UNITED STATES


SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION


Washington, D.C. 20549





FORM 10-K


(Mark One):





ý
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009ORo
TRANSITION REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934For the transition period fromto





Commission File Number 000-53000





SPICY PICKLE FRANCHISING, INC.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)





Colorado

38-3750924(State or other jurisdiction

of incorporation or organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)





90 Madison Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado

80206(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip code)





Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (303) 297-1902





Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None





Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, $.001 par value





Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o    No ý





Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý





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 ý     No o





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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  Yes oNo o(not required)





Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendments of this Form 10-K. o




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 definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):








Large accelerated filer o

Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o

(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Smaller reporting company ý





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





State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates computed by reference to the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average bid and asked price of such common equity, as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter.  As of June 30, 2009 aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates was $7,310,539.





Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. As of March 10, 2010, there were 83,994,274 shares of common stock outstanding.



























Table of Contents








PagePART IItem 1.                   Business

1Item 1A.                Risk Factors

6Item 1B.                Unresolved Staff Comments

14Item 2.                   Properties

14Item 3.                   Legal Proceedings

15Item 4.                   (Removed and Reserved)

15PART IIItem 5.                   Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

16Item 6.                   Selected Financial Data

16Item 7.                   Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

17Item 7A.                Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

30Item 8                    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

31Item 9.                   Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and FinancialDisclosure

59Item 9A                 Controls and Procedures

59Item 9B.                Other Information

60PART IIIItem 10.                   Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

61Item 11.                   Executive Compensation

63Item 12.                   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and RelatedStockholder Matters

65Item 13.                   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

67Item 14.                   Principal Accounting Fees and Services

68PART IVItem 15.                   Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules

69












PART I





Item 1. Business





Our business is the franchise and operation of Spicy Pickle® and Bread Garden® Urban Café restaurants. Spicy Pickle is a fast casual sandwich restaurant where made-to-order panini, submarine-style sandwiches, pizzetti (Neapolitan thin crust pizza), and salads created by our founders are served using fresh-baked breads and high-quality ingredients.  Spicy Pickle restaurants are located in 11 states in the United States.  Bread Garden Urban Café restaurants also specialize in fast casual dining, but are considered a bakery café concept, offering specialty coffee, breakfast pastry and sandwiches, salads, soups, lunch and dinner oven baked entrées, sandwiches, wraps, and dessert items served all day long.  Bread Garden Urban Cafés are located in, British Columbia, Canada, primarily in the metropolitan Vancouver area.





We market our menu primarily through targeted local store marketing efforts, mail drops, media advertising, and print campaigns, as well as through other grass roots efforts. The "Spicy Pickle" brand name has existed for ten years.  The “Bread Garden Urban Café” brand name has existed since 1979.  We are headquartered in Denver, Colorado.





Our goal is to deliver a delicious flavor profile, an exceptional customer experience, and an enjoyable atmosphere in our locations. We cannot assure you that we will be successful. We believe our menu items appeal to diners of all ages and preferences, and we expect to accommodate all day parts, including breakfast, lunch and dinner.





Spicy Pickle


Our franchisees must qualify on the basis of experience in other management and food service ventures and should have liquid assets of at least $150,000. In the Spicy Pickle organization franchise fees are $45,000 for the first restaurant and $20,000 for additional locations. Fees for additional locations are lower because the training and grand opening are handled by the experienced franchisee, although these services are still available for purchase from us if desired. Area development agreements are available to selected franchisees that wish to secure a territory for future development ($10,000 per store is pre-paid and the balance of $10,000 is paid when the area developer is ready to begin build-out for each new site).





Franchisees pay us a 5% royalty on weekly gross sales and an additional 2% to support national and regional marketing efforts that produce brand development, agency support, point of purchase materials and print and broadcast advertising. In addition, we require franchisees to dedicate at least 1% of sales to local advertising. The estimated initial cost of a Spicy Pickle franchise is approximately $400,000 and varies based on location. Each location has an end-cap/in-line of approximately 1,600 to 2,000 square feet and seating for 40 to 60 guests inside with additional outdoor seating as available.





The first Spicy Pickle restaurant was launched in 1999 by Kevin Morrison and Anthony Walker.  Mr. Walker remains with us as our Chief Operating Officer and Mr. Morrison is no longer employed by us.  Spicy Pickle Franchising, LLC was formed in January 2003 as a Colorado limited liability company. In January 2003, we launched the Spicy Pickle brand as a national franchise with Marc Geman, former president of the PretzelMaker franchise, as our Chief Executive Officer. We sold our first franchise in the spring of 2003 and opened our first franchise restaurant in the second half of 2003. On September 8, 2006, we converted from a limited liability company to a Colorado corporation named Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (the “Company”).





Spicy Pickle has been recognized nationally and in its local markets as a purveyor of fast casual food to watch. The December 2006, 2007 and 2008 issues of Fast Casual Magazine feature Spicy Pickle as numbers 29th, 25th and 32nd, respectively, in its list of “2006 – 2007 Top 100 Movers and Shakers” “2007- 2008 Top 100 Movers and Shakers” and “2008 – 2009  Top 100 Movers and Shakers,” respectively. National Restaurant News selected Spicy Pickle as one of its 2006 Hot Concepts!  In 2009, a Denver, Colorado network affiliated television station named Spicy Pickle as having the “Best Sandwich in Denver”.





We intend to expand nationally by growing the chain of restaurants in and near downtown settings where daytime population is dense, as well as near tech centers, government complexes, universities, and medical centers where large amounts of administrative and professional people are employed. We have designed systems to maximize and








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replicate our success in a variety of settings. Complete programs have been developed for real estate, architecture, construction management, equipment procurement, food distribution, training, operations and marketing to promote the success of each franchisee. Owners generally purchase turn-key services from us.





In addition we intend to explore international expansion.  A potential master developer has opened a Bread Garden Urban Café in Brisbane, Australia.  If this initial unit proves successful we intend to enter into an agreement for the development of Australia.  We are also exploring the possibility of other international locations.





Bread Garden Urban Café


Bread Garden Urban Café (“Bread Garden”) is also classified as a fast casual concept.  Bread Garden has been a fixture in the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada market for close to 30 years and is well recognized and branded.  Bread Garden restaurants have a full line of coffee and coffee related products as well as a larger offering of food items than a Spicy Pickle restaurant.  Bread Garden displays their offerings in glass refrigerated cases in a European style where customers can choose what they want, have it taken from the case and prepared.  Customers pay for and take their food to tables rather than have a runner bring it as in Spicy Pickle.





Bread Garden was started by two women with culinary backgrounds, similar to our start, in the late 1970’s and early 1980s.  One of the founders currently operates two upscale grocery stores in Vancouver which carry many of the original products found in the Bread Garden restaurants.  Essentially the restaurants were urban cafes serving breakfast pastries, quiches and coffee along with fresh baked breads for sandwiches.  In the mid 1980’s the founders became involved with Spectra Group which owns and operates restaurants and put the Bread Garden concept into Spectra. At one time Spectra Group owned, operated and licensed a multi-concept group of 109 restaurants and express kiosks within five concepts: Bread Garden, The Boathouse, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, Red Door Pan Asian Grill (Red Door) and Yankee Grill and Roaster.  Along with the Bread Garden, The Boathouse and Red Door were concepts owned and developed by Spectra Group. Romano’s Macaroni Grill is operated under a license agreement with Brinker International, Inc.  Spectra developed the Bread Garden concept to 17 units at one point but over time the concept changed and by the early part of this century there were 14 units.





In 2003 Mr. Zahir Dhanani was approached by a partner to take over the existing Bread Garden locations from Spectra Group.  At the time there were 17 restaurants but Spectra Group retained 3 of them to convert to their Red Door Pan Asian Grills.  Two of those have subsequently sold and the third never converted and is still the source of negotiations concerning the use of the name.  In 2004 Mr. Dhanani worked with the 14 restaurants eventually closing 4 of them but opening others including in late 2004 a restaurant at Metrotown a large mall in Richmond, British Columbia which is run by his family.  After these years of ownership Mr. Dhanani realized that he did not have restaurant experience or staff to improve or grow the concept.  Mr. Dhanani and principals of Spicy Pickle started discussing a possible merger/acquisition whereby Spicy Pickle’s culinary expertise and infrastructure could be used to help improve and grow the Bread Garden concept in Vancouver and Western Canada.  After several meetings and on site visits to study the concept, learn about the operations and distribution we concluded that this situation was an ideal acquisition.





There are three other aspects to the concept, one involving a Bread Garden express unit on the BC ferries running between Vancouver Island and the mainland, a Bread Garden express unit found in approximately 70 Chevron stations throughout western BC, and a full service catering operation. These express locations and the catering operation are not part of the acquisition.  However, we can and do cater from the Bread Garden Urban Café restaurants.





However, the overall brand identification of Bread Garden is exceptional. To some older Vancouverites who recall the original menu, the Bread Garden’s current menu, other than its coffee, pastry and dessert program, does not measure up to the earlier days.  Our plan is to refresh the Bread Garden concept with fresh baked artisan breads and some of our signature sandwiches and, if capital is available, convert or open a Spicy Pickle in Vancouver to gauge sales versus existing Bread Garden units.





As with our Spicy Pickle concept franchisees must qualify on the basis of experience in other management and food service ventures and should have liquid assets of at least $150,000. In the Bread Garden organization franchise fees are CND$50,000 for each restaurant location.







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Franchisees pay SPBG Franchising, Inc., a Canadian corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, a 5% royalty on weekly gross sales and an additional 1.5% to support marketing efforts that produce brand development, agency support, point of purchase materials and print and broadcast advertising.  The estimated initial cost of a Bread Garden franchise is approximately CND$350,000 and varies based on location.  Each location has an end-cap/in-line of approximately 2,500 square feet and seating for 50-75 guests inside with additional outdoor seating as available.





Industry Background





Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden Urban Café restaurants are classified as “fast casual” restaurants in the restaurant industry. There is no single definition of fast casual, but in concept a fast casual restaurant does not offer full table service, but generally offers high-quality food and atmosphere with either numbered or personalized delivery of meals to the table or a central pick up area. Fast casual fills the space between fast-food where no table service is available and food is paid for and delivered to the customer at the register, and casual dining where full table service is available to the customer.





Growth Strategy





We believe that our ability to deliver value, quality, price and convenience will help us grow. Our target customer is 21-55 years of age, educated with at least some college experience, and the typical location for Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden restaurants is near a downtown area of a dense city, or near a tech center, government complex, university, or medical center where large numbers of administrative and professional employees are found.  We also look for big box centers anchored by a large tenant and in areas of both white collar workforce and high income households.





Our Spicy Pickle menu is moderately priced with an average ticket of approximately $10.00. We have expanded our menu to include catering and expect to add other day-parts. We are committed to providing sufficient variety to encourage guests to return often and try something new.





Our Bread Garden menu contains more diversity and serves more day parts than our Spicy Pickle menu with average ticket prices of CDN$7.00 to CDN$8.00.  The Bread Garden menu accommodates breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as an all day casual coffee and dessert service.





We believe that our growth is the result of the appeal of our food, the clarity of our vision, the increasing strength of our brand and our commitment to constantly improving our customer experience.





As part of our growth strategy, in addition to our franchised restaurants, we will operate company-owned restaurants.  At December 31, 2007, we had one restaurant opened.  In February 2008, we purchased a partial interest in one Spicy Pickle restaurant from a franchisee.  In March 2008, we purchased three Spicy Pickle restaurants from another franchisee.  We also built two Spicy Pickle restaurants in Colorado.  Also in March 2008, we purchased a Spicy Pickle restaurant located in Chicago from another franchisee which we sold in December 2008 to a new franchisee.  We will continue to either build or acquire new restaurants in the future.  There are no other agreements in place at this time.





Competition





The fast casual segment of the restaurant industry is highly competitive and fragmented. In addition, fast casual restaurants compete against other segments of the restaurant industry, including quick-service restaurants and casual dining restaurants. The number, size and strength of competitors vary by region. All of these restaurants compete based on a number of factors, including taste, quickness of service, value, name recognition, restaurant location and customer service. Competition within the fast casual restaurant segment, however, focuses primarily on the taste, quality and freshness of the menu items and the ambience and condition of each restaurant.





The industry is often affected by changes in consumer tastes; national, regional or local economic conditions; currency fluctuations; demographic trends; traffic patterns; the type, number and location of competing food retailers and products; and disposable purchasing power. Each of the concepts competes with international, national





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and regional restaurant chains as well as locally owned restaurants, not only for customers, but also for management and hourly personnel, suitable real estate sites and qualified franchisees.





Our Menu




Our Spicy Pickle menu offers customers a choice of seven signature submarine-style sandwiches, eight signature panini, six salads, six signature pizzetti (not offered in all restaurants) and five soups, as well as a combo meal consisting of a one-half sandwich or panini and a small soup or salad. Customers can also build their own sandwich, salad or pizzetti choosing from three breads, 12 meats (or vegetables); eight cheeses, an unlimited number of our 22 toppings, and an unlimited number of our 14 spreads. Some menu items may vary from store to store. We feature high-quality ingredients consisting of all-natural products with no preservatives or MSG, except for the coloring in our yellow cheese. This is part of our strategy to attract the growing number of health-conscious consumers to our restaurants. We believe our restaurants deliver value, quality and convenience. Our menu is moderately priced with an average ticket of approximately $10.00.  Menu prices are set by franchisees at the store level and vary from location to location. Sandwiches typically cost between $6.45 and $7.25 with small and large soups and salads ranging from $3.45 to $7.95. An individual size pizzetti ranges from $7.45 to $7.95.




Our Bread Garden menu offers customers a choice of five signature sandwiches, four wraps, three café sandwiches, a variety of oven baked entrées and pasta dishes, a variety of soups and salads as well as a number of breakfast items.  We also offer specialty coffees and tea in addition to an extensive pastry and dessert selection.





Our Current Locations




Our restaurant Spicy Pickle locations (including both company-owned and franchisee-owned), including those under construction and lease negotiation as of December 31, 2009, are:




Location
Restaurants Operating
Under Construction
In Lease NegotiationDenver, Colorado
5Boulder, Colorado (1)
2Ft. Collins, Colorado
2Aurora, Colorado
2Centennial, Colorado
1Lone Tree, Colorado
1Greenwood Village, Colorado
1Federal Heights, Colorado
1Johnstown, Colorado
1Colorado Springs, Colorado
1Louisville, Colorado
1Englewood, Colorado
1Ashburn, Virginia (2)
1Portland, Oregon (3)
2Poway, California (4)
1Henderson, Nevada
1Reno, Nevada
2Chicago, Illinois
1Cincinnati, Ohio
1Austin, Texas (5)
1San Diego, California
2Chandler, Arizona
1Hattiesburg, Mississippi
1Edmond, Oklahoma
1Cedar Park, Texas
1Houston, Texas
1
1
1Naperville, Illinois
1Temecula, California (6)

1Las Vegas, Nevada

137
3
1




4


(1)
One restaurant closed subsequent to December 31, 2009.


(2)
Closed subsequent to December 31, 2009 due to lease expiration and is relocating and will reopen in 2010.


(3)
One restaurant closed subsequent to December 31, 2009.


(4)
One restaurant closed subsequent to December 31, 2009.


(5)
An additional restaurant closed during 2009 to relocate and will reopen in 2010.


(6)
Opened subsequent to December 31, 2009.





Our Bread Garden locations including those under construction and in lease negotiation as of December 31, 2009 are





Location
Restaurants Operating
Under Construction
In Lease NegotiationVancouver, British Columbia (1)
5
2Richmond, British Columbia
2Surrey, British Columbia
1Burnaby, British Columbia
1West Vancouver, British Columbia
1Coquitlam, British Columbia
2Kamloops, British Columbia
1Whistler Resort, British Columbia
1Brisbane, Australia
116
2




(1)
The 2 restaurants under construction opened subsequent to December 31, 2009.





Franchise Site Development and Expansion





Our restaurant locations in both concepts are critical to our long-term success, and we devote significant resources to assessing each prospective site. We have developed specific criteria to evaluate each site. We continuously review these criteria and adjust them as warranted by changing circumstances in our business or local operating conditions.





We focus our site searches on metropolitan areas where daytime population is dense, as well as near tech centers, government complexes and medical centers where large numbers of administrative and professional people are employed. Preferred locations include shopping center end-caps and free standing buildings near large intersections, residential areas, offices, retail outlets, universities, recreational facilities and hospitals. We also consider traffic patterns, area restaurant competition, the likely impact on sales of our nearby restaurants, parking, accessibility, potential restaurant size and visibility. In larger metropolitan regions, we generally open restaurants in urban storefronts. We use a combination of our own development staff and outside real estate brokers to locate, evaluate and negotiate new sites.





The cost to open a restaurant depends on the type of real estate, the location of the site and the amount of construction required. We generally lease the premises and build-out the tenant improvements for our restaurants. We sometimes receive landlord development and/or rent allowances for leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures and equipment.





Government Regulation





We are subject to various federal, state, provincial, and local laws affecting our business. Each of our restaurants must comply with licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities, which include health, sanitation, safety and fire agencies in the state, province, or municipality in which the restaurant is located. In addition, we must comply with various state and provincial laws that regulate the franchisor/franchisee relationship.




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We are also subject to federal, state, and provincial laws governing employment and pay practices, overtime, tip credits and working conditions. The bulk of our employees are paid on an hourly basis at rates related to regulated minimum wages.





We are also subject to federal state and provincial child labor laws, which, among other things, prohibit the use of certain “hazardous equipment” by employees 18 years of age or younger. Under the American with Disabilities Act, we could be required to expend funds to modify our restaurants to better provide service to, or make reasonable accommodation for the employment of, disabled persons. We continue to monitor our facilities for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in order to conform to its requirements. We believe future expenditures for such compliance would not have a material adverse effect on our operations.





Intellectual Property





We have registered the following marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office: Spicy Pickle (Registration No. 2,905,597), Spicy Pickle Sub Shop & design (Registration No. 2,918,645) and Spicy Pickle Panini♦Salads♦Subs & design (Registration No. 3,182,753).  We also have a Canadian registration that is pending for the Spicy Pickle name and logo.





We have a license to use the following marks registered with the Canadian Intellectual Property Office:





Type
Mark
Registration NumberWord
Bread Garden
TMA385925Design
Bread Garden Bakery Café
TMA389963Word
Bread Garden Catering
TMA703333Word
Wholesale Food for the Timed Shared
TMA589191Word
The Break you Need...The Food You Love
TMA558692Design
Bread Garden Catering
TMA727604Design
Bread Garden Express
TMA703428Word
Bread Garden Express
TMA703338Design
Bread Garden Express
TMA703427Design
Bread Garden Express
TMA703336





Employees





As of March 10, 2010, we have a total of 85 employees in our franchising, restaurant and bakery operations, of which 22 are full time.








Item 1A.  Risk Factors





Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully consider the risks described below with all of the other information included in this report before making an investment decision. If any of the possible adverse events described below actually occur, our business, results of operations or financial condition would likely suffer. In such an event, the market price of our common stock could decline and you could lose all or part of your investment. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face.





RISKS RELATING TO OUR BUSINESS





We have historically incurred losses and may continue to incur losses in the future, which may impact our ability to implement our business strategy and adversely affect our financial condition.





In the future we expect to increase our operating expenses by expanding our marketing activities and increasing our level of capital expenditures in order to grow our business and further develop and maintain our services. Such increases in operating expense levels and capital expenditures may adversely affect our operating results if we are unable to immediately realize benefits from such expenditures. In addition, if we are unable to manage a significant





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increase in operating expenses, our liquidity will likely decrease and negatively impact our cash flow and ability to sustain operations. In turn, this would have a negative impact on our financial condition and share price.





We cannot assure you that we will be profitable or generate sufficient profits from operations in the future. If our revenue growth does not continue, we may experience a loss in one or more future periods. We may not be able to reduce or maintain our expenses in response to any decrease in our revenue, which may impact our ability to implement our business strategy and adversely affect our financial condition. This would also have a negative impact on our share price.





Our operating results are closely tied to the success of our franchisees.





Our operating results are dependent upon our selling additional franchises and our receipt of royalties from our existing franchisees. Franchisees may lack access to the financial or management resources that they need to open or continue operating their restaurants. New franchisees may not be able to find suitable sites on which to develop restaurants, negotiate acceptable lease or purchase terms for the sites, obtain the necessary permits and government approvals or meet construction schedules. Our franchisees generally depend upon financing from banks and other financial institutions to finance the cost of opening a new restaurant. If franchisees cannot obtain financing and restaurants do not open, our royalties from those restaurants will not exist. Any decrease or delay in our planned revenues could slow our planned growth.





We may need additional financing to support business growth, and this capital might not be available on acceptable terms, or at all, which could adversely affect our financial condition.





We may need additional funds to develop and expand our franchises, company restaurants and product lines. Lack of funds may cause us to delay, reduce or abandon aspects of our expansion or product development programs. Moreover, we cannot assure you that our financial resources will be sufficient to finance our operations on an ongoing basis, or that we will be able to obtain additional funding when our current financial resources are exhausted. We expect that our revenues and operating results will fluctuate significantly in the future. We could require additional financing to support existing and new franchises, and to finance the development, production and distribution of new products.





The current economic situation has adversely affected our business, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources.





