EDGAR 10-K Filing

Company CIK: 1701756
Filing Year: 2022
Filename: 1701756_10-K_2022_0001493152-22-007100.json

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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 1. BUSINESS.
Our Business Overview
Muscle Maker, Inc. (referred to herein as “MMI” or “Company”), was incorporated under the laws of the state of Nevada on October 25, 2019. The principal corporate office of MMI is located at 2600 South Shore Blvd., Suite 300, League City, Texas, 77573, and the telephone number at that location is (682)708-8250. Our website address is https://www.musclemakergrill.com.
MMI together with its subsidiaries, is referred to in this Form 10-K annual report (“Form 10-K”) as the Company. The terms “we”, “us” and “our” are also used in the Form 10-K to refer to the Company. Throughout the Form 10-K, the terms “restaurants”, “stores”, “eatery” and “locations” are used inter changeably. While MMI, as the parent Company, does not directly own or operate any restaurants throughout this document we may refer to restaurants that are owned or operated by our subsidiaries as being Company-owned.
MMI is our parent company. We own and operate three unique “healthier for you” restaurant concepts within our portfolio of companies: Muscle Maker Grill restaurants, SuperFit Foods meal prep and Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke restaurants. Our Company was founded on the belief of taking every-day menu options and converting them into “healthier for you” menu choices. Consumers are demanding healthier choices, customization, flavor and convenience. We believe our portfolio of companies directly satisfy these consumer needs. We focus on lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, proprietary sauces, whole grains and various other items like protein shakes, meal plans, specialty drinks and super foods. Each of our three concepts offers different menus that are tailored to specific consumer segments. We operate in the fast-casual and meal prep segments of the restaurant industry. We believe our “healthier for you” inspired concepts deliver a highly differentiated customer experience.
Muscle Maker Grill Restaurants (“Muscle Maker Grill”): our Muscle Maker Grill restaurants are fast casual style restaurants specializing in “healthier for you” high quality, made to order, lean protein-based meals. These meals feature all-natural chicken breast, grass fed beef, lean turkey, shrimp and plant-based items. We pair these lean proteins with super foods such as avocado, quinoa, spinach, kale and broccoli, while also offering cauliflower rice, whole wheat pasta, sweet potato fries and proprietary specialty sauces like zero carb, fat free or gluten free options. Our products are made to order. The menu features bowls, wraps, salads and burgers. We also offer protein shakes and fruit smoothies along with meal plans and catering. Customers can dine in or take out or have their meals delivered to their door via Company delivery personnel or third-party services such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and GrubHub.
SuperFit Foods Meal Prep (“SuperFit Foods”): On March 25, 2021, we acquired the assets of SuperFit Foods. SuperFit Foods is a wholly owned meal prep division located in Jacksonville, Florida and focuses solely on meal plans. The terms meal prep and meal plans will be used interchangeably throughout this document. The business operates with a centralized kitchen that prepares all meals for distribution to consumers twice per week. This is a subscription-based business model where consumers order their meals via the SuperFitfoods.com website and are charged automatically every week. There are over 150 meal plan options to choose from as well as various healthy juices, snacks and desserts. Meal plans focus on specific dietary needs such as vegetarian, high protein, gluten free and low calorie.
SuperFit Foods’ distribution process is different than most meal prep companies. The business operates with a centralized kitchen that prepares all meals for distribution to consumers twice per week. While other meal plan companies ship meals directly to consumer’s homes, the SuperFit Foods model uses Company-owned coolers placed at designated pick-up locations throughout the Jacksonville, Florida market. Pick up locations are placed inside wellness centers such as gyms, yoga studios, and various lifestyle locations. SuperFit Foods delivers twice per week by independent contractors to these locations and consumers conveniently pick up their orders after their workouts or during their daily routines. This model allows us to keep food fresh and refrigerated (even in the summer months), reduces shipping costs to consumers and provides an easier distribution model for the Company. While we do offer direct shipment to homes, this represents a small percentage of overall Company revenue. As the lockdowns and restrictions from Covid are reducing, we believe our distribution model becomes even more attractive for consumers.
Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke restaurants (“Pokemoto”): On May 14, 2021, MMI acquired the Pokemoto chain. This consisted of purchasing PKM Stamford, LLC, Poke Co., LLC, LB Holdings LLC, and TNB Holdings, LLC, Poke Co Holdings LLC, GLL Enterprises, LLC, and TNB Holdings II, LLC, each a Connecticut limited liability company (collectively, Pokemoto”). Pokemoto restaurants are fast casual style restaurants that specialize in Hawaiian inspired poke bowls, wraps and salads. Poke is native Hawaiian cuisine made up of diced fresh fish served as an appetizer or main course with strong influences of Japanese and Korean cuisine. Think of it as deconstructed sushi that a consumer can customize into a bowl, salad or wrap every time. Hawaiian Poke is trending in the restaurant industry. It is a unique segment that is healthy, customizable, popular with millennials and Gen-Zs, offers unique flavor profiles and is “Instagrammable.”
Pokemoto offers consumers the possibility to customize their order every time. Consumers move down a linear production line (similar to Chipotle or Subway customer interaction and operations) customizing their bowl from a wide selection of ingredients. Pokemoto offers five types of protein including sushi grade tuna, salmon, chicken, shrimp or tofu. Consumers pick a base of white/brown rice or salad, select from over 25 mix-ins/toppings including avocado, kani salad, pickled daikon, hijiki seaweed, masago, caviar, mandarin oranges, edamame, mango, roasted cashews or wonton crisps to name a few and topped off with over eight proprietary sauces that are made in house daily. All this gets mixed together creating a flavor explosion that is customized for every consumer.
Pokemoto requires little to no cooking. Everything is either raw (tuna, salmon, veggies and fruits) or comes in pre-cooked (chicken and shrimp). The only cooking we do is soup and rice. It’s that simple. Because we have little cooking and consumers customize their orders, our labor requirements compared to most restaurants may be reduced. In addition, we believe training becomes much easier when you are not cooking or requiring recipes to be followed while consumers customize their menu options. This creates a consistent product across all our Pokemoto restaurants as we expand into more markets. Finally, because we have little to no cooking, our build outs usually do not require expensive hoods, fire suppression systems, deep fryers, grills, ovens, etc. making the potential cost of building out a location very favorable.
Our Industry
Muscle Maker Grill and Pokemoto restaurants operate within the Limited-Service Restaurant, or LSR, segment, of the United States restaurant industry, which includes quick service restaurants, or QSR, and fast-casual restaurants. We offer fast-casual quality food combined with quick-service speed, convenience and value across multiple dayparts. We believe our differentiated, high-quality healthy-inspired menu delivers great value all day, every day and positions us to compete against both QSR and fast-casual concepts.
SuperFit Foods operates within the pre-made, ready-to-eat meal prep segment. We offer pre-made, ready-to-eat meals that focus on specific dietary needs like keto, vegetarian, high protein, low sugars, etc. SuperFit Foods offers over 150 different meal plan options to choose from as well as various healthy juices, snacks and desserts.
We expect that the upward trend towards healthier eating will attract and increase consumer demand for fresh and healthier menu options, which may lead to a positive impact on our sales.
Our Strategy
Our strategy is clear and concentrates on expansion through franchising. However, in order to “seed” new markets for franchising we may open Company-owned and operated locations in key markets.
We believe franchising is the future of this Company. This strategy uses the franchising experience of the management team with the goal of expanding more quickly. We believe franchising is a great model as it has the potential to propel growth without our Company having to spend its capital on Company-owned brick and mortar locations.
Our franchising efforts will continue to be concentrated on expanding the Pokemoto brand. We believe there is a unique opportunity to grow the Pokemoto brand within the Hawaiian Poke segment of the restaurant industry. The Hawaiian Poke segment is fragmented with the largest company having approximately 65-85 locations today. The industry is full of independently owned “mom-and-pop” locations and we expect that the industry is ready for a company to enter the market and become a significant player in the segment. We are positioning Pokemoto with the goal of playing this role.
While Pokemoto franchising is the focus, we will also open Company-owned Pokemoto locations strategically placed in key markets where we are focusing our franchising efforts. Franchisee prospects need to experience Pokemoto locally versus having to travel long distances. This approach is critical to selling franchises. Each Company location should be considered as “seeding” the market. Eventually, when the market begins to open franchise locations, the intent is to franchise the original “seed” Company location and then turn to building and franchising the next market. This is a leapfrog strategy that has traditionally been used to drive franchise growth more aggressively.
Our strategy for our Muscle Maker Grill restaurants is to optimize the brand. This will be performed through cost reductions, co-branding locations with Pokemoto or converting the location to a Pokemoto restaurant. We will continue to evaluate profitability at each location while staying current with market trends in each specific location. As part of the optimization strategy, we will divert resources from any closed locations towards the remaining open locations with the intent of enhancing their performance.
Muscle Maker Grill Restaurants are primarily geographically located in the Northeast United States but we also have locations on military bases such as Fort Sill, Fort Bliss and Fort Benning, as well as franchise locations in Texas, Washington and California. In addition, we have locations open in Kuwait. Our Kuwaiti partner performs all operational support, training, distribution and manufacturing of various proprietary items that are used to supply their locations.
Improve Comparable Restaurant Sales. We plan to improve comparable restaurant sales growth through the following strategies:
Menu Strategy and Evolution. We will continue to adapt our menu to create entrees that complement our healthy-inspired offerings and that reinforce our differentiated fast casual positioning. We believe we have opportunities for menu innovation as we look to provide customers more choices through customization and limited time only alternative proteins, recipes and other healthy-inspired ingredients. Our marketing and operations teams collaborate to ensure that the items developed in our test stores can be executed to our high standards in our restaurants with the speed and value that our customers have come to expect. To provide added variety, from time to time we introduce limited time offerings at MMG and SFF. Pokemoto, due to being highly customizable, will offer new proteins, sauces and other ingredients allowing consumers to try different flavor combinations.
Attract New Customers Through Expanded Brand Awareness: Our goal is to attract new customers as we expand our various concepts to become more widely known through new restaurant openings and marketing efforts focused on broadening the reach and appeal of our brand. The goal of our marketing efforts is to have consumers become more familiar with our brands as we continue to penetrate our markets, which we believe will benefit our existing restaurant base. Our marketing strategy centers on our “healthier for you” food, which highlights the desirability of healthy-inspired food or proprietary recipe quality of our food. We utilize various marketing techniques including email, text, social media, print, influencers, press releases, third party apps and local store marketing. We believe the restaurant industry has changed over the past few years and consumer preferences have shifted towards an emphasis on convenience, speed, customization, delivery and mobility. This has led to an increase in to-go orders, third-party delivery and direct to consumer meal prep/plan offerings. We believe our various brands have the ability to adjust our business strategy to accommodate these consumer trends.
In 2020 and 2021, the Company expanded its delivery services through third-party delivery companies such as Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash and others.
Continue to Grow Dayparts: We currently have multiple dayparts and segments where revenue is generated in our restaurants. These dayparts and segments include: lunch, dinner, catering, smoothies/protein shakes and meal prep/plans in our various locations, and breakfast in select locations. We expect to drive growth across our dayparts through enhanced menu offerings, and marketing campaigns. We plan to continue introducing and marketing limited time offers to increase occasions across our dayparts as well as to educate customers on our lunch and dinner offerings. Muscle Maker Grill restaurants and SuperFit Foods have the unique opportunity to grow in the pre-packaged, portion-controlled meal prep/plan category. Currently, we offer pre-portioned and packaged meal prep/plans for consumers who want to specifically plan their weekly meals for dietary or nutritional needs. These meal plans can be delivered to a consumer’s home, picked up at each restaurant location or at our Company-owned coolers placed inside fitness, wellness or lifestyle facilities.
Third party delivery services such as Uber Eats, Grub Hub, DoorDash and others offer an expansion beyond the four walls of our restaurants and represents a growing segment of our overall revenue. We also have partnered with Snackpass in our Pokemoto restaurants. Snackpass offers online ordering, delivery and pick up while also providing an in-store kiosk where customers can place their orders versus waiting in line. Snackpass offers consumers the ability to earn game tokens for each order which can be used to play the Snackpass loyalty program game. The Company uses this partnership as an alternative to traditional loyalty programs and represents, in some locations, a significant portion of restaurant sales generated through this partnership.
Our Strengths
Iconic and Unique Concept: We provide guests healthy-inspired versions of mainstream-favorite and customizable dishes that are intended to taste great, in our effort to make it convenient, affordable and enjoyable to eat healthier. Our diverse menu was created for everyone - fitness enthusiasts, those starting their journey to a healthier lifestyle, and people trying to eat better while on-the-go.
We are focused on expanding our presence through growing the Pokemoto brand within new and existing markets by continuing to add franchise partners to our system and increasing the number of corporate-owned locations. We currently have approximately $15 million in working capital to deploy against this strategy and have begun executing against this plan. We have already signed 31 franchise agreements and opened six new locations over the last few months with three additional locations under construction. Our corporate-owned restaurants will focus on an expansion in non-traditional locations such as military bases, universities and ghost kitchens, highly concentrated business and resident demographical areas while also offering direct to consumer pre-made meal prep/plan offerings to consumers within the Jacksonville, Florida market via SuperFit Foods or a 250-mile radius around certain locations through direct to home deliveries.
Innovative, Healthier Menu: Our menus feature items such as grass-fed steak, all-natural chicken, lean turkey, plant-based products, tofu, chicken, salmon, shrimp, sushi grade tuna as well as options that satisfy all dietary preferences - from the carb-free consumer to guests following gluten-free or vegetarian diets. Our brands do not sacrifice taste to serve healthy-inspired options. We develop and source proprietary sauces and fat free or zero-carb dressings to enhance our unique flavor profiles. Our open style kitchen at Muscle Maker Grill restaurants allows guests to experience our preparation and cooking methods such as an open flame grill and sauté. In addition to our healthy-inspired and diverse food platform, we offer 100% real fruit smoothies, boosters and proprietary protein shakes as well as retail supplements. While our Pokemoto concept offers consumers the possibility to customize their meal every time. Consumers move down a linear production line similar to Chipotle or Subway choosing their toppings with a modern twist including tofu, chicken, salmon, shrimp and sushi grade tuna.
The Company prides itself on making healthy-inspired versions of the guest’s favorite food, giving them easy access to the food they seek at our restaurants. This means catering to an array of healthier eating lifestyles. For over 20 years Muscle Maker Grill restaurants has been providing food to gluten-free diners, low-carbohydrate consumers and vegetarians. We offer over 30 versions of salads, wraps, bowls, sandwiches and flatbreads. With the addition of Pokemoto we now also offer six types of protein, a base of white/brown rice or salad, over 25 mix ins/toppings including avocado, kani salad, pickled daikon, hijiki seaweed, masago, mandarin orange, edamame, mango, roasted cashews or wonton crisps to name a few and topped off with over eight proprietary sauces that are made in house. All this gets mixed up together creating a flavor explosion that is customizable for each customer.
Delivery: Delivery is an option through our online ordering platform or third-party delivery apps making it easy and convenient for our guests. Delivery percentages range from 10% up to 85% of sales in our corporate locations. We strongly believe the delivery segment will continue to grow as our core demographic has demonstrated the need for online ordering and delivery versus dine-in and take-out. We and our franchise owners leverage employees for local delivery but also use third party services such as Uber Eats, GrubHub, DoorDash and others to fulfill delivery orders. SuperFit Foods delivers twice per week utilizing independent contractors to Company-owned coolers placed inside fitness, wellness or lifestyle facilities where consumers conveniently pick up their orders after their workouts or during their daily routines.
Meal Prep/Plans: To make healthy-inspired eating even easier, Muscle Maker Grill’s healthy-inspired menu items are available through our Meal Prep/Plan program, allowing pre-orders of meals via phone, online or in-store, available for pick up or delivered right to their door. Available as five, 10, 15 or 20 meals, guests can choose from over 40 Muscle Maker Grill menu items for each meal. With the partnership with Happy Meal Prep, Muscle Maker Grill is now able to ship meals direct to consumers within a 250-mile radius of participating locations.
SuperFit Foods consists of pre-made, ready-to-eat meals that focus on specific dietary needs like keto, vegetarian, high protein low sugars, etc. SuperFit Foods offers over 150 different meal options to choose from as well as various healthy juices, snacks and desserts. SuperFit Foods operates as a subscription model where consumers are automatically charged each month. Consumers order online, provide their credit card information and have over 150 options to choose from. Guests can also opt to select their likes and dislikes and meal selection becomes automatic. SuperFit Foods’ distribution process is different than most meal prep companies. Other meal prep companies ship meals directly to consumer’s homes or use their own fleet of vehicles to drop orders off at homes. The SuperFit Foods model uses Company-owned coolers placed inside fitness, wellness or lifestyle facilities.
Our Properties
Rent Structure: Our restaurants are typically located in retail centers as in-line locations or food court type settings in Universities or military bases. A typical restaurant generally ranges from 800 to 2,500 square feet with seating for up to approximately 40 people. Our leases for Company-operated locations generally have terms of one to ten years, with one or two renewal terms of one years to ten years. Restaurant leases provide for a specified annual rent, and some leases call for additional or contingent rent based on revenue above specified levels. Generally, our leases are “net leases” that require us to pay a pro rata share of taxes, insurance and maintenance costs. New leases for our non-traditional locations usually have rent calculated as a percentage of net sales and have terms up to 10 years. We do not guarantee performance or have any liability regarding franchise location leases.
System-Wide Restaurant Counts: As of December 31, 2021, our restaurant system consisted of forty-two restaurants comprised of twenty-two Company-operated restaurants and twenty franchised restaurants located in California, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, Washington, Rhode Island and Kuwait.
Site Selection Process: We consider the location of a restaurant to be a critical variable in its long-term performance, and as such, we devote significant effort to the investigation and evaluation of potential restaurant locations. Our in-house management team has extensive experience developing hundreds of locations for various brands. We use a combination of our in-house team and outside real estate consultants to locate, evaluate and negotiate new sites using various criteria including demographic characteristics, daytime population thresholds and traffic patterns, along with the potential visibility of, and accessibility to, the restaurant. The process for selecting locations incorporates management’s and franchisee’s experience and expertise and includes data collection and analysis. Additionally, we use information and intelligence gathered from managers and other restaurant personnel that live in or near the neighborhoods we are considering.
Direct to consumer meal prep/plan locations can either be through existing Muscle Maker Grill restaurant locations or can be set up like a commissary where meals are prepared in a kitchen space not open to consumer traffic like SuperFit Foods. These locations can be in any area as long as pick up service via UPS or FedEx is available. This allows the Company to build out locations in favorable rent situations while being able to mail meal prep/plans direct to consumers within a 250-mile radius or conveniently drop off meals at various pick-up locations throughout the market.
Our Restaurant Design
After identifying a lease site, we commence our restaurant buildout. Our typical restaurant is an inline retail space or food court that ranges in size from 800 to 2,500 square feet. Our restaurants are characterized by a unique exterior and interior design, color schemes, and layout, including specially designed decor and furnishings. Restaurant interiors incorporate modern designs and rich colors in an effort to provide a clean and inviting environment and fun, family-friendly atmosphere. Each restaurant is designed in accordance with plans we develop; and constructed with a similar design motif and trade dress. Restaurants are generally located near other business establishments that will attract customers who desire healthier food at fair prices served in a casual, fun environment.
Our new restaurants are typically inline or food court buildouts. We estimate that each inline or food court buildout of a Pokemoto restaurant will require an average total cash investment of approximately $137,000 to $295,000 but these costs can vary depending upon the location and requirements of specific municipalities or landlords. Since Pokemoto locations have little to no cooking, our build outs usually do not require expensive hoods, fire suppression systems, deep fryers, grills, ovens, etc. making the cost of entry very reasonable. We estimate it takes approximately four to six months from identification of the specific site to opening the restaurant. This timeframe can be shortened to as little at 90 days pending the amount of time it takes to negotiate and finalize a lease for the location.
Our Restaurant Management and Operations
Service: We are extremely focused on customer service. We aim to provide fast, friendly service on a solid foundation of dedicated, driven team members and managers. Our team members and managers are responsible for our dining room environment, personally visiting tables to ensure every customer’s satisfaction
Operations: We intend to measure the execution of our system standards within each restaurant through an audit program for quality, service and cleanliness. The goal is to conduct these audits quarterly and may be more or less frequent based upon restaurant performance. Additionally, we have food safety and quality assurance programs designed to maintain the high standards for food and food preparation procedures used by both Company-operated and franchised restaurants.
Managers and Team Members: Each of our restaurants typically has a manager or shift leader. At each Muscle Maker Grill restaurant location there are usually between six and ten team members who prepare our food fresh daily and provide customer service. At each Pokemoto location there are usually between one and four team members who prepare our food fresh daily and provide customer service.
We are selective in our hiring processes, aiming to staff our restaurants with team members that are friendly, customer-focused, and driven to provide high-quality products. Our team members are cross-trained in several disciplines to maximize depth of competency and efficiency in critical restaurant functions.
Training: The majority of our Company-operated restaurant management staff is comprised of former team members who have advanced along the Company career path. Successive steps along the management path add increasing levels of duties and responsibilities. Our Franchisee training generally consists of 10 to 14 days in a certified training location, and an additional 7 to 10 days post opening training. Our operational team members provide consistent, ongoing training through follow up restaurant visits, inspections, or email or phone correspondences.
Our Franchise Program
Overview: We use a franchising strategy to increase new restaurant growth, especially as we focus on growing the Pokemoto brand, in certain United States and international markets, leveraging the ownership of entrepreneurs with specific local market expertise and requiring a relatively minimal capital commitment by us. We believe the franchise revenue generated from our franchise base has historically served as an important source of stable and recurring cash flows to us and, as such, we plan to expand our base of franchised restaurants. We currently have roughly $15 million in working capital to deploy against this strategy and have begun executing against this plan. We have already signed 31 franchise agreements and opened six new locations over the last few months with three additional locations under construction. In existing markets, we encourage growth from current franchisees. In our expansion markets, we seek highly motivated and entrepreneurial new franchisees for single-unit or multi-unit development opportunities. We market our franchise opportunities with the support of a franchising section on our website, social media, trade shows and other marketing tactics.
Franchise Owner Support: We believe creating a foundation of initial and on-going support is important to future performance for both our franchisees and our brand.
We have a mandatory training program that was designed to ensure that our franchise owners and their managers are equipped with the knowledge and necessary skills to operate our concept. The program consists of hands-on training in the operation and management of the restaurant. Training is conducted by a general training manager who has been certified by us for training. Instructional materials for the initial training program include our operations manual, crew training system, wall charts, job aids, recipe books, product build cards, management training materials, food safety book, videos and other materials we may create from time to time. Training must be successfully completed before a trainee can be assigned to a restaurant as a manager.
We also provide numerous opportunities for communication and shared feedback between us and franchise owners. Currently, we communicate on a frequent basis through email and conference calls allowing for questions and answers with all franchisees. In addition, our operations and marketing teams conduct phone calls and/or on-site visits on a frequent basis with franchisees on current operational changes, new products, revenue generating ideas, cost savings, and local store marketing.
Franchise Agreements:
The franchise agreements currently:
● Have terms for 10 through 20 years, with termination dates ranging from 2023 until 2041. These agreements are generally renewable for terms ranging from 5 to 10 years.
● Provide for the payment of initial franchise fees ranging from $5,000 to $35,000.
● Require the payment of on-going royalty payments ranging from 2% to 6% of net sales at the franchise location. In addition, franchisees contribute ranging from 1% to 2% (total) of net sales to the marketing and brand development/advertising fund.
● Franchisees are licensed the right to use the Muscle Maker Grill® or Pokemoto® trademarks, its confidential operating manual and other intellectual property in connection with the operation of a Muscle Maker Grill or Pokemoto restaurant at a location authorized by us.
● Franchisees are protected from the establishment of another Muscle Maker Grill or Pokemoto restaurant within a geographic territory, the scope of which is the subject of negotiation between Muscle Maker Development LLC or Poke Co Holdings LLC and the franchisee.
● Franchisees are required to offer only those food products that are authorized by Muscle Maker Development LLC or Poke Co Holdings LLC, prepared using our proprietary recipes; and may obtain most supplies only from suppliers that are approved or designated by Muscle Maker Development LLC or Poke Co Holdings LLC. Muscle Maker, Inc or Poke Co Holdings LLC receives rebates from various vendors or distributors based on total system wide purchases.
● As partial consideration for payment of the initial franchise fee and on-going royalties, Muscle Maker Development LLC or Poke Co Holdings LLC loans its franchisees a copy of its confidential operating manual, administers the advertising/brand development fund, and provides franchisees with pre-opening and on-going assistance including site selection assistance, pre-opening training, and in-term training.
Multi-Unit Development Agreements: Franchisees who desire to develop more than one restaurant and who have the financial strength and managerial capability to develop more than one restaurant may enter into a multi-unit development agreement. Under a multi-unit development agreement, the franchisee agrees to open a specified number of restaurants, at least two, within a defined geographic area in accordance with an agreed upon development schedule which could span several months or years. Each restaurant, in accordance with the development schedule, requires the execution of a separate franchise agreement prior to site approval and construction, which in most cases will be the then current franchise agreement, except that the initial franchise fee, royalty and advertising expenditures will be those in effect at the time the multi-unit agreement is executed. Multi-unit development agreements require the payment of a development fee ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 for the first restaurant plus ranging from $10,000 to $17,500 multiplied by the number of additional restaurants that must be opened under such development agreement. The entire development fee is payable at the time the multi-unit development agreement is signed; however, the development fee actually paid for a particular restaurant is credited as a deposit against the initial franchise fee that is payable when the franchise agreement for the particular franchise is signed.
Area Representative Agreements: Pursuant to our area representative agreements, the area representatives will identify and refer prospective franchisee candidates to us, provide franchisees with our site selection criteria and assist franchisees to complete a site review package, and will advise franchisees concerning our standards and specifications, perform on-going training as required and make quarterly on-site visits and inspections, but we retain control of all decision-making authority relative to the franchisees, including franchisee approval, site location approval and determination whether franchisees are in compliance with their franchise agreements.
Area representative agreements are generally for a term ranging from 10 to 20 years, in consideration for which we generally compensate area representatives with a range of 1% to 2% of net sales of the franchises that are under the area representative for the term of the agreement as well as up to 50% of the initial franchise fees for new franchise agreements.
Our Marketing and Advertising
We promote our restaurants and products through multiple advertising campaigns. The campaigns aim to deliver our message of fresh and healthy-inspired product offerings. The campaign emphasizes our points of differentiation, from our fresh ingredients and in-house preparation, to the preparation of our healthy inspired meals.
We use multiple marketing channels, including social media such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, email, text marketing, local store marketing, public relations/press releases and other methods to broadly drive brand awareness and purchases of our featured products. We complement this periodically with direct mail.
Our Purchasing and Distribution
Maintaining a high degree of quality in our restaurants depends in part on our ability to acquire fresh ingredients and other necessary supplies that meet our specifications from reliable suppliers. Food and supplies are delivered to most of our restaurants one to two times per week. Our franchisees are required to use our primary distributors, or an approved regional distributor and franchisees must purchase food and supplies from approved suppliers. In our normal course of business, we evaluate bids from multiple suppliers for various products. Fluctuations in supply and prices can significantly impact our restaurant service and profit performance.
Our Intellectual Property
We have registered Pokemoto®, SuperFit Foods®, Muscle Maker Grill®, Meal Plan AF®, MMG Burger Bar® and certain other names used by our restaurants as trademarks or service marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and Muscle Maker Grill® in one foreign country. Our brand campaign, Great Food with Your Health in Mind™, has also been approved for registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, the Muscle Maker Grill, Pokemoto and SuperFit Foods logos, recipes, trade dress, packaging, website name and address and Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media and internet accounts are our intellectual property. Our policy is to pursue and maintain registration of service marks and trademarks in those countries where business strategy requires us to do so and to oppose vigorously any infringement or dilution of the service marks or trademarks in such countries. We maintain the recipe for our healthy inspired recipes, as well as certain proprietary standards, specifications and operating procedures, as trade secrets or confidential proprietary information.
Our Competition
We operate in the restaurant industry, which is highly competitive and fragmented. The number, size and strength of competitors vary by region. Our competition includes a variety of locally owned restaurants and national and regional chains that offer dine-in, carry-out and delivery services as well as meal prep companies. Our competition in the broadest perspective includes restaurants, pizza parlors, convenience food stores, delicatessens, supermarkets, third party delivery services, direct to consumer meal prep and club stores. However, we indirectly compete with fast casual restaurants, including Chipotle and Panera Bread, among others, and with healthy inspired fast casual restaurants, such as Pokeworks, Freshii and Veggie Grill as well as direct-to-consumer meal prep such as Freshly, among others.
We believe competition within the fast-casual restaurant and meal prep segments is based primarily on ambience, price, taste, quality and the freshness of the menu items. We also believe that QSR competition is based primarily on quality, taste, speed of service, value, brand recognition, restaurant location and customer service. We believe the restaurant industry has changed over the past few years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and an emphasis on delivery, ghost kitchens, direct mail and other non-traditional locations and methods are becoming critical, along with healthy menu options, to the restaurant industry and how consumers interact with brands. This changing environment will require flexibility and the ability to rapidly make adjustments.
As consumer preferences continue to evolve into healthier eating options, most restaurants are developing healthier menu options. As more restaurants offer healthier options, the competition for our product offerings becomes more intense and could pose a significant threat to future revenues. However, we believe our experience, size and flexibility allows Muscle Maker, Inc’s portfolio of Companies to adapt faster than many other restaurant concepts.
Our Management Information Systems
All of our Company-operated and franchised restaurants use computerized point-of-sale and back-office systems, which we believe are scalable to support our long-term growth plans. The point-of-sale system provides a touch screen interface and a stand-alone high-speed credit card and gift card processing terminal. The point-of-sale system is used to collect daily transaction data, which generates information about daily sales and product mix that we actively analyze. Our SuperFit Foods division sales are 100% online through the Superfitfoods.com website.
Our in-restaurant back-office computer system is designed to assist in the management of our restaurants. The system also provides corporate headquarters and restaurant operations management quick access to detailed business data and reduces the time spent by our restaurant managers on administrative needs. The system also provides sales, bank deposit and variance data to our accounting department.
Third party delivery and meal prep/plan sales are ordered using online software or apps with reports generated through various software packages.
Our Corporate Structure
Overview: Muscle Maker, Inc. serves as a holding company of the following subsidiaries:
● Muscle Maker Development, LLC, a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Nevada on July 18, 2019 for the purpose of running our existing franchise operations and continuing to franchise the Muscle Maker Grill name and business system to qualified franchisees.
● Muscle Maker Corp. LLC, a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Nevada on July 18, 2019 for the purposes of developing new corporate stores and to also operate these new and existing corporate restaurants.
○ MMG Ft. Bliss, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Texas on January 28, 2016 to run a Company-owned restaurant.
○ MMG Tribeca, Inc, a wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in New Jersey on July 21, 2026 to run a Company-owned restaurant.
● Muscle Maker USA, Inc., a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Texas on March 14, 2019 for the purpose of holding specific assets related to a company financing arrangement.
● Muscle Maker Development International. LLC, a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Nevada on November 13, 2020 to franchise the Muscle Maker Grill name and business system to qualified franchisees internationally.
● SuperFit Foods, LLC, a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Nevada on February 23, 2021 for the purpose of running our subscription based fresh-prepared meal prep business located in Jacksonville, Florida.
● TNB Holdings LLC, a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Connecticut for the purpose of running our existing Company-owned location.
○ Pokemoto LLC, a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Nevada on August 19, 2021 to serve as a holding company of the following subsidiaries.
● TNB Holdings II LLC, a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Connecticut for the purpose of running our existing Company-owned location.
● LB Holdings LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Connecticut for the purpose of running our existing Company-owned location.
● GLL Enterprises LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Connecticut for the purpose of running our existing Company-owned location.
● PKM Stamford LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Connecticut for the purpose of running our existing Company-owned location.
● Poke Co LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Connecticut for the purpose of running our existing Company-owned location.
● Poke Co Holdings LLC, a directly wholly owned subsidiary, which was formed in Connecticut on July 18, 2018 to franchise the Pokemoto name and business system to qualified franchisees.

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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully review the risks described below as they identify important factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements, expectations and historical trends. Any of the following risk factors, either by itself or together with other risk factors, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, cash flows and/or financial condition.
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic has had, and may continue to have, an adverse effect on our business and results of operations.
Developments related to COVID-19, which was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020, have adversely impacted, and may continue to adversely impact our business and results of operations. The impacts of COVID-19 have included the loss of revenues due to store closures, reduced store-level operations, full or partial dining room closures and other restrictions on our business and operations. During 2021, the overall adverse impact of COVID-19 on our operations was less significant than in 2020, but we continued to see negative impacts as of the end of 2021 due to COVID-19 outbreaks and resulting government restrictions limiting mobility, difficulty in hiring employees, availability of key ingredients and inflationary pressures across multiple parts of our business.
Conversely, for our restaurants that prominently feature carryout and delivery options, the pandemic has in many cases contributed to an increase in sales since the onset of the pandemic. If the impact of the pandemic continues to recede and the restaurant industry in general returns to more normal operations, the benefits to sales experienced by certain of our restaurants could wane and our results could be negatively impacted.
We and our franchisees have made operational changes intended to safeguard employees and customers in response to COVID-19. These operational changes have increased and may continue to increase restaurant operating costs and impact restaurant-level margins and return on invested capital. Our and our franchisees’ restaurants have also experienced, and may continue to experience, interruptions of food and other supplies as well as labor shortages. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has required and may continue to require us to implement certain precautionary measures, such as in relation to vaccinations, testing and face coverings, which could adversely impact our operations, employee retention and satisfaction, and the willingness of customers to visit our restaurants.
Our success is heavily reliant on our Concepts’ franchisees, and the COVID-19 pandemic has caused and may continue to cause financial distress for certain franchisees, particularly those located in areas most significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result of this distress, certain of our franchisees have been unable to, or in the future may be unable to, meet their financial obligations to us as they come due, including the payment of royalties, or other amounts due to the Company. Additionally, certain of our franchisees have been unable to, or in the future may be unable to make payments to landlords, distributors and key suppliers, as well as payments to service any debt they may have outstanding. Franchisee financial distress has also led to, and may continue to lead to, permanent store closures and delayed or reduced new franchisee development, which may further harm our results and liquidity.
We are unable to fully predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on our and our franchisees’ operations going forward due to various uncertainties, including the severity and duration of the pandemic, the timing, availability acceptance and effectiveness of medical treatments and vaccines, the spread of potentially more contagious and/or virulent forms of COVID-19, including variants that may be more resistant to currently available vaccines and treatments, the extent to which COVID-19 may cause customers to continue to be reluctant to return to in-restaurant dining or otherwise change their consumption patterns (including after the COVID-19 pandemic has ended), actions that may be taken by governmental authorities, and the extent to which ongoing governmental restrictions in certain regions will be lifted, and the ongoing impact of the pandemic on economic conditions in the U.S. and globally. Moreover, if conditions related to the COVID-19 pandemic result in significant disruptions to capital and financial markets, or negatively impact our credit ratings, our cost of borrowing, our ability to access capital on favorable terms and our overall liquidity and capital structure could be adversely impacted.
Inflationary pressures across all services, equipment, commodities, labor, rent and other areas of the business may cause a negative impact on our financial results if the Company is not able to pass these increased costs in the form of price increases to consumers or find alternative options to reduce costs.
The global supply chain is currently experiencing extensive inflationary pressures across most segments of the economy. While these increases may be temporary, we may have to implement price increases in order to maintain acceptable margins. We have no ability to predict how long these increased costs will last and if consumers will be able or willing to accept retail price increases, decreased portion sizes, alternative ingredients or other measures to offset the overall rise in our cost structure. Without being able to pass along these increases in costs to consumers, the Company may experience a negative impact on our margins.
We may need additional capital to fund our operations, which, if obtained, could result in substantial dilution or significant debt service obligations. We may not be able to obtain additional capital on commercially reasonable terms, which could adversely affect our liquidity and financial position.
In order to continue operating, we may need to obtain additional financing, either through borrowings, private placements, public offerings, or some type of business combination, such as a merger, or buyout, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in such pursuits. We may be unable to acquire the additional funding necessary to continue operating. Accordingly, if we are unable to generate adequate cash from operations, and if we are unable to find sources of funding, it may be necessary for us to sell one or more lines of business or all or a portion of our assets, enter into a business combination, or reduce or eliminate operations. These possibilities, to the extent available, may be on terms that result in significant dilution to our shareholders or that result in our shareholders losing all of their investment in our Company.
If we need to raise additional capital, we do not know what the terms of any such capital raising would be. In addition, any future sale of our equity securities could dilute the ownership and control of your shares and could be at prices substantially below prices at which our shares currently trade. We may seek to increase our cash reserves through the sale of additional equity or debt securities. The sale of convertible debt securities or additional equity securities could result in additional and potentially substantial dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations and liquidity. In addition, our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms is subject to a variety of uncertainties. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure to raise additional funds on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.
We face intense competition in our markets, which could negatively impact our business.
The restaurant industry is intensely competitive, and we compete with many well-established food service companies on the basis of product choice, quality, affordability, service and location. We expect competition in each of our markets to continue to be intense because consumer trends are favoring limited-service restaurants that offer healthy-inspired menu items made with better quality products, and many limited-service restaurants are responding to these trends. With few barriers to entry, our competitors include a variety of independent local operators, in addition to well-capitalized regional, national and international restaurant chains, meal prep and franchises, and new competitors may emerge at any time. Furthermore, delivery aggregators and food delivery services provide consumers with convenient access to a broad range of competing restaurant chains and food retailers, particularly in urbanized areas. Each of our brands also competes for qualified franchisees, suitable restaurant locations and management and personnel. Our ability to compete will depend on the success of our plans to improve existing products, to develop and roll-out new products, to effectively respond to consumer preferences and to manage the complexity of restaurant operations as well as the impact of our competitors’ actions. In addition, our long-term success will depend on our ability to strengthen our customers’ digital experience through expanded mobile ordering, delivery and social interaction. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources, higher revenues and greater economies of scale than we do. These advantages may allow them to implement their operational strategies more quickly or effectively than we can or benefit from changes in technologies, which could harm our competitive position. These competitive advantages may be exacerbated in a difficult economy, thereby permitting our competitors to gain market share. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully respond to changing consumer preferences, including with respect to new technologies and alternative methods of delivery. If we are unable to maintain our competitive position, we could experience lower demand for products, downward pressure on prices, reduced margins, an inability to take advantage of new business opportunities, a loss of market share, reduced franchisee profitability and an inability to attract qualified franchisees in the future. Any of these competitive factors may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
There are risks associated with our increasing dependence on digital commerce platforms to maintain and grow sales.
Customers are increasingly using e-commerce websites, apps and apps owned by third-party delivery aggregators and third-party mobile payment processors, to order and pay for our concepts’ products. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increase in the use of third-party delivery services by our concepts. Many restaurants in each of our concepts now offer consumers the ability to have the concept’s food delivered through third-party delivery services. As a result, our concepts and our concepts’ franchisees are increasingly reliant on digital ordering and payment as a sales channel and our business could be negatively impacted if we are unable to successfully implement, execute or maintain our consumer-facing initiatives. If the third-party apps or aggregators that we utilize for delivery, cease or curtail their operations, fail to maintain sufficient labor force to satisfy demand, materially change fees, access or visibility to our products or give greater priority or promotions on their platforms to our competitors, our business may be negatively impacted. These digital ordering and payment platforms also could be damaged or interrupted by power loss, technological failures, user errors, cyber-attacks, other forms of sabotage, inclement weather or natural disasters. The digital ordering platforms relied upon by our concepts have experienced interruptions and could experience further interruptions, which could limit or delay customers’ ability to order through such platforms or make customers less inclined to return to such platforms.
It is difficult for us to anticipate the level of sales from digital platforms may generate. That may result in operational challenges, both in fulfilling orders made through these channels and in operating our restaurants as we balance fulfillment of these orders with service of our traditional in-restaurant guests as well. Any such operational challenges may negatively impact the customer experience associated with our digital or delivery orders, the guest experience for our traditional in-restaurant business, or both. These factors may adversely impact our sales and our brand reputation. Our SuperFit Foods division relies 100% on web-based ordering through the superfitfoods.com website.
We are vulnerable to changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions that could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
Food service businesses depend on consumer discretionary spending and are often affected by changes in consumer tastes, national, regional and local economic conditions and demographic trends. Factors such as traffic patterns, weather, fuel prices, local demographics, location closures specific to our military and university locations and the type, number and locations of competing restaurants may adversely affect the performances of individual locations. In addition, economic downturns, wage rates, health insurance costs, third-party delivery services and fees, supplies of key ingredients especially tuna and salmon at our Pokemoto division or chicken at our Muscle Maker Grill locations, inflation or increased food or energy costs could harm the restaurant industry in general and our locations in particular. Adverse changes in any of these factors could reduce consumer traffic or impose practical limits on pricing that could harm our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow. There can be no assurance that consumers will continue to regard healthy-inspired fast food favorably or that we will be able to develop new menu items that appeal to consumer preferences. Our business, financial condition and results of operations depend in part on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions. In addition, the restaurant industry is currently under heightened legal and legislative scrutiny related to menu labeling and resulting from the perception that the practices of restaurant companies have contributed to nutritional, caloric intake, obesity or other health concerns of their guests. If we are unable to adapt to changes in consumer preferences and trends, we may lose customers and our revenues may decline or our costs to produce our products could significantly increase.
Our growth strategy depends in part on opening new restaurants in existing and new markets and expanding our franchise system, especially in our Pokemoto division. We may be unsuccessful in opening new Company-operated or franchised restaurants or establishing new markets, which could adversely affect our growth.
One of the key means to achieving our growth strategy will be through opening new restaurants to seed the market and selling franchises. Our ability to open new restaurants and sell franchises is dependent upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including our and our franchisees’ ability to:
● identify available and suitable restaurant sites;
● compete for restaurant sites;
● reach acceptable agreements regarding the lease or purchase of locations;
● obtain or have available the financing required to acquire and operate a restaurant, including construction and opening costs, which includes access to build-to-suit leases and equipment financing leases at favorable interest and capitalization rates;
● respond to unforeseen engineering or environmental problems with leased premises;
● avoid the impact of inclement weather, natural disasters, the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and other calamities;
● hire, train and retain the skilled management and other employees necessary to meet staffing needs;
● obtain, in a timely manner and for an acceptable cost, required licenses, permits and regulatory approvals and respond effectively to any changes in local, state or federal law and regulations that adversely affect our and our franchisees’ costs or ability to open new restaurants; and
● control construction and equipment cost increases for new restaurants.
There is no guarantee that a sufficient number of suitable restaurant sites will be available in desirable areas or on terms that are acceptable to us in order to achieve our growth plan. If we are unable to open new restaurants or sign new franchisees, or if existing franchisees do not open new restaurants, or if restaurant openings are significantly delayed, our revenues or earnings growth could be adversely affected, and our business negatively affected.
As part of our long-term growth strategy, we may enter into geographic markets in which we have little or no prior operating or franchising experience through Company-operated restaurant growth and through franchise development agreements. The challenges of entering new markets include, but are not limited to: difficulties in hiring experienced personnel; unfamiliarity with local real estate markets and demographics; food distribution networks; lack of marketing efficiencies; operational support efficiencies; consumer unfamiliarity with our brand; and different competitive and economic conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns that are more difficult to predict or satisfy than in our existing markets. Consumer recognition of our brand has been important to Company-operated and franchised restaurants in our existing markets. Restaurants we open in new markets may take longer to reach expected sales and profit levels on a consistent basis and may have higher construction, occupancy and operating costs than existing restaurants, thereby affecting our overall profitability. Any failure on our part to recognize or respond to these challenges may adversely affect the success of any new restaurants. Expanding our franchise system could require the implementation, expense and successful management of enhanced business support systems, management information systems and financial controls as well as additional staffing, franchise support and capital expenditures and working capital.
Due to brand recognition and logistical synergies, as part of our growth strategy, we also intend to open new restaurants in areas where we have existing restaurants. The operating results and comparable restaurant sales for our restaurants could be adversely affected due to close proximity with our other restaurants and market saturation.
New restaurants, once opened, may not be profitable or may close.
Some of our restaurants open with an initial start-up period of higher-than-normal sales volumes, which subsequently decrease to stabilized levels. In new markets, the length of time before average sales for new restaurants to stabilize is less predictable and can be longer as a result of our limited knowledge of these markets and consumers’ limited awareness of our brand. In addition, our average restaurant revenues and comparable restaurant sales may not increase at the rates achieved over the past several years. Our ability to operate new restaurants profitably and increase average restaurant revenues and comparable restaurant sales will depend on many factors, some of which are beyond our control, including:
● consumer awareness and understanding of our brand;
● troop deployments, reductions or closures of our military base locations;
● closures of our university locations;
● supplies, equipment, commodity and other resource availability;
● general economic conditions, which can affect restaurant traffic, local labor costs and prices we pay for the food products and other supplies we use;
● consumption patterns and food preferences that may differ from region to region;
● changes in consumer preferences and discretionary spending;
● difficulties obtaining or maintaining adequate relationships with distributors or suppliers in new markets;
● increases in prices for commodities, including proteins;
● inefficiency in our labor costs as the staff gains experience;
● competition, either from our competitors in the restaurant industry or our own restaurants;
● temporary and permanent site characteristics of new restaurants;
● changes in government regulation; and
● other unanticipated increases in costs, any of which could give rise to delays or cost overruns.
If our new restaurants do not perform as planned or close, our business and future prospects could be harmed. In addition, an inability to achieve our expected average restaurant revenues in both Company-owned and franchise locations, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Opening new restaurants in existing markets may negatively impact sales at our and our franchisees’ existing restaurants.
The consumer target area of our and our franchisees’ restaurants varies by location, depending on a number of factors, including population density, other local retail and business attractions, area demographics and geography. As a result, the opening of a new restaurant in or near markets in which we or our franchisees’ already have restaurants could adversely impact sales at these existing restaurants. Existing restaurants could also make it more difficult to build our and our franchisees’ consumer base for a new restaurant in the same market. Our core business strategy does not entail opening new restaurants that we believe will materially affect sales at our or our franchisees’ existing restaurants. However, we cannot guarantee there will not be a significant impact in some cases, and we may selectively open new restaurants in and around areas of existing restaurants that are operating at or near capacity to effectively serve our customers. Sales cannibalization between our restaurants may become significant in the future as we continue to expand our operations and could affect our sales growth, which could, in turn, materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our sales growth and ability to achieve profitability could be adversely affected if comparable restaurant sales are less than we expect.
The level of comparable restaurant sales, which reflect the change in year-over-year sales for restaurants in the fiscal month following 15 months of operation using a mid-month convention, will affect our sales growth and will continue to be a critical factor affecting our ability to generate profits because the profit margin on comparable restaurant sales is generally higher than the profit margin on new restaurant sales. While we have not experienced negative comparable same store sales during 2021, we will continue to develop new sales and marketing efforts including new menu strategy/evolution, new marketing initiatives designed to increase brand awareness, new operating platforms which improve speed of service and other tactics with the goal of providing positive same store sales in future years. Our ability to increase comparable restaurant sales depends in part on our ability to successfully implement these initiatives. It is possible such initiatives will not be successful, that we will not achieve our target comparable restaurant sales growth or that the change in comparable restaurant sales could be negative, which may cause a decrease in sales growth and ability to achieve profitability that would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our marketing programs may not be successful, and our new menu items, advertising campaigns and restaurant designs or remodels may not generate increased sales or profits.
We incur costs and expend other resources in our marketing efforts on new menu items, advertising campaigns and restaurant designs and remodels to raise brand awareness and attract and retain customers. These initiatives may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenues. Additionally, some of our competitors have greater financial resources, which enable them to spend significantly more on marketing and advertising and other initiatives than we are able to. Should our competitors increase spending on marketing and advertising and other initiatives or our marketing funds decrease for any reason, or should our advertising, promotions, new menu items and restaurant designs and remodels be less effective than our competitors, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Our SuperFit Foods division relies heavily on web based, social media and local marketing to generate new clients. The meal prep industry has a high cost of customer acquisition and our marketing efforts may not prove to be successful in generating new clients.
Failure to receive timely deliveries of food or other supplies could result in a loss of revenues and materially and adversely impact our operations.
Our Company-operated restaurants and franchisees’ ability to maintain consistent quality menu items and prices significantly depends upon our ability to acquire quality food products from reliable sources in accordance with our specifications on a timely basis. Shortages or interruptions in the supply of food products caused by unanticipated demand, worker shortages, inflation, problems in production or distribution, contamination of food products, an outbreak of protein-based diseases, inclement weather, fuel supplies, governmental actions or other conditions could materially adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of ingredients, which would adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We have contracts with a limited number of suppliers, and, in some cases, a sole supplier, for certain products, supplies and ingredients. If that distributor or any supplier fails to perform as anticipated or seeks to terminate agreements with us, or if there is any disruption in any of our supply or distribution relationships for any reason, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially adversely affected. If we or our franchisees temporarily close a restaurant or remove popular items from a restaurant’s menu due to a supply shortage, that restaurant may experience a significant reduction in revenues during the time affected by the shortage and thereafter if our customers change their dining habits as a result.
Changes in food and supply costs or failure to receive frequent deliveries of food ingredients and other supplies could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although we are currently generating a net loss, our future profitability, if any, depends in part on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food and supply costs, and our ability to maintain our menu depends in part on our ability to acquire ingredients that meet specifications from reliable suppliers. Shortages or interruptions in the availability of certain supplies caused by unanticipated demand, problems in production or distribution, food contamination, pandemics such as the COVID 19, inclement weather, world conflicts or other conditions could adversely affect the availability, quality and cost of our ingredients, which could harm our operations. Any increase in the prices of the food products most critical to our menu, such as chicken, seafood, beef, fresh produce, dairy products, packaging and other proteins, could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Although we try to manage the impact that these fluctuations have on our operating results, we remain susceptible to increases in food and packaging costs as a result of factors beyond our control, such as general economic conditions, seasonal fluctuations, weather conditions, inflation, demand, food safety concerns, generalized infectious diseases, product recalls, fuel prices and other government regulations. Therefore, material increases in the prices of the ingredients most critical to our menu could adversely affect our operating results or cause us to consider changes to our product delivery strategy and adjustments to our menu pricing.
If any of our distributors or suppliers perform inadequately, or our distribution or supply relationships are disrupted for any reason, there could be a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. Although we often enter into contracts for the purchase of food products and supplies, we do not have long-term contracts for the purchase of all such food products and supplies. As a result, we may not be able to anticipate or react to changing food costs by adjusting our purchasing practices or menu prices, which could cause our operating results to deteriorate. If we cannot replace or engage distributors or suppliers who meet our specifications in a short period of time, that could increase our expenses and cause shortages of food and other items at our restaurants, which could cause a restaurant to remove items from its menu. If that were to happen, affected restaurants could experience significant reductions in sales during the shortage or thereafter, if customers change their dining habits as a result. In addition, although we provide modestly priced food, we may choose not to, or may be unable to, pass along commodity price increases to consumers, including price increases with respect to ground beef, chicken, seafood, produce, dairy, packaging or other commodities. These potential changes in food and supply costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Failure to manage our growth effectively could harm our business and operating results.
Our growth plan includes opening a significant number of new restaurants, both franchised and Company-owned. Our existing restaurant management systems, financial and management controls and information systems may be inadequate to support our planned expansion. Managing our growth effectively will require us to continue to enhance these systems, procedures and controls and to hire, train and retain managers and team members. We may not respond quickly enough to the changing demands that our expansion will impose on our management, restaurant teams and existing infrastructure, which could harm our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The planned rapid increase in the number of our restaurants may make our future results unpredictable.
We intend to continue to increase the number of our Company-owned and franchised restaurants in the next several years, especially in the Pokemoto division. This growth strategy and the substantial investment associated with the development of each new restaurant may cause our operating results to fluctuate unpredictably or have an adverse effect on our profits. In addition, we may find that our restaurant concept has limited appeal in new markets or we may experience a decline in the popularity of our restaurant concept in the markets in which we operate. Newly opened restaurants or our future markets and restaurants may not be successful or our system-wide average restaurant revenue may not increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The financial performance of our franchisees can negatively impact our business as we rely on an aggressive unit sales strategy.
Our revenue projections consist of both Company-operated and franchised locations. Our growth plans call for an aggressive approach to Pokemoto franchise unit level sales and subsequent openings. As approximately 48% of our restaurants are franchised as of December 31, 2021, our financial results are dependent in significant part upon the operational and financial success of our franchisees. In the event we cannot meet these forecasts due to the inability to sell franchise locations in certain states, are prevented from selling franchises due to historical performance, government regulations, licensing, state registrations, or other factors, we will have a material negative impact on future revenues. Our revenue model and cash flows rely heavily on initial franchise fees, ongoing 2% - 6% royalties of total net sales and vendor rebates on total purchases and services from franchised locations. A significant reduction in the total number of units sold and subsequently opened would have a material adverse effect on future revenues. We also collect rebates from some vendors supplying franchisees for food purchases, services and materials. We have established operational standards and guidelines for our franchisees; however, we have limited control over how our franchisees’ businesses are run. While we are responsible for the anticipated success of our entire system of restaurants and for taking a longer-term view with respect to system improvements, our franchisees have individual business strategies and objectives, which might conflict with our interests. Our franchisees may not be able to secure adequate financing to open or continue operating their Muscle Maker Grill or Pokemoto restaurants. If they incur too much debt or if economic or sales trends deteriorate such that they are unable to repay existing debt, our franchisees could experience financial distress or even bankruptcy. If a significant number of franchisees become financially distressed, it could harm our operating results through reduced royalty revenues and the impact on our profitability could be greater than the percentage decrease in the royalty revenues. Closure of franchised restaurants would reduce our royalty revenues and other sources of income and could negatively impact margins, since we may not be able to reduce fixed costs which we continue to incur.
The interests of our franchisees may conflict with ours or yours in the future and we could face liability from our franchisees or related to our relationship with our franchisees.
Franchisees, as independent business operators, may from time to time disagree with us and our strategies regarding the business or our interpretation of our respective rights and obligations under the franchise agreement and the terms and conditions of the franchisee/franchisor relationship. This may lead to disputes with our franchisees and we expect such disputes to occur from time to time in the future as we continue to offer franchises. Such disputes may result in legal action against us. To the extent we have such disputes, the attention, time and financial resources of our management and our franchisees will be diverted from our restaurants, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows even if we have a successful outcome in the dispute.
In addition, various state and federal laws govern our relationship with our franchisees and our potential sale of a franchise. A franchisee and/or a government agency may bring legal action against us based on the franchisee/franchisor relationships that could result in the award of damages to franchisees and/or the imposition of fines or other penalties against us.
We have limited control with respect to the operations of our franchisees, which could have a negative impact on our business.
Franchisees are independent business operators and are not our employees, and we do not exercise control over the day-to-day operations of their restaurants. We provide training and support to franchisees, and set and monitor operational standards, but the quality of franchised restaurants may be diminished by any number of factors beyond our control. Consequently, 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 personnel. If franchisees do not operate to our expectations, our image and reputation, and the image and reputation of other franchisees, may suffer materially and system-wide sales could decline significantly, which would reduce our royalty and other revenues, and the impact on profitability could be greater than the percentage decrease in royalties and fees.
The challenging economic environment may affect our franchisees, with adverse consequences to us.
We rely in part on our franchisees and the manner in which they operate their locations to develop and promote our business. Due to the continuing challenging economic environment, it is possible that some franchisees could file for bankruptcy or become delinquent in their payments to us, which could have a significant adverse impact on our business due to loss or delay in payments of royalties, elimination of vendor rebates on franchisee purchases, contributions to our marketing development fund and brand development/advertising funds and other fees. Bankruptcies by our franchisees could prevent us from terminating their franchise agreements so that we can offer their territories to other franchisees, negatively impact our market share and operating results as we may have fewer well-performing restaurants, and adversely impact our ability to attract new franchisees.
We cannot be certain that the developers and franchisees we select will have the business acumen or financial resources necessary to open and operate successful franchises in their franchise areas, and state franchise laws may limit our ability to terminate or modify these franchise arrangements. 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 personnel. The failure of developers and franchisees to open and operate franchises successfully could have a material adverse effect on us, our reputation, our brand and our ability to attract prospective franchisees and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Franchisees may not have access to the financial or management resources that they need to open the restaurants contemplated by their agreements with us or be able to find suitable sites on which to develop them. Franchisees may not be able to negotiate an acceptable lease or purchase terms for restaurant sites, obtain the necessary permits and government approvals or meet construction schedules. Any of these problems could slow our growth and reduce our franchise revenues. Additionally, our franchisees typically depend on financing from banks and other financial institutions, which may not always be available to them, in order to construct and open new restaurants. For these reasons, franchisees operating under development agreements may not be able to meet the new restaurant opening dates required under those agreements.
Our system-wide restaurant base is geographically concentrated in the Northeastern United States for Muscle Maker Grill and Pokemoto Restaurants and Jacksonville, Florida for SuperFit Foods, and we could be negatively affected by conditions specific to that region.
Our Company-operated and franchised restaurants in the Northeastern United States represent approximately 54% of our system-wide restaurants as of December 31, 2021. Our Company-operated and franchised restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and other New England states represent approximately 41% of our system-wide restaurants as of December 31, 2021. Adverse changes in demographic, unemployment, economic, regulatory or weather conditions in the Northeastern United States have had, and may continue to have, material adverse effects on our business. As a result of our concentration in these markets, we have been, and in the future may be, disproportionately affected by these adverse conditions compared to other chain restaurants with a national footprint.
In addition, our competitors could open additional restaurants in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and other New England states where we have significant concentration with 20 of our system restaurants, which could result in reduced market share for us and may adversely impact our profitability.
Furthermore, our SuperFit Foods division is solely located in Jacksonville, Florida. Adverse changes in demographic, unemployment, economic, regulatory or weather conditions in the Jacksonville, Florida market have had, and may continue to have, material adverse effects on our business. In addition, because all of our SuperFit Foods revenue comes solely from the Jacksonville, Florida market, we could be materially affected by a major meal prep competitor being introduced to the market. As a result of our concentration in this market for SuperFit Foods, we have been, and in the future may be, disproportionately affected by these adverse conditions compared to other meal prep or companies with a national footprint.
Negative publicity could reduce sales at some or all of our restaurants.
We may, from time to time, be faced with negative publicity relating to food quality, the safety, sanitation and welfare of our restaurant facilities, customer complaints or litigation alleging illness or injury, health inspection scores, integrity of our or our suppliers’ food processing and other policies, practices and procedures, employee relationships and welfare or other matters at one or more of our restaurants. Negative publicity may adversely affect us, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are held to be responsible. In addition, the negative impact of adverse publicity relating to one restaurant may extend far beyond the restaurant involved, especially due to the high geographic concentration of many of our restaurants, to affect some or all of our other restaurants, including our franchised restaurants. The risk of negative publicity is particularly great with respect to our franchised restaurants because we are limited in the manner in which we can regulate them, especially on a real-time basis and negative publicity from our franchised restaurants may also significantly impact Company-operated restaurants. A similar risk exists with respect to food service businesses unrelated to us, if customers mistakenly associate such unrelated businesses with our operations. Employee claims against us based on, among other things, wage and hour violations, discrimination, harassment or wrongful termination may also create not only legal and financial liability but negative publicity that could adversely affect us and divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit the future performance of our operations. These types of employee claims could also be asserted against us, on a co-employer theory, by employees of our franchisees. A significant increase in the number of these claims or an increase in the number of successful claims could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
Food safety and quality concerns may negatively impact our business and profitability, our internal operational controls and standards may not always be met and our employees may not always act professionally, responsibly and in our and our customers’ best interests. Any possible instances of food-borne illness could reduce our restaurant sales.
Food-borne illnesses, such as E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Cyclospora and Trichinosis, and food safety issues, such as food tampering, contamination (including with respect to allergens) and adulteration or food- or beverage-borne illness, occur or may occur within our system from time to time. Furthermore, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are now stricter health regulations and guidelines and increased public concern over food safety standards and controls. Any report or publicity linking us or one of our Concepts’ restaurants, or linking our competitors or the retail food industry generally, to instances of food- or beverage-borne illness or food safety issues, could adversely affect us and possibly lead to product liability claims, litigation, governmental investigations or actions, and damages. Moreover, the reliance of our concepts’ restaurants on third-party food suppliers and distributors and increasing reliance on food delivery aggregators increases the risk that food or beverage-borne illness incidents and food safety issues could be caused by factors outside of our direct control. If a customer of one of our Concepts’ restaurants becomes ill from food or beverage-borne illnesses or as a result of food safety issues, restaurants in our system may be temporarily closed, which could disrupt our operations and materially and adversely affect our business. In addition, instances or allegations of food or beverage-borne illness or food safety issues, real or perceived, involving our restaurants, restaurants of competitors, or our suppliers or distributors (regardless of whether we use or have used those suppliers or distributors), or otherwise involving the types of food served at our restaurants, could result in negative publicity that could adversely affect either our or our concepts’ franchisees’ revenues and profits. The occurrence of food or beverage-borne illnesses or food safety issues could also adversely affect the price and availability of affected ingredients, which could result in disruptions in our supply chain and/or lower margins for us and our Concepts’ franchisees.
The volatile credit and capital markets could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
Our ability to manage our debt is dependent on our level of cash flow from Company-operated and franchised restaurants, net of costs. An economic downturn may negatively impact our cash flows. Credit and capital markets can be volatile, which could make it more difficult for us to refinance our existing debt or to obtain additional debt or equity financings in the future. Such constraints could increase our costs of borrowing and could restrict our access to other potential sources of future liquidity. Our failure to have sufficient liquidity to make interest and other payments required by our debt could result in a default of such debt and acceleration of our borrowings, which would have a material adverse effect on our business and financial condition. The lack of availability or access to build-to-suit leases and equipment financing leases could result in a decreased number of new restaurants and have a negative impact on our growth.
A military conflict or large troop deployment could affect our revenue at Company and franchise military locations in the future.
We have multiple Company-owned non-traditional military base locations. Our military base locations are built in support of “Operation Live Well” and the desire of the United States military to offer healthier eating options on its bases. In the event of a large troop deployment or military conflict, the total number of troops present on any given base could be materially reduced and therefore our total revenues in these locations would likely be reduced accordingly.
The personal information that we collect may be vulnerable to breach, theft or loss that could adversely affect our reputation, results of operation and financial condition.
In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, process, transmit and retain personal information regarding our employees and their families, our franchisees, vendors and consumers, which can include social security numbers, social insurance numbers, banking and tax identification information, health care information, user names and passwords and credit card information and our franchisees collect similar information. Some of this personal information is held and managed by our franchisees and certain of our vendors. A third-party may be able to circumvent the security and business controls we use to limit access and use of personal information, which could result in a breach of employee, consumer or franchisee privacy. A major breach, theft or loss of personal information regarding our employees and their families, our franchisees, vendors or consumers that is held by us or our vendors could result in substantial fines, penalties, indemnification claims and potential litigation against us which could negatively impact our results of operations and financial condition. As a result of legislative and regulatory rules, we may be required to notify the owners of the personal information of any data breaches, which could harm our reputation and financial results, as well as subject us to litigation or actions by regulatory authorities. Furthermore, media or other reports of existing or perceived security vulnerabilities in our systems or those of our franchisees or vendors, even if no breach has been attempted or has occurred, can adversely impact our brand and reputation, and thereby materially impact our business.
Significant capital investments and other expenditures could be required to remedy a breach and prevent future problems, including costs associated with additional security technologies, personnel, experts and credit monitoring services for those whose data has been breached. These costs, which could be material, could adversely impact our results of operations during the period in which they are incurred. The techniques and sophistication used to conduct cyber-attacks and breaches, as well as the sources and targets of these attacks, change frequently and are often not recognized until such attacks are launched or have been in place for a period of time. Accordingly, our expenditures to prevent future cyber-attacks or breaches may not be successful.
Information technology system failures or interruptions or breaches of our network security may interrupt our operations, subject us to increased operating costs and expose us to litigation.
As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our systems. We rely heavily on our computer systems and network infrastructure across operations including, but not limited to, point-of-sale processing at our restaurants, online/web based transactions at SuperFit Foods and third-party delivery and loyalty apps as well as the systems of our third-party vendors to whom we outsource certain administrative functions. Despite our implementation of security measures, all of our technology systems are vulnerable to damage, disruption or failures due to physical theft, fire, power loss, telecommunications failure or other catastrophic events, as well as from problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, internal and external security breaches, denial of service attacks, viruses, worms and other disruptive problems caused by hackers. If any of our technology systems were to fail, and we were unable to recover in a timely way, we could experience an interruption in our operations. Furthermore, if unauthorized access to or use of our systems were to occur, data related to our proprietary information could be compromised. The occurrence of any of these incidents could have a material adverse effect on our future financial condition and results of operations. To the extent that some of our reporting systems require or rely on manual processes, it could increase the risk of a breach due to human error.
In addition, we receive and maintain certain personal information about our customers, franchisees and employees, and our franchisees receive and maintain similar information. For example, in connection with credit card transactions, we and our franchisees collect and transmit confidential credit card information by way of retail networks. We also maintain important internal data, such as personally identifiable information about our employees and franchisees and information relating to our operation. Our use of personally identifiable information is regulated by applicable laws and regulations. If our security and information systems or those of our franchisees are compromised or our business associates fail to comply with these laws and regulations and this information is obtained by unauthorized persons or used inappropriately, it could adversely affect our reputation, as well as our restaurant operations and results of operations and financial condition. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change, we may incur additional costs to ensure that we remain in compliance.
Further, the standards for systems currently used for transmission and approval of electronic payment transactions, and the technology utilized in electronic payment themselves, all of which can put electronic payment data at risk, are determined and controlled by the payment card industry, not by us. If someone is able to circumvent our data security measures or that of third parties with whom we do business, including our franchisees, he or she could destroy or steal valuable information or disrupt our operations. Any security breach could expose us to risks of data loss, litigation, liability, and could seriously disrupt our operations. Any resulting negative publicity could significantly harm our reputation and could materially and adversely affect our business and operating results.
A number of our systems and processes are not fully integrated and, as a result, require us to manually estimate and consolidate certain information that we use to manage our business. To the extent that we are not able to obtain transparency into our operations from our systems, it could impair the ability of our management to react quickly to changes in the business or economic environment.
We anticipate expanding, upgrading and developing our information technology capabilities. If we are unable to successfully upgrade or expand our technological capabilities, we may not be able to take advantage of market opportunities, manage our costs and transactional data effectively, satisfy customer requirements, execute our business plan or respond to competitive pressures.
We outsource certain aspects of our business to third-party vendors which subjects us to risks, including disruptions in our business and increased costs.
We have outsourced certain administrative functions for our business to third-party service providers. We also outsource certain information technology support services and benefit plan administration. Furthermore, we outsource delivery services to multiple third-party vendors including UberEats, DoorDash and GrubHub to fulfill delivery orders from both Company-owned and franchise locations. Our SuperFit Foods division outsources home and pick up location deliveries to independent contractors. Our Pokemoto division outsources online ordering and loyalty programs to Snackpass. In the future, we may outsource other functions to achieve cost savings and efficiencies. If the service providers to which we outsource these functions do not perform effectively or are negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, we may not be able to achieve the expected cost savings and may have to incur additional costs in connection with such failure to perform. Depending on the function involved, such failures may also lead to business disruption, transaction errors, processing inefficiencies, the loss of sales and customers, the loss of or damage to intellectual property through security breach, and the loss of sensitive data through security breach or otherwise. Any such damage or interruption could have a material adverse effect on our business, cause us to face significant fines, customer notice obligations or costly litigation, harm our reputation with our customers or prevent us from paying our collective suppliers or employees or receiving payments on a timely basis.
The failure to enforce and maintain our trademarks and protect our other intellectual property could materially adversely affect our business, including our ability to establish and maintain brand awareness.
We have registered Muscle Maker Grill®, Healthy Joe’s, Pokemoto®, SuperFit Foods and certain other names used by our restaurants as trademarks or service marks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The Muscle Maker Grill® trademark is also registered in some form in one foreign country. Our current brand campaign, “Great Food with Your Health in Mind” has also been approved for registration with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. In addition, the Muscle Maker Grill, Pokemoto and SuperFit Foods logos, recipes, trade dress, packaging, website names and addresses (www.musclemakergrill.com, www.pokemoto.com and www.superfitfoods.com) and Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other social media and internet accounts are our intellectual property. The success of our business strategy depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks and service marks in order to increase brand awareness and develop our branded products. If our efforts to protect our intellectual property are not adequate, or if any third-party misappropriates or infringes on our intellectual property, whether in print, on the Internet or through other media, the value of our brands may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, including the failure of our brands and branded products to achieve and maintain market acceptance. There can be no assurance that all of the steps we have taken to protect our intellectual property in the United States and in foreign countries will be adequate. In addition, the laws of some foreign countries do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States.
We or our suppliers maintain the seasonings and additives for our food offerings, as well as certain standards, specifications and operating procedures, as trade secrets or confidential information. We may not be able to prevent the unauthorized disclosure or use of our trade secrets or information, despite the existence of confidentiality agreements and other measures. While we try to ensure that the quality of our brand and branded products is maintained by all of our franchisees, we cannot be certain that these franchisees will not take actions that adversely affect the value of our intellectual property or reputation. If any of our trade secrets or information were to be disclosed to or independently developed by a competitor, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely affected.
Third-party claims with respect to intellectual property assets, if decided against us, may result in competing uses or require adoption of new, non-infringing intellectual property, which may in turn adversely affect sales and revenues.
There can be no assurance that third parties will not assert infringement or misappropriation claims against us, or assert claims that our rights in our trademarks, service marks, trade dress and other intellectual property assets are invalid or unenforceable. Any such claims could have a material adverse effect on us or our franchisees if such claims were to be decided against us. If our rights in any intellectual property were invalidated or deemed unenforceable, it could permit competing uses of intellectual property which, in turn, could lead to a decline in restaurant revenues. If the intellectual property became subject to third-party infringement, misappropriation or other claims, and such claims were decided against us, we may be forced to pay damages, be required to develop or adopt non-infringing intellectual property or be obligated to acquire a license to the intellectual property that is the subject of the asserted claim. There could be significant expenses associated with the defense of any infringement, misappropriation, or other third-party claims.
We depend on our executive officers, the loss of whom could materially harm our business.
We rely upon the accumulated knowledge, skills and experience of our executive officers and significant employees. Our executive officers and significant employees have cumulative experience of more than 100 years in the food service industry. If they were to leave us or become incapacitated, we might suffer in our planning and execution of business strategy and operations, impacting our brand and financial results. We also do not maintain any key man life insurance policies for any of our employees.
Matters relating to employment and labor law may adversely affect our business.
Various federal and state labor laws govern our relationships with our employees and affect operating costs. These laws include employee classifications as exempt or non-exempt, minimum wage requirements, unemployment tax rates, workers’ compensation rates, citizenship requirements and other wage and benefit requirements for employees classified as non-exempt. Significant additional government regulations and new laws, including mandating increases in minimum wages, changes in exempt and non-exempt status, or mandated benefits such as health insurance could materially affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow. Furthermore, if our or our franchisees’ employees unionize, it could materially affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flow.
We are also subject in the ordinary course of business to employee claims against us based, among other things, on discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, or violation of wage and labor laws. Such claims could also be asserted against us by employees of our franchisees. Moreover, claims asserted against franchisees may at times be made against us as a franchisor. These claims may divert our financial and management resources that would otherwise be used to benefit our operations. The ongoing expense of any resulting lawsuits, and any substantial settlement payment or damage award against us, could adversely affect our business, brand image, employee recruitment, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.
In addition, various states in which we operate are considering or have already adopted new immigration laws or enforcement programs, and the United States Congress and Department of Homeland Security from time to time consider and may implement changes to federal immigration laws, regulations or enforcement programs as well. Some of these changes may increase our obligations for compliance and oversight, which could subject us to additional costs and make our hiring process more cumbersome or reduce the availability of potential employees. Although we require all workers to provide us with government-specified documentation evidencing their employment eligibility, some of our employees may, without our knowledge, be unauthorized workers. Unauthorized workers are subject to deportation and may subject us to fines or penalties, and if any of our workers are found to be unauthorized, we could experience adverse publicity that negatively impacts our brand and may make it more difficult to hire and keep qualified employees. Termination of a significant number of employees who were unauthorized employees may disrupt our operations, cause temporary increases in our labor costs as we train new employees and result in additional adverse publicity. We could also become subject to fines, penalties and other costs related to claims that we did not fully comply with all recordkeeping obligations of federal and state immigration compliance laws. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Restaurant companies have been the target of class action lawsuits and other proceedings alleging, among other things, violations of federal and state workplace and employment laws. Proceedings of this nature are costly, divert management attention and, if successful, could result in our payment of substantial damages or settlement costs.
Our business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, consumers, suppliers, franchisees, stockholders or others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action and regulatory actions, is difficult to assess or quantify. In recent years, restaurant companies, including us, have been subject to lawsuits, including lawsuits, alleging violations of federal and state laws regarding workplace and employment conditions, discrimination and similar matters. A number of these lawsuits have resulted in the payment of substantial damages by the defendants. Similar lawsuits have been instituted from time to time alleging violations of various federal and state wage and hour laws regarding, among other things, employee meal deductions, overtime eligibility of managers and failure to pay for all hours worked.
Occasionally, our customers file complaints or lawsuits against us alleging that we are responsible for some illness or injury they suffered at or after a visit to one of our restaurants, including actions seeking damages resulting from food-borne illness or accidents in our restaurants. We are also subject to a variety of other claims from third parties arising in the ordinary course of our business, including contract claims. The restaurant industry has also been subject to a growing number of claims that the menus and actions of restaurant chains have led to the obesity of certain of their customers. We may also be subject to lawsuits from our employees, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or others alleging violations of federal and state laws regarding workplace and employment conditions, discrimination and similar matters.
Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are liable, claims may be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations and result in increases in our insurance premiums. In addition, they may generate negative publicity, which could reduce customer traffic and sales. Although we maintain what we believe to have adequate levels of insurance, insurance may not be available at all or in sufficient amounts to cover any liabilities with respect to these or other matters. A judgment or other liability in excess of our insurance coverage for any claims or any adverse publicity resulting from claims could adversely affect our business and results of operations.
If we or our franchisees face labor shortages or increased labor costs, our results of operations and our growth could be adversely affected.
Labor is a primary component in the cost of operating our Company-operated and franchised restaurants. If we or our franchisees face labor shortages or increased labor costs because of increased competition for employees, higher employee-turnover rates, size of the available workforce, unionization of restaurant workers, or increases in the federally-mandated or state-mandated minimum wage, change in exempt and non-exempt status, or other employee benefits costs (including costs associated with health insurance coverage or workers’ compensation insurance), our and our franchisees’ operating expenses could increase and our growth could be adversely affected.
We have a substantial number of hourly employees who are paid wage rates at or based on the applicable federal or state minimum wage and increases in the minimum wage will increase our labor costs and the labor costs of our franchisees. Federally-mandated, state-mandated or locally-mandated minimum wages may be raised in the future. We may be unable to increase our menu prices in order to pass future increased labor costs on to our customers, in which case our margins would be negatively affected. Also, reduced margins of franchisees could make it more difficult to sell franchises. If menu prices are increased by us and our franchisees to cover increased labor costs, the higher prices could adversely affect transactions which could lower sales and thereby reduce our margins and the royalties that we receive from franchisees.
In addition, our success depends in part upon our and our franchisees’ ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of well-qualified restaurant operators, management personnel and other employees. Qualified individuals needed to fill these positions can be in short supply in some geographic areas. In addition, limited service restaurants have traditionally experienced relatively high employee turnover rates. Our franchisees’ ability to recruit and retain such individuals may delay the planned openings of new restaurants or result in higher employee turnover in existing restaurants, which could increase our and our franchisees’ labor costs and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. If we or our franchisees are unable to recruit and retain sufficiently qualified individuals, our business and our growth could be adversely affected. Competition for these employees could require us or our franchisees to pay higher wages, which could also result in higher labor costs.
We are locked into long-term and non-cancelable leases and may be unable to renew leases at the end of their terms.
Many of our restaurant leases are non-cancelable and typically have initial terms up to between one and ten years and one to three renewal terms of one to ten years each that we may exercise at our option. Even if we close a restaurant, we are required to perform our obligations under the applicable lease, which could include, among other things, a provision for a closed restaurant reserve when the restaurant is closed, which would impact our profitability, and payment of the base rent, property taxes, insurance and maintenance for the balance of the lease term. In addition, in connection with leases for restaurants that we will continue to operate, we may, at the end of the lease term and any renewal period for a restaurant, be unable to renew the lease without substantial additional cost, if at all. As a result, we may close or relocate the restaurant, which could subject us to construction and other costs and risks. Additionally, the revenues and profit, if any, generated at a relocated restaurant may not equal the revenues and profit generated at the existing restaurant.
We and our franchisees are subject to extensive government regulations that could result in claims leading to increased costs and restrict our ability to operate or sell franchises.
We and our franchisees are subject to extensive government regulation at the federal, state and local government levels. These include, but are not limited to, regulations relating to the preparation and sale of food, zoning and building codes, franchising, land use and employee, health, sanitation and safety matters. We and our franchisees are required to obtain and maintain a wide variety of governmental licenses, permits and approvals. Difficulty or failure in obtaining them in the future could result in delaying or canceling the opening of new restaurants. Local authorities may suspend or deny renewal of our governmental licenses if they determine that our operations do not meet the standards for initial grant or renewal. This risk would be even higher if there were a major change in the licensing requirements affecting our types of restaurants.
These laws and regulations change regularly and are increasingly complex. For example, we are subject to:
● The Americans with Disabilities Act in the U.S. and similar laws that provide protection to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations and other areas.
● The U.S. Fair Labor Standards Act as well as a variety of similar laws, which govern matters such as minimum wages, and overtime, and the U.S. Family and Medical Leave Act as well as a variety of similar laws which provide protected leave rights to employees.
● Employment laws related to workplace health and safety, non-discrimination, non-harassment, whistleblower protections, and other terms and conditions of employment.
● Laws and regulations in government-mandated health care benefits such as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in the U.S.
● Laws and regulations relating to nutritional content, nutritional labeling, product safety, product marketing and menu labeling.
● Laws relating to state and local licensing.
● Laws relating to the relationship between franchisors and franchisees.
● Laws and regulations relating to health, sanitation, food, workplace safety, child labor, including laws regulating the use of certain “hazardous equipment”, building and zoning, and fire safety and prevention.
● Laws and regulations relating to union organizing rights and activities.
● Laws relating to information security, privacy (including the European Union’s GDPR and California’s CCPA and CPRA), cashless payments, and consumer protection.
● Laws relating to currency conversion or exchange.
● Laws relating to international trade and sanctions.
● Tax laws and regulations.
● Anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act.
● Environmental laws and regulations, including with respect to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.
● Federal and state immigration laws and regulations in the U.S.
● Regulations, health guidelines and safety protocols related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Any failure or alleged failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations or related standards or guidelines could adversely affect our reputation, growth prospects and financial results or result in, among other things, litigation, revocation of required licenses, internal investigations, governmental investigations or proceedings, administrative enforcement actions, fines and civil and criminal liability. Publicity relating to any such noncompliance could also harm our Concepts’ reputations and adversely affect our revenues. In addition, the compliance costs associated with complying with new or existing legal requirements could be substantial.
We are exposed to the risk of natural disasters, unusual weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks, political events, war and terrorism that could disrupt business and result in lower sales, increased operating costs and capital expenditures.
Our headquarters, Company-operated and franchised restaurant locations, third-party sole distributor and its facilities, as well as certain of our vendors and customers, are located in areas which have been and could be subject to natural disasters such as floods, blizzards, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires or earthquakes. Adverse weather conditions or other extreme changes in the weather, including resulting electrical and technological failures, especially such events which occur in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, other New England states and Jacksonville, Florida as a result of the concentration of our restaurants, may disrupt our and our franchisees’ business and may adversely affect our and our franchisees’ ability to obtain food and supplies and sell menu items. Our business may be harmed if our or our franchisees’ ability to obtain food and supplies and sell menu items is impacted by any such events, any of which could influence customer trends and purchases and may negatively impact our and our franchisees’ revenues, properties or operations. Such events could result in physical damage to one or more of our or our franchisees’ properties, the temporary closure of some or all of our Company-operated restaurants, franchised restaurants and third-party distributor, the temporary lack of an adequate work force in a market, temporary or long-term disruption in the transport of goods, delay in the delivery of goods and supplies to our Company-operated and franchised restaurants and third-party distributor, disruption of our technology support or information systems, or fuel shortages or dramatic increases in fuel prices, all of which would increase the cost of doing business. These events also could have indirect consequences such as increases in the costs of insurance if they result in significant loss of property or other insurable damage. Any of these factors, or any combination thereof, could adversely affect our operations. Some of our restaurants are located on military bases.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks, such as the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19 virus) pandemic may disrupt our business, which could materially affect our operations and results of operations.
Pandemics or disease outbreaks such as the current novel coronavirus (COVID-19 virus) pandemic, have and may continue to impact customer traffic at our restaurants, may make it more difficult to staff our restaurants and, in more severe cases, may cause a temporary inability to obtain supplies, increase commodity costs or cause full and partial temporary closures of our affected restaurants, sometimes for prolonged periods of time. In the past, in response to local government requirements we have temporarily shifted to a “take-out, curbside pickup or delivery” only operating model, temporarily suspending sit-down dining. We and our franchisees have also implemented temporary closures, modified hours of operation or reduced on-site staff, resulting in cancelled shifts for some of our employees. COVID-19 may also materially adversely affect the timing to implement our growth plans as certain states and cities temporarily restrict business operations and implement social distancing programs. These changes and any additional changes may materially adversely affect our business or results of operations particularly if these changes are in place for a significant amount of time. In addition, our operations could be disrupted if any of our employees or employees of our business partners were or are suspected of having COVID-19 or other illnesses since this could require us or our business partners to quarantine some or all such employees or close and disinfect our restaurant facilities. If a significant percentage of our workforce or the workforce of our business partners are unable to work, including because of illness or travel or government restrictions in connection with pandemics or disease outbreaks (including the current COVID-19 pandemic), our operations and financial condition may be negatively impacted. We could also be adversely affected if government authorities impose additional restrictions on public gatherings, human interactions, operations of restaurants or mandatory closures, seek voluntary closures, restrict hours of operations or impose curfews, restrict the import or export of products or if suppliers issue mass recalls of products.
Upon the expansion of our operations internationally, we could be adversely affected by violations of the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and similar worldwide anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws.
We anticipate developing franchised locations located outside the United States. The U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, and other similar anti-bribery and anti-kickback laws and regulations, generally prohibit companies and their intermediaries from making improper payments to non-U.S. officials for the purpose of obtaining or retaining business. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in preventing our franchisees or other agents from taking actions in violation of these laws or regulations. Such violations, or allegations of such violations, could disrupt our business and result in a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows. We currently have two open franchise locations in Kuwait and a franchise development agreement for 40 locations in Saudi Arabia.
Members of our board of directors and our executive officers will have other business interests and obligations to other entities.
Neither our directors nor our executive officers will be required to manage the Company as their sole and exclusive function and they may have other business interests and may engage in other activities in addition to those relating to the Company, provided that such activities do not compete with the business of the Company or otherwise breach their agreements with the Company. We are dependent on our directors and executive officers to successfully operate our Company. Their other business interests and activities could divert time and attention from operating our business
Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock and Lack of Liquidity
As a smaller reporting company, we are exempt from certain disclosure requirements, which could make our Common Stock less attractive to the potential investors.
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act defines a “smaller reporting company” as an issuer that is not an investment company, an asset-backed issuer, or a majority-owned subsidiary of a parent that is not a smaller reporting company and that:
● had a public float of less than $250 million as of the last business day of its most recently completed second fiscal quarter, computed by multiplying the aggregate worldwide number of shares of its voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates by the price at which the common equity was last sold, or the average of the bid and asked prices of common equity, in the principal market for the common equity; or
● in the case of an initial registration statement under the Securities Act, or the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which we refer to as the Exchange Act, for shares of its common equity, had a public float of less than $250 million as of a date within 30 days of the date of the filing of the registration statement, computed by multiplying the aggregate worldwide number of such shares held by non-affiliates before the registration plus, in the case of a Securities Act registration statement, the number of such shares included in the registration statement by the estimated public offering price of the shares; or
● in the case of an issuer whose public float as calculated under paragraph (1) or (2) of this definition was zero, had annual revenues of less than $100 million during the most recently completed fiscal year for which audited financial statements are available.
As a smaller reporting company, we will not be required and may not include a Compensation Discussion and Analysis section in our proxy statements; we will provide only two years of financial statements; and we need not provide the table of selected financial data. We also will have other “scaled” disclosure requirements that are less comprehensive than issuers that are not smaller reporting companies which could make our Common Stock less attractive to potential investors, which could make it more difficult for our stockholders to sell their shares.
We are an emerging growth company and subject to less rigorous public reporting requirements and cannot be certain if the reduced reporting requirements applicable to emerging growth companies will make our Common Stock less attractive to investors.
We are a public reporting company under the Exchange Act, and thereafter publicly report on an ongoing basis as an “emerging growth company” (as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act of 2012, which we refer to as the JOBS Act) under the reporting rules set forth under the Exchange Act. For so long as we remain an “emerging growth company”, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various reporting requirements that are applicable to other Exchange Act reporting companies that are not “emerging growth companies”, including but not limited to:
● Not being required to comply with the auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act;
● Taking advantage of extensions of time to comply with certain new or revised financial accounting standards;
● Being permitted to comply with reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements; and
● Being exempt from the requirement to hold a non-binding advisory vote on executive compensations and stockholder approval of a golden parachute payments not previously approved.
We expect to take advantage of these reporting exemptions until we are no longer an emerging growth company. We could be an emerging growth company for up to five years, circumstances could cause us to lose that status earlier, including if the market value of our Common Stock held by non-affiliates exceeds $700 million, if we issue $1 billion or more in non-convertible debt during a three-year period, or if our annual gross revenues exceed $1 billion. We would cease to be an emerging growth company on the last day of the fiscal year following the date of the fifth anniversary of our first sale of common equity securities under an effective registration statement or a fiscal year in which we have $1 billion in gross revenues. Finally, at any time we may choose to opt-out of the emerging growth company reporting requirements. If we choose to opt out, we will be unable to opt back in to being an emerging growth company.
We cannot predict if investors will find our Common Stock less attractive because we may rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our Common Stock less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for our Common Stock and our stock price may be more volatile.
As an emerging growth company, our auditor is not required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal controls.
Our independent registered public accounting firm is not required to attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting while we are an emerging growth company. This means that the effectiveness of our financial operations may differ from our peer companies in that they may be required to obtain independent registered public accounting firm attestations as to the effectiveness of their internal controls over financial reporting and we are not. While our management will be required to attest to internal control over financial reporting and we will be required to detail changes to our internal controls on a quarterly basis, we cannot provide assurance that the independent registered public accounting firm’s review process in assessing the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting, if obtained, would not find one or more material weaknesses or significant deficiencies. Further, once we cease to be an emerging growth company we will be subject to independent registered public accounting firm attestation regarding the effectiveness of our internal controls over financial reporting. Even if management finds such controls to be effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may decline to attest to the effectiveness of such internal controls and issue a qualified report.
As a public company, we will incur significant increased costs as a result of operating as a public company, and our management will be required to devote substantial time to new compliance initiatives.
As a public company, we have incurred significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. In addition, the rules of the SEC and those of the NASDAQ Capital Market has imposed various requirements on public companies including requiring establishment and maintenance of effective disclosure and financial controls. Our management and other personnel will need to devote a substantial amount of time to these compliance initiatives. Moreover, these rules and regulations have increased and will continue to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and will make some activities more time-consuming and costlier. For example, we expect that these rules and regulations may make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, which could make it more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified members of our board of directors. We cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we will incur as a public company or the timing of such costs.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act requires, among other things, that we maintain effective internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures. In particular, we must perform system and process evaluation and testing of our internal control over financial reporting to allow management to report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. In addition, we will be required to have our independent registered public accounting firm attest to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting the later of our second annual report on Form 10-K or the first annual report on Form 10-K following the date on which we are no longer an emerging growth company. Our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require that we incur substantial accounting expense and expend significant management efforts. We currently do not have an internal audit group, and we will need to hire additional accounting and financial staff with appropriate public company experience and technical accounting knowledge. If we are not able to comply with the requirements of Section 404 in a timely manner, or if we or our independent registered public accounting firm identify deficiencies in our internal control over financial reporting that are deemed to be material weaknesses, the market price of our stock could decline and we could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the exchange we are listed on, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, which would require additional financial and management resources.
Our ability to successfully implement our business plan and comply with Section 404 requires us to be able to prepare timely and accurate financial statements. We expect that we will need to continue to improve existing, and implement new operational and financial systems, procedures and controls to manage our business effectively. Any delay in the implementation of, or disruption in the transition to, new or enhanced systems, procedures or controls, may cause our operations to suffer and we may be unable to conclude that our internal control over financial reporting is effective and to obtain an unqualified report on internal controls from our auditors as required under Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. This, in turn, could have an adverse impact on trading prices for our common stock, and could adversely affect our ability to access the capital markets.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (“FINRA”) sales practice requirements may limit a stockholder’s ability to buy and sell our stock.
In addition to the “penny stock” rules described above, FINRA has adopted rules that require that in recommending an investment to a customer, a broker-dealer must have reasonable grounds for believing that the investment is suitable for that customer. Prior to recommending speculative, low-priced securities to their non-institutional customers, broker-dealers must make reasonable efforts to obtain information about the customer’s financial status, tax status, investment objectives and other information. The FINRA requirements may make it more difficult for broker-dealers to recommend that their customers buy our Common Stock, which may have the effect of reducing the level of trading activity in our Common Stock. As a result, fewer broker-dealers may be willing to make a market in our common stock, reducing a stockholder’s ability to resell shares of our Common Stock.
Our stock price may be volatile.
The market price of our Common Stock has been highly volatile and could fluctuate widely in price in response to various potential factors, many of which will be beyond the Company’s control, including the following:
● services by the Company or its competitors;
● additions or departures of key personnel;
● the Company’s ability to execute its business plan;
● operating results that fall below expectations;
● loss of any strategic relationship;
● industry developments;
● economic and other external factors; and
● period-to-period fluctuations in the Company’s financial results.
In addition, the securities markets have from time-to-time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are unrelated to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also materially and adversely affect the market price of the Company’s common stock.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or publish negative reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock will, to some extent, depends on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our shares, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of us or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future, which could reduce the attractiveness of our stock to some investors.
We currently intend to retain any future earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, you may only receive a return on your investment in our common stock if the market price of our common stock increases. In addition, we may incur debt financing to further finance our operations, the governing documents of which may contain restrictions on our ability to pay dividends.
If we are unable to maintain listing of our securities on the Nasdaq Capital Market or another reputable stock exchange, it may be more difficult for our stockholders to sell their securities.
Nasdaq requires listing issuers to comply with certain standards in order to remain listed on its exchange. If, for any reason, Nasdaq should delist our securities from trading on its exchange and we are unable to obtain listing on another reputable national securities exchange, a reduction in some or all of the following may occur, each of which could materially adversely affect our stockholders.
We have received a delisting notice form the NASDAQ Stock Market due to the closing bid price of our common stock had been below $1.00 per share for the previous 30 consecutive business days, and that we are therefore not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirements. Our common stock may be involuntarily delisted from the NASDAQ Capital Market if we fail to regain compliance with the minimum closing bid price requirement of $1.00 per share. The quantitative listing standards of The NASDAQ Stock Market, or NASDAQ, require, among other things, that listed companies maintain a minimum closing bid price of $1.00 per share. We failed to satisfy this threshold for 30 consecutive trading days and on February 1, 2022, we received a letter from NASDAQ indicating that we had an initial period of 180 calendar days, or until August 1, 2022, in which to regain compliance. In addition, we are able to apply for a 180-day extension period if we cannot meet the initial period. A delisting of our common stock is likely to reduce the liquidity of our common stock and may inhibit or preclude our ability to raise additional financing.
If our shares of Common Stock become subject to the penny stock rules, it would become more difficult to trade our shares.
The Commission has adopted rules that regulate broker-dealer practices in connection with transactions in penny stocks. Penny stocks are generally equity securities with a price per share of less than $5.00, other than securities registered on certain national securities exchanges or authorized for quotation on certain automated quotation systems, provided that current price and volume information with respect to transactions in such securities is provided by the exchange or system. If we do not obtain or retain a listing on the NYSE American or NASDAQ Capital Market and if the price of our Common Stock is less than $5.00 per share, our Common Stock will be deemed a penny stock. The penny stock rules require a broker-dealer, before effecting a transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, to deliver a standardized risk disclosure document containing specified information. In addition, the penny stock rules require that, before effecting any such transaction in a penny stock not otherwise exempt from those rules, a broker-dealer must make a special written determination that the penny stock is a suitable investment for the purchaser and receive (i) the purchaser’s written acknowledgment of the receipt of a risk disclosure statement; (ii) a written agreement to transactions involving penny stocks; and (iii) a signed and dated copy of a written suitability statement. These disclosure requirements may have the effect of reducing the trading activity in the secondary market for our Common Stock, and therefore stockholders may have difficulty selling their shares.
Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Nevada law may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our Company and, therefore, may depress the trading price of our stock.
Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain certain provisions that may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control that our stockholders may consider favorable. These provisions:
● prohibit stockholder action to elect or remove directors by majority written consent;
● provide that the board of directors is expressly authorized to make, alter or repeal our bylaws;
● prohibit our stockholders from calling a special meeting of stockholders; and
● establish advance notice requirements for nominations for elections to our board of directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at stockholder meetings.
We may be subject to securities litigation, which is expensive and could divert management attention.
In the past companies that have experienced volatility in the market price of their stock have been subject to securities class action litigation. We may be the target of this type of litigation in the future. Litigation of this type could result in substantial costs and diversion of management’s attention and resources, which could seriously hurt our business. Any adverse determination in litigation could also subject us to significant liabilities.

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ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS.
Not applicable.

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ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.
As of the year ended December 31, 2021 our corporate office is located at 2600 South Shore Blvd. Suite 300, League City, Texas, 77573. We believe our current office space is suitable and adequate for its intended purposes and our near-term expansion plans.
Currently Operating System-Wide Restaurants
As of March 16, 2022, Company-operated, franchised and total system-wide restaurants by jurisdiction are:
State Company-Owned Restaurants Franchised Restaurants Total Restaurants
California -
Connecticut
Florida -
Georgia -
Maryland -
Massachusetts -
New Jersey -
New York
North Carolina -
Oklahoma -
Rhode Island -
Pennsylvania -
Texas
Virginia -
Washington -
Kuwait -
TOTAL

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ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.
From time to time, we are a defendant or plaintiff in various legal actions that arise in the normal course of business. We record legal costs associated with loss contingencies as incurred and have accrued for all probable and estimable settlements.
We are currently involved in pending legal proceedings that have been previously disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Below is a summary of the legal proceedings that have become a reportable event or which have had developments during the year ended December 31, 2021.
On March 27, 2018, a convertible note holder filed a complaint in the Iowa District Court for Polk County #CVCV056029 against the Company for failure to pay the remaining balance due on a promissory note in the amount of $100,000, together with interest, attorney fees and other costs of $171,035. On June 6, 2018 a default judgement was entered against the Company for the amount of $171,035. The Company repaid an aggregate amount of $71,035, consisting of principal and interest, as of the date of the filing of this report. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has accrued for the liability in convertible notes payable in the amount of $100,000 and accrued interest of $27,210 is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
In May 2018, Resolute Contractors, Inc., Quality Tile, MTL Construction, Genesis Electric, JNB Interiors and Captive Aire filed a Mechanics Lien in Orange County, California for labor, service, equipment and materials in the total amount of $98,005. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has accrued for the liability in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
On or about March 7, 2019, the Company was listed as a defendant to a lawsuit filed by a contractor in the State of Texas in El Paso County #2019DCV0824. The contractor is claiming a breach of contract and is seeking approximately $32,809 in damages for services claimed to be rendered by the contractor. As of December 31, 2021, the Company accrued $30,000 for the liability in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
On January 23, 2020, the Company was served a judgment issued by the Judicial Council of California in the amount of $130,185 for a breach of a lease agreement in Chicago, Illinois, in connection with a Company-owned store that was closed in 2018. As of December 31, 2021, the Company has accrued for the liability in accounts payable and accrued expenses.
In March 2021, the Company participated in a mediation concerning an investor who invested with American Restaurant Holdings, Inc and/or American Restaurants, LLC, our former parent company, from 2013 through 2015 in the total amount of $531,250. As of the filing of this report, the Company entered into a settlement with American Restaurant, LLC and the investor in the amount of $160,000. The Company paid $100,000 as part of the settlement, including legal fees, while the remaining balance was paid by the insurance carrier and American Restaurants, LLC.
MMI or its subsidiaries failed in certain instances in paying past state and local sales taxes collected from customers in specific states that impose a tax on sales of the Company’s products during 2017 and 2018. The Company had accrued a liability for approximately $125,550 and $231,177 as of December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to this matter. All current state and local sales taxes from January 1, 2018 for open Company-owned locations have been fully paid and in a timely manner. The Company has completed or is in discussions on payment plans with the various state or local entities for these past owed amounts.

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ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURE
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES.
Not applicable.
PART II

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ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES.
Market Information
The high and low per share closing sales prices of the Company’s stock on the Nasdaq Market (ticker symbol GRIL) for each quarter for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 commencing February 10, 2020 were as follows:
Quarter Ended
High
Low
March 31, 2020
$ 4.33
$ 1.66
June 30, 2020
$ 2.71
$ 1.57
September 30, 2020
$ 3.32
$ 1.38
December 31, 2020
$ 2.30
$ 1.53
March 31, 2021
$ 3.02
$ 1.81
June 30, 2021
$ 2.37
$ 1.20
September 30, 2021
$ 1.42
$ 0.99
December 31, 2021
$ 1.67
$ 0.69
Transfer Agent
Our transfer agent is Computershare, Inc., 462 South 4th Street, Suite 1600, Louisville, KY 40202, and its telephone number is 1-877-373-6374.
Holders
As of March 16, 2022, there were 651 holders of record of our common stock.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain future earnings, if any, to finance the expansion of our business. As a result, we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future.
Warrants
As of December 31, 2021, and 2020, we had warrants to purchase an aggregate of 20,284,016 and 2,582,857 shares of common stock, respectively, outstanding with a weighted average exercise price of $1.66 and $4.08 per share, respectively.
Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information, as of December 31, 2021 with respect to equity securities authorized for issuance under compensation plans:
Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available
for Future
Issuance Under
Equity
Number of
Compensation
Securities to be
Weighted-Average
Plans
Issued Upon
Exercise Price of
(excluding
Exercise of
Outstanding
securities
Outstanding Options
Options under
reflected in
Plan Category
under the Plan
(a)
the Plan
(b)
Column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
-
$ -
1,028,652
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
-
$ -
-
TOTAL
-
$ -
1,028,652
Performance Graph
Not applicable to smaller reporting companies.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuance of Stock
On February 3, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 20,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a digital marketing consultant with an aggregate fair value of $42,600.
On February 3, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 16,126 shares of common stock of the Company to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned through the end of the fourth quarter of 2020.
On February 7, 2021, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with consultants as a strategy business consultant to provide the Company with business and marketing advice as needed. The term of the agreement is for five months from the effective date on February 7, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement the Company agreed to pay the consultant a total of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company issued 60,000 shares of common stock upon the effective date of the agreement with the remaining 40,000 to be issued upon the successful completion of the agreement. As of December 31, 2021, the Company issued the remaining 40,000 shares of common with a grant date fair value of $42,400 pursuant to the terms of the agreement.
On February 11, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 221,783 shares of common stock the Company to various executives and an employee pursuant to the approval of the compensation committee under the 2020 Plan.
On March 8, 2021, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with consultants as a strategy business consultant to provide the Company with financial and business. The term of the agreement is for five months from the effective date on March 8, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement the Company agreed to pay the consultant a total of 100,000 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company issued 70,000 shares of common stock upon the effective date of the agreement with the remaining 30,000 to be issued upon the successful completion of the agreement. As of December 31, 2021, the Company issued the remaining 30,000 shares of common with a grant date fair value of $31,800 pursuant to the terms of the agreement.
On March 22, 2021, the Company entered into a Consulting Agreement with consultants with experience in the area of investor relations and capital introductions. The term of the agreement is for six months from the effective date on March 22, 2021. Pursuant to the terms of the agreement the Company paid $250,000 in cash and issued 150,000 shares of the Company’s common stock.
On March 25, 2021, the Company entered into an asset purchase agreement with SuperFit Foods, LLC a Florida limited liability company and SuperFit Foods LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (the “SuperFit Acquisition”). The purchase price of the assets and rights was $1,150,000 which included $475,000 that was paid at closing and the remaining $625,000 paid in 268,240 shares of common stock. The remaining $25,000, which was to be issued in the Company’s common stock, was forfeited as the Company and former owner agreed that not all obligations were met.
On March 31, 2021, the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 12,711 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned during the first quarter of 2021.
On April 7, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an accredited investor for a private placement pursuant to which the investor agreed to purchase from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $10,000,000 (i) 1,250,000 shares of common stock of the Company (ii) a common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 4,115,227 shares of Common Stock (the “Common Warrant”) and (iii) a pre-funded common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 2,865,227 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”). Each share and accompanying Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $2.43 per share and Common Warrant, and each Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant is being sold together at a combined offering price of $2.42 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrant is immediately exercisable, at a nominal exercise price of $0.01 per share, and may be exercised at any time until the Pre-Funded Warrant is fully exercised. The Common Warrant has an exercise price of $2.43 per share, are immediately exercisable and will expire five and one-half (5.5) years from the date of issuance. The private placement closed on April 9, 2021.
On April 30, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 10,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a digital marketing consultant, pursuant to their service agreement, with an aggregate fair value of $14,700.
On May 6, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 150,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a digital marketing consultant with an aggregate fair value of $214,500. The Company accrued for the liability as accrued compensation expense on the books as of June 30, 2021, as the share were fully earned pursuant to their service agreement.
On May 14, 2021, the Company and the former owners of the Poke Entities II (as defined below) entered into a Membership Interest Exchange Agreement pursuant to which the Company acquired Poke Co Holdings LLC, GLL Enterprises, LLC, and TNB Holdings II, LLC, each a Connecticut limited liability company (collectively, the Poke Entities II”) in exchange for shares of common stock of the Company valued at $1,250,000. The Company issued 880,282 shares of common stock of the Company. The price per share was determine by using the 10-day trading average preceding the date of closing.
On May 27, 2021, the Company cancelled 11,879 shares of common stock previously issued to an investor pursuant to a settlement agreement. The cancellation of the 11,879 shares was part of the settlement agreement.
On August 24, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 15,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a digital marketing consultant, pursuant to their service agreement, with an aggregate fair value of $20,999.
On August 24, 2021, the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 20,829 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned during the second quarter of 2021.
On August 26, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 1,100 shares of common stock of the Company to an investor in the Company.
On October 11, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 40,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a consultant for general consulting services, pursuant to their service agreement, with an aggregate fair value of $40,800.
On October 21, 2021, the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 24,275 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned during the third quarter of 2021.
On October 22, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 15,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a digital marketing consultant, pursuant to their service agreement, with an aggregate fair value of $15,150.
On November 17, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with accredited investors for a private placement pursuant to which the investors (the “Purchasers”) purchased from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $15,000,000 (i) 6,772,000 shares (the “Shares”) of common stock of the Company, (ii) a common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 10,830,305 shares of common stock (the “November Common Warrant”) and (iii) a pre-funded common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 4,058,305 shares of common stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”). Each Share and accompanying November Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $1.385 per Share and November Common Warrant, and each Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying November Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $1.3849 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying November Common Warrant. The November Pre-Funded Warrant is immediately exercisable, at a nominal exercise price of $0.0001 per share, and may be exercised at any time until the November Pre-Funded Warrant is fully exercised. The November Common Warrant will have an exercise price of $1.385 per share, are immediately exercisable and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The private placement closed on November 22, 2021.
On December 3, 2021, the Company issued 82,500 shares of common stock of the Company to a consultant for business strategy consulting with a fair value of $84,975.
On December 7, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 160,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a consultant for strategic advisory and digital marketing services with an aggregate fair value of $177,600.
On December 27, 2021, the Company issued 10,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a consultant with a fair value of $7,400.
On January 6, 2022, the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 39,573 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned during the fourth quarter of 2021. The Company accrued for the liability as of December 31, 2021
On January 18, 2022, the Company issued an aggregate of 30,000 shares of common stock of the Company to a consultant that assisted with the acquisition of SuperFit Foods and Pokemoto, with an aggregate fair value amount of $15,600. The Company accrued for the liability as of December 31, 2021
The offers, sales, and issuances of the securities described above were deemed to be exempt from registration under the Securities Act in reliance on Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated thereunder as transactions by an issuer not involving a public offering. The recipients of securities in each of these transactions acquired the securities for investment only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof and appropriate legends were affixed to the securities issued in these transactions. Each of the recipients of securities in these transactions was an accredited or sophisticated person and had adequate access, through employment, business or other relationships, to information about us.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
None.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 6. RESERVED.

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ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.
The following discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Muscle Maker, Inc. (“Muscle Maker”), together with its subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) as of December 31, 2021 and 2020 and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and the notes to those financial statements that are included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K following Item 16. References in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations to “us,” “we,” “our,” and similar terms refer to Muscle Maker. “Muscle Maker Grill”, “SuperFit Foods” and “Pokemoto” refers to the names under which our corporate and franchised restaurants do business depending on the concept. This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the federal securities laws. The events described in forward-looking statements contained in this Annual Report may not occur. Generally, these statements relate to business plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits or other consequences of our plans or strategies, projected or anticipated benefits from acquisitions to be made by us, or projections involving anticipated revenues, earnings or other aspects of our operating results. The words “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “forecast,” “model,” “proposal,” “should,” “may,” “intend,” “estimate,” and “continue,” and their opposites and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We caution you that these statements are not guarantees of future performance or events and are subject to a number of uncertainties, risks and other influences, many of which are beyond our control, which may influence the accuracy of the statements and the projections upon which the statements are based. Reference is made to “Factors That May Affect Future Results and Financial Condition” in this Item 7 for a discussion of some of the uncertainties, risks and assumptions associated with these statements.
OVERVIEW
The Company operates under the names Muscle Maker Grill, Pokemoto and SuperFit Foods and is a franchisor and owner operator of Muscle Maker Grill and Pokemoto restaurants. As of December 31, 2021, the Company’s restaurant system included twenty-two Company-owned restaurants, including the SuperFit Foods kitchen, and twenty franchise restaurants. In addition to these restaurants, the Company also operates with the following brand names under our ghost kitchen model: Meal Plan AF, Muscle Maker Burger Bar, Bowls Deep, Burger Joe’s, Wrap It Up, Salad Vibes, Mr. T’s House of Boba and Gourmet Sandwich. Our direct mail to consumer meal prep/plan program operates under the musclemakerprep.com and superfitfoods.com websites.
As of December 31, 2021, MMI consisted of three operating segments:
● Muscle Maker Grill Restaurant Division
● Pokemoto Hawaiian Poke Restaurants Division
● SuperFit Foods Meal Prep Division
Muscle Maker, Inc. is our parent company. We own and operate three unique “healthier for you” restaurant concepts within our portfolio of companies: Muscle Maker Grill restaurants, SuperFit Foods and Pokemoto restaurants. Our Company was founded on the belief of taking every-day menu options and converting them into “healthier for you” menu choices. Consumers are demanding healthier choices, customization, flavor and convenience. We believe our portfolio of companies directly satisfy these consumer needs. We take focus on lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, proprietary sauces, whole grains and various other items like protein shakes, meal plans, specialty drinks and super foods. Each of our three concepts offers different menus that are tailored to specific consumer segments. We operate in the fast-casual and meal prep segments of the restaurant industry. We believe our “healthier for you” inspired concepts deliver a highly differentiated customer experience.
On February 26, 2020, the Company entered into a Kitchen Services Agreement with a major delivery-only kitchen concept. The Kitchen Services Agreement provides for ten locations in total with four initial locations starting in the Chicago market, two locations in the Philadelphia market, one location in the Providence market, two locations in the Miami market and one location in the New York market. The Kitchen Services Agreement provide the Company with access to the delivery-only locations for a one-year term with an automatic one-year renewal unless terminated by either party. The delivery-only locations are set up for third party delivery and provide that the Company must pay monthly license fees, processing service fees and storage service fees. The monthly license fees for the locations range from $3,000 to $6,000. The monthly license fees become due 14 days after the Company is granted access to the location. As of December 31, 2021, the Company had opened seven of the ten locations. One Miami location opened in February 2022 and the second Miami location is anticipated to open in April 2022. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the decision was made not to renew the monthly license agreements at the seven delivery-only kitchen locations after their initial one-year term as a cost saving measure due to the locations not performing as anticipated. The existing assets at the locations were transferred to a storage unit and will be installed in future new locations.
As part of the non-traditional location growth strategy, the Company entered into an agreement and announced on June 1, 2020, its expansion within the Northern Virginia Community College system to open 4 locations on various campus locations. These locations were built in 2020 with the anticipation of opening in the fall semester of 2020. However, due to covid-19 restrictions, these locations were temporarily closed and were opened during 2021 as roughly 50% of the students were allowed back on campus. These locations are based on a variable lease determined on monthly sales thus limiting the ongoing costs associated with these locations.
On November 11, 2020, the Company announced an agreement with Happy Meal Prep to offer Muscle Maker meal prep/plans to consumers via direct- to-consumer shipments of over 40 meal prep/plan options. This program allows shipments of up to a 250-mile radius around participating locations increasing the total number of potential consumers who can enjoy Muscle Maker Grill meals. The Company made a greater push in the direct-to-consumer market meal prep/plan strategy in 2021 as an alternate, non-traditional approach to delivering our products to consumers.
On March 25, 2021, we acquired the assets of SuperFit Foods, a subscription based fresh-prepared meal prep business located in Jacksonville, Florida. With this acquisition, we are also the owner of the trade name SuperFit Foods that we use in connection with the operations of SuperFit Foods. In 2020 SuperFit Foods produced over 220,000 fresh-prepared meals. SuperFit Foods is differentiated from other meal prep services by allowing customers in the Jacksonville Florida market to order online via the Company’s website and pick up their fully prepared meals from 28 Company-owned coolers located in gyms and wellness centers.
On April 7, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an accredited investor for a private placement pursuant to which the investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $10,000,000 (i) 1,250,000 shares of common stock of the Company (ii) a common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 4,115,227 shares of Common Stock (the “Common Warrant”) and (iii) a pre-funded common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 2,865,227 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”). Each share and accompanying Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $2.43 per share and Common Warrant, and each Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $2.42 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrant is immediately exercisable, at a nominal exercise price of $0.01 per share, and may be exercised at any time until the Pre-Funded Warrant is fully exercised. The Common Warrant has an exercise price of $2.43 per share, are immediately exercisable and will expire five and one-half (5.5) years from the date of issuance. The private placement closed on April 9, 2021.
On May 14, 2021, MMI acquired the Pokemoto restaurant chain. This consisted of purchasing PKM Stamford, LLC, Poke Co., LLC, LB Holdings LLC, and TNB Holdings, LLC, Poke Co Holdings LLC, GLL Enterprises, LLC, and TNB Holdings II, LLC, each a Connecticut limited liability company (collectively, Pokemoto”). Pokemoto has thirteen locations in four states - Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Georgia and offers up chef-driven contemporary flavors with fresh delectable and healthy ingredients such as Atlantic salmon, sushi-grade tuna, fresh mango, roasted cashews and black caviar tobiko that appeals to foodies, health enthusiasts, and sushi-lovers everywhere. The colorful dishes and modern chic dining rooms provide an uplifting dining experience for guests of all ages. Customers can dine in-store or order online via third party delivery apps for contactless delivery.
On October 25, 2021, Muscle Maker Development International LLC (“MMDI”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Muscle Maker Inc., entered into a Master Franchise Agreement (the “Master Franchise Agreement”) with Almatrouk Catering Company - OPC (“ACC”) providing ACC with the right to grant franchises for the development of 40 “Muscle Maker Grill” restaurants through December 31, 2030 (the “Term”) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (“KSA”).
On November 17, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with accredited investors for a private placement pursuant to which the investors purchased from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $15,000,000 (i) 6,772,000 shares (the “Shares”) of common stock of the Company, (ii) a common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 10,830,305 shares of common stock (the “November Common Warrant”) and (iii) a pre-funded common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 4,058,305 shares of common stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”). Each Share and accompanying November Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $1.385 per Share and November Common Warrant, and each Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying November Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $1.3849 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying November Common Warrant. The November Pre-Funded Warrant is immediately exercisable, at a nominal exercise price of $0.0001 per share, and may be exercised at any time until the November Pre-Funded Warrant is fully exercised. The November Common Warrant will have an exercise price of $1.385 per share, are immediately exercisable and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The private placement closed on November 22, 2021.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, we entered into various franchise agreements for a total of seventeen potentially new Pokemoto locations with various franchisees. The Franchisees paid the Company an aggregate of $217,500 and this has been recorded in deferred revenue as of December 31, 2021.
We believe our healthy-inspired restaurant concept delivers a highly differentiated customer experience by combining the quality and hospitality that customers commonly associate with our full service and fast casual restaurant competitors with the convenience and value customers generally expect from traditional fast food restaurants. The foundation of our brand is based on our core values of quality, empowerment, respect, service and value.
● Quality. Commitment to provide high quality, healthy-inspired food for a perceived wonderful experience for our guests.
● Empowerment and Respect. We seek to empower our employees to take initiative and give their best while respecting themselves and others to maintain an environment for team work and growth.
● Service. Provide world class service to achieve excellence each passing day.
● Value. Our combination of high-quality, healthy-inspired food, empowerment of our employees, world class service, all delivered at an affordable price, strengthens the value proposition for our customers.
In striving for these goals, we aspire to connect with our target market and create a great brand with a strong and loyal customer base.
We are the owner of the trade name and service mark Muscle Maker Grill®, SuperFit Foods®, Pokemoto®, Healthy Joe’s, MMG Burger Bar®, Meal Plan AF® and other trademarks and intellectual property we use in connection with the operation of Muscle Maker Grill® restaurants. We license the right to use the Muscle Maker Grill®, Pokemoto®, and SuperFit Foods trademarks and intellectual property to our wholly owned subsidiaries, Muscle Maker Development, Poke Co Holdings LLC and Muscle Maker Corp., and to further sublicense them to our franchisees for use in connection with Muscle Maker Grill® and Pokemoto® restaurants.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company had a cash balance, a working capital surplus and an accumulated deficit of $15,766,703, $15,041,334, and $71,369,837, respectively. During the year ended December 31, 2021, the Company incurred a pre-tax net loss of $8,176,130 and net cash used in operations of $6,392,711. The Company believes that our existing cash on hand and future cash flows from our franchise operations, will be sufficient to fund our operations, anticipated capital expenditures and repayment obligations over the next twelve months.
Key Financial Definitions
Total Revenues
Our revenues are derived from three primary sources: Company restaurant sales, franchise revenues and vendor rebates from Franchisees. Franchise revenues are comprised of franchise royalty revenues collected based on 2% to 6% of franchisee net sales and other franchise revenues which include initial and renewal franchisee fees. Vendor rebates are received based on volume purchases or services from franchise owned locations. In addition, we have other revenues which consists of gift card breakage which is recognized when we determine that there is no further legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift card balance.
Food and Beverage Costs
Food and beverage costs include the direct costs associated with food, beverage and packaging of our menu items at Company-operated restaurants partially offset by vendor rebates from Company-owned stores. The components of food, beverages and supplies are variable in nature, change with sales volume, are affected by menu mix and are subject to fluctuations in commodity costs.
Labor
Restaurant labor costs, including preopening labor, consists of Company-operated restaurant-level management and hourly labor costs, including salaries, wages, payroll taxes, workers’ compensation expense, benefits and bonuses paid to our Company-operated restaurant-level team members. Like other cost items, we expect total restaurant labor costs at our Company-operated restaurants to increase due to inflation and as our Company restaurant revenues grow. Factors that influence labor costs include minimum wage and employer payroll tax legislation, mandated health care costs and operational productivity established by the management team. Our labor costs in 2021 have been partially offset by employee retention tax credits provided by the Internal Revenue Service due to the impact of Covid-19.
Rent
Restaurant rent, including preopening rental charges, consist of Company-operated restaurant-level rental or lease payments applicable to executed rental or lease agreements. In many cases these rental payments may include payments for common area maintenance as well as property tax assessments. Our rent strategy in some locations consists of a variable rent structure calculated on net sales of the restaurant. While this can have a negative effect on higher volume locations where we cannot leverage a fixed rent, it provides downside protection for lower volume locations.
Other Restaurant Operating Expenses
Other restaurant operating expenses, including preopening operating expenses, consist of Company-operated restaurant-level ancillary expenses not inclusive of food and beverage, labor and rent expense. These expenses are generally marketing, advertising, merchant and bank fees, utilities, leasehold and equipment repairs, insurance and maintenance. A portion of these costs are associated with third party delivery services such as Uber Eats, Grub Hub, DoorDash and others. The fees associated with these third-party delivery services can range up to 25% of the total order being delivered. Management believes delivery is a critical component of our business model and industry trends will continue to push consumers towards delivery. We have adjusted our cost structure to reflect different pricing models, portion sizes, menu offerings, and other considerations to potentially partially offset these rising costs of delivery.
Impairment of Intangible Assets
Impairment of intangible assets consist of an amount by which the carry amount of the intangible assets exceeds its fair value. This is recognized by us when the carry amount of an intangible asset is greater than the projected future undiscounted cash flows, as the asset is not fully recoverable.
Impairment of Goodwill
Impairment of goodwill consist of an amount by which the carry amount of the goodwill assets exceeds its fair value. This is recognized by us when the carry amount of goodwill is greater than the projected future discounted cash flows, as the asset is not fully recoverable.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization primarily consist of the depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets.
Franchise Advertising Expenses
In accordance with Topic 606, the Company recognizes sales-based advertising contributions from franchisees as franchise revenue when the underlying franchisee incurs the corresponding advertising expense. The Company records the related advertising expenses as incurred under general and administrative expenses.
General and Administrative Expenses
General and administrative expenses include expenses associated with corporate and administrative functions that support our operations, including wages, benefits, travel expense, stock-based compensation expense, legal and professional fees, training, investor relations and other corporate costs. We incur incremental general and administrative expenses as a result of being a publicly listed company on the Nasdaq capital market. A certain portion of these expenses are related to the preparation of an initial stock offering and subsequent capital raises and should be considered one-time expenses.
Other (Expense) Income
Other (expenses) income consists of amortization of debt discounts on the convertible notes, interest expense related to convertible notes payable, change in fair value of accrued compensation and gains on debt extinguishments in connection with the PPP loan forgiveness.
Income Taxes
Income taxes represent federal, state, and local current and deferred income tax expense.
Consolidated Results of Operations
The following table represents selected items in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively:
For the Years Ended
December 31,
Revenues:
Company restaurant sales, net of discounts
$ 9,320,920
$ 3,672,944
Franchise royalties and fees
778,181
739,450
Franchise advertising fund contributions
188,539
61,053
Other revenue
61,996
-
Total Revenues
10,349,636
4,473,447
Operating Costs and Expenses:
Restaurant operating expenses:
Food and beverage costs
3,532,907
1,467,799
Labor
1,917,979
1,908,476
Rent
1,261,096
691,986
Other restaurant operating expenses
2,362,687
1,146,443
Total restaurant operating expenses
9,074,669
5,214,704
Impairment of intangible asset
1,139,908
100,000
Impairment of goodwill
86,348
-
Depreciation and amortization
1,206,505
422,546
Franchise advertising fund expenses
188,539
61,053
Preopening expenses
31,829
56,362
General and administrative expenses
8,094,509
8,576,231
Total Costs and Expenses
19,822,307
14,430,896
Loss from Operations
(9,472,671 )
(9,957,449 )
Other Expenses (Income):
Other income
(9,097 )
27,143
Interest income, net
(50,170 )
(115,881 )
Change in fair value of accrued compensation
127,500
(14,000 )
Gain on debt extinguishment
1,228,308
-
Amortization of debt discounts
-
(38,918 )
Total Other Expenses, Net
1,296,541
(141,656 )
Loss Before Income Tax
(8,176,130 )
(10,099,105 )
Income tax provision
-
-
Net Loss
$ (8,176,130 )
$ (10,099,105 )
Year Ended December 31, 2021Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2020
Revenues
Our revenues totaled $10,349,636 for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $4,473,447 for the year ended December 31, 2020. The $5,876,189 increase is primarily attributed to an increase in restaurant sales as a direct result of the acquisition of Pokemoto and SuperFit Foods.
We generated Company restaurant sales, net of discounts, of $9,320,920 for the year ended December 31, 2021 compared to $3,672,944 for the year ended December 31, 2020. This represented an increase of $5,647,976, or 153.8%, which is mainly attributable to the Pokemoto restaurants sales and SupferFit Foods sales generated during the current year since their dates of acquisition.
Franchise royalties and fees for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $778,181 compared to $739,450, respectively. This represents an increase of $38,731, or 5.24%. As the Company executes against its franchising strategy and expands its efforts to sell franchise locations, management is anticipating that this number will likely increase over the coming years.
Franchise advertising fund contributions for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $188,539 compared to $61,053, respectively. In accordance with Topic 606, the Company recognizes these sales-based advertising contributions from franchisees as franchise revenue when the underlying franchisee Company incurs the corresponding advertising expense. Thus the increase has been a direct result of us increasing our expenses incurred related to our national advertising services to benefit our franchisees and the brands as a whole.
Other revenues for the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $61,996. Other revenues consisted of gift card breakage recognized.
Operating Costs and Expenses
Operating costs and expenses primarily consist of restaurant food and beverage costs, restaurant labor expense, restaurant rent expense, other restaurant operating expenses, depreciation and amortization expenses and general and administrative expenses.
Restaurant food and beverage costs for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $3,532,907 or 37.90% as a percentage of Company restaurant net sales, and $1,467,799 or 39.96%, as a percentage of Company restaurant net sales, respectively. The $2,065,108 increase resulted from higher store counts during the current year as compared to the prior year resulting in higher sales with an overall decrease (improvement) of (2.06%) in restaurant and food beverage cost as a percentage of sales.
Restaurant labor for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $1,917,979, or 20.58%, as a percentage of Company restaurant net sales, and $1,908,476, or 51.96%, as a percentage of Company restaurant net sales, respectively. The $9,503 increase resulted due a higher store count during the current year as compared to the prior year as the Company opened and acquired more stores as compared to the prior period, offset by the reduction in labor expense as a result of approximately $1,920,000 in employee retention credits that were made available to us due to the effects of Covid-19. Without the employee retention credit restaurant labor for the year ended December 31, 2021 totaled $3,837,979 or 41.17% as a percentage of Company restaurant net sales. Notwithstanding the positive effect of the tax credits on our labor costs we were able to reduce (improve) our overall labor as a percentage of sales by (10.79%) due to increased sales and also due to improvements in operations.
Restaurant rent expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 totaled $1,261,096, or 13.53% as a percentage of restaurant sales, and $691,986, or 18.84%, as a percentage of restaurant sales, respectively. The increase of $569,110 is directly attributed to the new Company-owned locations acquired during the current period as compared to the prior period thus increasing the store count from sixteen stores to twenty-two stores. The percent of total sales reduced (improved) by (5.31%) as sales increased overall and we are able to leverage fixed rent against these higher sales levels.
Other restaurant operating expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 totaled $2,362,687, or 25.35% as a percentage of restaurant sales, and $1,146,443, or 31.21% as a percentage of restaurant sales, respectively. The $1,216,244 increase is due to higher third-party merchant fees resulting from an increase in delivery orders and a higher store count during the year as compared to the prior year. The increased store count also resulted in an increase in utility fees and insurance expenses. The other restaurant operating expenses as a percent of total sales reduced (improved) by (5.86%).
Depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020 totaled $1,206,505 and $422,546, respectively. The $783,959 increase is mainly attributed to amortization expense attributed to the additions of definite life intangible assets of approximately $4,150,000 acquired through the various acquisitions during the current year as compared to the prior year. The remaining of the variance is attributable to depreciation expense related to additional property and equipment of approximately $435,000 acquired through acquisitions and additional property and equipment purchased of approximately $262,000 for new store build outs and the remodeling of an existing and acquired Company-owned restaurant compared to the prior year.
Impairment of intangible assets for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $1,139,908 and $100,000. We performed a recoverability test on the Muscle Maker Grill trademark and franchise agreements based on its projected future undiscounted cash flows. The forecast was based on actual revenues and we also considered recent developments as well as our strategic plans and intentions. Based on the forecasts we recorded an aggregate impairment charge. The increase in our impairment charge is directly attributed to the closure of our Muscle Maker Grill Company-owned restaurants and our franchise locations as compared to the prior period.
Preopening expense for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, totaled $31,829 and $56,362 resulted from expense incurred prior to the opening of our new Company-owned store that opened during the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $8,094,509, or 78.21% of total revenue, and $8,576,231, or 191.70 % of total revenue, respectively. The $481,722 decrease was mainly attributed to a reduction in consulting expenses of approximately $1,433,000 which is mainly due to stock-based compensation expense for stock issued to various consultants for various services rendered in the prior year as compared to the current year, a decrease in bad debt expenses of approximately $106,000, a decrease in professional fees of approximately $42,300 which resulted from changing our auditing firm during the current year. The decrease was offset with increase in salaries and wages of approximately $1,189,415 which resulted from additional staff members due to our acquisitions, in addition, included in the increase is stock-based compensation for shares issued to employees of approximately $637,000 as part of their employment agreements. The remainder of the variance was attributed to various other expenses including recruiting, marketing, computer expenses etc.
Loss from Operations
Our loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $9,472,671, or 91.53% of total revenues and $9,957,449, or 222.59% of total revenue, respectively. The decrease of $484,778 in loss from operations is primarily attributable to the increase of total revenues of $5,876,189, partially offset by the increase in total cost and expenses of $5,391,411 as discussed above.
Other Income (Expense)
Other income (expense) for the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 totaled $1,296,541 and ($141,656), respectively. The $1,438,197 increase in other income (expense) was primarily attributable to a gain on extinguishment of debt of $1,228,308 due mainly to the forgiveness of our PPP loans, an increase of $141,500 in the change in fair value of accrued compensation issued during the current year as compared to the prior year due to administrative delays by the Company as the shares were earned by the consultant but not issued in the correct period. Attributing to the increase in other income (expense) is a decrease in interest expense of $65,711 due to the reduction of interest-bearing instrument in the current year as compared to the prior year and a decrease in amortization of debt discounts of $38,918.
Net Loss
Our net loss for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $8,176,130 which was an improvement of $1,922,975 as compared to a net loss of $10,099,105 for the year ended December 31, 2020, resulting from an increase in our total revenue of $5,876,189 and an increase in our other income (expense) of $1,438,197, partially offset by an increase of our total cost and expenses of $5,391,411.
The following table represents selected items in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended December 31, 2021, respectively by our operating segments:
Muscle Maker
Pokemoto
SuperFit Foods
Consolidated
Grill Division
Division (d)
Division (e)
Unallocated
Revenues:
Company restaurant sales, net of discounts
$ 9,320,920
$ 5,159,134
$ 2,694,335
$ 1,467,451
$ -
Franchise royalties and fees
778,181
627,734
150,447
-
-
Franchise advertising fund contributions
188,539
188,539
-
-
-
Other Revenue
61,996
61,996
-
-
-
Total Revenues
10,349,636
6,037,403
2,844,782
1,467,451
-
Operating Costs and Expenses:
Restaurant operating expenses:
Food and beverage costs
3,532,907
2,038,636
999,586
494,685
-
Labor
1,917,979
1,227,187
416,847
273,944
-
Rent
1,261,096
977,202
209,242
74,652
-
Other restaurant operating expenses
2,362,687
1,437,418
624,437
300,832
-
Total restaurant operating expenses
9,074,669
5,680,443
2,250,112
1,144,113
-
Impairment of intangible assets
1,139,908
-
-
-
1,139,908 (b)
Impairment of goodwill
86,348
-
-
-
86,348 (b)
Depreciation and amortization
1,206,505
461,922
80,752
23,200
640,631 (b)
Franchise advertising fund expenses
188,539
188,539
-
-
-
Preopening expenses
31,829
9,937
21,892
-
-
General and administrative expenses
8,094,509
-
-
-
8,094,509 (a)
Total Costs and Expenses
19,822,307
6,340,841
2,352,756
1,167,313
9,961,396
(Loss) Income from Operations
(9,472,671 )
(303,438 )
492,026
300,138
(9,961,396 )
Other Income:
Other income
(9,097 )
-
-
-
(9,097
)(c)
Interest expense, net
(50,170 )
-
-
-
(50,170 )
Change in fair value of accrued compensation
127,500
-
-
-
127,500 (c)
Gain on debt extinguishment
1,228,308
-
-
-
1,228,308
Amortization of debt discounts
-
-
-
-
-
Total Other Income, Net
1,296,541
-
-
-
1,321,541
Loss Before Income Tax
(8,176,130 )
(303,438 )
492,026
300,138
(8,639,855 )
Income tax provision
-
-
-
-
-
Net (Loss) Income
$ (8,176,130 )
$ (303,438 )
$ 492,026
$ 300,138
$ (8,639,855 )
(a) Includes charges related to corporate expense that the Company does not allocate to the respective divisions. The largest portion of this expense relates to payroll, benefits and other compensation expense of $3,320,061, professional fees of $1,818,998, and consulting fees of $1,611,045.
(b) Includes charges of $1,135,448 and $86,348 related to the impairment of intangible assets and goodwill, respectively, related to Muscle Maker Grill restaurants intangible assets and good will. This also includes amortization of intangible assets. See Note 7.
(c) Includes changes in the fair value of accrued compensation of $127,500.
(d) Pokemoto Division - Statement of operations for the period from May 14, 2021 (acquisition date) through December 31, 2021.
(e) SuperFit Foods Division - Statement of operations for the period from March 25, 2021 (acquisition date) through December 31, 2021.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Liquidity
We measure our liquidity in a number of ways, including the following:
December 31,
December 31,
Cash
$ 15,766,703
$ 4,195,932
Working Capital Surplus
$ 15,041,334
$ 1,383,568
Convertible notes payable, including related parties and Former Parent, net
$ 182,458
$ 182,458
Other notes payable, including related parties
$ 1,170,079
$ 1,276,692
Availability of Additional Funds
Although we have a working capital surplus of $15,041,334, we presently have an accumulated deficit of $71,369,837, as of December 31, 2021, and we utilized $6,392,711 of cash in operating activities during the year ended December 31, 2021. We believe that our existing cash on hand and future cash flows from our franchise operations, will be sufficient to fund our operations, anticipated capital expenditures and repayment obligations over the next twelve months.
In the event we are required to obtain additional financing, either through borrowings, private placements, public offerings, or some type of business combination, such as a merger, or buyout, and there can be no assurance that we will be successful in such pursuits. We may be unable to acquire the additional funding necessary to continue operating. Accordingly, if we are unable to generate adequate cash from operations, and if we are unable to find sources of funding, it may be necessary for us to sell one or more lines of business or all or a portion of our assets, enter into a business combination, or reduce or eliminate operations. These possibilities, to the extent available, may be on terms that result in significant dilution to our shareholders or that result in our shareholders losing all of their investment in our Company.
If we need to raise additional capital, we do not know what the terms of any such capital raising would be. In addition, any future sale of our equity securities could dilute the ownership and control of your shares and could be at prices substantially below prices at which our shares currently trade. We may seek to increase our cash reserves through the sale of additional equity or debt securities. The sale of convertible debt securities or additional equity securities could result in additional and potentially substantial dilution to our shareholders. The incurrence of indebtedness would result in increased debt service obligations and could result in operating and financing covenants that would restrict our operations and liquidity. In addition, our ability to obtain additional capital on acceptable terms is subject to a variety of uncertainties. We cannot assure you that financing will be available in amounts or on terms acceptable to us, if at all. Any failure to raise additional funds on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our liquidity and financial condition.
On April 7, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with an accredited investor for a private placement pursuant to which the investor purchased from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $10,000,000 (i) 1,250,000 shares of common stock of the Company (ii) a common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 4,115,227 shares of Common Stock (the “Common Warrant”) and (iii) a pre-funded common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 2,865,227 shares of Common Stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”). Each share and accompanying Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $2.43 per share and Common Warrant, and each Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $2.42 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying Common Warrant. The Pre-Funded Warrant is immediately exercisable, at a nominal exercise price of $0.01 per share, and may be exercised at any time until the Pre-Funded Warrant is fully exercised. The Common Warrant has an exercise price of $2.43 per share, are immediately exercisable and will expire five and one-half (5.5) years from the date of issuance. The private placement closed on April 9, 2021.
On November 17, 2021, the Company entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with accredited investors for a private placement pursuant to which the investors purchased from the Company for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $15,000,000 (i) 6,772,000 shares (the “Shares”) of common stock of the Company, (ii) a common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 10,830,305 shares of common stock (the “November Common Warrant”) and (iii) a pre-funded common stock purchase warrant to purchase up to 4,058,305 shares of common stock (the “Pre-Funded Warrant”). Each Share and accompanying November Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $1.385 per Share and November Common Warrant, and each Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying November Common Warrant was sold together at a combined offering price of $1.3849 per Pre-Funded Warrant and accompanying November Common Warrant. The November Pre-Funded Warrant is immediately exercisable, at a nominal exercise price of $0.0001 per share, and may be exercised at any time until the November Pre-Funded Warrant is fully exercised. The November Common Warrant will have an exercise price of $1.385 per share, are immediately exercisable and will expire five (5) years from the date of issuance. The private placement closed on November 22, 2021.
Sources and Uses of Cash for the Years Ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020
For the year ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, we used cash of $6,392,711 and $7,785,873, respectively, in operations. Our cash used for the year ended December 31, 2021 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $8,176,130, adjusted for net non-cash income in the aggregate amount of $3,484,067, partially offset by $1,700,648 of net cash provided by changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities. Our cash used for the year ended December 31, 2020 was primarily attributable to our net loss of $10,099,105, adjusted for net non-cash income in the aggregate amount of $3,535,995, partially offset by $1,222,763 of net cash provided by changes in the levels of operating assets and liabilities.
During the year ended December 31, 2021, cash used in investing activities was $3,575,809, of which $262,019 was used to purchase property and equipment, $3,315,390 used in connection with the acquisition of SuperFit Foods and Pokemoto and $1,600 was collected from loans to franchisees loan issuances. During the year ended December 31, 2020, cash used in investing activities was $850,334, of which $781,041 was used to purchase property and equipment, $75,000 used in connection with the acquisition of new Company stores from former franchisees and $5,707 was collected from loans to franchisees and related parties net of loan issuances.
Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2021 was $21,539,291, consisting of $22,890,950 proceeds from Private Placement offerings, net of underwriter’s discount and offering costs, and proceeds from the exercising of the pre-funded warrants of $28,773, partially offset by repayments of various other notes payable of $1,280,43, which consisted mainly of SBA loans that was acquired through the Pokemoto acquisition and $100,000 cash paid to a former investor in connection with the cancellation of their shares. Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $12,353,285, consisting of $11,720,001 in proceeds from the offerings, net of underwriter’s discount and offering costs, $764,399 proceeds from the over-allotment, net of underwriter’s discount and offering costs, $150,000 proceeds from other note payable, $866,300 proceeds from the PPP loan, partially offset by repayments of various convertible notes of $550,000 and $597,415 of repayments of other notes payables, including a related party.
Critical Accounting Policies
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reporting period.
Management bases its estimates on historical experience and on various assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Significant estimates include:
● the assessment of recoverability of long-lived assets, including property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets;
● the estimated useful lives of intangible and depreciable assets;
● estimates and assumptions used to value warrants issued in connection with notes payable;
● the recognition of revenue; and
● the recognition, measurement and valuation of current and deferred income taxes.
Estimates and assumptions are periodically reviewed, and the effects of any material revisions are reflected in the financial statements in the period that they are determined to be necessary. Actual results could differ from those estimates and assumptions.
Intangible Assets
We account for recorded intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350 “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other”. In accordance with ASC 350, we do not amortize intangible assets with indefinite useful lives. Our goodwill and trademarks are deemed to have indefinite lives, and accordingly are not amortized, but are evaluated for impairment at least annually, or more often whenever changes in facts and circumstances may indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. The Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) requires that goodwill be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level (operating segment or one level below an operating segment). Application of the goodwill impairment test requires judgment, including the identification of reporting units, assigning assets and liabilities to reporting units, assigning goodwill to reporting units, and determining the fair value. Significant judgment is required to estimate the fair value of reporting units which includes estimating future cash flows, determining appropriate discount rates and other assumptions. Changes in these estimates and assumptions could materially affect the determination of fair value and/or goodwill impairment.
Other intangible assets include a trademark with an indefinite useful life. The other intangible assets estimated original useful lives are as follows:
Franchisee agreements 13 years
Franchise license 10 years
Trademark - SuperFit, Trademark - Pokemoto
Domain name, customer list and
Proprietary recipes 5 - 7 years
Non-compete agreement 2 - 3 years
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
When circumstances, such as adverse market conditions, indicate that the carrying value of a long-lived asset may be impaired, we perform an analysis to review the recoverability of the asset’s carrying value, which includes estimating the undiscounted cash flows (excluding interest charges) from the expected future operations of the asset. These estimates consider factors such as expected future operating income, operating trends and prospects, as well as the effects of demand, competition and other factors. If the analysis indicates that the carrying value is not recoverable from future cash flows, an impairment loss is recognized to the extent that the carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. Any impairment losses are recorded as operating expenses, which reduce net income.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue primarily includes initial franchise fees received by the Company, which are being amortized over the life of the Company’s franchise agreements, as well as unearned vendor rebates
Revenue Recognition
The Company’s revenues consist of restaurant sales, franchise royalties and fees, franchise advertising fund contributions, and other revenues. The Company recognized revenues according to Topic 606 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers”. Under the guidance, revenue is recognized in accordance with a five-step revenue model, as follows: (1) identifying the contract with the customer; (2) identifying the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determining the transaction price; (4) allocating the transaction price to the performance obligations; and (5) recognizing revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In applying this five-step model, we made significant judgments in identifying the promised goods or services in our contracts with franchisees that are distinct, and which represent separate performance obligations.
Restaurant Sales
Retail store revenue at Company-operated restaurants is recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale, net of sales tax, discounts and other sales related taxes. The Company recorded retail store revenues of $9,320,920 and $3,672,944 during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively.
The Company sells gift cards which do not have an expiration date, and it does not deduct dormancy fees from outstanding gift card balances. The Company recognizes revenues from gift cards as restaurant revenues once the Company performs its obligation to provide food and beverage to the customer simultaneously with the redemption of the gift card or through gift card breakage, as discussed in Other Revenues below.
Franchise Royalties and Fees
Franchise revenues consists of royalties, franchise fees and rebates. Royalties are based on a percentage of franchisee net sales revenue. The Company recognizes the royalties as the underlying sales occur. The Company recorded revenue from royalties of $434,849 and $331,694 during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which is included in franchise royalties and fees on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The Company provides the franchisees with management expertise, training, pre-opening assistance, and restaurant operating assistance in exchange for the multi-unit development fees and franchise fees. The Company capitalizes these fees upon collection from the franchisee, these fees are then recognized as franchise fee revenue on a straight-line basis over the life of the related franchise agreements and any exercised renewal periods. Cash payments are due upon the execution of the related franchise agreement. The Company’s performance obligation with respect to franchise fee revenues consists of a license to utilize the Company’s brand for a specified period of time, which is satisfied equally over the life of each franchise agreement. The Company recorded revenue from franchise fees of $263,215 and $277,255 during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which is included in franchise royalties and fees on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
The Company has supply agreements with certain food and beverage vendors. Pursuant to the terms of these agreements, rebates are provided to the Company based upon the dollar volume of purchases for all company-owned and franchised restaurants from these vendors. Rebates earned on purchases by franchise stores are recorded as revenue during the period in which the related food and beverage purchases are made. The Company recorded revenue from rebates of $80,117 and $130,501 during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, respectively, which is included in franchise royalties and fees on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Rebates earned on purchases by Company-owned stores are recorded as a reduction of food and beverage costs during the period in which the related food and beverage purchases are made.
Franchise Advertising Fund Contributions
Under the Company’s franchise agreements, the Company and its franchisees are required to contribute a certain percentage of revenues to a national advertising fund. The Company’s national advertising services are provided on a system-wide basis and therefore, not considered distinct performance obligations for individual franchisees. In accordance with Topic 606, the Company recognizes these sales-based advertising contributions from franchisees as franchise revenue when the underlying franchisee Company incurs the corresponding advertising expense. The Company records the related advertising expenses as incurred under general and administrative expenses. When an advertising contribution fund is over-spent at year end, advertising expenses will be reported on the consolidated statement of operations in an amount that is greater than the revenue recorded for advertising contributions. Conversely, when an advertising contribution fund is under-spent at a period end, the Company will accrue advertising costs up to advertising contributions recorded in revenue. The Company recorded contributions from franchisees of $188,539 and $61,053, respectively, during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020, which are included in franchise advertising fund contributions on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Other Revenues
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. Gift card liability is recorded in other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The Company recorded $61,996 gift card breakage for the year ended December 31, 2021. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company did not record any gift card breakage.
Deferred Revenue
Deferred revenue primarily includes initial franchise fees received by the Company, which are being amortized over the life of the Company’s franchise agreements, as well as unearned vendor rebates. Deferred revenue is recognized in income over the life of the franchise agreements and vendor rebates are recognized in income as performance obligations are satisfied.
Income Taxes
We account for income taxes under Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740 Income Taxes (“ASC 740”). Under ASC 740, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and net operating loss and credit carryforwards using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to impact taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts expected to be realized.
ASC 740 also clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements and prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement process for financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.
Tax benefits claimed or expected to be claimed on a tax return are recorded in our financial statements. A tax benefit from an uncertain tax position is only recognized if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position are measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution.
Our policy is to classify assessments, if any, for tax related interest as interest expense and penalties as general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to investors.

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ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.
Not applicable.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
The financial statements required by this Item 8 are included in this Annual Report following Item 16 hereof. As a smaller reporting company, we are not required to provide supplementary financial information.

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ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE.
None.

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ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), as of the year ended December 31, 2021. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of such date our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information requested to be disclosed by us in our reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2021. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management has concluded that, as of December 31, 2021, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Expect as set forth below there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting.
● Increased staffing in accounting allowing proper segregation of duties and the Company’s ability to gather, analyze and properly reviewed information related to financial reporting in a timely manner.
● The Company enhanced internal controls the process relating to new contracts or transactions to effective communication and recording.

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ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION.
On May 4, 2021, Mr. Southall III resigned from the compensation committee. On May 10, 2021, the Board appointed Major General (ret) Malcolm Frost to the compensation committee and added Philip Balatsos as an additional member to the compensation committee.
On August 19, 2021, the Company was informed that Peter S. Petrosian, a member of the Company’s Board of Directors, passed away. Mr. Petrosian, an independent director, was a member of the audit committee at the time of his passing. Paul L. Menchik, an independent director of the Company, was appointed to the audit committee to fill the vacancy resulting from Mr. Petrosian’s death. The Company is extremely grateful for Mr. Petrosian’s dedication and service to the Company. The Company’s management and Board of Directors extends its sincerest condolences to Mr. Petrosian’s family.

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ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE.
Board of Directors and Executive Officers
Our directors hold office until their successors are elected and qualified, or until their deaths, resignations or removals. Our executive officers hold office at the pleasure of our board of directors, or until their deaths, resignations or removals.
As of March 16, 2022, our current directors and executive officers and their ages are:
Name
Age
Principal Positions Held With Us
Kevin Mohan (1)
Chief Investment Officer and Chairman of the Board
Michael J. Roper
Chief Executive Officer, Secretary
Kenneth Miller
Chief Operating Officer
Jennifer Black
Chief Financial Officer
Ferdinand Groenewald
Chief Accounting Officer
Aimee Infantee
Chief Marketing Officer
Stephen A. Spanos (2)
Director
A.B. Southall III (3)
Director
Paul L. Menchik (4)
Director
Jeff Carl (5)
Director
Major General (Ret) Malcolm B. Frost (6)
Director
Philip Balatsos (7)
Director
(1) Mr. Mohan serves as the Chairman of the Board.
(2) Mr. Spanos serves as the Chairman of the Audit Committee.
(3) Mr. A.B. Southall III serves as a member of the Governance Committee.
(4) Mr. Menchik serves as the Chairman of the Governance Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee.
(5) Mr. Carl serves as the Chairman of the Compensations Committee and is a member of the Governance Committee.
(6) Mr. Frost serves as a member of the Compensation Committee.
(7) Mr. Balatsos serves as a member of the Compensation and Audit Committee.
Executive Officers
Kevin Mohan. Mr. Mohan has served as Chairman of the Board and a director of Muscle Maker, Inc. since April, 2018. From April, 2018 through May, 2018, he also served as our Interim President. He has also served as the Chief Investment Officer since May, 2018. From June 2012 through January, 2018, Mr. Mohan served as the VP of Capital Markets for American Restaurant Holdings, Inc., a company focused on acquiring and expanding fast casual restaurant brands.
Based on his experience we have deemed Mr. Mohan fit to serve on the Board and as Chairman of the Board.
Michael J. Roper. Mr. Roper has served as Chief Executive Officer, of Muscle Maker, Inc. since May 1, 2018. Mr. Roper has unique experience ranging from owning and operating several franchise locations through the corporate executive levels. From May 2015 through October 2017, Mr. Roper served as Chief Executive Officer of Taco Bueno where he was responsible for defining strategy and providing leadership to 162 company-owned and operated locations along with 23 franchised locations. From March 2014 through May 2015, Mr. Roper served as the Chief Operating Officer of Taco Bueno and from July 2013 through March 2014 as the Chief Development and Technology Officer of Taco Bueno. Prior to joining Taco Bueno, Mr. Roper was a franchise owner and operator of a IMS Barter franchise and held several roles with Quiznos Sub from 2000 to 2012 starting as a franchise owner and culminating in his appointment as the Chief Operating Officer/Executive Vice President of Operations in 2009. Mr. Roper received a Bachelor of Science in Business and General Management from Northern Illinois University.
Based on his education and extensive experience in the restaurant/franchise industry, we have deemed Mr. Roper fit to serve as our principal executive officer.
Kenneth Miller. Mr. Miller has served as Chief Operating Officer of Muscle Maker, Inc. since September 2018. Mr. Miller has served in the restaurant business for an extensive portion of his career. Prior to joining us as Chief Operating Officer in September, 2018, Mr. Miller served as the Senior Vice President of Operations for Dickey’s BBQ Restaurant from April 2018 through September 2018 and in various capacities with Taco Bueno Restaurants, LP from October 2013 through April 2018 culminating in the position of Senior Vice President of Operations. Mr. Miller received a Bachelor of Arts in Business/Exercise Science from Tabor College in 1991.
Based on his education and extensive experience in the restaurant/franchise industry, we have deemed Mr. Miller fit to serve as our Chief Operating Officer.
Jennifer Black. Ms. Black is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a demonstrated history of working with public and private equity backed organizations. Prior to joining the Company, from September 2018 through December 2021, Ms. Black served as the Chief Financial Officer for Eagle Pressure Control LLC (“Eagle”) and Talon Pressure Control, oilfield service companies. From October 2015 through September 2018, Ms. Black served as the Controller for AG Resource Management, a private equity backed agriculture lending company, and as the Controller for Basic Energy Services, an oil and gas services company, from January 2013 through October 2015. Ms. Black has also held various other roles including Vice President of SEC reporting with OMNI American Bank and Audit Manager with RSM McGladrey. In November 2020, Eagle, as a result of various events including an oil and gas work related incident, decline of oil and gas prices and the impact from COVID-19, filed for bankruptcy protection under Subchapter V under Chapter 11 in the US Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas (Houston) (Bankruptcy Petition #: 20-35474). Ms. Black is a Certified Public Accountant and a Chartered Global Management Accountant. Ms. Black received a Master of Business Administration from Jack Welch Management Institute in 2018 and Bachelor of Science in Accounting and Finance from Texas Tech University in 2003.
Based on her education and extensive experience in the financial and accounting industries, we have deemed Ms. Black fit to serve as our Chief Financial Officer.
Ferdinand Groenewald. Mr. Groenewald has served as the Chief Accounting Officer of Muscle Maker, Inc. since January 2022. Mr. Groenewald previously served as our Chief Financial Officer of Muscle Maker, Inc. from September 2018 through January 2022. Mr. Groenewald had previously served as our Vice President of Finance, Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer, Muscle Maker Development, LLC and Muscle Maker Corp., LLC from January 25, 2018 through May 29, 2018. In addition, Mr. Groenewald has served as our controller from October 2017 through May 29, 2018. Mr. Groenewald is a certified public accountant with significant experience in finance and accounting. From July 2018 through August 2018, Mr. Groenewald serves as senior financial reporting accountant of Wrinkle Gardner & Company, a full service tax, accounting and business consulting firm. From February 2017 to October 2017, Mr. Groenewald served as Senior Financial Accounting Consultant at Pharos Advisors, Inc. serving a broad range of industries. From November 2013 to February 2017, he served as a Senior Staff Accountant at Financial Consulting Strategies, LLC where he provided a broad range of accounting, financial reporting, and pre-auditing services to various industries. From August 2015 to December 2015, Mr. Groenewald served as a Financial Reporting Analyst at Valley National Bank. Mr. Groenewald holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the University of South Africa.
Based on his education and extensive experience in the financial and accounting industries, we have deemed Mr. Groenewald fit to serve as our Chief Accounting Officer.
Aimee Infante. Ms. Infante has served in various roles with us since 2014 starting as Marketing and Communications Manager in October 2014 and then as a Marketing Director from February 2015 through April 2016. Ms. Infante was then promoted to Vice President of Marketing in April 2016 prior to her appointment as Chief Marketing Officer in May 2019. Prior to joining us, Ms. Infante served in various marketing roles including Regional Marketing Manager for Qdoba Mexican Grill from November 2010 through April 2014. Ms. Infante holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from Rider University.
Based on her education and extensive experience in the restaurant/franchise industry, we have deemed MS. Infant fit to serve as our Chief Marketing Officer.
Stephen A. Spanos. Mr. Spanos has served as director of Muscle Maker, Inc. since February 2020. Since 2013, Mr. Spanos has provided financial and accounting consulting services for both privately held and public companies. From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Spanos served as the Chief Financial Officer of Orion Seafood International, Inc., a marketer of frozen lobster products, and as the Controller of Reef Point Systems, a provider of security solutions for converged wireless and wireline networks in the United States, from 2005 to 2013. Mr. Spanos served as an audit manager for BDO USA, LLP and as an auditor for Ernst & Young. Mr. Spanos received his MBA and BS in Business Administration, Accounting and Financing in 1995 and 1985, respectively, from Boston University.
Based on his education and extensive experience in financial and accounting matters, we have deemed that Mr. Spanos is fit to serve on the Board.
A.B. Southall III. Mr. Southall has served as director of Muscle Maker, Inc. since February 2017. He has over 35 years of experience managing construction and land developing businesses. From December 1997 until December 2017 he was the President of a custom home building company. From March 2011 to current, Mr. Southall has been the President of Third Generation Builders, Inc. In addition, since 2001, Mr. Southall has been the President of Southall Landings Marina, Inc., a 189 boat slip marina complex. His involvement in the marina business led him to co-found a local Waterway Association. He has diversely invested across multiple sectors including private placements, oil & gas, real estate, restaurant businesses and commodities. Mr. Southall is an advocate of a healthy approach to the food industry and the restaurant business.
Based on his vast business and financial experience with real estate and restaurants, we have deemed Mr. Southall fit to serve on the Board.
Paul L. Menchik. Mr. Menchik has served as director of Muscle Maker, Inc. since February 2017. Since 1986, Mr. Menchik has been Professor of Economics at Michigan State University where he has been Department chairperson and Director of Graduate Programs. He has served as Senior Economist for Economic Policy for the White House Office of Management and Budget (where among other matters he worked on Social Security solvency issues) and served as Visiting Scholar at the Tax Analysis Division of the Congressional Budget Office. Menchik has also been on the faculty of Rutgers University and the University of Wisconsin and has served as visiting faculty at University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, University College London, and Victoria University in Wellington New Zealand. Over the years he has advised three state governments and five United States government agencies. He holds a Ph.D. from the Wharton School of Finance and Commerce at the University of Pennsylvania. He has over 40 publications including a book on household and family economics, made over 85 paper presentations at other universities and conferences around the world and has refereed for over 20 academic journals and is currently a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Income Distribution. He is a member of Who’s Who in Economics and Who’s Who in America.
Based on his education and extensive experience in economic and financial matters, we have deemed Mr. Menchik fit to serve on the Board.
Jeff Carl. Mr. Carl has served as director of Muscle Maker, Inc. since September 3, 2019. Since February, 2017, Mr. Carl has served as Executive Director of Nice & Company, an ad agency with a focus on print, TV, digital, experiential and mobile, and as an independent consultant to the restaurant industry. From June, 2013 to January, 2017, Mr. Carl served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Taco Bueno Restaurants and from 2009 to 2013 as the Chief Marketing Officer of Tavistock Restaurants LLC. Mr. Carl received a BA from Wake Forest University in 1977 and a MBA from University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in 1979.
Based on his experience within the restaurant industry and due to the fact that he has held senior level executive positions with a focus on advertising and marketing, we have deemed Mr. Carl a fit to serve on the Board.
Major General (Ret) Malcolm B. Frost. Maj. Gen (Ret) Frost has 31 years of military experience providing large-scale strategic and operational leadership and oversight in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe, and the United States for the United States Army - successfully leading the evolution of soldier training programs in peace and war from platoon through 2-star command level. Maj. Gen. (Ret) Frost has been deployed to combat several times in a variety of leadership and command positions. Since 2019, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Frost served as Executive Consultant for Fortune 500 and larger corporations through Malcolm Frost and Associates LLC. From 2015 through 2019, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Frost served as the Commanding General for the US Army Training and Doctrine Command located at Fort Eustis, Virginia and as the Chief of Public Affairs for the US Army Headquarters based in Washington, DC. Maj. Gen. (Ret) Frost also served as the Deputy Commanding General for Support for the US Army, Deputy Director of Operations for the US Department of Defense and the Director of Operations for the US Army Pacific Headquarters. He deployed to Bosnia-Hercegovina as a company commander in 1995 and deployed twice to Iraq as commander of an 800-person Cavalry Squadron operating in Tal Afar during the Surge in 2006-7, and as commander of a 5K person Stryker Brigade Combat Team operating in Diyala, Salah ad Din, and Kirkuk provinces in 2010-11. Additionally, he deployed as Director of Operations of a 4,000-person airborne brigade task force in Afghanistan in 2002-3. In addition to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources Management from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Maj. Gen. (Ret) Frost holds advanced degrees from Webster University and the U.S. Army War College in Human Resources Development and National Security Strategy, respectively. He is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Medal x2, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit x3, Bronze Star Medal x3, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal x6 including one for Valor, Combat Infantryman Badge, Master Parachutist Badge and Ranger Tab. He is a Certified Project Director and is the recipient of the U.S. Department of State Meritorious Honor Award for reconstruction, civic and humanitarian achievements while serving in Iraq.
Based on his vast business and financial experience with the military as well as his business experience, we have deemed Maj. Gen (Ret) Frost a fit to serve on the Board.
Philip Balatsos. Since 2016, Mr. Balatsos has worked in the restaurant and hospitality industries. In 2018, Mr. Balatsos founded and has served as the owner operator of LAPH Hospitality which operates a café/catering business and also serves as a consultant providing financial, purchasing and usage analysis as well as rollout services pertaining to ordering, invoicing and inventorying systems. From 2016 through 2018, Mr. Balatsos held various positions with Barteca Restaurant Group including Assistant General Manager and Purchasing Manager. Prior to 2016, Mr. Balatsos held various position on Wall Street for 16 years including Vice President, Foreign Exchange Sales/Trading for Credit Suisse, Director, Foreign Exchange Hedge Fund Sales for Barclays Capital and Financial Advisor for Stifel Nicolaus & Co. Mr. Balatsos graduated from Skidmore College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and from Institute of Culinary Education in 2016.
Family Relationships
There are no family relationships among any of our executive officers and directors.
Corporate Governance
Board of Directors and Board Committees
Our stock (symbol: GRIL) is listed on the NASDAQ capital market. Under the rules of Nasdaq, “independent” directors must make up a majority of a listed company’s board of directors. In addition, applicable Nasdaq rules require that, subject to specified exceptions, each member of a listed company’s audit and compensation committees be independent within the meaning of the applicable Nasdaq rules. Audit committee members must also satisfy the independence criteria set forth in Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act.
Our board of directors currently consists of seven (7) members. Our board of directors has determined that Stephen Spanos, A.B. Southall III, Paul L. Menchik, Malcolm Frost, Philip Balatsos and Jeff Carl, qualify as independent directors in accordance with the Nasdaq Capital Market, or Nasdaq listing requirements. Kevin Mohan is not considered independent. Nasdaq’s independence definition includes a series of objective tests, such as that the director is not, and has not been for at least three (3) years, one of our employees and that neither the director nor any of his or her family members has engaged in various types of business dealings with us. In addition, as required by Nasdaq rules, our board of directors has made a subjective determination as to each independent director that no relationships exist that, in the opinion of our board of directors, would interfere with the exercise of independent judgment in carrying out the responsibilities of a director. In making these determinations, our board of directors reviewed and discussed information provided by the directors and us with regard to each director’s business and personal activities and relationships as they may relate to us and our management. There are no family relationships among any of our directors or executive officers.
As required under Nasdaq rules and regulations and in expectation of listing on Nasdaq, our independent directors meet in regularly scheduled executive sessions at which only independent directors are present.
Board Leadership Structure and Board’s Role in Risk Oversight
Kevin Mohan is the Chairman of the Board. The Chairman has authority, among other things, to preside over the Board meetings and set the agenda for the Board meetings. Accordingly, the Chairman has substantial ability to shape the work of our Board. We currently believe that separation of the roles of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer ensures appropriate oversight by the Board of our business and affairs. However, no single leadership model is right for all companies and at all times. The Board recognizes that depending on the circumstances, other leadership models, such as the appointment of a lead independent director, might be appropriate. Accordingly, the Board may periodically review its leadership structure.
Our Board is generally responsible for the oversight of corporate risk in its review and deliberations relating to our activities. Our principal source of risk falls into two categories, financial and product commercialization. The audit committee oversees management of financial risks; our Board regularly reviews information regarding our cash position, liquidity and operations, as well as the risks associated with each. The Board regularly reviews plans, results and potential risks related to our system-wide restaurant growth, brand awareness and menu offerings. Our Compensation Committee is expected to oversee risk management as it relates to our compensation plans, policies and practices for all employees including executives and directors, particularly whether our compensation programs may create incentives for our employees to take excessive or inappropriate risks which could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
Committees of the Board of Directors
The Board of Directors has already established an audit committee (the “Audit Committee”), a Compensation Committee (the “Compensation Committee”) and a Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (“Governance Committee”). The composition and function of each committee are described below.
Audit Committee
The Audit Committee has three members, including Messrs. Spanos, Balatsos and Menchik. Mr. Spanos serves as the chairman of the Audit Committee and satisfies the definition of “audit committee financial expert”.
Our audit committee is authorized to:
● approve and retain the independent auditors to conduct the annual audit of our financial statements;
● review the proposed scope and results of the audit;
● review and pre-approve audit and non-audit fees and services;
● review accounting and financial controls with the independent auditors and our financial and accounting staff;
● review and approve transactions between us and our directors, officers and affiliates;
● recognize and prevent prohibited non-audit services; and
● establish procedures for complaints received by us regarding accounting matters; oversee internal audit functions, if any.
Compensation Committee
The Compensation Committee has three members, including Messrs. Carl, Balatsos and Frost. Mr. Carl serves as the chairman of the Compensation Committee.
Our Compensation Committee is authorized to:
● review and determine the compensation arrangements for management;
● establish and review general compensation policies with the objective to attract and retain superior talent, to reward individual performance and to achieve our financial goals;
● administer our stock incentive and purchase plans; and
● review the independence of any compensation advisers.
Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee
The Governance Committee has three members, including Messrs. Menchik, Southall III and Carl. Mr. Menchik serves as the chairman of the Governance Committee.
The functions of our Governance Committee, among other things, include:
● identifying individuals qualified to become board members and recommending director;
● nominees and board members for committee membership;
● developing and recommending to our board corporate governance guidelines;
● review and determine the compensation arrangements for directors; and
● overseeing the evaluation of our board of directors and its committees and management.
Our goal is to assemble a Board that brings together a variety of skills derived from high quality business and professional experience.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
None of the members of our Compensation Committee, at any time, has been one of our officers or employees. None of our executive officers currently serves, or in the past year has served, as a member of the Board of Directors or Compensation Committee of any entity that has one or more executive officers on our Board of Directors or Compensation Committee. For a description of transactions between us and members of our Compensation Committee and affiliates of such members, please see “Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions”.
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
We have adopted a code of business conduct and ethics that applies to all of our employees, officers and directors, including those officers responsible for financial reporting.
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act requires the Company’s executive officers, directors, and persons who beneficially own more than ten percent of a registered class of the Company’s equity securities, to file with the SEC initial reports of ownership and reports of changes in ownership of the Company’s common stock. Such officers, directors, and persons are required by SEC regulation to furnish the Company with copies of all Section 16(a) forms that they file with the SEC.
To our knowledge, based solely on review of the copies of such reports and amendments to such reports with respect to the year ended December 31, 2021 filed with the SEC, all required Section 16 reports under the Exchange Act for our directors, executive officers, principal accounting officer and beneficial owners of greater than 10% of our common stock were filed on a timely basis during the year ended December 31, 2021, except for the shares issued on February 11, 2021 for Mr. Roper, Mr. Miller, Mr. Mohan, Mr. Groenewald and Ms. Infante as the Form 4’s were filed on April 1, 2021.

