# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001171759
**File Stem:** 0001628280-26-011733
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 432681
**Document Hash:** 7de0773ad531992d97a000db3d12a167
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001628280-26-011733.hdr.sgml**: 20260225

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001628280-26-011733

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 10-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 107

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20251228

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260225

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260225

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS INC
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001171759
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** RETAIL-EATING PLACES [5812]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 07 Trade & Services
- **EIN:** 841573084
- **STATE OF INCORPORATION:** DE
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1228

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 10-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-34851
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26679496

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 10000 EAST GEDDES AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 500
- **CITY:** ENGLEWOOD
- **STATE:** CO
- **ZIP:** 80112
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 3038466000

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 10000 EAST GEDDES AVENUE
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 500
- **CITY:** ENGLEWOOD
- **STATE:** CO
- **ZIP:** 80112

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? rrgb-20251228

**Table of Contents**

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

**FORM 10-K**

☒ **ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934**

**For the fiscal year ended December 28, 2025** 

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

**For the transition period from&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;to&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;** 

**Commission file number 001-34851**

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **Delaware** | **Delaware** | **Delaware** | **Delaware** | **84-1573084** |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
| **10000 E. Geddes Avenue, Suite 500** | **Englewood** | **CO** | **80112** | (**303**) **846-6000** |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Address of principal executive offices) | (State) | (Zip Code) | (Registrant's telephone number, including area code) |

---

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| Title of each class | Trading symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | Name of each exchange on which registered |
| Common Stock, $0.001 par value | RRGB | Nasdaq | (Global Select Market) |

---

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes □&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No 🗷

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes □&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No 🗷

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 🗷&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No □

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes 🗷&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No □

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," "smaller reporting company," and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer □ Accelerated filer 🗷 Non-accelerated filer □ Smaller reporting company 🗷 Emerging growth company □

If an emerging growth company, indicate by checkmark 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. □

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. 🗷

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. □

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant's executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). □

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes □&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;No 🗷

The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common stock held by non-affiliates (based on the closing price on the last business day of the registrant's most recently completed second fiscal quarter on The Nasdaq Global Select Market) was $83.1 million. All executive officers and directors of the registrant have been deemed, solely for the purpose of the foregoing calculation, to be "affiliates" of the registrant.

There were 18,074,472 shares of common stock outstanding as of February 18, 2026.

**DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE**

Certain information required for Items 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the registrant's definitive proxy statement for the 2026 annual meeting of stockholders, which will be filed within 120 days of December 28, 2025 (the "2026 Proxy Statement").

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**Table of Contents**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | | **Page** |
| **PART I** | **PART I** | **PART I** |
| <u>[ITEM 1.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_13)</u> | <u>[Business](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_13)</u> | <u>[1](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_13)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 1A.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_16)</u> | <u>[Risk Factors](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_16)</u> | <u>[9](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_16)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 1B.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_19)</u> | <u>[Unresolved Staff Comments](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_19)</u> | <u>[19](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_19)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 1C.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_22)</u> | <u>[Cybersecurity](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_22)</u> | <u>[20](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_22)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 2.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_25)</u> | <u>[Properties](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_25)</u> | <u>[21](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_25)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 3.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_28)</u> | <u>[Legal Proceedings](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_28)</u> | <u>[21](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_28)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 4.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_31)</u> | <u>[Mine Safety Disclosures](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_31)</u> | <u>[21](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_31)</u> |
| **PART II** | **PART II** | **PART II** |
| <u>[ITEM 5.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_37)</u> | <u>[Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_37)</u> | <u>[22](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_37)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 6.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_40)</u> | <u>[Reserved](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_40)</u> | <u>[23](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_40)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 7.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_43)</u> | <u>[Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_43)</u> | <u>[23](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_43)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 7A.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_55)</u> | <u>[Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_55)</u> | <u>[37](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_55)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 8.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_58)</u> | <u>[Financial Statements and Supplementary Data](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_58)</u> | <u>[38](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_58)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 9.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_139)</u> | <u>[Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_139)</u> | <u>[68](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_139)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 9A.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_142)</u> | <u>[Controls and Procedures](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_142)</u> | <u>[68](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_142)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 9B.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_148)</u> | <u>[Other Information](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_148)</u> | <u>[70](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_148)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 9C.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_154)</u> | <u>[Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_154)</u> | <u>[70](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_154)</u> |
| **PART III** | **PART III** | **PART III** |
| <u>[ITEM 10.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_160)</u> | <u>[Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_160)</u> | <u>[70](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_160)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 11.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_163)</u> | <u>[Executive Compensation](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_163)</u> | <u>[70](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_163)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 12.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_166)</u> | <u>[Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_166)</u> | <u>[70](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_166)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 13.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_169)</u> | <u>[Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_169)</u> | <u>[70](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_169)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 14.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_172)</u> | <u>[Principal Accounting Fees and Services](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_172)</u> | <u>[70](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_172)</u> |
| **PART IV** | **PART IV** | **PART IV** |
| <u>[ITEM 15.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_178)</u> | <u>[Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_178)</u> | <u>[71](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_178)</u> |
| <u>[ITEM 16.](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_181)</u> | <u>[Form 10-K Summary](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_181)</u> | <u>[73](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_181)</u> |
| <u>[Signatures](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_184)</u> | <u>[Signatures](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_184)</u> | <u>[74](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_184)</u> |

---

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**Table of Contents**

**Forward-Looking Statements**

Certain information and statements contained in this report are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our expectations, beliefs, intentions, plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events or performance, and underlying assumptions and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements may be identified, without limitation, by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "anticipate," "assume," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "future," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "will," "would," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things: (i) our First Choice plan and other future plans, priorities, strategies, efforts and performance, including growth strategies, operations improvement efforts, cost savings, guest traffic, expense management, tactical refranchising, and improvements and enhancements to our restaurant environments; (ii) our expectations about pricing and average check size; (iii) our expectations regarding the labor market; (iv) anticipated capital deployment initiatives, including improving existing restaurants and infrastructure, investing in new technology, paying down debt, investing in marketing to grow traffic, and executing on our long-term transformation strategy; (v) our expectations about restaurant operating costs, including commodity and food prices and labor and energy costs; (vi) anticipated legislation and other regulation of our business; (vii) anticipated continued investments in our partnership with Donatos®; (viii) our expectations about future cash flows, liquidity, debt refinancing, restaurant closures, and taxes; (ix) our expectations regarding competition; and (x) our expectations regarding sales, demand, traffic, consumer preferences, and consumer discretionary spending; (xi) our expectations regarding the implementation and anticipated benefits of our corporate responsibility initiatives; (xii) our ability to successfully implement our health and food safety programs; (xiii) our ability to successfully implement our data-driven marketing capabilities, promotions, and other marketing initiatives; (xiv) the seasonality of our business; (xv) our expectations and other statements regarding market risk including interest rates, commodity prices and other factors; and (xvi) the risks discussed under Risk Factors below.

Although we believe the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such expectations may prove to be materially incorrect due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties.

In some cases, information regarding certain important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from a forward-looking statement appears together with such statement. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include those described under "Part I - Item 1A. Risk Factors" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with other cautionary statements included in this and other reports we file with the SEC.

All forward-looking statements speak only as of the date made. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

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**Table of Contents**

**PART I**

**ITEM 1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Business**

**Overview**

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the parent company for Red Robin International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, that, together with its subsidiaries, primarily operates, franchises, and develops casual dining restaurants in North America famous for serving more than 20 craveable, high-quality burgers with Bottomless Steak Fries<sup>®</sup> and sides in a fun environment welcoming to guests of all ages.

We opened the first Red Robin<sup>®</sup> restaurant in Seattle, Washington in September 1969. In 1979, the first franchised Red Robin restaurant was opened in Yakima, Washington. In 2001, we formed Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and consummated a reorganization of the Company. In 2002, we completed our initial public offering, listing on The Nasdaq Global Select Market. Unless otherwise provided in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, references to "Red Robin," "we," "us," "our", or the "Company" refer to Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.

As of the end of our fiscal year on December 28, 2025, there were 475 Red Robin locations in North America. As of December 28, 2025, the Company owned 385 restaurants located in 39 states, and had 90 franchised restaurants in 13 states and one Canadian province. Our franchisees are independent organizations to whom we provide certain support. See "Restaurant Franchise and Licensing Arrangements" for additional information about our franchise program.

The Company operates its business as one operating and one reportable segment. Financial information for our operating segment is included in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The Company's fiscal year is 52 or 53 weeks ending the last Sunday of the calendar year. We refer to our fiscal years as 2025, 2024, and 2023 throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our fiscal years, fiscal year end dates, and the number of weeks in each period are summarized in the table below:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fiscal Year** | **Year End Date** | **Number of Weeks in Fiscal Year** |
| *Current and Prior Fiscal Years:* |  |  |
| 2025 | December 28, 2025 | 52 |
| 2024 | December 29, 2024 | 52 |
| 2023 | December 31, 2023 | 53 |
| *Upcoming Fiscal Years:* |  |  |
| 2026 | December 27, 2026 | 52 |
| 2027 | December 26, 2027 | 52 |

---

**Business Strategy**

In July of 2025, the Company released its First Choice strategic plan, which is designed to drive long-term stockholder value and make Red Robin the "first choice" for guests, team members, and investors. The First Choice plan consists of the following:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Hold Serve - Protect and build on the established foundation:** 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Maintain and improve operational efficiencies and effectiveness

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Deliver quality food and hospitality every time

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Sustain and extend restaurant level financial performance and expense management

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Drive Traffic - Creatively engage with guests and inspire visitation:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Identify and remove barriers to trial and repeat visits

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Implement the First Choice marketing plan to inspire new and returning guests

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Deliver value for the money to every guest in a family friendly environment

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Find Money - Manage expenses and assets to reduce debt and allow for critical investments:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Deliver consistent financial performance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Reduce expenses across the system

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Tactically refranchise select Company owned restaurants and markets

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Reduce debt and refinance to deliver interest savings through strategic refinancing

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**Table of Contents**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• **Fix Restaurants - Invest in the physical estate to improve the overall dining experience:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Address deferred maintenance needs to achieve a competitive standard

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Improve guest facing surroundings to reduce barriers to trial and repeat visitation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Invest in new technology

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**• Win Together - Create a high-performance environment that attracts and retains the best industry talent:**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Create a "guest facing" culture

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Cultivate an ownership mentality

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Reward performance

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Develop leaders

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ "Do the right thing"

The Red Robin vision is to be the most loved restaurant brand in the communities we serve.

**Restaurant Concept**

With our menu of hand-pressed, craft burgers and American favorites, creative beverage menu, over 30 bottomless items, energetic atmosphere, and playful environment that connects families of all kinds, our brand not only carries great memories for our most loyal guests but also appeals to a broad demographic. Our guests enjoy the playful spirit of our experience and the comfort they feel with friends and family across a diverse and multi-generational demographic.

We pride ourselves on our gourmet burgers and other mainstream favorites served in a casual, playful atmosphere. Our menu features our signature product, a line of gourmet burgers with layers of fresh ingredients and premium quality, fresh ground beef. We also offer burgers made with other proteins including chicken breasts (grilled or fried), turkey patties, as well as a proprietary vegetarian patty and the Impossible™ plant-based burger patty. We offer a selection of buns, including gluten free, sesame, brioche, and lettuce wraps, with a variety of toppings, including house-made sauces, crispy onion straws, sautéed mushrooms, several cheese choices, and a sunny-side up egg. All of our burgers are served with a choice from nine bottomless sides including steak fries, broccoli, garlic fries and more. We specialize in customizing our menu items to meet our guests' dietary needs and preferences and have received recognition from experts in the allergen community. In addition to burgers, which accounted for 54% of food sales in fiscal 2025, Red Robin serves an array of other mainstream favorites that appeal to our guests. These items include a variety of foods like Donatos<sup>®</sup> pizza (available at select locations), wings, salads, other entrees, and desserts. We also offer a range of single-serve and shareable desserts as well as our handspun milkshakes. Our beverages include signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic specialty drinks, cocktails, wine, and a variety of domestic, imported and craft beers.

We strive to customize the pace of the experience for our guests based on their occasion, from accommodating time-pressured meals to offering a place to relax and connect with family and friends. We call this the "gift of time". Red Robin also has an extraordinary approach to guest service, and we have cataloged thousands of stories of Red Robin team members who live our values. Many examples can be found on our website, *www.redrobin.com*. Note that our website and the information contained on or connected to our website are not incorporated by reference herein, and our web address is included as an inactive textual reference only.

We also strive to provide our guests with exceptional dining value and the ability to customize their experience. To build on our value proposition, Red Robin released the Big Yummm Burger Deal in fiscal 2025 to deliver a compelling, affordable meal option that reinforces Red Robin's commitment to great taste and value. In fiscal 2025, we had an average check per guest of $18.76, which was a 5.3% increase compared to fiscal 2024. We believe our price-to-value relationship, featuring our innovative array of quality, "instaworthy" burgers and beverages, and over 30 bottomless items, differentiates us from our casual dining competitors and allows us to appeal to a broad base of middle income, multi-generational consumers.

**Corporate Responsibility**

Red Robin is a company that cares; we strive to impact guests, team members, communities, and our planet for the better. In fiscal 2025, we published our fourth sustainability report and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (the "SASB") Restaurant Industry disclosures, which is available on our website at ir.redrobin.com. The contents of the sustainability report, our SASB Restaurant Industry disclosures and our website are not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K. We review our corporate responsibilities, at the stakeholder, Board of Directors, and management level and incorporate corporate responsibility initiatives into our strategic planning.

**Human Capital Management**

We strive to ensure our people, who we refer to as team members, demonstrate and benefit from our core values: Integrity, Fun, Unbridled Hospitality, and High Performance. We believe that when we exemplify these values, we win together!

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Winning together is our core objective. We nurture this by providing our team members with a clear understanding of what is expected, and our goal is that people love working for our brand. We strive to provide our people with a great place to work, opportunities for growth, and competitive compensation for their contributions. Our values empower and motivate our team members and create a Company culture that we collectively take pride in every day.

As part of our human capital management strategy, we focus on the following areas:

*Our Team Members*

As of December 28, 2025, we had 18,852 team members, consisting of 18,647 team members at Company-owned restaurants and 205 Restaurant Support Center team members.

*Competitive Compensation and Benefits*

We support our team members by offering market-competitive compensation and benefits for eligible team members. Tip eligible team members are paid at least the tip credit rate or minimum wage rate as mandated by federal, state, or local government agencies, in addition to receiving customer tips. We design tipped positions to make more than the federal, state, or local minimum wage when including tips. Our current benefit programs include medical, dental, and vision insurance offerings, an employee assistance program, shift meals, Red Robin meal discounts, paid time off, 401(k) with employer match, and an employee stock purchase plan. Additionally, we offer incentive bonuses tied to restaurant and company level results, as well as equity-based awards for eligible team members.

Our compensation programs are designed to compensate our team members fairly for their level of experience and overall contribution to our business. We leverage our rewards to motivate our team members to do what is necessary in our mission to deliver a best-in-class guest experience. For our operations leaders, we utilize a performance-based compensation program. Our individual restaurant managers and multi-restaurant operators are referred to as "Managing Partners" and "Market Partners," respectively (and collectively, "Partners"). Under this compensation program, Partners earn a base salary plus a performance bonus, which is linked to their respective restaurant or market operating profit. Additionally, Market Partners are eligible to receive equity-based awards. We believe providing each Partner with a direct and uncapped financial incentive attracts and retains the best talent in the industry and incentivizes each Partner to take action to drive growth in the restaurant or market they manage. We also believe this program rewards our Partners for making the right day-to-day decisions to satisfy our guests, lead our team members, and meet our financial objectives.

*Health and Safety*

We operate with the health, safety, and well-being of Red Robin team members, guests, and communities in mind. We have strict health and safety standards in place that meet or exceed local, state, and federal requirements, and timely review and act on data and trends from regulatory, internal, third party, or vendor inspections. We continue to innovate our products and processes to reduce our environmental impact, improve safety, and create a healthy work environment.

*Inclusion and Belonging*

At Red Robin, we value everyone for who they are. We are committed to combining the key ingredients of diverse identities, perspectives, and experiences to create our own special seasoning of Unbridled Hospitality. By respecting and supporting our team members, our guests, and our communities, we all win together.

*Restaurant Management*

Our typical restaurant management team consists of a Managing Partner, an Assistant General Manager, and a Kitchen Manager. Depending on restaurant sales volume and other factors, we may also utilize multi-unit Managing Partners, Service Managers, Associate Managers, and/or Shift Supervisors. The restaurant management team is responsible for the day-to-day operations, operating results, and other matters including hiring, training, and staffing. Our typical restaurant employs 35 to 60 team members, most of whom work part-time on an hourly basis. We believe that a full complement of restaurant managers rationalized for restaurant sales volume and other factors is important to successful restaurant operations.

We expect our restaurant management teams to provide leadership at the restaurant as if the management team was the "owner" of the restaurant including localized decision-making with support of multi-unit field operations leaders when appropriate. For example, we expect restaurant management teams to engage in meaningful activities at the local level.

*Learning and Development*

We strive to maintain quality and consistency in each of our restaurants through the training and development of team members and the establishment of, and adherence to, high performance standards, guest satisfaction, food and beverage preparation, and the appearance of our restaurants. Our training programs are anchored in a blended learning design, combining digital content with on-the-job training supported by a restaurant team of Certified Learning Coaches under the leadership of a Head Learning Coach and the restaurant's Managing Partner. This approach, culminating in a final skills certification, sets our

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new team members up for immediate success as they start their Red Robin career. Team members seeking advancement have the opportunity to further their career as a Shift Supervisor through our Management training program. We continue to focus on hiring, training, and retaining our team members as we believe this is key to maintaining quality and consistency in each of our restaurants.

New restaurant managers participate in our eight-week Management Foundations training program. This program develops each manager's skills, with emphasis on three areas: knowledge of Red Robin's standards and processes, flawless shift execution to deliver a great guest experience, and effective coaching of team members.

These learning and development practices at the restaurants support our talent pipeline to develop and promote our restaurant management team members from within.

*Team Member Engagement*

We regularly collect feedback to better understand and improve team member experience and identify opportunities to strengthen our culture. We welcome open, candid feedback to promote team members feeling heard and engaged and to better support the experience of our team members. We accomplish this through a variety of programs and forums, including team member engagement surveys, one-on-one coaching, Town Hall meetings, leadership conferences, and onboarding and exit surveys. In addition to these structured programs and forums, we maintain an open-door policy at all levels of the Company.

In fiscal 2025, we conducted two team member period pulse surveys to gather feedback from each team member. We utilize the surveys to gather insights from our team member population and create action plans from this data to continue to enhance our workplace. We also offer the use of this survey tool to gain feedback when key events occur, so we can quickly respond to suggestions and concerns when they arise. We believe this tool provides us with key insights into what team members need from the Company, assisting with retention and contributing to our positive workplace culture.

**Food Safety and Purchasing**

Our food safety and quality assurance programs help manage our commitment to safe, quality ingredients and responsible food preparation and service. Our Food Safety Management Program is a set of systems designed to protect from risk and control hazards. We provide detailed specifications for our proprietary food ingredients, products, and supplies to our suppliers. We qualify and require outside third party certification audits on an annual basis for all of our food and beverage suppliers (excluding alcoholic beverages, which are held to different auditing standards), as well as growers. The certifications must comply with the Global Food Safety Initiative, if applicable. In addition, our beef suppliers must perform a Red Robin Beef Standard third party audit. Our restaurant leaders must pass and maintain an accredited manager-level food safety and sanitation certification. We maintain strict food safety protocols, including safe cooking temperature requirements, food handling procedures, cooling procedures, and frequent temperature and quality checks, for the safety and quality of the food we serve in our restaurants. In order to provide fresh ingredients and products and to maximize operating efficiencies between purchase and usage, each restaurant's management team determines the restaurant's daily usage requirements for food ingredients, products, and supplies, and accordingly, orders from approved suppliers, and distributors. The restaurant management team inspects deliveries to confirm that the products received meet our safety and quality specifications. Additionally, we engage an independent auditing company to perform unannounced comprehensive food safety and sanitation assessments at least three times a year in all Company-owned and franchised restaurants. If an assessment identifies any gaps, a documented plan is created to address it. A similar follow-up requirement is in place for government regulatory inspections.

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To enhance our purchasing efficiencies and obtain competitive prices for our high-quality ingredients, products, and supplies, our centralized purchasing team negotiates supply agreements that may include fixed price contracts that can vary in term or formula-based pricing agreements that can fluctuate on changes in raw material commodity pricing. Of our total cost of goods in fiscal 2025, ground beef represented approximately 18%, potatoes represented approximately 12%, and poultry represented approximately 10%. We monitor the market for the primary commodities we purchase and extend contract positions when applicable in order to minimize the impact of fluctuations in price and availability. As tactics to manage the risk of volatile cost increases and available product supply, we enter into fixed-price purchase commitments for certain commodities; however, it may not be possible for us to do so from time to time or at all with respect to certain commodities, or we may choose not to enter into fixed-price contracts for certain commodities. We believe that substantially all of our food and supplies meeting our specifications are available from alternate sources, which we have identified to diversify our supply chain. As of December 28, 2025, approximately 53% of our estimated annual food and beverage purchases were covered by fixed price contracts, most of which are scheduled to expire at various times through the end of fiscal 2026.

**Restaurant Investments**

Under our First Choice plan, we have begun, and plan to continue, investing in our restaurants by addressing critical deferred maintenance needs, such as flooring updates, internal finishings, furniture repairs, and exterior improvements that directly impact guest perceptions and experience, as well as in new technology.

**Donatos**<sup>®</sup>

In 2020, we launched our partnership with Donatos<sup>®</sup>, a high-quality pizza brand "nested" inside a portion of Red Robin restaurants. Through this partnership, these restaurants prepare and serve Donatos<sup>®</sup> branded pizzas to our dine-in and off-premises guests. Pursuant to a licensing arrangement, we pay royalties on sales of Donatos<sup>®</sup> pizza products to Donatos<sup>®</sup>. As of December 28, 2025, we offer Donatos pizza at 260 restaurants.

**Restaurant Franchise and Licensing Arrangements**

As of December 28, 2025, our franchisees operated 90 restaurants in 13 states and British Columbia, Canada. Our two largest franchisees owned a total of 46 restaurants located in Pennsylvania, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas. Franchise revenue primarily includes royalty income and advertising fund contributions, which are calculated as a percentage of sales for each franchisee.

*Franchise Compliance Assurance*

We actively work with and monitor our franchisees' performance to help them develop and operate their restaurants in compliance with Red Robin's standards, systems, and procedures. We may provide advice to franchisees on menu items, training, and equipment and food purchases. We also exchange best operating practices with our franchisees as we strive to improve our operating systems while attaining a high level of franchisee participation.

**Information Systems and Digital Technology**

We leverage information systems and digital technology to deliver seamless guest experience and empower our operations team to fulfill our brand commitments. In our restaurants, these technologies are designed to facilitate operational efficiency and support the guest experience. These technologies include food waste and labor management systems, sales and forecasting tools, inventory management, and operational execution technologies. These technologies are integrated with our point-of-sale system to provide daily, weekly, and period-to-date reporting that is important for our operators to run an efficient and high-performing restaurant. We also engage with our guests through various digital platforms, such as our website, mobile apps, loyalty program, online ordering, and guest feedback surveys.

We utilize centralized financial, accounting, and human resource management systems to support our Restaurant Support Center and Company-owned restaurants. In addition, we use an operations dashboard that integrates data from our centralized systems and distributes information to assist in managing the performance of our restaurants. We believe these combined tools are important in analyzing and improving our operations, profit margins, and monitoring other key business metrics.

In fiscal 2025, we completed infrastructure modernization efforts to improve performance, stability, and security of current technology solutions, including upgrades to the kitchen display system and other restaurant information technology.

Red Robin accepts electronic payment cards from guests and collects personal information from both guests and team members. We maintain a robust system of data protection and cybersecurity resources, technology and processes to keep Company, guest and team member data secure. We monitor risks of sensitive information compromise at our business partners where relevant and reevaluate these risks on a periodic basis. We also perform annual and ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for our restaurant management and Restaurant Support Center team members. In addition, our systems undergo an annual assessment to ensure certain levels of system security and procedures are in place to protect our guests' credit card and other personal information in accordance with Payment Card Industry ("PCI") guidelines.

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We engage external security assessors and consultants to review and advise us on our other data security practices with respect to protection of other sensitive personal information that we obtain from guests and team members.

**Marketing and Advertising**

Our marketing strategy aims to position Red Robin as the first choice for casual dining in the communities we serve. We leverage data-driven marketing capabilities, creative advertising and craveable products to demonstrate relevance, foster awareness, elevate brand equity, encourage and build consideration, and ultimately drive increases in guest traffic and sales. Our approach encompasses a blend of highly targeted and efficient paid, owned, and earned media channels, including paid search, programmatic digital media, social media, search engine optimization, influencer marketing, public relations and reputation management, social community management, loyalty programs, personalized email marketing, local restaurant marketing, and catering sales. Our digital footprint extends across platforms such as RedRobin.com, our mobile application, social media pages, and availability on select third-party delivery platforms.

Funding for these marketing initiatives is primarily derived from cooperative creative development efforts and national marketing funds. In fiscal 2025, we began deploying a new data-driven marketing initiative, incorporating micro-targeting capabilities to allow us to engage guests more personally, precisely and efficiently than traditional broad-based messaging. This approach to marketing is intended to more efficiently and effectively reach guests. These unique and internally developed algorithms are intended to help us understand guests' decision-making behaviors and, as a result, allow us to specifically target messaging and promotions in ways that resonate more directly with each guest, through paid media, loyalty and other marketing levers.

Additionally, we utilize guest surveys and satisfaction tools to gather feedback to identify areas for improvement, enhance restaurant performance and track progress. Continuous performance monitoring relative to industry peers, coupled with testing potential business drivers among current and potential guests, promotes our adaptability and responsiveness to market dynamics.

Leveraging our expansive Red Robin Royalty<sup>TM</sup> database, comprising approximately 16.4 million members, and our Customer Data Platform ("CDP"), we gain valuable insights into guest behavior, frequency, and purchase patterns and are able to deliver targeted messaging and offers to drive engagement. Our brand creative and messaging celebrate the shared values and playful spirit of both our guests and our brand, seamlessly extending across craveable food, distinctive positioning, dine-in experience, and emotional connections with guests.

Central to our vision for future growth is a layered strategic approach that prioritizes increased engagement and visitation of our current guests via the personalization and benefits of our loyalty program, as well as new guest acquisition demonstrating the breadth and quality of our menu and everyday value we provide across all marketing efforts. We firmly believe that this strategic approach positions us for growth in the dynamic landscape of our industry.

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**Executive Officers**

The following table sets forth information about our current executive officers:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Name** | **Age** | **Position** |
| David Pace | 66 | President, Chief Executive Officer, and Member of the Board of Directors |
| Christopher Meyer | 54 | Interim Chief Financial Officer |
| Sarah Mussetter | 47 | Chief Legal Officer and Secretary |
| Humera Kassem | 49 | Chief People Officer |
| Jesse Griffith | 56 | Chief Operations Officer |

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**David Pace** has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since April 2025 and as a director since August 2019. Prior to his appointment to the role of President and Chief Executive Officer, he served as the Chair of our Board of Directors. From 2020 to 2024, Mr. Pace served as Co-Chief Executive Officer and director of Tastemaker Acquisition Corporation, a special purpose acquisition company focused on the restaurant, hospitality, and related technology and service sectors. Prior to that, he served as Chief Executive Officer and director of Jamba Juice and President of Carrabba's Italian Grill. He has also held senior leadership roles at Bloomin' Brands, Starbucks, PepsiCo., and Yum! Brands. Mr. Pace currently serves as the independent Chair of the board of directors of Farmer Bros. Co., a publicly traded company.

**Christopher Meyer** has served as our Interim Chief Financial Officer since December 2025. Mr. Meyer previously served in roles of increasing responsibility at Bloomin' Brands, Inc, from 2004 to April 2024, including most recently as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer from April 2019 to April 2024, when he retired.

**Sarah Mussetter** has served as our Chief Legal Officer and Secretary since December 2022. She previously held the roles of Associate General Counsel and Vice President, Deputy General Counsel for the Company from 2011 to 2021. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Mussetter worked for the law firm of Holme Roberts & Owen LLP (now Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP). Most recently, Ms. Mussetter was SVP Deputy General Counsel for Skillsoft Corp from September 2021 to December 2022.

**Humera Kassem** has served as our Chief People Officer since September 2025. Prior to joining the Company, she served as Chief People Officer of Dave & Buster's from December 2023 to September 2025. From January 2019 to December 2023, she served as an Executive Human Resources Consultant. Prior to that, she held senior human resource roles with companies including Coca-Cola, Delta Airlines, and JCPenney.

**Jesse Griffith** has served as our Chief Operations Officer since November 2025. He joined the Company in March 2023 as Senior Vice President, Operations. From February 2020 to February 2023, Mr. Griffith served in senior operations roles with Torchy's Tacos. Prior to that, he held senior operations roles with companies including California Pizza Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse.

**Competition**

The restaurant industry is highly competitive, and our guests may choose to purchase food at supermarkets or other food retailers. Although, for some occasions, we compete against other segments of the restaurant industry, including quick-service and fast-casual restaurants, our primary competition is with other sit-down, casual dining restaurants within the full-service dining segment. In addition, we compete to attract guests for off-premises dining occasions, including online ordering, delivery, to-go, and catering. The number, size, and strength of competitors vary by region, concept, market, and even restaurant. We compete on the basis of taste, quality, price of food and related guest value, guest service, ambiance, location, and overall dining experience.

We believe our guest demographics, strong brand recognition, gourmet burgers concept, family friendly atmosphere, attractive price-value relationship, and the quality of our food and service differentiate us from our casual dining competitors. Our competitors include well-established national chains that have more substantial marketing resources. We also compete with many other restaurant and retail establishments for team members.

**Seasonality**

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations. Sales in most of our restaurants have historically been higher during the spring and summer months and winter holiday season. The timing of holidays and school vacations, as well as severe storms, extended periods of inclement weather, or climate extremes may affect the seasonal operating results in the areas impacted. As a result, our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of seasonality, and seasonality of sales may shift over time. Accordingly, results for any one quarter or year are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year.

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**Intellectual Property**

We have a number of registered trademarks and service marks, including the Red Robin®, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers®, YUMMM®, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers + Brews®, and Red Robin Royalty® and logos. We have registered these marks, among others, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and we have registered various trademarks in certain other international jurisdictions. Pursuant to our licensing arrangement with Donatos®, we license the right to use the Donatos® trademark.

In order to better protect our brand, we have also registered the Internet domain name www.redrobin.com. We believe our trademarks, service marks, and other intellectual property rights have significant value and are important to our brand building efforts and the marketing of our restaurant concept.

**Government Regulation**

We are subject to laws and regulations affecting the operation of our business and industry, including preparation and sale of food and beverages, product safety, nutritional content, and menu labeling. Each of our restaurants is subject to various laws and regulations, including by state, and local health, safety, fire, and other authorities. For example, our restaurants are subject to licensing requirements, building and zoning regulations, regulations for the sale of alcoholic beverages and food, and public health related indoor capacity restrictions. We obtain and maintain necessary licenses, permits, and approvals to run our business.

We are subject to various labor and employment laws and regulations that govern our relationship with our team members and can significantly impact our operating costs. These laws govern minimum wage requirements, overtime pay, tip credits, paid leave, meal and rest breaks, unemployment tax rates, health care and other benefits, workers' compensation rates, work authorization, discriminatory conduct, and union organizing rights and activities.

We are also subject to laws and regulations relating to privacy and data protection, including the collection or use of personal information about guests or our team members, such as the California Consumer Privacy Act.

We are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar laws that require the Company to provide civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations, and other areas.

We are subject to federal and state laws and regulations, including those of the Federal Trade Commission that govern the offer and sale of franchises and substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship.

**Available Information**

We use our investor relations website, ir.redrobin.com, as a channel of distribution of Company information. The information we post through this channel may be deemed material. Accordingly, investors should monitor this channel, in addition to following our press releases, SEC filings, conference calls, webcasts, and other investor events. Investors and others can receive notifications of new information posted on our investor relations website by signing up for email alerts. We make available through this investor relations website, free of charge, our Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") filings, including our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC. All SEC filings are also available at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Our website and the information contained on or connected to our website are not incorporated by reference herein, and our web address is included as an inactive textual reference only.