The U.S. economy is currently undergoing a significant slowdown and volatility due to uncertainties related to availability of credit, difficulties in the banking and financial services sectors, softness in the housing market, severely diminished market liquidity, falling consumer confidence and rising unemployment rates. These conditions have impacted our business in several ways.





Our business is dependent to a significant extent on national, regional and local economic conditions, particularly those that affect our guests that frequently patronize our restaurants. In particular, where our customers’ disposable income available for discretionary spending is reduced (such as by job losses, credit constraints and higher housing, taxes, energy, interest or other costs) or where the perceived wealth of customers has decreased (because of circumstances such as lower residential real estate values, increased foreclosure rates, increased tax rates or other economic disruptions), our restaurants have experienced lower sales and customer traffic as potential customers choose lower-cost alternatives or choose alternatives to dining out. The resulting decreases in customer traffic or average value per transaction has negatively impacted our financial performance, as reduced revenues result in downward pressure on margins. These factors have reduced our Company-owned restaurants’ gross sales and profitability, as well as the gross sales of franchised restaurants, resulting in lower royalty payments from franchisees.





Diminished restaurant performance and the difficulty in obtaining financing have also negatively impacted our ability to sell franchises and to get persons who have purchased franchises to develop their restaurants.  Persons who might otherwise invest in a franchise may be reluctant to do so if they believe that the cash flow generated by operating a Spicy Pickle or Bread Garden restaurant does not provide an adequate return on an investment or is insufficient to service debt.  These factors may also discourage persons who have purchased franchises from





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investing more capital to develop their restaurants.  While we have signed agreements with franchisees to open 59 restaurants under the Spicy Pickle brand as of December 31, 2009, there is no assurance that all of these restaurants will be opened.  If the restaurants do not open, we will not receive cash flow from royalty fees they would generate.





Food safety and food-borne illness concerns may have an adverse effect on our business.





We dedicate substantial resources to ensuring that our customers enjoy safe, quality food products. However, food-borne illnesses (such as E. coli, hepatitis A, trichinosis or salmonella) and food safety issues are an ongoing issue in the restaurant industry. If a food-borne illness or other food safety issues occur, whether at our restaurants or those of our competitors, it is likely that negative publicity would adversely affect our sales and profitability. If our customers become ill from food-borne illnesses, we might need to temporarily close some restaurants. Separately, the occurrence of food-borne illnesses or food safety issues could adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients.





Changes in commodity and other operating costs or supply chain and business disruptions could adversely affect our results of operations.





Changes in food and supply costs are a part of our business; any increase in the prices of our key ingredients, such as beef, chicken, cheese and produce could adversely affect our operating results. We remain susceptible to increases in food costs as a result of factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, seasonal fluctuations, weather conditions, demand, food safety concerns, product recalls, labor disputes and government regulations. In addition to food, we purchase electricity, oil and natural gas needed to operate our restaurants, and suppliers purchase gasoline needed to transport food and supplies to us. Any significant increase in energy costs could adversely affect our business through higher rates and the imposition of fuel surcharges by our suppliers. Because we provide moderately priced food, we may choose not to, or be unable to, pass along commodity price increases to our customers. Additionally, significant increases in gasoline prices could result in a decrease in customer traffic at our restaurants. We rely on third-party distribution companies to deliver food and supplies to our stores. Interruption of distribution services due to financial distress or other issues could impact our operations. Our operating costs also include premiums that we pay for our insurance (including workers’ compensation, general liability, property and health), which may increase over time, thereby further increasing our costs. Finally, our industry is susceptible to natural disasters, which could result in restaurant closures and business disruptions.





We could be party to litigation that could adversely affect us by increasing our expenses or subjecting us to material money damages and other remedies.





We are susceptible to claims filed by customers alleging that we are responsible for an illness or injury they suffered at or after a visit to our restaurants. Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid, or whether we are ultimately held liable, such litigation may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations and hurt our performance. A judgment for significant monetary damages in excess of any insurance coverage could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations. Any adverse publicity resulting from these allegations may also adversely affect our reputation, which in turn could adversely affect our results.





In addition, the restaurant industry has been subject to claims that relate to the nutritional content of food products, as well as claims that the menus and practices of restaurant chains have led to the obesity of some guests. We also may be subject to this type of claim in the future and, even if we are not, publicity about these matters (particularly directed at the quick-service and fast casual segments of the industry) may harm our reputation and adversely affect our results.





Compliance with governmental regulations may adversely affect our business operations.





We and our franchisees are subject to various federal, state, provincial, and local regulations. Each of our restaurants is subject to state, provincial, and local licensing and regulation by health, sanitation, food and workplace safety and other agencies. Requirements of local authorities with respect to zoning, land use, licensing, permitting and environmental factors could delay or prevent development of new restaurants in particular locations.





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We are subject to the U.S. Americans with Disabilities Act and similar state laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations and other areas. The expenses associated with any facilities modifications required by these laws could be material. Our operations are also subject to the U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs such matters as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions, family leave mandates and a variety of similar state laws that govern these and other employment law matters. The compliance costs associated with these laws and evolving regulations could be substantial.





The operation of our franchise system is also subject to franchise laws and regulations enacted by a number of states and rules promulgated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.  We are also subject to rules and regulations under Canadian law.  Any future legislation regulating our franchise relationships may negatively affect our operations, particularly our relationships with our franchisees. Failure to comply with new or existing franchise laws and regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required government approvals could result in a ban or temporary suspension on future franchise sales.





We may not attain our target development goals.





We are pursuing a disciplined growth strategy, which will depend in large part on our ability and the ability of our franchisees to increase sales volumes in existing restaurants, open new restaurants, and operate these restaurants profitably. We cannot guarantee that we, or our franchisees, will be able to achieve our expansion goals or that new or converted restaurants will be operated profitably. Further, there is no assurance that any restaurant we open or convert will obtain operating results similar to those of our existing restaurants. The success of our planned expansion, including our branding initiatives, will depend upon numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control.





The fast casual segment of the restaurant industry is highly competitive.





The fast casual segment of the restaurant industry is highly competitive and fragmented. In addition, fast casual restaurants compete against other segments of the restaurant industry, including quick-service restaurants and casual dining restaurants. The number, size and strength of competitors vary by region. All of these restaurants compete based on a number of factors, including taste, quickness of service, value, name recognition, restaurant location and customer service. Competition within the fast casual restaurant segment, however, focuses primarily on the taste, quality and freshness of the menu items and the ambience and condition of each restaurant.





We focus on price and quality of food products, new product development, advertising levels and promotional initiatives, customer service, reputation, restaurant location, and attractiveness and maintenance of properties. If our company-owned restaurants and franchised restaurants are unable to compete successfully with other restaurants in new and existing markets, our business could be adversely affected. In the restaurant industry, labor is a primary operating cost component. Competition for qualified employees also could require us to pay higher wages to attract a sufficient number of employees. In addition, our success depends to a significant extent on numerous factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions, disposable consumer income and consumer confidence. Adverse changes in these factors could reduce guest traffic or impose practical limits on pricing, either of which could harm our results of operations.





We may not persuade customers of the benefits of paying our prices for higher-quality food.





Our success as a fast casual restaurant depends in large part on our ability to persuade customers that food made with higher-quality ingredients is worth the prices they will pay at our restaurants relative to prices offered by some of our competitors, particularly those in the quick-service segment. We may not be able to successfully educate customers about the quality of our food or food quality may not matter to them even if they do understand we must charge more for higher-quality food. If that were to happen, we might need to change our pricing, advertising or promotional strategies, which could materially and adversely affect our results or the brand identity that we have tried to create.





9


Health concerns arising from outbreaks of Avian flu may have an adverse effect on our business.





In 2004 and 2005, Asian and European countries experienced outbreaks of Avian flu, and some commentators have hypothesized that further outbreaks could occur and reach pandemic levels. While fully cooked chicken has been determined to be safe for consumption, and while we have taken and continue to take measures to anticipate and minimize the effect of these outbreaks on our business, any further outbreaks could adversely affect the price and availability of poultry and cause customers to shift their preferences. In addition, outbreaks on a widespread basis could also affect our ability to attract and retain employees.





We are dependent on key personnel, the loss of whom could significantly harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.





Our success depends to a significant extent upon the efforts and abilities of our key personnel, including Marc Geman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Walker, Chief Operating Officer and co-founder, as well as other key creative and strategic marketing and operational personnel. Competition for highly qualified personnel is intense. The loss of any executive officer, manager or other key employee could have a material adverse effect upon our business, operating results and financial condition. If we are not able to efficiently replace our key personnel with qualified individuals, our business and operational activities could suffer. In turn, if our operational activities decline, our financial performance and overall financial condition will also suffer. We cannot assure you that a replacement for these key employees could be located if their services were no longer available. At present, we do not have key man insurance for Mr. Geman or, Mr. Walker.





We are a high-risk early stage company.





We are a high-risk early stage company with limited operating history in a competitive industry. Our limited operating history provides a limited basis on which to base an evaluation of our business and prospects. In addition, our revenue model relies substantially on the assumption that we will be able to successfully expand our sales and distribution channels in key markets. Our prospects must be considered in light of the risks, uncertainties, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered by companies in the earliest stages of development. To be successful, we must, among other things:


·
continue to expand the number of franchise and corporate locations;


·
attract and maintain customer loyalty;


·
continue to establish and increase brand awareness;


·
provide products to customers at attractive prices;


·
establish and maintain relationships with strategic partners and affiliates;


·
rapidly respond to competitive developments;


·
build an operations and customer service structure to support our business; and


·
attract, retain and motivate qualified personnel.





We cannot guarantee that we will be able to achieve these goals, and our failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. If our business suffers as a result of failing to meet any one or all of these goals, our performance and financial condition will suffer.





Our operating results may fluctuate in future periods and, as a result, we may fail to meet investor expectations, which could cause the price of our common stock to decline.





As a result of our history of incurring net losses, the relatively short time frame of the operations of several of our franchises and the highly competitive nature of the industry, we may not be able to accurately predict our operating results on a quarterly basis, if at all. We expect to experience significant fluctuations in our future quarterly operating results due to a variety of factors, many of which are outside of our control, including:





·
our ability to establish and strengthen brand awareness;


·
our success, and the success of our strategic partners, in promoting our products;


·
the overall market demand for food products of the type offered by us and in general;


·
pricing changes for food products as a result of competition or other factors;






10




·
the amount and timing of the costs relating to our marketing efforts or other initiatives;


·
the timing of contracts with strategic partners and other parties;


·
our ability to compete in a highly competitive market, and the introduction of new products by us; and


·
economic conditions specific to the food industry and general economic conditions.





We believe period-to-period comparisons of our operating results are not necessarily meaningful, and you should not rely upon them as indicators of future performance. It is also possible that, in the future, our operating results will be below the expectations of public market analysts and investors due to quarterly fluctuations rather than our overall performance. In that event, the trading price of our common stock may decline.





We could have difficulty in the management of potential growth, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.





We anticipate that a period of significant expansion will be required to capitalize on the potential growth in our customer base, market opportunities and personnel. This expansion will place a significant strain on our management, operational and financial resources, and we will be required to implement new operational and financial systems, procedures and controls, and to expand, train and manage our and our franchisees’ growing employee base. We also will be required to expand our finance, administrative and operations staff.





Further, we anticipate entering into relationships with various strategic partners and third parties necessary to our business. We cannot assure you that our current and planned personnel, systems, procedures and controls will be adequate to support our future operations, that management will be able to hire, train, retain, motivate and manage required personnel for planned operations, or that our management will be able to identify, manage and exploit existing and potential strategic relationship and market opportunities. Our failure to manage growth effectively could have a material adverse effect on our business because we might be unable to meet the operational and training demands of our franchisees or maintain a level of inventory sufficient to support demand. This could cause us to lose customers, which would have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.





We may not be able to successfully integrate and oversee the growth of new franchises, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.





In addition to organic growth to expand our operations and market presence, we intend to pursue a growth strategy driven by selling franchises and territories in key locations as well as opening additional company-owned and operated stores. Any such transactions would be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in such transactions, including, among others, the difficulty of assimilating operations, technology and personnel of the combined franchises, the potential disruption of our ongoing business, the inability to retain key technical and managerial personnel, the inability of management to maximize our financial and strategic position through the successful integration of the new franchises, additional expenses associated with amortization of acquired intangible assets, the maintenance of uniform standards, controls and policies and the impairment of relationships with existing employees and customers. We may not be successful in overcoming these risks or any other potential problems. Any additional franchises may have a material adverse effect on our business if any of the risks stated above materialize, and each of the risks stated above could bring about adverse operating results which, in turn, would negatively impact our financial condition.





We have incurred increased costs as a result of being a public company and this may adversely affect our operating results.





As a public company, we have incurred significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. We also anticipate that we will incur costs associated with adopted corporate governance requirements, including requirements under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and the OTC Bulletin Board (the “OTCBB”). We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and make some activities more time-consuming and costly. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these new rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.





11


New rules, including those contained in and issued under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, may make it difficult for us to retain or attract qualified officers and directors, which could adversely affect the management of our business and our ability to retain the trading status of our common stock on the OTCBB.





The enactment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 has resulted in the issuance of a series of new rules and regulations and the strengthening of existing rules and regulations by the SEC. We may be unable to attract and retain qualified officers, directors and members of board committees required for our effective management as a result of the recent and currently proposed changes in the rules and regulations that govern publicly held companies. The perceived increased personal risk associated with these recent changes may deter qualified individuals from accepting these roles.





If we fail to comply with federal and state statutes, regulations and rules governing our offer and sale of franchises and our relationship with our franchisees, we may be subject to franchisee-initiated litigation and governmental or judicial fines or sanctions.





We are subject to the Federal Trade Commission and to various state laws that govern the offer and sale of franchises. Additionally, many state laws regulate various aspects of the franchise relationship, including the following:




·
the nature, timing and sufficiency of disclosures to franchisees upon the initiation of the franchisor-potential franchisee relationship;


·
our conduct during the franchisor-franchisee relationship; and


·
renewals and terminations of franchises.




Any past or future failures by us to comply with these laws and regulations in any jurisdiction or to obtain required government approvals could result in franchisee-initiated lawsuits, a ban or temporary suspension on future franchise sales, or civil and administrative penalties or other fines, or require us to make offers of rescission, disgorgement or restitution, any of which could adversely affect our business and operating results. We could also face lawsuits by our franchisees based upon alleged violations of these laws. In the case of willful violations, criminal sanctions could be brought against us.





Our franchisees could take actions that could be harmful to our business.





Our franchisees are contractually obligated to operate their restaurants in accordance with our standards and all applicable laws. Although we attempt to properly train and support franchisees, franchisees are independent third parties that we do not control, and the franchisees own, operate and oversee the daily operations of their restaurants. As a result, the ultimate success and quality of any franchised restaurant rests with the franchisee. If franchisees do not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards, the Spicy Pickle image and reputation could be harmed, which in turn could adversely affect our business and operating results. Further, a franchisee’s inability to remain financially viable could result in its failure to pay various franchise-related fees owed to us. Finally, regardless of the actual validity of such a claim, we may be named as a party in an action relating to, and/or be held liable for, the conduct of our franchisees if it is shown that we exercise a sufficient level of control over a particular franchisee’s operation.





RISKS RELATING TO OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK





Our common stock price has been volatile, which could result in substantial losses for investors purchasing shares of our common stock.





The market price of our common stock has fluctuated significantly in the past. Our common stock started trading on the OTCBB under the symbol “SPKL” on August 20, 2007.  Since it started trading, the high and low prices of a share of our common stock have been $2.02 and $0.08, respectively.  On March 8, 2010, the last reported sale price of a share of our common stock was $0.153. The market price of our common stock may continue to fluctuate in response to the following factors, in addition to others, many of which are beyond our control:


·
changes in market valuations of similar companies and stock market price and volume fluctuations generally;


12




·
economic conditions specific to the industries within which we operate;


·
announcements by us or our competitors of new franchises, food products or marketing partnerships;


·
actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;


·
changes in the number of our franchises; and


·
loss of key employees.





In addition, the stock market in general, and the OTCBB specifically, have experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that have often been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of the listed companies. These broad market and industry factors may seriously harm the market price of our common stock, regardless of our operating performance. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market, securities class action litigation has often been instituted against public companies. Litigation against us, whether or not a judgment is entered against us, could result in substantial costs, and, potentially, economic loss and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources.





The market price of our common stock is likely to be highly volatile, which could cause investment losses for our shareholders and result in shareholder litigation with substantial costs, economic loss and diversion of our resources.





We may continue to pay for consulting and professional services fees with our stock, and this would be dilutive to investors.





In the past, we have issued shares to consultants and professional services providers as a means of paying certain professional service fees and consulting agreements. We may continue to use our stock in the future as a means of paying for these kinds of services and believe that doing so will enable us to retain a greater percentage of our operating capital to pay for operations, product development and marketing.





Price and volume fluctuations in our stock might negatively impact our ability to effectively use our stock to pay for services, or it could cause us to offer stock as compensation for services on terms that are not favorable to us and our shareholders. If we did resort to granting stock in lieu of cash for consulting and professional services fees under unfavorable circumstances, it would result in increased dilution to investors.





Our executive officers and directors own a significant amount of our common stock, which probably will allow them to control the outcome of matters submitted to our shareholders for vote.





As of March 10, 2010, management owns a significant number of our issued and outstanding shares of common stock. Management owns approximately 47.25% of our issued and outstanding common stock, and other remaining shareholders own approximately 52.75% of our issued and outstanding common stock. Because management owns a significant block of the common stock, management probably will have the ability to elect a majority of the Board of Directors and thereby control our management. Although they are under no obligation to do so, if our executive officers and directors (and their affiliates) were to vote together, they probably also would have the ability to control the outcome of corporate actions requiring shareholder approval, including mergers and other changes of corporate control, going private transactions, and other extraordinary transactions. This concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control, even if a change of control would benefit shareholders.





We have not paid cash dividends to our common stockholders, and it is unlikely that we will pay cash dividends to our common stockholders in the foreseeable future.





To the extent that we have earnings, we plan to use earnings to fund our operations. We do not plan to pay any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We cannot guarantee that we will generate, at any time, sufficient surplus cash that would be available for distribution as a dividend to the holders of our common stock. You should not expect to receive cash dividends on our common stock.





13


Our common stock is considered to be a “penny stock” as defined by Section 3(a)(51) and Rule 3a51-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and, therefore, is subject to penny stock regulations. These regulations could make it more difficult for you to sell shares you acquire.





Our common stock is subject to regulations of the SEC relating to the market for penny stocks. These regulations generally require broker-dealers who sell penny stocks to persons other than established customers and accredited investors to deliver a disclosure schedule explaining the penny stock market and the risks associated with that market. These regulations also impose various sales practice requirements on broker-dealers. The regulations that apply to penny stocks may severely affect the market liquidity for our securities, and that could limit your ability to sell your securities in the secondary market.








NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS





This report, including the sections entitled “Business,” “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contains forward-looking statements.





These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include those listed under “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We do not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report or to conform these statements to actual results.





You should rely only on the information contained in this report. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with information that is different from that contained in this report. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. The information presented on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not a part of this report. You should assume the information appearing in this report is accurate only as of the date on which this report was filed. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.








Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments





Not required for small reporting companies.








Item 2.  Properties





We do not own any real property. We lease all of the real properties we use in our business. The table below sets forth information regarding each of those properties as of March 10, 2010. We believe that each of our leased facilities is suitable for the operations we conduct in it.


14





Use
Location
Current Monthly Rent
Square Footage
Remaining Term

(in years)

Including Expected Renewal Period
CommentsCorporate headquarters
90 Madison St.

Denver, CO
$13,365
7,869
3.50
Rent increases each year through 2013.Restaurant and bakery
1298 S. Broadway

Denver, CO
$4,081
3,481
7.17
Rent increases in 2012.Restaurant
10320 Federal Heights Blvd.

#200

Federal Heights, CO
$2,600
1,453
9.67
Rent increases each year.  Includes 1 five-year renewals.Restaurant
8923 E. Union Ave.

Greenwood Village, CO
$2,065
1,516
10.75
Rent increases each year.  Includes 2 five-year renewals.Restaurant
2043 S. University Blvd.

Denver, CO
$3,740
2,200
8.42
Rent increases each year.  Includes 1 five-year renewals.Restaurant
123 N. College Ave.

Ft. Collins, CO
$1,952
1,848
16.83
Includes 3 five-year options.Restaurant
2120 E. Harmony Rd.

#101

Ft. Collins, CO
$4,650
1,800
8.83
Includes 1 five-year option.Restaurant
2300 Parker Rd.

Aurora, CO
$5,407
1,800
8.00
Rent increases each year.Corporate, Canadian headquarters
777 Dunsmuir

Vancouver, Canada
$3,474
1,124
1.00








Item 3.  Legal Proceedings.





We are not involved in any material legal proceedings.  None of our officers, directors or affiliates, nor any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent of any class of our voting securities, nor any associate of any such director, officer, affiliate of the Company, or security holder is a party adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to us or any of our subsidiaries.








Item 4.  (Removed and Reserved)





15


PART II





Item 5.  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.





Market Information





Our common stock is quoted on the OTCBB under the symbol “SPKL.” Trading of our stock on the OTCBB began on August 20, 2007. The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the reported high and low closing bid quotations for our common stock as reported by NASDAQ in the Info Quotes section of its website located at www.nasdaq.com. The bid prices reflect inter-dealer quotations, do not include retail markups, markdowns or commissions and may not represent actual transactions.





