# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0000029332
**File Stem:** 0000029332-26-000007
**Filing Date:** 2026-3
**Character Count:** 66806
**Document Hash:** 3cd7062ecbc2bb7da6ab315513f5ec33
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0000029332-26-000007.hdr.sgml**: 20260312

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0000029332-26-000007

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 19

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260312

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers: Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260312

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260312

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** DIXIE GROUP INC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0000029332
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** CARPETS AND RUGS [2273]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 04 Manufacturing
- **EIN:** 620183370
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** TN
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 000-02585
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26747108

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** PO BOX 2007
- **CITY:** DALTON
- **STATE:** GA
- **ZIP:** 30722
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 7068765814

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** PO BOX 2007
- **CITY:** DALTON
- **STATE:** GA
- **ZIP:** 30722

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** DIXIE YARNS INC
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19920703

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** DIXIE MERCERIZING CO
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 19670524

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? dxyn-20260312

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

**Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of The Securities Exchange Act of 1934**

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 12, 2026

![dixiegroupa63.jpg](dxyn-20260312_g1.jpg)

**THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Tennessee** | **0-2585** | **62-0183370** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation) | (Commission File Number) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |

---

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **475 Reed Road** | **Dalton** | **Georgia** | **30720** |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Address of principal executive offices) | (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **(706)** | **876-5800** |
| (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) | (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |

---

(Former name or former address, if changed since last report.)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

□ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

□ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

□ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

□ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| **Common Stock, $3 Par Value** | **DXYN** | **OTCQB** |

---

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; □

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. □

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**Item 5.02**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Departure of Directors or Certain Officers; Election of Directors; Appointment of Certain Officers; Compensatory Arrangements of Certain Officers.** 

Effective March 12, 2026, the Company adopted an incentive compensation plan applicable to 2026 with respect to which incentive compensation may be paid to the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Principal Financial Officer and other named executive officers. A summary description of the plan is filed herewith. Pursuant to the plan, cash awards and certain restricted stock awards may be granted and paid to such officers. The potential restricted stock awards include Primary Long Term Incentive Plan (PLTI) and Career Share awards, as in prior years. The forms of such awards are filed herewith as exhibits to this form.

**Item 9.01**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

(10.1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Summary of Annual Incentive Compensation Plan Applicable to 202](exhibit-101.htm)</u>6

(10.2) <u>[Form of PLTI award (B shareholder)](a-exhibit102.htm)</u>

(10.3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>[Form of PLTI award (common only)](a-exhibitx103.htm)</u>

(10.4) <u>[Form of Career Share award (B shareholder)](a-exhibitx104.htm)</u>

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; (10.5) <u>[Form of Career Share award (common only)](a-exhibit105.htm)</u>

------

**SIGNATURES**

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

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| Date: March 12, 2026 | **THE DIXIE GROUP, INC.** |
|  | By: /s/ Allen L. Danzey  |
|  | Allen L. Danzey |
|  | Chief Financial Officer |

---

## Exhibit 10.1

**EXHIBIT 10.1**

**Summary of Annual Incentive Plan for 2026**

**Annual 2026 Incentive Plan**. Effective March 12, 2026, the Company adopted its annual incentive plan for 2026. The plan provides for possible cash incentive awards and restricted stock awards in the form of Long-Term Incentive Share Awards and Career Share Awards, as in prior years. Any such awards, if earned, would be paid, in the case of the cash award, or granted, in the case of the restricted stock awards, by March 15, 2027. As described below, awards may be granted by the Compensation/Nominations Corporate Governance Committee (the Committee) upon satisfaction of both a performance condition (as determined in the discretion of the Committee) and a service condition, and which (in the case of the potential cash incentive and the potential award of Long Term Incentive Shares) is further subject to increase or decrease by the Committee based upon an assessment of individual goals and objectives adopted for each Participant. Vesting of an award of Long-Term Incentive Shares or Career Shares, if granted, is subject to meeting a further service condition, as described more fully below.

**Potential Cash Incentive Awards**. The CEO and the Chief Operating Officer have the opportunity to earn a cash award ranging from 45% to no more than 105% of such executive's base salary. Subject to Committee discretion, one hundred percent of the amount of the potential cash award is based on achievement of specified levels of Operating Income from Continuing Operations for the Company, as Adjusted for unusual items.

The President of the Company's residential business unit will have the opportunity to earn a cash payment ranging from 30% to 90% of his base salary. The Chief Financial Officer and all other officers that participate in the plan, will have the opportunity to earn a cash payment ranging from 15% to 75% of such executive's base salary. Subject to Committee discretion, one hundred percent of the amount is based on achievement of specified levels of Operating Income from continuing Operations, as Adjusted for unusual items.

Maximum potential awards are determined by formula; to be eligible for any award, the participant must be employed by the Company as of the date of determination, which is anticipated to be no later than March 15, 2025. The Compensation Committee must determine achievement of the relevant performance and service conditions. The Committee is authorized to exercise fully its discretion in determining achievement of the relevant performance conditions and individual goals and objectives.

Any cash award will be paid out to the participants by March 15, 2027.

The incentive plan provides for two potential awards of restricted stock: Primary Long-Term Incentive Share Awards and Career Share Awards.