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**ITEM 1A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Risk Factors**

*An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should carefully read and consider the risks described below before making an investment decision. The occurrence of any of the following risks could materially harm our business, financial condition, and results of operations. The trading price or value of our common stock could decline, and you could lose all or part of your investment. We may also be affected by unknown risks or risks that we currently think are immaterial. When making an investment decision with respect to our common stock, you should also refer to the other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our Consolidated Financial Statements and the related notes.*

**Risks Related to Our Indebtedness and Liquidity** 

***Our ability to extend or refinance maturing indebtedness is uncertain and could materially affect our liquidity, financial condition, and operations.***

On November 7, 2025, the Company entered into the fourth amendment to our Credit Agreement (the "Fourth Amendment"). The Fourth Amendment extended the maturity dates for our term loans and revolving credit facility by six months, from March 4, 2027 to September 3, 2027, and we are actively working to secure long-term refinancing for our significant total borrowings, which was approximately $170.2 million as of December 28, 2025. Our ability to meet our liquidity and working capital needs depends on our ability to extend or refinance this maturing indebtedness; however, we may not be able to obtain further extensions or refinancing on acceptable terms, or at all. Our ability to secure additional extensions or to refinance maturing indebtedness depends on our future cash flows, financial performance, compliance with the covenants in our credit facility, lender consent, and prevailing credit market conditions. Turmoil in the financial markets can severely restrict the availability of funds for borrowing and may make it more difficult or costly for us to raise capital. There can be no assurance that financing or refinancings will be available or that, if available, will be on terms acceptable to us. If we cannot extend or refinance the indebtedness when due, our lenders could accelerate repayment, and we may be required to repay the debt, sell assets at unfavorable prices, seek alternative financing on unfavorable terms, reduce or defer strategic initiatives or capital expenditures, or pursue other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows, and results of operations.

***If we are unable to service our debt or comply with the financial and other covenants in our credit facility, our financial condition could be negatively affected.***

A substantial portion of our cash flows are dedicated to debt service payments. Our business may not continue to generate cash flow from operations in the future that is sufficient to meet our debt service, working capital and capital expenditure needs. Additionally, our current credit facility contains financial and other restrictive covenants, including among others, a total net leverage ratio covenant. A breach of these covenants could result in default, and if such default is not cured or waived, our lenders could accelerate our debt and declare it immediately due and payable. If this occurs, we may not be able to repay or borrow sufficient funds to refinance the debt. We routinely seek to refinance and/or extend the maturity of our indebtedness. Financing may not be available to us due to factors beyond our control, and even if financing is available, it may not be on acceptable terms. A default under our credit facility could cause a material adverse effect on our financial condition, including our liquidity and cash flows.

**Risks Related to Our Business**

***Our business strategy may not be successful or achieve the desired results, which may have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.***

The Company is currently undergoing a significant transformation. In fiscal 2025, we appointed David Pace as our President and Chief Executive Officer and subsequently launched our "First Choice" plan, which is intended to drive long-term stockholder value and position Red Robin as the first choice for guests, team members, and investors. The First Choice plan includes initiatives to hold serve, drive traffic, find money, fix restaurants, and win together with a high performance environment.

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These strategies and related initiatives may not result in increased traffic and sustained higher sales or decreased debt and expenses, all of which are important to drive long-term stockholder value. Changes to our operations, capital structure, debt structure, restaurant portfolio, marketing strategies, technology, and restaurants, among other initiatives, may not achieve the business growth and results we expect, which may negatively affect guest satisfaction, guest traffic, sales, profits, or liquidity. Our business and desired results depend upon our ability to continue to grow and evolve through various important strategic initiatives. There can be no assurance we will be able to develop or implement these or other important strategic initiatives in accordance with our expectations or on the expected timeline, or that we have, or will have, sufficient resources to fully and successfully implement, sustain results from, or achieve additional expected benefits from them in accordance with our expectations or on the expected timeline, which could in turn adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

***The global and domestic economic and geopolitical environment may negatively affect frequency of guest visits and average ticket spend at our restaurants, which would negatively affect our revenues and our results of operations.***

The global and domestic economic and geopolitical environment affects the restaurant industry and may negatively affect us directly and indirectly through our customers, distributors, and suppliers. These conditions include unemployment, weakness in the housing markets, an economic recession or slowdown, volatility in the U.S. stock market and in other financial markets, inflationary pressures, wage rates, tariffs imposed on commodities and other trade barriers, global disputes and tensions, interest rate fluctuations and reduced access to credit or other economic or geopolitical factors that may affect consumer confidence. Additionally, periods of federal government shutdown or significant slowdowns in government operations may affect consumer confidence and delay routine government functions on which we and our suppliers rely. As a result of these conditions, our guests may be apprehensive about the economy and reduce their level of discretionary spending or our operations may be negatively affected. This could affect the frequency with which our guests choose to dine-out or the amount they spend on meals, thereby decreasing our revenues and potentially negatively affecting our operating results. We believe there is a risk that uncertain economic conditions might cause consumers to make long-lasting changes to their discretionary spending behavior, including dining out less frequently or at lower priced restaurants on a more permanent basis, which would have a negative effect on our profitability as we spread fixed costs across a lower level of sales.

***Our success depends on our ability to effectively compete in the restaurant industry to attract and retain guests.***

Competition in the restaurant industry is intense and barriers to entry are low. Our competitors include a large and diverse group of restaurants in all segments ranging from quick serve and fast casual to polished casual and those verging on fine dining. These competitors range from independent local operators that have opened restaurants in various markets, high growth targeted "better" burger concepts in the quick serve and fast casual space, to the well-capitalized national restaurant companies. Many of these concepts have already captured segments of the market that we are targeting, and are expanding faster than we are, penetrating both desirable geographic and demographic markets. Many of our competitors are well established in the casual dining market segment and in certain geographic locations and some of our competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing, and other resources than we have available. Accordingly, they may be better equipped than us to invest in improving and expanding restaurants and infrastructure, increase marketing, or to take other measures to maintain their competitive position, including the use of significant discount offers to attract guests. Additionally, our guests may choose alternatives to restaurants, including meal kit and food delivery service providers or purchasing meals at supermarkets, delis, or other food retailers.

***Decreased cash flow from operations, or an inability to access capital or successfully execute our potential real property sales could negatively affect our business initiatives or may result in our inability to execute our revenue, expense, and capital deployment strategies.***

Our ability to fund our operating plans and to implement our capital deployment strategies depends on sufficient cash flow from operations or other financing, including using funding under our revolving credit facility and from potential real property sales. We may also seek access to the debt or equity capital markets. Any additional capital raised through the sale of equity may dilute our stockholders' ownership percentages and could also result in a decrease in the market value of our securities.

Our capital deployment strategies include but are not limited to, improving existing restaurants and infrastructure, investing in new technology, paying down debt, investing in marketing to grow traffic, and executing on our long-term transformation strategy. If we experience decreased cash flow from operations, or an inability to access new capital on acceptable terms with acceptable interest rates if needed, our ability to fund our operations and planned initiatives, and to take advantage of growth opportunities, may be delayed or negatively affected. In addition, these disruptions and any resulting negative effect on our net income, cash flows, or other relevant financial performance metrics under our revolving credit facility could affect our ability to borrow or comply with our covenants under that facility.

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***A privacy or security breach involving our information technology systems, or the failure of our data security measures could interrupt our business, damage our reputation, and negatively affect our operations and financial condition.***

Protecting guest, team member, and Company data is critical. We are subject to numerous privacy and data protection laws and regulations and the regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is increasingly demanding, with the frequent imposition of new and constantly changing requirements including the California Consumer Privacy Act, the California Privacy Rights Act, and other similar legislative initiatives. Compliance with these requirements may result in cost increases due to necessary system changes and the development of new administrative processes, and if we fail to comply, we could be exposed to risks of fines, investigations, litigation, and disruption of our operations.

Our software and information technology systems, as well as those of third parties on which we rely, may contain material vulnerabilities. In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, store, and process personal and payment information relating to our guests, team members, and vendors. We also collect, store, and process sales data, financial information, human resources information, and other sensitive business data. Despite the cybersecurity measures we have implemented, we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past and may experience future incidents, including data breaches, phishing attacks, or other unauthorized access to our systems or those of our third-party service providers. In addition, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of artificial intelligence technologies may intensify cybersecurity risks. Our efforts to identify and remediate system vulnerabilities may not prevent or promptly resolve such incidents, which could result in the theft, loss, or unauthorized disclosure of confidential or proprietary information, disruption of restaurant or corporate operations or our supply chain, loss of guest confidence, reputational harm, and significant remediation, legal, regulatory, or other costs.

We maintain a separate insurance policy covering cyber security risks and such insurance coverage may, subject to policy terms and conditions, cover certain aspects of cyber risks, but is subject to a retention amount and may not be applicable to a particular incident or otherwise may be insufficient to cover all our losses beyond any retention.

Because of the number of credit card transactions we process, we are required to maintain PCI Data Security Standard compliance at our Restaurant Support Center and Company-owned restaurants. If we do not maintain the required level of PCI compliance, we could be subject to costly fines or additional fees from the card brands that we accept or lose our ability to accept those payment cards. Our franchisees are separate businesses that have different levels of compliance required depending on the number of credit card transactions processed. If our franchisees fail to maintain the appropriate level of PCI compliance or they experience a security breach, it could negatively impact their business operations, and we could face a loss of royalties or other payments they are required to remit to us, and it could adversely affect our reputation and guest confidence.

***If there is a material failure in our information technology systems, our business could be negatively affected, and our systems may be inadequate to support our future growth strategies.***

We rely heavily on information technology systems in all aspects of our operations including our restaurant point-of sale systems, financial systems, marketing programs and guest engagement, team member engagement, supply chain management, cybersecurity, and various other processes and transactions. We also use information technology systems to process financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting, legal and tax requirements. Our ability to operate effectively depends on the reliability, capacity, and security of these systems, including systems operated by third parties.

In recent years, we have replaced large portions of our technology hardware. However, some of our information technology systems are aging, and while we continue to invest in upgrades and replacements, these efforts are complex, costly, and time-consuming. In addition, our systems and data may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from power outages, telecommunications failures, natural disasters, terrorism, cyber attacks or other events beyond our control. If these systems suffer severe damage, disruption, or shutdown or if we fail to timely or successfully implement system upgrades, experience difficulties transitioning to new systems, encounter system failures, outages, or security vulnerabilities, or if our vendors experience similar issues, we could experience operational disruptions, delays in financial reporting, lost revenues, increased cost, or reputational harm. This could be further exacerbated if our business continuity or disaster recovery plans, or those of our vendors, are ineffective and we fail to resolve issues in a timely manner. Any such events could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.

We have adopted and use artificial intelligence ("AI") and other automated technologies in various aspects of our business, including marketing, guest engagement, labor management, forecasting, and administrative functions. These technologies are complex and rapidly evolving, and their use involves risks and uncertainties. AI-based tools may produce inaccurate, incomplete, or biased outputs, may not perform as intended, or may rely on data that is flawed or outdated, which could result in ineffective decision-making or other harms. The use of AI may increase our exposure to cybersecurity, data privacy, and regulatory risks, particularly as legal standards governing AI continue to develop. If we do not effectively adopt and integrate these emerging technologies as quickly or successfully as our competitors, we may be at a competitive disadvantage, experience higher costs, or be less effective in engaging guests and operating our business.

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***Our marketing and branding strategies to attract, engage, and retain our guests, including recent and future changes to our loyalty program, may not be successful, which could negatively affect our business.***

We routinely refine our communication, advertising, branding, and other marketing strategies to effectively target and compete for customers, but there is no assurance these strategies will be effective. The Red Robin Royalty™ loyalty program has historically contributed to sales and guest count growth. We continue to evolve this program, including the structure, rewards, and guest participation requirements. These changes may not achieve their intended objectives and could result in reduced guest engagement, lower visit frequency, or decreased brand loyalty.

We increasingly rely on data, analytics, and digital tools to inform our marketing, promotional, and guest engagement strategies, including micro-targeting, personalization, and measurement of marketing effectiveness. These strategies depend on the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the data we collect and the assumptions and models we use to analyze that data. If our data is incomplete, inaccurate, or not effectively analyzed, or if our marketing strategies based on such data do not resonate with guests, our marketing investments may not generate the expected levels of guest traffic or sales. In addition, our ability to use guest data is subject to evolving privacy laws, regulatory requirements, platform policies, and consumer preferences, which may limit data collection, sharing, or usage and reduce the effectiveness of targeted marketing initiatives, and any failure to comply could subject us to liability.

***Damage to our brand image or reputation, including due to unfavorable social and digital media, could adversely impact our business.***

Maintaining and enhancing our brand image and reputation is critical to our success. Unfavorable events or rumors, poorly received advertising, negative publicity, and negative information disseminated through social and digital media could impact our brand image and reputation. As part of our marketing efforts, we use social media platforms to promote our concepts and attract and retain guests. Social media provides consumers, employees, and others with the ability to communicate approval or displeasure with a business, in near real time, and provides any individual with the ability to reach a broad audience and with comments that are often not filtered or checked for accuracy. If we are unable to quickly and effectively respond, any negative publicity could "go viral" causing nearly immediate and potentially significant harm to our brand and reputation, whether or not factually accurate. In addition, social media can facilitate the improper disclosure of proprietary information, exposure of personally identifiable information, fraud, or out-of-date information. The inappropriate use of social media by our guests or team members could increase our costs, lead to litigation, or result in negative publicity that could damage our reputation.

***Changes in consumer preferences could negatively affect our results of operations.***

The restaurant industry is characterized by the continual introduction of new concepts and is subject to rapidly changing consumer preferences, tastes, and eating and purchasing habits. Our restaurants provide a full-service casual dining experience and offer a varied menu consisting of burgers, salads, appetizers, other entrees, desserts, our signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and Donatos® pizza available in a portion of our restaurants. Our success depends, in part, upon the continued popularity of these foods and this style of dining. Shifts in consumer preferences away from this cuisine or dining style could have a material adverse effect on our future profitability. In addition, competitors' use of significant advertising and food discounting could influence our guests' dining choices.

Further, changing health or dietary preferences and current and new medical advancements, such as weight loss medications, may cause consumers to avoid our products in favor of alternative foods or consume less of our products. Consumer preference could be affected by health concerns related to the consumption of beef, chicken, or other food products on our menu, or negative publicity concerning food quality, nutrition, illness, or injury, even if not valid, may negatively affect demand for our food and could result in decreased guest traffic in our restaurants. The food service industry as a whole rests on consumer preferences and demographic trends at the local, regional, and national levels. New information or changes in dietary, nutritional or health guidelines and preferences, among other things, may affect consumer choice and cause consumers to significantly alter their dining choices in ways that adversely affect our sales and profitability.

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***We are subject to all of the risks associated with leasing space subject to long-term non-cancelable leases, and risks related to renewal.***

As of December 28, 2025, 381 of our 385 Company-owned restaurants are located on leased premises. We have in the past, and may in the future, engage in sale-leaseback transactions, which could further increase the number of our leased properties. Payments under our operating leases account for a significant portion of our operating expenses. We cannot be certain that we will maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities sufficient for us to pay our operating lease expenses. Additional sites that we lease are likely to be subject to similar long-term non-cancelable leases. We have in the past and may in the future close restaurants, including as we continue to evaluate certain underperforming restaurants. In connection with closing restaurants, we may nonetheless be committed to performing our obligations under the applicable lease including, among other things, paying the base rent for the balance of the lease term, incurring termination fees, and other significant one-time cash expenditures. Additionally, closing restaurants has in the past and may in the future result in other significant non-cash charges, including impairments. The Company has a potential contingent lease liability for lease payments related to certain franchisees' lease arrangements. This potential contingent lease liability could increase if the Company sells restaurants to franchisees, as we may be required to remain responsible for lease payments for certain restaurants to the extent the purchasing franchisee defaults on the lease. Upon such default, we may be required to make lease payments and seek recourse against the franchisee or agree to repayment terms.

In addition, as our leases expire, there can be no assurance we will be able to renew our expiring leases after the expiration of renewal options, either on commercially acceptable terms or at all. As a result, we may incur additional costs to operate our restaurants, including increased rent and other costs related to the negotiation of terms of occupancy of an existing leased premise. If we are unable to renew a lease or determine not to renew a lease, there may be costs related to the relocation and development of a replacement restaurant or, if we are unable to relocate, reduced revenue.

***Changes in consumer buying patterns, particularly due to declines in traffic near our leased locations, and increases in online sales, may affect our financial condition and results of operations.***

The success of our restaurants depends in large part on the performance of our leased locations, which are generally situated in high-traffic retail and entertainment areas such as malls, lifestyle centers, and shopping centers. Our restaurants rely on customer traffic generated by these surrounding locations. Changes in demographic, economic, or consumer behavior patterns, including reduced foot traffic or business closures in these areas, may make certain locations less attractive or profitable. In addition, the continued growth of online shopping has negatively affected traffic at many traditional "brick and mortar" retail centers, which could reduce guest visits to our restaurants. Our ability to relocate underperforming restaurants may also be limited by the availability and cost of suitable alternative sites and by our inability to easily terminate our long-term lease commitments.

We have invested in off-premises sales, including delivery, pickup options, and catering, to attract guests who are looking for convenience or want to enjoy our food off-premises. While we plan to continue to invest in the growth of our off-premises sales, there can be no guarantee we will maintain or increase such sales. Off-premises sales could also cannibalize dine-in sales, or our systems and procedures may require additional investments in technology or people. A significant portion of our delivery orders are fulfilled through third-party delivery providers, which charge commissions and over whom we have limited control. Delivery drivers may make errors, fail to make timely deliveries, damage our food or poorly represent our brand, which may lead to guest disappointment, reputational harm or unmet sales expectations. While we have introduced an alternative to third party delivery by offering an online Company platform to collect orders and outsource the "last mile" of delivery, we may not be able to convert guests to our platform and that model remains subject to some of the same risks.

***Our operations are susceptible to the changes in cost and availability of commodities which could negatively affect our results of operations.***

Our profitability depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in commodity costs. Various factors beyond our control, including adverse weather conditions, governmental regulation and monetary policy, new or increased trade barriers and import tariffs (including retaliatory trade actions), product availability, recalls of food products, and seasonality, as well as the effects of the current macroeconomic environment on our suppliers, may affect our commodity costs or cause a disruption in our supply chain. We seek to mitigate commodity price risk through a combination of purchasing strategies, including fixed-price contracts for certain food and beverage items. However, these arrangements may not fully offset future cost increases and typically cover only a portion of our total commodity needs for limited time periods. As contracts expire, we may be unable to renew them on favorable terms, which could result in higher costs, changes in supplier relationships, or the need to source products from alternative suppliers. In addition, we may not be able to fully pass increased commodity costs on to guests through menu pricing or other actions without adversely affecting guest traffic. If we are unable to effectively manage commodity cost increases or supply disruptions, our results of operations and profitability could be adversely affected.

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***We may experience interruptions in the delivery of food and other products from third parties.***

Our restaurants depend on frequent deliveries of fresh produce, food, beverages, and other products. This subjects us to the risk of interruptions in food and beverage supplies that may result from a variety of causes including, but not limited to, outbreaks of food-borne illness, disruption of operation of production facilities, transportation disruptions or delays, financial difficulties, including bankruptcy of our suppliers or other unforeseen circumstances, especially where a product comes from a single or small number of suppliers. Such shortages could adversely affect our revenue and profits. Our restaurants bear risks associated with the timeliness of deliveries by suppliers and distributors as well as the solvency, reputation, labor relationships, freight rates, and health and safety standards of each supplier and distributor. We strive to have multiple approved suppliers on key items; however, the Company is undertaking initiatives to consolidate suppliers and there are situations where we only have one approved supplier, which increases the risk to our supply chain if something were to happen to interrupt the supplier's ability to continue supplying the Company. Other significant risks associated with our suppliers and distributors include improper handling of food and beverage products, and/or the adulteration or contamination of such food and beverage products.

***Price increases may negatively affect guest visits.***

From time to time, we increase menu prices, primarily to offset increased costs and operating expenses. We cannot provide assurance that any future menu price increases will not deter guests from visiting our restaurants, reduce the frequency of their visits, or affect their purchasing decisions.

***New or improved technologies or changes in consumer behavior facilitated by these technologies could negatively affect our business.***

Consumer behavior continues to evolve regarding restaurant technology expectations, and we may not be able to meet those changing demands. Our competitors, some with greater resources, may capitalize on emerging technologies or shifts in consumer preferences, potentially weakening our competitive position. Certain technology initiatives require significant capital investment, including addressing aging hardware and software infrastructure and components nearing end-of-life, necessitating careful evaluation against other business priorities. Aging hardware and outdated systems, as well as the process to upgrade or replace hardware and systems, increases the risk of system failures, business disruptions, and degraded guest experiences.

***We may expand our restaurant base as a component of our long-term growth, and our ability to open and profitably operate new restaurants is subject to factors beyond our control.***

Our resources are currently allocated to increasing performance in our existing base of restaurants, but we may expand our restaurant base as a component of our long-term growth. The expansion of our restaurant base depends upon numerous factors, some of which are out of our control, including the cost and availability of capital, the ability to attract qualified operating team members to staff new restaurants, the ability to secure available and suitable restaurant sites on favorable lease and construction terms, timely adherence to development schedules, and competition that may affect consumer spending. New or less mature restaurants, once opened, may vary in profitability and levels of operating revenue for six months or more, and there are no assurance new restaurants will attain operating results similar to those of existing restaurants. Delays or failures in opening new restaurants, or the inability to profitably operate them once opened, could materially and adversely affect our planned growth.

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***The ongoing need for maintenance and improvements at our existing restaurants requires us to spend significant capital and we may not achieve a return on investment.***

Many of our existing restaurants are mature and require capital expenditures for maintenance and improvement to remain competitive and maintain our brand standard. Under our First Choice plan, we have begun, and plan to continue, investing in our restaurants by addressing critical deferred maintenance needs, such as flooring updates, internal finishings, furniture repairs, and exterior improvements that directly impact guest perceptions and experience, as well as in new technology. Additionally, we have evaluated and may undertake in the future a more substantial restaurant renovation program. These initiatives involve significant capital expenditures. If we do not make these capital investments or do not achieve a return on the investment, our business, financial condition, and our ability to compete effectively could be harmed.

***Our tactical refranchising initiatives may not be completed on favorable terms or completed at all and may not result in the anticipated financial benefits.***

As part of our First Choice plan, we are evaluating tactical refranchising opportunities to optimize our overall financing structure and strengthen our balance sheet. Tactical refranchising initiatives require significant management time and resources and may divert attention from day-to-day operations and other strategic priorities. The timing, pricing, and structure of any tactical refranchising transactions depend on market conditions and the availability and interest of qualified franchisees. Delays in execution, unexpected costs, or challenges in integrating franchisees into our system could limit the effectiveness of tactical refranchising efforts. Any such transactions are expected to result in a shift from Company-owned restaurant revenues to franchise royalty income. If our tactical refranchising initiatives are unsuccessful or do not achieve intended objectives, including improvements in liquidity and reductions in general and administrative expenses and long term debt, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.

***We are subject to the risks presented by acquisitions or dispositions of restaurants.***

In the past, we have acquired franchised restaurants and disposed of restaurants. In the future, we may, from time to time, consider opportunistic acquisitions or dispositions of restaurants beyond the tactical refranchising initiatives described above. Any future acquisitions or dispositions will be accompanied by the risks commonly encountered in such transactions, including difficulty integrating operations and team members, potential disruption to our ongoing business, potential distraction of management, impact on the Company's financial condition, and the impairment of relationships with team members and guests as a result in changes in ownership and management.

***The large number of Company-owned restaurants concentrated in the Western United States makes us susceptible to changes in economic and other trends in that region.***

As of December 28, 2025, a total of 162 or 42% of our 385 Company-owned restaurants, representing 50% of restaurant revenues, were located in the Western United States (i.e., Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, and Washington). As a result of our geographic concentration, negative publicity regarding any of our restaurants in the Western United States, as well as regional differences in the legal, regulatory, and litigation environment, could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations, as could other regional occurrences such as local strikes, regional cost-of-living increases, energy shortages, or increases in energy prices, droughts, earthquakes, fires, or other natural disasters.

***We rely on our management team for the development and execution of our business strategy and the loss of a member of our management team could negatively affect our operating results.***

Our success depends in part on the contributions of our management team and other key personnel to develop and execute our business strategy. We recently experienced a transition in leadership, and the effects of this transition, or any future leadership changes, could disrupt our business and adversely affect our performance. Leadership transitions, even when planned, involve inherent risks, including potential disruptions to strategic continuity, loss of institutional knowledge, changes in management priorities, and challenges associated with integrating new leaders into the organization. The process of recruiting leadership is time-consuming and competitive and may divert management's attention, and there can be no assurance we will be successful in identifying and retaining qualified candidates on acceptable terms or within desired timeframes. Additional turnover on our management team or the failure to implement an appropriate succession plan could disrupt our business and prevent us from achieving our business strategy and initiatives, which could adversely affect our operating results.

***If we are unable to successfully attract, retain, and motivate qualified restaurant management and operations team members in a competitive market, we may be unable to effectively operate and grow our business and revenues, which could materially adversely affect our financial performance.***

Our ability to attract, retain, and motivate qualified management and operations team members is central to providing the desired guest and team member experience in our restaurants and delivering on our business strategy. The market for qualified talent continues to be competitive, which could increase our labor costs if we need to take additional measures to provide competitive wages, benefits, and workplace conditions. Changes in immigration laws and regulations could decrease the pool of

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candidates with legal work authorizations, causing disruption in the workforce for all companies that rely on hourly workers. If we are unable to recruit, retain and motivate qualified people, our restaurants could be short staffed, we may be forced to incur overtime expenses, hourly team member turnover could increase, and our ability to operate our restaurants effectively could be limited, and the guest experience could be negatively affected, leading to a decline in traffic and sales, which could materially adversely affect our financial performance. Further, an inability to adequately monitor and proactively respond to any potential team member dissatisfaction could lead to poor guest satisfaction, higher turnover, litigation and unionization, which could impact our ability to effectively operate and grow our business and revenues.

***Our ability to attract, motivate, and retain our management team and key personnel may be affected by the market price of our common stock and the availability of shares under our equity compensation plan, and we may need to provide alternative compensation incentives.***

Equity-based compensation is an important component of our overall compensation strategy for our management team and key personnel. The market price and volatility of our common stock may affect the value or perceived value of equity awards and our ability to effectively use equity compensation to attract, motivate, and retain qualified personnel. Low stock price levels or significant volatility may require us to grant a greater number of shares to achieve intended compensation levels, which could increase dilution to existing stockholders. Our ability to grant equity-based compensation is subject to the availability of shares under our 2024 Performance Incentive Plan. If sufficient shares are not available, or if stockholder approval is required and not obtained to increase the number of authorized shares under such plan, our ability to continue granting equity awards could be limited and we may need to rely on cash compensation or alternative incentives to remain competitive, which could increase our compensation expense and adversely affect our operating results.

***Our results of operations may fluctuate significantly due to various risks and unexpected circumstances, including adverse weather conditions, natural disasters, climate change, pandemics, catastrophic events, and other factors outside our control that could increase costs, disrupt our supply change, and impact seasonality, among other things.***

We are subject to a number of significant risks that might cause our quarterly and annual results to fluctuate significantly or be negatively affected. Adverse weather conditions, natural disasters (such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and wildfires), climate change, pandemics, or catastrophic events, such as terrorist acts, can adversely impact restaurant sales, as they may keep customers in the affected area from dining out, adversely affect consumer spending and confidence levels. These events may also impact the cost and availability of key commodities such as beef, poultry, potatoes, and other important ingredients in our products; cause material disruptions in our supply chain; impact borrowings and interest rates; cause damage to or closure of restaurants, or result in lost opportunities for our restaurants.

Moreover, our business fluctuates seasonally. Historically, sales in most of our restaurants have been higher during the spring and summer months and winter holiday season due to factors including our retail-oriented location and family appeal. The timing of holidays and school vacations may affect the seasonal operating results in the areas impacted. As a result, our quarterly and annual operating results and comparable restaurant sales may fluctuate significantly as a result of seasonality and the factors outside of our control discussed above. Accordingly, results for any one quarter or year are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year, and comparable restaurant sales for any particular future period may decrease.

***Our franchisees could take actions that could harm our business, expose us to liability, or damage our reputation.***

Franchisees are independent entities and are not our employees, partners, or affiliates. If our franchised restaurant base grows due to tactical refranchising initiatives, then we may rely more heavily on franchisees to operate restaurants in compliance with our brand standards, operating procedures, and applicable law. If our franchisees are not successful, then our business, results of operations, and reputation could be disproportionately adversely affected by the relative scale of such franchise operations. We share with our franchisees what we believe to be best practices in the restaurant industry; however, franchisees operate their restaurants as independent businesses. Consequently, the quality of franchised restaurant operations may be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control. Moreover, franchisees may not successfully operate restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards and requirements or may not hire and train qualified managers and other restaurant team members. In addition, as independent businesses, franchisees may not be required to comply with the same levels of business or regulatory compliance we are. While we try to ensure the quality of our brand and compliance with our operating standards, and the confidentiality thereof, are maintained by all of our franchisees, we cannot provide assurance our franchisees will avoid actions that negatively affect the reputation of Red Robin or the value of our proprietary information. Our image and reputation and the image and reputation of other franchisees may suffer materially, and system-wide sales could significantly decline if our franchisees do not operate restaurants according to our standards.

We are subject to federal and state laws that regulate the offer and sale of franchises and aspects of the licensor-licensee relationship. Further, there have been historical actions before the National Labor Relations Board ("NLRB") where it was alleged that a parent company could be held liable for the actions of its franchisees, including potentially jointly liable for labor and wage violations by its franchisees. Failure to comply with the laws and regulations governing our franchisee relationships

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or adverse decisions similar to the above-described NLRB actions could subject us to liability for actions of the franchisees, or expose us to liability to franchisees, or fines and penalties for non-compliance.

***Food safety and food-borne illness concerns, and any related unfavorable publicity could have an adverse effect on our business.***

We dedicate substantial resources to ensuring our guests enjoy safe, quality food products. Nonetheless, restaurant businesses such as ours can be adversely affected by publicity resulting from complaints or litigation regarding poor food quality, food-borne illness, personal injury, food tampering, communicable disease, adverse health effects of consumption of various food products or high-calorie foods, or other concerns. Food safety issues also could be caused by food suppliers or distributors and, as a result, could be out of our control. Regardless of the source or cause, any report of food-borne illnesses such as E. coli, norovirus, listeria, hepatitis A, salmonella, or trichinosis, as well as other food safety issues including food tampering or contamination, at one of our or a franchisee's restaurants, could adversely affect our reputation and have a negative impact on our sales. Even instances of food-borne illness, food tampering or food contamination occurring solely at our competitors' restaurants, suppliers or distributors (even if we do not work with them) could result in negative publicity about the food service industry generally and adversely impact our sales. The occurrence of food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, resulting in higher costs and lower margins.

***Our business could be adversely affected by increased labor costs, including costs related to the increase in minimum wage and new health care laws.***

Labor is a primary component in the cost of operating our business. Increased labor costs, whether due to our business model, competition, unionization, increased minimum and tip wage, state unemployment rates, employee benefits costs, or otherwise, may adversely impact our operating expenses. A considerable amount of our restaurant team members is paid at rates related to the federal, state, or local minimum wage. Further, we have a substantial number of restaurants located in states or municipalities where the minimum wage is greater than the current federal minimum wage, including California, Colorado, New York, Oregon, and Washington. Because we employ a large workforce, any wage increase and/or expansion of benefit mandates will have a particularly significant impact on our labor costs. Our vendors, contractors and business partners are similarly impacted by wage and benefit cost inflation, and many have or will increase their price for goods, construction and services in order to offset their increasing labor costs.

In the past, many of our eligible team members chose not to participate in our Company-sponsored health care plans for various reasons, but we may still experience higher health care costs due to increased utilization, medical cost trends, and regulatory or plan design changes. Our distributors and suppliers also may be affected by higher minimum wage or health care costs, which could result in higher costs for goods and services supplied to us. A shortage in the labor pool or other general inflationary pressures or changes could also increase our labor costs.