Quarter Ended
High Bid
Low BidDecember 31, 2009
$0.21
$0.08September 30, 2009
$0.23
$0.14June 30, 2009
$0.20
$0.15March 31, 2009
$0.24
$0.14December 31, 2008
$0.46
$0.17September 30, 2008
$0.84
$0.39June 30, 2008
$1.01
$0.67March 31, 2008
$1.40
$0.80





Shareholders





We have approximately 82 record holders of our common stock as of March 10, 2010.





Dividends





We have not paid any cash dividends on our common stock, and we currently intend to retain any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. Any future determination to pay dividends on our common stock will depend upon our results of operations, financial condition and capital requirements, applicable restrictions under any credit facilities or other contractual arrangements or related to the Series A Preferred Stock and such other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.





Equity Compensation Plan Information





Information relating to compensation plans under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance is set forth in Item 12 of this report under “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.”





Issuance of Unregistered Shares





During the quarter ended December 31, 2009, we sold one-half Unit for cash in the amount of $50,000.  The half Unit consisted of 384,615 shares of common stock and a warrant to purchase an additional 192,308 shares of common stock at $.19 per share.  The warrants expire September 22, 2014.  No underwriters were used in the above stock transactions.  We relied upon the exemption from registration contained in Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, as the investors were either deemed to be sophisticated with respect to the investment in the securities due to their financial condition and involvement in our business or accredited investors.  Restrictive legends were placed on the certificates evidencing the securities issued in these transactions.








Item 6. Selected Financial Data





Not required for smaller reporting companies.





16


Item 7.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations





The following discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes included elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors discussed in “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report.





Overview





Our business is the franchise and operation of Spicy PickleTM and Bread Garden Urban Café restaurants. Spicy Pickle is a fast casual restaurant where made-to-order panini, submarine-style sandwiches, pizzetti (Neapolitan thin crust pizza), and salads created by our founders are served using fresh-baked breads and high-quality ingredients.  Spicy Pickle restaurants are located in 11 states in the United States.  Bread Garden Urban Café restaurants also specialize in fast casual dining.  Unlike our Spicy Pickle restaurants, our Bread Garden Urban Café restaurants offer a full line of specialty coffees, pastries, and desserts along with hot entrees, salads, soups, and sandwiches.  Bread Garden Urban Cafés are located primarily in metropolitan Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.





We market our menu primarily through targeted local store marketing efforts, mail drops, media advertising, and print campaigns, as well as through other grass roots efforts. The "Spicy Pickle" brand name has existed for ten years.  The “Bread Garden Urban Café” brand name has existed since 1979.  We are headquartered in Denver, Colorado.





The first Spicy Pickle restaurant was launched in 1999 by two individuals, Kevin Morrison and Anthony Walker, under the name Spicy Pickle, LLC. In late 2001, there were three restaurants, two in Denver and one in Lakewood, a Denver suburb.  Mr. Walker is currently our Chief Operating Officer.  By January 2003, we organized Spicy Pickle Franchising, LLC and launched the Spicy Pickle brand as a national franchise and recruited Marc Geman, former president of the PretzelMaker franchise, as our Chief Executive Officer.





As of December 31, 2009, we had 30 franchised Spicy Pickle restaurants and seven company-owned Spicy Pickle restaurants opened.  Co-located with one of the restaurants is a bakery which provides fresh baked breads to the local area Denver restaurants.  This bakery has replaced the previous supplier of our artisan breads and is expected to result in a food cost savings for the franchisees in that market. Spicy Pickle restaurants outside this market are equipped for bread baking at the store location.





Our franchise agreements include build-out schedules for franchisee restaurants. Through December 31, 2009, we have signed agreements with franchisees to open 59 additional restaurants under the Spicy Pickle Brand.  However there can be no assurances that all of the additional restaurants will be built out and opened.  We review the schedule build-outs on an ongoing basis and when we determine that a franchisee will not open a restaurant we terminate the agreement.  We continue to interview prospective franchisees and rely on the cash deposits from the franchise sales as well as royalty fees from the existing restaurants to support the expenses of the business.





Our locations and marketing efforts are directed principally to white collar administrative, managerial, professional, and sales personnel, who are generally found in and near downtown districts, technological centers, universities, hospitals and government complexes.





We currently derive our revenue from the sale of franchises, from royalties paid by franchisees and from the sale of food and beverages at the company owned restaurants.  Our business is headquartered in Colorado, and we have a high concentration of restaurants in the Rocky Mountain region. Additionally, we have franchises opened and planned in a number of other regions in the United States.





Our Spicy Pickle restaurant locations (including both company-owned and franchisee-owned), including those under construction and lease negotiation as of December 31, 2009, are:


17










Location
Restaurants Operating
Under Construction
In Lease NegotiationDenver, Colorado
5Boulder, Colorado (1)
2Ft. Collins, Colorado
2Aurora, Colorado
2Centennial, Colorado
1Lone Tree, Colorado
1Greenwood Village, Colorado
1Federal Heights, Colorado
1Johnstown, Colorado
1Colorado Springs, Colorado
1Louisville, Colorado
1Englewood, Colorado
1Ashburn, Virginia (2)
1Portland, Oregon (3)
2Poway, California (4)
1Henderson, Nevada
1Reno, Nevada
2Chicago, Illinois
1Cincinnati, Ohio
1Austin, Texas (5)
1San Diego, California
2Chandler, Arizona
1Hattiesburg, Mississippi
1Edmond, Oklahoma
1Cedar Park, Texas
1Houston, Texas
1
1
1Naperville, Illinois
1Temecula, California (6)

1Las Vegas, Nevada

137
3
1





(1)
One restaurant closed subsequent to December 31, 2009.


(2)
Closed subsequent to December 31, 2009 due to lease expiration and is relocating and will reopen in 2010.


(3)
One restaurant closed subsequent to December 31, 2009.


(4)
One restaurant closed subsequent to December 31, 2009.


(5)
An additional restaurant closed during 2009 to relocate and will reopen in 2010.


(6)
Opened subsequent to December 31, 2009.





In October 2008 we acquired the franchise rights to the Bread Garden Urban Café restaurant chain.  We believe that our core competence is the building and operation of franchised restaurant chains.  Our purpose in acquiring the Bread Garden Urban Café restaurant chain was to allow us to better utilize our existing infrastructure by expanding our operating base.  In addition we made the acquisition to increase our revenues.  We are currently working towards increasing the number of franchised restaurants in the Bread Garden Urban Café chain.  We are also working to improve the menu offerings, develop new operating procedures and manuals, and to develop a more comprehensive marketing strategy.





18





Our Bread Garden locations including those under construction and in lease negotiation as of December 31, 2009 are:





Location
Restaurants Operating
Under Construction
In Lease NegotiationVancouver, British Columbia (1)
6
2Richmond, British Columbia
2Surrey, British Columbia
1Burnaby, British Columbia
1West Vancouver, British Columbia
1Coquitlam, British Columbia
2Kamloops, British Columbia
1Whistler Resort, British Columbia
1Brisbane, Australia
116
2




(1)
The 2 restaurants under construction opened subsequent to December 31, 2009





We intend to increase our revenues by selling new franchises and expanding consumption of our food products at all restaurants. General economic and industry conditions may affect our ability to do so and our revenue performance.




We have been developing our franchise network through the sale of franchises and through acquisition.  We have relied on fund raising and the sales of new franchises to augment the cash we receive from continuing royalty payments for our cash flow.  The unanticipated economic conditions that surfaced in 2008 and continued into 2009 resulted in a significant reduction in the sales of new franchises which has resulted in a significant decrease in our cash position.  As soon as it became apparent that the economic downturn would not correct itself in the short term, we significantly reduced our corporate overhead, mostly in the area of personnel cost.





Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates





The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern.  The Company incurred a net loss of $2,039,841 for the year ended December 31, 2009 and has incurred significant net losses since inception.





We have been developing our franchise network through the sale of franchises and through acquisition.  We have relied on fund raising and the sales of new franchises to augment the cash we receive from continuing royalty payments for our cash flow.  The economic conditions of 2009 resulted in a significant reduction in the sales of new franchises which has resulted in a significant decrease in our cash position.  We significantly reduced our corporate overhead mostly in the area of personnel cost.





We believe that the reductions we have made will enable us to continue operations at current levels, but will not be sufficient to successfully implement our growth strategies.  Accordingly, management is considering raising money during the year ended December 31, 2010 to fund the company’s growth.  The realization of a significant portion of the assets in the accompanying balance sheet is dependent on our continued operations, which in turn is dependent on the increase in sales of new franchises, the number of operating franchise restaurants, or the additional capital raised through a placement of our securities.





The preparation of our financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. A summary of accounting policies that have been applied to the historical financial statements presented in this report can be found in the footnotes thereto.  We consider certain of these accounting policies to be critical as they are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and may require judgments on the part of management about matters that are uncertain. We have





19





identified the following accounting policies that are important to the presentation of financial information in this report.





Revenue Recognition





Initial Franchise Fees - We enter into franchise agreements, which grant franchisees the exclusive right to develop and operate businesses at certain locations. Initial franchise fees are recognized as revenue when all material services and conditions required to be performed by us have been substantially completed, which is generally when the business commences operations. Initial franchise fees were established at $45,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Franchise fees recognized were $297,480 and $252,500 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively.





Royalty Fees - Pursuant to the franchise agreements, franchisees are required to pay royalties to us based on 5% of weekly gross sales as reported to us through the franchisees’ point of sales systems. The royalties are recognized as revenue in the period corresponding to the sales reporting period. Royalty fees were $878,639 and $819,489 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.





With regard to royalty fees, our franchisees grant us the right to extract data from their point of sale systems in each restaurant they operate. We receive weekly reports on sales at each franchise location and calculate our revenue directly from those reports. This allows for extremely accurate accounting of our revenue stream from royalty fees. We do not anticipate any future change in the method of reporting.





Rebates - Rebates received from purveyors that supply products to our franchisees are included in Franchise Fees and Royalties. The rebates are recorded when earned. Rebates that relate to company-owned restaurants are offset against restaurant cost of sales. Rebates related to franchisees were $274,780, and $235,305 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.





Restaurant and Bakery Sales - We record revenue from company-owned restaurant sales upon delivery of the related food and other products to customers. Our restaurant sales are either cash or credit card (which are pre-approved) sales and, therefore, no estimate for collectibility is necessary.  We record revenue from bakery sales when sold to the bakery customers, which are our franchisees.





Advertising Costs





Franchisees must contribute to an advertising fund established by us at a rate of up to 2% for the Spicy Pickle brand and 1.5% for the Bread Garden Urban Café brand of total franchisee gross sales. At our discretion, we may spend more or less than actual advertising receipts from the franchises. Advertising fees collected were $358,299 and $375,477 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These fees are offset against advertising expenses, which are recognized when incurred. We incurred advertising expense of $375,525 and $828,335 in 2009 and 2008, respectively, including those from the advertising fund and our own advertising expenses. The net amounts reflected in the financial statements are $17,266 and $452,858 in 2009 and 2008, respectively.





Rent Expense





We recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as defined in the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 840, Leases (“ASC 840”). In addition, certain of our lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. We include any rent escalations and construction period and other rent holidays in our determination of straight-line rent expense. Therefore, rent expense for new locations is charged to expense beginning with the start of the construction period. Deferred rent expense was $143,401 and $93,052 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and will be charged to rent expense over the life of the leases to which it relates.





20


Equity-Based Compensation





Stock-based compensation is presented in accordance with the guidance of ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).  Under the provisions of ASC 718, companies are required to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our statement of operations.





We issued share-based payments under our 2006 Stock Option Plan which is a qualified stock option plan and to employees of our Canadian subsidiary on an individual by individual basis.





In both instances we used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”) to determine fair value. The determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Although the fair value of employee stock options is determined in accordance with ASC 718 using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.





The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2009 of $0.0065 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected volatility of 41.28%, expected term of 2.63 years, risk-free interest rate of 1.448% and no expected dividend yield.





The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2008 of $0.168 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected volatility of 43.18%, expected term of 2.5 years, risk-free interest rate of 2.4% and no expected dividend yield.





During September 2009 we reduced the exercise price of all of the then outstanding options to $.20 per share.  In accordance with ASC 718 the amount of additional compensation recognized was determined by calculating the fair value of the options immediately before the modification less the fair value of the options as modified.  We calculated the fair value of options immediately before the modification using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $0.677, expected volatility of 41.97%, expected term of 1.34 years, risk-free interest rate of 0.388% and no expected dividend yield.  We calculated the fair value of options immediately after the modification using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $0.20, expected volatility of 41.97%, expected term of 1.34 years, risk-free interest rate of 0.388% and no expected dividend yield.  The weighted value of each option immediately before the modification was $0.0036 and the weighted average value immediately after the modification was $0.0163.





The amount recognized as additional compensation was $86,790 for the year ended December 31, 2009.





Total compensation expense of all stock-based compensation (including the amount disclosed above) recognized under ASC 718 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $168,825 and $840,395, respectively, which consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options.





21


Goodwill and Other Intangibles





Goodwill and other intangible assets include the following:


2009


2008Goodwill:Related to franchise operation (Bread Garden)

$
1,276,882


$
1,276,882Related to restaurant operations


320,579



320,579Total goodwill

$
1,597,461


$
1,597,461Other intangiblesAcquired trademarks

$
291,000


$
291,000Acquired franchise agreements, net of amortization


882,728



971,000Reacquired franchise agreements


55,000



55,000Total other intangibles

$
1,228,728


$
1,317,000





We recognize goodwill and identifiable intangibles arising from the allocation of the purchase prices of assets acquired in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of all identifiable assets less any liabilities assumed.  ASC 805 gives guidance on five types of assets: marketing-related, customer-related, artistic-related, contract-related and technology based intangible assets.  We identified identifiable intangibles that are market-related and contract-related.  Acquired trademarks represent the trademarks associated with the Bread Garden Urban Café franchise business acquired in 2008.  These trademarks were determined to have an indefinite life. Acquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements between Bread Garden, the company that we purchased the assets from, and the then existing franchisees.  Reacquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements that were in place between us and the franchisees that we purchased assets from in the acquisition of four restaurants.  Acquired and reacquired franchise agreements have determinable lives between 5.5 years and 11 years.





Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other(“ASC 350”) requires a two-step approach for testing impairment. For goodwill, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value to determine whether an indication of impairment exists. If impairment is indicated, the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the unit’s fair value to its assets and liabilities (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. For intangibles with indefinite lives, the fair value is compared to the carrying value. The amount of impairment for goodwill and other intangible assets is measured as the excess of its carrying amount over its fair value.





In accordance with ASC 350 we perform an impairment analysis of the goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets on an annual basis. We have two reporting units for which goodwill has been recognized, franchise operations and restaurant operations.  We determine our reporting units in accordance with the guidance in the ASC Topic 280 Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”).  We look at the following specific items:


a)
The nature of the products and services


b)
The nature of the production processes


c)
The type or class of customer for their products and services


d)
The methods used to distribute their products or provide their services





We performed the analysis at December 31, 2009 on each of these reporting units separately and there was no indication of impairment in goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets.





In making an estimate of future cash flow as they relate to our franchise operations of the Bread Garden Cafes, we considered the following items:


·
Growth of the number of opened Bread Garden Urban Cafe franchised restaurants at the date of the acquisition to date.  The number of restaurants grew from ten to seventeen.


·
The economic forecast in Canada with particular emphasis on British Columbia and western Canada.


·
Industry forecast for the restaurant industry in Canada with particular emphasis on British Columbia and western Canada.




22




·
Historical operating history of acquired assets as adjusted for forecast.


·
Management’s estimates of new franchisees.


·
Trends in the real estate markets.





At the time of our last analysis the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles as related to the Bread Garden franchise operations was in excess of 150% of the carrying value.





In making an estimate of future cash flow as they relate to our restaurant operations, we considered the following items:


·
The economic forecast in United States.


·
Industry forecast for the restaurant industry in United States with emphasis on the quick serve segment.


·
Historical operating history of acquired assets as adjusted for forecast.


·
Changes to the our menu and introduction of a new day part in our restaurants.





At the time of our last analysis the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles as related to the restaurant operations was in excess of 150% of the carrying value.





We will test for impairment between our annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset.





Long-Lived Assets


In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.





We performed an analysis on a unit by unit basis for both our restaurants and bakery at December 31, 2009.  Assumptions used in preparing the expected cash flows were as follows:


·
Sales projections for 2010 were based on 2009 sales with increases in the later part of the year for the introduction of another day part on our menu.  For the years 2011 through 2019 we used annual increases of 3%.  We believe the 3% increases beyond 2010 is a reasonable growth and that it would be unreasonable to assume no growth.


·
Our food costs are projected based on 2009 operating cost as adjusted for new menu items.


·
Our variable and semi-variable operating costs are projected to increase and include an additional 1.5% per year as inflation.


·
Our fixed operating costs are projected to increase 1.5% per year.


·
Salvage value has been estimated on a restaurant by restaurant basis.





Based on our analysis, no impairment charges were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2009.





Our impairment analysis included a sensitivity analysis with regard to the cash flow projections that determine the recoverability of each restaurant's assets. The results indicate that even with a 20% decline in our projected cash flows we would still not have any potential impairment issues.  However if we elect to sublease, close or otherwise exit a restaurant location, impairment could be required.





Each time we conduct an impairment analysis in the future we will compare actual results to our projections and assumptions, and to the extent our actual results do not meet expectations, we will revise our assumptions and this could result in impairment charges being recognized.





All of the judgments and assumptions made in preparing the cash flow projections are consistent with our other financial statement calculations and disclosures. The assumptions used in the cash flow projections are consistent with other forward-looking information prepared by the company, such as those used for internal budgets, discussions with third parties, and/or reporting to management or the board of directors.





23


To date we have not written down any assets due to impairment; however projecting the cash flows for the impairment analysis involves significant estimates with regard to the performance of each restaurant, and it is reasonably possible that the estimates of cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down operating assets to fair value. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value would be determined using forecasted cash flows discounted using an estimated average cost of capital and the impairment charge would be recognized in income from operations.




Recent Pronouncements





In June 2009, FASB approved the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“the Codification”) as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental GAAP. All existing accounting standard documents, such as FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force and other related literature, excluding guidance from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), have been superseded by the Codification. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification has become non-authoritative. The Codification did not change GAAP, but instead introduced a new structure that combines all authoritative standards into a comprehensive, topically organized online database. The Codification is effective for interim or annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, and impacts our financial statements as all future references to authoritative accounting literature will be referenced in accordance with the Codification. There have been no changes to the content of the Company’s financial statements or disclosures as a result of implementing the Codification.





As a result of our implementation of the Codification during fiscal 2009, previous references to new accounting standards and literature are no longer applicable.





We have reviewed all recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and do not believe the future adoption of any such pronouncements may be expected to cause a material impact on our financial condition or the results of our operations.





Results of Operations





Operating Statistics


The following analysis shows operating statistics for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008:





2009


2008Revenues:

Amount


As a Percentage of Total Revenue


Amount


As a Percentage of Total RevenueRestaurant sales

$
2,264,926



54.94
%

$
2,643,682



59.85
%Bakery sales


406,600



9.86
%


466,669



10.56
%Franchise fees and royalties


1,450,899



35.20
%


1,307,295



29.59
%Total revenue

$
4,122,425



100.00
%

$
4,417,646



100.00
%Operating costs and expenses:Restaurant:





As a Percentage of Restaurant Sales






As a Percentage of Restaurant SalesCost of sales

$
798,768



35.27
%

$
922,667



34.90
%Labor


983,630



43.43
%


1,213,607



45.91
%Occupancy


449,989



19.87
%


408,907



15.47
%Depreciation


241,143



10.65
%


216,495



8.19
%Other operating cost


271,182



11.97
%


415,157



15.70
%Total restaurant operating expenses

$
2,744,712



121.19
%

$
3,176,833



120.17
%
   24
  Bakery:






As a Percentage of Restaurant Sales







As a Percentage of Restaurant SalesCost of sales

$
104,325



25.66
%

$
167,462



35.88
%Labor


185,461



45.61
%


220,911



47.34
%Occupancy


28,610



7.04
%


27,982



6.00
%Depreciation


39,367



9.68
%


39,652



8.50
%Other operating cost


90,793



22.33
%


74,916



16.05
%Total restaurant operating expenses

$
448,556



110.32
%

$
530,923



113.77
%Franchise and general:






As a Percentage of Franchise Fees and Royalties







As a Percentage of Franchise Fees and RoyaltiesGeneral and administrative


2,799,974



192.98
%

$
6,291,136



481.23
%Depreciation


119,965



8.27
%


29,455



2.25
%Total franchise and general expenses

$
2,919,939



201.25
%

$
6,320,591



483.48
%As a Percentage of Total Revenue







As a Percentage of Total RevenueTotal operating costs and expenses

$
6,113,207



148.29
%

$
10,028,347



227.01
%(Loss) from operations


(1,990,782
)


(48.29
%)


(5,610,701
)


(127.01
%)Other income and (expense):Gain (loss) on sale of assets


1,723



.04
%


(32,015
)


(0.72
%)Interest income (expense)


(84,139
)


(2.04
%)


72,472



1.64
%Other income (expense)


33,357



.81
%


(42,505
)


(0.96
%)Total other income and (expense)


(49,059
)


(1.23
%)


(2,048
)


(0.04
%)Net (loss)

$
(2,039,841
)


(49.48
%)

$
(5,612,750
)


(127.05
%)





The components of revenue are restaurant sales for company-owned restaurants, bakery sales for the company-owned bakery and royalties and franchise fees for our franchise operations.





