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NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES 10K | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2017, there were 150 Famous Dave’s restaurants operating in 32 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates, including 16 Company-owned restaurants and 134 franchise-operated restaurants. An additional 61 franchise restaurants were committed to be developed through signed area development agreements as of December 31, 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 transportation 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. All inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. 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 affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Reclassifications Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation of discontinued operations. 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 similar 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 to December 31 of each year. Our fiscal year is generally 52 weeks; however, it periodically consists of 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended December 31, 2017 (fiscal 2017) and January 1, 2017 (fiscal 2016) consisted of 52 weeks. Cash and cash equivalents Cash 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. As of December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017, our uninsured cash and restricted cash balances were $9.0 million and $7.1 million, respectively. There have been no losses of uninsured amounts. Restricted cash and marketing fund We have a system-wide Marketing Development Fund, to which Company-owned restaurants, in addition to the majority of franchise-operated restaurants, contribute a percentage of net sales, currently 1.0%, for use in public relations and marketing development efforts. The assets held by this fund are considered to be restricted. Accordingly, we reflect the cash related to this fund within restricted cash and reflect the liability within accounts payable on our consolidated balance sheets. We had approximately $1.3 million and $946,000 in this fund as of December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively. In conjunction with our credit agreements, we have deposited amounts for undrawn letters of credit in cash collateral accounts. We had approximately $298,000 and $768,000 in restricted cash as of December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively, related to these undrawn letters of credit. 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 have 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 our franchisees are required to submit to us. Any changes to the reserve are recorded in general and administrative expenses. Accounts receivable are written off when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances written off have not exceeded allowances provided and we believe all accounts receivable in excess of allowances provided 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. As of December 31, 2017, we had a receivable from one franchisee in the amount of $509,000, of which a portion is reserved in accordance with our standard policies. Inventories Inventories consist principally of small wares and supplies, food and beverages, and retail goods, and are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value. Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. We recognize depreciation expense utilizing the straight-line method once an asset has been placed into service. The following table outlines the useful lives of our major classes of property, equipment and leasehold improvements:
Land |  |  | N/A
Buildings |  |  | 30 years
Leasehold improvements |  |  | 0 - 30 years
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment (excluding restaurant signage) |  |  | 3 - 7 years
Restaurant signage |  |  | 10 - 15 years
Decor |  |  | 7 years
We capitalize labor costs associated with the implementation of significant information technology infrastructure projects based on actual labor rates per person including benefits, for all time spent on the implementation of software and are depreciated over 5 years. We capitalize construction overhead costs until the time a building is turned over to operations, which is approximately two weeks prior to opening and depreciate these items over the same useful life as leasehold improvements. We evaluate restaurant sites and other long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability 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 determined 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 is estimated based on the best information available including estimated future cash flows, expected growth rates in comparable restaurant sales, remaining lease terms and other factors. Intangible Assets We have transferable liquor 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 assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets. We review annually the liquor licenses for impairment. The 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 are expensed over the renewal term. We have lease interest assets that are reflected within intangible assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets. The current and long-term portion of lease interest liabilities are reflected within the other current liabilities and other liabilities line items on our consolidated balance sheets, respectively. Lease interest assets and liabilities are amortized to rent expense over the term of the leases to which they relate. Advertising Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred. Advertising costs were approximately $2.2 million and $2.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017, respectively, and are included in operating expenses for local store marketing in the consolidated statements of operations. Advertising costs incurred related to our national advertising fund are netted with contributions from our Company-owned stores and certain of our franchisees. Research and development costs Research and development costs represent all expenses incurred in relation to the creation of new menu and promotional offerings, recipe enhancements and documentation activities. Research and development costs were approximately $382,000 and $510,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017, 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. Pre-opening rent during the build-out period is included in pre-opening expense. We did not incur any pre-opening expenses during the years ended December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017. Leases We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis for our operating leases over 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. Exit and disposal costs 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 value 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 assets 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. 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. Costs incurred for restaurants that have been closed, after the date of their closure, are presented within the asset impairment, estimated lease termination and other closing costs line item of our consolidated statements of operations. 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 additional common stock equivalents, such as stock options and restricted stock units, when dilutive. The following table is a reconciliation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per common share:
|  | Year Ended |
(in thousands, except per share data) |  | December 31, 2017 |  | January 1, 2017 |
Net (loss) income per share – basic: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net loss from continuing operations |  | $ | (6,666) |  | $ | (4,105) |
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax |  |  | (1,457) |  |  | 1,674 |
Net loss |  |  | (8,123) |  |  | (2,431) |
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic |  |  | 7,015 |  |  | 6,950 |
Basic net loss per share - continuing operations |  | $ | (0.95) |  | $ | (0.59) |
Basic net (loss) income per share - discontinued operations |  |  | (0.21) |  |  | 0.24 |
Basic net loss per share |  | $ | (1.16) |  | $ | (0.35) |