While we try to offset labor cost increases through price increases, more efficient purchasing practices, productivity improvements, changing staffing models, greater economies of scale and by offering a variety of health plans to our team members, there can be no assurance that these efforts will be successful. If we are unable to anticipate and offset increased labor costs, our financial performance could be materially adversely affected. Further, changes to our staffing models in our restaurants due to labor costs or any labor shortages could negatively impact our ability to provide adequate service levels to our guests, which could result in adverse guest reactions and a possible reduction in guest traffic at our restaurants.

***Our failure to remain in compliance with governmental laws and regulations as they continually evolve, and the associated costs of compliance, could cause our business results to suffer.***

Our business is subject to extensive and frequently changing government laws and regulations, including, among others, those relating to our employees, public health and safety, food safety, alcoholic beverage control, public accommodations, data privacy and security, securities regulation, and consumer health regulations, including those pertaining to nutritional content and menu labeling. Compliance with these laws and regulations can be complex, costly, and time-consuming, and we may not be able to maintain compliance in all circumstances despite our efforts. Changes in applicable laws or regulatory requirements, or failure to comply with them, could result in increased litigation, governmental investigations or enforcement actions, revocation of required licenses or permits, fines, penalties, or civil or criminal liability, any of which could increase our costs or interfere with our ability to operate our business and execute our strategies.

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Various employment and labor laws govern our relationship with team members and effect operating costs. These laws govern employee classification, wage rates, fair scheduling and payment requirements including tip credit laws and overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, unemployment and other taxes, health care and benefits, workers' compensation rates, labor relations, work authorization regulations, and discriminatory conduct. Changes in these laws, increased enforcement, or failure to comply could require operational changes that harm our operating results, increase labor costs, disrupt our workforce, or result in litigation or penalties. For example, we rely on team members to provide accurate work authorization documentation and to report gratuities received, which we use for payroll and FICA tax reporting purposes. Inaccurate reporting or noncompliance could subject us to monetary or other liabilities. In addition, our operating results could be adversely affected by increases in minimum or tipped wages, overtime requirements, paid leave mandates, health benefit obligations, tax reporting requirements related to gratuities, reductions in the availability of tip credits, or increased employee litigation, including claims under federal or state wage and hour laws.

In recent years, there has been an evolving public focus on corporate responsibility, including environmental, social, and governance matters. As a result, we have experienced increased expectations and costs to provide expanded disclosure and make commitments, establish goals or set targets with respect to various corporate responsibility issues, such as the reduction of greenhouse gases, and to take the actions necessary to meet those commitments, goals and targets, and these expectations and costs have and may continue to vary across jurisdictions in which we operate. If we are not effective in addressing these matters, consumer trust in our brand may suffer. As public and political sentiment regarding corporate responsibility has evolved, we may now also face the additional risk of reputational harm, litigation, or other challenges from stakeholders opposed to corporate responsibility initiatives. Our results of operation and financial condition could be adversely impacted if we are unable to effectively manage the risks and costs associated with corporate responsibility matters.

We are subject to "dram shop" statutes in some states. These statutes generally allow a person injured by an intoxicated person to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to such intoxicated person. Failure to comply with alcoholic beverage control or dram shop regulations could subject us to liability and could negatively affect our business.

***Our future success depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property.***

Our business prospects will depend in part on our ability to protect our proprietary information and intellectual property, including the Red Robin, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers®, Red Robin America's Gourmet Burgers & Spirits®, YUMMM®, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews<sup>TM</sup>, and Red Robin Royalty<sup>TM</sup> names and logos. We have registered or filed applications for trademarks for these names and logos, among others, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and in Canada and we have applied to register various trademarks in certain other international jurisdictions. Our trademarks could be infringed in ways that leave us without redress, such as by imitation or by filings by others in jurisdictions where we are not currently registered. In addition, we rely on trade secrets and proprietary know-how in operating our restaurants, and we employ various methods to protect these trade secrets and proprietary know-how. However, such methods may not afford adequate protection, and others could independently develop similar know-how or obtain access to our know-how, concepts, and recipes. Consequently, our business could be negatively affected and less profitable if we are unable to successfully defend and protect our intellectual property.

***Changes in tax laws and unanticipated tax liabilities could adversely affect our financial results.***

We are primarily subject to income and other taxes in the United States. Our effective income tax rate and other taxes could be adversely affected by a number of factors, including changes in the valuation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, changes in tax laws, regulations, interpretations, or enforcement practices, and the outcome of income tax or other tax audits. Future change to tax laws could have a negative impact to the Company's effective tax rate and cash tax refunds. Additionally, while we believe our tax estimates are reasonable, the final determination of tax audits and tax litigation could be materially different from our historical income tax provisions and accruals. The results of a tax audit could have a material effect on our results of operations or cash flows in the period which the final determination is made.

***A significant increase in litigation could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and results of operations.***

As a member of the restaurant industry, we are sometimes the subject of complaints or litigation, including class action lawsuits, or from guests alleging illness, injury, or other food quality, health, or operational concerns. Negative publicity resulting from these allegations could harm our restaurants, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are liable. In addition, we are subject to the same risks of negative publicity resulting from these sorts of allegations even if the claim actually involves one of our franchisees.

Any failure by us (or claims of failure) to comply with the various federal and state labor laws governing our relationship with our team members including requirements pertaining to minimum wage, overtime pay, meal and rest breaks, unemployment tax rates, workers' compensation rates, work authorization, and discriminatory conduct, may have a material

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adverse effect on our business or operations. We have been subject to such claims from time to time. The possibility of a material adverse effect on our business relating to employment litigation is even more pronounced given the high concentration of team members employed in the Western United States, as this region, and California in particular, has a substantial amount of legislative and judicial activity pertaining to employment-related issues. Further, employee claims against us based on, among other things, discrimination, harassment, or wrongful termination may divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit the future performance of our operations. Litigation proceedings are subject to inherent uncertainties, and we have in the past received, and may in the future receive, unfavorable rulings.

***Labor organizing could adversely affect our operations and harm our competitive position in the restaurant industry, which could harm our financial performance.***

Our employees or others may attempt to unionize our workforce, establish boycotts or picket lines or interrupt our supply chains which could increase our labor costs, limit our ability to manage our workforce effectively, and cause disruptions to our operations. A loss of our ability to effectively manage our workforce and the compensation and benefits we offer to our staff members could harm our financial performance.

***Our current insurance may not provide adequate levels of coverage against claims.***

There are types of losses we may incur that cannot be insured against or that we believe are not economically reasonable to insure against. Such losses could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, we self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our employee health, workers' compensation, general liability, property, and cyber insurance programs. Unanticipated changes in the actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying our reserves for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. Failure to obtain and maintain adequate directors' and officers' insurance could materially adversely affect our ability to attract and retain qualified officers and directors.

**Risks Related to Owning Our Stock**

***The market price of our common stock is subject to volatility, which has and may continue to attract the interest of activist stockholders or subject us to securities litigation, which could cause us to incur significant expenses, divert management attention, hinder execution of our strategy, and impact our stock price.***

The market price of our common stock has experienced volatility and historic lows, and may continue to fluctuate significantly due to a number of factors, including actual or anticipated variations in our operating results or those of our competitors as compared to analyst expectations, changes in financial estimates or recommendations by research analysts, and announcements of significant transactions or strategic initiatives by us or other companies in the restaurant industry. In addition, the equity markets have experienced price and volume fluctuations that affect the stock price of companies in ways unrelated to the operating performance of individual companies.

Such volatility has recently, and may in the future, attract the interest of activist stockholders seeking to influence our strategic direction, governance practices, operations, or capital allocation decisions. In addition, volatility in stock prices could in the future result in securities class action litigation. Responding to activist stockholder activity or securities litigation is costly and time-consuming and diverts management and Board attention from executing our strategy. The uncertainty associated with such matters could further contribute to volatility in the market price of our common stock and adversely affect stockholder value.

***We may not repurchase our common stock pursuant to our share repurchase program, and any repurchases may not enhance long-term stockholder value. Share repurchases could also increase the volatility of the price of our common stock and could diminish our cash reserves.***

The Company has an authorized share repurchase program. We are not obligated to repurchase shares of common stock under the repurchase program, and the repurchase program may be suspended or terminated at any time. The amount, timing, and execution of repurchases under this repurchase program may fluctuate, and any repurchases by us of our shares of common stock may further reduce cash available for operations and future growth, as well as debt repayment. Our ability to repurchase stock will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash flows from operations, as supplemented our capacity to borrow funds, which may be subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors that are beyond our control. Further, our credit facility limits our ability to repurchase shares according to certain conditions set forth by the lenders. Making share repurchases, or alternatively limiting or halting share repurchases under our share repurchase program may negatively impact investor perception of us and may therefore affect the market price and volatility of our stock.

**ITEM 1B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unresolved Staff Comments**

None.

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**ITEM 1C. Cybersecurity**

**Risk Management and Strategy**

The Company has an enterprise risk management program to identify, assess, monitor, and manage significant risks of the Company. The Company evaluates cybersecurity risks alongside other critical business risks under this program, and the Company also has a standalone cybersecurity program. The Company's approach to assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats is grounded in established frameworks, including those set forth by the National Institute of Standards and Technology ("NIST") and other industry standards and requirements as defined by various compliance frameworks. Our cybersecurity program prioritizes key areas such as:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Policies, Standards, and Practices: We maintain comprehensive policies, standards, and practices aligned with industry practices and regulatory requirements. These documents serve as the foundation for our cybersecurity program, providing clear guidelines for safeguarding our information systems and data assets.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Threat Monitoring and Assessment: Continuous monitoring and assessment of cyber threats and vulnerabilities are integral to our risk management strategy. We utilize advanced monitoring tools and threat intelligence sources to proactively identify and address potential security risks. The Company uses third-party service providers to support its operations. The Company evaluates third-party service providers from a cybersecurity risk perspective, which may include an assessment of that service provider's cybersecurity posture or a recommendation of specific mitigation controls.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Audits and Assessments: Regular audits and assessments are conducted by both internal and external experts (consultants, auditors, and other third parties) to evaluate the effectiveness of our cybersecurity controls and processes and recommend improvements. These assessments help us achieve compliance with internal policies as well as external regulations and standards.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Incident Response Planning: We have developed comprehensive incident response plans to mitigate cybersecurity incidents. These plans outline clear procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from security breaches, minimizing the impact on our operations and stakeholders. External technical, legal, and law enforcement support is engaged as needed to support response efforts.

The Company employs a multifaceted approach through in house capabilities and in partnership with external cybersecurity experts to safeguard its assets, including technical and organizational measures. These include the deployment of technology focused on identifying and remediating threats, ongoing employee training exercises, regular incident response capability reviews and exercises, cybersecurity insurance coverage, and business continuity mechanisms.

**Governance**

Our Board, with the assistance of our Audit Committee, oversees the Company's cybersecurity program and strategies. The Audit Committee receives regular reports and updates, typically quarterly, from senior management on a wide range of cybersecurity topics. These reports include detailed insights into risk assessments, mitigation strategies, emerging threats, vulnerabilities, incidents, and prevailing industry trends. After each such report, the Chair of the Audit Committee updates the full Board for transparency and accountability in cybersecurity governance. Additionally, at least annually and as needed from time to time, the Board receives similar cybersecurity updates directly from senior management. Further, the Board oversees cybersecurity as part of our enterprise risk management program.

To further bolster the Board's understanding of cybersecurity issues, management facilitates ongoing educational opportunities. The Board routinely engages in discussions with cybersecurity experts on building resilience to cyber risk and receives updates regarding management tabletop exercises. These educational initiatives empower Board members to make informed decisions and actively contribute to the oversight of cybersecurity governance.

Currently, our senior management team, together with our Vice President of Infrastructure and Security, assumes primary responsibility for assessing and managing material cybersecurity risks. Our Vice President of Infrastructure and Security brings over 20 years of experience in restaurant operations, infrastructure, and security operations for the Company and leads a team of internal professionals and utilizes a third-party service provider to oversee the prevention, detection, and remediation activities within our cybersecurity environment.

Our Company has established robust policies and processes governing the assessment, response, and notifications associated with cybersecurity incidents. These protocols ensure a systematic and coordinated approach to incident management, with collaboration among engineering, legal, and senior leadership to oversee compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and have clear mechanisms in place for escalating notifications to our executive leadership team and the Board based on the nature and severity of each incident.

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While we have experienced cybersecurity incidents in the past, in the last fiscal year we have not identified risks from known cybersecurity threats, including as a result of prior cybersecurity incidents, that have materially affected the Company or our financial position, results of operations and/or cash flows. We continue to invest in cybersecurity and the resilience of our networks and to enhance our internal controls and processes, which are designed to help protect our systems and infrastructure, and the information they contain. For more information regarding the risks we face from cybersecurity threats, please see Item 1A, "Risk Factors".

**ITEM 2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Properties**

We currently lease the real estate for most of our Company-owned restaurant facilities under operating leases with remaining terms ranging from less than one year to 13 years, excluding options to extend. These leases generally contain options which permit us to extend the lease term at an agreed rent or at prevailing market rates. Certain leases provide for contingent rents, which are determined as a percentage of adjusted gross restaurant sales in excess of specified levels. Contingent rental payments are recognized as a variable lease expense when specified levels have been achieved or when management determines achieving the specified levels during the year is probable. Certain lease agreements also require the Company to pay maintenance, insurance, and property tax costs.

We own real estate for four Company-owned restaurants located in North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia. Of these locations, one was classified as assets held for sale within the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2025.

Our Restaurant Support Center and test kitchen is located in Englewood, Colorado. We currently have a dispersed workforce policy that permits many of our Restaurant Support Center team members to work remotely or on a hybrid basis, and we expect that to continue. We have optimized our office footprint at this location to meet the needs of Company leadership, critical in-person roles, and those who would like to work on-site. We occupy this facility under a lease that expires on May 31, 2027.

Our existing prototype for new Red Robin restaurants is approximately 5,100 square feet with a capacity of approximately 200 seats. We develop restaurants under ground leases on which we build our own restaurants in addition to converting existing buildings on standalone, in-line, end cap, and mall locations. As of December 28, 2025, our restaurant locations comprised approximately 2.4 million square feet.

**ITEM 3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Legal Proceedings**

Evaluating contingencies related to litigation is a complex process involving subjective judgment on the potential outcome of future events and the ultimate resolution of litigated claims may differ from our current analysis. Accordingly, we review the adequacy of accruals and disclosures in consultation with legal counsel, and we assess the probability and range of possible losses associated with contingencies for potential accrual in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

For information regarding contingencies related to litigation, please see Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies included within Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of Part II of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended December 28, 2025, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

**ITEM 4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Mine Safety Disclosures**

Not applicable.

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**PART II**

**ITEM 5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Market for the Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities**

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol RRGB. As of February 18, 2026, there were 76 registered owners of our common stock. The number of registered holders does not include holders who are beneficial owners whose shares are held in street name by brokers and other nominees.

**Dividends**

We did not declare or pay any cash dividends on our common stock during fiscal years 2025, 2024 or 2023. We currently anticipate we will retain future cash flow to service and pay down debt, maintain and improve existing restaurants and infrastructure, and execute on our long-term business strategy. Our credit facility has certain limitations on paying dividends or making repurchases of our shares, and we are subject to certain covenant ratios, including a leverage ratio under our Credit Agreement.

Any future determination relating to our dividend policy will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on the existing conditions, including our financial condition, results of operations, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects, and other factors our Board of Directors may deem relevant.

**Issuer Sales and Purchases of Equity Securities** 

During the fiscal year ended December 28, 2025, the Company did not have any sales of securities in transactions that were not registered under the Securities Act that has not been reported in a Current Report on Form 8-K. No share repurchases were made by the Company during fiscal 2025 and approximately $58.5 million remained available for future purchases as of December 28, 2025. Our ability to repurchase shares is limited to certain conditions set forth by our lenders in the credit facility.

On November 10, 2025, the Company entered into a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with Evercore Group L.L.C. ("Evercore") to establish an "at-the-market equity offering" program ("ATM Program"), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, through Evercore, shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $40.0 million. As of December 28, 2025, the Company had not issued or sold any shares under the ATM Program, which the Company voluntarily terminated on February 23, 2026.

**Performance Graph**

The following graph compares the yearly percentage in cumulative total stockholders' return on Common Stock of the Company since the end of its fiscal year 2020, with the cumulative total return over the same period for (i) The Russell 3000 Index, and (ii) the S&P 600 Restaurants.

Pursuant to rules of the SEC, the comparison assumes $100 was invested on December 24, 2020, the last trading day in the Company's 2020 fiscal year, in the Company's Common Stock and in each of the indices. The performance shown in the graph is not necessarily indicative of future price performance.

This performance graph shall not be deemed to be "soliciting material" or to be "filed" under either the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

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**COMPARISON OF FIVE YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN**<sup>(1)</sup>

![2768](rrgb-20251228_g1.jpg)

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Years Ended** | **Fiscal Years Ended** | **Fiscal Years Ended** | **Fiscal Years Ended** | **Fiscal Years Ended** | **Fiscal Years Ended** |
| | **December 27, 2020** | **December 26, 2021** | **December 25, 2022** | **December 31, 2023** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 28, 2025** |
| Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (RRGB) | $100.00 | $85.37 | $28.36 | $62.04 | $26.82 | $21.44 |
| The Russell 3000 Index | $100.00 | $125.88 | $102.52 | $129.04 | $162.07 | $189.60 |
| S&P 600 Restaurants<sup>(2)</sup> | $100.00 | $96.97 | $77.01 | $91.23 | $109.29 | $95.59 |

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———————————————————

<sup>(1)</sup> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Represents performance of $100 invested on December 24, 2020 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends based on fiscal year ends for purposes of comparability.

<sup>(2)</sup> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;The S&P 600 Restaurants includes companies such as Bloomin' Brands, Inc., Brinker International, Inc., Dine Brands Global, Inc., BJ's Restaurants, Inc., Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., and The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated.

**ITEM 6. Reserved**

 **ITEM 7.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations**

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations provides a narrative of our financial performance and condition that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this report.

The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Sunday of each calendar year. Most of our fiscal years have 52 weeks; however, we experience a 53rd week once every five to six years. Our discussion for fiscal 2025, which ended on December 28, 2025, referred to a 52-week period. Our discussion for fiscal 2024, which ended December 29, 2024, also referred to a 52-week period. The following discussion comparing our results in fiscal years 2025 and 2024 referred to the fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, respectively. For a discussion comparing our results from fiscal 2024 to fiscal

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**Table of Contents**

2023, refer to "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 29, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025.

**Overview**

***Description of Business***

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the parent company for Red Robin International, Inc., a Nevada corporation that, together with its subsidiaries ("Red Robin," "we," "us," "our" or the "Company"), primarily operates, franchises, and develops casual dining restaurants with 475 locations in North America. As of December 28, 2025, the Company operated 385 Company-owned restaurants located in 39 states. The Company also had 90 franchised restaurants in 13 states and one Canadian province as of December 28, 2025. The Company operated its business as one operating and one reportable segment.

Our primary source of revenue is from the sale of food and beverages at Company-owned restaurants. We also earn revenue from royalties and fees from franchised restaurants.

***Highlights for Fiscal 2025 Compared to Fiscal 2024***

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Total revenues were $1.21 billion, a decrease of $38.3 million from fiscal 2024.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**•** Comparable restaurant revenue<sup>(1)</sup> decreased 0.3% from fiscal 2024, excluding a 0.4% unfavorable impact of deferred loyalty revenue.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Net loss was $23.3 million, as compared to a net loss of $77.5 million in fiscal 2024.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Adjusted EBITDA<sup>(2)</sup> was $69.7 million, a 52.8% increase from fiscal 2024.

<sup>(1) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</sup>Comparable restaurant revenue represents revenue from Company-owned restaurants that have operated for at least 18 months as of the beginning of the period presented.

<sup>(2)</sup> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;See below for a reconciliation of adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, to net income (loss).

***Key Performance Indicators***

Restaurant revenue, compared to the same period in the prior year, is presented in the table below:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | (millions) |
| Restaurant revenue for the fifty-two weeks ended December 29, 2024 | $1224.3 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in comparable restaurant revenue | (8.3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Change in non-comparable restaurant revenue | (26.2) |
| Total change | $(34.5) |
| Restaurant revenue for the fifty-two weeks ended December 28, 2025 | $1189.8 |

---

**Restaurant Data**

The following table details restaurant unit data for our Company-owned and franchised locations for the periods indicated:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| Company-owned: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning of period | 407 | 415 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Closed | (22) | (8) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;End of period | 385 | 407 |
| Franchised: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Beginning of period | 91 | 92 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Closed | (1) | (1) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;End of period | 90 | 91 |
| Total number of restaurants, end of period | 475 | 498 |

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The following table presents total Company-owned and franchised restaurants by state or province as of December 28, 2025:

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Company-Owned Restaurants** | **Franchised Restaurants** |
| *State:* |  |  |
| Arkansas | 2 |  |
| Alaska |  | 3 |
| Alabama | 3 |  |
| Arizona | 17 | 1 |
| California | 55 |  |
| Colorado | 21 |  |
| Connecticut | 3 |  |
| Delaware |  | 4 |
| Florida | 16 |  |
| Georgia | 6 |  |
| Iowa | 5 |  |
| Idaho | 8 |  |
| Illinois | 14 |  |
| Indiana | 10 |  |
| Kansas |  | 5 |
| Kentucky | 3 |  |
| Louisiana | 1 |  |
| Massachusetts | 5 |  |
| Maryland | 11 |  |
| Maine | 2 |  |
| Michigan |  | 19 |
| Minnesota | 3 |  |
| Missouri | 7 | 3 |
| Montana |  | 1 |
| North Carolina | 16 |  |
| Nebraska | 4 |  |
| New Hampshire | 3 |  |
| New Jersey | 7 | 1 |
| New Mexico | 3 |  |
| Nevada | 6 |  |
| New York | 14 |  |
| Ohio | 15 | 3 |
| Oklahoma | 5 |  |
| Oregon | 15 | 5 |
| Pennsylvania | 11 | 20 |
| Rhode Island | 1 |  |
| South Carolina | 4 |  |
| South Dakota | 1 |  |
| Tennessee | 7 |  |
| Texas | 16 | 9 |
| Utah | 1 | 5 |
| Virginia | 17 |  |
| Washington | 36 |  |
| Wisconsin | 11 |  |
| *Province:* |  |  |
| British Columbia |  | 11 |
| Total | 385 | 90 |

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**Results of Operations**

Operating results for each fiscal period presented below are expressed as a percentage of total revenues, except for the components of restaurant operating costs, which are expressed as a percentage of restaurant revenue. Certain percentage amounts in the table below do not total due to rounding as well as restaurant operating costs being expressed as a percentage of restaurant revenue and not total revenues.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| **Revenues:** | | |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurant revenue | 98.3% | 98.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise revenue | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other revenue | 0.5 | 0.8 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| **Costs and expenses:** |  |  |
| Restaurant operating costs<sup>(1)</sup> (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below): |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of sales | 23.9% | 23.9% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Labor | 36.7 | 39.2 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating | 17.9 | 17.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Occupancy | 8.7 | 8.4 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total restaurant operating costs | 87.3% | 89.2% |
| Depreciation and amortization | 4.3 | 4.6 |
| General and administrative | 6.4 | 6.6 |
| Selling | 2.6 | 2.9 |
| Other (gains) charges, net | 0.9 | 2.7 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Income (loss) from operations | 0.2% | (4.3)% |
| **Other (income) expense:** |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 2.2% | 2.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest (income) and other, net |  | (0.1) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other expenses, net | 2.2% | 2.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income (loss) before income taxes | (1.9)% | (6.2)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax (benefit) expense |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) | (1.9)% | (6.2)% |

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<sup>(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</sup>Expressed as a percentage of restaurant revenue.

***Revenues***

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(Revenues in thousands)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** | **Percent Change** |
| Restaurant revenue | $1189780 | $1224254 | (2.8)% |
| Franchise revenue | 14076 | 14941 | (5.8) |
| Other revenue | 6369 | 9365 | (32.0) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | $1210225 | $1248560 | (3.1)% |
| Average weekly net sales volumes in Company-owned restaurants<sup>(1)</sup> | $57605 | $57403 | 0.4% |
| Total operating weeks | 20654 | 21344 | (3.2)% |

---

<sup>(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</sup>Average weekly net sales volumes represents the total restaurant revenue for all Company-owned Red Robin restaurants for each time period presented, divided by the number of operating weeks in the period.

Restaurant revenue, which was comprised primarily of food and beverage sales, decreased $34.5 million in fiscal 2025, or 2.8%, as compared to fiscal 2024. Of the $34.5 million decrease, $8.3 million, or 0.7% including the change in recognition of

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deferred loyalty revenue, was due to a decrease in comparable restaurant revenue and the remaining $26.2 million decrease was due to non-comparable restaurants, primarily attributed to the closure of 22 locations during fiscal 2025. Excluding the change in deferred loyalty revenue, comparable restaurant revenue decreased by 0.3%, driven by a 3.8% decrease in guest count, partially offset by a 3.5% increase in average guest check. The increase in average guest check was driven by a 4.2% net price increase, offset partially by a 0.7% decrease in menu mix. The decrease in menu mix was primarily driven by guests' adoption of our new value offering and growth in our catering business that contributes to a lower average guest check when compared to our other channels. Dine-in sales comprised 75.6% of total food and beverage sales in fiscal 2025, as compared to 77.0% in fiscal 2024.

Franchise revenue primarily included royalty income and advertising fund contributions. Franchise revenue decreased $0.9 million, or 5.8%, in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024, driven by a decrease in the franchisee contribution rate for marketing programs and lower franchise royalties, offset partially by transfer fee revenue earned in conjunction with a franchisee to franchisee sale. The percentage of sales each franchisee is required to contribute could change in the future, as we expect to align contributions with spending levels, subject to compliance with the respective franchise agreement. Franchise restaurants reported a decrease of 2.4% in comparable restaurant revenue in fiscal 2025 compared to an increase of 2.6% in fiscal 2024.

Other revenue decreased by $3.0 million, or 32.0% in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024. The reduction in other revenue in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024 was primarily related to lower gift card breakage in the current year.

***Cost of Sales***

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands, except percentages)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** | **Percent Change** |
| Cost of sales | $283883 | $292392 | (2.9)% |
| As a percent of restaurant revenue | 23.9% | 23.9% | —% |

---

Cost of sales, which was comprised of food and beverage costs, was variable and generally fluctuated with sales volume. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant revenue was unchanged compared to the same period in fiscal 2024, primarily due to benefits from pricing and cost saving implementations that were offset by inflation.

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***Labor***

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands, except percentages)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** | **Percent Change** |
| Labor | $437242 | $479631 | (8.8)% |
| As a percent of restaurant revenue | 36.7% | 39.2% | (2.5)% |

---

Labor costs included restaurant-level hourly wages and management salaries as well as related taxes and benefits. Labor as a percentage of restaurant revenue decreased 250 basis points in fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by ongoing efforts to increase hourly and management labor efficiency, reduced turnover, and benefit from menu price increases, partially offset by wage inflation and deleverage from reduced guest counts.

***Other Operating***

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands, except percentages)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** | **Percent Change** |
| Other operating | $213187 | $216242 | (1.4)% |
| As a percent of restaurant revenue | 17.9% | 17.7% | 0.2% |

---

Other operating costs included costs such as equipment repairs and maintenance costs, restaurant supplies, utilities, restaurant technology, and other miscellaneous costs. Other operating costs as a percentage of restaurant revenue increased 20 basis points in fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2024. The increase was primarily driven by higher third party commission expenses associated with the increase in third party delivery sales and deleverage from reduced guest counts, partially offset by the benefit of menu price increases.

***Occupancy***

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands, except percentages)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** | **Percent Change** |
| Occupancy | $103958 | $103359 | 0.6% |
| As a percent of restaurant revenue | 8.7% | 8.4% | 0.3% |

---

Occupancy costs included fixed rents, property taxes, common area maintenance charges, general liability insurance, contingent rents, and other property costs. Occupancy costs as a percentage of restaurant revenues increased 30 basis points in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024, primarily due to increased general liability insurance reserves. The increase also reflected deleverage resulting from lower restaurant sales driven by reduced guest counts, partially offset in part by menu price increases and reduced costs associated with the closure of 22 locations in fiscal 2025.

***Depreciation and Amortization***

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands, except percentages)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** | **Percent Change** |
| Depreciation and amortization | $51120 | $57729 | (11.4)% |
| As a percent of total revenues | 4.3% | 4.6% | (0.3)% |

---

Depreciation and amortization included depreciation on capital expenditures for restaurants and corporate assets as well as amortization of reacquired franchise rights, leasehold interests, and certain liquor licenses. Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of revenue decreased 30 basis points in fiscal 2025 compared to fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily due to asset impairments and restaurant closures, both of which reduced the depreciable asset base.

***General and Administrative Expenses***

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands, except percentages)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** | **Percent Change** |
| General and administrative | $76254 | $81721 | (6.7)% |
| As a percent of total revenues | 6.4% | 6.6% | (0.2)% |

---

General and administrative costs include all corporate and administrative functions. Components of this category included our restaurant support center, regional, and franchise support salaries and benefits, travel and meetings, professional and consulting fees, corporate information systems, legal expenses, and office rent.

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General and administrative expenses decreased $5.5 million or 6.7% in fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2024. The decrease in fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2024 was primarily related to a reduction in team member costs associated with lower headcount and cost incurred for annual partner recognition events in the prior year. This decrease was partially offset by higher accrued incentive compensation expense due to the Company's improved financial performance.

***Selling Expenses***

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands, except percentages)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** | **Percent Change** |
| Selling | $31328 | $36719 | (14.7)% |
| As a percent of total revenues | 2.6% | 2.9% | (0.3)% |

---

Selling costs were comprised of all marketing and advertising costs and decreased $5.4 million or 14.7% in fiscal 2025 as compared to fiscal 2024. The decrease was primarily driven by intentionally reducing paid media spend in the first half of the current fiscal year as we developed our new marketing strategy that launched in the third quarter of fiscal 2025.

***Other (Gains) Charges, net***

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Asset impairment and restaurant closure costs, net | $2785 | $34080 |
| Gain on sale of restaurant property | (1127) | (7425) |
| Severance and executive transition | 2181 | 1181 |
| Litigation contingencies | 2198 | 1037 |
| Asset disposal and other, net | 4426 | 4975 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other (gains) charges, net | $10463 | $33848 |

---

During fiscal 2025, the Company closed 22 locations and is continuing to evaluate alternatives for our remaining underperforming restaurant locations, including closure upon expiration of the current lease term. The Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $2.7 million, which were primarily associated with this review of underperforming locations.

During fiscal 2024, the Company closed eight underperforming locations. The Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $32.8 million, primarily associated with the review of underperforming locations.

For further information on other (gains) charges line items, refer to Note 4. Other (Gains) Charges, net and Note 9. Fair Value Measurements of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

***Interest Expense***

Interest expense in fiscal years 2025 and 2024 were $26.0 million and $25.3 million, respectively. The $0.7 million increase was primarily due to an increase in the weighted average interest rate to 14.2% in fiscal 2025 compared to 13.6% in fiscal 2024. Average outstanding debt in fiscal years 2025 and 2024 was $180.9 million and $187.8 million, respectively.

***Interest Income and Other***

Interest income and other decreased by $0.6 million in fiscal 2025 primarily due to lower interest income earned on cash investments.

***Income Tax (Benefit) Provision***

Income tax provision was $0.3 million in fiscal 2025, compared to an income tax benefit of $0.1 million in fiscal 2024. Our effective tax rate was 1.1% in fiscal 2025 as compared to a 0.1% benefit in fiscal 2024.

The taxes recognized are immaterial as the Company has net operating losses and tax credits to reduce current taxes and a full valuation allowance against all deferred taxes, which collectively minimize the taxes paid and recognized.

**Non-GAAP Financial Measures**

In addition to the results provided in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), we provide certain non-GAAP measures, which present operating results on an adjusted basis. These are supplemental measures of performance that are not required by or presented in accordance with GAAP and include the following: (i) Restaurant level operating profit, (ii) net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), (iii) adjusted EBITDA, and (iv) adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share.