For the year ended December 31, 2009, total revenue decreased $295,221 (6.68%) from $4,417,646 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $4,122,425 for the same period in 2009.





For the year ended December 31, 2009, restaurant sales decreased by $378,756 (14.33%) from $2,643,682 in 2008 to $2,264,926 in 2009.  The decrease in restaurant revenue is principally due to the number of restaurants operating in each period as well as the changes in economic conditions.  In 2009 we had 7 restaurants operating.  In 2008 we had 8 restaurants operating.  The eighth restaurant was sold to a franchise at the end of 2008.





For the year ended December 31, 2009, bakery sales decreased by $60,069 (12.87%) from $466,669 in 2008 to $406,600 in 2009.  Our bakery was operating for the both periods in 2009 and 2008; however we had fewer customers, both franchise and our restaurants, in 2009 than we did in 2008.  In addition our customers’ revenues were down in 2009 resulting in lower bread sales.





25


The loss from restaurant operations decreased $53,365 (10.01%) from $533,151 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $479,786 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The improvement results from the sale of one of our less profitable restaurants.  In addition we have reduced controllable operating costs.  We believe that we will see continued improvement in the operation of our restaurants as we work towards adding new day parts, such as breakfast or dinner, to our menu.





The loss from bakery operations decreased $22,298 (34.70%) from $64,254 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $41,956 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The decrease results from a reduction of cost of sales percentage from 35.88% for the year ended December 31, 2008 to 25.66% for the year ended December 31, 2009.  Bakery labor, which is a significant component of cost, is semi variable and decreased from 47.34% in 2008 to 45.61% in 2009.  Occupancy costs remained relatively constant.  Other operating costs increased $15,877 (21.19%) from $74,916 in 2008 to $90,793 in 2009, primarily from increases in our allowance for bad debts.





Franchise fees and royalty revenue increased $143,604 (10.98%) from $1,307,295 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $1,450,899 in 2009.  Initial franchise fees are collected when a franchisee enters into a franchise agreement.  At that point in time these fees are recorded as deferred revenue and are recognized as revenue on the statement of operations when the franchised restaurant is opened.  In certain cases if a franchisee fails to meet its obligation under its franchise/development agreement we can terminate that agreement and we recognize revenue at that time.  Five Spicy Pickle restaurants and 6 Bread Garden restaurants were opened and 3 agreements, which represented 12 restaurants, were terminated during the year ended December 31, 2009 and we recognized initial franchise fees of $297,480.  Five new Spicy Pickle restaurants were opened during the year ended December 31, 2008 and 4 agreements, which represented 14 restaurants, were terminated.  We recognized fees of $252,500 for the year ended December 31, 2008.  There was $145,000 of deferred franchise fees collected during the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $316,500 for the year ended December 31, 2008.





Royalty fees increased $59,150 (7.22%) from $819,489 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $878,639 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The increase is due primarily to the addition of the Bread Garden Urban Café restaurants in late 2008, offset by an overall decline in our franchised restaurants’ revenues.





Rebates included in revenue increased $21,475 (7.22%) from $235,305 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $274,780 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The increase is due primarily to the addition of the Bread Garden Urban Café restaurants in late 2008.





In general during the year ended December 31, 2008, we were in the process of growing the infrastructure related to our franchise operations.  The growth was to meet expected needs as new franchise restaurants were anticipated to be opened.  In the first quarter of 2008, we entered into agreements for 23 new franchises.  Although we continued to have inquires and visits from potential franchisees in the second and third quarters of 2008, we did not sell any new franchises.  We believe that the lack of sales of new franchises is directly related to the economic downturn in 2008.  Towards the end of the third quarter of 2008, we began to scale back in the infrastructure we had in place.  Our most significant expense is personnel and related costs.  We reduced the number of full time employees from a high of 28 during the year ended 2008 to 13 by December 31, 2009.  We also reduced overhead expenses that have a direct bearing on the number of personnel employed as well as other areas such as travel and entertainment and communication.  We will continue to review our general and administrative costs and respond to the effects of the general economy as timely as possible.





26


The following table sets forth details of the costs that make up general and administrative expenses and the differences for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to December 31, 2008.





2009


2008


DifferencePersonnel cost

$
1,493,785


$
2,654,500


$
(1,160,715
)Professional fees


257,817



378,337



(120,520
)Rent


193,615



174,933



18,682Travel and entertainment


168,764



394,135



(225,371
)Stock options


168,825



840,395



(671,570
)MIS


110,779



178,741



(67,962
)Investor relations


48,875



825,610



(776,735
)Marketing, advertising and promotion


17,226



452,858



(435,632
)Other general and administrative expenses


340,288



391,626



(51,338
)Total general and administrative expenses

$
2,799,974


$
6,291,135


$
(3,491,161
)





General and administrative expenses decreased $3,491,161 (55.49%) from $6,291,135 for the year ended December 31, 2008 to $2,799,974 for year ended December 31, 2009.  Our most significant expense continues to be personnel costs.  We reduced the number of employees from a high of 28 during 2008 to 13 at December 31, 2009.  We also reduced the salary levels of remaining employees.  The two reductions resulted in a decrease in personnel cost of $1,160,715 (43.73%) from $2,654,500 for 2008 to $1,493,785 for 2009.





Professional fees decreased $120,520 (31.86%) from $378,337 for 2008 to $257,817 for 2009.  The reduction was a result of bringing a portion of our legal work in house, offset by increased consulting expenses in connection with our Bread Garden operations which was approximately $70,000.





Rent expense increased $18,682 (10.68%) from $174,933 for 2008 to $193,615 for 2009.  The increase was due to the additional space rented to accommodate the increase in personnel during 2008 as well as added space for our Bread Garden operations in Vancouver, Canada.  During the third and fourth quarters of 2009 we reduced the amount of space we rent by subleasing a portion of our headquarters office.  We have reduced future rent expense by approximately $2,100 per month.  In addition we negotiated with our landlord for a deferral of a portion of the monthly rental payments.  Effective April 2009, we are deferring $3,000 per month.  The amount is included in rent expense but will be due and payable in the future.





Travel and entertainment decreased $225,371 (57.18%) from $394,135 for 2008 to $168,764 for 2009.  The decrease was due to less travel related to our operations department in visiting franchised location to perform onsite evaluations.  We have temporarily reduced the number of visits made each year and combine multiple locations on each trip.





Stock option expense is a non-cash expense.  We estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model.  Stock option expense decreased $671,570 (79.91%) from $840,395 for 2008 to $168,825 for 2009.  We granted 1,600,000 stock options and 3,860,000 stock options during the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  There were 7,990,000 stock options and 6,946,250 stock options outstanding at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. At December 31, 2009, 7,790,000 of the stock options are exercisable.  During September 2009 we reduced the exercise price of all of the outstanding options to $.20 per share.  In accordance with ASC 718 the amount of additional compensation recognized was determined by calculating the fair value of the options immediately before the modification less the fair value of the options as modified.  The amount recognized as additional compensation was $86,790 for the year ended December 31, 2009.





MIS decreased $67,962 (38.02%) from $178,741 for 2008 to $110,779 for 2009.  The decrease was primarily as a result of mature systems, and reducing the third party support of our systems.





Investor relations decreased $776,735 (94.08%) from $825,610 for 2008 to $48,875 for 2009.  In the past we engaged a number of investor relation firms to assist in attracting new shareholders for our company.  We have minimized the cost by not engaging as many firms on a regular basis.





27


Franchisees must contribute to an advertising fund established by us at a rate of up to 2% for the Spicy Pickle brand and 1.5% for the Bread Garden Urban Café brand of total franchisee gross sales. At our discretion, we may spend more or less than actual advertising receipts from the franchises. Advertising fees collected were $358,299 and $375,477 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These fees are offset against advertising expenses, which are recognized when incurred. We incurred advertising expense of $375,525 and $828,335 in 2009 and 2008, respectively, including those from the advertising fund and our own advertising expenses. The net amounts reflected in the financial statements are $17,226 and $452,858 in 2009 and 2008, respectively





Other general and administrative expenses decreased $51,338 (13.11%) from $391,626 for 2008 to $340,288 for 2009.  During the year ended December 31, 2009 we became obligated to pay a guaranty on a lease of a franchisee in the amount of $80,000.  This is the only franchisee lease we have guaranteed.  This one time increase was offset by the cost savings of the reduced number of personnel, reductions in contributions, automobile expenses and other miscellaneous items.  These reductions were planned.





The loss from operations was $1,990,782 for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to $5,610,701 for the year ended December 31, 2008. The decrease in the loss from operations of $3,619,919 (64.52%) was primarily due to the decrease to personnel expenses, investor relations, stock options and other operating expenses. Other income (expense) was an expense of ($49,059) for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to an expense of ($2,048) for 2008.  The increase in the expense results from having interest expense in 2009 and interest income in 2008 due to higher cash balances during the 2008 as compared to 2009.  This was offset by a gain of $1,723 on the sale of assets in the 2009 as compared to a loss of $32,015 in 2008.  The net loss for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $2,039,841 compared to a net loss of $5,612,748 for the year ended December 31, 2008, a decreased loss of $3,572,907 (63.66%).





Liquidity and Capital Resources





At December 31, 2009, we had working capital of $80,064, as compared to working capital deficit of $925,635 at December 31, 2008.  Of the working capital at December 31, 2009, $661,500 was deferred franchise fee revenue and does not represent a cash liability.  The increase in working capital is primarily due to an equity offering in September 2009.  On September 22, 2009, we entered into an Amendment, Redemption and Conversion Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the holders of all 638.88 outstanding shares of our Series A Variable Rate Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”).  Under the terms of that Agreement, the holders of 402 shares of Preferred Stock agreed to allow us to redeem 94.12 of the shares for a total of $799,998 and convert their remaining shares of Preferred Stock into 2,093,601 shares of our $.001 par value common stock (“Common Stock”).  The holders of 236.88 shares of Preferred Stock agreed to convert their shares into 4,737,600 shares of our Common Stock.





All of the holders were issued warrants when they originally purchased their shares of Preferred Stock.  Those warrants were exercisable at $1.60 per share and expired December 14, 2012.  The Agreement amended the warrants to lower the exercise price to $0.20 per share and extend the expiration date to September 22, 2014.





The Agreement was contingent upon us completing a private placement of at least $1.8 million of equity securities (the “New Financing”) and entering into an agreement with the original placement agent of the Preferred Stock (“Placement Agent”).  The Placement Agent had received warrants to purchase 288,400 shares of our common stock at $1.60 per share exercisable through December 14, 2012.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Placement Agent agreed to cancel these warrants in exchange for new warrants exercisable at $0.20 per share through September 22, 2014.





We sold a total of 22.5 Units for cash in the amount of $2,250,000 in the New Financing.  Each Unit consisted of 769,231 shares of our Common Stock and a warrant to purchase an additional 384,615 shares of Common Stock at $.19 per share.  The warrants expire September 22, 2014.  We issued a total of 17,307,697 shares of our Common Stock and warrants to purchase 8,653,837 shares.  Of the securities purchased, 13,846,158 shares and 6,923,070 warrants were purchased by members of our Board of Directors. We incurred $9,515 of expenses related to the stock sales.





28





In addition to the above, in December 2008, two members of our Board of Directors granted us a line of creditwhich was to expire January 31, 2010.  The line of credit was for an aggregate of $550,000 and bears interest at a rate of one percent above the prime rate and is secured by certain of our assets.  During the year ended December, 2009, the amount of the line was increased to $800,000.





During September 2009, the line of credit was renegotiated and the outstanding principal and accrued interest totaling, $817,252, was converted to a convertible promissory note (“Convertible Note”).  The Convertible Note is due January 31, 2012, bears interest at the same rate that the line of credit did, one percent above the prime rate.  Interest is payable semi-annually.  The holders of the Convertible Note may convert any amount of the principal and accrued interest due into our Common Stock at the rate of $0.13 per share.  In addition, for every two dollars converted into Common Stock, we will issue to the holder of the Convertible Note a warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock.  The exercise price of the warrant will be equal to 120% of the price per share of the Common Stock calculated using the average of the volume weighted average prices per share for the 10 trading days prior to the election to convert.





The conversion feature in the Convertible Note is considered to be a beneficial conversion feature.  We have accounted for the beneficial conversion feature in accordance with ASC Topic 470, Liabilities.  We accounted for a portion of the proceeds, $157,164, from the Convertible Note which related to the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature by allocating that amount to additional paid in capital.  The following summarizes the carrying amount of the Convertible Promissory Note:




Face value of the note to be repaid if not converted

$
817,252Amount allocated to additional paid in capital, net of amortization


(140,325
)Note payable to related parties

$
676,927




In accordance with ASC Topic 835, Interest, the amount allocated to the beneficial conversion will be amortized as interest expense over the life of the note in such a way as to result in a constant rate of interest.  The amount of amortization for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $16,839.





The annual interest rate giving effect to the amortization of the beneficial conversion is 9.188% per annum.  When combined with the stated interest rate of one percent above the prime rate, the effective rate is 10.188% over the prime rate.  At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on the borrowings was 12.438%.





During the year ended December 31, 2009, we used cash in operating activities of $1,599,383 as compared to cash used in operations of $3,775,810 for the year ended December 31, 2008.  Cash in the amount of $6,371 was provided from the sale of assets netted against purchases for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to cash of $1,307,681 used for the year ended December 31, 2008.





We receive payments from franchisees when they sign a franchise agreement. We do not include those payments in revenue until such time as the franchisee opens the restaurant. The amount recorded as deferred revenue at December 31, 2009 was $661,500, a decrease of $110,000 compared to December 31, 2008. Although not recorded as revenue, any payments received will provide working capital.





At December 31, 2009, we had contractual obligations for operating leases of approximately $2,348,456, of which $440,936 is due by December 31, 2010.





The aggregate minimum requirements under non-cancelable leases as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:





2010

$
440,9362011


390,5012012


347,0942013


273,6262014


262,983Later years


633,316$
2,348,456





29


During the year ended December, 2009, we issued 1,590,084 shares of our Common Stock in lieu of a cash payment for dividends payable on our Preferred Stock of $270,071.  The number of shares of Common Stock issued was calculated as per terms of the Preferred Stock.  The terms required we determine the average of the volume weighted average prices of our Common Stock for a period of 20 days prior to the dividend date and then use a value equal to 90% of that average.  The calculation was performed for two periods, the dividends that were payable January 1, 2009 and July 1, 2009.  The value calculated was $0.1691 and $0.1706 for January 1, 2009 and July 1, 2009, respectively and we issued 798,555 shares and 791,529 shares of Common Stock, respectively.





In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 53,545 shares of our Common Stock in lieu of a cash payment of accounts payable of $46,361 which existed at December 31, 2008.  The number of shares issued was determined by negotiation with the creditor.  The value of the shares as determined based on the trading value of the Common Stock at the time of issuance was $12,310.  Accordingly we recognized a gain on the transaction of $34,061 which is included in other income on the Statement of Operations.





In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 100,000 shares of our Common Stock in lieu of a cash payment for services rendered and recorded an expense of $16,000.  The value was determined based upon the trading value of the Common Stock on the date of issuance.





In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 1,476,500 shares of our Common Stock to a consultant currently under contract to the Company. The contract was entered into as part of the acquisition of the franchise rights to the Bread Garden Urban Café restaurant chain.  The stock was issued in lieu of future cash payments of $236,241 under the contract for services to be rendered from July 1, 2009 until the termination of the contract on September 1, 2012.  The number of shares issued was based upon the trading value of the stock on July 1, 2009.  The amounts will be amortized over the period to which the payments relate.





Summary – December 31, 2009





The difficult economic conditions of 2008 resulted in us not selling as many new franchises as we initially projected.  The extent of the recession was not clear until the third or fourth quarter of 2008.  We reacted to the downturn as soon as it became apparent that it would not correct itself in the short term.  Our need to raise additional equity or debt financing and our ability to generate cash flow from operations will depend on the length of time the U.S. economy is in a recession, the availability of financing for existing and potential franchisees to open new restaurants, our future performance and our ability to successfully implement our stated business and growth strategies.  Many of these factors are beyond our control. If our working capital is insufficient to fund the implementation of our business plan we will be required to seek additional financing sooner than currently anticipated in order to proceed with our business goals.  In the event that we need additional capital and are unable to obtain it, we could be left without sufficient liquidity.  The nature of our business is that a portion of our revenue is a continuing stream from franchisees.  We will continually monitor our expenses and reduce those expenses as best we can to match the revenue flow.  In the past we have issued common stock to our consultants and professional services providers in lieu of cash payments for these services. We may continue this practice to conserve our cash to pay for operations, product development and inventory.




Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements





At December 31, 2009, we had no obligations that would qualify to be disclosed as off-balance sheet arrangements.








Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk





Not required








30


Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data








Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

PageReport of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

32Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2009 and 2008

33Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

34Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

35Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008

36Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

38 - 58





31





REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM





To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
 Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Denver, Colorado
 
 We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
 We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
 In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. as of December 31, 2009 and 2008, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for years then ended in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
 /s/ Eide Bailly LLPGreenwood Village, ColoradoMarch 10, 2010


32





Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.Consolidated Balance SheetsDecember 31, 2009 and 20082009


2008AssetsCurrent assets:Cash and cash equivalents

$
809,790


$
287,482Current portion of notes receivable


-



35,000Accounts receivable, trade, net


193,138



251,173Inventory


30,828



34,180Prepaid expenses and other current assets


254,667



63,449Total current assets


1,288,423



671,284Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation


1,583,729



1,897,639Other assets:Deposits and other assets


140,853



81,806Goodwill


1,597,461



1,597,461Other intangibles, net of amortization


1,228,728



1,317,000Total other assets


2,967,042



2,996,267Total assets

$
5,839,194


$
5,565,190Liabilities and stockholders' equityCurrent liabilities:Current portion of long-term debt

$
30,000


$
30,000Accounts payable


329,871



440,190Accrued expenses and compensation


118,467



247,340Accrued dividends


68,521



137,889Deferred franchise revenue


661,500



771,500Total current liabilities


1,208,359



1,596,919Notes payable to related parties


676,927



100,000Long-term debt, net of current portion


467,000



470,000Deferred rent expense


143,401



93,052Total long-term liabilities


1,287,328



693,052Commitments and contingenciesStockholders' equity:Preferred stock, $.001 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized,649 shares of Series A Variable Rate Convertible PreferredStock, stated value $8,500 per share, issued and outstandingin 2008


-



4,418,941Common stock, $.001 par value, 200,000,000 sharesauthorized, 80,994,274 and 53,535,247 shares issuedand outstanding in 2009 and 2008, respectively


80,994



53,535Additional paid in capital


16,782,258



9,843,863Fair value of common stock warrants


628,010



873,825Accumulated (deficit)


(14,194,039
)


(11,953,485
)Accumulated comprehensive income (loss)


(5,671
)


(13,415
)Total Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. stockholders’ equity


3,291,552



3,233,264Non controlling interest


51,955



51,955Total equity


3,343,507



3,275,219Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

$
5,839,194


$
5,565,190






See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements


33





Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive LossFor The Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 20082009


2008Revenue:Restaurant and bakery sales

$
2,671,526


$
3,110,351Franchise fees and royalties


1,450,899



1,307,295Total revenues


4,122,425



4,417,646Operating costs and expenses:Restaurant and bakery:Cost of sales


903,093



1,090,129Labor


1,169,091



1,434,518Occupancy


478,599



436,889Depreciation


280,510



256,147Other operating costs


361,975



490,073Total restaurant and bakery operating costs


3,193,268



3,707,756Franchise and general:General and administrative


2,799,974



6,291,136Depreciation and amortization


119,965



29,455Total franchise and general


2,919,939



6,320,591Total operating costs and expenses


6,113,207



10,028,347(Loss) from operations


(1,990,782
)


(5,610,701
)Other income (expense):Gain (Loss) on sale of assets


1,723



(32,015
)Net interest income (expense)


(84,139
)


72,472Other income (expense)


33,357



(42,504
)Total other income (expense):


(49,059
)


(2,048
)Net (loss)


(2,039,841
)


(5,612,749
)Dividend on preferred stock


(200,713
)


(295,185
)Effect of preferred stock redemption and induced conversion


(538,831
)


-Net (loss) attributable to common shareholders


(2,779,385
)


(5,907,934
)Other comprehensive (loss):Foreign currency exchange gain (loss)


7,744



(13,415
)Comprehensive (loss)

$
(2,771,641
)

$
(5,921,349
)Per share information - basic and fully diluted:Weighted average shares outstanding


63,622,814



49,487,007Net (loss) per share attributable to common shareholders

$
(0.04
)

$
(0.12
)








See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements




34


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ EquityFor The Years Ended December 31, 2009 and 2008Preferred Stock


Common Stock


Additional

Paid in


Common

Stock


Accumulated


Accumulated

Comprehensive


Noncontrolling

Interest In ConsolidatedShares


Amount


Shares


Amount


Capital


Warrants


(Deficit)


(Loss)