Net (loss) income per share – diluted: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Net loss from continuing operations |  | $ | (6,666) |  | $ | (4,105) |
Net (loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax |  |  | (1,457) |  |  | 1,674 |
Net loss |  |  | (8,123) |  |  | (2,431) |
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted |  |  | 7,015 |  |  | 6,950 |
Diluted net loss per share - continuing operations |  | $ | (0.95) |  | $ | (0.59) |
Diluted net (loss) income per share - discontinued operations |  |  | (0.21) |  |  | 0.24 |
Diluted net loss per share |  | $ | (1.16) |  | $ | (0.35) |
There were approximately 539,000 and 683,000 stock options as of December 31, 2017 and January 1, 2017, 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 marked to market as they vest. The bonus compensation of our Chief Executive Officer is issued in the form of unrestricted, freely tradable shares of our common stock and is expensed in full when earned. 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 “Stock-based compensation.” Income Taxes We provide for income taxes based on our estimate of federal and state income tax liabilities. These estimates include, 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 deductibility 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 returns 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 In fiscal 2018, we will be required to adopt ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will materially impact the way that we recognize revenue. See “Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted” below for more information. 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 policies for franchise and licensing agreements. 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-related revenue is comprised of three separate and distinct earnings processes: area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty payments. Our area development fee for domestic growth consists of a one-time, non-refundable payment in consideration for the services we perform in preparation of executing each area development agreement. Area development fees are recognized in full upon receipt. We recognize a portion of franchise fees as revenue when the 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. Franchisees are also required to pay us a monthly royalty equal to a percentage of their net sales. We have a licensing agreement for our retail products, the current term of which expires in April 2020 with renewal options of five years, subject to the licensee’s attainment of identified minimum product sales levels. Licensing revenue is recorded based on royalties earned by us in accordance with our agreement. 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. 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 on a percentage of sales when the likelihood of the redemption of the gift card becomes remote. In fiscal 2018, we will be required to adopt ASC 606 – Revenue from Contracts with Customers, which will change the method in which we recognize breakage income in the future. See “Recent Accounting Guidance Not Yet Adopted” below for more information. Recent Accounting Guidance Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“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 with 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 and 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. It will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance under U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. It permits the use of either a full retrospective or modified retrospective transition method and early adoption is permitted. We plan to adopt this standard as of the effective date utilizing the modified retrospective transition method. We have reviewed a representative sample of our franchise agreements as a basis for determining the impact of the new standard on our consolidated financial statements. We have not yet finalized our conclusions; however, we believe that the new guidance will not impact the timing of revenue recognition on franchise royalty revenues, restaurant and merchandise sales or licensing and other revenue. The new guidance will require that we defer previously recognized and future revenue related to franchise fees and area development fees. Franchise fees have historically been recognized in full when a new restaurant opens, but under the new guidance, these fees will be amortized over the life of the related franchise agreements and related extension periods, which generally range from 10-25 years. Area development fees have historically been recognized in full upon execution of an area development agreement, but under the new guidance, these fees will be recognized over the life of a future franchise agreement when each new restaurant pursuant to an area development agreement opens or upon the expiration of such agreements. We expect to report these revenues within the franchise fee revenue line item of our consolidated statements of operations. We expect to defer revenues of $2.4 million related to franchise and area development agreements and recognize additional annual revenue of approximately $224,000 on current franchise agreements. As we open new stores pursuant to area development agreements, we will recognize additional revenue of approximately $1,000 per year per store. Pursuant to the new guidance, the timing of revenue recognition related to gift card breakage will also be impacted. Historically, we have recognized gift card breakage in full upon the sale of gift cards due to the Company’s historical experience related to gift card sales, but under the new guidance, gift card breakage will be recognized ratably as gift cards are redeemed. The Company will report revenue related to gift card breakage within the licensing and other revenue line of its consolidated statements of operations. We do not expect to defer any previously recognized gift card breakage due to materiality. The new revenue guidance will also impact the presentation of the Company’s consolidated statements of operations as it relates to the Company’s system-wide Public Relations and Marketing Development Fund (the “NAF”). Historically, the Company has netted revenues received pursuant to NAF billings with the related expenses, but under the new guidance, revenues recognized related to the NAF will be presented gross as a separate line item within total revenues, with the corresponding expense presented gross as a separate line item within operating expenses. The new guidance will not impact the timing of revenue recognition as it relates to the NAF. 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 adoption, with an option to elect to use certain transition relief. The Company expects to adopt this new standard as of the effective date and is currently evaluating the impact of this new standard on its consolidated financial statements, but expects that it will have a material impact because of the Company’s significant leasing activity. In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-05, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718), to provide clarity and reduce both diversity in practice and cost and complexity when applying the guidance in Topic 718 to a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award. The updated standard clarifies when an entity should account for the effects of a modification. The amendments in this ASU are effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not believe that adoption of the new standard will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

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- 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 Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 810 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2197479 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2122369 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 275 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2134479 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 250 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/topic&trid=2122394 + Details
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