**Primary Long-Term Incentive Share Awards.** The Primary Long-Term Incentive Share Award is a possible award of restricted shares, in value equal to no more than 35% of the Executive's base salary as of the beginning of 2026 (45% in the case of the Chief Executive Officer) plus any cash incentive award paid for such year. To be eligible for an award of Primary Long-term Incentive Shares the Company must achieve an Operating Income from Continuing Operations, as Adjusted, of at least the threshold level set for determining the potential cash award. Primary Long-Term Incentive Shares will be granted if the Threshold Corporate Operating Performance level is reached; however, at Threshold, only 50% of PLTI will be earned. Proration of PLTI shares will occur between Threshold and Target performance with 100% of PLTI shares earned at Target Performance. The Committee must determine whether achievement of the threshold level of Operating Income as Adjusted for unusual or extraordinary items, has occurred. The Committee will exercise its discretion in making such determination. The Participant must be employed by the Company as of the date of determination in order to receive any award. If earned, the Awards will be granted no later than March 15, 2027.

**Vesting.** If earned and granted, the Primary Long-Term Incentive Shares vest equally over 3 years from the potential award date (March 15, 2027). Upon vesting, each ratable portion of the award becomes unrestricted and must be paid or made available by March 15 of the year following vesting. That portion of

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the award that has been expensed by the Company (as of its most recent year-end financial statements), and which has not previously become unrestricted and paid or made available to the Participant, vests upon a Participant's attaining age 65 (or upon a termination without cause, if sooner). For Participants 65 or older, the vested portion becomes unrestricted and is paid or made available by March 15 of the year immediately following the year of vesting. Shares subject to the award vest on the Participant's death, disability or upon a change of control, as defined in the plan. In no event will shares subject to the Award become unrestricted and paid and made available later than March 15th of the year following the year in which the shares are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, as defined under relevant IRC regulations.

**Career Share Awards.** The Career Share Award is a possible award of restricted shares, in value equal to 20% of each Participant's base salary at the beginning of 2026, for all executive officers other than the Chief Operating Officer; for the Chief Operating Officer, the award is equal in value to 35% of his base salary at the beginning of 2026. To be eligible for an award of Career Shares, the Company must have achieved a profitable level of Operating Income from Continuing Operations, as Adjusted. The Committee must determine whether achievement of the minimum level of Operating Income from continuing Operations, as Adjusted, has occurred. The Committee will exercise its discretion in making such determination. The Participant must be employed by the Company as of the date of determination to receive any award.

**Vesting**. If earned and granted, the Career Share award vests ratably over two years for participants 60 or older on the date of grant. For participants under age 61, shares vest ratably over 5 years beginning with such executive officer's 61st birthday. That cumulative portion of the award that has been expensed by the Company (as of its most recent year ending financial statements) and which has not become unrestricted and paid or made available to the Participant, vests upon a Participant's attaining age 65. The vested portion of each award becomes unrestricted and is paid or made available March 15 of the year immediately following the year of vesting. In no event will shares subject to the Award become unrestricted and be paid and made available later than March 15th of the year following the year in which the shares are no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, as defined under relevant IRC regulations.

## Exhibit 10.2

**RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD** 

**UNDER THE**

**XXXX INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN**

**[For Participant who holds Only Common Stock]**

**<u>Long</u> <u>Term</u> <u>Incentive</u> <u>Plan</u> <u>Shares</u>**

To: **<u>XXXX</u>**

Date: **<u>XXXX</u>**

The Dixie Group, Inc. (the "Company") hereby awards you **<u>XXXX</u>** shares of restricted stock, as an award of Long-Term Incentive Plan Shares (LTIP Shares) pursuant to the Incentive Compensation Plan, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. **Restricted Stock.** All LTIP Shares are shares of restricted stock and are actual shares of common stock of the Company. A stock certificate representing LTIP Shares will be issued in your name but will be held by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. **Ownership Rights**. Immediately upon effectiveness of this Award, you will have all the rights of ownership with respect to the shares represented by the Award, except that such shares cannot be sold, pledged or transferred until the restrictions are removed, and such shares are subject to forfeiture, as described in this Award document. **You are entitled to vote shares of restricted stock and to receive any dividends paid on such shares.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. **Vesting**. Shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award vest in accordance with the schedule set forth in **Annex A,** subject to earlier vesting upon your death, disability, or upon a change of control of the Company, in which case such Award shall be 100% vested. That portion, if any, of the restricted shares subject to this Award that is equal to the portion of the Award that

------

has been expensed pursuant to the terms hereof, shall vest upon your reaching age 65 (or upon your termination without cause, if sooner), and shall be payable to you no later than 3/15 of the following year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. **Effects of Termination on Unvested Restricted Stock**. All unvested shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award will be forfeited if and to the extent such shares have not vested before or upon your voluntary termination of employment (other than by retirement) or involuntary termination by the Company for cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. **Definitions**. For purposes of this Award:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a. "Disability" shall be determined according to the definition of "disability," in effect at the time of determination, in The Dixie Group, Inc. 401k Plan.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. "Affiliated Company" includes The Dixie Group, Inc. and any company of which The Dixie Group, Inc. owns at least 20% of the voting or capital stock if (1) such company is a party to an agreement that provides for continuation of your employee benefits upon immediate employment by you with such company and (2) such company agrees to your subsequent employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. "Retirement" means the voluntary termination of your employment by you on or after reaching age 65.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred under any of the circumstances described below:

If any "person," except for:

the Company or any subsidiary of the Company;

a trustee or the other entity holding securities under any employee benefit

plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company; and The Frierson

Family

------

is or becomes the "beneficial owner" directly or indirectly, of securities of the &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Company representing more than 50% of the combined total voting power of the

Company's then-outstanding securities.