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**Table of Contents**

We believe that our use of non-GAAP financial measures permits investors to assess the operating performance of our business relative to our performance based on GAAP results and relative to other companies within the restaurant industry by isolating the effects of certain items that may vary from period to period without correlation to core operating performance or that vary widely among similar companies. We believe that the disclosure of these non-GAAP measures is useful to investors as they form part of the basis for how our management team and our Board of Directors evaluate our operating performance, allocate resources and establish employee incentive plans. Determination of these adjustments involves the application of judgment, therefore these non-GAAP financial measures are not intended to replace GAAP financial measures, and they are not necessarily standardized or comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Refer to the reconciliations of non-GAAP measures for descriptions of the actual adjustments made in the current period and the corresponding prior period.

***Restaurant Level Operating Profit***

The Company believes restaurant level operating profit is an important measure for management and investors because it is widely regarded in the restaurant industry as a useful metric by which to evaluate restaurant level operating efficiency and performance. The Company defines restaurant level operating profit to be income from operations less franchise revenue and other revenue, plus other (gains) charges, net, selling, general and administrative, and depreciation and amortization. The measure includes restaurant level occupancy costs that include fixed rents, percentage rents, common area maintenance charges, real estate and personal property taxes, general liability insurance, and other property costs, but excludes depreciation and amortization expense, substantially all of which is related to restaurant level assets, because such expenses represent historical sunk costs which do not reflect current cash outlay for the restaurants. The measure also excludes costs associated with selling, general and administrative functions, as well as other (gains) charges, net because these costs are non-operating and therefore not related to the ongoing operations of its restaurants. Restaurant level operating profit is not a measurement determined in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation, or as an alternative, to income (loss) from operations as an indicator of financial performance. Restaurant level operating profit as presented may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies in the Company's industry.

The following table reconciles income (loss) from operations to restaurant level operating profit in thousands and in percent of total revenue for the period presented:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 28, 2025** | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 29, 2024** |
| Income (loss) from operations | $| 2790 | 0.2% | $| (53081) | (4.3)% |
| Less: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise revenue and other revenue | $| 20445 | 1.7% | $| 24306 | 2.0% |
| Add: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other (gains) charges, net | $| 10463 | 0.9% | $| 33848 | 2.7% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative | 76254 | 76254 | 6.4 | 81721 | 81721 | 6.6 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Selling | 31328 | 31328 | 2.6 | 36719 | 36719 | 2.9 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 51120 | 51120 | 4.3 | 57729 | 57729 | 4.6 |
| Restaurant level operating profit | $| 151510 |  | $| 132630 |  |
| Income (loss) from operations as a percentage of total revenues | 0.2% | 0.2% |  | (4.3)% | (4.3)% |  |
| Restaurant level operating profit margin (as a percentage of restaurant revenue) | 12.7% | 12.7% |  | 10.8% | 10.8% |  |

---

A summary view of restaurant level operating profit by financial statement line item and related restaurant level expenses operating expenses as a percent of restaurant revenues are presented in the tables below:

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**Table of Contents**

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2025 compared to 2024** |
| **<u>(Dollars in millions)</u>** | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **Increase/(Decrease)** |
| Restaurant revenue | $1189.8 | $1224.3 | (2.8)% |
| Restaurant operating costs: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of sales | $283.9 | $292.4 | (2.9)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Labor | 437.2 | 479.6 | (8.8)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating | 213.2 | 216.2 | (1.4)% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Occupancy | 104.0 | 103.4 | 0.6% |
| Total restaurant operating costs | $1038.3 | $1091.6 | (4.9)% |
| Restaurant level operating profit | $151.5 | $132.6 | 14.2% |

---

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**2025 compared to 2024** |
| **<u>(Dollars in millions)</u>** | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **Increase/(Decrease)** |
| Restaurant revenue | $1189.8 | $1224.3 | (2.8)% |
| Restaurant operating costs: | (Percentage of Restaurant Revenue) | (Percentage of Restaurant Revenue) | (Basis Points) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of sales | 23.9% | 23.9% |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Labor | 36.7 | 39.2 | (250) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating | 17.9 | 17.7 | 20 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Occupancy | 8.7 | 8.4 | 30 |
| Total restaurant operating costs | 87.3% | 89.2% | (190) |
| Restaurant level operating profit | 12.7% | 10.8% | 190 |

---

Certain percentage and basis point amounts in the table above do not total due to rounding as well as restaurant operating costs being expressed as a percentage of restaurant revenue and not total revenues.

***EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA***

We define EBITDA as net income (loss) before interest expense, income taxes, and depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is EBITDA, further adjusted to exclude the impact of non-operating items including changes in estimates, asset impairments, litigation contingencies, gains (losses) on debt extinguishment, restaurant and office closure costs, gains (losses) on restaurant sales, severance and executive transition costs, stock-based compensation expense and other non-cash or discrete items. EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are supplemental measures of our performance that we believe gives the reader additional insight into the ongoing operational results of the Company.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA in thousands for the period presented:

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**Table of Contents**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| Net income (loss) as reported | $(23284) | $(77541) |
| Interest expense, net<sup>(1)</sup> | 25607 | 24805 |
| Income tax (benefit) provision | 258 | (90) |
| Depreciation and amortization | 51120 | 57729 |
| EBITDA | $53701 | $4903 |
| Stock-based compensation expense<sup>(2)</sup> | $5573 | $6889 |
| Other (gains) charges, net: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Asset impairment and restaurant closure costs, net | $2785 | $34080 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of restaurant property | (1127) | (7425) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Severance and executive transition | 2181 | 1181 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Litigation contingencies | 2198 | 1037 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Asset disposal and other, net | 4426 | 4975 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | $69737 | $45640 |

---

<sup>(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</sup>Interest expense, net was comprised of interest expense and interest income, the latter of which was included in interest (income) and other, net on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

<sup>(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</sup>Consisted of compensation expense associated with stock-based awards including phantom performance awards that may be settled in stock or cash at the Company's option.

***Adjusted Net Income (loss) Per Diluted Share***

We define adjusted net income (loss) per diluted share as net income (loss) excluding the impact of non-operating items including changes in estimates, asset impairments, litigation contingencies, gains (losses) on debt extinguishment, restaurant and office closure costs, gains (losses) on restaurant sales, severance and executive transition costs, stock-based compensation expense and other non-cash or discrete items; net of income tax impacts. Adjusted net income (loss) per share - diluted is a supplemental measure of our performance that we believe gives the reader additional insight into the ongoing operational results of the Company.

The following table reconciles net income (loss) per share - diluted to adjusted net income (loss) per share - diluted:

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**Table of Contents**

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** | **Fifty-Two Weeks Ended** |
| **<u>(Dollars and shares in thousands, except per share amounts)</u>** | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| Net income (loss) as reported | $(23284) | $(77541) |
| Income (loss) per share - diluted: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) as reported | $(1.31) | $(4.93) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation expense<sup>(1)</sup> | 0.31 | 0.44 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other (gains) charges, net: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset impairment and restaurant closure costs, net | 0.16 | 2.17 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of restaurant property | (0.06) | (0.47) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Severance and executive transition | 0.12 | 0.08 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Litigation contingencies | 0.12 | 0.07 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset disposal and other, net | 0.25 | 0.32 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Income tax effect<sup>(2)</sup> | (0.23) | (0.69) |
| Adjusted net income (loss) per share - diluted | $(0.64) | $(3.01) |
| Weighted average shares outstanding |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 17789 | 15736 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted<sup>(3)</sup> | 17789 | 15736 |

---

<sup>(1)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</sup>Consisted of compensation expense associated with stock-based awards including phantom performance awards that may be settled in stock or cash at the Company's option.

<sup>(2)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</sup>Assumed a 26% income tax rate, representing a blended average of federal and state statutory rates.

<sup>(3)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</sup>Antidilutive securities were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because the Company reported a net loss for the period.

**Liquidity and Capital Resources**

Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash decreased $9.9 million to $29.5 million on December 28, 2025, from $39.4 million at the beginning of the fiscal year. As of December 28, 2025, the Company had approximately $56.9 million in liquidity, including cash and cash equivalents and available borrowing capacity under its credit facility.

Our primary sources of liquidity were cash flows generated from operating activities and availability under our revolving credit facility, as discussed further below. Our main requirements for liquidity included operating expenses, capital expenditures for restaurant investment, investments in technology, and interest payments on our debt. We have, and in the future may continue to have, negative working capital balances, which is common for many restaurant companies. We can operate with a working capital deficit because cash from restaurant sales is usually received before the related payables for food inventory, supplies, and labor become due.

From time to time, the Company considers and evaluates financial and capital raising transactions related to its portfolio, including debt refinancing or new debt issuances, equity issuances, sales of owned properties and potential for tactical refranchising, and other transactions. If capital were obtained through the issuance of Company equity, the issuance of Company securities would dilute the ownership of the Company's existing stockholders.

We believe that our current cash and cash equivalents, our future cash flows generated from restaurant operations and gift card sales, and our borrowing capacity under the credit facility, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated working capital and capital expenditure needs for the next 12 months.

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**Table of Contents**

***Cash Flows***

The table below summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for each fiscal year presented (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Year** | **Fiscal Year** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $37008 | $7047 |
| Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | (24618) | (1747) |
| Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (22252) | 2536 |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash |  |  |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $(9862) | $7836 |

---

***Operating Cash Flows***

Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased $30.0 million to $37.0 million in fiscal 2025 as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $7.0 million in fiscal 2024. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily attributable to the increase in restaurant level profitability, lower selling expenses, and an increase in cash received related to higher gift card sales.

***Investing Cash Flows***

Net cash flows used in investing activities were $24.6 million in fiscal 2025 as compared to net cash used in investing activities of $1.7 million in fiscal 2024. The $22.9 million decrease in investing cash flows was primarily due to an increase in capital expenditures and lower proceeds from the sale of restaurant locations in the current year.

The following table lists the components of our capital expenditures for each fiscal year presented (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Year** | **Fiscal Year** |
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Restaurant improvement capital and other<sup>(1)</sup> | $17097 | $16219 |
| Investment in technology, infrastructure, and other<sup>(2)</sup> | 13687 | 9815 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total capital expenditures | $30784 | $26034 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Restaurant improvement capital and other consisted of capital equipment for our restaurants.

<sup>(2)</sup> Investment in technology, infrastructure and other consisted of capital costs related to restaurant technology assets, capital overhead, and other centrally developed assets.

***Financing Cash Flows***

Net cash flows used in financing activities was $22.3 million in fiscal 2025 as compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $2.5 million in fiscal 2024. Cash flows used in financing activities in fiscal 2025 primarily related to the repayment of debt. Cash flows provided by financing activities in the comparable period in fiscal 2024 primarily related to cash received from stock issuances, partially offset by net repayment of debt.

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**Table of Contents**

***Credit Facility***

As of December 28, 2025, the Company's credit facility allowed for up to $240.0 million of borrowings and was comprised of a $40.0 million revolving line of credit and a $200.0 million term loan (collectively, the "Credit Facility"). As of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $170.2 million and $189.5 million, respectively, inclusive of $3.0 million and $20.0 million drawn on its revolving line of credit, respectively, under its Credit Facility. In addition, the Company had amounts issued under letters of credit of $9.3 million and $8.5 million as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, respectively.

The Credit Facility will mature on September 3, 2027. The term loans require quarterly principal payments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1.0% of the original principal amount of the term loan. As of December 28, 2025, the Company fulfilled this obligation for the duration of the Credit Facility via previous principal payments. The Credit Facility's interest rate references the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), which is an index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements and backed by U.S. Treasury securities, or the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR"), which represents the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum, or (c) one-month term SOFR plus 1.0% per annum.

For additional information regarding our Credit Facility, see Note 8. Borrowings included within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

***Debt Covenants***

We are subject to a number of customary covenants under our Credit Facility, including limitations on additional borrowings, acquisitions, stock repurchases, sales of assets, and dividend payments, as well as a total net leverage ratio covenant. As of December 28, 2025, we were in compliance with all debt covenants.

***Sales and Purchases of Equity Securities***

On November 10, 2025, The Company entered into the Distribution Agreement with Evercore, to establish an at-the-market equity offering program. The Company voluntarily terminated the program on February 23, 2026, without any issuances or sales.

On December 3, 2024, the Company entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement with JCP Investment Management, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, "JCP") and Jumana Capital, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, "Jumana," and together with the JCP Parties, the "Investor Parties"), pursuant to which the Investor Parties purchased an aggregate of 1,600,909 shares of our common stock, at a purchase price of $5.19 per share, resulting in $8.3 million in gross proceeds. The proceeds were used to repay indebtedness and general corporate expenses.

On August 9, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the Company's current share repurchase program of up to a total of $75 million of the Company's common stock. The share repurchase authorization will terminate upon completing repurchases of $75 million of common stock unless otherwise terminated by the Board. Pursuant to the repurchase program, purchases may be made from time to time at the Company's discretion and the Company is not obligated to acquire any particular amount of common stock. From the date of the current program approval through December 28, 2025, we have repurchased a total of 1,088,588 shares at an average price of $15.18 per share for an aggregate amount of $16.5 million. The Company completed no share repurchases in fiscal 2025 or fiscal 2024. As of December 28, 2025, we had $58.5 million of availability under the current share repurchase program. Our Credit Agreement limits our ability to repurchase shares to certain conditions set forth by the lenders in the Credit Facility.

***Contractual Obligations***

The following table summarizes the amounts of payments due under specified contractual obligations as of December 28, 2025 (in thousands):

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| | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** | **Payments Due by Period** |
| | **Total** | **2026** | **2027** | **2028** | **2029** | **2030** | **Thereafter** |
| Long-term debt obligations<sup>(1)</sup> | $203671 | $19843 | $183828 | $— | $— | $— | $— |
| Finance lease obligations<sup>(2)</sup> | 8012 | 1433 | 1340 | 1111 | 953 | 715 | 2460 |
| Operating lease obligations<sup>(3)</sup> | 498064 | 78240 | 72440 | 64925 | 56061 | 48375 | 178023 |
| Purchase obligations<sup>(4)</sup> | 214490 | 71411 | 65258 | 26085 | 24156 | 21621 | 5959 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total contractual obligations | $924237 | $170927 | $322866 | $92121 | $81170 | $70711 | $186442 |

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**Table of Contents**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) Long-term debt obligations primarily represented minimum required principal payments under our existing Credit Agreement as of December 28, 2025, including estimated interest of $33.5 million based on a 11.50% average borrowing interest rate.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) Finance lease obligations included interest of $1.3 million.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) Operating lease obligations excluded variable lease costs, such as sales-based contingent rent, and included interest of $148.9 million.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) Purchase obligations primarily included the Company's share of expected system-wide fixed price commitments for food, beverage, and restaurant supply items. The timing of amounts presented is estimated based on anticipated inventory needed for the Company's restaurants and could vary due to changes in anticipated traffic counts, consumer preferences, or other factors.

**Critical Accounting Estimates**

Critical accounting estimates are those we believe are both significant and that require us to make difficult, subjective, or complex judgments, often because we need to estimate the effect of inherently uncertain matters. We base our estimates and judgments on historical experiences and various other factors we believe to be appropriate under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates, including our estimates of future restaurant-level cash flows, which are subject to the current economic environment and potentially unknown future events, and we might obtain different results if we use different assumptions or conditions. We have identified the following as the Company's most critical accounting estimates, which are most important to the portrayal of the Company's financial condition and results and require management's most subjective and complex judgment. Information regarding the Company's other significant accounting policies is disclosed in Note 1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

*Impairment of Long-Lived Assets -* Long-lived assets, including restaurant sites, leasehold improvements, other fixed assets, right of use assets, and intangible assets are reviewed when indicators of impairment are present. Expected cash flows associated with an asset are the key factor in determining the recoverability of the asset. Identifiable cash flows are measured at the restaurant-level. The estimate of cash flows is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, including assumptions on future revenue trends. Management's estimates of undiscounted cash flows may differ from actual cash flows due to, among other things, changes in economic conditions, changes to our business model, or changes in operating performance. If the sum of the undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, we recognize an impairment loss. The amount of the impairment loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset, which is determined using discounted cash flows.

Judgments made by management related to our ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of such assets are affected by factors such as changes in economic conditions, changes in operating performance, and the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets. As the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of long-lived assets are assessed, these factors could cause us to realize a material impairment charge. Each restaurant's past and present operating performance were reviewed in combination with projected future results, primarily through projected undiscounted cash flows, which indicated possible impairment. For those restaurants for which undiscounted cash flows did not exceed their carrying value, we compared the carrying amount of each restaurant to its fair value as estimated by management. Determining the fair value of the long-lived assets requires the use of estimates and assumptions and is typically determined by using a discounted cash flow projection model. The weighted average cost of capital discount factor is determined by using external information such as the risk-free rate of return, industry beta factors, and premium adjustments. Management uses other market information such as market rent and discount rates, which are subject to judgment, to estimate the fair value of restaurant right of use lease assets. During fiscal 2025, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $2.7 million, primarily related to the impairment of the long-lived assets at four underperforming locations. During fiscal 2024, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $32.8 million, primarily related to impairments of long-lived assets at 58 underperforming locations and quota state liquor licenses at three locations.

Information technology systems, such as internal-use computer software, are reviewed and tested for recoverability if the internal-use computer software is not expected to provide substantive service potential, a significant change occurs to the extent or manner in which the software is used or is expected to be used, a significant change is made or will be made to the software program, or costs of developing or modifying internal-use software significantly exceed the amount originally expected to develop or modify the software.

Liquor licenses with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount is not recoverable, we record an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value. We determine fair value based on quoted prices in the active market for the license in the same or similar jurisdictions, representing a level 1 fair value measurement.

**Recently Issued Accounting Standards**

See Note 2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements, of the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements in Part II, Item 8 Financial Statements and Supplementary Data of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for our discussion of recently issued accounting standards.

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**Table of Contents**

**ITEM 7A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk**

This market risk discussion contains forward-looking statements. Actual results may differ materially from discussion based upon general market conditions and changes in domestic and global financial markets.

**Interest Rate Risk**

Under our Credit Facility, we are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on borrowings. Borrowings under the Credit Facility are subject to rates based on SOFR plus a spread based on leverage or a base rate plus a spread based on leverage. The base rate is the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum, or (c) one-month term SOFR plus 1.0% per annum. As of December 28, 2025, we had $170.2 million of borrowings subject to variable interest rates. A 1.0% change in the effective interest rate applied to these loans would have resulted in pre-tax interest expense fluctuation of $1.7 million on an annualized basis.

We continue to monitor our interest rate risk on an ongoing basis and may use interest rate swaps or similar instruments in the future to manage our exposure to interest rate changes related to our borrowings as the Company deems appropriate.

**Commodity Price Risks** 

We purchase food, supplies and other commodities for use in our operations based on prices established with our suppliers. Many of the commodities purchased by us are subject to volatility due to market supply and demand factors outside of our control, including the price of other commodities, weather, seasonality, production, trade policy, and other factors. To manage this risk in part, we enter into fixed-price purchase commitments for certain commodities. As of December 28, 2025, approximately 53% of our estimated annual food and beverage purchases were covered by fixed price contracts, most of which are scheduled to expire at various times through the end of 2026. We believe that substantially all of our food and supplies meeting our specifications are available from alternate sources, which we have identified to diversify our supply chain to mitigate our overall commodity risk. We may or may not have the ability to increase menu prices, or vary menu items, in response to commodity price increases.

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**Table of Contents**

**ITEM 8.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Financial Statements and Supplementary Data**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**INDEX**

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Page** |
| <u>[Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_61)</u> (PCAOB ID: 34) | <u>[39](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_61)</u> |
| <u>[Consolidated Balance Sheets](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_67)</u> | <u>[41](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_67)</u> |
| <u>[Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_70)[Income (](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_70)[Loss](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_70)</u>) | <u>[42](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_70)</u> |
| <u>[Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_73)</u> | <u>[43](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_73)</u> |
| <u>[Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_76)</u> | <u>[44](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_76)</u> |
| <u>[Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_79)</u> | <u>[45](#i945fa2f26bca44cf84a7eda7411bc44b_79)</u> |

---

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**Table of Contents**

**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM** 

To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.

**Opinion on the Financial Statements**

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, the related consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive loss, stockholders' (deficit) equity, and cash flows, for the periods ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the periods ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024 and December 31, 2023, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated February 25, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

**Basis for Opinion**

These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Critical Audit Matter**

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current-period audit of the financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that (1) relates to accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

***Impairment of Long-Lived Assets – Refer to Notes 1, 4 and 9 in the Financial Statements***

*Critical Audit Matter Description*

The Company assesses long-lived assets for impairment at the individual restaurant level whenever events and circumstances indicate the carrying amount of an asset group may not be recoverable. Identifiable cash flows are measured at the restaurant level. Expected future cash flows associated with an asset are the key factor in determining the recoverability of the asset. The estimate of cash flows is based upon, among other things, certain assumptions about expected future operating performance, including assumptions of future revenue trends. If the sum of the cash flows is less than the carrying value of the asset, an impairment loss is recognized and measured as the amount by which the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the asset.

We identified the evaluation of long-lived asset impairment as a critical audit matter because of the significant judgments made by management to estimate future cash flows, including assumptions about expected future operating performance, and the fair value of the lease assets. This required a significant degree of auditor judgment and an increased extent of effort, when performing audit procedures to evaluate whether management appropriately identified and evaluated potential impairment indicators, and when evaluating the reasonableness of management's estimates and assumptions, particularly related to cash flows, market rent, and discount rates.

*How the Critical Audit Matter Was Addressed in the Audit*

Our audit procedures related to the impairment of long-lived assets included the following, among others:

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**Table of Contents**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We tested the design and operating effectiveness of internal controls over the Company's assessment and evaluation of potential impairment indicators for long-lived assets and over forecasted cash flows, discount rates, and market rents used in their recoverability and impairment analyses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We evaluated the reasonableness of the Company's evaluation of impairment indicators by:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Evaluating the Company's process for identifying qualitative and quantitative impairment indicators by location and whether the Company appropriately considered such indicators.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Conducting a completeness assessment to determine whether additional impairment indicators were present during the period that were not identified by the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We tested the mathematical accuracy of management's calculations and the underlying source of information for a selection of restaurant sites.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We evaluated the reasonableness of the information in the Company's forecasted cash flows used in their recoverability and impairment analyses, by comparing the forecasts to:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Historical actual results.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Internal communications between management and the Board of Directors.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;◦ Forecasted information included in analyst and industry reports for the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• We evaluated the Company's forecasted cash flows for consistency with evidence obtained in other areas of the audit.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• With the assistance of our fair value specialists, we evaluated the market rents and discount rates provided to management by Stout, a third party specialist, by developing a range of independent estimates and comparing those to the market rent and discount rate used by management.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Denver, Colorado

February 25, 2026

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2021.

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**Table of Contents**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS**

**(In thousands, except per share amounts)**

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| **Assets:** | | |
| Current assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Cash and cash equivalents | $19924 | $30651 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable, net | 19441 | 19688 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Inventories | 25729 | 26737 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 14234 | 13608 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Restricted cash | 9615 | 8750 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current assets | $88943 | $99434 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Property and equipment, net | 158105 | 181224 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease assets, net | 295996 | 331617 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Intangible assets, net | 9155 | 11064 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Assets held for sale | 2263 | 4313 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other assets, net | 9065 | 13662 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total assets | $563527 | $641314 |
| **Liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit):** |  |  |
| Current liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts payable | $31391 | $29783 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued payroll and payroll-related liabilities | 44039 | 39672 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Unearned revenue | 27287 | 27083 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Current portion of operating lease liabilities | 49111 | 50083 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued liabilities and other | 46801 | 42931 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current liabilities | $198629 | $189552 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term debt | 164741 | 181641 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Long-term portion of operating lease liabilities | 300055 | 345635 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current liabilities | 6450 | 8755 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total liabilities | $669875 | $725583 |
| Commitments and contingencies (see Note 12.) |  |  |
| Stockholders' equity (deficit): |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock, $0.001 par value: 45,000 shares authorized; 22,050 shares issued; 18,009 and 17,403 shares outstanding as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 | $22 | $22 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Preferred stock, $0.001 par value: 3,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Treasury stock: 4,041 and 4,647 shares, at cost as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 | (143247) | (164937) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Paid-in capital | 213180 | 233667 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (60) | (62) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Retained earnings (accumulated deficit) | (176243) | (152959) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total stockholders' equity (deficit) | $(106348) | $(84269) |
| Total liabilities and stockholders' equity (deficit) | $563527 | $641314 |

---

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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**Table of Contents**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)**

**(In thousands, except per share amounts)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Revenues: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurant revenue | $1189780 | $1224254 | $1274294 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise revenue | 14076 | 14941 | 15867 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other revenue | 6369 | 9365 | 12885 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total revenues | $1210225 | $1248560 | $1303046 |
| Costs and expenses: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Restaurant operating costs (excluding depreciation and amortization shown separately below): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cost of sales | $283883 | $292392 | $308962 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Labor (includes $0, $0, and $475 of stock-based compensation) | 437242 | 479631 | 473538 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating | 213187 | 216242 | 224999 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Occupancy | 103958 | 103359 | 102761 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 51120 | 57729 | 66190 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;General and administrative (includes $5,573, $6,940, and $6,329 of stock-based compensation) | 76254 | 81721 | 89360 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Selling | 31328 | 36719 | 34770 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pre-opening costs |  |  | 587 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other (gains) charges, net (includes $(4104), $71, and $128 of stock-based compensation) | 10463 | 33848 | (2663) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total costs and expenses | $1207435 | $1301641 | $1298504 |
| Income (loss) from operations | $2790 | $(53081) | $4542 |
| Other (income) expense: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | $25956 | $25277 | $26560 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest (income) and other, net | (140) | (727) | (1100) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total other expenses, net | $25816 | $24550 | $25460 |
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $(23026) | $(77631) | $(20918) |
| Income tax (benefit) expense | $258 | $(90) | $310 |
| Net income (loss) | $(23284) | $(77541) | $(21228) |
| Income (loss) per share: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | $(1.31) | $(4.93) | $(1.34) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | $(1.31) | $(4.93) | $(1.34) |
| Weighted average shares outstanding: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Basic | 17789 | 15736 | 15835 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Diluted | 17789 | 15736 | 15835 |
| Other comprehensive income (loss): |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign currency translation adjustment | $2 | $(40) | $12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | $2 | $(40) | $12 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total comprehensive income (loss) | $(23282) | $(77581) | $(21216) |

---

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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**Table of Contents**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)**

**(In thousands)**

---

| | | | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Common Stock** | **Common Stock** | **Treasury Stock** | **Treasury Stock** | | **Accumulated**<br>**Other**<br>**Comprehensive Income (Loss),**<br>**net of tax** | **Retained<br>Earnings<br>(Deficit)** | |
| | **Common Stock** | **Common Stock** | **Treasury Stock** | **Treasury Stock** | **Paid-in<br>Capital** | **Accumulated**<br>**Other**<br>**Comprehensive Income (Loss),**<br>**net of tax** | **Retained<br>Earnings<br>(Deficit)** | |
| | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Shares** | **Amount** | **Paid-in<br>Capital** | **Accumulated**<br>**Other**<br>**Comprehensive Income (Loss),**<br>**net of tax** | **Retained<br>Earnings<br>(Deficit)** |<br>**Total** |
| **Balance, December 25, 2022** | 20449 | $20 | 4515 | $(182810) | $238803 | $(34) | $(54190) | $1789 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exercise of options, issuance of restricted stock, shares exchanged for exercise and tax, and stock issued through employee stock purchase plan |  |  | (456) | 18068 | (16063) |  |  | 2005 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition of treasury stock |  |  | 862 | (9960) |  |  |  | (9960) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash stock compensation |  |  |  |  | 6940 |  |  | 6940 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (21228) | (21228) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  | 12 |  | 12 |
| **Balance, December 31, 2023** | 20449 | $20 | 4921 | $(174702) | $229680 | $(22) | $(75418) | $(20442) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of restricted stock, shares exchanged for exercise and tax, and stock issued through employee stock purchase plan |  |  | (274) | 9765 | (10065) |  |  | (300) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash stock compensation |  |  |  |  | 6961 |  |  | 6961 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (77541) | (77541) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Common stock issuance | 1601 | 2 |  |  | 7091 |  |  | 7093 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  | (40) |  | (40) |
| **Balance, December 29, 2024** | 22050 | $22 | 4647 | $(164937) | $233667 | $(62) | $(152959) | $(84269) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Issuance of restricted stock, shares exchanged for exercise and tax, and stock issued through employee stock purchase plan |  |  | (606) | 21690 | (21218) |  |  | 472 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash stock compensation |  |  |  |  | 1210 |  |  | 1210 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  |  | (23284) | (23284) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Equity issuance costs |  |  |  |  | (479) |  |  | (479) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other comprehensive income (loss) |  |  |  |  |  | 2 |  | 2 |
| **Balance, December 28, 2025** | 22050 | $22 | 4041 | $(143247) | $213180 | $(60) | $(176243) | $(106348) |

---

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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**Table of Contents**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS**

**(In thousands)**

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Cash Flows From Operating Activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net income (loss) | $(23284) | $(77541) | $(21228) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Depreciation and amortization | 51120 | 57729 | 66190 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gift card breakage | (5243) | (7930) | (9874) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Asset impairment | 2713 | 32838 | 9130 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Non-cash other (gains) charges | (1633) | (5) | (1404) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation expense | 1469 | 6961 | 6933 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Gain on sale of property | (1127) | (7425) | (30137) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of debt issuance costs | 3764 | 2467 | 2032 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other, net | 927 | (114) | (794) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in operating assets and liabilities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accounts receivable and other, net | 247 | 1903 | 397 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inventories | 134 | (220) | (280) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses and other current assets | (653) | (597) | 1558 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating lease assets, net of liabilities | (6173) | (1455) | (11841) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Trade accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 7748 | 3441 | (9843) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unearned revenue | 5446 | (1054) | (1097) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other operating assets and liabilities, net | 1553 | (1951) | (899) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities | $37008 | $7047 | $(1157) |
| Cash Flows From Investing Activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchases of property, equipment and intangible assets | $(30784) | $(26034) | $(49440) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from sales of property and equipment, and other | 6166 | 24287 | 61195 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Acquisition of franchised restaurants |  |  | (3529) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | $(24618) | $(1747) | $8226 |
| Cash Flows From Financing Activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net (repayments) borrowings on revolving credit facility | $(17000) | $20000 | $(15000) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayments of borrowings on term loan | (2770) | (21232) | (9857) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayments of finance lease obligations | (1036) | (923) | (898) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from borrowings for insurance premium financing | 3540 | 4265 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Repayments of insurance premium financing | (4403) | (3619) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Purchase of treasury stock |  |  | (9960) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Debt issuance costs | (575) | (2749) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs | (479) | 7093 |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Proceeds (uses) from other financing activities, net | 471 | (299) | 2003 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | $(22252) | $2536 | $(33712) |
| Effect of exchange rate changes on cash | $— | $— | $2 |
| Net change in cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash | $(9862) | $7836 | $(26641) |
| Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash, beginning of period | $39401 | $31565 | $58206 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, and restricted cash, end of period | $29539 | $39401 | $31565 |
| Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net (refunds received) income taxes paid | $(30) | $83 | $454 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest paid | 23133 | 22737 | 24084 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued purchases of property, equipment and intangible assets | 3296 | 2707 | 1836 |

---

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

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**Table of Contents**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS**

**1. Description of Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies**

**(a) Description of Business**

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a Delaware corporation, is the parent company for Red Robin International, Inc., a Nevada corporation, that, together with its subsidiaries ("Red Robin," "we," "us," "our", or the "Company"), primarily operates, franchises, and develops casual dining restaurants in North America. As of December 28, 2025, the Company owned and operated 385 restaurants located in 39 states. The Company also had 90 casual dining restaurants operated by franchisees in 13 states and one Canadian province. The Company operated its business as one operating and one reportable segment.

**(b) Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation**

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Red Robin and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"). In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Fiscal Year** | **Year End Date** | **Number of Weeks in Fiscal Year** |
| *Current and Prior Fiscal Years:* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2025 | December 28, 2025 | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2024 | December 29, 2024 | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2023 | December 31, 2023 | 53 |
| *Upcoming Fiscal Years:* |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2026 | December 27, 2026 | 52 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2027 | December 26, 2027 | 52 |

---

**(c) Reclassifications**

Certain amounts presented have been reclassified to conform with the current period presentation. The reclassifications had no effect on the Company's consolidated results. We made adjustments to the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows to include income tax receivable within accounts receivable and other, net, to net borrowings with repayments on revolving credit facilities, to include net proceeds from sale-leaseback within net proceeds from sale of property, equipment, and other, and to separately disclose the following captions: to disaggregate gift card breakage from the change in unearned revenue; and to disaggregate amortization of debt issuance costs from other, net. We have also revised the presentation of operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) to separately disclose selling expenses and general and administrative expenses. Previously, these amounts were presented on a combined basis as selling, general, and administrative expenses. Certain prior-year amounts related to restaurant closure costs have been disaggregated and reclassified into closed store rent and other costs and lease modification (gains) losses within Note 4. Other (Gains) Charges, net to conform to the current-year presentation.

**(d) Use of Estimates**

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

**(e) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies**

**Revenue Recognition -** Revenues consist of sales from restaurant operations (including third party delivery), franchise revenue, and other revenue including gift card breakage and miscellaneous revenue. The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a restaurant guest, franchisee, or other customer.

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**Table of Contents**

The Company recognizes revenues from restaurant operations when payment is tendered at the point of sale, as the Company's performance obligation to provide food and beverage to the customer has been satisfied.

The Company sells gift cards that do not have an expiration date, and it does not deduct dormancy fees from outstanding gift card balances. We recognize revenue from gift cards as either: (i) restaurant revenue, when the Company's performance obligation to provide food and beverage to the customer is satisfied upon redemption of the gift card, or (ii) gift card breakage, as discussed below.

Gift card breakage is recognized when the likelihood of a gift card being redeemed by the customer is remote and the Company determines there is not a legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift card balance to the relevant jurisdiction. The determination of the gift card breakage rate is based upon the Company's specific historical redemption patterns. The Company recognizes gift card breakage by applying its estimate of the rate of gift card breakage on a pro rata basis over the period of estimated redemption.

During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, we re-launched our Red Robin Royalty<sup>TM</sup> program ("Royalty"). Under the re-launched program, Royalty members generally earn points for every dollar spent. We may also periodically offer promotions, which typically provide the customer with the opportunity to earn bonus points or other rewards. Upon reaching certain point thresholds, Royalty members earn rewards that may be redeemed for food and beverage items. Earned rewards generally expire 90 days after they are issued, and points generally expire if a qualifying purchase is not made within 365 days of the last purchase. We defer revenue based on the estimated stand-alone selling price of points or rewards earned by customers as each point or reward is earned, net of points or rewards we do not expect to be redeemed. Our estimate of points and rewards expected to be redeemed is based on historical Company-specific data. We evaluate Royalty redemption rates annually, or more frequently as circumstances warrant. Estimating future redemption rates requires judgment based on current and historical trends, and actual redemption rates may vary from our estimates.

Revenues we receive from our franchise arrangements include sales-based royalties, advertising fund contributions, area development fees, and franchise fees. Red Robin franchisees are required to remit 4% to 5% of their revenues as royalties to the Company and contribute up to 3% of revenues to two national advertising funds. The Company recognizes these sales-based royalties and advertising fund contributions as the underlying franchisee sales occur. Contributions to these advertising funds from franchisees are recorded as revenue under franchise revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) in accordance with ASC Topic 606, *Revenue from Contracts with Customers*.

The Company typically grants franchise rights to franchisees for a term of 20 years, with the right to extend the term for an additional 10 years if various conditions are satisfied by the franchisee.

Other revenue consists of gift card breakage, licensing income, and recycling income.

**Cash and Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash** - The Company considers all highly liquid instruments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Amounts receivable from credit card issuers are typically converted to cash within two days to four days of the original sales transaction and are considered to be cash equivalents.

Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with multiple financial institutions. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions with reputable credit and therefore bear minimal credit risk. The Company holds cash and cash equivalents at financial institutions in excess of amounts covered by the Federal Depository Insurance Corporation (the "FDIC") and sometimes invests excess cash in money market funds not insured by the FDIC. The Company periodically assesses the credit risk associated with these financial institutions and believes that the risk of loss is minimal.

The Company is required to carry restricted cash balances that are reserved as collateral for existing letters of credit. The amounts issued under letters of credit, which are undrawn, totaled $9.3 million at December 28, 2025.

**Accounts Receivable, net** - Accounts receivable, net consists primarily of third-party gift card receivables, third party delivery partner receivables, rebate receivables, and trade receivables due from franchisees for royalties and advertising fund contributions.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Gift card receivable | $8131 | $9241 |
| Third party delivery partner receivable | 2816 | 2164 |
| Rebate receivable | 3246 | 3169 |
| Trade receivable | 1374 | 1014 |
| Other receivable | 3874 | 4100 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total accounts receivable, net | $19441 | $19688 |

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**Inventories** - Inventories consist of food, beverages, and supplies valued at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or net realizable value.

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>(In thousands)</u>** | **2025** | **2024** |
| Food & beverage inventory | $9330 | $9206 |
| Supplies inventory | 16399 | 17531 |
| Inventories | $25729 | $26737 |

---

**Property and Equipment, net** - Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for major additions and improvements are capitalized, and minor replacements, maintenance, and repairs are expensed as incurred. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method based on the shorter of the estimated useful lives or the terms of the underlying leases of the related assets. Interest incurred on funds used to place Company-owned assets in service is capitalized and amortized over the estimated useful life of the related assets, which amounted to $0.6 million and $1.0 million in fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2024, respectively.

The estimated useful lives for property and equipment are:

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| Buildings | 5 years to 20 years |
| Leasehold improvements | Shorter of lease term or estimated useful life, not to exceed 20 years |
| Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | 3 years to 20 years |
| Computer equipment | 2 years to 5 years |

---

The Company capitalizes certain overhead related to the development and construction of its new restaurants as well as certain information technology capital investments. Costs incurred for the potential development of restaurants that are subsequently terminated are expensed.

**Cloud Computing Arrangements** - The Company capitalizes cloud computing implementation costs and amortizes these costs on a straight-line basis over the term of the related service agreement, including renewal periods that are reasonably certain to be exercised. Capitalized cloud computing implementation costs were $1.2 million and $1.2 million, net of accumulated amortization, as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, respectively. These costs are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets and other assets, net in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. Related amortization expense were $1.0 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million for the years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023, respectively, and was included in other operating, selling, and general and administrative in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

**Leases** - The Company leases land, buildings, and equipment used in its operations under operating and finance leases. Our leases generally have remaining terms of 1-13 years, most of which include options to extend the leases for additional five-year periods. Generally, the lease term is the minimum of the non-cancelable period of the lease or the lease term inclusive of reasonably certain renewal periods up to a term of 20 years.

We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception. Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date. Operating lease liabilities represent the present value of lease payments not yet paid. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments or accrued lease payments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment of operating lease assets. To determine the present value of lease payments not yet paid, we estimate incremental secured borrowing rates corresponding to the maturities of the leases. We estimate this rate based on prevailing financial market conditions, comparable company and credit analysis, and management judgment.

Our leases typically contain rent escalations over the lease term. We recognize expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Additionally, tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recognized when earned and reduce our right-of-use asset related to the lease. These are amortized through the right-of-use asset as reductions of expense over the lease term.

Some of our leases include rent escalations based on inflation indexes and fair market value adjustments. Certain leases contain contingent rental provisions that include a fixed base rent plus an additional percentage of the restaurant's sales in excess of stipulated amounts. Operating lease liabilities are calculated using the prevailing index or rate at lease commencement. Subsequent escalations in the index or rate and contingent rental payments are recognized as variable lease expenses. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

We have elected the short-term lease recognition exemption for all applicable classes of underlying assets. Short-term disclosures include only those leases with a term of 12 months or less, and expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over

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the lease term. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less, that do not include an option to purchase the underlying asset that we are reasonably certain to exercise, are not recorded in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

We have elected the practical expedient that does not require us to separate lease and non-lease components for our population of real estate assets.

**Intangible Assets, net** - Intangible assets comprise primarily leasehold interests, acquired franchise rights, and the costs of purchased liquor licenses. Leasehold interests primarily represent the fair values of acquired lease contracts having contractual rents lower than fair market rents and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining initial lease term. Acquired franchise rights, which represent the acquired value of franchise contracts, are amortized over the term of the franchise agreements. The costs of obtaining non-transferable liquor licenses from local government agencies are capitalized and generally amortized over a period of up to 20 years. The costs of purchasing transferable liquor licenses through open markets in jurisdictions with a limited number of authorized liquor licenses are capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets.

**Impairment of Long-Lived Assets** - The Company reviews its long-lived assets, including restaurant sites, leasehold improvements, information technology systems, right of use assets, and amortizable intangible assets 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 the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. Identifiable cash flows are measured at the lowest level, for which they are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities, generally at the restaurant-level. 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 is generally determined using projected cash flows discounted using an estimated weighted average cost of capital. Management may also utilize other market information to determine fair value such as market rent and discount rates, to estimate the fair value of restaurant right of use lease assets. Restaurant sites and other assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value, less estimated costs to sell. Information technology systems, such as internal-use computer software, are reviewed and tested for recoverability if the internal-use computer software is not expected to provide substantive service potential, a significant change occurs in the extent or manner in which the software is used or is expected to be used, a significant change is made or will be made to the software program, or costs of developing or modifying internal-use software significantly exceed the amount originally expected to develop or modify the software.

**Advertising** - Under the Company's franchise agreements, both the Company and the franchisees must contribute up to 3% of revenues to two national media advertising funds (the "Advertising Funds"). These Advertising Funds are used to drive initial guest trial and repeat visits and build the Company's brand equity and awareness. Primary advertising channels include television advertising, digital media, social media programs, email, loyalty, and public relations initiatives. Additionally, for corporate owned stores, we may choose to invest additional discretionary advertising above and beyond the 3% of revenues.

Total advertising costs of $18.7 million, $23.5 million, and $21.6 million in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively, and were included in selling expenses in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Advertising production costs are expensed in the period when the advertising first takes place. Other advertising costs are expensed as incurred.

**Self-Insurance Programs** - The Company utilizes a self-insurance plan for health, general liability, and workers' compensation coverage. Predetermined loss limits have been arranged with insurance companies to limit the Company's per occurrence cash outlay. The self-insurance liability represents an estimate of the ultimate cost of claims incurred and unpaid as well as claims incurred but not reported ("IBNR") as of the balance sheet date. Our estimated liability is based on information provided by third-party actuaries, combined with our judgments regarding several assumptions, including the frequency and severity of claims, our loss development factors, loss cost, claims history, and our claims settlement practice. Significant judgment is required to estimate IBNR claims as parties have yet to assert such claims. Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities and accrued payroll and payroll-related liabilities include the estimated cost to settle reported claims and incurred but not reported claims.

**Legal Contingencies** - In the normal course of business, we are subject to various legal proceedings and claims, the outcomes of which are uncertain. We record an accrual for legal contingencies when we determine it is probable that we have incurred a liability and we can reasonably estimate the amount of the loss. In making such determinations we evaluate, among other things, the probability of an unfavorable outcome, and when we believe it probable that a liability has been incurred, our ability to make a reasonable estimate of the loss.

**Pre-opening Costs** - Pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred. Pre-opening costs include rental expenses through the date of opening for each restaurant, travel expenses, wages, and benefits for the training and opening teams, as well as food, beverage, and other restaurant opening costs incurred prior to a restaurant opening for business. Costs related to preparing restaurants to introduce Donatos<sup>®</sup> are expensed as incurred and included in pre-opening costs.

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**Income Taxes** - Deferred tax liabilities are recognized for the estimated effects of all taxable temporary differences, and deferred tax assets are recognized for the estimated effects of all deductible temporary differences, net operating income (losses), and tax credit carryforwards. Realization of net deferred tax assets is dependent upon profitable operations and future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. However, the amount of the deferred tax assets considered realizable could be adjusted if estimates of future taxable income during the carry forward period are increased or reduced or if there are differences in the timing or amount of future reversals of existing taxable temporary differences. Management regularly evaluates the future realization of deferred tax assets and provides a valuation allowance against the deferred tax assets, if considered necessary, based on such evaluation.

Pursuant to the guidance for uncertain tax positions, a taxpayer must be able to more likely than not sustain a position to recognize a tax benefit, and the measurement of the benefit is calculated as the largest amount that is more than 50 percent likely to be realized upon resolution of the benefit. The Company has analyzed filing positions in all of the federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions where it is required to file income tax returns, as well as all open tax years in these jurisdictions. The only periods subject to examination for the Company's federal and state returns are the 2020 through 2025 tax years.

The Company records interest and penalties associated with audits as a component of income before taxes. The Company recorded immaterial penalty and interest expense on the identified tax liabilities in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023.

**Income (Loss) Per Share** - Basic income (loss) per share amounts are calculated by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted income (loss) per share amounts are calculated based upon the weighted average number of common and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the year. Potentially dilutive shares are excluded from the computation in periods in which they have an anti-dilutive effect. Diluted income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if holders of options and awards exercised their holdings into common stock. As the Company was in a net loss position for each of the fiscal years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023, all potentially dilutive common shares are considered anti-dilutive.

The Company uses the treasury stock method to calculate the impact of outstanding stock options and awards. Basic weighted average shares outstanding is reconciled to diluted weighted average shares outstanding as of the fiscal years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023, were as follows (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Basic weighted average shares outstanding | $17789 | $15736 | $15835 |
| Dilutive effect of stock options and awards |  |  |  |
| Diluted weighted average shares outstanding | $17789 | $15736 | $15835 |
| Awards excluded due to anti-dilutive effect on diluted earnings per share | $2599 | $1749 | $1409 |

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**Comprehensive Income (Loss)** - Total comprehensive income (loss) consists of the net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting stockholders' equity that, under GAAP, are excluded from net income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) as presented in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023 consisted of the foreign currency translation adjustment resulting from the Company's Canadian franchise operations.

**Stock-Based Compensation** - The Company maintains several equity incentive plans under which it may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance stock units, or other forms of awards granted or denominated in the Company's common stock or units of the Company's common stock, as well as cash variable compensation awards to employees, non-employees, directors, and consultants. The Company also maintains an employee stock purchase plan. The Company issues shares relating to stock-based compensation plans and the employee stock purchase plan from treasury shares. We recognize compensation expenses for only the portion of share-based awards that are expected to vest. Therefore, we apply estimated forfeiture rates that are derived from our historical forfeitures of similar awards when a team member leaves the Company.

**Deferred Compensation** - The Company has assets and liabilities related to a deferred compensation plan. The assets of the deferred compensation plan are held in a rabbi trust, where they are invested in certain mutual funds that cover an investment spectrum range from equities to money market instruments. Fluctuations in the market value of the investments held in the trust result in the recognition of deferred compensation expense or income. Refer to Note 15. Employee Benefit Programs for additional information.

**2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements**

In December 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2025-12, Codification Improvements, which included amendments intended to clarify, improve, and correct various sections of

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the Accounting Standards Codification. The amendments addressed a variety of topics, including earnings per share, equity, leases, revenue recognition, credit losses, and other areas, and are primarily intended to improve the consistency and clarity of existing guidance without significantly changing current accounting practice. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2025-12 on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements to clarify and improve the guidance in ASC 270 regarding interim reporting. ASU 2025-11 improved the navigability of the guidance, clarifying when the interim reporting guidance applies, and specifying the disclosures and form and content requirements for interim financial statements and accompanying notes under GAAP. The amendments are effective for interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2025-11 on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other— Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40) to introduce a principles-based framework for capitalizing costs related to the development of internal-use software. ASU 2025-06 also incorporated website development costs into the internal-use software guidance and enhanced related disclosure requirements. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2025-06 on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets, to provide a practical expedient and an accounting policy election related to the estimation of expected credit losses for current accounts receivable and current contract assets that arise from transactions accounted for under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606 - Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The amendments are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2025-05 on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03 which expands disclosures about specific expense categories presented on the face of the income statement. ASU 2024-03 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2024-03 on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09 to improve income tax disclosure requirements, primarily related to rate reconciliations and income taxes paid. ASU 2023-09 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024. The adoption of this standard has been reflected in Note 11. Income Taxes within the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We reviewed all other recently issued accounting pronouncements and concluded they were either not applicable or not expected to have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

***Recently Issued Tax Legislation***

On July 4, 2025, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act ("OBBBA") was enacted in the U.S. The OBBBA includes significant provisions, such as the permanent extension of certain expiring provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the restoration of favorable tax treatment for specific business provisions. The legislation has multiple effective dates, with some provisions taking effect in tax year 2025 and others phased in through tax year 2027. In accordance with ASC 740 - Income Taxes, the effects of changes in tax rates and laws are recognized in the period in which the legislation is enacted. The OBBBA did not have a material impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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**3. Revenue**

**Disaggregation of Revenue**

In the following table, revenue is disaggregated by type of good or service (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Restaurant revenue | $1189780 | $1224254 | $1274294 |
| Franchise revenue | 14076 | 14941 | 15867 |
| Gift card breakage | 5243 | 7930 | 9874 |
| Other revenue | 1126 | 1435 | 3011 |
| Total revenues | $1210225 | $1248560 | $1303046 |

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**Contract Liabilities**

Components of unearned revenue in the Consolidated Balance Sheets are as follows (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| Unearned gift card revenue | $24096 | $24333 |
| Unearned Royalty revenue | 3191 | 2750 |
| Unearned revenue | $27287 | $27083 |

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Revenue recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the redemption and breakage of gift cards that were included in the liability balance at the beginning of the fiscal year was as follows (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Gift card revenue | $13070 | $16782 | $19224 |

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We recognize revenue from our customer loyalty program, Red Robin Royalty ("Royalty"), within restaurant revenue in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) when a customer redeems an earned reward. Unearned revenue associated with our Royalty program is included in unearned revenue in our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Changes in our unearned revenue balance related to our Royalty program (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| Unearned Royalty revenue, beginning balance | $2750 | $7509 |
| Revenue deferred | 5352 | 4817 |
| Revenue recognized<sup>(1)</sup> | (4911) | (9576) |
| Unearned Royalty revenue, ending balance | $3191 | $2750 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Restaurant revenue recognized during the fifty-two weeks ended December 29, 2024 included a credit of approximately $6.4 million related to the transition to the new Royalty program in the second quarter of fiscal 2024, primarily due to the cancellation of unused points that were earned more than 365 days prior to the launch of the new program.

**4. Other (Gains) Charges, net**

Other (gains) charges, net consisted of the following (in thousands):&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Asset impairment and restaurant closure costs, net | $2785 | $34080 | $12192 |
| Gain on sale of restaurant property | (1127) | (7425) | (29543) |
| Severance and executive transition<sup>(1)</sup> | 2181 | 1181 | 3419 |
| Litigation contingencies | 2198 | 1037 | 9140 |
| Asset disposal and other, net | 4426 | 4975 | 2129 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other (gains) charges, net | $10463 | $33848 | $(2663) |

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<sup>(1)</sup> Severance and executive transition included $(4.1) million, $0.1 million, and $0.1 million of stock-based compensation (benefit) expense in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

**Asset Impairment and Restaurant Closure Costs, net**

Asset impairment and restaurant closure costs, net consisted of the following (in thousands, except for location data):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Number of non-operating locations | 10 | 9 | 13 |
| Non-operating location rent, restaurant closure costs, and other | $4291 | $3676 | $5432 |
| Number of impaired locations | 4 | 58 | 19 |
| Non-cash impairment | $2713 | $32838 | $9130 |
| Number of locations with lease remeasurement | 17 | 7 | 9 |
| Net lease remeasurement (gain) loss | $(4219) | $(2434) | $(2370) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total asset impairment and restaurant closure costs, net | $2785 | $34080 | $12192 |

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**Gain on Sale of Restaurant Property**

During fiscal 2025, the Company sold three restaurant properties for total proceeds of $5.8 million that resulted in a gain, net of expenses of $1.1 million. The net proceeds were included within cash flows from investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 28, 2025, and were used to repay long-term debt.

During fiscal 2024, the Company sold ten restaurant properties for total proceeds of $23.9 million in sale-leaseback transactions that resulted in a gain, net of expenses of $7.4 million. The net proceeds were included within cash flows from investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 29, 2024.

During fiscal 2023, the Company sold 18 restaurant properties for total proceeds of $58.8 million in a sale-leaseback transaction that resulted in a gain, net of expenses of $29.4 million. In addition, during 2023, the Company sold one restaurant property for total proceeds of $1.5 million which resulted in a gain, net of expenses of $0.1 million. The net proceeds were included within cash flows from investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year ended December 31, 2023.

**Severance and Executive Transition**

Severance and executive transition consisted of the following (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Executive severance | $4915 | $476 | $2298 |
| Stock-based compensation<sup>(1)</sup> | (4104) | 71 | 128 |
| Team member severance<sup>(2)</sup> | 1370 | 634 | 993 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Total severance and executive transition | $2181 | $1181 | $3419 |

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<sup>(1)</sup> For fiscal 2025, the stock-based compensation benefit related primarily to the forfeiture of unvested stock-based compensation by certain executive leadership.

<sup>(2)</sup> During fiscal 2025, team member severance was primarily associated with a reduction in force, which occurred during the second quarter of fiscal 2025.

**Litigation Contingencies**

In fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company recorded certain accruals associated with litigation contingencies. See Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies, for further discussion.

**Asset Disposal and Other**

Asset disposal and other primarily related to asset disposals, strategic projects and other non-recurring items.

**5. Property and Equipment, net**

Property and equipment, net consisted of the following as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| Land | $6542 | $9760 |
| Buildings | 12645 | 13496 |
| Leasehold improvements | 579623 | 574256 |
| Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | 368545 | 360611 |
| Construction in progress | 1310 | 13307 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property and equipment, gross | $968665 | $971430 |
| Accumulated depreciation and amortization | $(810560) | $(790206) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Property and equipment, net | $158105 | $181224 |

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Depreciation and amortization expense on property and equipment were $49.3 million, $55.4 million, and $63.8 million in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

**6. Intangible Assets, net**

Intangible assets, net consisted of the following as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 (in thousands):

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 28, 2025** | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 29, 2024** |
| | **Gross<br>Carrying<br>Amount** | **Accumulated<br>Amortization** | **Net<br>Carrying<br>Amount** | **Gross<br>Carrying<br>Amount** | **Accumulated<br>Amortization** | **Net<br>Carrying<br>Amount** |
| Intangible assets subject to amortization: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Franchise rights | $45117 | $(42332) | $2785 | $46091 | $(41647) | $4444 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leasehold interests | 12845 | (11113) | 1732 | 12867 | (10906) | 1961 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Liquor licenses and other | 8999 | (8843) | 156 | 9596 | (9419) | 177 |
|  | $66961 | $(62288) | $4673 | $68554 | $(61972) | $6582 |
| Indefinite-lived intangible assets: |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Liquor licenses and other | $4482 | $— | $4482 | $4482 | $— | $4482 |
| Intangible assets, net | $71443 | $(62288) | $9155 | $73036 | $(61972) | $11064 |

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The aggregate amortization expense related to intangible assets subject to amortization were $1.8 million, $2.3 million, and $2.4 million for fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

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The estimated aggregate future amortization expense as of December 28, 2025 were as follows (in thousands):

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| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2026 | $1435 |
| 2027 | 1070 |
| 2028 | 611 |
| 2029 | 343 |
| 2030 | 290 |
| Thereafter | 924 |
|  | $4673 |

---

**7. Accrued Payroll and Payroll-Related Liabilities, and Accrued Liabilities and Other**

Accrued payroll and payroll-related liabilities consisted of the following as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| Payroll and payroll-related taxes | $17087 | $18438 |
| Workers compensation insurance | 6071 | 6459 |
| Corporate and restaurant incentive compensation<sup>(1)</sup> | 10713 | 4168 |
| Accrued vacation | 6398 | 6583 |
| Other | 3770 | 4024 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued payroll and payroll-related liabilities | $44039 | $39672 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> This balance was inclusive of $2.9 million and $0.0 million for fiscal years 2025 and 2024, respectively, related to severance and executive transition costs.

Included within corporate and restaurant incentive compensation are accrued termination benefits, which represent one-time termination benefits primarily related to changes in leadership positions as a result of strategic pivots under previous strategies and the First Choice plan. These plans, and the related reductions in force, are accounted for in accordance with ASC Topic 420, *Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations*. The charges incurred under previous strategies were recognized in fiscal 2023 and fully paid as of the end of fiscal 2024. The Company incurred a cumulative total of $1.4 million in one-time termination benefits during fiscal 2025 related to the First Choice plan reduction in force, and was included in Other (gains) charges, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). One-time termination benefits activity for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2024 and December 28, 2025, respectively, were as follows:

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| | **Termination Benefits** |
| Balance as of December 31, 2023 | $184 |
| Charges |  |
| Cash Payments | (184) |
| Balance as of December 29, 2024 | $— |
| Charges | 1370 |
| Cash Payments | (1033) |
| Balance as of December 28, 2025 | $337 |

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**Table of Contents**

Accrued liabilities and other consisted of the following as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** |
| State and city sales tax payable | $5838 | $6224 |
| Real estate, personal property, state income, and other taxes payable | 7937 | 6933 |
| Insurance | 10092 | 10201 |
| Utilities | 2615 | 3016 |
| Legal | 5510 | 4935 |
| Accrued interest | 1220 | 1536 |
| Accrued marketing | 2824 | 2830 |
| Current portion of finance lease liabilities | 1092 | 1019 |
| Other | 9673 | 6237 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued liabilities and other | $46801 | $42931 |

---

**8. Borrowings**

Borrowings as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 are summarized below:

---

| | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 29, 2024** |
| **<u>(Dollars in thousands)</u>** | **Borrowings** | **Variable<br>Interest Rates** | **Borrowings** | **Variable<br>Interest Rates** |
| Revolving line of credit | $3000 | 11.40% | $20000 | 12.03% |
| Term loan | $167217 | 11.50% | $169470 | 12.21% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total borrowings | $170217 |  | $189470 |  |
| Less: unamortized debt issuance costs<sup>(1)</sup> | $5476 |  | $7829 |  |
| Long-term debt | $164741 |  | $181641 |  |
| Revolving line of credit unamortized debt issuances costs<sup>(1)</sup>: | $932 |  | $1298 |  |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Unamortized debt issuance costs associated with the Company's Credit Facility were included as deferred costs in other assets, net for financing charges allocated to the revolving line of credit, and long-term debt for financing charges associated with the term loan in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Maturities of long-term debt as of December 28, 2025 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| 2026 | $— |
| 2027 | 170217 |
| 2028 |  |
| 2029 |  |
| Thereafter |  |
|  | $170217 |

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**Table of Contents**

**Credit Facility**

As of December 28, 2025, the Company's credit facility allowed for up to $240.0 million of borrowings and is comprised of a $40.0 million revolving line of credit and a $200.0 million term loan (collectively, the "Credit Facility"). As of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, the Company had outstanding borrowings of $170.2 million and $189.5 million, respectively, inclusive of $3.0 million and $20.0 million drawn on its revolving line of credit, respectively, under its Credit Facility. In addition, the Company had amounts issued under letters of credit of $9.3 million and $8.5 million as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, respectively.

The Credit Facility will mature on September 3, 2027. The term loans require quarterly principal payments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1.0% of the original principal amount of the term loan. As of December 28, 2025, the Company has fulfilled this obligation for the duration of the Credit Facility via previous principal payments. The Credit Facility's interest rate references the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR"), which is an index calculated by short-term repurchase agreements and backed by U.S. Treasury securities, or the Alternate Base Rate ("ABR"), which represents the highest of (a) the Prime Rate, (b) the Federal Funds Rate plus 0.5% per annum, or (c) one-month term SOFR plus 1.0% per annum.

On March 4, 2022, the Company replaced its prior amended and restated Credit Agreement (the "Prior Credit Agreement") with a new Credit Agreement (the "Credit Agreement") by and among the Company, Red Robin International, Inc., as the borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, the issuing banks from time to time party thereto, Fortress Credit Corp., as Administrative Agent and as Collateral Agent and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Sole Lead Arranger and Sole Bookrunner.

Red Robin International, Inc., is the borrower under the Credit Agreement, and certain of its subsidiaries and the Company are guarantors of borrower's obligations under the Credit Agreement. Borrowings under the Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of the assets of the borrower and the guarantors, including the Company, and are available to: (i) refinance certain existing indebtedness of the borrower and its subsidiaries, (ii) pay any fees and expenses in connection with the Credit Agreement, and (iii) provide for the working capital and general corporate requirements of the Company, the borrower and its subsidiaries, including permitted acquisitions and capital expenditures, but excluding restricted payments.

On March 4, 2022, Red Robin International, Inc., the Company, and the guarantors also entered into a Pledge and Security Agreement (the "Security Agreement") granting to the Administrative Agent a first priority security interest in substantially all of the assets of the borrower and the guarantors to secure the obligations under the Credit Agreement.

Red Robin International, Inc., as the borrower is obligated to pay customary fees to the agents, lenders and issuing banks under the Credit Agreement with respect to providing, maintaining, or administering, as applicable, the credit facilities.

On July 17, 2023, the Company amended the Credit Agreement (the "First Amendment") to, among other things, remove the previously included $50.0 million aggregate cap on sale-leasebacks of Company-owned real property that are permitted under the Credit Agreement, subject to certain conditions set forth in the Credit Agreement.

On August 21, 2024, the Company entered into the second amendment to the Credit Agreement (the "Second Amendment"). The Second Amendment, among other things, provided certain relief from the financial covenant by increasing the required maximum net total leverage ratio beginning in the third quarter of 2024 through the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2025; increased the aggregate revolving commitments by $15.0 million to $40.0 million through the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2025; removed the variable pricing grid and increases the applicable margin on all term loans and revolving loans that are SOFR-based loans to 7.50% per annum and that are ABR-based loans to 6.50% per annum; and added certain additional reporting requirements.

On November 4, 2024, the Company entered into the third amendment to the Credit Agreement (the "Third Amendment"). The Third Amendment extended the provisions of the Second Amendment through the end of the first fiscal quarter of 2026.

On November 7, 2025, the Company entered into the fourth amendment to the Credit Agreement (the "Fourth Amendment"). The Fourth Amendment extended the maturity date of the Credit Agreement by six months to September 3, 2027. In connection with the Fourth Amendment, the Company paid customary amendment fees to the lenders under the Credit Facility. The Company performed an analysis of the Fourth Amendment under ASC Topic 470, Debt, and determined that debt modification accounting was appropriate. As a result, the Company capitalized $1.0 million of the amendment fees as debt issuance costs, which will be amortized over the remaining term of the Credit Facility, and expensed the remaining $0.1 million of fees. Approximately $0.5 million of the Fourth Amendment fees were paid-in-kind and added to the principal balance of the term loan.

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**Table of Contents**

The summary descriptions of the Credit Agreement, the Security Agreement, the First Amendment, the Second Amendment, the Third Amendment, and the Fourth Amendment do not purport to be complete and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the full text of each agreement, which are listed as exhibits to this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**9. Fair Value Measurements**

Fair value measurements are made under a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in the measuring of fair value:

Level 1:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quote prices in active markets that are accessible at the measurement date for identical, unrestricted assets or liabilities.

Level 2:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly.

Level 3:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Inputs that are generally unobservable. These inputs may be used with internally developed methodologies that result in management's best estimate of fair value.

**Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis**

The carrying amounts of the Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate fair value due to the short-term nature or maturity of the instruments.

The Company maintains a rabbi trust to fund obligations under a deferred compensation plan. Amounts in the rabbi trust are invested in mutual funds, which are designated as trading securities and carried at fair value and are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company records equal and offsetting amounts to the deferred compensation plan assets for the Company's payment liabilities which are included in accrued liabilities and other in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. The fair market value of mutual funds is measured using Level 1 inputs (quoted prices for identical assets in active markets), and were $1.9 million and $1.8 million as of December 28, 2025, and December 29, 2024, respectively. See Note 15. Employee Benefit Programs for additional information.

**Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis**

Assets and liabilities recognized or disclosed at fair value on the Consolidated Financial Statements on a nonrecurring basis include items such as property, plant and equipment, right of use assets, and intangible assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired.

During fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company measured non-financial assets for impairment using continuing and projected future cash flows, as discussed in Note 4. Other (Gains) Charges, net which were based on significant inputs not observable in the market and thus represented a Level 3 fair value measurement.

Based on our fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023 impairment analyses, we impaired long-lived assets at 4, 58 and 19 locations with carrying values of $6.1 million, $71.3 million, and $36.5 million, respectively. We determined the fair value of these long-lived assets in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023 to be $3.4 million, $39.4 million and $27.4 million, respectively, based on Level 3 fair value measurements.

Liquor licenses with indefinite lives are reviewed for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the carrying amount is not recoverable, we record an impairment charge for the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value. We determine fair value based on quoted prices in the active market for the license in the same or similar jurisdictions, representing a Level 1 fair value measurement. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2025, the Company performed its annual review of its indefinite lived liquor licenses that had a carrying value of $4.0 million, resulting in no impairment recorded. Impairment charges of $1.1 million and $0.2 million were recorded to liquor licenses with indefinite lives in fiscal years 2024 and 2023, respectively.

**Disclosures of Fair Value of Other Assets and Liabilities**

The carrying value of our variable rate Credit Facility, which utilized level 2 fair value inputs, approximated fair value as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, as such debt bears interest at floating rates which approximate market rates.

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**Table of Contents**

 **10. Leases**

The Company's finance and operating lease assets and liabilities as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **December 28, 2025** | **Finance**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Operating**<sup>(2)</sup> |
| Lease assets, net | $4388 | $295996 |
| Current portion of lease obligations | 1092 | 49111 |
| Long-term portion of lease obligations | 5646 | 300055 |
| Total | $6738 | $349166 |
| **December 29, 2024** | **Finance**<sup>(1)</sup> | **Operating**<sup>(2)</sup> |
| Lease assets, net | $5328 | $331617 |
| Current portion of lease obligations | 1019 | 50083 |
| Long-term portion of lease obligations | 6746 | 345635 |
| Total | $7765 | $395718 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Finance lease assets and obligations are included in other assets, net, accrued liabilities and other, and other non-current liabilities within our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

<sup>(2)</sup> Operating lease assets and obligations are included in operating lease assets, net, current portion of operating lease liabilities, and long-term portion of operating lease liabilities within our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The components of lease expense, including variable lease costs primarily consisting of common area maintenance charges and real estate taxes, are included in occupancy on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) are as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Operating lease cost | $73388 | $75059 | $72346 |
| Finance lease cost: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Amortization of right of use assets<sup>(1)</sup> | $886 | $936 | $985 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Interest on lease liabilities <sup>(2)</sup> | 385 | 438 | 520 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total finance lease cost | $1271 | $1374 | $1505 |
| Variable lease cost | $20140 | $19077 | $19806 |
| Total lease costs | $94799 | $95510 | $93657 |

---

<sup>(1)</sup> Amortization of finance lease right of use assets is recorded to depreciation and amortization in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

<sup>(2)</sup> Interest on finance lease liabilities is recorded to interest expense in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

Maturities of our lease liabilities as of December 28, 2025 were as follows (in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Finance Leases** | **Operating Leases** |
| 2026 | $1433 | $78240 |
| 2027 | 1340 | 72440 |
| 2028 | 1111 | 64925 |
| 2029 | 953 | 56061 |
| 2030 | 715 | 48375 |
| Thereafter | 2460 | 178023 |
| Total future lease liability | $8012 | $498064 |
| Less imputed interest | $1274 | $148898 |
| Present value of lease liability | $6738 | $349166 |

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**Table of Contents**

Supplemental cash flow information related to leases are as follows (in thousands, except other information):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** | **Year Ended** |
| | **December 28, 2025** | **December 29, 2024** | **December 31, 2023** |
| Cash flows from operating activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash paid related to lease liabilities |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Operating leases | $80358 | $83043 | $80469 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | 385 | 438 | 520 |
| Cash flows from financing activities: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Cash paid related to lease liabilities |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Finance leases | $1036 | $923 | $898 |
| Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities | $81779 | $84404 | $81887 |
| Right of use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations | $20446 | $26089 | $53915 |
| Right of use assets obtained in exchange for finance lease obligations | $— | $— | $81 |
| Other information related to operating leases as follows: |  |  |  |
| Weighted average remaining lease term | 7.69 | 8.25 | 8.68 |
| Weighted average discount rate | 9.11% | 8.62% | 8.15% |
| Other information related to financing leases as follows: |  |  |  |
| Weighted average remaining lease term | 7.64 | 8.47 | 9.34 |
| Weighted average discount rate | 4.83% | 4.85% | 4.87% |

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**11. Income Taxes**

Income (loss) before income taxes included the following components for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;U.S. | $(23019) | $(77641) | $(20894) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign | (7) | 10 | (24) |
| Income (loss) before income taxes | $(23026) | $(77631) | $(20918) |

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**Table of Contents**

Income tax (benefit) expense included the following components for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Current: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $(11) | $(37) | $37 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State | 269 | (53) | 273 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total current income tax (benefit) expense | $258 | $(90) | $310 |
| Deferred: |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Federal | $— | $— | $— |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;State |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total deferred income tax (benefit) expense | $— | $— | $— |
| Income tax (benefit) expense, net | $258 | $(90) | $310 |

---

The reconciliation between the income tax (benefit) expense and the amount of income tax computed by applying the U.S. federal statutory rate to income (loss) before income taxes as shown in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for fiscal years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023 were as follows:

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| | | | | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2025** | **2024** | **2024** | **2023** | **2023** |
| | Amount | % | Amount | % | Amount | % |
| Tax provision at U.S. federal statutory rate | $(4835) | 21.0% | $(16257) | 21.0% | $(4382) | 21.0% |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;State and local income tax, net of federal (national) income tax effect<sup>(1)</sup> | 220 | (1.0) | (512) | 0.7 | (15) | 0.1 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Foreign tax effects | 317 | (1.4) | (586) | 0.8 | 121 | (0.6) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in valuation allowance | 3512 | (15.2) | 14321 | (18.6) | 2868 | (13.8) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Nontaxable or nondeductible items | 546 | (2.4) | 621 | (0.8) | 698 | (3.3) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other | 498 | (2.1) | 2323 | (3.0) | 1020 | (4.9) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Effective tax rate | $258 | (1.1)% | $(90) | 0.1% | $310 | (1.5)% |

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<sup>(1)</sup> State taxes in California, Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, and Texas made up the majority (greater than 50%) of the tax effect in this category.

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**Table of Contents**

The Company's federal and state deferred taxes as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024 were as follows (in thousands):

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| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** |
| Deferred tax assets: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Leasing transactions | $92318 | $104831 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;General business and other tax credits | 39718 | 41009 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net operating loss carryover | 50302 | 50688 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Accrued compensation and related costs | 4907 | 4810 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Goodwill | 7332 | 7250 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Stock-based compensation | 5933 | 6423 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Advanced payments |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Interest expense | 21670 | 15938 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Property & Equipment | 7463 | 8318 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current deferred tax assets | 1561 | 1594 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Subtotal | $231204 | $240861 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Valuation allowance | $(141148) | $(136595) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $90056 | $104266 |
| Deferred tax liabilities: |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Leasing transactions | $(80035) | $(89804) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Property and equipment |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Supplies inventory | (4114) | (4349) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Prepaid expenses | (1282) | (1862) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Advanced Payments | (1056) | (364) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Other non-current deferred tax liabilities | (3569) | (7887) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Total | $(90056) | $(104266) |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Net deferred tax asset | $— | $— |

---

The Company had net operating loss carryforwards for tax purposes of $50.3 million as of December 28, 2025. This was comprised of approximately $21.4 million of federal net operating loss carryovers, approximately $19.8 million of state net operating loss carryovers, and approximately $9.1 million of foreign net operating loss carryovers. The federal net operating loss has an indefinite carryforward period, the state net operating loss carryovers expire at various dates between 2026 and 2046, and the foreign net operating loss carryovers expire at various dates between 2036 and 2046.

As of December 28, 2025, the Company had a deferred tax asset of $39.7 million related to federal tax credits, which expire at various dates between 2026 and 2040.

The Company establishes a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying amount of deferred income tax assets when it is more likely than not that it will not realize some portion or all the tax benefit of its deferred income tax assets. The realization of deferred tax assets depends on the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which the temporary differences become deductible. In making this determination, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence including historical operating losses, the reversal of deferred income tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies. In 2020, management determined that a full valuation allowance was required and has recorded a full valuation allowance as of December 28, 2025 and at December 29, 2024.

Based on the Company's evaluation of its deferred tax assets, a valuation allowance of approximately $141.1 million had been recorded against the deferred tax asset for federal and state tax credits, federal and state deferred tax assets, all net operating loss carry forwards and the deferred taxes of our foreign subsidiary.

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**Table of Contents**

The following table summarizes the Company's unrecognized tax benefits as of December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Beginning of year | $51 | $185 | $185 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Increase due to current year tax positions |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to decrease to a position taken in a prior year |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Settlements |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Reductions related to lapses in the statute of limitations | (51) | (134) |  |
| End of year | $— | $51 | $185 |

---

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is approximately $0.0 million. The Company does not anticipate significant changes in the aggregate amount of unrecognized tax benefits within the next 12 months, other than nominal tax settlements.

The following table summarizes the Company's net cash paid (refunds received) for income taxes, which consisted of the following as of December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023 (in thousands):

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| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Federal | $72 | $21 | $50 |
| Aggregated state and local jurisdictions | 53 | 96 | 168 |
| Disaggregated state and local jurisdictions |  |  |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Maryland | (293) | (191) |  |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Oregon | 50 | 55 | 43 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Pennsylvania | 31 | 31 | 118 |
| &nbsp;&nbsp;Texas | 57 | 71 | 75 |
| Foreign |  |  |  |
| Net (refunds received) cash paid for income taxes | $(30) | $83 | $454 |

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**12. Commitments and Contingencies**

Because litigation is inherently unpredictable, assessing contingencies related to litigation is a complex process involving highly subjective judgment about potential outcomes of future events. When evaluating litigation contingencies, we may be unable to provide a meaningful estimate due to a number of factors, including the procedural status of the matter in question, the availability of appellate remedies, insurance coverage related to the claim or claims in question, the presence of complex or novel legal theories, and the ongoing discovery and development of information important to the matter. In addition, damage amounts claimed in litigation against us may be unsupported, exaggerated, or unrelated to possible outcomes, and as such are not meaningful indicators of our potential liability or financial exposure. Accordingly, we review the adequacy of accruals and disclosures each quarter in consultation with legal counsel, and we assess the probability and range of possible losses associated with contingencies for potential accrual in the Consolidated Financial Statements. However, the ultimate resolution of litigated claims may differ from our current estimates.

As of December 28, 2025, we had reserves of $5.5 million for loss contingencies included within accrued liabilities and other on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We increased our estimate of loss contingency liabilities by approximately $1.1 million for the year ended December 28, 2025 related to ongoing legal matters. In the normal course of business, there are various claims in process, matters in litigation, administrative proceedings, and other contingencies. These include employment related claims and class action lawsuits, claims from guests or team members alleging illness, injury, food quality, health, or operational concerns, and lease and other commercial disputes. While it is not possible to predict the outcome of these suits, legal proceedings, and claims with certainty, management is of the opinion that adequate provision for potential losses associated with these matters has been made in the financial statements and that the ultimate resolution of pending or threatened matters will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position and results of operations. However, a significant increase in the number of these claims, or one or more successful claims resulting in greater liabilities than we currently anticipate, could materially and adversely impact our business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. We ultimately may be subject to greater or less than the accrued amount for this and other matters.

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**Table of Contents**

As of December 28, 2025, we had non-cancellable purchase commitments primarily related to certain vendors who provide food and beverage and other supplies to our restaurants, for an aggregate of $214.5 million. We expect to fulfill our commitments under these agreements in the normal course of business, and as such, no liability has been recorded.

The Company has a potential contingent lease liability for lease payments related to certain franchisees' lease arrangements. The maximum amount of potential future payments under the potential contingent lease liability was $3.0 million and $3.8 million as of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, respectively. The Company does not believe these arrangements have or are likely to have a material effect on its results of operations, financial condition, revenues or expenses, capital expenditures or liquidity.

**13. Stockholders' Equity** (**Deficit)**

On November 10, 2025, the Company entered into a distribution agreement (the "Distribution Agreement") with Evercore Group L.L.C. ("Evercore") to establish an "at-the-market equity offering" program ("ATM Program"), pursuant to which the Company may offer and sell, from time to time, through Evercore, shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.001 per share, having an aggregate offering price of up to $40.0 million. As of December 28, 2025, the Company had not issued or sold any shares under the ATM Program, which the Company voluntarily terminated on February 23, 2026. The cost to establish this program was $0.5 million, comprised of legal and other regulatory fees, and is included in the proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of stock issuance costs of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.

On December 3, 2024 the Company entered into an Equity Purchase Agreement with JCP Investment Management, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, "JCP") and Jumana Capital, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, "Jumana," and together with the JCP Parties, the "Investor Parties"), pursuant to which the Investor Parties purchased an aggregate of 1,600,909 shares of Common Stock, at a purchase price of $5.19 per share, resulting in $8.3 million in gross proceeds.

On August 9, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an increase to the Company's share repurchase program of approximately $21 million to a total of $75 million of the Company's common stock. The increased share repurchase authorization became effective on August 9, 2018 and will terminate upon completing repurchases of $75 million of common stock unless otherwise terminated by the board. Purchases under the repurchase program may be made in open market or privately negotiated transactions. Purchases may be made from time to time at the Company's discretion, and the timing and amount of any share repurchases will be determined based on share price, market conditions, legal requirements, and other factors. The repurchase program does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock, and the Company may suspend or discontinue the repurchase program at any time. In fiscal 2025, the Company did not repurchase any shares under its share repurchase program. From the date of the current program approval through December 28, 2025, we have repurchased a total of 1,088,588 shares at an average price of $15.18 per share for an aggregate amount of $16.5 million. Accordingly, as of December 28, 2025, we had $58.5 million of availability under the current share repurchase program.

 **14. Stock Incentive Plans**

In May 2024, the Company's stockholders approved the 2024 Performance Incentive Plan (the "2024 Stock Plan"). Following the date of approval, all grants are made under the 2024 Stock Plan and no new awards may be granted under the Second Amended and Restated 2017 Performance Incentive Plan (the "2017 Stock Plan"). The 2024 Stock Plan authorizes the issuance of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units, performance stock units, and other forms of awards granted or denominated in the Company common stock or unit of the Company's common stock, as well as cash performance awards pursuant to the plan. Persons eligible to receive awards under the 2024 Stock Plan include officers, employees, directors, consultants, contractors, and other service providers or any affiliate of the Company. The maximum number of shares of the Company's common stock that may be issued or transferred pursuant to awards granted under the 2024 Stock Plan is 2,072,163 shares.

As of December 28, 2025, 253,675 and 2,227,091 options and awards to acquire the Company's common stock remained outstanding under the 2017 Stock Plan and the 2024 Stock Plan, respectively.

Stock-based compensation costs recognized in general and administrative for fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023 were $5.6 million, $6.9 million, and $6.3 million, respectively. Total stock-based compensation costs, inclusive of amounts recognized in labor and other (gains) charges, net for fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023 were $1.5 million, $7.0 million, and $6.9 million, respectively, with related income tax benefits of $0.6 million, $0.5 million, and $0.8 million, respectively.

As of December 28, 2025, there was $4.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost, excluding estimated forfeitures. Unrecognized compensation costs are expected to be recognized over the weighted average remaining vesting period of approximately 0.73 years for the restricted stock units ("RSU") and 1.90 years for the performance stock units ("PSU"). There is no unrecognized compensation cost for stock options in the year ended December 28, 2025.

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**Time-Based RSUs**

During fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company issued time-based restricted stock units ("RSUs") to certain participants. The RSUs granted to employees typically vest in equal installments over three to four years. For the Company's non-employee directors, RSUs vest in full on the later of fifty weeks following the date of grant and the Company's next annual meeting of stockholders. Upon vesting, one share of the Company's common stock is issued for each RSU. The fair value of each RSU granted is equal to the market price of the Company's stock at the date of grant, and expense is recognized straight line over the vesting period.

The table below summarizes the activity of the Company's time-based restricted stock units (shares in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Restricted Stock Units** | **Restricted Stock Units** |
| | **Shares** | **Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (per share)** |
| Outstanding, December 29, 2024 | 1037 | $8.05 |
| Awarded | 1610 | 3.79 |
| Forfeited | (965) | 5.66 |
| Vested | (443) | 8.23 |
| Outstanding, December 28, 2025 | 1239 | $4.30 |

---

**Performance Stock Units**

During fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company granted performance-based stock unit awards ("PSUs") to certain employees. Each PSU represents the right to receive one share of the Company's common stock on the vesting date.

The PSU awards use a performance metric based on relative total stockholder return defined as increases in the Company's stock price during a performance period of three years as compared to the total stockholder return of a group of peer companies. Expense is recorded to general and administrative expenses on a straight-line basis over the performance period based on the fair value of shares as determined by a Monte Carlo simulation on the grant date. PSUs remain unvested until the last day of the three-year performance period and are generally forfeited in the event of termination of employment of a grantee prior to the last day of the three-year performance period. If the relative total stockholder return target is not met, then the compensation cost for these PSUs is not reversed.

The table below summarizes the activity of the Company's performance stock units (shares in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Performance Stock Units** | **Performance Stock Units** |
| | **Shares** | **Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (per share)** |
| Outstanding, December 29, 2024 | 936 | $13.62 |
| Awarded | 1557 | 0.99 |
| Forfeited | (875) | 9.20 |
| Vested |  |  |
| Outstanding, December 28, 2025 | 1618 | $2.79 |

---

The fair value of PSUs was estimated on the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model with the following assumptions:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Year of Grant** | **Fiscal Year of Grant** | **Fiscal Year of Grant** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Volatility | 66.8% | 66.2% | 76.1% |
| Risk-free interest rate | 4.0% | 4.8% | 3.8% |
| Expected life (years) | 2.60 | 2.60 | 2.78 |
| Fair value of market-based awards granted | $3.38 | $9.11 | $18.95 |

---

**Phantom Performance Stock Units**

During fiscal 2025, the Company granted phantom performance stock unit awards ("PPSUs") to certain employees. Each PPSU represents the right to receive either one share of the Company's common stock upon vesting or the cash equivalent on that date. The PPSUs use a performance metric based on relative total stockholder return defined as increases in the Company's

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stock price during a performance period of three years as compared to the total stockholder return of a group of peer companies. PPSUs remain unvested until the last day of the three-year performance period and are generally forfeited in the event of termination of employment of a grantee prior to the last day of the three-year performance period. The option to settle the PPSUs in common stock or cash upon vesting is at the sole discretion of the Company. While the Company may opt to settle any earned PPSUs with common stock, as of December 28, 2025, the PPSUs were liability-classified awards due to the lack of available shares under the 2024 Stock Plan. The PPSUs are included within other non-current liabilities on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The fair value of each PPSU granted is determined using a Monte Carlo valuation model and is remeasured at each reporting date until settlement. Compensation expense is recognized or reversed on each remeasurement date based on the change in fair value of the PPSUs between remeasurement periods, pro-rated based on the remaining term to vest.

The table below summarizes the status of the Company's phantom performance stock units under the 2024 Stock Plan (shares in thousands):

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Phantom Performance Stock Units** | **Phantom Performance Stock Units** |
| | **Shares** | **Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value (per share)** |
| Outstanding, December 29, 2024 |  | $— |
| Awarded | 477 | 8.40 |
| Forfeited | (190) | 8.40 |
| Vested |  |  |
| Outstanding, December 28, 2025 | 287 | $8.40 |

---

The following table summarizes the key inputs and valuation assumptions used in determining the fair value of the Company's PPSU awards as of December 28, 2025:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **Fiscal Year of Grant** | **Fiscal Year of Grant** | **Fiscal Year of Grant** |
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Volatility | 77.9% | N/A | N/A |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.5% | N/A | N/A |
| Expected life (years) | 2.01 | N/A | N/A |
| Fair value of market-based awards granted | $6.13 | N/A | N/A |

---

**Long-Term Cash Incentive Plan**

Beginning in 2020, the long-term cash incentive plan is based on relative total stockholder return defined as increases in the Company's stock price during a performance period of three years as compared to the total stockholder return of a group of peer companies. Compensation expense is recognized variably over the 3-year performance period. All long-term cash incentive awards cliff vest after three years at the end of each performance cycle. In fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, the Company recorded $(0.1) million, $(0.1) million, and $(0.1) million, respectively, in compensation (benefit) expense to general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) related to the 2020 long-term cash incentive plan. The amounts recorded in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023 included the reversal of the expense related to 2023, 2022, and 2021 grants for which performance targets were not fully achieved.

During fiscal years 2025 and 2024, there were no long-term cash incentive plan payouts. At December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, a $0.2 million and $0.3 million long-term cash incentive plan liability was included in accrued payroll and payroll-related liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

**15. Employee Benefit Programs**

**Employee Deferred Compensation Plan**

In fiscal 2025 and prior years, the Company offered a deferred compensation plan that permitted key employees and other members of management defined as highly compensated employees under the IRS code to defer portions of their compensation in a pre-tax savings vehicle that allows for retirement savings above 401(k) limits. Under this plan, eligible team members could elect to defer up to 75% of their base salary and up to 100% of variable compensation and commissions each plan year.

The Company terminated its deferred compensation plan effective October 23, 2025, with no new deferral election allowed. All assets will be fully distributed by the end of fiscal 2026. Given the termination of the deferred compensation plan

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and scheduled distribution within the next fiscal year, the plan's assets and liabilities have been classified as current in the December 28, 2025 Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The assets of the deferred compensation plan are currently held in a rabbi trust, where they are invested in certain mutual funds that cover an investment spectrum ranging from equities to money market instruments and are available to satisfy the claims of the Company's creditors in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency. These mutual funds have published market prices and are reported at fair value. See Note 9. Fair Value Measurements. Changes in the market value of the investments held in the trust result in the recognition of a corresponding gain or loss reported in interest (income) and other, net in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss). A corresponding change in the liability associated with the deferred compensation plan results in an offsetting deferred compensation expense, or reduction of expense, reported in General and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

As of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, $0.0 million and $1.7 million of deferred compensation assets were included in Other assets, net, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, $1.9 million and $0.1 million of this deferred compensation was included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

As of December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024, $0.0 million and $1.7 million of deferred compensation plan liabilities were included in Other non-current liabilities in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. As of December 28, 2025, and December 29, 2024, $1.9 million and $0.1 million of this deferred compensation was included in Accrued liabilities and other in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.

**Employee Stock Purchase Plan**

As of December 28, 2025, there were 600,000 shares authorized to be granted under the Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP Plan"). During fiscal 2025, the Company issued a total of 105,534 shares under the ESPP Plan with 121,269 shares available for future issuance. During fiscal 2024, the Company issued a total of 42,592 shares under the ESPP Plan. Under the ESPP Plan, eligible team members may voluntarily contribute up to 15% of their salary, subject to limitations, to purchase common stock at a price equal to 85% of the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock on the first day of each offering period or 85% of the fair market value of a share of the Company's common stock on the last day of each offering period, whichever amount is less. In general, all of the Company's officers and team members who have been employed by the Company for at least one year and who are regularly scheduled to work more than 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in this plan, which operates in the successive six-month periods commencing on January 1 and July 1 of each fiscal year.

For fiscal 2025, in accordance with the guidance for accounting for stock compensation, the Company estimated the fair value of the shares granted pursuant to the stock purchase plan using the Black-Scholes multiple-option pricing model based on the following assumptions:

---

| | | | |
|:---|:---|:---|:---|
| | **2025** | **2024** | **2023** |
| Risk-free interest rate | 3.79% | 5.03% | 5.46% |
| Expected life in years | 0.50 | 0.50 | 0.50 |
| Expected volatility | 57.47% | 55.76% | 55.25% |
| Dividend yield | —% | —% | —% |
| Weighted average fair value per share at grant date | $0.92 | $0.93 | $1.72 |

---

**Employee Defined Contribution Plan**

The Company maintains a 401(k) Savings Plan ("401k Plan") which covers eligible team members who have satisfied the service requirements and reached 21 years of age. The 401k Plan, which qualifies under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, allows team members to defer specified percentages of their compensation on a pre-tax basis. The Company may make matching contributions in an amount determined by the Board of Directors. In addition, the Company may contribute each period, at its discretion, an additional amount from profits. In fiscal 2025, the Company made matching contributions in an amount equal to 100% of the first 3% of an employee's compensation and 50% on the next 2% of compensation. The Company matches contributions when the employee contribution is made, and the employer matching contributions are not subject to a vesting schedule. The Company recognized matching contribution expense of $3.3 million, $3.3 million, and $3.0 million in fiscal years 2025, 2024, and 2023, respectively.

**16. Acquisitions and Dispositions**

As of December 28, 2025, the land and building assets at one owned restaurant location were classified as held for sale. These long-lived assets had a total carrying amount of $2.3 million as of December 28, 2025, and were included in assets held

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for sale in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We expect to close on the sale of these assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2026. As the fair value of these assets was greater than their carrying amounts as of December 28, 2025, there was no gain or loss to record in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) until the transaction is closed.

As of December 29, 2024, the land and building assets at three owned restaurant locations were classified as held for sale. These long-lived assets had a total carrying amount of $4.3 million as of December 29, 2024, and were included in assets held for sale in our Consolidated Balance Sheets. We closed on the sale of these assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2025, which resulted in a gain on sale of $1.1 million recorded in our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss).

**17. Segment Reporting**

In accordance with ASC 280 - Segment Reporting, the Company uses the management approach for determining its reportable segments. The management approach is based upon the way that management reviews performance and allocates resources.

The Company had one operating and one reportable segment: restaurants. We manage our business activities on a consolidated basis, as Red Robin restaurants all have similar customers, sell similar products, and have a similar process to sell those products. We primarily derive our revenue in the United States through the sale of food and beverage through our Company-owned locations as well as earn royalties and fees from franchise restaurants. There have been no material changes to the accounting policies of the restaurant segment.

Our Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM") is our Chief Executive Officer. The Company measures segment profit using consolidated net income (loss). The CODM uses consolidated net income (loss), as reported on our Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss), in deciding whether to reinvest excess cash flow into the restaurant segment or into other parts of the Company. The CODM does not review assets in evaluating the results of the restaurant segment, and therefore, such information is not presented.

As Red Robin operated in one reportable operating segment, all required financial segment information is included in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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**Table of Contents**

**ITEM 9.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure**

None.

**ITEM 9A.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Controls and Procedures**

**Disclosure Controls and Procedures**

Our management evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act), as of the end of such period, are effective to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act are:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

**Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting**

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

**Management Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting**

Management of the Company is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) or 15d-15(f) promulgated under the Exchange Act. Those rules define internal control over financial reporting as a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and the receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• Provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisitions, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2025. In making this assessment, the Company's management used the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

Based on our assessment and those criteria, management has concluded that, as of December 28, 2025, the Company's internal control over financial reporting is effective.

Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an audit report on the Company's internal control over financial reporting included herein.

**Inherent Limitations of Internal Controls**

A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met and misstatements are prevented or detected. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs.

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.

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**Table of Contents**

**REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM**

To the stockholders and the Board of Directors of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.

**Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 28, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2025, based on criteria established in Internal Control — Integrated Framework (2013) issued by COSO.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated financial statements as of and for the period ended December 28, 2025, of the Company and our report dated February 25, 2026, expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements.

**Basis for Opinion**

The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying management's report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

**Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting**

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 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.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Denver, Colorado

February 25, 2026

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**Table of Contents**

**ITEM 9B.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Other Information**

***Securities Trading Plans of Directors and Executive Officers***

In fiscal 2025, none of our directors or officers adopted, modified, or terminated a "Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" or a "non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement" as such terms are defined under Item 408 of Regulation S-K.

***Item 1.02 Termination of a Material Definitive Agreement***

On February 23, 2026, the Company notified Evercore of the termination of the Distribution Agreement dated November 10, 2025 between the Company and Evercore, resulting in the termination of the Company's at-the-market equity offering program.

**ITEM 9C.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Disclosure Regarding Foreign Jurisdictions that Prevent Inspections**

None.

**PART III**

**ITEM 10.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance**

Our Board of Directors has adopted codes of ethics that apply to all of our directors, officers, and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and all of the finance team. The full text of our codes of ethics can be found on the governance page of our website at *ir.redrobin.com*. In the event we make any amendment to, or grant any waiver from, a provision of our codes of ethics that requires disclosure under applicable SEC rules, we will disclose such amendment or waiver and the reasons therefor on our website.

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in the proxy statement for our 2026 annual meeting of stockholders and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Certain information concerning our executive officers is included in Item 1 of Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K and is hereby incorporated by reference.

**ITEM 11.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive Compensation**

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**ITEM 12.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters**

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**ITEM 13.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence**

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

**ITEM 14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Principal Accounting Fees and Services**

Information relating to this item will be included in an amendment to this Annual Report on Form 10-K or in the 2026 Proxy Statement and is hereby incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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**PART IV**

**ITEM 15.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules**

(a)**Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1)Our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto are included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. See "Financial Statements and Supplementary Data - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. - Index" for more detail.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2)All financial schedules have been omitted either because they are not applicable or because the required information is provided in our Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto, included in Item 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3)Index to Exhibits

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** |
| <u>[(3.1)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465915042060/a15-13062_1ex3d1.htm)</u> | <u>[Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., dated as of May 28, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 29, 2015.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465915042060/a15-13062_1ex3d1.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(3.2)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000023/exhibit31rrgbfifthamendeda.htm)</u> | <u>[Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Fifth Amended and Restated Bylaws, as amended March 20, 2023. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 23, 2023.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000023/exhibit31rrgbfifthamendeda.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(4.1)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000101706202001170/dex41.txt)</u> | <u>[Specimen stock certificate. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on June 10, 2002.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000101706202001170/dex41.txt)</u> |
| <u>[(4.2)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex42.htm)</u> | <u>[Description of Capital Stock. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex42.htm)[on February 26, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex42.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001171759/000095014222000996/eh220231699_ex1001.htm)[1)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001171759/000095014222000996/eh220231699_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[Credit Agreement, dated March 4, 2022, by and among Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and Fortress Credit Corp., and the lenders party thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001171759/000095014222000996/eh220231699_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.2](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001171759/000095014222000996/eh220231699_ex1002.htm)[)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001171759/000095014222000996/eh220231699_ex1002.htm)</u> | <u>[Security Agreement, dated March 4, 2022, by and among Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., Red Robin International, Inc., Fortress Credit Corp., and the lenders party thereto. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 10, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0001171759/000095014222000996/eh220231699_ex1002.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000035/exhibit101amendmentno1date.htm)[3)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000035/exhibit101amendmentno1date.htm)</u> | <u>[Amendment No. 1, dated July 17, 2023, by and among Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., Red Robin International, Inc., Fortress Credit Corp., and the lenders party thereto, to Credit Agreement dated March 4, 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on July 19, 2023.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000035/exhibit101amendmentno1date.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex106.htm)[4](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex106.htm)[)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex106.htm)</u> | <u>[Amendment No. 2, dated August 21, 2024, by and among Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., Red Robin International, Inc., Fortress Credit Corp., and the lenders party thereto, to Credit Agreement dated March 4, 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex106.htm)[F](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex106.htm)[orm 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 22, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex106.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000042/rrgb-20241006xex101.htm)[5](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000042/rrgb-20241006xex101.htm)[)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000042/rrgb-20241006xex101.htm)</u> | <u>[Amendment No. 3, dated November 4, 2024, by and among Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., Red Robin International, Inc., Fortress Credit Corp., and the lenders party thereto, to Credit Agreement dated March 4, 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 6, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000042/rrgb-20241006xex101.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000162828025051046/rrgb-20251005xex102.htm)[6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000162828025051046/rrgb-20251005xex102.htm)[)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000162828025051046/rrgb-20251005xex102.htm)</u> | <u>[Amendment No. 4, dated November 7, 2025, by and among Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., Red Robin International, Inc., Fortress Credit Corp., and the lenders party thereto, to Credit Agreement dated March 4, 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on November 11, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000162828025051046/rrgb-20251005xex102.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014224002872/eh240546757_ex1001.htm)[7](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014224002872/eh240546757_ex1001.htm)[)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014224002872/eh240546757_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[Cooperation Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2024, by and among Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., JCP Parties, and Jumana Parties. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 3, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014224002872/eh240546757_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014224002872/eh240546757_ex1002.htm)[8](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014224002872/eh240546757_ex1002.htm)[)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014224002872/eh240546757_ex1002.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Equity Purchase Agreement, dated as of December 3, 2024, by and among Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., JCP Parties, and Jumana Parties. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 3, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014224002872/eh240546757_ex1002.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000101706202001381/ds1a.htm)[9](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000101706202001381/ds1a.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000101706202001381/ds1a.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and each of our directors and certain executive officers. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Amendment No. 3 of our Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed on July 12, 2002 (Registration No. 333-87044).](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000101706202001381/ds1a.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175916000014/rrgb-20151227xexx1016.htm)[10](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175916000014/rrgb-20151227xexx1016.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175916000014/rrgb-20151227xexx1016.htm)</u> | <u>[Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Deferred Compensation Plan as Amended and Restated on December 15, 2015. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 19, 2016.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175916000014/rrgb-20151227xexx1016.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465923040839/tm231816d2_def14a.htm#tRRGB)[11](http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465923040839/tm231816d2_def14a.htm#tRRGB)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465923040839/tm231816d2_def14a.htm#tRRGB)</u> | <u>[Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan as amended. Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 3, 2023.](http://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465923040839/tm231816d2_def14a.htm#tRRGB)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014223002315/eh230394902_ex1001.htm)[12](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014223002315/eh230394902_ex1001.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014223002315/eh230394902_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Executive Severance Plan. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our amended Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August 29, 2023.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014223002315/eh230394902_ex1001.htm)</u> |

---

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** |
| <u>[(10.1](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746911003944/a2203317zdef14a.htm#la78901_appendix_a)[3](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746911003944/a2203317zdef14a.htm#la78901_appendix_a)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746911003944/a2203317zdef14a.htm#la78901_appendix_a)</u> | <u>[Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2007 Performance Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 21, 2011.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746911003944/a2203317zdef14a.htm#la78901_appendix_a)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000144530514002326/rrgb-20140420xex101.htm)[1](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000144530514002326/rrgb-20140420xex101.htm)[4](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000144530514002326/rrgb-20140420xex101.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000144530514002326/rrgb-20140420xex101.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Second Amended and Restated 2007 Performance Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 23, 2014.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000144530514002326/rrgb-20140420xex101.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)[1](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)[5](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)[)](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)</u> | <u>[Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2017 Performance Incentive Plan (](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)[a](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)[s](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)[a](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)[mended). Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 5, 2021.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000104746921000851/a2243126zdef14a.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.1](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1040.htm)[6](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1040.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1040.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2017 Performance Incentive Plan Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.40 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1040.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.1](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1041.htm)[7](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1041.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1041.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2017 Performance Incentive Plan Cash Performance Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.41 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1041.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.1](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1042.htm)[8](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1042.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1042.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2017 Performance Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1042.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.1](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1043.htm)[9](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1043.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1043.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2017 Performance Incentive Plan Nonqualified Stock Option Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.43 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 25, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000008/rrgb-20191229xex1043.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000033/rrgb-20200419xex106.htm)[20](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000033/rrgb-20200419xex106.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000033/rrgb-20200419xex106.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2017 Performance Incentive Plan Performance Stock Unit Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on June 10, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000033/rrgb-20200419xex106.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000033/rrgb-20200419xex107.htm)[21](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000033/rrgb-20200419xex107.htm)[)\*](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000033/rrgb-20200419xex107.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2017 Performance Incentive Plan Cash Performance Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on June 10, 2020.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175920000033/rrgb-20200419xex107.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465924043628/tm242658-4_def14a.htm)[22](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465924043628/tm242658-4_def14a.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465924043628/tm242658-4_def14a.htm)</u> | <u>[Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan. Incorporated by reference to Appendix A to our Definitive Proxy Statement filed on April 4, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000110465924043628/tm242658-4_def14a.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex102.htm)[23](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex102.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex102.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan Performance Stock Unit (PSU) Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 22, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex102.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex103.htm)[24](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex103.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex103.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan Restricted Stock Unit (RSU) Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 22, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex103.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex104.htm)[25](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex104.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex104.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan Cash Performance Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 22, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex104.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex105.htm)[26](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex105.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex105.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan Nonemployee Director Restricted Stock Unit (Dire](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex105.htm)[c](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex105.htm)[tor RSU)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex105.htm)[Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 22, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000033/rrgb-20240714xex105.htm)</u> |
| <u>[10.27\*](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)</u> | <u>[F](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)[orm of Red Robin](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)[Gourmet](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)[Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incen](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)[tive Plan](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)[Nonemployee Director Restricted Stock Unit (Director RSU) Award Agreement,](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)[as amended](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)[.](rrgb-20251228xex1027.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000028/rrgb-20250713xex103.htm)[2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000028/rrgb-20250713xex103.htm)[8](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000028/rrgb-20250713xex103.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000028/rrgb-20250713xex103.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan Phantom Unit (Phantom PSU) Award Agreement. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on August 14, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000028/rrgb-20250713xex103.htm)</u> |
| <u>[1](rrgb-20251228xex1029.htm)[0.29\*](rrgb-20251228xex1029.htm)</u> | <u>[Form of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan](rrgb-20251228xex1029.htm)[Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR)](rrgb-20251228xex1029.htm)[Award Agreement](rrgb-20251228xex1029.htm)[.](rrgb-20251228xex1029.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222002176/eh220269966_ex1001.htm)[30](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222002176/eh220269966_ex1001.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222002176/eh220269966_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[Offer Letter by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and G.J. Hart, dated July 13, 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222002176/eh220269966_ex1001.htm)[on July 14, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222002176/eh220269966_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)[10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)[31](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)</u> | <u>[S](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)[eparation and Transition Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)[, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., and G.J. Hart, dated April 24, 2025. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)[April](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)[2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)[4, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1002.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222003063/eh220301642_ex1001.htm)[3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222003063/eh220301642_ex1001.htm)[2](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222003063/eh220301642_ex1001.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222003063/eh220301642_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[Employment Agreement, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and Todd Wilson, dated November 3, 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222003063/eh220301642_ex1001.htm)[on November 3, 2022.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014222003063/eh220301642_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000015/exhibit1039employmentagree.htm)[3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000015/exhibit1039employmentagree.htm)[3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000015/exhibit1039employmentagree.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000015/exhibit1039employmentagree.htm)</u> | <u>[Employment Agreement, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and Sarah Mussetter, dated October 28, 2022. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.39 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000015/exhibit1039employmentagree.htm)[on February 28, 2023.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000015/exhibit1039employmentagree.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000031/exhibit101redrobin-kevinma.htm)[3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000031/exhibit101redrobin-kevinma.htm)[4](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000031/exhibit101redrobin-kevinma.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000031/exhibit101redrobin-kevinma.htm)</u> | <u>[Employment Agreement, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and Kevin Mayer, dated April 20, 2023. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000031/exhibit101redrobin-kevinma.htm)[on May 24, 2023.](http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175923000031/exhibit101redrobin-kevinma.htm)</u>  |

---

------

**Table of Contents**

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit<br>Number** | **Description** |
| <u>[(](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[5](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[S](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[everance Agreement, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and Kevin Mayer, effe](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[ctive March 1, 202](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[5. Incorporated by reference](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[to Exhibit 10.1 to our amended Current Report on Form 8-K filed on Marc](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)[h 6, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225000644/eh250599621_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex1030.htm)[10.3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex1030.htm)[6](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex1030.htm)[)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex1030.htm)[\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex1030.htm)</u> | <u>[Employment Agreement, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and Meghan Spuler, dated November 25, 2023.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex1030.htm)[Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 26, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex1030.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[7](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[S](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[everance Agreement](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and Meghan Spuler,](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[effective](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[August 27, 2025. Incorporated by reference to](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q dated November 1](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)[0, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002328/eh250672714_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1001.htm)[3](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1001.htm)[8](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1001.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[Offer Letter, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. and David A. Pace, dated April 24, 2025. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 24, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225001161/eh250618999_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[1](rrgb-20251228xex1039.htm)[0.3](rrgb-20251228xex1039.htm)[9](rrgb-20251228xex1039.htm)[\*](rrgb-20251228xex1039.htm)</u> | <u>[E](rrgb-20251228xex1039.htm)[mployment Agreement, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.](rrgb-20251228xex1039.htm)[and Humera Kassem,](rrgb-20251228xex1039.htm)[dated August 21, 2025.](rrgb-20251228xex1039.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[40](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[E](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[mployment Agreement, by and between Red](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[and Je](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[sse Griffith, effe](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[cti](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[ve November 3, 2025. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[Form 8-K filed](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)[on November 5, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225002895/eh250701813_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)[10.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)[41](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)[)\*](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)</u> | <u>[Independent Contractor Agreement, by and between Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)[and Christopher Meyer, effe](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)[ctive November 28, 20](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)[25. Incorporated by](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)[reference to Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 1, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000095014225003093/eh250710104_ex1001.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(19)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex19.htm)</u> | <u>[Insider Trading Policy. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 19 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed on February 26, 2025.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175925000012/rrgb-20241229xex19.htm)</u> |
| <u>[21.1](rrgb-20251228xex211.htm)</u> | <u>[List of Subsidiaries.](rrgb-20251228xex211.htm)</u> |
| <u>[23.1](rrgb-20251228xex231.htm)</u> | <u>[Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.](rrgb-20251228xex231.htm)</u> |
| <u>[31.1](rrgb-20251228xex311.htm)</u> | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.](rrgb-20251228xex311.htm)</u> |
| <u>[31.2](rrgb-20251228xex312.htm)</u> | <u>[Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of](rrgb-20251228xex312.htm)[Interim](rrgb-20251228xex312.htm)[Chief Financial Officer.](rrgb-20251228xex312.htm)</u> |
| <u>[32.1](rrgb-20251228xex321.htm)</u> | <u>[Section 1350 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and](rrgb-20251228xex321.htm)[Interim](rrgb-20251228xex321.htm)[Chief Financial Officer.](rrgb-20251228xex321.htm)</u> |
| <u>[(97.1)](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000011/rrgb-2023x1231xex971xclawb.htm)</u> | <u>[Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Clawback Policy. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 97.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 28, 2024.](https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1171759/000117175924000011/rrgb-2023x1231xex971xclawb.htm)</u> |
| 101 | The following financial information from the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. for the year ended December 28, 2025, formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 28, 2025 and December 29, 2024; (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023; (iii) Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit) for the years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023; (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 28, 2025, December 29, 2024, and December 31, 2023; and (v) the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements. |

---

()&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Exhibits previously filed in the Company's periodic filings as specifically noted.

\*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Executive compensation plans and arrangements.

**Item 16. Form 10-K Summary**

None.

------

**Table of Contents**

**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.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| | RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.<br>(Registrant) | RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.<br>(Registrant) |
| February 25, 2026 | By: | /s/ David Pace |
| (Date) |  | David Pace<br> *(Chief Executive Officer)* |

---

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities 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.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **<u>Signature</u>** | **<u>Title</u>** | **<u>Date</u>** |
| /s/ DAVID PACE | President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 25, 2026 |
| David Pace | President, Chief Executive Officer, and Director (Principal Executive Officer) | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER MEYER | Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | February 25, 2026 |
| Christopher Meyer | Interim Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ ANTHONY ACKIL | Chairman of the Board | February 25, 2026 |
| Anthony Ackil | Chairman of the Board | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ TOM CONFORTI | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| Tom Conforti | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ STEVEN K. LUMPKIN | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| Steven K. Lumpkin | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ CHRISTOPHER R. MARTIN | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| Christopher R. Martin | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ ALLISON PAGE | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| Allison Page | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ JAMES C. PAPPAS | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| James C. Pappas | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ NICOLE M. REGAN | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| Nicole M. Regan | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| /s/ ANDDRIA VARNADO | Director | February 25, 2026 |
| Anddria Varnado | Director | February 25, 2026 |

---

## Exhibit 10.27

**Exhibit 10.27**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**<br>**2024 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN**<br>**RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT GRANT AGREEMENT** <br>**(NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTORS)**<br>

**Name:** <br>**Participant ID:** <br>**Address1:** <br>**Address2:** <br>**City:** <br>**State:** <br>**Zip Code:** <br>**Award No.:** <br>**Plan: 2024**<br>

This Restricted Stock Unit Grant Agreement (this "<u>Award Agreement</u>") between RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC. (the "<u>Corporation</u>") and _________________________ (the "<u>Participant</u>") is dated effective _________________________ (the "<u>Date of Grant</u>").

**RECITALS**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A. The Board of Directors has adopted, and the stockholders have approved, the Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan, as may be amended from time to time (the "<u>Plan</u>");

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;B. The Plan provides for the granting of restricted stock unit awards to eligible participants as determined by the Committee; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;C. The Committee has determined that Participant is a person eligible to receive a restricted stock unit award under the Plan and has determined that it would be in the best interest of the Corporation to grant the restricted stock unit award provided for herein.

**AGREEMENT**

1. <u>Grant of Restricted Stock Units</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) <u>Award</u>. Pursuant to the Plan, Participant is hereby awarded <u>%%TOTAL_SHARES_GRANTED%-%</u> restricted stock units (the "<u>Stock Units</u>"), subject to the conditions of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Each Stock Unit represents the right to receive one share of Stock on the vesting schedule set forth below. Unless and until the Stock Units vest, Participant shall have no right to receive shares of Stock under such Stock Units.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) <u>Plan Incorporated</u>. Participant acknowledges receipt of a copy of the Plan, and agrees that this award of Stock Units shall be subject to all of the terms and conditions set forth in the Plan, including future amendments thereto, if any, pursuant to the terms thereof, which Plan is incorporated herein by reference as a part of this Award Agreement. Except as defined herein, capitalized terms shall have the same meanings ascribed to them under the Plan.

2. <u>Vesting and Payment</u>.

------

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a) Except as otherwise provided herein, Participant shall vest in his or her rights under the Stock Units on the later to occur of (i) 50 weeks following the Date of Grant, and (ii) the date of the next annual meeting of the Corporation's stockholders (such date being referred to herein as the "<u>Vesting Date</u>").

Notwithstanding the foregoing, vesting pursuant to the foregoing schedule shall occur on the Vesting Date only if Participant provides continuous services to the Corporation from the Date of Grant to such Vesting Date. Upon vesting, the Corporation shall deliver to Participant a number of shares of Stock equal to the aggregate number of Stock Units that vested, with such delivery to occur within 30 days of the Vesting Date; provided, however, that if Participant has made a timely election to defer the receipt of shares of Stock in accordance with the procedures established by the Board of Directors, and in a manner that complies with Section 409A of the Code, then the delivery of such shares shall be made in accordance with the terms of such election.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b) Any unvested Stock Units shall vest, and the Corporation shall deliver to Participant shares of Stock equal to the aggregate number of Stock Units still outstanding in a lump sum, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control Event. For purposes of this Award Agreement, the term "Change in Control Event" shall include only a transaction that would constitute a "change in ownership or effective control or in the ownership of a substantial portion of the assets" of the Corporation under Code Section 409A.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(c) Except as provided in Section 2(d) below, if Participant ceases to provide services to the Corporation at any time prior to the Vesting Date and prior to a Change in Control Event, all unvested Stock Units shall be cancelled immediately on the date that Participant's service is terminated, and Participant shall cease to have any right or entitlement to receive any shares of Stock under such cancelled Stock Units.

&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) Notwithstanding any other provision of this Award Agreement, in accordance with Section 3.1(h) of the Plan, the Committee may, in its discretion, waive the vesting requirements.

3. <u>Issuance and Limits on Transferability</u>. As soon as administratively practicable following the vesting of the Stock Units in accordance with Section 2, the Company shall enter the Participant on its books and records as the owner of such number of shares equal to the number of vested Stock Units. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Award Agreement, the issuance or delivery of any shares of Stock may be postponed for such period as may be required to comply with any requirements under any law or regulation applicable to the issuance or delivery of such shares. The Corporation shall not be obligated to issue or deliver any shares of Stock if the issuance or delivery thereof shall constitute a violation of any provision of any law or of any regulation of any governmental authority. Stock Units shall not be transferable except by will or the laws of descent and distribution or pursuant to a beneficiary designation, or as otherwise permitted by the Plan. No right or benefit hereunder shall in any manner be liable for or subject to any debts, contracts, liabilities, or torts of Participant. Participant agrees that the Stock Units will not be sold or otherwise disposed of in any manner that would constitute a violation of any applicable federal or state securities laws. Any purported assignment, alienation, pledge, attachment, sale, transfer or other encumbrance of Stock Units that does not satisfy the requirements of this Award Agreement and the Plan shall be void and unenforceable against the Corporation.

4. <u>Stockholder Rights</u>. Participant shall not have any stockholder rights, including voting or dividend rights, with respect to the shares of Stock subject to the Stock Units until any such shares are delivered pursuant to Section 2.

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5. <u>Tax Consideration</u>. The Corporation has advised Participant to seek Participant's own tax and financial advice with regard to the federal and state tax considerations resulting from Participant's receipt of Stock Units pursuant to this Award Agreement. Participant understands that the Corporation will report to appropriate taxing authorities the payment to Participant of compensation income upon the payment of the shares of Stock. Participant understands that he or she is solely responsible for the payment of any federal and state taxes resulting from this grant of Stock Units.

6. <u>Binding Effect</u>. This Award Agreement shall bind Participant and the Corporation and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees.

7. <u>Applicable Law</u>. This Award Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder.

8. <u>Conflicts and Interpretation</u>. In the event of any conflict between this Award Agreement and the Plan, the Plan shall control. Participant agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this Award Agreement. Participant acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan, the prospectus for the Plan, and this Award Agreement. In the event of any ambiguity in this Award Agreement, or any matters as to which this Award Agreement is silent, the Plan shall govern including, without limitation, the provisions thereof pursuant to which the Committee has the power, among others, to (i) interpret the Plan, (ii) prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the Plan and (iii) make all other determinations deemed necessary or advisable for the administration of the Plan.

9. <u>Amendment</u>. The Corporation may modify, amend or waive the terms of this Award Agreement, prospectively or retroactively, but no such modification, amendment or waiver shall impair the rights of Participant without his or her consent, except as required by applicable law, NASDAQ or stock exchange rules, tax rules or accounting rules. Prior to the effectiveness of any modification, amendment or waiver required by tax or accounting rules, the Corporation will provide notice to Participant and the opportunity for Participant to consult with the Corporation regarding such modification, amendment or waiver. The waiver by either party of compliance with any provision of this Award Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this Award Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by such party of a provision of this Award Agreement.

10. <u>Compliance with Code section 409A</u>. The Stock Units granted under this Award Agreement are intended to be exempt from the requirements of Code Section 409A as "short-term deferrals" and the provisions herein shall be interpreted accordingly.

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**, a Delaware corporation

By: /s/ <u>___________________</u>

Title: <u>___________________</u>

## Exhibit 10.29

**Exhibit 10.29**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**2024 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN**

**STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT**

**THIS STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT** (this "**SAR Agreement**") by and between **RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**, a Delaware corporation (the "**Company**"), and _______________________ ("**Grantee**") evidences the stock appreciation right (the "**SAR**") granted by the Company to Grantee as to the number of underlying shares of the Company's Common Stock, the Award (Grant) Date, the Grant (Exercise) Price per share, the Expiration (Expiry) Date and the Vesting Schedule (collectively, the "**Grant Terms**"), all of which are set forth and described in this SAR Agreement.

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| |
|:---|
| **Date of Grant:** |
| **Strike Price Per Share**: |
| **Total Number of Shares Underlying the SAR**: |
| **Expiration Date of SAR**: |

---

**Vesting Schedule**:

The SAR is granted under the Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. 2024 Performance Incentive Plan, as may be amended time to time (the "**Plan**") and is subject to the Terms and Conditions of SAR (the "**Terms**") contained in this SAR Agreement and the Plan. The SAR has been granted to Grantee in addition to, and not in lieu of, any other form of compensation otherwise payable or to be paid to Grantee. Capitalized terms are defined in the Plan if not defined herein. Grantee acknowledges receipt of a copy of this SAR Agreement, the Plan, and the Prospectus for the Plan.

**TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SAR**

1. **<u>Vesting; Limits on Exercise.</u>**

The SAR may be exercised only to the extent the SAR is vested and exercisable. The SAR shall vest and become exercisable as set forth on the Vesting Schedule above.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• <u>Cumulative Exercisability</u>. To the extent that the SAR is vested and exercisable, Grantee has the right to exercise the SAR (to the extent not previously exercised), and such right shall continue, until the expiration or earlier termination of the SAR.

2. **<u>Continuance of Employment/Service Required; No Employment/Service Commitment</u>**.

The Vesting Schedule set forth in this SAR Agreement requires continued employment or service through each applicable vesting date or performance period as a condition to the vesting of the applicable installment of the SAR and the rights and benefits under this SAR Agreement. Employment or service for only a portion of the vesting period, even if a substantial portion, will not entitle Grantee to any proportionate vesting or avoid or mitigate a termination of rights and benefits upon or following a termination of employment or services as provided in Section 4 below or under the Plan.

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Nothing contained in this SAR Agreement or the Plan constitutes a continued employment or service commitment by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, affects Grantee's status, if he or she is an employee, as an employee at will who is subject to termination without cause, confers upon Grantee any right to remain employed by or in service to the Company or any Subsidiary, interferes in any way with the right of the Company or any Subsidiary at any time to terminate such employment or service, or affects the right of the Company or any Subsidiary to increase or decrease Grantee's other compensation. Grantee has no rights as a stockholder of the Company pursuant to this SAR Agreement.

3. **<u>Method of Exercise and Settlement of SAR.</u>**

Upon exercise of the SAR, the Company shall pay the product of (a) the number of shares of Company Common Stock subject to the portion of the SAR being exercised, multiplied by (b) the excess of the Fair Market Value of a share of Company Common Stock over the Strike Price, to Grantee in cash.

The SAR shall be exercisable by the delivery to the Secretary of the Company (or such other person as the Committee may require pursuant to such administrative exercise procedures as the Committee may implement from time to time) of:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• a written notice stating the number of shares of Common Stock underlying the portion of the SAR being exercised or by the completion of such other administrative exercise procedures as the Committee may require from time to time,

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• any written statements or agreements required by the Company; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• satisfaction of the tax withholding provisions of Section 6.1 of the Plan.

4. **<u>Early Termination/Acceleration of SAR.</u>**

1. **Termination of SAR upon a Termination of Grantee's Employment or Services**.

Subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the SAR, if Grantee ceases to be employed by or ceases to provide services to the Company or a Subsidiary, the following rules shall apply (the last day that Grantee is employed by or provides services to the Company or a Subsidiary is referred to as Grantee's "**Severance Date**"):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• other than as expressly provided below in this Section 4.1, (a) Grantee will have until the date that is _____________ months after his or her Severance Date to exercise the SAR (or portion thereof) to the extent that it was vested on the Severance Date, (b) the SAR, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the SAR, to the extent exercisable for the _____________ month period following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the _____________ month period;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• if the termination of Grantee's employment or services is the result of Grantee's death or Disability, then Grantee (or his beneficiary or personal representative, as the case may be) will have until the date that is 12 months after Grantee's Severance Date to exercise the SAR, (b) the SAR, to the extent not vested on the Severance Date, shall terminate on the Severance Date, and (c) the SAR, to the extent exercisable for the 12-month period

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following the Severance Date and not exercised during such period, shall terminate at the close of business on the last day of the 12-month period;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;• if Grantee's employment or services are terminated by the Company or a Subsidiary for Cause (as defined below), the SAR (whether vested or not) shall terminate on the Severance Date.

For purposes of the SAR, "**Cause**" means that Grantee:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(1) has been negligent in the discharge of his or her duties to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, has refused to perform stated or assigned duties or is incompetent in or (other than by reason of a disability or analogous condition) incapable of performing those duties;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(2) has been dishonest or committed or engaged in an act of theft, embezzlement or fraud, a breach of confidentiality, an unauthorized disclosure or use of inside information, customer lists, trade secrets or other confidential information; has breached a fiduciary duty, or willfully and materially violated any other duty, law, rule, regulation or policy of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor (other than minor traffic violations or similar offenses);

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(3) has materially breached any of the provisions of any agreement with the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(4) has engaged in unfair competition with, or otherwise acted intentionally in a manner injurious to the reputation, business or assets of, the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; has improperly induced a vendor or customer to enter into, break or terminate any contract with the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries; or has induced a principal for whom the Company, any of its Subsidiaries or any affiliate of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries acts as agent to terminate such agency relationship.

In all events the SAR is subject to earlier termination on the Expiration Date of the SAR. The Committee shall be the sole judge of whether Grantee continues to render employment or services for purposes of this SAR Agreement.

5. **<u>Non-Transferability.</u>**

The SAR and any other rights of Grantee under this SAR Agreement or the Plan are nontransferable and exercisable only by Grantee, except as set forth in Section 4.2 of the Plan.

6. **<u>Withholding.</u>**

In order to comply with all applicable federal or state income tax laws or regulations, the Company may take such action as it deems appropriate to ensure that all applicable federal or state payroll, withholding, income or other taxes, which are the sole and absolute responsibility

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of Grantee, are withheld or collected from Grantee (including withholding from amounts otherwise payable in respect of the SAR).

7. **<u>Tax Consideration.</u>**

The Company has advised Grantee to seek Grantee's own tax and financial advice with regard to the federal and state tax considerations resulting from Grantee's receipt of SARs pursuant to this SAR Agreement. Grantee understands that the Company will report to appropriate taxing authorities the payment to Grantee of compensation income upon the exercise of the SAR. Grantee understands that he or she is solely responsible for the payment of all federal and state taxes resulting from this grant and exercise of the SAR. With respect to tax withholding amounts, the Company has all of the rights specified in Section 7 of this SAR Agreement and has no obligations to Grantee except as expressly stated in Section 7 of this SAR Agreement.

8. **<u>Non-Solicitation.</u>**

Grantee, for the twelve (12) month period immediately following the date of termination of Grantee's employment, shall not, either on his or her own account or jointly with or as a manager, agent, officer, employee, consultant, partner, joint venturer, owner, or shareholder, or otherwise on behalf of any other person, firm, or Company, directly or indirectly solicit or attempt to solicit away from the Company any of its employees or offer employment to any person who, on or during the six (6) months immediately preceding the date of such solicitation or offer, is or was an employee of the Company. Grantee agrees that the covenant set forth in this Section 8 is reasonable with respect to its duration, geographical area and scope. In the event that the geographic or temporal scope of the covenant contained herein or the nature of the business or activities restricted hereby shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to exceed the maximum restrictiveness such court deems enforceable, such provisions shall be deemed to be replaced herein by the maximum restriction deemed enforceable by such court.

9. **<u>Injunctive Relief.</u>**

The parties hereto agree that either party hereto would suffer irreparable harm from a breach by the other party of any of the covenants or agreements contained herein, for which there is no adequate remedy at law. Therefore, in the event of the actual or threatened breach by a party of any of the provisions of this SAR Agreement, the other party, and in the case of the Company, its respective successors or assigns, may, in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive or other relief (without the necessity of posting bond or security) in order to enforce compliance with, or prevent any violation of, the provisions hereof; and that, in the event of such breach or threat thereof by one party, the other party shall be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary injunction restraining the other party from engaging in activities prohibited hereby or such other relief as may be required to specifically enforce any of the covenants contained herein.

10. **<u>Notices.</u>**

Any notice to be given under the terms of this SAR Agreement shall be in writing and addressed to the Company at its principal office to the attention of the Secretary, and to Grantee at the

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address last reflected on the Company's payroll records (including via e-mail if Grantee is then employed by the Company), or at such other address as either party may hereafter designate in writing to the other. Any such notice (if not sent via e-mail) shall be delivered in person or shall be enclosed in a properly sealed envelope addressed as aforesaid, registered or certified, and deposited (postage and registry or certification fee prepaid) in a post office or branch post office regularly maintained by the United States Government. Any such notice shall be given only when received, but if Grantee is no longer employed by the Company or a Subsidiary, shall be deemed to have been duly given five business days after the date mailed in accordance with the foregoing provisions of this Section 10.

11. **<u>Plan.</u>**

The SAR and all rights of Grantee under this SAR Agreement are subject to, and Grantee agrees to be bound by, all of the terms and conditions of the Plan, incorporated herein by this reference. In the event of a conflict or inconsistency between the terms and conditions of this SAR Agreement and of the Plan, the terms and conditions of the Plan shall govern. Grantee agrees to be bound by the terms of the Plan and this SAR Agreement (including these Terms). Grantee acknowledges having read and understanding the Plan, the Prospectus for the Plan, and this SAR Agreement. Unless otherwise expressly provided in other sections of this SAR Agreement, provisions of the Plan that confer discretionary authority on the Board or the Committee do not and shall not be deemed to create any rights in Grantee unless such rights are expressly set forth herein or are otherwise in the sole discretion of the Board or the Committee so conferred by appropriate action of the Board or the Committee under the Plan after the date hereof.

12. **<u>Entire Agreement; Amendment.</u>**

Except as may otherwise be provided in any employment, severance or other agreement between the Company and Grantee, or any Company plan in which Grantee participates, the Terms and this SAR Agreement and the Plan together constitute the entire agreement and supersede all prior understandings and agreements, written or oral, of the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter hereof. The Company may modify, amend or waive the terms of the SAR, prospectively or retroactively, but no such modification, amendment or waiver shall impair the rights of Grantee without his or her consent, except as required by applicable law, NASDAQ or stock exchange rules, tax rules or accounting rules. The waiver by either party of compliance with any provision of this SAR Agreement shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any other provision of this SAR Agreement, or of any subsequent breach by such party of a provision of this SAR Agreement.

13. **<u>Governing Law.</u>**

This SAR Agreement shall be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without regard to conflict of law principles thereunder.

14. **<u>Effect of this Agreement.</u>**

This SAR Agreement shall bind Grantee and the Company and their beneficiaries, survivors, executors, administrators and transferees.

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15. **<u>Section Headings.</u>**

The section headings of this SAR Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to alter or affect any provision hereof.

16. **<u>Forfeiture</u>.**

Grantee must reimburse or forfeit to the Company any payment received or to be received hereunder by Grantee to the extent required by the clawback policy adopted by the Board of Directors.

17. **<u>Committee Administration</u>.**

The Committee has sole and exclusive responsibility for construing and interpreting this SAR Agreement and for resolving all questions arising under this SAR Agreement. Any decision or action taken by the Committee arising out of, or in connection with, the construction, administration, interpretation and effect of this SAR Agreement will be conclusive and binding upon all persons.

18. **<u>Severability</u>.**

The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision of this SAR Agreement will not affect the validity or enforceability of the other provisions of this SAR Agreement, which will remain in full force and effect. Moreover, if any provision is found to be excessively broad in duration, scope or covered activity, the provision will be construed so as to be enforceable to the maximum extent compatible with applicable law.

19. **<u>Compliance with Code Section 409A</u>.**

The SAR granted under this SAR Agreement is intended to be exempt from Section 409A of the Code. In administering this SAR Agreement, the Company shall interpret this SAR Agreement in a manner consistent with such exemption.

**IN WITNESS WHEREOF,** the Company has executed this Award Agreement as of the Date of Grant.

**Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.**

By: ___________________________

Its: ___________________________

## Exhibit 10.39

**Exhibit 10.39**

**EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT**

This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (this "<u>Agreement</u>") is made as of this 21st day of August 2025, by and between RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "<u>Company</u>"), and HUMERA KASSEM ("<u>Executive</u>").

**RECITAL**

**WHEREAS**, the parties desire to enter into this Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions for the employment relationship between Executive and the Company.

**NOW, THEREFORE**, in consideration of the promises and mutual covenants and agreements herein contained and intending to be legally bound hereby, the Company and Executive hereby agree as follows:

**AGREEMENT**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1.<u>Employment Period</u>.

&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)The Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., a Nevada corporation ("<u>RRI</u>"), hereby employs Executive, and Executive hereby accepts such employment, upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth. The term of Executive's employment hereunder shall commence on or about September 15, 2025 (such first day of employment, the "<u>Effective Date</u>"), and shall continue until otherwise terminated as provided herein (such term being referred to herein as the "<u>Employment Period</u>").

&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)Executive and the Company acknowledge that, except as may otherwise be provided by this Agreement or under any other written agreement between Executive and the Company, the employment of Executive by the Company and RRI is "at will" and Executive's employment may be terminated by either Executive or the Company at any time for any reason, or no reason, as long as consistent with applicable law. RRI shall be the "employer" for tax, legal reporting, payroll processing and similar purposes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2.<u>Position and Duties</u>.

&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)During the Employment Period, Executive shall be employed as and hold the title of Chief People Officer of the Company, with such duties, authorities and responsibilities that are customary for public company chief people officer positions. Executive shall report to the Company's Chief Executive Officer and shall interface with the Company's Board of Directors and the committees of the Board of Directors and their respective chairpersons from time to time (collectively, the "<u>Board</u>"). In addition, the Chief Executive Officer may assign Executive such duties and responsibilities that are not substantially inconsistent with her position as the Chief People Officer of the Company. Executive agrees to serve without additional compensation, if elected or appointed thereto, as a director or officer of any of the Company's subsidiaries.

&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)During the Employment Period, Executive shall devote substantially all of her skill, knowledge, and working time to the business and affairs of the Company and its subsidiaries; <u>provided</u> that in no event shall this sentence prohibit Executive from performing personal and charitable activities and any other activities approved in advance by the Board, so long as such activities do not materially interfere with Executive's duties for the Company or otherwise violate the terms and conditions of this Agreement or the Company's policies in effect

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from time to time. Executive shall perform her services at the Company's headquarters, presently located in Englewood, Colorado, and remotely pursuant to any remote work policies available to all executive officers, subject to reasonably required travel in connection with the performance of her services hereunder or as reasonably requested by the Board. Executive shall use her best efforts to carry out her responsibilities under this Agreement faithfully and efficiently.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3.<u>Compensation</u>.

&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)<u>Base Salary</u>. During the Employment Period, Executive shall receive from the Company an annual base salary ("<u>Annual Base Salary</u>") at the rate of $375,000, with such salary to be adjusted at such times, if any, and in such amounts as recommended by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board (the "<u>Compensation Committee</u>"). Executive's Annual Base Salary shall be subject to annual review by the Chief Executive Officer and the Compensation Committee during the Employment Period. The Annual Base Salary shall be paid in accordance with the Company's and RRI's normal payroll policy.

&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)<u>Si</u>g<u>n-On Bonus</u>. The Company agrees to pay Executive a one-time cash sign-on bonus of $50,000 (the "<u>Sign-On Bonus</u>"), subject to all required taxes and withholdings, to be paid on the first payroll period following the Effective Date. If Executive's employment with the Company is terminated as a result of Executive's resignation without Good Reason less than twelve (12) full months after the Effective Date, Executive agrees to repay the Company the full Sign-On Bonus. Executive further agrees that Executive will repay such amount by no later than thirty (30) days following the effective date of the employment termination, and that any outstanding balance on such repayment obligation is delinquent and immediately collectable the day following the effective date of termination.

&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)<u>Annual Incentive Compensation</u>. In addition to the Annual Base Salary, beginning in fiscal year 2025, Executive is eligible to receive an annual cash bonus each fiscal year during the Employment Period as determined in accordance with the Company's annual incentive plan as in effect from time to time and as approved by the Compensation Committee (the "<u>Annual Bonus</u>"). For fiscal year 2025, Executive's target Annual Bonus (the "<u>Target Bonus</u>") shall be sixty percent (60%) of Executive's Annual Base Salary, prorated on the basis of the number of days on which Executive is employed by the Company during fiscal year 2025. Such Target Bonus will be subject to adjustment by the Compensation Committee in fiscal year 2026 and later. The actual amount of any Annual Bonus shall depend on the level of achievement of the applicable performance criteria established with respect to the Annual Bonus by the Board and the Compensation Committee in their sole discretion. The Annual Bonus for each fiscal year shall be payable in accordance with the then-current annual incentive plan, but in no event later than March 15 of the following fiscal year.

&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)<u>Long-Term Incentive Awards</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)<u>Sign-On Equity Awards.</u> On the seventh day following the Effective Date (or, if not a trading day, on the first trading day immediately thereafter), Executive will receive grants (the "<u>Sign-On Equity Awards</u>") of time-vested restricted stock units ("<u>RSUs</u>") (A) having a target value of $50,000 vesting on the first anniversary of the grant date, subject to continued employment through the vesting date, and (B) having a target value of $152,386 vesting ratably over the first two anniversaries of the grant date, subject to continued employment through each such vesting date. The number of granted RSUs shall be determined by dividing the target value by the average closing price of one share of common stock of the Company over the thirty (30)-calendar day period prior to, and including, the date of the grant. The Sign-On Equity Awards

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shall be granted under and subject to all the terms and conditions of the Company's 2024 Performance Incentive 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;(ii)<u>Generally</u>. Beginning in fiscal year 2026, Executive shall have the opportunity to participate in the Company's long term incentive plan ("<u>LTIP</u>"). Executive's annual grant under the LTIP shall be subject to such terms as approved by the Board or the Compensation Committee from time to time in accordance with the Company's LTIP, but the LTIP grant for fiscal year 2026 shall have a target value equal to seventy percent (70%) of the Executive's Annual Base Salary. Executive's target value will be subject to adjustment by the Compensation Committee in fiscal year 2027 and later. Except as expressly provided herein, each such equity award shall be made in accordance with the Company's Equity Granting Policy. As an executive officer of the Company, Executive is subject to the Company's Ownership Guidelines (as defined in Section 12) as in effect from time to time, within the time period specified therein, which currently include a requirement for the Chief People Officer to own shares of common stock of the Company with a value equal to at least 3x Executive's Annual Base Salary.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)<u>Other Benefits</u>.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(i)<u>Welfare and Benefit Plans</u>. During the Employment Period: (A) Executive shall be entitled to participate in all incentive, savings and retirement plans, practices, policies and programs of the Company and RRI to the same extent as other senior executive employees, including, among other things, participation in the Company's Employee Stock Purchase Plan, after one year of continuous employment, and the Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan; and (B) Executive and/or Executive's family, as the case may be, shall be eligible to participate in, and shall receive all benefits under, all welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by the Company and RRI (including, to the extent provided, without limitation, medical, prescription, dental, disability, salary continuance, employee life insurance, group life insurance, accidental death and travel accident insurance plans and programs) to the same extent as other senior executive employees.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(ii)<u>Expenses</u>. During the Employment Period, Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for all reasonable travel and other expenses incurred by Executive in carrying out Executive's duties under this Agreement, <u>provided</u> that Executive complies with the policies, practices and procedures of the Company and RRI for submission of expense reports, receipts or similar documentation of the incurrence and purpose of such expenses.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(iii)<u>Paid Time Off</u>. Executive shall be entitled to holidays and paid time off per calendar year in accordance with the Company's holiday and paid time off policies applicable to similarly situated senior executives as in effect from time to time.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f)<u>Reservation of Rights</u>. Except as otherwise specifically agreed as to Executive in a separate agreement between the Company and Executive, the Company reserves the right to modify, suspend or discontinue any and all of the employee benefit plans, practices, policies and programs referenced in subsections 3(e)(i), (ii), and (iii) above at any time without recourse by Executive so long as such action is taken with respect to similarly situated senior executives generally and does not disproportionately adversely affect Executive.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4.<u>Termination</u>.

&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)<u>Executive Severance Plan</u>. Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Company's Executive Severance Plan (as in effect from time to time, the "Executive Severance Plan"), which provides for certain compensation and benefits in the event of certain qualifying terminations as set forth in the Executive Severance Plan, subject to the terms and conditions set forth therein, including a required release of claims, and agreement to certain restrictive

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covenants. For purposes of Executive's initial participation in the Executive Severance Plan, Executive shall have a "Change in Control Cash Severance Multiplier" of 1.0, a "Change in Control Benefits Continuation Period" of 12 months, a "Non-Change in Control Cash Severance Multiplier" of 1.0, a "Non-Change in Control Benefits Continuation Period" of 12 months, and a "Restricted Period" of 12 months in the event of a Change in Control Qualifying Termination or 12 months in the event of a Non-Change in Control Qualifying Termination (in each case, as such terms are defined in the Executive Severance Plan). Executive will receive a copy of the Executive Severance Plan separately from this Agreement and must execute a participation agreement to be entitled to the pay and benefits provided thereunder. Executive shall refer to the Executive Severance Plan for the full and complete terms and conditions thereof, including the amendment and termination provisions. Executive's participation shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the Executive Severance 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)<u>Death or Disability</u>. Executive's employment and all associated rights and benefits shall terminate automatically upon Executive's death. If the Company determines in good faith that the Disability of Executive has occurred, it may give to Executive written notice of its intention to terminate Executive's employment. In such event, Executive's employment with the Company shall terminate effective on the thirtieth (30th) day after receipt of such notice by Executive, provided that, within the thirty days after such receipt, Executive shall not have returned to full-time performance of her duties. If Executive's employment is terminated by reason of Executive's death or Disability, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive or her legal representatives under this Agreement, other than for (A) payment of the sum of (1) Executive's Annual Base Salary through the date of termination to the extent not theretofore paid and (2) reimbursement for any unreimbursed business expenses incurred through the date of termination which shall be paid in a lump sum in cash within thirty (30) days of the effective date of termination or such earlier date as may be required by law; (B) any payments, benefits or fringe benefits to which Executive shall be entitled under the terms of any applicable compensation arrangement or benefit, equity or fringe benefit plan or program or grant or this Agreement, which shall be paid at such times and in such forms as provided for by such plan, program or grant or such earlier date as may be required by law; (C) any Annual Bonus Earned but unpaid with respect to the fiscal year ending on or preceding the date of termination, which shall be paid in a lump sum in cash when such Annual Bonus payment is regularly paid to similarly situated executives (the payments and benefits described in clauses (A), (B), and (C) shall be hereinafter referred to as the "<u>Unpaid Obligations</u>"); and (D) payment of a pro rata share (determined on the basis of the number of days on which Executive was employed by the Company during the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurred) of the Annual Bonus that would otherwise have been Earned based on actual performance and been payable pursuant to Section 3(b) hereof had Executive continued to be employed by the Company for the entirety of the fiscal year in which the date of termination occurred, which shall be paid in a lump sum in cash when such Annual Bonus payment is regularly paid to similarly situated executives.

&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)<u>By the Company for Cause or Resi</u>g<u>nation other than with Good Reason</u>. If Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or Executive resigns from her position as Chief People Officer of the Company without Good Reason, this Agreement shall terminate without further obligations to Executive other than payment of the Unpaid Obligations as described in Section 4(b) (provided, that if Executive's employment is terminated for Cause, then the amount described in clause (C) of the Unpaid Obligations shall not be payable).

&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)<u>Exclusive Remedy</u>. Executive agrees that the payments contemplated by this Section 4 shall constitute the exclusive and sole remedy for any termination of her employment, and Executive covenants not to assert or pursue any other remedies, at law or in equity, with respect to any termination of employment; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that nothing contained in this Section 4 shall prevent Executive from otherwise challenging in a subsequent

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arbitration proceeding a determination by the Company that it was entitled to terminate Executive's employment hereunder for Cause.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)<u>Termination of Payments</u>. Anything in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, the Company may terminate all payments and benefits owing to Executive pursuant to this Section 4 upon the Company's discovery of any breach or threatened breach by Executive of her obligations under the general release or Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 of this Agreement after written notice to Executive, and, if curable, providing the Executive with thirty (30) days to cure. No payments shall be terminated during this cure period (if applicable).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f)<u>Resi</u>g<u>nation as Officer or Director Upon Termination</u>. Upon termination of Executive's employment with the Company for any reason whatsoever, Executive shall thereupon be deemed to have immediately resigned from any positions with the Company and all of its subsidiaries and affiliates, whether as an officer, director, employee, fiduciary or otherwise. In such event, Executive shall, at the request of the Company, execute any documents reasonably required to evidence such resignations.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(g)<u>Survival of Certain Obli</u>g<u>ations Following Termination</u>. Notwithstanding any other provision contained in this Agreement, the provisions in Sections 5 through 11 and 14 through 22 of this Agreement shall survive any termination of Executive's employment hereunder (but shall be subject to Executive's right to receive the payments and benefits provided under this Section 4).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5.<u>Confidential Information</u>. Except in the good-faith performance of her duties hereunder, Executive shall not disclose to any person or entity or use, any information not in the public domain, in any form, acquired by Executive while she was employed or associated with the Company or RRI or, if acquired following the termination of such association, such information which, to Executive's knowledge, has been acquired, directly or indirectly, from any person or entity owing a duty of confidentiality to the Company or RRI, relating to the Company or its business. Executive agrees and acknowledges that all of such information, in any form, and copies and extracts thereof are and shall remain the sole and exclusive property of the Company, and Executive shall on request return to the Company the originals and all copies of any such information provided to or acquired by Executive in connection with her association with the Company or RRI, and shall return to the Company all files, correspondence and/or other communications received, maintained and/or originated by Executive during the course of such association.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6.<u>Covenant Not to Compete</u>. Executive agrees that, for the period commencing on the Effective Date and ending twelve (12) months after the date of termination of Executive's employment with the Company (the "<u>Restrictive Period</u>"), Executive shall not directly or indirectly, either for herself or for, with or through any other Person, own, manage, operate, control, be employed by, participate in, loan money to or be connected in any manner with, or permit her name to be used by, either (i) any business that, in the reasonable judgment of the Board, competes with the Company and its subsidiaries in the burger-focused restaurant business in (x) the United States, (y) the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, or (z) any other country, province or territory in which the Company conducts business as of the date Executive's employment terminates, or (ii) the following casual dining and brew-centric restaurant concepts (and their successors): Five Guys, Chili's, Applebee's, Ruby Tuesday, TGIFridays, Texas Roadhouse, BJ's, Yardhouse, Millers Ale House and Brickhouse ("<u>Competitive Activity</u>"). In making its judgment as to whether any business is engaged in a Competitive Activity, the Board shall act in good faith, and shall first provide Executive with a reasonable opportunity to present such information as Executive may desire for the Board's consideration. For purposes of this Agreement, the term "participate" includes any direct or indirect interest, whether as an officer, director, employee, partner, sole proprietor, trustee, beneficiary, agent, representative, independent contractor, consultant, advisor, provider of

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personal services, creditor, owner (other than by ownership of less than five percent (5%) of the stock of a publicly-held corporation whose stock is traded on a national securities exchange).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7.<u>No Interference; Nondisparagement</u>.

&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)During the Restrictive Period, Executive shall not, without the prior written approval of the Company, directly or indirectly through any other Person (i) induce or attempt to induce any employee of the Company or RRI at the level of Assistant Store Manager or higher in restaurant operations or the level of Director or higher at the Company's home office to leave the employ of the Company or RRI, or in any way interfere with the relationship between the Company or RRI and any employee thereof (for the sake of clarity, this clause (i) shall not be violated by virtue of general advertisements or solicitations for positions that are not targeted at employees of the Company or RRI), (ii) hire any Person who was an employee of the Company or RRI at the level of Assistant Store Manager or higher in restaurant operations or the level of Director or higher at the Company's home office within twelve months after such Person's employment with the Company or RRI was terminated for any reason or (iii) induce or attempt to induce any supplier or other business relation of the Company or RRI to cease doing business with the Company or RRI, or in any way interfere with the relationship between any such supplier or business relation and the Company or RRI.

&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)Executive agrees not to disparage the Company, any of its products or practices, or any of its directors, officers, stockholders, or affiliates (each in their capacities as such), either orally or in writing, at any time; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that Executive may (A) confer in confidence with her legal representatives, (B) make truthful statements as required by law or when requested by a governmental, regulatory or similar body or entity and/or (C) make truthful statements in the course of performing her duties to the Company. The Company shall instruct its current directors, and following the date of termination of Executive's employment, its current executive officers, to not disparage Executive, either orally or in writing, at any time; <u>provided</u>, <u>however</u>, that the Company shall not be required to instruct its directors or executive officers to refrain from (X) conferring in confidence with their respect legal representatives, (Y) making truthful statements as required by law or when requested by a governmental, regulatory, or similar body or entity and/or (Z) making truthful statements in the course of performing duties to the Company.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8.<u>Return of Documents</u>. In the event of the termination of Executive's employment for any reason, Executive shall deliver to the Company all of (a) the property of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, and (b) non-personal documents and data of any nature and in whatever medium of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, in each case within her possession and control, and she shall not take with her any such property, documents or data or any reproduction thereof, or any documents containing or pertaining to any Confidential Information.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9.<u>Reasonableness of Restrictions</u>. Executive agrees that the covenants set forth in Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 are reasonable with respect to their duration, geographical area, and scope. In the event that any of the provisions of Sections 5, 6, 7 and 8 relating to the geographic or temporal scope of the covenants contained therein or the nature of the business or activities restricted thereby shall be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to exceed the maximum restrictiveness such court deems enforceable, such provision shall be deemed to be replaced herein by the maximum restriction deemed enforceable by such court.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10.<u>Injunctive Relief</u>. The parties hereto agree that either party hereto would suffer irreparable harm from a breach by the other party of any of the covenants or agreements contained herein, for which there is no adequate remedy at law. Therefore, in the event of the actual or threatened breach by a party of any of the provisions of this Agreement, the other party, and in the case of the Company, its respective successors or assigns, may, in addition and supplementary to other rights and remedies existing in their favor, apply to any court of law or equity of competent jurisdiction for specific performance, injunctive or other relief (without the necessity of posting bond or security) in order to enforce compliance with, or prevent any violation of, the provisions hereof; and that, in the event of such a breach or threat thereof by one

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party, the other party shall be entitled to obtain a temporary restraining order and/or a preliminary or permanent injunction restraining the other party from engaging in activities prohibited hereby or such other relief as may be required to specifically enforce any of the covenants contained herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11.<u>Extension of Restricted Periods</u>. In addition to the remedies the Company may seek and obtain pursuant to this Agreement, the restricted periods set forth herein may be extended by any and all periods during which Executive shall be found by a court to have been in violation of the covenants contained herein.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12.<u>Stock Ownership Requirement</u>. While employed by the Company, Executive shall be expected to maintain ownership of common stock or stock equivalents in such amounts and on such terms and conditions as are set forth in the Company's Executive Stock Ownership Guidelines established by the Compensation Committee and in effect from time to time (the "Ownership Guidelines"). The Ownership Guidelines currently provide that Executive is required to hold shares of Company common stock until the applicable stock ownership requirement is met. No additional liability shall apply to Executive if Executive fails to satisfy the stock ownership requirements set forth in this Section 12.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13.<u>Definitions</u>. As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, the following terms have the following respective meanings:

"<u>Cause</u>" has the definition ascribed to it in the Executive Severance Plan.

"<u>Disability</u>" means a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity of Executive and which renders Executive unable to perform the essential functions of her position, even with reasonable accommodation which does not impose an undue hardship on the Company. The Company reserves the right, in good faith, to make the determination of disability under this Agreement based upon information supplied by Executive and/or her medical personnel, as well as information from medical personnel (or others) selected by the Company or its insurers. Nothing in this definition is meant to waive Executive's rights under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 or the Americans with Disabilities Act, as amended.

"<u>Earned</u>" has the definition of that term as it is used in the Colorado Wage and Hour Act, Colo. Rev. Stat. § 8-4-101, et seq., at the time of the Effective Date.

"<u>Good Reason</u>" has the definition ascribed to it in the Executive Severance Plan.

"<u>Person</u>" means any individual, entity or group (within the meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14.<u>Arbitration</u>. Except as otherwise provided herein, any controversy arising out of or relating to this Agreement, its enforcement or interpretation, or because of an alleged breach, default, or misrepresentation in connection with any of its provisions, or any other controversy arising out of Executive's employment, including, but not limited to, any state or federal statutory or common law claims, shall be submitted to arbitration in Denver, Colorado, before a sole arbitrator (the "<u>Arbitrator</u>") selected from Judicial Arbiter Group, Inc., Denver, Colorado, or its successor ("<u>JAG</u>"), or if JAG is no longer able to supply the arbitrator, such arbitrator shall be selected from the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Services, Inc. ("<u>JAMS</u>"), or other mutually agreed upon arbitration provider, as the exclusive forum for the resolution of such dispute. Provisional injunctive relief may, but need not, be sought by either party to this Agreement in a court of law while arbitration proceedings are pending, and any provisional injunctive relief granted by such court shall remain effective until the matter is finally determined by the Arbitrator. Final resolution of any dispute through arbitration may include any remedy or relief

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which the Arbitrator deems just and equitable, including any and all remedies provided by applicable state or federal statutes. At the conclusion of the arbitration, the Arbitrator shall issue a written decision that sets forth the essential findings and conclusions upon which the Arbitrator's award or decision is based. Any award or relief granted by the Arbitrator hereunder shall be final and binding on the parties hereto and may be enforced by any court of competent jurisdiction. The parties acknowledge and agree that they are hereby waiving any rights to trial by jury in any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought by either of the parties against the other in connection with any matter whatsoever arising out of or in any way connected with this Agreement or Executive's employment, and under no circumstances shall class claims be processed or participated in by Executive. The parties agree that Company shall be responsible for payment of the forum costs of any arbitration hereunder, including the Arbitrator's fee. Executive and the Company further agree that in any proceeding to enforce the terms of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall be entitled to its or her reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred by it or her in connection with resolution of the dispute in addition to any other relief granted.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15.<u>Governing Law</u>. This Agreement and the legal relations hereby created between the parties hereto shall be governed by and construed under and in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Colorado, without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof. Executive shall submit to the venue and personal jurisdiction of the Colorado state and federal courts concerning any dispute for which judicial redress is permitted pursuant to this Agreement; however the Company is not limited in seeking relief in those courts.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16.<u>Taxes</u>.

&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)Executive shall be solely liable for Executive's tax consequences of compensation and benefits payable under this Agreement, including any consequences of the application of Section 409A of the Code.

&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)In order to comply with all applicable federal or state income tax laws or regulations, the Company may withhold from any payments made under this Agreement all applicable federal, state, city or other applicable taxes.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17.<u>Section 409A Savings Clause</u>.

&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)It is the intention of the parties that compensation or benefits payable under this Agreement not be subject to the additional tax imposed pursuant to Section 409A of the Code, and this Agreement shall be interpreted accordingly. To the extent such potential payments or benefits could become subject to additional tax under such Section, the parties shall cooperate to amend this Agreement with the goal of giving Executive the economic benefits described herein in a manner that does not result in such tax being imposed. The foregoing notwithstanding, the Company shall in no event whatsoever be liable for any additional tax, interest or penalty incurred by Executive as a result of the failure of any payment or benefit to satisfy the requirements of Section 409A of the Code.

&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)The Executive's right to a series of installment payments under this Agreement shall be treated as a right to a series of separate payments within the meaning of Treas. Reg. §1.409A-2(b)(2)(iii). In addition, payments or benefits pursuant to Section 4(f) shall be exempt from the requirements of Section 409A of the Code to the maximum extent possible as "short-term deferrals" pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(4), as involuntary separation pay pursuant to Treasury Regulation Section 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii), and/or under any other exemption that may be applicable, and this Agreement shall be construed accordingly.

&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)Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this Agreement, (i) no amount of non-qualified deferred compensation subject to Section 409A of the Code that is payable in connection with the termination of her employment shall be paid to Executive unless the termination of Executive's employment constitutes a "separation from service" within the meaning of Section 1.409A-1(h) of the Department of Treasury Regulations; (ii) if Executive is

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deemed at the time of her separation from service to be a "specified employee" for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, to the extent that delayed commencement of any portion of the termination benefits to which Executive is entitled under this Agreement (after taking into account all exclusions applicable to such termination benefits under Section 409A) is required in order to avoid a prohibited distribution under Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code, such portion of Executive's termination benefits shall not be provided to Executive prior to the earlier of (A) the expiration of the six-month period measured from the date of Executive's "separation from service" with the Company (as such term is defined in the Department of Treasury Regulations issued under Section 409A) and (B) the date of Executive's death; <u>provided</u>, that upon the earlier of such dates, all payments deferred pursuant to the foregoing shall be paid to Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments due under this Agreement shall be paid as otherwise provided herein; (iii) the determination of whether Executive is a "specified employee" for purposes of Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code as of the time of her separation from service shall be made by the Company in accordance with the terms of Section 409A of the Code and applicable guidance thereunder (including, without limitation, Section 1.409A-1(i) of the Department of Treasury Regulations and any successor provision thereto).

&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)To the extent that any reimbursement of expenses or in-kind benefits constitutes "deferred compensation" under Section 409A of the Code, such reimbursement or benefit shall be provided no later than December 31 of the year following the year in which the expense was incurred. The amount of expenses reimbursed in one year shall not affect the amount eligible for reimbursement in any subsequent year. The amount of any in-kind benefits provided in one year shall not affect the amount of in-kind benefits provided in any other year.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18.<u>Entire Agreement</u>. This Agreement constitutes and contains the entire agreement and final understanding concerning Executive's employment with the Company and the other subject matters addressed herein between the parties. It is intended by the parties as a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of their agreement. It supersedes and replaces all prior negotiations and all agreements proposed or otherwise, whether written or oral, concerning the subject matter hereof. Any representation, promise or agreement not specifically included in this Agreement shall not be binding upon or enforceable against either party. This is a fully integrated agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19.<u>Amendment and Waiver</u>. The provisions of this Agreement may be amended or waived only with the prior written consent of the Board (or a person expressly authorized thereby) and Executive, and no course of conduct or failure or delay in enforcing the provisions of this Agreement shall affect the validity, binding effect or enforceability of this Agreement.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;20.<u>Clawback</u>. Executive acknowledges that any incentive compensation contemplated under this Agreement shall be subject to the Company's clawback policies, including, without limitation, any policy adopted to the extent required by applicable law or written Company policy adopted to implement the requirements of such law (including, without limitation, Section 304 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and Section 954 of the Dodd Frank Act).

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;21.<u>Permitted Actions</u>. Nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit Executive from reporting possible violations of federal or state law or regulation to or otherwise cooperating with or providing information requested by any governmental agency or entity, including, but not limited to, the Department of Justice, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Congress, and any agency Inspector General, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of federal or state law or regulation. Executive does not need the prior authorization of the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and Executive is not required to notify the Company that Executive has made such reports or disclosures. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Executive will not be held criminally or civilly liable under any federal or state trade secret law for any disclosure of Confidential Information that is made (i) in confidence to a federal, state, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney, and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or is made in a complaint or

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other document that is filed under seal in a lawsuit or other proceeding. If Executive files a lawsuit for retaliation by the Company for reporting a suspected violation of law, Executive may disclose the Company's Confidential Information to Executive's attorney and use the Confidential Information in the court proceeding if Executive (A) files any document containing the trade secret under seal; and (B) does not disclose the Confidential Information, except pursuant to court order.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;22.<u>Miscellaneous</u>.

&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)<u>Binding Effect</u>. This Agreement is intended to bind and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by Executive, the Company and their respective heirs, successors and assigns, except that Executive may not assign her rights or delegate her obligations hereunder without the prior written consent of the Company.

&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)<u>Notices</u>. All notices required to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given if (i) delivered personally or by documented courier or delivery service, (ii) transmitted by facsimile during normal business hours or (iii) mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested and postage prepaid) to the following listed persons at the addresses and facsimile numbers specified below, or to such other persons, addresses or facsimile numbers as a party entitled to notice shall give, in the manner hereinabove described, to the others entitled to notice:

If to the Company, to:

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.<br>10000 E. Geddes Avenue, Suite 500<br>Englewood, CO 80112<br>Attention: Chief Legal Officer

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;With a copy, which shall not constitute notice, to:

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.<br>10000 E. Geddes Avenue, Suite 500<br>Englewood, CO 80112<br>Attention: Chief Executive Officer

If to Executive, to Executive's last known address as reflected in the Company's records, or to such other address as Executive shall designate by written notice to the Company.

If given personally or by documented courier or delivery service, or transmitted by facsimile, a notice shall be deemed to have been given when it is received. If given by mail, it shall be deemed to have been given on the third business day following the day on which it was posted.

&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)<u>Headings</u>. The section and other headings contained in this Agreement are for the convenience of the parties only and are not intended to be a part hereof or to affect the meaning or interpretation hereof.

&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)<u>Counterparts</u>. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

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&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(e)<u>Construction</u>. Each party has cooperated in the drafting and preparation of this Agreement. Hence, in any construction to be made of this Agreement, the same shall not be construed against any party on the basis that the party was the drafter.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(f)<u>Savings Clause</u>. If any provision of this Agreement or the application thereof is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the Agreement which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or applications and to this end the provisions of this Agreement are declared to be severable. Subject to the foregoing, upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereto shall negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as possible in order that the transactions contemplated hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent reasonably practicable.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed and delivered this Agreement as of the date written below.

**EXECUTIVE**

Date: August 21, 2025&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ Humera Kassem</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Humera Kassem

**COMPANY**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**RED ROBIN GOURMET** 

**BURGERS, INC.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;**&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Date: &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;August 21, 2025&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<u>/s/ David A. Pace</u> 

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Name:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; David A. Pace<br> Title:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Chief Executive Officer

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

## Exhibit 21.1

**Exhibit 21.1**

**RED ROBIN GOURMET BURGERS, INC.**

**LIST OF SUBSIDIARIES**

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;1. Red Robin International, Inc., a Nevada corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;2. Red Robin West, Inc., a Nevada corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;3. Red Robin North Holdings, Inc., a Nevada corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;4. Western Franchise Development, Inc., a California corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;5. Red Robin Distributing Company LLC, a Nevada limited liability company

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;6. Northwest Robins, L.L.C., a Washington limited liability company

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;7. Red Robin Express, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;8. RR Bird Purchasing, LLC, a Colorado limited liability company

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;9. RRGB Restaurants Canada Inc., a British Columbia corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;10. Red Robin Restaurants Canada BC ULC, a British Columbia unlimited liability company

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;11. Red Robin of Anne Arundel County, Inc., a Maryland corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;12. Red Robin of Baltimore County, Inc., a Maryland corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;13. Red Robin of Charles County, Inc., a Maryland corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;14. Red Robin of Harford County, Inc a Maryland corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;15. Red Robin of Howard County, Inc., a Maryland corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;16. Red Robin of Montgomery County, Inc., a Maryland corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;17. Red Robin of St. Mary's County, Inc., a Maryland corporation

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;18. Red Robin of Washington County, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;19. Red Robin Frederick County, LLC, a Maryland limited liability company

## Exhibit 23.1

**Exhibit 23.1**

**Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm**

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-279677, 333-268719, 333-268355, 333-267400, 333-257346, 333-238808, 333-232085, 333-218091 and 333-100458 on Form S-8 and Registration Statement Nos. 333-284018 and 333-280228 on Form S-3 of our reports dated February 25, 2026, relating to the financial statements of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (the "Company") and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2025.

/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP

Denver, Colorado

February 25, 2026

## Exhibit 31.1

**Exhibit 31.1**

**CEO CERTIFICATION**

I, David Pace, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| February 25, 2026 | /s/ David Pace |
| (Date) | David Pace<br> *Chief Executive Officer* |

---

## Exhibit 31.2

**Exhibit 31.2**

**INTERIM CFO CERTIFICATION**

I, Christopher Meyer, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;a.Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;b.Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;c.Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;d.Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an Annual Report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| February 25, 2026 | /s/ Christopher Meyer |
| (Date) | Christopher Meyer<br>*Interim Chief Financial Officer* |

---

## Exhibit 32.1

**Exhibit 32.1**

**Written Statement**

**Pursuant To**

**18 U.S.C. Section 1350**

In connection with the Annual Report of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (the "Company") on Form 10-K for the period ended December 28, 2025, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 25, 2026 (the "Report"), the undersigned, David Pace, Chief Executive Officer, and Christopher Meyer, Interim Chief Financial Officer, of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(a)the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"); and

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(b)the information contained in the Periodic Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| Dated: | February 25, 2026 | /s/ David Pace |
| | | David Pace<br> *Chief Executive Officer* |
| Dated: | February 25, 2026 | /s/ Christopher Meyer |
| | | Christopher Meyer<br>*Interim Chief Financial Officer* |

---

**A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the SEC or its staff upon request.**

The foregoing certification is being furnished to the SEC pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350. It is not being filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act and is not to be incorporated by reference into any filing of the Company, whether made before or after the date hereof, regardless of any general incorporation language in such filing.

<br>