion. We estimate that each ground-up restaurant will require a total cash investment of $1.6 million to $2.4 million (net of estimated tenant improvement allowances of between zero and $1.0 million). We estimate that each conversion will require a total cash

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investment of $2.0 million to $2.2 million. In addition to the cost of the conversion or ground-up buildout, we expect to spend approximately $375,000 to $425,000 per restaurant for restaurant pre-opening costs. We target a cash-on-cash return beginning in the third operating year of 30.0%, and a sales to investment ratio of 1.9:1 for our new restaurants.

For 2015, we currently estimate capital expenditure outlays will be approximately $27.0 million, net of agreed upon tenant improvement allowances and excluding approximately $4.7 million of restaurant pre-opening costs for new restaurants that are not capitalized. We spent $2.9 million on pre-opening costs during the thirty-nine weeks ended September 27, 2015. These capital expenditure estimates are based on average new restaurant capital expenditures of $2.4 million in 2015 (net of estimated tenant improvement allowances) each for the opening of 10 new restaurants as well as $3.5 million to maintain and remodel our existing restaurants and for general corporate purposes.

Based on our growth plans, we believe our combined expected cash flows from operations, available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility and expected tenant improvement allowances will be sufficient to finance our planned capital expenditures and other operating activities in fiscal 2015.

Short-Term Capital Requirements

Our operations have not required significant working capital and, like many restaurant companies, we operate with negative working capital. Restaurant sales are primarily paid for in cash or by credit card, and restaurant operations do not require significant inventories or receivables. In addition, we receive trade credit for the purchase of food, beverages and supplies, therefore reducing the need for incremental working capital to support growth. We had a net working capital deficit of $4.6 million at September 27, 2015, compared to a net working capital deficit of $5.1 million at December 28, 2014.

Revolving Credit Facility

On November 30, 2012, the Company entered into a $25.0 million Revolving Credit Facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, which replaced the company's previous credit facility. As of September 27, 2015, we had no borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility, and the amount available for future borrowings was $25.0 million. The Revolving Credit Facility (a) accrues commitment fees on the daily unused balance of the facility at an applicable margin, which varies based on the Company's consolidated total lease adjusted leverage ratio and (b) provides for letters of credit in amounts totaling the lesser of $5 million or the available borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.

Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a variable rate based upon the Company’s election, of (a) the base rate (which is the highest of the prime rate, federal funds rate plus 0.50% or one month LIBOR) plus 1%, or (b) LIBOR, plus, in either case, an applicable margin based on the Company’s consolidated total lease adjusted leverage ratio. Interest is due at the end of each quarter if the Company selects to pay interest based on the base rate and at the end of each LIBOR period if it selects to pay interest based on LIBOR. The Company has elected a variable rate of interest based on LIBOR. As of September 27, 2015, this interest rate was 1.91%. The Revolving Credit Facility requires the Company to comply with a fixed charge coverage ratio, a lease adjusted leverage ratio and certain non-financial covenants. As of September 27, 2015, the Company was in compliance with all covenants under the Revolving Credit Facility.

The obligations under the Company’s long-term debt are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company’s assets.

Based on our capital expenditure plans, contractual commitments and cash flow from operations, we expect to be able to comply with the covenants of the Revolving Credit Facility as amended by the Amendment during the term of the agreement.

Contractual Obligations

There have been no material changes to our contractual obligations from what was previously reported in our Annual Report.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As of September 27, 2015, we had no off balance sheet arrangements or transactions.

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Significant Accounting Policies

There have been no material changes to the significant accounting policies from what was previously reported in our Annual Report.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Revenue Recognition

Debt Issuance Costs

Software Licenses

Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. We believe that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:


•	the success of our existing and new restaurants;


•	our ability to identify appropriate sites and develop and expand our operations;


•	changes in economic conditions;


•	damage to our reputation or lack of acceptance of our brand in existing or new markets;


•	economic and other trends and developments, including adverse weather conditions, in the local or regional areas in which our restaurants are located;


•	the impact of negative economic factors, including the availability of credit, on our landlords and surrounding tenants;


•	changes in food availability and costs;


•	labor shortages and increases in our labor costs, including as a result of changes in government regulation such as the adoption of the new federal healthcare legislation;


•	increased competition in the restaurant industry and the segments in which we compete;


•	the impact of legislation and regulations regarding nutritional information, and new information or attitudes regarding diet and health or adverse opinions about the health of consuming our menu offerings;


•	the impact of federal, state and local beer, liquor and food service regulations;


•	the impact of litigation;


•	the success of our marketing programs;


•	the impact of new restaurant openings, including on the effect on our existing restaurants of opening new restaurants in the same markets;

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•	the loss of key members of our management team and the transition to new officers;


•	strain on our infrastructure and resources caused by our growth;


•	the inadequacy of our insurance coverage and fluctuating insurance requirements and costs;


•	the impact of our indebtedness on our ability to invest in the ongoing needs of our business;


•	our ability to obtain debt or other financing on favorable terms or at all;


•	the impact of a potential requirement to record asset impairment charges in the future;


•	the impact of security breaches of confidential customer information in connection with our electronic processing of credit and debit card transactions;


•	inadequate protection of our intellectual property;


•	the failure of our information technology system or the breach of our network security;


•	a major natural or man-made disaster;


•	our increased costs and obligations as a result of being a public company;


•	the impact of electing to take advantage of certain exemptions applicable to emerging growth companies;


•	the failure of our internal control over financial reporting;


•	the impact of federal, state and local tax rules;


•	volatility in the price of our common stock;


•	the impact of future sales of our common stock in the public market, and the exercise of stock options and any additional capital raised by us through the sale of our common stock;


•	the impact of a downgrade of our shares by securities analysts or industry analysts, the publication of negative research or reports, or lack of publication of reports about our business;


•	the effect of anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and under Delaware law;


•	the effect of our decision to not pay dividends for the foreseeable future;


•	the effect of changes in accounting principles applicable to us;


•	our ability to raise capital in the future; and


•	the conflicts of interest that may arise because some of our directors are founders of the company and/or principal stockholders.

The foregoing factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read together with the other cautionary statements included in this report and in our Annual Report. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize, or if our underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from what we anticipate. Any forward-looking statements you read in this report reflect our views as of the date of this report with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. We assume no obligation to provide revisions to any forward looking statements should circumstances change, except as may be required by law.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to interest rate risk in connection with our long-term indebtedness. Our principal interest rate exposure relates to loans outstanding under our Revolving Credit Facility. All outstanding indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a variable rate based on LIBOR. Each quarter point change in interest rates on the variable portion of indebtedness under our Revolving Credit Facility would result in an annualized change to our interest expense of approximately $2,500 per every million dollars borrowed. As of September 27, 2015, we had no borrowings under our Revolving Credit Facility.

Commodity Price Risk

We are exposed to market price fluctuation in food product prices. Given the historical volatility of certain of our food product prices, including produce, chicken, beef and dairy, these fluctuations can materially impact our food and beverage costs. While we have taken steps to enter into long term agreements for some of the commodities used in our restaurant operations, there can be no assurance that future supplies and costs for such commodities will not fluctuate due to weather, government regulations and other conditions outside of our control.

Consequently, such commodities can be subject to unforeseen supply and cost fluctuations. Because we typically set our menu prices in advance of our food product prices, we cannot immediately take into account changing costs of food items. To the extent that we are unable to pass the increased costs on to our customers through price increases, our results of operations would be adversely affected. We currently do not use financial instruments to hedge our risk to market price fluctuations in our food product prices.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) of the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report.

The design of any system of control is based upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated objectives under all future events, no matter how remote, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may not deteriorate. Because of its inherent limitations, disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all misstatements. Accordingly, even effective disclosure controls and procedures can only provide reasonable assurance of achieving their control objectives.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter 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

Occasionally, we are a party to various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of our business including claims resulting from “slip and fall” accidents, employment related claims and claims from customers or employees alleging illness, injury or other food quality, health or operational concerns. None of these types of litigation, most of which are covered by insurance, has had a material effect on us in the past. As of the date of this report, we are not a party to any material pending legal proceedings and are not aware of any claims that could have a materially adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our most recent Annual Report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

None.

Item 5. Other Information

None.

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index following the signature page of this report.

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SIGNATURES

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

Date: November 5, 2015



CHUY’S HOLDINGS, INC.

By:	/s/ Steven J. Hislop
	Name:	Steven J. Hislop
	Title:	President and Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)




By:	/s/ Jon W. Howie
	Name:	Jon W. Howie
	Title:	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer)

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Exhibit Index



Exhibit No.	Description of Exhibit

31.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2	Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.1	Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes- Oxley Act of 2002

101.INS	XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema

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