v3.6.0.2

NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | 12 Months Ended
--- | ---
Jan. 01, 2017
Nature Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract] |
Nature Of Business And Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] | (1) NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of business - We, Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (“Famous Dave’s” or the “Company”), were incorporated in Minnesota on March 14, 1994. We develop, own, operate and franchise restaurants under the name "Famous Dave's". As of January 1, 2017, there were 176 Famous Dave’s restaurants operating in 32 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, including 37 Company-owned restaurants and 139 franchise-operated restaurants. An additi onal 62 franchise restaurants were committed to be developed through signed area development agreements as of January 1, 2017. Seasonality – Our restaurants typically generate higher revenue in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year as a result of seasonal traffic increases and high catering sales experienced during the summer months, and lower revenue in the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year, due to possible adverse weather which can disrupt customer and team member trans portation to our restaurants. Principles of consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Any inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Management’s use of estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires us to make estimates and assumptions that a ffect 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation of discontinued operations, deferred taxes and deferred financing costs. Financial instruments – Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of our current financial assets and liabilities approximates their fair value. The fair value of long-term debt approximates the carrying amount based upon our expected borrowing rate for debt with sim ilar remaining maturities and comparable risk. Segment reporting – We have Company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants in the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, and operate within the single industry segment of foodservice. We make operating decisions on behalf of the Famous Dave’s brand which includes both Company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants. In addition, all operating expenses are reported in total and are not allocated to franchising operations for either external or internal reporting. As a result, we have concluded that we have a single reporting segment. Fiscal year – Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest December 31 of each year. Our fiscal year is generally 52 weeks; howev er, it periodically consists of 53 weeks. The fiscal year s ended January 1, 2017 (fiscal 2016), and December 28, 2014 (fiscal 2014) consisted of 52 weeks while the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 (fiscal 2015), consisted of 53 weeks. The fiscal year ending December 31, 2017 (fiscal 2017) will consist of 52 weeks. C ash and cash equivalents – C ash equivalents include all investments with original maturities of three months or less or which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are not legally restricted. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000, while the remaining balances are uninsured at January 1, 2017 and January 3, 2016. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. R estricted cash and marketing fund – We have a system-wide marketing fund. Company-owned restaurants and franchise-operated restaurants that entered into franchise agreements with the Company after December 17, 2003, are required to contribute a percentage of net sales to the fund that is used for public relations and marketing development efforts throughout the system. These restaurants were required to contribut e 1.0% of net sales to this fund during fiscal 2016 and fiscal 2015. In fiscal 2017, the contribution will remain at 1.0% of net sales. The assets held by this fund are considered restricted and are i n an interest-bearing account. Accordingly, we reflected the cash related to this fund in restricted cash and the liability is included in accounts payable on our consolidated balance sheets. As of January 1, 2017 and January 3, 2016, we had approximately $946,000 and $1.1 million in this fund, respectively. In conjunction with the Company’s Credit Agreement, we have deposited 105% and 100% of the face amount of the undrawn letters of credit in a cash collateral account with Wells Fargo, Nati onal Association and Venture Bank. We had approximately $768,000 in restricted cash as of January 1, 2017, related to these undrawn letters of credit. We were not required to deposit funds in the cash collateral account as of January 3, 2016. Accounts receivable, net – We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts on accounts receivable based on historical losses and existing economic conditions, when relevant. We provide for a general bad debt reserve for franchise receivables due to increases in days’ sales outstanding and deterioration in general economic market conditions. This general reserve is based on the aging of receivables meeting specified criteria and is adjusted each quarter based on past due receivable balances. Additionally, we ha ve periodically established a specific reserve on certain receivables as necessary. In assessing recoverability of these receivables, we make judgments regarding the financial condition of the franchisees based primarily on past and current payment trends, as well as other variables, including annual financial information, which the franchisees are required to submit to us. Any changes to the reserve are recorded in general and administrative expenses. The allowance for uncollectible accounts was approxim ately $270,000 and $246,000, at January 1, 2017 and January 3, 2016, respectively. In fiscal 2016, the increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts was primarily due to delays in collections associated with certain franchises. Accounts receivable ar e written off when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances written off have not exceeded allowances provided. We believe all accounts re ceivable in excess of the allowance are fully collectible. If accounts receivable in excess of provided allowances are determined uncollectible, they are charged to expense in the period that determination is made. Outstanding past due accounts receivabl e are subject to a monthly interest charge on unpaid balances which is recorded as interest income in our consoli dated statements of operations. Inventories – Inventories consist principally of small wares and supplies, food and beverages, and retail good s, and are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net – Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are capitalized at a level of $250 or greater and are recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations when incurred. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 3-7 years, with the exception of restaurant signage which, is include d in f urniture, fixtures, and equipment and is depreciated over 10 to 15 years, while buildings are depreciated over 30 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term, including reasonably ass ured renewal options, or the estimated useful life of the assets. Décor that has been installed in the restaurants is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over seven years. Liquor licenses - T he Company has transferable liqu or licenses in jurisdictions with a limited number of authorized liquor licenses. These licenses were capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets and are included in intangible a ssets, net in our consolidated b alance s heets (see N ote 3). We review annually the liquor licenses for impairment. Additionally, t he costs of obtaining non-transferable liquor licenses that are directly issued by local government agencies for nominal fees are expensed as incurred. Annual liquor license renewal fees a re expensed over the renewal term. Debt issuance costs – Debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related financing. The carrying value of our deferred debt issuance costs, which are netted against the related debt on the consolidated balance sheets, is approximately $257,000, and $112,000, net of accumulated amortization of $345,000 and $453,000, as of January 1, 2017 and January 3, 2016, respectively. Construction overhead and capitalized interest – We capitalize construction overhead costs until the time a building is turned over to operations, which is approximately two weeks prior to opening. In fiscal 2016 and 2015 we did not capitalize any construction overhead costs while i n 2014 we capitalized construction overhead costs of approximately $48,000. These reflect two remodel projects that occurred in fiscal 2014. In fiscal 2016 and 2015 there were no new restaurant openings or remodel proj ects. In fiscal 2016 and 2015 we did not capitalize any interest costs, while in fiscal 2014 we capitalized interest costs of approximately $7,000. We depreciate and amortize construction overhead and capitalized interest over the same useful life as leasehold improvements. Advertising costs – Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred. Advertising costs were approximately $2.0 million, $2.5 million, and $3.0 million for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Software implementation costs – We capitalize labor costs associated with the implementatio n of significant information techn ology infrastructure projects based on actual labor rates per person including benefits, for all time spent o n the implementation of software and are depreciated over 5 years. In fiscal 2016 and 2015 we did not capitalize any software implementation costs, while in 2014 we capitalized software implementation costs of $102,000. Research and development costs – Research and development costs represent salaries and expenses of personnel en gaged in the creation of new menu and promotional offerings, recipe enhancements and documentation activities. Research and development costs were approximately $510,000, $668,000, and $468,000, for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Pre-opening expenses – All start-up and pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred. P re-opening rent during the build-out period is included in pre-opening expense. I n fiscal 2016 we had no pre-opening expenses. In 2015 and 2014, w e had pre-opening expenses of approximately $1,000, and $7,000 respectively. The low levels of pre-opening expenses in the recent years are a result of no new Company-owned restaurants opening during fiscal years 2016, 2015 or 2014. Lease accounting – We recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis for our operating leases ov er the entire lease term, including lease renewal options and build-out periods where the renewal is reasonably assured and the build-out period takes place prior to the restaurant opening or lease commencement date. Rent expense recorded during the build-out period is reported as pre-opening expense. We account for construction allowances by recording a receivable when collectability is considered to be probable, and relieve the receivable once the cash is obtained from the landlord for the construction allowance. Construction allowances are amortized as a credit to rent expense over the full term of the lease, including reasonably assured renewal options and build-out periods. Recoverability of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, impair ment charges, and exit and disposal costs – W e evaluate restaurant sites (asset groups) and long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset (asset group) may not be recoverable. Re coverability of restaurant sites to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant site to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis. If a restaurant site is d etermined to be impaired, the loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the restaurant site exceeds its fair value. Fair value, as determined by the discounted future net cash flows, is estimated based on the best information availabl e including estimated future cash flows, expected growth rates in comparable restaurant sales, remaining lease terms and other factors. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to recognize additional impairment charges for the relate d assets. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from the estimates. Exit or disposal activities, including restaurant closures, include the cost of disposing of the assets and other facility-related expenses from previously closed restaurants. These costs are generally expensed as incurred. Additionally, at the date we cease using a property under an operating lease, we record a liability for the net present val ue of any remaining lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income. Any subsequent adjustments to that liability as a result of lease termination or changes in estimates of sublease income are recorded in the period incurred. Upon disposal of the as sets associated with a closed restaurant, any gain or loss is recorded in the same caption as the original impairment within our consolidated statements of operations. Asset retirement obligation – We recognize a liability for the fair value of a required asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) when such obligation is incurred. Our AROs are primarily associated with leasehold improvements which, at the end of a lease, we are contractually obligated to remove in order to comply with the lease agreement. The n et ARO liability included in other long term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets was $119,000 and $111,000 at January 1, 2017 and January 3, 2016, respectively. Gift cards – We record a liability in the period in which a gift card is issued and proceeds are received. As gift cards are redeemed, this liability is reduced and revenue is recognized. We recognize gift card breakage income as an offset to operating expense based on a stratified breakage rate per year. This breakage rate is based o n a percentage of sales when the likelihood of the redemption of the gift card becomes remote. Interest income – We recognize interest income when earned. Net (loss) income per common share – Basic net (loss) income per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net (loss) income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted EPS equals net (loss) income divided by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus all addi tional common stock equivalents, such as stock options and restricted stock units, when dilutive. Following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
|  | Fiscal Year |
(in thousands, except per share data) | 2016 |  | 2015 |  | 2014 |
Net (loss) income per common share – basic: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net (loss) income from continuing operations, net of taxes | $ | (2,942) |  | $ | 1,079 |  | $ | 2,255 |
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes |  | 511 |  |  | (5,463) |  |  | 642 |
| Net (loss) income |  | (2,431) |  |  | (4,384) |  |  | 2,897 |
| Weighted average shares outstanding |  | 6,950 |  |  | 6,992 |  |  | 7,199 |
Net (loss) income from continuing operations per common share – basic | $ | (0.42) |  | $ | 0.15 |  | $ | 0.31 |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share – basic | $ | 0.07 |  | $ | (0.78) |  | $ | 0.09 |
Net (loss) income per common share – basic | $ | (0.35) |  | $ | (0.63) |  | $ | 0.40 |
Net (loss) income per common share – diluted: |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Net (loss) income from continuing operations, net of taxes | $ | (2,942) |  | $ | 1,079 |  | $ | 2,255 |
| Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of taxes |  | 511 |  |  | (5,463) |  |  | 642 |
| Net (loss) income |  | (2,431) |  |  | (4,384) |  |  | 2,897 |
| Weighted average shares outstanding |  | 6,950 |  |  | 6,992 |  |  | 7,199 |
| Dilutive impact of common stock equivalents outstanding |  | --- |  |  | 21 |  |  | 27 |
| Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding |  | 6,950 |  |  | 7,013 |  |  | 7,226 |
Net (loss) income from continuing operations per common share – diluted | $ | (0.42) |  | $ | 0.15 |  | $ | 0.31 |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share – diluted | $ | 0.07 |  | $ | (0.78) |  | $ | 0.09 |
Net (loss) income per common share – diluted | $ | (0.35) |  | $ | (0.63) |  | $ | 0.40 |
There were approximately 683,000, 507,000 and 118,000 options outstanding as of January 1, 2017, January 3, 2016 and December 28, 2014, respectively that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive. Stock-based compensation – We recognize compensation cost for share-based awards granted to team members and Board members based on their fair values at the time of grant over the requisite service period. Stock options granted to non-employees are marke d to market when they vest. Our pre-tax compensation cost for stock options and other incentive awards is included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 9). C ash flows from the exercise of stock options resulting from tax benefits in excess of recognized cumulative compensation cost (excess tax benefits) is classified as cash flows from financing activities. During fiscal years 2016, 2015 and 2014, 416,250, 464,774 and 190,500 stock options were granted, respectively. During fiscal 2016, 171,690 stock options were forfeited. Income Taxes – We provide for income taxes based on our estimate of federal and state income tax liabilities. These estimates i nclude, among other items, effective rates for state and local income taxes, allowable tax credits for items such as taxes paid on reported tip income, estimates related to depreciation and amortization expense allowable for tax purposes, and the tax deduc tibility of certain other items. Our estimates are based on the information available to us at the time that we prepare the income tax provision. We generally file our annual income tax returns several months after our fiscal year-end. Income tax return s are subject to audit by federal, state, and local governments, generally years after the tax returns are filed. These returns could be subject to material adjustments or differing interpretations of the tax laws. Revenue recognition – We record restaurant sales at the time food and beverages are served. We record sales of merchandise items at the time items are delivered to the guest. All sales taxes are excluded from revenue. We have detailed below our revenue recognition policie s for franchise and licensing agreements. Franchise arrangements – Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized when we have performed substantially all of our obligations as franchisor. Franchise royalties are recognized when earned. Our franchise-relate d revenue is comprised of three separate and distinct earnings processes: area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty pa yments. Currently, our area development fee for domestic growth consists of a one-time, non-refundable paymen t of approximately $10,000 per restaurant in consideration for the services we perform in preparation of executing each area development agreement. For our foreign area development agreements the one time, non-refundable payment is negotiated on a per dev elopment basis and is determined based on the costs incurred to sell that development agreement. Substantially all of these services, which include, but are not limited to, conducting market and trade area analysis, a meeting with Famous Dave’s Executive T eam, and performing a potential franchise background investigation, are completed prior to our execution of the area development agreement and receipt of the corresponding area development fee. As a result, we recognize this fee in full upon receipt. Cur rently, our initial, non-refundable, franchise fee for domestic growth is $45,000 per restaurant, of which approximately $5,000 is recognized immediately when a franchise agreement is