Subsidiary


TotalBalances at January 1, 2008


705


$
4,801,124



47,634,053


$
47,634


$
5,546,692


$
873,825


$
(5,562,772
)

$
-


$
-


$
5,706,503Common shares issued for cash


-



-



82,500



83



25,417



-



-



-



-



25,500Common shares issued for services


-



-



80,000



80



69,920



-



-



-



-



70,000Common shares and warrants issued for     asset acquisition


-



-



5,177,500



5,177



2,497,038



-



-



-



-



2,502,215Conversion of preferred stock


(56
)


(382,183
)


561,194



561



381,622



-



-



-



-



-Amortization of beneficial conversion on      preferred stock


-



-



-



-



482,779



-



(482,779
)


-



-



-Fair value of stock options granted


-



-



-



-



840,395



-



-



-



-



840,395Foreign currency translation adjustment


-



-



-



-



-



-



-



(13,415
)


-



(13,415
)Dividends on preferred stock


























(295,185
)


-



-



(295,185
)Net (loss) for the year


-



-



-



-



-



-



(5,612,749
)


-



-



(5,612,749
)Noncontrolling interest in consolidated      subsidiary


































51,955



51,955Balances at December 31, 2008


649



4,418,941



53,535,247



53,535



9,843,863



873,825



(11,953,485
)


(13,415
)


51,955



3,275,219Redemption and conversions of preferred      stock


(649
)


(4,418,941
)


6,931,201



6,931



4,304,352



(692,340
)


-



-



-



(799,998
)Common shares issued for cash and value of warrants issued in transaction


-



-



17,307,697



17,308



1,776,652



446,525



-



-



-



2,240,485Common shares issued for services


-



-



1,576,500



1,576



250,665



-



-



-



-



252,241Common shares issued in settlement of      accounts payable


-



-



53,545



54



12,256



-



-



-



-



12,310Dividends on preferred stock


-



-



-



-



-



-



(200,713
)


-



-



(200,713
)Issuance of common stock in lieu of cash      dividend


-



-



1,590,084



1,590



268,481



-



-



-



-



270,071Beneficial conversion feature on      convertible debt


-



-



-



-



157,164



-



-



-



-



157,164Fair value of stock options granted


-



-



-



-



168,825



-



-



-



-



168,825Foreign currency translation adjustment


-



-



-



-



-



-



-



7,744



-



7,744Net (loss) for the year


-



-



-



-



-



-



(2,039,841
)


-



-



(2,039,841
)Balances at December 31, 2009


-



-



80,994,274


$
80,994


$
16,782,258


$
628,010


$
(14,194,039
)

$
(5,671
)

$
51,955


$
3,343,507





See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements


35


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsYears Ended December 31, 2009 and 20082009


2008Cash flows from operating activities:Net (loss)

$
(2,039,841
)

$
(5,612,749
)Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) to net cash (used in)operating activities:Depreciation and amortization


400,475



285,602Stock based payments


421,066



1,480,062(Gain) loss on sale of assets


(1,723
)


32,015Changes in operating assets and liabilities:Accounts receivable, trade


58,035



(191,263
)Notes receivable


35,000



80,000Prepaid expenses and other


(191,218
)


93,004Inventories


3,352



(29,650
)Deposits


(59,047
)


(70,937
)Accounts payable, trade


(83,320
)


(907
)Accrued expenses and compensation


(82,511
)


157,513Deferred franchise revenue


(110,000
)


1,500Deferred rent


50,349



93,052Net cash (used in) operating activities


(1,599,383
)


(3,868,862
)Cash flows from investing activities:Purchase of property and equipment


(10,099
)


(855,452
)Proceeds from sale of assets


13,500



76,319Investment in purchased subsidiaries


-



(621,600
)Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities


3,401



(1,400,733
)Cash flows from financing activities:Proceeds from exercise of common stock options


-



25,500Payment of preferred stock dividends


-



(159,596
)Proceeds from note payable to related parties


700,000



100,000Repayment of notes payable to related party


(30,000
)


-Proceeds from sale of common stock


2,240,485



-Cash redemption of preferred stock


(798,998
)


-Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities


2,111,487



(34,096
)Effect of foreign exchange rate change


6,803



-Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents


522,308



(5,117,587
)Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period


287,482



5,405,069Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$
809,790


$
287,482






See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements





36




Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.Consolidated Statements of Cash FlowsYears Ended December 31, 2009 and 20082009


2008Supplemental cash flow information:Cash paid for income taxes

$
-


$
-Cash paid for interest

$
81,591


$
37,500Non-cash investing and financing activities:Note issued in settlement of accounts payable

$
27,000


$
-Stock issued in settlement of  accounts payable

$
46,361


$
-Stock issued in lieu of cash dividends

$
270,071


$
-Conversion of preferred stock to common stock

$
3,619,944


$
-Common stock issued for services

$
252,241


$
70,000Note receivable received for sale of assets

$
-


$
(35,000
)Notes payable issued for acquisition of assets

$
-


$
500,000Common stock issued for acquisition of assets

$
-


$
2,502,215





See the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements




37


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





1. Nature of Business





Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. (“our,” “we,” “us,” and the “Company”) was organized in the State of Colorado on January 14, 2003 as a limited liability company and on September 8, 2006 converted to a corporation. We are engaged in the business of marketing and franchising Spicy Pickle restaurants, which specialize in fast casual food featuring fresh, made-to-order, premium submarine-style, deli and Panini sandwiches, salads, soups and soft drinks. Thirty of the franchisee-owned restaurants and 7 Company-owned restaurants were open and 3 franchised restaurants were under construction as of December 31, 2009.  Restaurants are located in 11 states.  As of December 31, 2009, we have signed agreements with franchisees to open 59 additional restaurants.  However, there can be no assurances that all of the additional restaurants will be built-out and opened.  We review the scheduled build-outs on an ongoing basis and when we determine that a franchisee will not open a restaurant we terminate the agreement. We continue to interview prospective franchisees and rely on the cash deposits from the franchise sales as well as royalty fees from the existing stores to support the expenses of the business.





Six of our Company owned restaurants are operating in wholly owned subsidiaries and one has a third party non-controlling minority interest.





We also operate a bakery which supplies fresh baked bread to certain Company owned restaurants and franchisee owned restaurants in the metropolitan Denver, Colorado area.  The bakery is operated as a wholly owned subsidiary.





In October 2008, the Company acquired the operating assets of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. (“Bread Garden”).  Bread Garden is in the business of marketing and franchising Bread Garden Urban Cafés, restaurants that also specialize in fast casual dining.  At December 31, 2009 there were 17 franchised Bread Garden Urban Cafés opened and 1 under construction located in metropolitan Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada and 1 franchised Bread Garden Urban Café opened in Brisbane, Australia.








2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies





The accompanying financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, which contemplates continuation of the Company as a going concern.  The Company incurred a net loss of $2,039,841 for the year ended December 31, 2009 and has incurred significant net losses since inception.





We have been developing our franchise network through the sale of franchises and through acquisition.  We have relied on fund raising and the sales of new franchises to augment the cash we receive from continuing royalty payments for our cash flow.  The economic conditions of 2009 resulted in a significant reduction in the sales of new franchises which has resulted in a significant decrease in our cash position.  We significantly reduced our corporate overhead mostly in the area of personnel cost.





Our ability to fund our operations will depend on the length of time of the current economic downturn, our future performance and our ability to successfully implement our business and growth strategies.  In the event that we need additional capital and are unable to obtain it, we could be left without sufficient liquidity.  The nature of our business is that a portion of our revenue is a continuing stream from franchisees.  We will continually monitor our expenses and reduce those expenses as best we can to match the revenue flow.  Management is considering raising money during the year ended December 31, 2010 to meet any shortfalls from operations.  However a realization of a significant portion of the assets in the accompanying balance sheet is dependent on our continued operations, which in turn is dependent on the increase in sales of new franchises, the number of operating franchise restaurants, or the additional capital raised through a placement of our securities.





Principles of Consolidation


The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and our wholly owned subsidiaries, SP Broadway, LLC, SP Chicago, LLC, Crumb Rustic Bakery, LLC, SP Promenade, LLC, SP DU, LLC, SP Federal Heights, LLC, SP Greenwood, LLC, SP Harmony, LLC, SP College Avenue, LLC, all of which are established as Colorado limited liability companies, and SPBG Franchising, Inc., a Canadian corporation.  All material inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.





38
 
 Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


Cash and Cash Equivalents


We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less, at the time of purchase, to be cash equivalents.





Accounts Receivable


Accounts receivable consists primarily of amounts billed to franchisees for royalties, advertising fees, expenses advanced on behalf of the franchisees and expected rebates from vendors. We make our best estimate of the amounts of probable credit losses in our existing accounts receivable and provides for such loss as an allowance for doubtful accounts.  At December 31, 2009 and at December 31, 2008, we estimated an allowance for doubtful accounts of $40,412, and $70,595, respectively.  Account balances are charged off against the allowance after all means of collection have been exhausted and the potential for recovery is considered remote. We do not have any off-balance-sheet credit exposure related to our customers.





Inventories


Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market, with cost being determined on the first-in, first-out method. Inventories include food, beverage and supply items at Company-owned or operated locations.





Property and equipment


Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related reasonably assured lease term. The estimated useful lives used for financial statement purposes are:





Computer software and equipment - 3 years


Furniture and fixtures - 5 to 7 years


Kitchen equipment - 5 years


Office equipment - 5 years


Leasehold improvements - 5 years





Maintenance and repairs of property and equipment are charged to operations. Major improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement, sale or other disposition of property and equipment, the cost and accumulated depreciation are eliminated from the accounts and any gain or loss is included in operations.





Goodwill and Other Intangibles


We recognized goodwill and identifiable intangibles arising from the allocation of the purchase prices of assets acquired in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of all identifiable assets less any liabilities assumed.  ASC 805 gives guidance on five types of assets: marketing-related, customer-related, artistic-related, contract-related and technology based intangible assets.  We identified identifiable intangibles that are market-related and contract-related.  Acquired trademarks represent the trademarks associated with the Bread Garden Urban Café franchise business acquired in 2008.  These trademarks were determined to have an indefinite life. Acquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements between Bread Garden, the company that we purchased the assets from, and the then existing franchisees.  Reacquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements that were in place between us and the franchisees that we purchased assets from.  Acquired franchise agreements have determinable lives between 5.5 years and 11 years.





Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. ASC Topic 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), requires a two-step approach for testing impairment. For goodwill, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value to determine whether an indication of impairment exists. If impairment is indicated, the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the unit’s fair value to its assets and liabilities (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. For intangibles with indefinite lives, the fair value is compared to the carrying value. The amount of impairment for goodwill and other intangible assets is measured as the excess of its carrying amount over its fair value.





39
 
 Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


In accordance with ASC 350 we perform an impairment analysis of the goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets on an annual basis. We performed the analysis at December 31, 2009 and there was no indication of impairment in goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets.  We will test for impairment between our annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset.





Long-Lived Assets


In accordance with ASC Topic 360, Property, Plant and Equipment (“ASC 360”), long-lived assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset exceeds the fair value of the asset.





We performed an analysis on a unit by unit basis for both our restaurants and bakery at December 31, 2009.  Assumptions used in preparing the expected cash flows were as follows:


·
Sales projections for 2010 were based on 2009 sales with increases in the later part of the year for the introduction of another day part on our menu.  For the years 2011 through 2019 we used annual increases of 3%.  We believe the 3% increases beyond 2010 is a reasonable growth and that it would be unreasonable to assume no growth.


·
Our food costs are projected based on 2009 operating cost as adjusted for new menu items.


·
Our variable and semi-variable operating costs are projected to increase and include an additional 1.5% per year as inflation.


·
Our fixed operating costs are projected to increase 1.5% per year.


·
Salvage value has been estimated on a restaurant by restaurant basis.





Based on our analysis, no impairment charges were recognized for the year ended December 31, 2009.





Our impairment analysis included a sensitivity analysis with regard to the cash flow projections that determine the recoverability of each restaurant's assets. The results indicate that even with a 20% decline in our projected cash flows we would still not have any potential impairment issues.  However if we elect to sublease, close or otherwise exit a restaurant location, impairment could be required.





Each time we conduct an impairment analysis in the future we will compare actual results to our projections and assumptions, and to the extent our actual results do not meet expectations, we will revise our assumptions and this could result in impairment charges being recognized.





All of the judgments and assumptions made in preparing the cash flow projections are consistent with our other financial statement calculations and disclosures. The assumptions used in the cash flow projections are consistent with other forward-looking information prepared by the company, such as those used for internal budgets, discussions with third parties, and/or reporting to management or the board of directors.





To date we have not written down any assets due to impairment, however projecting the cash flows for the impairment analysis involves significant estimates with regard to the performance of each restaurant, and it is reasonably possible that the estimates of cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down operating assets to fair value. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value would be determined using forecasted cash flows discounted using an estimated average cost of capital and the impairment charge would be recognized in income from operations.





Use of Estimates


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


40


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements







Concentration of Credit Risks


Financial instruments, which potentially subject us to concentrations of credit risk, consist primarily of cash and trade accounts receivable. Our receivables are primarily from our franchisees. To the extent our franchisees face difficult economic conditions, we are exposed to a concentration of credit risk.





Our cash is primarily in demand deposit accounts placed with federally insured financial institutions. Such deposit accounts at times may exceed federally insured limits. However, we believe the risk of loss to be minimal.





Fair Value Measurements


ASC Topic 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”), provides a comprehensive framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures which are required about fair value measurements.  Specifically, ASC 820 sets forth a definition of fair value and establishes a hierarchy prioritizing the inputs to valuation techniques, giving the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities and the lowest priority to unobservable value inputs.  ASC 820 defines the hierarchy as follows:


Level 1 – Quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reported date. The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 1 are highly liquid and actively traded instruments with quoted prices, such as equities listed on the New York Stock Exchange.


Level 2 – Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, but are either directly or indirectly observable as of the reported date.  The types of assets and liabilities in Level 2 are typically either comparable to actively traded securities or contracts, or priced with models using highly observable inputs.


Level 3 – Significant inputs to pricing that are unobservable as of the reporting date.  The types of assets and liabilities included in Level 3 are those with inputs requiring significant management judgment or estimation, such as complex and subjective models and forecasts used to determine the fair value of financial transmission rights.





Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term trade receivables, payables and line of credit.  The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and short-term receivables and payables and line of credit approximate their fair value due to their short maturities.





Revenue Recognition


Initial Franchise Fees - We enter into franchise agreements, which grant franchisees the exclusive right to develop and operate businesses at certain locations. Initial franchise fees are recognized as revenue when all material services and conditions required to be performed by us have been substantially completed, which is generally when the business commences operations. Initial franchise fees were established at $45,000 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.  Franchise fees recognized were $297,480 and $252,500 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 respectively.





Royalty Fees - Pursuant to the franchise agreements, franchisees are required to pay royalties to us based on 5% of weekly gross sales as reported to us through the franchisees’ point of sales systems. The royalties are recognized as revenue in the period corresponding to the sales reporting period. Royalty fees were $878,639 and $819,489 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.





Rebates - Rebates received from purveyors that supply products to our franchisees are included in Franchise Fees and Royalties. The rebates are recorded when earned. Rebates that relate to company-owned restaurants are offset against restaurant cost of sales. Rebates related to franchisees were $274,780, and $235,305 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.





Restaurant and Bakery Sales - We record revenue from restaurant and bakery sales upon delivery of the related food and other products to customers, which, in the case of the bakery, are our franchisees. The revenue reported does not include applicable sales taxes collected.








41


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 (Continued)





Advertising Costs
 Franchisees must contribute to an advertising fund established by us at a rate of up to 2% for the Spicy Pickle brand and 1.5% for the Bread Garden Urban Café brand of total franchisee gross sales. At our discretion, we may spend more or less than actual advertising receipts from the franchises. Advertising fees collected were $358,299 and $375,477 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively. These fees are offset against advertising expenses, which are recognized when incurred. We incurred advertising expense of $375,525 and $828,335 in 2009 and 2008, respectively, including those from the advertising fund and our own advertising expenses. The net amounts reflected in the financial statements are $17,226 and $452,858 in 2009 and 2008, respectively.





Income Taxes


The provision for income taxes is determined in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 740, Accounting for Income Taxes(“ASC 740”). Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax basis. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted income tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Any effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.





ASC 740 prescribes a comprehensive model for how companies should recognize, measure, present, and disclose in their financial statements uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return. Under ASC 740, tax positions must initially be recognized in the financial statements when it is more likely than not the position will be sustained upon examination by the tax authorities. Such tax positions must initially and subsequently be measured as the largest amount of tax benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement with the tax authority assuming full knowledge of the position and relevant facts.





The cumulative effect of adopting ASC 740 on January 1, 2007 has been recorded net in deferred tax assets, which resulted in no ASC 740 liability on the balance sheet. The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of the date of adoption was zero. There are open statutes of limitations for taxing authorities in federal and state jurisdictions to audit the Company’s tax returns from 2006 through the current period. The Company’s policy is to account for income tax related interest and penalties in income tax expense in the statement of operations. There have been no income tax related interest or penalties assessed or recorded. Because the Company has provided a full valuation allowance on all of its deferred tax assets, the adoption of ASC 740 had no impact on the Company’s effective tax rate.





Rent Expense


We recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the reasonably assured lease term as defined in ASC Topic 840, Leases (“ASC 840”). In addition, certain of our lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. We include any rent escalations and construction period and other rent holidays in its determination of straight-line rent expense. Therefore, rent expense for new locations is charged to expense beginning with the start of the construction period. Deferred rent expense was $143,401 and $93,052 at December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively, and will be charged to rent expense over the life of the leases to which it relates.





Equity-Based Compensation


Stock-based compensation is presented in accordance with the guidance of ASC Topic 718, Compensation – Stock Compensation (“ASC 718”).  Under the provisions of ASC 718, companies are required to estimate the fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as expense over the requisite service periods in our statement of operations.





We issued share-based payments under our 2006 Stock Option Plan which is a qualified stock option plan and to employees of our Canadian subsidiary on an individual by individual basis.








42


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 (Continued)





In both instances we used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (“Black-Scholes model”) to determine fair value. The determination of fair value of share-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, our expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, and actual and projected employee stock option exercise behaviors. Although the fair value of employee stock options isdetermined in accordance with ASC 718 using an option-pricing model, that value may not be indicative of the fair value observed in a willing buyer/willing seller market transaction.





The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2009 of $0.0065 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected volatility of 41.28%, expected term of 2.63 years, risk-free interest rate of 1.448% and no expected dividend yield.





The weighted average fair value of options granted during 2008 of $0.168 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions: expected volatility of 43.18%, expected term of 2.5 years, risk-free interest rate of 2.4% and no expected dividend yield.





During September 2009 we reduced the exercise price of all of the then outstanding options to $.20 per share.  In accordance with ASC 718 the amount of additional compensation recognized was determined by calculating the fair value of the options immediately before the modification less the fair value of the options as modified.  We calculated the fair value of options immediately before the modification using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $0.677, expected volatility of 41.97%, expected term of 1.34 years, risk-free interest rate of 0.388% and no expected dividend yield.  We calculated the fair value of options immediately after the modification using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $0.20, expected volatility of 41.97%, expected term of 1.34 years, risk-free interest rate of 0.388% and no expected dividend yield.  The weighted value of each option immediately before the modification was $0.0036 and the weighted average value immediately after the modification was $0.0163.





The amount recognized as additional compensation was $86,790 for the year ended December 31, 2009.





Total compensation expense of all stock-based compensation (including the amount disclosed above) recognized under ASC 718 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 was $169,087 and $840,395, respectively, which consisted of stock-based compensation expense related to employee stock options.





Foreign Currency Transactions


Transactions denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency at the exchange rates prevailing at the date of the transaction. Monetary assets and liabilities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency are translated into the functional currency using the applicable exchange rates at the balance sheet dates. The resulting exchange differences are recorded in the consolidated statement of operations.





The reporting currency of the Company is the United States dollar (“U.S. dollar”) and the accompanying consolidated financial statements have been expressed in U.S. dollars. In addition, one of the Company’s operating subsidiaries in Canada maintains their books and record in their local currency, the Canadian dollar, which is the functional currency of the economic environment in which their operations are conducted.





Assets and liabilities of the subsidiary whose functional currency is not the U.S. dollar are translated into US dollars, in accordance with ASC Topic 830, Foreign Currency Matters,(“ASC 830”), using the exchange rate on the balance sheet date. Revenues and expenses are translated at average rates prevailing during the period. The gains and losses resulting from translation of financial statements of foreign subsidiary is recorded as a separate component of accumulated other comprehensive income within the statement of stockholders’ equity.







43


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






Comprehensive Income
 ASC Topic 220, Comprehensive Income(“ASC 220”) establishes standards for reporting and display of comprehensive income, its components and accumulated balances. Comprehensive income as defined includes all changes in equity during a period from non-owner sources. Accumulated comprehensive income, as presented in the accompanying consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity, consists of changes in unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency translation. This comprehensive income is not included in the computation of income tax expense or benefit.





Recent Pronouncements


In June 2009, FASB approved the FASB Accounting Standards Codification (“the Codification”) as the single source of authoritative nongovernmental GAAP. All existing accounting standard documents, such as FASB, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Emerging Issues Task Force and other related literature, excluding guidance from the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), have been superseded by the Codification. All other non-grandfathered, non-SEC accounting literature not included in the Codification has become non-authoritative. The Codification did not change GAAP, but instead introduced a new structure that combines all authoritative standards into a comprehensive, topically organized online database. The Codification is effective for interim or annual periods ending after September 15, 2009, and impacts our financial statements as all future references to authoritative accounting literature will be referenced in accordance with the Codification. There have been no changes to the content of the Company’s financial statements or disclosures as a result of implementing the Codification.





As a result of our implementation of the Codification during fiscal 2009, previous references to new accounting standards and literature are no longer applicable.





We have reviewed all recently issued, but not yet effective, accounting pronouncements and do not believe the future adoption of any such pronouncements may be expected to cause a material impact on our financial condition or the results of our operations.





Reclassifications


Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year reported amounts to provide disclosure consistent with presentation in the current year.  As a result of adopting the disclosure requirements of ASC Topic 810 – Consolidation we reclassified the non-controlling interest in a less than 100% owned restaurant as a separate component of stockholders’ equity in 2008.  In addition we included in prepaid expenses the deferred portion of a service contract paid for with common stock.








3. Property and Equipment





Major classes of property and equipment consist of the following:





2009


2008Computer software and equipment

$
160,938


$
161,860Furniture and fixtures


304,021



296,056Office equipment


26,344



26,681Leasehold improvements


1,189,132



1,153,294Kitchen equipment


487,917



533,862Vehicles


17,340



17,3402,185,692



2,189,093Less: accumulated depreciation


(643,149
)


(332,640
)1,542,543



1,856,453Equipment not in use (non depreciable)


41,186



41,186$
1,583,729


$
1,897,639





We recorded depreciation expense related to these assets of $312,203 and $285,602 in 2009 and 2008, respectively.








44


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


4.  Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets





Goodwill and other intangible assets include the following:


2009


2008Goodwill:Related to franchise operation (Bread Garden)

$
1,276,882


$
1,276,882Related to restaurant operations


320,579



320,579Total goodwill

$
1,597,461


$
1,597,461Other intangiblesAcquired trademarks

$
291,000


$
291,000Acquired franchise agreements, net of amortization


882,728



971,000Reacquired franchise agreements


55,000



55,000Total other intangibles

$
1,228,728


$
1,317,000





We recognize goodwill and identifiable intangibles arising from the allocation of the purchase prices of assets acquired in accordance with ASC Topic 805, Business Combinations (“ASC 805”). Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of all identifiable assets less any liabilities assumed.  ASC 805 gives guidance on five types of assets: marketing-related, customer-related, artistic-related, contract-related and technology based intangible assets.  We identified identifiable intangibles that are market-related and contract-related.  Acquired trademarks represent the trademarks associated with the Bread Garden Urban Café franchise business acquired in 2008.  These trademarks were determined to have an indefinite life. Acquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements between Bread Garden, the company that we purchased the assets from, and the then existing franchisees.  Reacquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements that were in place between us and the franchisees that we purchased assets from in the acquisition of four restaurants.  Acquired franchise agreements have determinable lives between 5.5 years and 11 years.





Amortization expenses related to acquired franchise agreements was $88,272 for the year ended December 31, 2009.  The aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years is estimated to be $88,272 in each year.





Goodwill and other intangible assets with indefinite lives are not subject to amortization, but are tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired. ASC 350 requires a two-step approach for testing impairment. For goodwill, the fair value of each reporting unit is compared to its carrying value to determine whether an indication of impairment exists. If impairment is indicated, the fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is determined by allocating the unit’s fair value to its assets and liabilities (including any unrecognized intangible assets) as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. For intangibles with indefinite lives, the fair value is compared to the carrying value. The amount of impairment for goodwill and other intangible assets is measured as the excess of its carrying amount over its fair value.





In accordance with ASC 350 we perform an impairment analysis of the goodwill and indefinite lived intangibles assets on an annual basis. We have two reporting units for which goodwill has been recognized, franchise operations and restaurant operations.  We performed the analysis at December 31, 2009 on each of these reporting units separately and there was no indication of impairment in goodwill and indefinite lived intangible assets.





In making an estimate of future cash flow as they relate to our franchise operations of the Bread Garden Cafes, we considered the following items:


·
Growth of the number of opened Bread Garden Urban Cafe franchised restaurants at the date of the acquisition to date.  The number of restaurants grew from ten to seventeen.


·
The economic forecast in Canada with particular emphasis on British Columbia and western Canada.


·
Industry forecast for the restaurant industry in Canada with particular emphasis on British Columbia and western Canada.


·
Historical operating history of acquired assets as adjusted for forecast.


·
Management’s estimates of new franchisees.




45


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




·
Trends in the real estate markets.





At the time of our last analysis the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles as related to the Bread Garden franchise operations was in excess of 150% of the carrying value.





In making an estimate of future cash flow as they relate to our restaurant operations, we considered the following items:


·
The economic forecast in United States.


·
Industry forecast for the restaurant industry in United States with emphasis on the quick serve segment.


·
Historical operating history of acquired assets as adjusted for forecast.


·
Changes to the our menu and introduction of a new day part in our restaurants.





At the time of our last analysis the fair value of goodwill and other indefinite lived intangibles as related to the restaurant operations was in excess of 150% of the carrying value.





We will test for impairment between our annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the asset.








5.  Long-term Debt





Long-term debt represents notes issued in connection with the acquisition of certain assets during the year ended December 31, 2008.  The notes bear interest at the rate of 10% per annum payable monthly.  The notes have payment terms of $30,000 per year with the balance due and payable in March 2011.  The notes are secured by the assets acquired.








6. Commitments and Contingencies





We lease office space, as well as restaurant locations, and a vehicle under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire through 2018.





The aggregate minimum requirements under non-cancelable leases as of December 31, 2009 are as follows:





2010

$
440,9362011


390,5012012


347,0942013


273,6262014


262,983Later years


633,316$
2,348,456





We sublease a portion of our corporate offices pursuant to a short term sub-lease with aggregate rental income due to us of $14,273 through June 2010.  The rental income is offset against rent expense.





Rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $611,004, which is net of rental income of $13,973 and for the year ended December 31, 2008 rental expense was $529,465.











46


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 (Continued)




7. Stockholders’ Equity
 
 In 2007 we issued 705 shares of our Series A Variable Rate Convertible Preferred Stock, par value $0.001 per share and stated value of $8,500 per share (the “Series A Preferred Stock”). Each share of the Series A Preferred Stockwas immediately convertible into 10,000 shares of our $.001 par value common stock.  During the year ended December 31, 2008, 56 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock were converted into 561,194 shares of our $.001 par value common stock.





We were required to pay each holder of Series A Preferred Stock cumulative dividends at a rate per share of 5% per annum until the second anniversary of the original issue date, 7.5% per annum from the second anniversary of the original issue date until the third anniversary of the original issue date, and 14% per annum thereafter, payable semi-annually on January 1 and July 1, beginning on July 1, 2008, and upon conversion or redemption of the Series A Preferred Stock. Such dividends were payable in cash or, at our option, in shares of common stock or a combination thereof.  The dividends on the Series A Preferred stock for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 were $200,713 and $298,185, respectively.  Such dividends decreased earnings available to common shareholders and were charged to retained deficit.  In the original transaction the investors received warrants to purchase an aggregate of 5,287,500 shares of our $.001 par value common stock at an exercise price of $1.60 per share.





We determined the fair value of the warrants as of the issuance date. We used the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following assumptions: an expected life equal to half of the contractual term of the warrants, no dividends, a risk free rate of 5.5%, and volatility of 39%. Under the assumptions, the Black-Scholes option pricing model yielded an aggregate fair value of approximately $952,500.  A portion of this amount ($821,872) has been allocated to Common Stock Warrants as of December 31, 2008 in the accompanying balance sheet based upon the percentage relationship of the warrant fair value to the total fair value of the offering multiplied by the gross proceeds of the offering.





Proceeds from the sale of the Series A Preferred Stock were used during 2008 for the acquisition and /or internal development of eight Company owned restaurant locations and the bakery facility and to fund working capital requirements.





In addition, we issued 80,000 shares of common stock to non-employees for services rendered during 2008. We recorded the shares at their fair value at the issue dates with fair value determined to be equivalent to the then-current market price.  For the year ended December 31, 2008 the fair value of the shares amounted to an aggregate of $70,000 which was recorded as an expense of the Company.





During the year ended December 31, 2008, holders of 82,500 common stock purchase options issued pursuant to Company’s 2006 Stock Option Plan (see Note 12) exercised their options, pursuant to which the Company issued 82,500 shares of common stock resulting in $25,500 of proceeds to the Company.





During the year ended December 31, 2009, we entered into an Amendment, Redemption and Conversion Agreement (the “Agreement”) with the holders of all of the then outstanding 638.88 shares of our Series A Variable Rate Convertible Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”).  Under the terms of the Agreement, the holders of 402 shares of Preferred Stock agreed to allow us to redeem 94.12 of the shares for a total of $799,998 and convert their remaining shares of Preferred Stock into 2,093,601 shares of our Common Stock.  The holders of 236.88 shares of Preferred Stock agreed to convert their shares into 4,737,600 shares of our Common Stock.





All of the holders were issued warrants when they originally purchased their shares of Preferred Stock.  Such warrants were exercisable at $1.60 per share and expired December 14, 2012.  The Agreement amended the warrants to lower the exercise price to $0.20 per share and extend the expiration date to September 22, 2014.





The Agreement was contingent upon us completing a private placement of at least $1.8 million of equity securities (the “New Financing”) and entering into an agreement with the original placement agent of the Preferred Stock (“Placement Agent”).  The Placement Agent had received warrants to purchase 288,400 shares of our common stock at $1.60 per share exercisable through December 14, 2012.  Under the terms of the agreement, the Placement Agent agreed to cancel these warrants in exchange for new warrants exercisable at $0.20 per share through September 22, 2014.








47


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 (Continued)





As discussed above we sold a total of 22.5 Units for cash in the amount of $2,250,000 in the New Financing.  Each Unit consisted of 769,231 shares of our Common Stock and a warrant to purchase an additional 384,615 shares of Common Stock at $.19 per share.  The warrants expire September 22, 2014.  We issued a total of 17,307,697 sharesof our Common Stock and warrants to purchase 8,653,837 shares.  Of the securities purchased, 13,846,158 shares and 6,923,070 warrants were purchased by members of our Board of Directors. We incurred $9,515 of expenses related to the stock sales.





Prior to the transactions described above, holders of our Preferred stock converted 10 shares of the Preferred Stock into 100,000 shares of our Common Stock.





During year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 1,590,084 shares of our Common Stock in lieu of a cash payment for dividends payable on our Preferred Stock of $270,071.  The number of shares of Common Stock issued was calculated as per terms of the Preferred Stock.  The terms required we determine the average of the volume weighted average prices of our Common Stock for a period of 20 days prior to the dividend date and then use a value equal to 90% of that average.  The calculation was performed for two periods, the dividends that were payable January 1, 2009 and July 1, 2009.  The value calculated was $.1691 and $.1706 for January 1, 2009 and July 1, 2009, respectively and we issued 798,555 shares and 791,529 shares of Common Stock, respectively.





In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 53,545 shares of our Common Stock in lieu of a cash payment of accounts payable of $46,371 which existed at December 31, 2008.  The number of shares issued was determined by negotiation with the creditor.  The value of the shares as determined based on the trading value of the Common Stock at the time of issuance was $12,310.  Accordingly we recognized a gain on the transaction of $34,061 which is included in other income on the Statement of Operations.





In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 100,000 shares of our Common Stock in lieu of a cash payment for services rendered and recorded an expense of $16,000.  The value was determined based upon the trading value of the Common Stock on the date of issuance.





In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2009, we issued 1,476,500 shares of our Common Stock to a consultant currently under contract to the Company. The contract was entered into as part of the acquisition of the franchise rights to the Bread Garden Urban Café restaurant chain.  The stock was issued in lieu of future cash payments of $236,241 under the contract for services to be rendered from July 1, 2009 until the termination of the contract on September 1, 2012.  The number of shares issued was based upon the trading value of the stock on July 1, 2009.  The amounts will be amortized over the period to which the payments relate.










8. Earnings Per Share Data





Earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period after consideration of the dilutive effect, if any, for common stock equivalents, including stock options, restricted stock, and other stock-based compensation. Earnings per common share are computed in accordance with ASC Topic 260, Earnings Per Share (“ASC 260”) which requires companies to present basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share. Basic earnings per share are computed by dividing net income available to common shareholders by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per common share are computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding and dilutive securities outstanding during the year.  At December 31, 2009 and 2008, any equivalents would be anti-dilutive as we had losses for the years then ended.








48


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 (Continued)





As discussed above in Note 7, we entered into an agreement whereby we redeemed a portion of our Series A Preferred Stock and converted those shares not redeemed into our common stock.  As it relates to the redemption, pursuant to ASC 260 we determined the difference between (1) the fair value of the consideration transferred to the holders of the preferred stock and (2) the carrying amount of the preferred stock in the balance sheet (net of issuance cost).  The difference between the fair value of consideration transferred, cash of $799,998, and the carry value of the preferred stock of $640,957 was $159,041.
 
 As it relates to the induced conversion, pursuant to ASC 260 we determined the excess of (1) the fair value of all securities and other consideration transferred in the transaction to the holders of the preferred stock over (2) the fair value of securities issuable pursuant to the original conversion terms.  The difference between the fair value of theconsideration transferred (6,831,201 shares of common stock valued at the price of the common stock on the transaction date of $1,058,836 plus the value of re-priced warrants using the Black Sholes pricing model of $165,671) over the fair value of the original conversion terms (5,447,600 shares of common stock value at valued at the price of the common stock on the transaction date of $844,378 plus the value of the warrants at the original exercise price using the Black Sholes pricing model on the transaction date of $339) was $379,790.





The total of the cost of the redemption and induced conversion, $538,831, was added to our net loss in calculating the net loss attributable to common shareholders.








9. Income Taxes




We account for income taxes under ASC 740, which requires the use of the liability method. ASC provides that deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying amounts for financial reporting purposes, referred to as temporary differences. Deferred tax assets and liabilities at the end of each period are determined using the currently enacted tax rates applied to taxable income in the periods in which the deferred tax assets and liabilities are expected to be settled or realized.





Income tax provision (benefit) for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 is summarized below:


2009


2008Current:Federal

$
-


$
-State


-



-Total current


-



-Deferred:Federal


(770,000
)


(1,606,000
)State


(119,000
)


(249,000
)Total deferred


(889,000
)


(1,855,000
)Increase in valuation allowance


889,000



1,855,000Total provision

$
-


$
-





The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal income tax rate to income before provision for income taxes. The sources and tax effects of the differences are as follows:





2009


2008Income tax provision at the federal statutory rate


34.0
%


34.0
%State income taxes, net of federal benefit


3.3
%


3.3
%Effect of net operating loss


(37.3
%)


(37.3
%)0.0
%


0.0
%





49


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements






Components of the net deferred income tax assets at December 31, 2009 and 2008 were as follows:
 
 Deferred tax assets:

2009


2008Net operating loss carryovers

$
3,951,000


$
3,035,000Taxable deferred franchise fees


191,000



238,000Other


29,000



9,000Valuation allowance


(4,171,000
)


(3,282,000
)$
-


$
-


ASC 740 requires a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets reported if, based on the weight of the evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. After consideration of all the evidence, both positive and negative, management has determined that a $4,171,000 allowance at December 31, 2009 is necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that will more likely than not be realized. The change in the valuation allowance for the current year is $889,000.





As of December 31, 2009, we have a net operating loss carry forward of approximately $9,189,000. This loss will be available to offset future taxable income. If not used, this carry forward will expire as follows:





2026

$
619,0002027

$
2,807,0002028

$
4,724,0002029

$
1,039,000





There are open statutes of limitations for taxing authorities in federal and state jurisdictions to audit our tax returns from 2006 through the current period. Our policy is to account for income tax related interest and penalties in income tax expense in the statement of operations. There have been no income tax related interest or penalties assessed or recorded.








10. Business Combinations





In 2008 we made an investment in an existing franchised restaurant, purchased the assets of four existing franchised restaurants and acquired the assets of an existing franchisor in an effort to expand our operations in the Spicy Pickle brand and to franchise another branded concept, Bread Garden Urban Cafés, in the fast casual restaurants industry.





On February 5, 2008, we acquired from a franchisee a 60% ownership interest in an existing franchised restaurant operating in Ft. Collins, Colorado.  We paid an aggregate of $120,000 for our interest, which included the repayment of a note in the amount of $119,400 owed by the previous owner to a third party.  The results of the operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements beginning at the acquisition date. The aggregate value ascribed to the assets acquired including minority interest of $80,000 at the purchase date is as follows:





At February 5, 2008:





Current assets

$
14,900Property and equipment


120,718Lease deposits


7,200Goodwill


57,182Total and net assets acquired

$
200,000








50


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 (Continued)





Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with this acquisition.  Subsequent to the date of purchase an additional $2,572 was added to goodwill for acquisition costs.
 
 Per our agreement, the non-controlling interest, an individual, receives a guaranteed payment of $60,000 per year.  He is responsible for the day to day operations of the entity.  This amount is included in the operating expenses of that entity.  We fund the losses, if any, of the entity.  The non-controlling interest does not receive any portion of income until such time as we have fully recovered the sum of accumulated losses and cumulative guaranteed payments from profitable operations.  After that point we share in the income with 60 percent to us and 40 percent to the non-controlling interest.
 
 On February 21, 2008, we acquired substantially all of the assets, including lease assignments, of an existingfranchise restaurant location in Chicago, Illinois from a franchisee.  No liabilities were assumed in the transaction. The results of the operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since November 2007 pursuant to an operating agreement. The aggregate purchase price of $157,300 was paid in cash and allocated in full to property and equipment and lease deposit.  No goodwill was recorded as a result of the transaction.  During 2008 we sold this restaurant to a new franchisee.





On March 1, 2008, we acquired substantially all of the assets, including lease assignments, of three existing franchise restaurant locations in Colorado from a franchisee.  No liabilities were assumed in the transaction. The results of these operations have been included in the consolidated financial statements since that date.  The acquisition permitted us to expand our presence in our home location.  Additionally, the expansion of the company-owned restaurant base demonstrated to potential franchisees and investors our commitment to our overall growth.





The aggregate purchase price was $844,310, including $344,310 of cash and three-year notes aggregating $500,000 with interest at 10% per year payable monthly.  Additional consideration may be required if aggregate annual sales for the locations exceed $1,425,000 at a rate of 6% of any such excess through February 28, 2011.  In accordance with ASC 805 any additional consideration will be accounted for as additional cost.  There was no additional consideration paid as of December 31, 2009.  The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition.





At March 1, 2008:





Current assets

$
21,410Property, and equipment


498,785Lease deposits


8,290Other intangible assets


55,000Goodwill


260,825Total and net assets acquired

$
844,310





Other intangible assets consist of reacquired franchise rights assumed in connection with this acquisition and were recorded in accordance with the provisions of ASC Topic 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other.





Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with this acquisition.





On October 1, 2008, we acquired all of the operating assets of Bread Garden, a company which franchises fast casual restaurants under the trade name Bread Garden Urban Café.  At the date of the acquisition Bread Garden had 10 franchised locations in the Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada metropolitan area and currently has 16 franchised locations.  The assets were acquired in exchange for 5,177,500 restricted shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase 3,038,750 shares of our common stock, of which 2,700,000 are exercisable at $0.63 per share and 338,750 are exercisable at $0.615 per share.  The warrants are exercisable for five years.  We valued the shares of common stock at $2,174,550, based on the trading value at the date October 1, 2008, the date of the transaction.








51


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


We valued the warrants at $327,665 using the Black Scholes model.  In addition we incurred $96,554 of acquisition costs.


The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired at the date of acquisition.





At October 1, 2008:





Property, and equipment

$
52,175Lease deposits


7,702Goodwill


1,276,882Other intangibles


1,262,000Total and net assets acquired

$
2,598,759





Goodwill consists of the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net assets acquired in connection with this acquisition.





Other intangible assets consist of acquired franchise rights assumed in connection with this acquisition and were recorded in accordance with the provisions of ASC 350.





As shown above we recorded approximately $60,000 of tangible assets in connection with the acquisition of the assets of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc.  We based our valuation of the tangible assets, which consisted primarily of office furniture and office equipment, on the carrying values of the tangible assets on the records of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. at the time of the acquisition which we believe approximated fair value.





We reviewed the guidance in ASC 805 as to examples of intangible assets that meet the criteria for recognition apart from goodwill.  We considered the five types of assets as described in ASC 805; marketing-related, customer-related, artistic-related, contract-related and technology based intangible assets.  We identified identifiable intangibles that are marketing-related and contract-related.





Marketing related:


Acquired trademarks represent the trademarks associated with the Bread Garden Urban Café franchise business acquired in 2008.  These trademarks were determined to have an indefinite life.  We valued the assets the trademarks at $291,000.





Customer related:


The direct customers of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. were the franchisees.  The customers of the franchisees are the general public.  Accordingly we determined that there were no customer-related intangible assets.





Artistic-related:


Due to the nature of the industry there are no artistic related intangibles.