As used in this definition of "change in control"

*"The Frierson Family" shall mean the immediate family of Daniel K Frierson,* 

*including his wife, children and grandchildren and their spouses, his siblings* 

*and their spouses, and any trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing persons.*

*"person"* is *used as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange* 

*Act of 1934 (as amended); and*

*"beneficial owner"* is *used as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act* 

*of 1934 (as amended).*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. "cause" shall mean for the purposes of this Award only (i) participant has committed an act or has failed to act, where such act or failure to act constitutes intentional misconduct including, without limitation, dishonesty, fraud or embezzlement, a reckless disregard of the consequences of such act or failure to act, or gross negligence by participant; (ii) a conviction of or the entering of a guilty or no contest plea to any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or (iii) a failure to cease or correct a material failure to discharge participant's duties and responsibilities as an employee of The Dixie Group, Inc.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. **Certain Tax Consequences**. Certain tax consequences of the Award are set forth on

**<u>Annex B,</u>** attached hereto. The Company recommends that you consult your financial advisor about the tax consequences to you of an award of Restricted Stock. Income received as a result of vesting of restricted stock is subject to immediate withholding of federal, state or local income tax and FICA, to the extent applicable. Payment to the Company of applicable taxes or satisfactory

------

arrangement to make such payment is required upon vesting of any portion of this Award. See

Section 7, below

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. **Tax Obligations**. By accepting this Award, you are agreeing to be responsible for any required minimum tax withholding obligations that may occur when your shares vest. In the event you have not satisfied these tax obligations before the Company must forward them to the appropriate tax authorities, the Company may take any of the following actions: retain custody of your shares until you have reimbursed the Company for the amounts paid on your behalf, take deductions from any payment otherwise due you until the tax obligations satisfied, or withhold from your Award the number of shares necessary to satisfy the tax obligations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. **Plan Administration**. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is the administrator of the Plan, whose function is to ensure the Plan is managed according to its respective terms and conditions. A request for a copy of the Plan and any questions pertaining to the Plan should be directed to:

The Dixie Group, Inc.

Stock Plan Administrator

c/o Dan Phelan, V.P. Human Resources

P.O. Box 2007

Dalton, Georgia 30722-2007

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. **Adjustment of Shares Subject to Award**. The number of shares subject to this Award shall be adjusted to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of shares of common stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding as a result of any stock dividend or split.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. **Restrictions on Transfer**. Until the restricted shares subject to this Award vest, and except as may be approved by the Plan Administrator, such shares shall not be transferable by you, and may not be sold, assigned or transferred (whether by sale, gift or otherwise), pledged, hypothecated or encumbered in whole or in part either directly or by operation of law or

------

otherwise, including, but not by way of limitation, by execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge, bankruptcy or in any other manner. Any attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of any of the restricted shares in violation of the foregoing provisions shall be null and void and without effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. **No Right to Continued Employment**. It is understood that this Award is not intended and shall not be construed as an agreement or commitment by the Company or any subsidiary or Affiliate to employ you or to continue your employment for any period of time whatsoever.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. **Governing Law**. This Award has been entered into pursuant to and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. **Mandatory Payout**. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, any portion of the Award no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, including but not limited to shares that would have been vested at retirement age, under either Section 83 or 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall be transferred, paid or otherwise made available to the grantee no later than March 15, of the year following the calendar year in which such substantial risk of forfeiture no longer exists.

**ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE**

By signing below, I acknowledge and accept this Award, subject to the terms hereof.

Date:

(Participant)

Date:

(Chairman)

Date:

(Attest)

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**<u>ANNEX A</u>**

**Restricted Stock Award**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Pursuant to the **<u>XXXX</u> Incentive Compensation Plan <u>Primary Long Term Incentive Award</u>**

**<u>XXXX</u> Shares**

Vesting Schedule

**<u>XXX</u>** shares vest on March 12 (33 1/3%)

**<u>XXX</u>** shares vest on March 12 (66 2/3%)

**<u>XXX</u>** shares vest on March 12 (100%)

Subject to Sections 3 and 4 of the Award.

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**<u>ANNEX B</u>**

**AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME**

**TAX CONSEQUENCES TO PARTICIPANT**

The following is a brief summary of the principal United States federal income tax consequences of a restricted stock award under the Incentive Compensation Plan, baser! on current United States federal income tax laws. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive, does not constitute tax advice and, among other things, does not describe state, local or foreign tax consequences, which may be substantially different.

*Restricted Stock.* A participant generally will not be taxed at the time a restricted stock award is granted but will recognize taxable ordinary income when the award vests or otherwise is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. The amount of taxable income recognized will equal the fair market value of the shares subject to the award (or the potion of the award that is then vesting) at that time. Participants may elect to be taxed based on the fair market value of the shares at the time of grant by making an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the award date. If a restricted stock award with respect to which a participant has made such an election under Section 83(b) is subsequently canceled, no deduction or tax refund will be allowed for the amount previously recognized as income.

Unless a participant makes a Section 83(b) election, dividends paid to a participant on shares of an unvested restricted stock award will be taxable to the participant as ordinary income. If the participant made a Section 83(b) election, the dividends will be taxable to the participants as dividend income, which generally is subject to the same rate as capital gains income.

## Exhibit 10.3

**RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD**

**UNDER THE**

**XXXX INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN**

**[For Participant who holds** 

**Class B Common Stock]**

**<u>Career Shares</u>**

To: **<u>XXX</u>**

Date: **<u>XXX</u>**

The Dixie Group, Inc. (the "Company") hereby awards you **<u>XXXX</u>** shares of restricted stock, as an award of Career Shares (Career Shares) pursuant to the Incentive Compensation Plan, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Restricted Stock**. All Career Shares are shares of restricted stock and are actual shares of common stock (or, subject to your election, shares of Class B Common Stock) of the Company. A stock certificate (or certificates, if a portion of your Award is in Class B Common Stock) representing all Career Shares will be issued in your name, but will be held by the Company. ***You have the right to elect to receive Class B Common Stock in proportion to the shares of Class B Common Stock which you now hold. Such shares will be issued in your name upon the effectiveness of this Award. To make your election, please complete <u>Annex A</u> and deliver it to Dan Phelan, V. P. Human Resources.***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Ownership Rights**. Immediately upon effectiveness of this Award, you will have all the rights of ownership with respect to the shares represented by the Award, except that such shares cannot be sold, pledged or transferred until the restrictions are removed, and such shares are subject to forfeiture, as described in this Award document. **You are entitled to vote shares of restricted stock subject to this Award and to receive any dividends paid on such shares**.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Vesting**. Shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award vest in accordance with the schedule set forth in **<u>Annex B</u>**, subject to earlier vesting upon your death, disability, termination without cause, or upon a change of control of the Company, in which case such Award shall be 100% vested. That portion, if any, of the restricted shares subject to this Award that is equal to the portion of the award that has been expensed pursuant to the terms hereof, shall vest upon your reaching age 65, and shall be payable to you no later than 3/15 of the following year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Effects of Termination on Unvested Restricted Stock**. All unvested shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award will be forfeited if and to the extent such shares have not vested before or upon your voluntary termination of employment (other than by retirement) or involuntary termination by the Company for cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Definitions**. For purposes of this Award:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Disability" shall be determined according to the definition of "disability," in effect at the time of determination, in The Dixie Group, Inc. 401k Plan (or IRC section 409A, if applicable).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "Affiliated Company" includes The Dixie Group, Inc. and any company of which The Dixie Group, Inc. owns at least 20% of the voting or capital stock if (1) such company is a party to an agreement that provides for continuation of your employee benefits upon immediate employment by you with such company and (2) such company agrees to your subsequent employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Retirement" means the voluntary termination of your employment by you on or after reaching age 65.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; d.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred under any of the circumstances described below:

If any "person," except for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the Company or any subsidiary of the Company;

------

a trustee or the other entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan the Company or any subsidiary of the Company; and

The Frierson Family

is or becomes the "beneficial owner" directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined total voting power of the Company's then-outstanding securities.

*As used in this definition of "change in control"* 

*"The Frierson Family" shall mean the immediate family of Daniel K. Frierson, including his wife, children and grandchildren and their spouses, his siblings and their spouses, and any trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing persons. "person" is used as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended); and* 

*"beneficial owner" is used as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended).* 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"cause" shall mean for the purposes of this award only (i) participant has committed an act or has failed to act, where such act or failure to act constitutes intentional misconduct including, without limitation, dishonesty, fraud or embezzlement, a reckless disregard of the consequences of such act or failure to act, or gross negligence by participant; (ii) a conviction of or the entering of a guilty or no contest plea to any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or (iii) a failure to cease or correct a material failure to discharge participant's duties and responsibilities as an employee of The Dixie Group, Inc.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Certain Tax Consequences**. Certain tax consequences of the Award are set forth on **<u>Annex C</u>**, attached hereto. The Company recommends that you consult your financial advisor about the tax consequences to you of an award of Restricted Stock. Income received as a result of vesting of restricted stock is subject to immediate withholding of federal, state or local income tax and FICA, to the extent applicable. Payment to the Company of applicable taxes or

------

satisfactory arrangement to make such payment, is required upon vesting of any portion of this award. See Section 7, below.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Obligations. By accepting this award, you agree to be responsible for any required minimum tax withholding obligations that may occur when your shares vest. In the event you have not satisfied these tax obligations before the Company must forward them to the appropriate tax authorities, the Company may take any of the following actions: retain custody of your shares until you have reimbursed the Company for the amounts paid on your behalf, take deductions from any payment otherwise due you until the tax obligations satisfied, or withhold from your award the number of shares necessary to satisfy the tax obligations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Plan Administration**. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is the administrator of the Plan, whose function is to ensure the Plan is managed according to its respective terms and conditions. A request for a copy of the Plan and any questions pertaining to the Plan should be directed to:

The Dixie Group, Inc.