signed, reflecting expenses incurred related to the sale. The remaining non-refundable fee is included in deferred franchise fees and is recognized as revenue when we have performed substantially all of our obligations, which generally occurs upon the franchise entering into a lease agreement for the restaurant(s). Finally, franchisees are also required to pay us a monthly royalty equal to a percentage of their net sales, which has historically varied from 4% to 5%. In general, new franchises pay us a monthly royalty of 5% of their net sales. Licensing and other revenue – We have a licensing agreement for our retail products, the current term of which expires in April 20 20 with renewal options of five years, subject to the licensee’s attainment of identified minimum product sales levels. Licensing revenue is recorded base d on royalties earned by us in accordance with our agreement. Licensing revenue for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014 was approximately $981,000, $940,000, and $878,000, respectively. Periodically, we provide additional services, beyond the general franchise agreement, to our franchise operations, such as new restaurant training, information technology setup and décor installation services. The cost of these services is recognized upon completion and is billed to the respective franchisee and is generally payable on net 30-day terms. Other revenue related to these services for fiscal years 2016, 2015, and 2014 was approximately $22,000, $14,000, and $76,000, respectively. These year over year changes are a result of fewer franchise-operated restaurant openings as well as a level of assistance we provided during those openings. Recent Accounting Guidance Recently adopted accounting guidance In January 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-01, “Income Statement—Extraordinary and Unusual Items.” This update eliminates from Generally Accep ted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) the concept of extraordinary items. ASU 2015-01 is effective for the first interim period within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2016, but it had no imp act on the consolidated financial statements. In April 2015, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of debt issuance costs. This guidance requires debt issuance costs to be presented in the balance sheet as a reduction of the rela ted debt liability rather than as an asset. The standard will become effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015 and for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is permitted. The standard requires companies to a pply the guidance retrospectively to all prior periods. The Company adopted this at fiscal year-end of 2016 but it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-17, Income Taxes: Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires entities to present deferred tax assets and deferred tax liabilities as noncurrent in a classified balance sheet. The ASU is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. The Company adopted this at fiscal year-end of 2016 but it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In March 201 6, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. ASU 2016-09 simplifies several aspects related to the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the acc ounting for income taxes, forfeitures, statutory tax withholding requirements and classification on the statement of cash flows. For public entities, ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within th ose fiscal years. The Company adopted this at fiscal year-end of 2016 but it did not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The FASB issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers: Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net)” in March 2016, ASU 2016-10 “Revenue from Contracts wi th Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” in April 2016, ASU 2016-11, “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605) and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Rescission of SEC Guidance Because of Accounting Standards Updates 2014-09 an d 2014-16 Pursuant to Staff Announcements at the March 3, 2016 EITF Meeting” in May 2016 and ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” in May 2016. These new standards provide for a single, principles-based model for revenue recognition that replaces the existing revenue recognition guidance. In July 2015, the FASB deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 until annual and interim periods beginning on or after December 15, 2017. I t will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP when it becomes effective. The new standard permits the use of either a retrospective or cumulative effect transition method and early adoption is not permitted. The Company has not yet s elected a transition method and is currently evaluating the impact these standards will have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which supersedes the existing guidance for lease accounting, Leases (Topic 840). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to recognize a lease liability and a right-of-use asset for all leases. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for all entities. ASU 2016-02 requires a modified retrospective approach for all leases existing at, or entered into after the date of initial adop tion, with an option to elect to use certain transition relief. As shown in Note 8, there are $1 14.4 million in future minimum rental payments for operating leases that are not currently on our balance sheet; therefore, we expect this will have a material impact on our consolidated balance sheet s and related disclosures. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. ASU 2016-15 addresses how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows under Topic 230, Statement of Cash Flow, and other Topics. ASU 2016-15 is effective for annual reporting periods, and interim periods therein, beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect the ado ption of this guidance to have a material impact on its con

X
- References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_AccountingPoliciesAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for the general note to the financial statements for the reporting entity which may include, descriptions of the basis of presentation, business description, significant accounting policies, consolidations, reclassifications, new pronouncements not yet adopted and changes in accounting principles. + References No definition available. + Details
Name: | us-gaap_OrganizationConsolidationBasisOfPresentationBusinessDescriptionAndAccountingPoliciesTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration