# EDGAR Filing Document

**Accession Number:** 0001718224
**File Stem:** 0001477932-26-000975
**Filing Date:** 2026-2
**Character Count:** 13605
**Document Hash:** 8ddd4b28a45876e9b48235f16773c20c
**Contains OCR:** False
**Source Format:** 

## Filing Content

## Filing Summary
**0001477932-26-000975.hdr.sgml**: 20260223

**ACCESSION NUMBER**: 0001477932-26-000975

**CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE**: 8-K

**PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT**: 16

**CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT**: 20260219

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Other Events

**ITEM INFORMATION**: Financial Statements and Exhibits

**FILED AS OF DATE**: 20260223

**DATE AS OF CHANGE**: 20260223

**FILER**: 

**COMPANY DATA:**
- **COMPANY CONFORMED NAME:** BT Brands, Inc.
- **CENTRAL INDEX KEY:** 0001718224
- **STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION:** RETAIL-EATING PLACES [5812]
- **ORGANIZATION NAME:** 07 Trade & Services
- **EIN:** 911495764
- **FISCAL YEAR END:** 1231

**FILING VALUES:**
- **FORM TYPE:** 8-K
- **SEC ACT:** 1934 Act
- **SEC FILE NUMBER:** 001-41061
- **FILM NUMBER:** 26664646

**BUSINESS ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 405 MAIN AVENUE WEST
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 2D
- **CITY:** WEST FARGO
- **STATE:** ND
- **ZIP:** 58078
- **BUSINESS PHONE:** 701-277-0080

**MAIL ADDRESS:**
- **STREET 1:** 405 MAIN AVENUE WEST
- **STREET 2:** SUITE 2D
- **CITY:** WEST FARGO
- **STATE:** ND
- **ZIP:** 58078

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Burger Time, Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20180815

**FORMER COMPANY:**
- **FORMER CONFORMED NAME:** Burger Time,Inc.
- **DATE OF NAME CHANGE:** 20170928

?xml version='1.0' encoding='ASCII'? btbd_8k.htm

**UNITED STATES**

**SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION**

**Washington, D.C. 20549**

**FORM 8-K**

**CURRENT REPORT**

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

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): **February 19, 2026**

![btbd_8kimg1.jpg](btbd_8kimg1.jpg)

---

| |
|:---|
| **BT BRANDS, INC.** |
| (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) |

---

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Wyoming** | **000-56113** | **91-1495764** |
| (State or other jurisdiction<br>of incorporation) | (Commission<br>File Number) | (IRS Employer<br>Identification No.) |

---

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **10501 Wayzata Blvd South, Suite 102,** <br>**Minnetonka, MN** | **55305** |
| (Address of principal executive offices)  | (Zip Code) |

---

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: **<u>(307) 274-3055</u>**

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

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

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

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

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

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

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
| **Title of each class** | **Trading Symbol(s)** | **Name of each exchange on which registered** |
| Common Stock | BTBD | Nasdaq Capital Market |
| Warrants | BTBDW | Nasdaq Capital Market |

---

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

Emerging growth company ☐

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

 **Item 8.01 Other Events.**

As previously reported in our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on September 3, 2025, BT Brands, Inc. ("**BT Brands"**) entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "**Merger Agreement**") among BT Brands, Aero Merger Sub Inc., a Delaware corporation and a direct, wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("**Merger Sub**"), and Aero Velocity Inc., a Delaware corporation ("**Aero Velocity**", "**Aero**" or the "**Company**"). Attached as Exhibit 99.1 hereto is a press release issued by Aero announcing that it has initiated a strategic alliance with Sanford, Florida-based SoftWash Systems, a pioneer and leader in environmentally responsible exterior cleaning solutions.

The information set forth below under this Item 7.01, including the exhibits attached hereto, is intended to be furnished and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Exchange Act or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, nor shall it be deemed incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act, except as expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

**Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits.**

(d) Exhibits.

---

| | |
|:---|:---|
| **Exhibit No.** | **Description** |
| [99.1](btbd_ex991.htm) | [Press Release](btbd_ex991.htm) |
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (Embedded within the Inline XBRL document and included in Exhibit) |

---

**SIGNATURES**

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

---

| | | |
|:---|:---|:---|
|  | **BT BRANDS, INC.** | **BT BRANDS, INC.** |
| Dated: February 23, 2026 | By:  | */s/ Gary Copperud* |
|  |  | Gary Copperud |
|  |  | Chief Executive Officer |

---

## Exhibit 99.1

**EXHIBIT 99.1**

**Aero Velocity and SoftWash Systems launch**

**Strategic Alliance to Drive 2026 Growth**

**Minnetonka, Minnesota — February 19, 2026** — BT Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBD) today announced that its proposed merger partner, Cincinnati-based Aero Velocity Inc., a leader in commercial drone operations and aerial robotics, has initiated a strategic alliance with Sanford, Florida-based SoftWash Systems, a pioneer and leader in environmentally responsible exterior cleaning solutions. Together, the companies are launching an integrated drone-washing solution to improve safety, efficiency, and sustainability in cleaning buildings, roofs, and large-scale structures.

The collaboration combines Aero Velocity's advanced UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) platforms and drone washing expertise with SoftWash Systems' proven low-pressure cleaning technology and biodegradable treatment solutions. The result is an advanced aerial cleaning system capable of safely treating surfaces that are difficult, hazardous, or costly to access using traditional methods.

"Pairing Aero's precision drone technology with SoftWash Systems' industry-leading cleaning techniques redefines what's possible in exterior maintenance," said Mark Hastings, Chief Executive Officer of Aero Velocity. "This collaboration enables SoftWash affiliates to offer complete ground-to-air cleaning solutions, reducing labor risks and minimizing disruption. Aero Velocity gains access to best-in-class SoftWash crews to expand ground coverage and deliver comprehensive solutions to commercial clients."

Unlike conventional pressure washing, the SoftWash method uses specialized solutions that eliminate mold, mildew, algae and bacteria at the source while preserving surface integrity. Integrated with Aero Velocity's drone platforms, the system can be rapidly deployed across commercial buildings, multi-story residential properties, industrial facilities, solar arrays and other large structures.

"Safely cleaning building exterior surfaces without damaging pressure has always been central to SoftWash Systems," said AC Lockyer, CEO and Founder of SoftWash Systems. "Working with Aero Velocity brings our soft washing technology to new heights—literally—while expanding service capabilities for our franchisees worldwide. With operations in seven countries and three territories, we believe this partnership will accelerate our growth."

**Key Benefits of the Collaboration:**

· **Expanded Reach and Integrated Offering** – Broader geographic coverage with a fully integrated ground-to-air cleaning solution

· **Enhanced Safety at Height** – Reduced reliance on ladders, scaffolding and lifts

· **Operational Efficiency** – Faster deployment of crews and pilots

· **Cost Optimization** – Lower customer acquisition and equipment costs over time

This alliance embodies a shared vision to modernize exterior maintenance through innovation, sustainability, and smarter technology deployment. By combining SoftWash Systems' standardized processes with Aero Velocity's proprietary drone platforms and trained professionals, the companies aim to provide consistent, scalable performance across markets.

Joint go-to-market efforts are underway to target the growing global commercial exterior cleaning market, estimated at more than $1 billion annually. The initiative is expected to contribute meaningfully to 2026 revenue growth.

"We are excited to partner with the industry pioneer of the soft washing technique," added Hastings. "We believe this collaboration creates meaningful value for customers, franchisees and shareholders alike."

**About Aero Velocity**

Privately owned Aero Velocity designs and manufactures American-made, NDAA-compliant UAVs and operates a growing Drones-as-a-Service (DaaS) platform. The company is a founding member of AeroShield Alliance, a consortium delivering AI-enabled UAV, ISR and workforce solutions. Aero Velocity provides end-to-end UAV-powered systems that enable organizations to assess and respond to real-world conditions with enhanced speed and safety.

**Proposed Merger** 

Aero Velocity and BT Brands, Inc. (Nasdaq: BTBD) entered into a definitive merger agreement in September 2025, pursuant to which the combined company is expected to be renamed "Aero Velocity Inc." and, subject to required approvals, trade on the Nasdaq Capital Market. Mr. Hastings is expected to serve as CEO following the closing. The transaction has been unanimously approved by both boards and is expected to close in 2026, subject to stockholder approval and customary conditions.

**About SoftWash Systems**

Founded in 2010, privately held SoftWash Systems is a global provider of environmentally responsible exterior cleaning solutions. The company supports more than 100 affiliates and franchisees across seven countries, generating over $39 million in revenue in 2025. Through proprietary equipment, specialized treatment solutions and comprehensive training, SoftWash Systems delivers scalable, recurring-service solutions designed to protect surfaces, extend asset life and reduce environmental impact.

**Forward-Looking Statements**

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements regarding the benefits of the transaction, the anticipated timing of the transaction, the products and services offered by Aero Velocity and the markets in which it operates, and Aero Velocity's projected future results. These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words "believe," "project," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "intend," "strategy," "future," "opportunity," "plan," "may," "should," "will," "would," "will be," "will continue," "will likely result," and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this press release, including the risks described in BT Brands' SEC filings, which are available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof, and Aero Velocity and BT Brands expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise them except as required by law.

**Participants in the Solicitation**

BT Brands, Inc. ("BT Brands") and Aero Velocity Inc. ("Aero Velocity") and their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed participants in the solicitation of proxies from BT Brands' stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding BT Brands' directors and executive officers is available in BT Brands' filings with the SEC, including its most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and other reports. Additional information regarding the participants in the solicitation and their interests in the proposed transaction will be included in the registration statement on Form S-4 (including the proxy statement/prospectus) that BT Brands intends to file with the SEC. Investors and security holders may obtain copies of these documents, when available, free of charge at the SEC's website at <u>www.sec.gov</u>.

**No Offer or Solicitation**

This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval. Any solicitation will be made only through a proxy statement/prospectus and other documents filed with the SEC.

**Investor Relations & Media Contacts**

**BT Brands:**

Kenneth Brimmer, Chief Financial Officer

kbrimmer@itsburgertime.com

612-414-5104

**Aero Velocity Inc.:**

Mark Hastings, Chief Executive Officer

contact@aerovelocity.com

513-224-4439

**SoftWash Systems:**

AC Lockyer, Chief Marketing Officer

acLockyer@SoftWashSystems.com

855-763-8669