Stock Plan Administrator

c/o Dan Phelan, V.P. Human Resources

P.O. Box 2007

Dalton, Georgia 30722-2007

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustment of Shares Subject to Award**. The number of shares subject to this Award shall be adjusted to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of shares of common stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding as a result of any stock dividend or split.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Restrictions on Transfer**. Until the restricted shares subject to this Award vest, and except as may be approved by the Plan Administrator, such shares shall not be transferable by you, and may not be sold, assigned or transferred (whether by sale, gift or otherwise), pledged, hypothecated or encumbered in whole or in part either directly or by operation of law or otherwise including, but not by way of limitation, by execution, levy, garnishment, attachment,

------

pledge, bankruptcy or in any other manner. Any attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of any of the restricted shares in violation of the foregoing provisions shall be null and void and without effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**No Right to Continued Employment**. It is understood that this Award is not intended and shall not be construed as an agreement or commitment by the Company or any subsidiary or Affiliate to employ you or to continue your employment for any period of time whatsoever.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Governing Law**. This Award has been entered into pursuant to and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Mandatory Payout**. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, any portion of the award no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, including but not limited to shares that would have been vested at retirement age, under either Section 83 or 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall be transferred, paid or otherwise made available to the grantee no later than March 15, of the year following the calendar year in which such substantial risk of forfeiture no longer exists.

**ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE**

By signing below, I acknowledge and accept this Award, subject to the terms hereof.

Date:

(Participant)

Date:

(Chairman)

Date:

(Attest)

------

**<u>ANNEX A</u>**

**Participant election with respect to Class B Common Stock**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.**Election to Receive Maximum Number of Shares of Class B Common Stock:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By signing below, I elect to receive the maximum number of shares of Class B Common Stock permissible under the Incentive Compensation Plan (the "Plan") and the Award of Restricted Stock granted to me pursuant to such Plan, as follows:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.current holdings of Common Stock _____________________;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.current holdings of Class B Common Stock ____________________;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.ratio of Class B to Common __________/________ = ______%.

Dated: _____________________________ ____________________________________

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Participant)

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. Election to Receive Less Than Maximum Number of Shares of Class B Common Stock:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By signing below, I elect to receive ____% of my Award in Class B Common Stock. [must be less than percentage set forth in (c), above.]

Dated: _____________________________ ____________________________________

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Participant)

------

**<u>ANNEX B</u>**

**Restricted Stock Award**

Pursuant to the **XXXX Incentive Compensation Plan**

**<u>Career Shares</u>**

**<u>XXXX</u>** Shares

Vesting Schedule:

For Award Recipients Age 60 or younger: shares vest ratably over five years from the date of grant after participant reaches age 61.

For Award Recipients Age 61 or older at the date of Grant: shares vest ratably over two years from date of grant.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subject to Sections 3 and 4 of the Award.

------

**<u>ANNEX C</u>**

**AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK** 

**CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME** 

**TAX CONSEQUENCES TO PARTICIPANT** 

***The following is a brief summary of the principal United States federal income tax consequences of a restricted stock award under the Incentive Compensation Plan, based on current United States federal income tax laws. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive, does not constitute tax advice and, among other things, does not describe state, local or foreign tax consequences, which may be substantially different.*** 

*Restricted Stock*. A participant generally will not be taxed at the time a restricted stock award is granted, but will recognize taxable ordinary income when the award vests or otherwise is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. The amount of taxable income recognized will equal the fair market value of the shares subject to the award (or the portion of the award that is then vesting) at that time. Participants may elect to be taxed based on the fair market value of the shares at the time of grant by making an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the award date. If a restricted stock award with respect to which a participant has made such an election under Section 83(b) is subsequently canceled, no deduction or tax refund will be allowed for the amount previously recognized as income. Unless a participant makes a Section 83(b) election, dividends paid to a participant on shares of an unvested restricted stock award will be taxable to the participant as ordinary income. If the participant made a Section 83(b) election, the dividends will be taxable to the participants as dividend income, which generally is subject to the same rate as capital gains income.

## Exhibit 10.4

**RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD**

 **UNDER THE**

**XXXX INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN**

**[For Participant who holds Only Common Stock]**

**<u>Career Shares</u>** 

To: **<u>XXXX</u>** 

Date: **<u>XXXX</u>**

The Dixie Group, Inc. (the "Company") hereby awards you **XXXX** shares of restricted stock, as an award of Career Shares (Career Shares) pursuant to the Incentive Compensation Plan, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Restricted Stock**. All Career Shares are shares of restricted stock and are actual shares of common stock of the Company. A stock certificate representing all Career Shares will be issued in your name but will be held by the Company.