Contract-based intangibles:


At the time of acquisition Bread Garden Franchising, Inc., the company from which we acquired the assets, had agreements in place with 10 franchisees.  Acquired franchise agreements represent franchise agreements between Bread Garden Franchising, Inc., the company that we purchased the assets from, and the then existing franchisees.  Acquired franchise agreements have determinable lives of 11 years.  We valued the acquired franchise agreements at $971,000 and are amortizing the assets over 11 years.





Technology-based intangibles:


There were no proprietary technologies either patented or unpatented.  We considered whether or not there were secret formulas, process or recipes that should be valued.  There were no secret formulas processes.  There were no signature dishes and none of the recipes were any different than what was available in other venues.








52


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
 (Continued)




The allocation of purchase price resulted in goodwill of $1,276,882 being recognized.  In determining the purchase price that gave rise to the goodwill we considered the growth potential of the Bread Garden Urban Café franchise system.  When we purchased the assets of Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. there were ten franchised restaurantsopened and five under construction or in some form of negotiation.  We believed that there was significant growth potential to the franchise operations.  There are currently seventeen franchised restaurants opened.





The proforma unaudited results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2008, assuming that the acquisitions had occurred at the beginning of each period presented, would be as follows:





2008Revenue

$
4,803,224Net loss attributed to common shareholders

$
(5,810,697
)Loss per share

$
(0.12
)





The operations of all of the acquired assets are included in the Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss for the year ended December 31, 2009





The $1,597,461 of aggregate goodwill recognized in all of the acquisitions was assigned to the franchise operations segment and the restaurant operations segment in the amounts of $1,276,882 and $320,579, respectively.  The total amount is expected to be deductable over a fifteen year period for tax purposes.








11. Related Party Transactions





Parties, which can be a corporation or individual, are considered to be related if we have the ability, directly or indirectly, to control the other party or exercise significant influence over the other party in making financial and operating decisions. Companies are also considered to be related if they are subject to common control or common significant influence.





We rent a portion of a suite at a local events center from a partnership in which an officer and member of our Board of Directors is a partner. The partnership passed through the rent at the same rate it paid to the event center owner. The booth is used primarily for marketing entertainment purposes. In 2009 we reduced the number of seats which we rented in the suite.  The amounts charged to expense were $17,618 and $75,641 for the years ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, respectively.





In December 2008, two members of our Board of Directors granted us a line of credit which was to expire January 31, 2010.  The line of credit was for an aggregate of $550,000 and bears interest at a rate of one percent above the prime rate and is secured by certain of our assets.  During 2009 the amount of the line was increased to $800,000.





During 2009, the line of credit was renegotiated and the outstanding principal and accrued interest totaling, $817,252, was converted to a convertible promissory note (“Convertible Note”).  The Convertible Note is due January 31, 2012, bears interest at the same rate that the line of credit did, one percent above the prime rate.  Interest is payable semi-annually.  The holders of the Convertible Note may convert any amount of the principal and accrued interest due into our par value $.001 common stock (“Common Stock”) at the rate of $0.13 per share.  In addition, for every two dollars converted into Common Stock, we will issue to the holder of the Convertible Note a warrant to purchase one share of Common Stock.  The exercise price of the warrant will be equal to 120% of the price per share of the Common Stock calculated using the average of the volume weighted average prices per share for the 10 trading days prior to the election to convert.





53


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements





The conversion feature in the Convertible Note is considered to be a beneficial conversion feature.  We have accounted for the beneficial conversion feature in accordance with ASC Topic 470, Liabilities.  We accounted for a portion of the proceeds, $157,164, from the Convertible Note which related to the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature by allocating that amount to additional paid in capital.  The following summarizes the carrying amount of the Convertible Promissory Note:




Face value of the note to be repaid if not converted

$
817,252Amount allocated to additional paid in capital, net of amortization


(140,325
)Note payable to related parties

$
676,927





In accordance with ASC Topic 835, Interest, the amount allocated to the beneficial conversion will be amortized as interest expense over the life of the note in such a way as to result in a constant rate of interest.  The amount of amortization for the year ended December 31, 2009 was $16,839.





The annual interest rate giving effect to the amortization of the beneficial conversion is 9.188% per annum.  When combined with the stated interest rate of one percent above the prime rate, the effective rate is 10.188% over the prime rate.  At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on the borrowings was 12.438%.





In 2007 two members of our Board of Directors participated in the Series A Preferred Stock offering described in Note 7.  In total the Directors purchased 132 Series A Preferred Shares.  In addition both Directors elected to convert the Series A Preferred Shares into our common stock.  We issued a total of 2,640,000 shares of our common stock to the two Directors.  This transaction was at the same terms and conditions of other participants in the offering.





The same two Directors participated in the New Financing described in Note 7.  In total they purchased 18 units for which they paid us $1,800,000.  We issued 13,846,158 shares of our common stock and warrants to purchase an additional 6,923,070 shares of our common stock.  This transaction was at the same terms and conditions of other participants in the offering.








12. Stock-Based Compensation





In October 2006, our Board of Directors adopted the 2006 Stock Option Plan (“2006 Plan”), which was approved by our stockholders the same month. The 2006 Plan provides for the grant of up to 7,500,000 shares of our common stock (subject to certain adjustments in the event of stock splits or other similar events) as incentive stock options. Our Board of Directors has delegated authority to grant awards under the 2006 Plan to a Compensation Committee.





In December 2009, our Board of Directors adopted the 2009 Stock Option Plan (“2009 Plan”). We will seek approval of the 2009 Plan by our stockholders during 2010. The 2009 Plan provides for the grant of up to 5,000,000 shares of our common stock (subject to certain adjustments in the event of stock splits or other similar events) as incentive stock options. Our Board of Directors has delegated authority to grant awards under the 2009 Plan to a Compensation Committee.  No grants have been made pursuant to this plan.





Also in December 2009, our Board of Directors adopted the 2009 Restricted Stock Plan (“2009 Restricted Stock Plan”).  The 2009 Restricted Stock Plan provides for the grant of up to 5,000,000 shares of our common stock (subject to certain adjustments in the event of stock splits or other similar events). Our Board of Directors has delegated authority to grant awards under the 2009 Plan to a Compensation Committee.  No grants have been made pursuant to this plan.





54


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements








A summary of stock option activity under 2006 Plan is set forth below:





Weighted AverageWeighted


Remaining


AggregateAverage


Contractual Term


IntrinsicOptions


Exercise Price


(in years)


ValueOutstanding January 1, 2008


4,060,000


$
0.20





$
66,178Granted


3,060,000


$
0.20






49,878Exercised


(82,500
)

$
0.20






(1,345
)Cancelled


(891,250
)

$
0.20






(14,527
)Outstanding December 31, 2008


6,146,250


$
0.20



3.02



100,184Granted


1,200,000


$
0.20



4.98



7,200Exercised


-











-Cancelled


(556,250
)

$
0.20







(9,067
)Outstanding December 31, 2009


6,790,000


$
0.20



3.38


$
98,317Exercisable December 31, 2008


6,790,000


$
0.20



3.38


$
98,317





We also issued stock options to certain employees of our Canadian subsidiary.  These options were not included in the 2006 Plan.  A summary of stock option activity to those employees is set forth below:





Weighted AverageWeighted


Remaining


AggregateAverage


Contractual Term


IntrinsicOptions


Exercise Price


(in years)


ValueOutstanding January 1, 2008


-








$
-Granted


800,000


$
0.20






13,040Exercised


-Cancelled


-Outstanding December 31, 2008


800,000


$
0.20



4.75



13,040Granted


400,000


$
0.20



4.98



6,520Exercised


-Cancelled


-Outstanding December 31, 2009


1,200,000


$
0.20



4.16


$
19,561Exercisable December 31, 2009


1,000,000


$
0.20



4.16


$
16,300





The following table summarizes information concerning outstanding and exercisable options at December 31, 2009:





Options Outstanding

Options ExercisableRange of Exercise Price

Number

Outstanding
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life

Weighted

Average Exercise Price

Number

Exercisable

Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
Weighted

Average

Exercise Price$.185 - $.20

7,990,000
3.5

$0.20

7,790,000

3.5
$0.20





The total compensation cost related to non-vested awards not yet recognized as expense as of December 31, 2009 is $7,688 and will be recognized over the remaining period of 1.75 years.





55


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements


13. Business Segment information





We operate in three business segments. The Company Restaurant Operations segment is comprised of restaurants owned by us.  The company-owned restaurants conduct business under the Spicy Pickle name. These restaurants specialize in fast casual dining featuring fresh, made-to-order, premium submarine, deli and panini sandwiches, salads, soups and soft drinks. Information for this segment for the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008 include the operating activities of 7 and 8 company-owned restaurants, respectively.





The Bakery Operations segment is comprised of the operating activities of a bakery located at one of our Denver restaurants, which supplies breads and other bakery products for Company and franchisee-owned locations in Colorado.





The Franchise Operations segment is comprised of the operating activities of the franchise business unit, which licenses qualified operators to conduct business under the Spicy Pickle name or the Bread Garden name, and also of the costs to monitor the operations of these restaurants. Under the terms of the agreements, the licensed operators pay royalties and fees to us in return for the use of the Spicy Pickle or the Bread Garden name as the case may be.





The following table sets forth certain restaurant data relating to company-owned and both Spicy Pickle and Bread Garden franchise-operated restaurants:





2009


2008Number of restaurants:Company-owned:Beginning of period


7



1Restaurants opened (includes 4 restaurants converted from franchise owned to company owned)


-



7Restaurants sold


-



(1
)End of period


7



7Franchise-operated:Spicy PickleBeginning of period


32



35Restaurants opened


5



5Restaurants closed (includes 4 restaurants converted from franchise owned to company owned in 2008)


(7
)


(8
)End of period


30



32Bread GardenBeginning of period


11



-Restaurants opened


6



11Restaurants closed


(1
)


-End of period


16



11System-wide:Beginning of period


50



36Restaurants opened (net of conversions from company owned to franchised)


11



23Restaurants closed


(8
)


(9
)End of period


53



50





The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies (see Note 2). In 2009 and 2008, the Company’s bakery segment had sales to the restaurant segment in the amount of $304,224 and $112,594, respectively. Management has determined that our reportable segments are strategic business units that offer different products and services.





56


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.


Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




Segment information related to our three business segments follows:





2009


2008Revenues:Company restaurant operations

$
2,264,926


$
2,643,682Bakery operations


406,600



466,669Franchise operations


1,450,899



1,307,295Total revenues

$
4,122,425


$
4,417,646Segment profit (loss)Company restaurant operations

$
(479,786
)

$
(533,151
)Bakery operations


(41,956
)


(64,254
)Franchise operations


(1,469,040
)


(5,013,296
)Total profit (loss)

$
(1,990,782
)

$
(5,610,701
)





Segment assets:Company restaurant operations

$
1,789,798


$
2,014,714Bakery operations


337,388



372,146Franchise operations


3,712,008



3,178,330Total segment assets

$
5,839,194


$
5,565,190





Segment liabilities:Company restaurant operations

$
1,000,874


$
1,477,526Bakery operations


8,121



24,793Franchise operations


1,486,692



787,652Total segment liabilities

$
2,495,687


$
2,289,971





Depreciation and amortization (included in segment profit (loss):Company restaurant operations

$
241,143


$
216,495Bakery operations


39,367



39,652Franchise operations


119,965



29,455Total depreciation and amortization

$
400,475


$
285,602





Capital expenditures:Company restaurant operations

$
7,129


$
1,724,202Bakery operations


-



28,949Franchise operations


-



2,614,797Total capital expenditures

$
7,129


$
4,367,948




We operate in the United States of America and Canada.  In respect of geographical segment reporting, revenues and total assets are based on the country where the operations are conducted.


57


Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc.
 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements








2009


2008Geographic Revenues:United States of America

$
3,765,477


$
4,342,785Canada


356,948



74,861Total Revenues

$
4,122,425


$
4,417,646Geographic assets:United States of America, including goodwill of $320,579

$
3,226,596


$
2,952,456Canada, including goodwill of $1,276,882


2,612,498



2,612,734Total assets

$
5,839,194


$
5,565,190








14. Sales of Assets





In December 2008, we sold all of the operating assets of one of our restaurants to a new franchisee for approximately $116,000, paid with $81,000 in cash and a note in the amount of $35,000.  The note is payable in ten installment of $3,500 plus accrued interest on the unpaid principal at a rate of 8% per annum.  The note was fully paid during 2009.  For the year ended December 31, 2008 we recognized a loss on the sale of approximately $32,000.








15. Subsequent Events





We have evaluated subsequent events through March 10, 2010, the date the financial statements were available to be issued.





In January 2010, the Board of Directors approved a compensation plan for our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) and our Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”).  Pursuant to the plan, effective May 1, 2010, the officers will reduce their salaries to $150,000 each.  In consideration of the reduction, the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock to our CEO and 1,000,000 shares of our common stock to our CFO.  The value of the shares when issued was $0.11 per share for an aggregate value of $330,000 and will be charges to operations in 2010.  In February 2010 the Board of Directors authorized the Company to enter into employment agreements with both officers.  The agreements will provide that if the Company terminates their employment, for other than cause, they will each receive a payment in an amount equal to the exercise price of their respective stock options.  The CEO would receive $538,000 and the CFO would receive $280,000.  The payments would be subject to our ability to first be able to retire the current long-term debt in the amount of $1,257,208 and having raised $7,500,000.  In addition a bonus plan would provide that the CEO and CFO would receive bonuses based on improvements in our financial position.  The Board of Directors established stepped targeted asset to liability ratios.  The following are the ratios to be achieved and the bonus to be earned:





Target Asset to Liability ratio

Mr. Geman

Bonus

Mr. Tinter

Bonus3.33 to 1

$200,000

$100,0004.66 to 1

$300,000

$150,0005.70 to 1

$400,000

$200,0007.50 to 1

$500,000

$250,000





We are in the process of preparing written agreements to reflect the above.





58





Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure





On November 1, 2008, Gordon, Hughes & Banks, LLP (“GH&B”) resigned as our independent registered public accounting firm.  GH&B recently entered into an agreement with Eide Bailly LLP (“Eide Bailly”), pursuant to which Eide Bailly acquired the operations of GH&B and certain of the professional staff and shareholders of GH&B joined Eide Bailly either as employees or partners of Eide Bailly and will continue to practice as members of Eide Bailly.  Concurrent with the resignation of GH&B, we, through and with the approval of our Audit Committee, engaged Eide Bailly as our independent registered public accounting firm.





During our two most recent fiscal years and the period through November 1, 2008, there were no disagreements with GH&B on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of GH&B, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreements in connection with its report.  Further, there were no reportable events as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K occurring from during our two most recent fiscal years and the period through November 1, 2008.




During the period prior to the engagement of Eide Bailly, neither we nor anyone on our behalf consulted Eide Bailly regarding the application of accounting principles to a specific completed or contemplated transaction, the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on our financial statements, or any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K) or a reportable event as described in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K.  Further, Eide Bailly has not provided written or oral advice to us that was an important factor considered by us in reaching a decision as to any accounting, auditing or financial reporting issues.





We provided a copy of the foregoing disclosures to GH&B prior to the date of the filing of our report on Form 8-K and requested that GH&B furnish us with a letter addressed to the Securities and Exchange Commission stating whether or not it agreed with the statements in that report. A copy of the letter furnished in response to that request was filed as an exhibit to the Form 8-K.








Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures





Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures





We have established disclosure controls and procedures to ensure that material information relating to the Company, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to the officers who certify our financial reports and to other members of management and the Board of Directors. Based on their evaluation as of December 31, 2009, our Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”) and Chief Financial Officer (the “CFO”) have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) are effective in ensuring that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our CEO and our CFO, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.





Internal Control over Financial Reporting





(a) Management’s annual report on internal control over financial reporting.





Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of our CEO and CFO to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and preparation of our financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.





As of December 31, 2009, management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting established in Internal Control — Integrated Frameworkissued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission. Based





59





on that assessment, management determined that we maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2009, based on those criteria.





Because of its inherent limitations, our internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.





This annual report does not include an attestation report of our registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by our registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the SEC that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.





(b) Changes in internal control over financial reporting.





There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.








Item 9B.  Other Information





None.


60


PART III





Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance





Our executive officers and directors are as follows:





Name

Age

PositionMarc N. Geman

64

Chairman and Chief Executive OfficerAnthony S. Walker

37

Director and Chief Operating OfficerArnold Tinter

64

Chief Financial OfficerRaymond BonAnno

69

DirectorPresley Reed

63

Director








Background of Officers and Directors





Marc N. Geman - Mr. Geman is our Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of our Company. Mr. Geman has held these positions since our formation in January 2003. From 1994 to 1998, he was president of Pretzelmaker Holdings, Inc., a national franchisor of soft pretzels. From May 2001 to May 2003, Mr. Geman was the Chief Executive Officer and a director of Bayview Technology Group, LLC (“Bayview”), a company that manufactured and developed energy-efficient products. From May 2003 until October 2003, Mr. Geman was the Chairman of Bayview. From July 2003 until December 2004, he was a consultant to the purchaser of Bayview. Mr. Geman was a founder and Chief Executive Officer of Portfolio Management Consultants, Inc., an investment advisory firm managing assets for high net worth individuals from 1990 to 1995. Mr. Geman has been a licensed attorney since 1973.





We have concluded that Mr. Geman should serve as a director as a result of his experience in the food franchising industry.





Anthony S. Walker - Mr. Walker is our Chief Operating Officer and has been a director since our inception in January 2003. He is a co-founder of the concept that in August 1999 started operating Spicy Pickle Restaurants in Denver, Colorado. From 1996 until 1999, Mr. Walker was a chef at the Barolo Grill, a fine dining restaurant in Denver, Colorado. Mr. Walker has been recognized in magazines such as The New York Times, Cucina Italiana and Nations Restaurant News.





We have concluded that Mr. Walker should serve as a director as a result of his experience in the restaurant industry and as a founder of the Company.





Arnold Tinter - Mr. Tinter has been our Chief Financial Officer since September 1, 2006. From 1990 to the present, he has been the president of Corporate Finance Group, a company involved in financial consulting in the areas of strategic planning, mergers and acquisitions and capital formation. From May 2001 to May 2003, he served as Chief Financial Officer of Bayview Technology Group, LLC, a privately held company that manufactured and distributed energy-efficient products. From May 2003 to October 2004, he served as that company’s Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Tinter is a Certified Public Accountant.





Raymond J. BonAnno - Mr. BonAnno has served as a member of our Board of Directors since April 2006. He has spent more than 30 years in the automotive carrier truck industry. Mr. BonAnno was Director of Operations, Baker Driveaway Co., Inc. (1973-1975) and at E & L Transport, Inc. (1975-1977). In 1977, he was recruited by Ryder Systems, Inc. to be General Manager - Cadillac Division (1977-1982). With Ryder, he held assignments of increasing responsibility for 23 years until his departure in 1990. Mr. BonAnno has a BBA degree in finance from the University of Notre Dame (1963) and an MBA, Advanced Management Program from Michigan State University (1983). Mr. BonAnno is the recipient of the Ernst & Young LLP’s Rocky Mountain Entrepreneur of the Year award for 2007. In 1990, Mr. BonAnno purchased an interest in Fleet Car Carriers and now he and his family own that company. Mr. BonAnno currently serves on the University of Notre Dame Advisory Council for the College of Arts and Letters, the Board of Advisors for the University of Detroit Jesuit High School and Academy


61





and the Advisory Board for the Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund. Mr. BonAnno also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Colorado Capital Bank, Cherry Creek Branch, and the Agents Title Insurance Company.





We have concluded that Mr. BonAnno should serve as a director as a result of his business and financial background.





Presley Reed - Dr. Presley Reed has served as a member of our Board of Directors since April 2006 and is founder and Chairman of Reed Group with offices in Colorado and New York; Dr. Reed has held such position for many years. Dr. Reed is the Editor-in-Chief ofThe Medical Disability Advisor: Workplace Guidelines for Disability Duration. Dr. Reed is an expert in disability management, workplace absence and productivity, workers’ compensation, and occupational health. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He is a Fellow of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and is a former chair of its Committee on Occupational Mental Health. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Disability Evaluating Physicians. He served as Founding Chairman of the American Board of Independent Medical Examiners and is a Certified Independent Medical Examiner. Dr. Reed received his BS in Medical Arts from the University of Kentucky and his medical degree from the University of Tennessee. He completed his residency in psychiatry at Tulane in New Orleans, and at Denver General Hospital.





We have concluded that Dr. Reed should serve as a director as a result of his business and financial background.








There are no family relationships among the directors and executive officers. Except as set forth below, none of the directors or executive officers has, during the past five years:





(a)
had any petition under the federal bankruptcy laws or any state insolvency law filed by or against, or a receiver, fiscal agent or similar officer appointed by a court for the business or property of, such person, or any partnership in which he was a general partner at or within two years before the time of such filing, or any corporation or business association of which he was an executive officer at or within two years before the time of such filing;




(b)
been convicted in a criminal proceeding or subject to a pending criminal proceeding;




(c)
been subject to any order, judgment, or decree, not subsequently reversed, suspended or vacated, of any court of competent jurisdiction or any federal or state authority, permanently or temporarily enjoining, barring, suspending or otherwise limiting his involvement in any type of business, securities, futures, commodities or banking activities; or




(d)
been found by a court of competent jurisdiction (in a civil action), the SEC or the Commodity Futures Trading Commission to have violated a federal or state securities or commodities law, and the judgment has not been reversed, suspended, or vacated.




Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance





Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires our executive officers and directors and persons who own more than ten percent (10%) of our common stock to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC and any exchange on which the common stock is listed for trading and to furnish us with copies of all Section 16(a) reports filed. Based solely on our review of such reports and written representations of certain of such persons furnished to us during or with respect to the last fiscal year, the following table sets forth reports that were not filed on a timely basis during the most recently completed fiscal year:


.


Reporting Person
Date Report Due
Date Report FiledRaymond BonAnno
01/06/2009
02/12/2009Marc Geman
12/28/2009
01/20/2010Presley Reed
01/06/2009
02/12/2009Presley Reed
09/30/2009
01/20/2010Anthony Walker
12/29/2009
01/11/2010





62


Code of Business Ethics





We have a Code of Business Ethics that governs all of our employees, including our CEO, CFO, principal accounting officer or persons performing similar functions.  We will provide a copy of our code free of charge to any person upon written request to us at the following address: 90 Madison Street, Suite 700, Denver, CO 80206 Attn: Corporate Secretary.





Audit Committee Financial Expert





Our Board of Directors has determined that there is no Audit Committee financial expert serving on our Audit Committee. As we are not a listed issuer as that term is defined in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act, we are not required to have a financial expert serving on our Audit Committee.








Item 11.  Executive Compensation





The following table sets forth, for the last two fiscal years, the compensation earned for the services rendered in all capacities by our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and the Company’s two most highly compensated executive officers who earned more than $100,000. The individuals in the table are referred to herein as the “named executive officers.”





SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE


Name and principal position
Year
Salary ($)
Bonus ($)
Option

awards ($)

(1)
Total ($)Marc Geman (2)

Chief Executive Officer
2009

2008
265,823

558,043
-

-
31,456

91,716
297,279

444,759Arnold Tinter (3)

Chief Financial Officer
2009

2008
171,833

196,135
-

-
21,090

63,991
192,923

260,126Anthony Walker (4)

Chief Operating Officer
2009

2008
102,583

147,101
-

-
9,414

51,708
111,997

198,809





(1)
The value of the options granted during 2009 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:  expected volatility of 41.28%, expected term of 2.5 years, risk-free interest rate of 1.448% and no expected dividend yield.  In addition all of the outstanding options were re-priced and the effect of the re-pricing for all outstanding options has been added to the amounts calculated for awards made during 2009.  In accordance with GAAP the amount of additional compensation recognized was determined by calculating the fair value of the options immediately before the modification less the fair value of the options as modified.  We calculated the fair value of options immediately before the modification using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $0.677, expected volatility of 41.97%, expected term of 1.34 years, risk-free interest rate of 0.388% and no expected dividend yield.  We calculated the fair value of options immediately after the modification using the Black-Scholes model with the following weighted average assumptions: exercise price of $0.20, expected volatility of 41.97%, expected term of 1.34 years, risk-free interest rate of 0.388% and no expected dividend yield.  The weighted value of each option immediately before the modification was $0.0036 and the weighted average value immediately after the modification was $0.0163.  The value of the options granted during 2008 was estimated on the grant date using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:  expected volatility of 43.18%, expected term of 2.5 years, risk-free interest rate of 2.4% and no expected dividend yield.  63
  (2)
Under Mr. Geman’s previous employment agreement, his salary increased to $360,000 per annum effective January 1, 2008.  In addition to his base salary he received commissions on the sale of franchises.  The amount for 2008 includes $353,043 in salary and $205,000 in commissions on the sale of franchises, both of which were recorded as compensation expense.  Subsequent to December 31, 2008, Mr. Geman agreed to reduce his salary to $250,000 per annum until such time as economic conditions improve.  Subsequent to December 31, 2009, Mr. Geman agreed that effective May 1, 2010 he would further reduce his salary to $150,000.  Mr. Geman receives no compensation for his services as a director.(3)
Under a verbal agreement Mr. Tinter, $200,000 per annum for December 31, 2008.  Subsequent to December 31, 2008 Mr. Tinter agreed to reduce his salary to $167,500 per annum until such time as economic conditions improve.  Subsequent to December 31, 2009, Mr. Tinter agreed to further reduce his salary to $150,000.(4)
Under Mr. Walker’s employment agreement, his salary increased to $150,000 per annum effective January 1, 2008.  Subsequent to December 31, 2008 Mr. Walker agreed to reduce his salary to $100,000 per annum until such time as economic conditions improve.  Mr. Walker receives no compensation for his services as a director.





The value of option awards are the dollar amount recognized for financial statement reporting purposes.








The following table sets forth, at December 31, 2009, information concerning unexercised options for each named executive officer.





OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR END


Name
Number of securities underlying

unexercised options

(#)

exercisable
Number of securities underlying unexercised options

(#)

unexercisable
Equity incentive plan awards:

Number of securities underlying unexercised unearned options

(#)
Option exercise price

($)
Option expiration dateMarc Geman
500,000

500,000

340,000

150,000

1,200,000
-

-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-

-
0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20
9/20/12

12/14/12

3/17/13

8/6/13

12/23/14Arnold Tinter
200,000

400,000

500,000

200,000

100,000
-

-

-

-

-
-

-

-

-

-
0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20

0.20
1/25/12

9/20/12

12/14/12

3/17/13

8/6/13Anthony Walker
300,000

180,000

100,000
-

-

-
-

-

-
0.20

0.20

0.20
9/20/12

3/17/13

8/6/13





On September 8, 2009, the exercise price of all options was reset to $0.20 per share.





There are no plans that provide for the payment of retirement benefits, or benefits that will be paid primarily following retirement, including but not limited to tax-qualified defined benefit plans, supplemental executive retirement plans, tax-qualified defined contribution plans and nonqualified defined contribution plans.





Other than as discussed below in “Executive Compensation – Employment Agreements,” there are no contracts, agreements, plans or arrangements, written or unwritten, that provide for payment to a named executive officer at, following, or in connection with the resignation, retirement or other termination of a named executive officer, or a change in control of our company or a change in the named executive officer’s responsibilities following a change in control, with respect to each named executive officer.





64


The following table sets forth, for the year ended December 31, 2009, the compensation earned for the services rendered in all capacities by our directors.





DIRECTOR COMPENSATION


Name
Fees earned

or paid

in cash

($)
Stock awards

($)
Option

awards

($)
Non-equity

incentive plan compensation

($)
Nonqualified

deferred compensation earnings

($)
All other compensation

($)
Total

($)Raymond BonAnno
-
-
-
-
-
-Presley Reed
-
-
-
-
-
-


Employment Agreements





There are no formal written employment agreements with any of the named executive officers.





In January 2010, the Board of Directors approved a compensation plan for Mr. Geman and Mr. Tinter.  Pursuant to the plan, effective May 1, 2010 both Mr. Geman and Mr. Tinter will reduce their salaries to $150,000 each.  In consideration of the reduction the Board of Directors authorized the issuance of 2,000,000 shares of our common stock to Mr. Geman and 1,000,000 shares of our common stock to Mr. Tinter.  In February 2010 the Board of Directors authorized the Company to enter in employment agreements with Mr. Geman and Mr. Tinter.  The agreements will provide that if the Company terminates their employment, for other than cause, they will each receive a payment in an amount equal to the exercise price of their respective stock options.  Mr. Geman would receive $538,000 and Mr. Tinter would receive $280,000.  The payments would be subject to our ability to first be able to retire the current long-term debt in the amount of $1,257,208 and having raised $7,500,000.  In addition a bonus plan would provide that Mr. Geman and Mr. Tinter would receive bonuses based on improvements in our financial position.  The Board of Directors established stepped targeted asset to liability ratios.  The following are the ratios to be achieved and the bonus to be earned:





Target Asset to

Liability ratio

Mr. Geman

Bonus

Mr. Tinter

Bonus3.33 to 1

$200,000

$100,0004.66 to 1

$300,000

$150,0005.70 to 1

$400,000

$200,0007.50 to 1

$500,000

$250,000





We are in the process of preparing written agreements to reflect the above.








Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters





The following table sets forth certain information regarding beneficial ownership of our capital stock as of March 10, 2010 by (i) each person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than five percent of the outstanding common stock, (ii) each director, (iii) each named executive officer, and (iv) all directors and executive officers as a group.





The number of shares beneficially owned is determined under the rules promulgated by the SEC, and the information is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. Under those rules, beneficial ownership includes any shares as to which the person has sole or shared voting power or investment power and any shares that the person has the right to acquire within 60 days of the date hereof, through the exercise or conversion of any stock option, convertible security, warrant or other right. Including those shares in the table does not, however, constitute an admission by the named shareholder that the shareholder is a direct or indirect beneficial owner of those shares.







65


Unless otherwise indicated, the address of each of the following persons is 90 Madison Street, Suite 700, Denver, Colorado 80206. All percentages of common stock beneficially owned by the listed persons are based upon 83,994,274 shares of common stock outstanding at March 10, 2010 and shares of common stock subject to options, warrants and convertible securities within 60 days of the date hereof are deemed to be outstanding for computing the percentage of the person holding such options, warrants or convertible securities but are not deemed to be outstanding for computing the percentage of any other person.





Title of Class

Name and Address of Beneficial Owner

Amount and

Nature of Beneficial Ownership

Percent of ClassCommon Stock

Marc Geman (1)

6,491,264

7.49
%Common Stock

Anthony Walker (2)

4,787,036

5.66
%Common Stock

Raymond BonAnno (3)

8,081,183

9.46
%Common Stock

Presley Reed (4)

36,947,509

40.31
%Common Stock

Arnold Tinter (5)

2,400,000

2.81
%Common Stock

All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group (5 persons)

58,706,992

56.19
%


_________________


(1)
Includes 2,690,000 shares based on options exercisable within 60 days.(2)
Includes 580,000 shares based on options exercisable within 60 days.(3)
Includes 2,293,045 shares owned of record by the BonAnno Family Partnership; Raymond BonAnno has voting and dispositive power over such shares, 1,808,489 owned by Raymond BonAnno and Joan BonAnno, his wife, 859,230 shares based on exercise of warrants jointly owned by Mr. BonAnno and his wife, 2,366,591 shares based on the conversion of a convertible note owned solely by Mr. BonAnno, 153,828 shares based on warrants owned solely by Mr. BonAnno and 600,000 shares based on options exercisable within 60 days.(4)
Includes 23,972,504 shares owned jointly by Presley and Patricia Reed, 1,146,408 shares owned by the Presley Reed 1999 Family Trust, of which Patricia Reed, Dr. Reed’s wife, is the beneficiary, 7,053,840 shares based on exercise of warrants jointly owned by Dr. Reed and his wife, 3,919,960 shares based on the conversion of a convertible note owned solely by Dr. Reed, 254,797 shares based on warrants owned solely by Dr. Reed, and 600,000 shares based on options exercisable within 60 days.(5)
Includes 1,400,000 shares based on options exercisable within 60 days.





Equity Compensation Plan Information





The following table provides information as of December 31, 2009 with respect to our 2006 Stock Option Plan, the only compensation plan under which our equity securities are authorized for issuance, which plan was approved by our shareholders in 2006.


Plan category
Number of securities to be

issued upon exercise of

outstanding options,

warrants and rights
Weighted-average

exercise price of outstanding

options, warrants and rights
Number of securities remaining

available for future issuance

under equity compensation plans(excluding securities reflected

in column (a))Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
6,790,000
$0.20
710,000  Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
None

NoneTotal
6,790,000
$0.20
710,000




66


In December 2009, our Board of Directors adopted the 2009 Stock Option Plan, which provides for the grant of up to 5,000,000 shares of our common stock as incentive stock options.  This plan has not yet been approved by our stockholders and no options have been granted under that plan.





Change in Control





To the knowledge of management, there are no present arrangements that may result in a change of control of the Company.








Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.





On December 14, 2007, Raymond BonAnno and Presley Reed, two of our directors, Keith and Angela Oxenreider, the son-in-law and daughter of director Raymond BonAnno, and R. James BonAnno, Jr., the son of director Raymond BonAnno, participated in the transaction pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of 705 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase an aggregate of 5,287,500 shares of common stock for an aggregate purchase price of $5,992,500.  Mr. BonAnno and his wife purchased 12 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 90,000 shares of common stock for $102,000. Dr. Reed and his wife purchased 120 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 900,000 shares of common stock for $1,020,000. Mr. and Mrs. Oxenreider purchased 12 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 90,000 of common stock for $102,000. Mr. BonAnno, Jr. purchased 12 shares of Series A Preferred Stock and warrants to purchase 90,000 of common stock for $102,000.





On September 22, 2009, Raymond BonAnno and Presley Reed, Keith and Angela Oxenreider,and R. James BonAnno, Jr. participated in an Amendment, Redemption and Conversion Agreement related to the then outstanding 638.88 shares of the Series A Preferred Stock pursuant to which we redeemed 94.12 shares for a total of $799,998 and convert their remaining 544.76 shares of Series A Preferred Stock into 2,093,601 shares of our Common Stock.  Mr. BonAnno and his wife converted 12 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for 240,000 shares of common stock.  Dr. Reed and his wife converted 120 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for 2,400,000 shares of common stock.  Mr. and Mrs. Oxenreider converted 12 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for 240,000 shares of common stock.  Mr. BonAnno, Jr. converted 12 shares of Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for 240,000 shares of common stock.  We lowered the exercise price of the warrants that were purchased with the Series A Preferred Stock to $0.20 to per share and extended the expiration date of the warrants to September 22, 2014.  None of these individuals participated in the cash redemption.





On September 22, 2009, Raymond BonAnno and Presley Reed participated in a transaction pursuant to which we sold an aggregate of 22.5 Units for cash in the amount of $2,250,000.  Each Unit consisted of 769,231 shares of our Common Stock and a warrant to purchase an additional 384,615 shares of Common Stock at $.19 per share.  The warrants expire September 22, 2014.  Mr. Bonanno and his wife purchased 2 units for $200,000 and received 1,538,462 shares of common stock and 769,230 warrants.  Dr. Reed and his wife purchased 16 units for $1,600,000 and received 12,307,696 shares of common stock and 6,153,840 warrants.





In December 2008, Raymond BonAnno and Presley Reed granted the Company a line of credit which was to expire January 31, 2010.  The line of credit was for an aggregate of $550,000 and bore interest at a rate of one percent above the prime rate and was secured by certain assets of the Company.  At December 31, 2008, the interest rate on the borrowings was 4.25% and balance outstanding was $100,000.  Both Mr. BonAnno and Dr. Reed increased the amount of the line.







67


price of the warrant will be equal to 120% of the price per share of the Common Stock calculated using the average of the volume weighted average prices per share for the 10 trading days prior to the election to convert.





The conversion feature in the Convertible Note is considered to be a beneficial conversion feature.  We have accounted for the beneficial conversion feature in accordance with GAAP.  We accounted for a portion of the proceeds, $157,164, from the Convertible Note which related to the intrinsic value of the beneficial conversion feature by allocating that amount to additional paid in capital.  The following summarizes the carrying amount of the Convertible Promissory Note:


Face value of the note to be repaid if not converted

$
817,252Amount allocated to additional paid in capital, net of amortization


(140,325
)Note payable to related parties

$
676,927


In accordance with GAAP, the amount allocated to the beneficial conversion will be amortized as interest expense over the life of the note in such a way as to result in a constant rate of interest.





The annual interest rate giving effect to the amortization of the beneficial conversion is 9.188% per annum.  When combined with the stated interest rate of one percent above the prime rate, the effective rate is 10.188% over the prime rate.  At December 31, 2009, the interest rate on the borrowings was 12.438%.








Director Independence





The following members of the Company’s Board of Directors are independent directors as that term is defined by NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5605(a)(2): Raymond BonAnno and Presley Reed.  Neither member of the Company’s Audit Committee, whose members are Marc Geman and Raymond BonAnno, meets the Audit Committee independence requirements of NASDAQ Marketplace Rule 5605(c).








Item 14.  Principal Accounting Fees and Services.




The following table sets forth fees billed to us by Eide Bailly, LLP, our registered public accounting firm, during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2009 and December 31, 2008, respectively, for (i) services rendered for the audit of our annual financial statements and the review of our quarterly financial statements; (ii) services rendered that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of our financial statements and that are not reported as Audit Fees; (iii) services rendered in connection with tax compliance, tax advice and tax planning, and (iv) all other services rendered.


December 31,


December 31,2009


2008Audit Fees

$
51,201


$
37,611Audit-Related Fees


--



--Tax Fees


--



--All Other Fees (audit of acquired subsidiary)


--



31,159Total fees

$
51,201


$
68,770





68


PART IV





Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statements Schedules.





(a) Documents filed as a part of this report





(1) Financial Statements





The Consolidated Financial Statements of Spicy Pickle Franchising, Inc. and its subsidiaries and the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm’s report dated March __, 2010, are incorporated by reference to Item 8 of this report.





(2) Financial Statement Schedules





Not required.





(b) Exhibits





Regulation

S-K Number
Exhibit2.1
Asset Purchase Agreement between SPBG Franchising, Inc. and Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. dated September 30, 2008 (1)3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (2)3.2
Bylaws (3)4.1
Certificate of Designation of Series A Variable Rate Convertible Preferred Stock (4)4.2
Form of warrant to be issued to Midtown Partners & Co, LLC and assigns (5)4.3
Form of warrant to be issued to private placement investors (6)10.1
Employment Agreement – Marc Geman (3)10.2
Employment Agreement – Anthony Walker (3)10.3
Employment Agreement – Kevin Morrison (3)10.4
2006 Stock Option Plan (3)10.5
Promissory Note to Spicy Pickle, LLC (3)10.6
Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of December 14, 2007 (7)10.7
Form of Warrant (8)10.8
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 14, 2007 (9)10.9
Lock-Up Agreement of Marc Geman (10)10.10
Form of Lock-Up Agreement executed by other officers and directors (11)10.11
Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of May 22, 2008 (12)10.12
Amendment, Redemption and Conversion Agreement (13)10.13
Agreement with Midtown Partners & Co, LLC and assigns (14)10.14
2009 Stock Option Plan (15)  69
  Regulation

S-K Number
Exhibit
 10.15
2009 Restricted Stock Plan (15)31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer (16)31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer (16)32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (16)32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (16)




(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2008.


(2)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on December 12, 2006.


(3)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the registrant’s registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 26, 2006.


(4)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007


(5)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.


(6)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.2 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.


(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.


(8)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.


(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.


(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.


(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 27, 2007.


(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2008.


(13)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.


(14)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.


(15)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2010.


(16)
Filed herewith.








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SIGNATURES





Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.




SPICY PICKLE FRANCHISING, INC.Date:  March 10, 2010
By:
/s/ Marc GemanMarc Geman, Chief Executive Officer





Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.




Signature

Title

Date/s/ Marc Geman

Chief Executive Officer and Chariman of the

March 10, 2010Marc Geman

Board (Principal Executive Officer/s/ Arnold Tinter

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial

March 10, 2010Arnold Tinter

and Accounting Officer)/s/ Anthony Walker

Director

March 10, 2010Anthony Walker
 /s/ Presley Reed

Director

March 10, 2010Presley Reed/s/ Raymond BonAnno

Director

March 10, 2010Raymond Bon Anno


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EXHIBIT INDEX





Regulation

S-K Number
Exhibit2.1
Asset Purchase Agreement between SPBG Franchising, Inc. and Bread Garden Franchising, Inc. dated September 30, 2008 (1)3.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (2)3.2
Bylaws (3)4.1
Certificate of Designation of Series A Variable Rate Convertible Preferred Stock (4)4.2
Form of warrant to be issued to Midtown Partners & Co, LLC and assigns (5)4.3
Form of warrant to be issued to private placement investors (6)10.1
Employment Agreement – Marc Geman (3)10.2
Employment Agreement – Anthony Walker (3)10.3
Employment Agreement – Kevin Morrison (3)10.4
2006 Stock Option Plan (3)10.5
Promissory Note to Spicy Pickle, LLC (3)10.6
Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of December 14, 2007 (7)10.7
Form of Warrant (8)10.8
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of December 14, 2007 (9)10.9
Lock-Up Agreement of Marc Geman (10)10.10
Form of Lock-Up Agreement executed by other officers and directors (11)10.11
Amendment No. 1 to Securities Purchase Agreement dated as of May 22, 2008 (12)10.12
Amendment, Redemption and Conversion Agreement (13)10.13
Agreement with Midtown Partners & Co, LLC and assigns (14)10.14
2009 Stock Option Plan (15)10.15
2009 Restricted Stock Plan (15)31.1
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer (16)31.2
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer (16)32.1
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Executive Officer (16)32.2
Section 1350 Certification of Chief Financial Officer (16)





(1)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 2, 2008.


(2)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to Amendment No. 1 to the registrant’s registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on December 12, 2006.


(3)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the registrant’s registration statement on Form SB-2 filed on October 26, 2006.




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(4)
Incorporated by reference to the exhibit of the same number to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007


(5)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.1 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.


(6)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 4.2 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.


(7)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.


(8)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.


(9)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.


(10)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 19, 2007.


(11)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the registrant’s Amendment No. 1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 27, 2007.


(12)
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 23, 2008.


(13)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.


(14)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.2 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 23, 2009.


(15)
Incorporated by reference to exhibit 10.1 in the registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on January 6, 2010.


(16)
Filed herewith.





























73