2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; **Ownership Rights**. Immediately upon effectiveness of this Award, you will have all the rights of ownership with respect to the shares represented by the Award, except that such shares cannot be sold, pledged or transferred until the restrictions are removed, and such shares are subject to forfeiture, as described in this Award document. **You are entitled to vote shares of restricted stock subject to this Award and to receive any dividends paid on such shares.**

3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Vesting**. Shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award vest in accordance with the

schedule set forth in **<u>Annex A,</u>** subject to earlier vesting upon your death, disability, termination without cause, or upon a change of control of the Company, in which case such Award shall be 100% vested. That portion, if any, of the restricted shares subject to this Award that is equal to the portion of the Award that has been expensed pursuant to the terms hereof, shall vest upon your reaching age 65, and shall be payable to you no later than 3/15 of the following year.

------

4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Effects of Termination on Unvested Restricted Stock**. All unvested shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award will be forfeited if and to the extent such shares have not vested before or upon your voluntary termination of employment (other than by retirement) or involuntary termination by the Company for cause.

5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Definitions. For purposes of this Award:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Disability" shall be determined according to the definition of "disability," in effect at the time of determination, in The Dixie Group, Inc. 401k Plan (or lRC Section 409A, if applicable).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Affiliated Company" includes The Dixie Group, Inc. and any company of which The Dixie Group, Inc. owns at least 20% of the voting or capital stock if (1) such company is a party to an agreement that provides for continuation of your employee benefits upon immediate employment by you with such company and (2) such company agrees to your subsequent employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Retirement" means the voluntary termination of employment by you on or after you reach age 65.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred under any of the circumstances described below:

If any "person," except for:

the Company or any subsidiary of the Company;

a trustee or the other entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company; and

The Frierson Family

------

is or becomes the "beneficial owner" directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined total voting power of the Company's then-outstanding securities.

*As used in this definition of" change in control"*

*"The Frierson Family" shall mean the immediate family of Daniel K. Frierson, including his wife, children and grandchildren and their spouses, his siblings and their spouses, and any trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing persons.*

*''person"* is *used as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*

*1934 (as amended); and*

*"beneficial owner"* is *used as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of* 

*1934 (as amended).*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"cause" shall mean for the purposes of this award only (i)participant has committed an act or has failed to act, where such act or failure to act constitutes intentional misconduct including, without limitation, dishonesty, fraud or embezzlement, a reckless disregard of the consequences of such act or failure to act, or gross negligence by participant; (ii) a conviction of or the entering of a guilty or no contest plea to any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or (iii) a failure to cease or correct a material failure to discharge participant's duties and responsibilities as an employee of The Dixie Group, Inc.

6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Certain Tax Consequences**. Certain tax consequences of the Award are set forth on

**<u>Annex B,</u>** attached hereto. The Company recommends that you consult your financial advisor about the tax consequences to you of an award of Restricted Stock. Income received as a result of vesting of restricted stock is subject to immediate withholding of federal, state or local income tax and FICA, to the extent applicable. Payment to the Company of applicable taxes or satisfactory arrangement to make such payment is required upon vesting of any portion of this Award. See Section 7, below.

7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Tax Obligations. By accepting this Award, you agree to be responsible for any required minimum tax withholding obligations that may occur when your shares vest. In the event you

------

have not satisfied these tax obligations before the Company must forward them to the appropriate tax authorities, the Company may take any of the following actions: retain custody of your shares until you have reimbursed the Company for the amounts paid on your behalf, take deductions from any payment otherwise due you until the tax obligations satisfied, or withhold from your award the number of shares necessary to satisfy the tax obligations.

8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Plan Administration**. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is the administrator of the Plan, whose function is to ensure the Plan is managed according to its respective terms and conditions. A request for a copy of the Plan and any questions pertaining to the Plan should be directed to:

The Dixie Group, Inc.

Stock Plan Administrator

c/o Dan Phelan, V.P. Human Resources

P.O. Box 2007

Dalton, Georgia 30722-2007

9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Adjustment of Shares Subject to Award.** The number of shares subject to this Award shall be adjusted to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of shares of common stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding as a result of any stock dividend or split.

10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Restrictions on Transfer**. Until the restricted shares subject to this Award vest, and except as may be approved by the Plan Administrator, such shares shall not be transferable by you, and may not be sold, assigned or transferred (whether by sale, gift or otherwise), pledged, hypothecated or encumbered in whole or in part either directly or by operation of law or otherwise including, but not by way of limitation, by execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge, bankruptcy or in any other manner. Any attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of any of the restricted shares in violation of the foregoing provisions shall be null and void and without effect.

------

11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**No Right to Continued Employment**. It is understood that this Award is not intended and shall not be construed as an agreement or Career by the Company or any subsidiary or Affiliate to employ you or to continue your employment for any period of time whatsoever.

12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Governing Law**. This Award has been entered into pursuant to and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**Mandatory Payout**. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, any portion of the Award no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, including but not limited to shares that would have been vested at retirement age, under either Section 83 or 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall be transferred, paid or otherwise made available to the grantee no later than March 15, of the year following the calendar year in which such substantial risk of forfeiture no longer exists.

**ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE**

By signing below, I acknowledge and accept this Award, subject to the terms hereof.

Date:

(Participant)

Date:

(Chairman)

Date:

(Attest)

------

<u>ANNEX A</u>

**<u>Restricted</u> <u>Stock</u> <u>Award</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Pursuant to the **<u>XXXX</u> Incentive Compensation Plan**

**<u>Career</u> <u>Shares</u>**

**<u>XXXX</u> Shares**

For Award Recipients Age 60 or younger at the date of Grant:

Vesting Schedule: For Award Recipients age 60 or younger, shares vest ratably over five years from the date of grant after participant reaches age 61.

For Award Recipients Age 61 or older at the date of Grant:

Vesting Schedule: For Award Recipients age 61 or older, shares vest ratably over two years from the date of grant.

Subject to Section 3 and 4 of the Award.

------

<u>ANNEX B</u>

**AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK** 

**CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME**

**TAX CONSEQUENCES TO PARTICIPANT**

***The following is a brief summary of the principal United States federal income tax consequences of a restricted stock award under the Incentive Compensation Plan, based on current United States federal income tax laws. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive, does not constitute tax advice and, among other things, does not describe state, local or foreign tax consequences, which may be substantially different***

*Restricted Stock.* A participant generally will not be taxed at the time a restricted stock award is granted but will recognize taxable ordinary income when the award vests or otherwise is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. The amount of taxable income recognized will equal the fair market value of the shares subject to the award (or the portion of the award that is then vesting) at that time. Participants may elect to be taxed based on the fair market value of the shares at the time of grant by making an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the award date. If a restricted stock award with respect to which a participant has made such an election under Section 83(b) is subsequently canceled, no deduction or tax refund will be allowed for the amount previously recognized as income.

Unless a participant makes a Section 83(b) election, dividends paid to a participant on shares of an unvested restricted stock award will be taxable to the participant as ordinary income. If the participant made a Section 83(b) election, the dividends will be taxable to the participants as dividend income, which generally is subject to the same rate as capital gains income.

## Exhibit 10.5

**RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD** 

**UNDER THE**

**XXXX INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN**

**[For Participant who holds Only Common Stock]**

**<u>Commitment Shares</u>** 

To: **<u>XXXX</u>** 

Date: **<u>XXXX</u>**

The Dixie Group, Inc. (the "Company") hereby awards you **XXXX** shares of restricted stock, as an award of Commitment Shares (Commitment Shares) pursuant to the Incentive Compensation Plan, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. **Restricted Stock**. All Commitment Shares are shares of restricted stock and are actual shares of common stock of the Company. A stock certificate representing all Commitment Shares will be issued in your name but will be held by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. **Ownership Rights**. Immediately upon effectiveness of this Award, you will have all the rights of ownership with respect to the shares represented by the Award, except that such shares cannot be sold, pledged or transferred until the restrictions are removed, and such shares are subject to forfeiture, as described in this Award document. **You are entitled to vote shares of restricted stock subject to this Award and to receive any dividends paid on such shares.**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. **Vesting**. Shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award vest in accordance with the

schedule set forth in **<u>Annex A,</u>** subject to earlier vesting upon your death, disability, termination without cause, or upon a change of control of the Company, in which case such Award shall be 100% vested. That portion, if any, of the restricted shares subject to this Award that is equal to the portion of the Award that has been expensed pursuant to the terms hereof, shall vest upon your reaching age 65, and shall be payable to you no later than 3/15 of the following year.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. **Effects of Termination on Unvested Restricted Stock**. All unvested shares of Restricted Stock subject to this Award will be forfeited if and to the extent such shares have not vested before or upon your voluntary termination of employment (other than by retirement) or involuntary termination by the Company for cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Definitions. For purposes of this Award:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; a. "Disability" shall be determined according to the definition of "disability," in effect at the time of determination, in The Dixie Group, Inc. 401k Plan (or lRC Section 409A, if applicable).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b. "Affiliated Company" includes The Dixie Group, Inc. and any company of which The Dixie Group, Inc. owns at least 20% of the voting or capital stock if (1) such company is a party to an agreement that provides for continuation of your employee benefits upon immediate employment by you with such company and (2) such company agrees to your subsequent employment.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c. "Retirement" means the voluntary termination of employment by you on or after you reach age 65.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d. "Change m Control" shall be deemed to have occurred under any of the circumstances described below:

If any "person," except for:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;the Company or any subsidiary of the Company;

a trustee or the other entity holding securities under any employee benefit plan of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company; and

The Frierson Family

is or becomes the "beneficial owner" directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing more than 50% of the combined total voting power of the Company's then-outstanding securities.

*As used in this definition of" change in control"*

*"The Frierson Family" shall mean the immediate family of Daniel K. Frierson, including his wife, children and grandchildren and their spouses, his siblings and their spouses, and any trust for the benefit of any of the foregoing persons.*

------

*''person"* is *used as defined in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended); and*

*"beneficial owner"* is *used as defined in Rule 13d-3 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (as amended).*

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;e. "cause" shall mean for the purposes of this award only (i)participant has committed an act or has failed to act, where such act or failure to act constitutes intentional misconduct including, without limitation, dishonesty, fraud or embezzlement, a reckless disregard of the consequences of such act or failure to act, or gross negligence by participant; (ii) a conviction of or the entering of a guilty or no contest plea to any felony or any crime involving moral turpitude; or (iii) a failure to cease or correct a material failure to discharge participant's duties and responsibilities as an employee of The Dixie Group, Inc.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. **Certain Tax Consequences**. Certain tax consequences of the Award are set forth on

**<u>Annex B,</u>** attached hereto. The Company recommends that you consult your financial advisor about the tax consequences to you of an award of Restricted Stock. Income received as a result of vesting of restricted stock is subject to immediate withholding of federal, state or local income tax and FICA, to the extent applicable. Payment to the Company of applicable taxes or satisfactory arrangement to make such payment is required upon vesting of any portion of this Award. See Section 7, below.

7. Tax Obligations. By accepting this Award, you agree to be responsible for any required minimum tax withholding obligations that may occur when your shares vest. In the event you have not satisfied these tax obligations before the Company must forward them to the appropriate tax authorities, the Company may take any of the following actions: retain custody of your shares until you have reimbursed the Company for the amounts paid on your behalf, take deductions from any payment otherwise due you until the tax obligations satisfied, or withhold from your award the number of shares necessary to satisfy the tax obligations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. **Plan Administration**. The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors is the administrator of the Plan, whose function is to ensure the Plan is managed according to its

------

respective terms and conditions. A request for a copy of the Plan and any questions pertaining to the Plan should be directed to:

The Dixie Group, Inc.

Stock Plan Administrator

c/o Dan Phelan, V.P. Human Resources

P.O. Box 2007

Dalton, Georgia 30722-2007

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. **Adjustment of Shares Subject to Award.** The number of shares subject to this Award shall be adjusted to reflect any increase or decrease in the number of shares of common stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding as a result of any stock dividend or split.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. **Restrictions on Transfer**. Until the restricted shares subject to this Award vest, and except as may be approved by the Plan Administrator, such shares shall not be transferable by you, and may not be sold, assigned or transferred (whether by sale, gift or otherwise), pledged, hypothecated or encumbered in whole or in part either directly or by operation of law or otherwise including, but not by way of limitation, by execution, levy, garnishment, attachment, pledge, bankruptcy or in any other manner. Any attempted assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or other disposition of any of the restricted shares in violation of the foregoing provisions shall be null and void and without effect.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. **No Right to Continued Employment**. It is understood that this Award is not intended and shall not be construed as an agreement or commitment by the Company or any subsidiary or Affiliate to employ you or to continue your employment for any period of time whatsoever.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. **Governing Law**. This Award has been entered into pursuant to and shall be governed by the laws of the State of Tennessee.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. **Mandatory Payout**. Anything to the contrary herein notwithstanding, any portion of the Award no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, including but not limited to shares that would have been vested at retirement age, under either Section 83 or 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, shall be transferred, paid or otherwise made available to the

------

grantee no later than March 15, of the year following the calendar year in which such substantial risk of forfeiture no longer exists.

**ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND ACCEPTANCE**

By signing below, I acknowledge and accept this Award, subject to the terms hereof.

Date:

(Participant)

Date:

(Chairman)

Date:

(Attest)

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**<u>ANNEX A</u>**

**<u>Restricted</u> <u>Stock</u> <u>Award</u>**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Pursuant to the **<u>XXXX</u> Incentive Compensation Plan**

**<u>Commitment</u> <u>Shares</u>**

**<u>XXXX</u> Shares**

For Award Recipients Age 60 or younger at the date of Grant:

Vesting Schedule: For Award Recipients age 60 or younger, shares vest ratably over five years from the date of grant after participant reaches age 61.

For Award Recipients Age 61 or older at the date of Grant:

Vesting Schedule: For Award Recipients age 61 or older, shares vest ratably over two years from the date of grant.

Subject to Section 3 and 4 of the Award.

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**<u>ANNEX B</u>**

**AWARD OF RESTRICTED STOCK CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME**

**TAX CONSEQUENCES TO PARTICIPANT**

***The following is a brief summary of the principal United States federal income tax consequences of a restricted stock award under the Incentive Compensation Plan, based on current United States federal income tax laws. This summary is not intended to be exhaustive, does not constitute tax advice and, among other things, does not describe state, local or foreign tax consequences, which may be substantially different***

*Restricted Stock.* A participant generally will not be taxed at the time a restricted stock award is granted but will recognize taxable ordinary income when the award vests or otherwise is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture. The amount of taxable income recognized will equal the fair market value of the shares subject to the award (or the portion of the award that is then vesting) at that time. Participants may elect to be taxed based on the fair market value of the shares at the time of grant by making an election under Section 83(b) of the Code within 30 days of the award date. If a restricted stock award with respect to which a participant has made such an election under Section 83(b) is subsequently canceled, no deduction or tax refund will be allowed for the amount previously recognized as income.

Unless a participant makes a Section 83(b) election, dividends paid to a participant on shares of an unvested restricted stock award will be taxable to the participant as ordinary income. If the participant made a Section 83(b) election, the dividends will be taxable to the participants as dividend income, which generally is subject to the same rate as capital gains income.

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