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ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
Summary Compensation Table
The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth all compensation earned in all capacities during the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 by (i) our principal executive officer, (ii) our two most highly compensated executive officers, other than our principal executive officer, who were serving as executive officers as of December 31, 2021 and whose total compensation for the 2021 fiscal year, as determined by Regulation S-K, Item 402, exceeded $100,000, (iii) a person who would have been included as one of our two most highly compensated executive officers, other than our principal executive officer, but for the fact that he was not serving as one of our executive officers as of December 31, 2021 (the individuals falling within categories (i), (ii) and (iii) are collectively referred to as the “Named Executive Officers”):
Summary Compensation Table
Non-Qualified
Non-Equity
Deferred
Stock
Option
Incentive Plan
Compensation
All Other
Year
Salary
Bonus
Award
Awards
Compensation
Earnings
Compensation
Total
Michael J. Roper
$ 356,077
$ -
$ 287,000
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 643,077
Chief Executive Officer of
Muscle Maker, Inc.
$ 360,503
$ 180,288
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 540,791
Kenneth Miller
$ 283,461
$ -
$ 92,248
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 375,709
Chief Operating Officer of
Muscle Maker, Inc.
$ 256,442
$ 53,846
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 310,288
Kevin Mohan
$ 180,384
$ 50,000
$ 184,498
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 414,882
Chief Operating Officer of
Muscle Maker, Inc.
$ 185,077
$ 78,000
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 72,327
$ 335,404
Employment Agreements
Michael Roper
On February 10, 2022, Muscle Maker, Inc. (the “Company”) entered into an Employment Agreement with Michael Roper effective February 14, 2022, which replaced his prior employment agreement. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Roper will continue to be employed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on an at will basis. During the term of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Roper will be entitled to a base salary at the annualized rate of $350,000, which will be increased to $375,000 upon the one-year anniversary. Mr. Roper will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Mr. Roper stock options to receive 100,000 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Mr. Roper is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, Mr. Roper will be entitled to a severance package of 18 months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
Jennifer Black
On January 2, 2022, the Company appointed Jennifer Black as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and entered into an Offer Letter with Ms. Black. Pursuant to the Offer Letter, Ms. Black will be employed as Chief Financial Officer of the Company on an at-will basis. Ms. Black will be entitled to a base salary at the annualized rate of $190,000. The Company’s previous CFO, Ferdinand Groenewald, will remain and was appointed as the Chief Accounting Officer of the Company. The Company agreed to issue Ms. Black 20,000 restricted stock units upon completion of 90 days of employment. Ms. Black will be entitled to receive stock options to acquire 20,000 shares of common stock subject to the approval of the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee and the terms and conditions will be subject to entering into a stock option agreement.
Kenneth Miller
On February 9, 2022, the Company and Kenn Miller, Chief Operations Officer, entered a letter agreement providing that Mr. Miller will continue to be engaged by the Company on an at-will basis with a base salary at the annualized rate of $275,000 effective February 14, 2022. Mr. Miller will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity of up to 75% of his salary. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Mr. Miller stock options to receive 50,000 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Mr. Miller is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, he will be entitled to a severance package of 12 months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule and insurance program, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
Aimee Infante
On February 9, 2022, the Company and Aimee Infante, Chief Marketing Officer, entered a letter agreement providing that Ms. Infante will continue to be engaged by the Company on an at-will basis with a base salary at the annualized rate of $175,000 effective February 14, 2022. Ms. Infante will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity of up to 25% of her salary. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Ms. Infante stock options to receive 42,500 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Ms. Infante is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, she will be entitled to a severance package of six months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule and insurance program, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
Kevin Mohan
On February 10, 2022, the Company and Kevin Mohan, Chief Investment Officer, entered a letter agreement providing that Mr. Mohan will continue to be engaged by the Company on an at-will basis with a base salary at the annualized rate of $200,000 effective February 14, 2022. Mr. Mohan will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity of up to 75% of his salary. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Mr. Mohan stock options to receive 75,000 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Mr. Mohan is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, he will be entitled to a severance package of six months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule and insurance program, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
Ferdinand Groenewald
On February 9, 2022, the Company and Ferdinand Groenewald, Chief Accounting Officer, entered a letter agreement providing that Mr. Groenewald will continue to be engaged by the Company on an at-will basis with a base salary at the annualized rate of $175,000 effective February 14, 2022. Mr. Groenewald will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity of up to 25% of his salary. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Mr. Groenewald stock options to receive 25,000 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Mr. Groenewald is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, he will be entitled to a severance package of six months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule and insurance program, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
Elements of Compensation
Base Salary
Messrs. Roper, Black, Miller, Mohan, Infante and Groenewald received a fixed base salary in an amount determined in accordance with their then employment agreement with Muscle Maker Inc., and based on a number of factors, including:
● The nature, responsibilities and duties of the officer’s position;
● The officer’s expertise, demonstrated leadership ability and prior performance;
● The officer’s salary history and total compensation, including annual cash bonuses and long-term incentive compensation; and
● The competitiveness of the market for the officer’s services.
Bonus
Mr. Mohan and Groenewald received discretionary performance based bonuses during the year ended December 31, 2021 pursuant to their employment agreements.
Stock Award
In fiscal 2021, we issued an aggregate of 221,783 shares of our restricted common stock, with an aggregate fair value of $636,495, to our executive team.
Equity Incentive Plans
2019 Plan
Our board of directors and shareholders approved the 2019 Equity Incentive Plan or the 2019 Plan. Our shareholders approved the plan on October 28, 2019. The 2019 Plan provides incentives to eligible employees, officers, directors and consultants in the form of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Bonus Awards, Performance Compensation Awards (including cash bonus awards) or any combination of the foregoing. We have reserved a total of 214,286 shares of common stock for issuance under the 2019 Plan. As of the date of the issuance of these consolidated financial statements 188,527 shares have been issued under the 2019 Plan. Upon the adoption of our 2020 Equity Incentive Plan, we no longer issue awards under the 2019 Plan, but any existing awards granted to our management team and Board of Directors will remain outstanding under the 2019.
2020 Plan
The Company’s board of directors and shareholders approved and adopted on October 27, 2020 the 2020 Equity Incentive Plan (“2020 Plan”), effective on October 27, 2020 under which stock options and restricted stock may be granted to officers, directors, employees and consultants in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock-options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock Units, stock bonus awards, performance compensation awards (including cash bonus awards) or any combination of the foregoing. Under the 2020 Plan, the Company reserved 1,750,000 shares of common stock for issuance. As of the date of the issuance of these consolidated financial statements 889,756 shares have been issued under the 2020 Plan.
2021Plan
The Company’s board of directors and shareholders approved and adopted on October 7, 2021 the 2021 Equity Incentive Plan (“2021 Plan”) under which stock options and restricted stock may be granted to officers, directors, employees and consultants in the form of non-qualified stock options, incentive stock-options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock awards, restricted stock Units, stock bonus awards, performance compensation awards (including cash bonus awards) or any combination of the foregoing. Under the 2021 Plan, the Company reserved 1,500,000 shares of common stock for issuance. As of the date of the issuance of these consolidated financial statements 471,348 shares have been issued under the 2021 Plan.
Administration
The Company’s Board of Directors or a committee appointed by the Board (the “Committee”) will administer the Plan. The Committee will have the authority, without limitation (i) to designate Participants to receive Awards, (ii) determine the types of Awards to be granted to Participants, (iii) determine the number of shares of common stock to be covered by Awards, (iv) determine the terms and conditions of any Awards granted under the Plan, (v) determine to what extent and under what circumstances Awards may be settled in cash, shares of common stock, other securities, other Awards or other property, or canceled, forfeited or suspended, (vi) determine whether, to what extent, and under what circumstances the delivery of cash, Common Stock, other securities, other Awards or other property and other amounts payable with respect to an Award shall be made; (vii) interpret, administer, reconcile any inconsistency in, settle any controversy regarding, correct any defect in and/or complete any omission in this Plan and any instrument or agreement relating to, or Award granted under, this Plan; (viii) establish, amend, suspend, or waive any rules and regulations and appoint such agents as the Committee shall deem appropriate for the proper administration of this Plan; (ix) accelerate the vesting or exercisability of, payment for or lapse of restrictions on, Awards; (x) reprice existing Awards with shareholder approval or to grant Awards in connection with or in consideration of the cancellation of an outstanding Award with a higher price; and (xi) make any other determination and take any other action that the Committee deems necessary or desirable for the administration of this Plan. The Committee will have full discretion to administer and interpret the Plan and to adopt such rules, regulations and procedures as it deems necessary or advisable and to determine, among other things, the time or times at which the awards may be exercised and whether and under what circumstances an award may be exercised.
Eligibility
Employees, directors, officers, advisors and consultants of the Company or its affiliates are eligible to participate in the Plan and are referred to as “Participants”. The Committee has the sole and complete authority to determine who will be granted an Award under the Plan, however, it may delegate such authority to one or more officers of the Company under the circumstances set forth in the Plan.
Number of Shares Authorized
Up to approximately 1,500,000 shares of common stock may be issued pursuant to awards granted under the Plan.
If an Award is forfeited, canceled, or if any Option terminates, expires or lapses without being exercised, the Common Stock subject to such Award will again be made available for future grant. However, shares that are used to pay the exercise price of an Option or that are withheld to satisfy the Participant’s tax withholding obligation will not be available for re-grant under the Plan.
If there is any change in the Company’s corporate capitalization or structure, the Committee in its sole discretion may make substitutions or adjustments to the number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance under the Plan, the number of shares covered by Awards then outstanding under the Plan, the limitations on Awards under the Plan, the exercise price of outstanding Options and such other equitable substitution or adjustments as it may determine appropriate.
The Plan has a term of ten years and no further Awards may be granted under the Plan after that date.
Awards Available for Grant
The Committee may grant Awards of Non-Qualified Stock Options, Incentive Stock Options, Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock Awards, Restricted Stock Units, Stock Bonus Awards, Performance Compensation Awards (including cash bonus awards) or any combination of the foregoing. Notwithstanding, the Committee may not grant to any one person in any one calendar year Awards (i) for more than 50% of the Available Shares in the aggregate or (ii) payable in cash in an amount exceeding $10,000,000 in the aggregate.
Options
The Committee will be authorized to grant Options to purchase Common Stock that are either “qualified,” meaning they are intended to satisfy the requirements of Code Section 422 for Incentive Stock Options, or “non-qualified,” meaning they are not intended to satisfy the requirements of Section 422 of the Code. Options granted under the Plan will be subject to the terms and conditions established by the Committee. Under the terms of the Plan, unless the Committee determines otherwise in the case of an Option substituted for another Option in connection with a corporate transaction, the exercise price of the Options will not be less than the fair market value (as determined under the Plan) of the shares of common stock on the date of grant. Options granted under the Plan will be subject to such terms, including the exercise price and the conditions and timing of exercise, as may be determined by the Committee and specified in the applicable award agreement. The maximum term of an Option granted under the Plan will be ten years from the date of grant (or five years in the case of an Incentive Stock Option granted to a 10% stockholder). Payment in respect of the exercise of an Option may be made in cash or by check, by surrender of unrestricted shares of Common Stock (at their fair market value on the date of exercise) that have been held by the participant for any period deemed necessary by the Company’s accountants to avoid an additional compensation charge or have been purchased on the open market, or the Committee may, in its discretion and to the extent permitted by law, allow such payment to be made through a broker-assisted cashless exercise mechanism, a net exercise method, or by such other method as the Committee may determine to be appropriate.
Stock Appreciation Rights
The Committee will be authorized to award Stock Appreciation Rights (or SARs) under the Plan. SARs will be subject to such terms and conditions as established by the Committee. A SAR is a contractual right that allows a participant to receive, either in the form of cash, shares or any combination of cash and shares, the appreciation, if any, in the value of a share over a certain period of time. A SAR granted under the Plan may be granted in tandem with an option and SARs may also be awarded to a participant independent of the grant of an Option. SARs granted in connection with an Option shall be subject to terms similar to the Option which corresponds to such SARs. SARs shall be subject to terms established by the Committee and reflected in the award agreement.
Restricted Stock
The Committee will be authorized to award Restricted Stock under the Plan. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee and specified in an award agreement, restrictions on Restricted Stock will lapse after three years of service with the Company. The Committee will determine the terms of such Restricted Stock awards. Restricted Stock are shares of common stock that generally are non-transferable and subject to other restrictions determined by the Committee for a specified period. Unless the Committee determines otherwise or specifies otherwise in an award agreement, if the participant terminates employment or services during the restricted period, then any unvested restricted stock will be forfeited.
Restricted Stock Unit Awards
The Committee will be authorized to award Restricted Stock Unit awards. Unless otherwise provided by the Committee and specified in an award agreement, Restricted Stock Units will vest after three years of service with the Company. The Committee will determine the terms of such Restricted Stock Units. Unless the Committee determines otherwise or specifies otherwise in an award agreement, if the participant terminates employment or services during the period of time over which all or a portion of the units are to be earned, then any unvested units will be forfeited. At the election of the Committee, the participant will receive a number of shares of common stock equal to the number of units earned or an amount in cash equal to the fair market value of that number of shares at the expiration of the period over which the units are to be earned or at a later date selected by the Committee.
Stock Bonus Awards
The Committee will be authorized to grant Awards of unrestricted shares of common stock or other Awards denominated in shares of common stock, either alone or in tandem with other Awards, under such terms and conditions as the Committee may determine.
Performance Compensation Awards
The Committee will be authorized to grant any Award under the Plan in the form of a Performance Compensation Award exempt from the requirements of Section 162(m) of the Code by conditioning the vesting of the Award on the attainment of specific performance criteria of the Company and/or one or more Affiliates, divisions or operational units, or any combination thereof, as determined by the Committee. The Committee will select the performance criteria based on one or more of the following factors: (i) revenue; (ii) sales; (iii) profit (net profit, gross profit, operating profit, economic profit, profit margins or other corporate profit measures); (iv) earnings (EBIT, EBITDA, earnings per share, or other corporate profit measures); (v) net income (before or after taxes, operating income or other income measures); (vi) cash (cash flow, cash generation or other cash measures); (vii) stock price or performance; (viii) total stockholder return (stock price appreciation plus reinvested dividends divided by beginning share price); (ix) economic value added; (x) return measures (including, but not limited to, return on assets, capital, equity, investments or sales, and cash flow return on assets, capital, equity, or sales); (xi) market share; (xii) improvements in capital structure; (xiii) expenses (expense management, expense ratio, expense efficiency ratios or other expense measures); (xiv) business expansion or consolidation (acquisitions and divestitures); (xv) internal rate of return or increase in net present value; (xvi) working capital targets relating to inventory and/or accounts receivable; (xvii) inventory management; (xviii) service or product delivery or quality; (xix) customer satisfaction; (xx) employee retention; (xxi) safety standards; (xxii) productivity measures; (xxiii) cost reduction measures; and/or (xxiv) strategic plan development and implementation.
Transferability
Each Award may be exercised during the Participant’s lifetime only by the Participant or, if permissible under applicable law, by the Participant’s guardian or legal representative and may not be otherwise transferred or encumbered by a Participant other than by will or by the laws of descent and distribution. The Committee, however, may permit Awards (other than Incentive Stock Options) to be transferred to family members, a trust for the benefit of such family members, a partnership or limited liability company whose partners or stockholders are the Participant and his or her family members or anyone else approved by it.
Amendment
The Plan will have a term of ten years. The Company’s board of directors may amend, suspend or terminate the Plan at any time; however, shareholder approval to amend the Plan may be necessary if the law or SEC so requires. No amendment, suspension or termination will materially and adversely affect the rights of any Participant or recipient of any Award without the consent of the Participant or recipient.
Change in Control
Except to the extent otherwise provided in an Award or required by applicable law, in the event of a Change in Control, upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the Committee is authorized, but not obligated, to make any of the following adjustments (or any combination thereof) in the terms and conditions of outstanding Awards: (a) continuation or assumption of outstanding Awards by the surviving company; (b) substitution by the surviving company of equity, equity-based and/or cash awards with substantially the same terms for outstanding Awards; (c) accelerated exercisability, vesting and/or lapse of restrictions under outstanding Awards immediately prior to the occurrence of the Change in Control; (d) upon written notice, provide that any outstanding Awards must be exercised, to the extent then exercisable, during a reasonable period determined by the Committee and at the end of such period, any unexercised Awards will terminate; and (e) cancellation of all or any portion of outstanding Awards for fair value (in the form of cash, shares or other property) and which value may be zero.
U.S. Federal Income Tax Consequences
The following is a general summary of the material U.S. federal income tax consequences of the grant and exercise and vesting of Awards under the Plan and the disposition of shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of such Awards. This summary is intended to reflect the current provisions of the Code and the regulations thereunder. However, this summary is not intended to be a complete statement of applicable law, nor does it address foreign, state, local and payroll tax considerations. Moreover, the U.S. federal income tax consequences to any particular participant may differ from those described herein by reason of, among other things, the particular circumstances of such participant.
Options
There are a number of requirements that must be met for a particular Option to be treated as an Incentive Stock Option. One such requirement is that Common Stock acquired through the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option cannot be disposed of before the later of (i) two years from the date of grant of the Option, or (ii) one year from the date of its exercise. Holders of Incentive Stock Options will generally incur no federal income tax liability at the time of grant or upon exercise of those Options. However, the spread at exercise will be an “item of tax preference,” which may give rise to “alternative minimum tax” liability for the taxable year in which the exercise occurs. If the holder does not dispose of the shares before the later of two years following the date of grant and one year following the date of exercise, the difference between the exercise price and the amount realized upon disposition of the shares will constitute long-term capital gain or loss, as the case may be. Assuming both holding periods are satisfied, no deduction will be allowed to the Company for federal income tax purposes in connection with the grant or exercise of the Incentive Stock Option. If, within two years following the date of grant or within one year following the date of exercise, the holder of shares acquired through the exercise of an Incentive Stock Option disposes of those shares, the Participant will generally realize taxable compensation at the time of such disposition equal to the difference between the exercise price and the lesser of the Fair Market Value of the share on the date of exercise or the amount realized on the subsequent disposition of the shares, and that amount will generally be deductible by the Company for federal income tax purposes, subject to the possible limitations on deductibility under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to executives designated in those Sections. Finally, if an otherwise Incentive Stock Option becomes first exercisable in any one year for shares having an aggregate value in excess of $100,000 (based on the date of grant value), the portion of the Incentive Stock Option in respect of those excess shares will be treated as a non-qualified stock option for federal income tax purposes.
No income will be realized by a Participant upon grant of a Non-Qualified Stock Option. Upon the exercise of a Non-Qualified Stock Option, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the Fair Market Value of the underlying exercised shares over the Option Exercise Price paid at the time of exercise. Such income will be subject to income tax withholdings, and the Participant will be required to pay to the Company the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect to such income.
The Company will be able to deduct this same amount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.
Restricted Stock
A Participant will not be subject to tax upon the grant of an Award of Restricted Stock unless the Participant otherwise elects to be taxed at the time of grant pursuant to Section 83(b) of the Code. On the date an Award of Restricted Stock becomes transferable or is no longer subject to a substantial risk of forfeiture, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the shares on that date over the amount the Participant paid for such shares, if any. Such income will be subject to income tax withholdings, and the Participant will be required to pay to the Company the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect to such income. If the Participant made an election under Section 83(b) of the Code, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income at the time of grant equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the shares on the date of grant over the amount the Participant paid for such shares, if any, and any subsequent appreciation in the value of the shares will be treated as a capital gain upon sale of the shares. Special rules apply to the receipt and disposition of Restricted Shares received by officers and directors who are subject to Section 16(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). The Company will be able to deduct, at the same time as it is recognized by the Participant, the amount of taxable compensation to the participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.
Restricted Stock Units
A Participant will not be subject to tax upon the grant of a Restricted Stock Unit Award. Rather, upon the delivery of shares or cash pursuant to a Restricted Stock Unit Award, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income equal to the Fair Market Value of the number of shares (or the amount of cash) the Participant actually receives with respect to the Award. Such income will be subject to income tax withholdings, and the Participant will be required to pay to the Company the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect to such income. The Company will be able to deduct the amount of taxable compensation recognized by the Participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but the deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.
SARs
No income will be realized by a Participant upon grant of an SAR. Upon the exercise of an SAR, the Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income in an amount equal to the Fair Market Value of the payment received in respect of the SAR. Such income will be subject to income tax withholdings, and the Participant will be required to pay to the Company the amount of any required withholding taxes in respect to such income. The Company will be able to deduct this same amount for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.
Stock Bonus Awards
A Participant will recognize ordinary compensation income equal to the difference between the Fair Market Value of the shares on the date the shares of common stock subject to the Award are transferred to the Participant over the amount the Participant paid for such shares, if any, and any subsequent appreciation in the value of the shares will be treated as a capital gain upon sale of the shares. The Company will be able to deduct, at the same time as it is recognized by the Participant, the amount of taxable compensation to the Participant for U.S. federal income tax purposes, but such deduction may be limited under Sections 280G and 162(m) of the Code for compensation paid to certain executives designated in those Sections.
Section 162(m)
In general, Section 162(m) of the Code denies a publicly held corporation a deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for compensation in excess of $1,000,000 per year per person paid to its principal executive officer and the three other officers (other than the principal executive officer and principal financial officer) whose compensation is disclosed in its proxy statement/prospectus as a result of their total compensation, subject to certain exceptions. The Plan is intended to satisfy an exception with respect to grants of Options to covered employees. In addition, the Plan is designed to permit certain Awards of Restricted Stock, Restricted Stock Units, cash bonus awards and other Awards to be awarded as performance compensation awards intended to qualify under the “performance-based compensation” exception to Section 162(m) of the Code.
New Plan Benefits
Future grants under the Plan will be made at the discretion of the Committee and, accordingly, are not yet determinable. In addition, the value of the Awards granted under the Plan will depend on a number of factors, including the Fair Market Value of the shares of common stock on future dates, the exercise decisions made by the Participants and/or the extent to which any applicable performance goals necessary for vesting or payment are achieved. Consequently, it is not possible to determine the benefits that might be received by Participants receiving discretionary grants under, or having their annual bonus paid pursuant to, the Plan.
Interests of Directors or Officers
The Company’s directors may grant Awards under the Plan to themselves as well as to the Company’s officers and other employees, consultants and advisors.
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table provides information, as of December 31, 2021, with respect to equity securities authorized for issuance under compensation plans:
Number of
Securities
Remaining
Available
for Future
Issuance Under
Equity
Number of
Compensation
Securities to be
Weighted-Average
Plans
Issued Upon
Exercise Price of
excluding
Exercise of
Outstanding Options
( securities
Outstanding Options
under
reflected in
Plan Category
under the Plan
(a)
The Plan
(b)
Column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders
-
$ -
1,098,255
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
-
$ -
-
TOTAL
-
$ -
1,098,255
Director Compensation
On December 4, 2020, the board of directors approved a new board compensation plan that would compensate the board members for their deferred compensation for the fourth quarter 2020 through the third quarter of 2021. The board members are eligible for cash compensation of $12,000 per year to be paid quarterly within 30 days of the close of each quarter.
In addition, on an ongoing basis pursuant to the approved board compensation plan each director will receive $8,000 in value of common stock per year for service as director, $6,000 in value of shares of common stock per year for service on each committee and $4,000 in value of shares of common stock per year for service as chair for such committee. The number of shares to be issued would be based upon the closing price of the last trading date of each calendar quarter. The shares of common stock for committee service will be limited to two committees.
Kevin Mohan is an employee-director and does not receive compensation for serving in his role as a director or Chairman of the Board.
The following table provides information relating to compensation of our directors for our fiscal year ended December 31, 2021
Name
Fees earned or paid in cash
Stock awards
Option awards
Non-equity incentive plan compensation
Nonqualified deferred compensation earnings
All Other Compensation
Total
Stephen A. Spanos
$ 12,000
$ 13,493
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ -
$ 25,493
A.B. Southall III
12,000
12,544
-
-
-
-
24,544
Paul L. Menchik
12,000
14,177
-
-
-
-
26,177
Jeff Carl
12,000
17,992
-
-
-
-
29,992
Major General (Ret) Malcolm B. Frost
11,143
8,347
-
-
-
-
19,490
Philip Balatsos
11,143
8,347
-
-
-
-
19,490
Executive Compensation Philosophy
Our Board of Directors determines the compensation given to our executive officers in their sole determination. Our Board of Directors reserves the right to pay our executives or any future executives a salary, and/or issue them shares of common stock issued in consideration for services rendered and/or to award incentive bonuses which are linked to our performance, as well as to the individual executive officer’s performance. This package may also include long-term stock-based compensation to certain executives, which is intended to align the performance of our executives with our long-term business strategies. Additionally, while our Board of Directors has not granted any performance base stock options to date, the Board of Directors reserves the right to grant such options in the future, if the Board in its sole determination believes such grants would be in the best interests of the Company.
Incentive Bonus
The Board of Directors may grant incentive bonuses to our executive officers and/or future executive officers in its sole discretion, if the Board of Directors believes such bonuses are in the Company’s best interest, after analyzing our current business objectives and growth, if any, and the amount of revenue we are able to generate each month, which revenue is a direct result of the actions and ability of such executives.
Long-Term, Stock Based Compensation
In order to attract, retain and motivate executive talent necessary to support the Company’s long-term business strategy we may award our executives and any future executives with long-term, stock-based compensation in the future, at the sole discretion of our Board of Directors.

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ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.
The following table sets forth information about the beneficial ownership of our common stock at March 16, 2022, for:
● each person, or group of affiliated persons, whom we know to beneficially own more than 5% of our common stock;
● each of our named executive officers;
● each of our directors; and
● all of our executive officers and directors as a group.
We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. These rules generally attribute beneficial ownership of securities to persons who possess sole or shared voting power or investment power with respect to those securities. In addition, the rules include shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the exercise of stock options or warrants or upon conversion of a security that are either exercisable or convertible on or before a date that is 60 days after March 16, 2022. These shares are deemed to be outstanding and beneficially owned by the person holding those options or warrants for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of that person, but they are not treated as outstanding for the purpose of computing the percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated, the persons or entities identified in this table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares shown as beneficially owned by them, subject to applicable community property laws.
Except as otherwise noted below, the address for persons listed in the table is c/o Muscle Maker, Inc., 2600 South Shore Blvd., Suite 300, League City, Texas 77573.
The percentage ownership information shown in the column labeled “Percentage of Shares Outstanding” is based upon 28,531,401 shares of common stock outstanding as of March 16, 2022.
Number of Shares Percentage of Shares
Beneficially Outstanding Prior to
Name of Beneficial Owner Owned (1) Offering (1)
5% Stockholders:
Armistice Capital Master Fund LTD (2) 2,863,411 9.99 %
Altuim Growth Fund, LP(3) 1,995,882 7.00 %
Catalytic Holdings 1 LLC (4) 1,979,802 6.74 %
Thoroughbred Diagnostics, LLC (4) 1,579,000 5.42 %
Directors and Named Executive Officers:
Kevin Mohan (5) 136,537 *
Michael J. Roper (6) 105,000 *
Ferdinand Groenewald - *
Kenneth Miller (7) 32,142 *
Aimee Infante (8) 2,602 *
Stephen Spanos (9) 24,408 *
A.B. Southall, III (10) 124,915 *
Paul L. Menchik (11) 78,420 *
Jeff Carl (12) 17,639 *
Major General (ret) Malcolm Frost (13) 26,589 *
Philip Balatsos (14) 16,607 *
All executive officers and directors as a group (11 persons) 564,859 1.98 %
* denotes less than 1%
1. Beneficial ownership as reported in the above table has been determined in accordance with Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and is not necessarily indicative of beneficial ownership for any other purpose. The number of shares of common stock shown as beneficially owned includes shares of common stock issuable upon (i) the exercise of stock options that will become exercisable within sixty (60) days of March 16, 2022, (ii) the conversion of the convertible promissory notes into shares of our common stock, and (iii) the exercise of warrants that will become exercisable within sixty (60) days of March 16, 2022. Shares of common stock issuable pursuant to the foregoing methods are deemed outstanding for purposes of calculating the percentage of beneficial ownership of the person or entity holding such securities. Accordingly, the total percentages of beneficial ownership are in excess of one hundred percent (100%).
2. Armistice Capital Master Fund LTD beneficial owns (i) 2,728,553 shares of the common stock of the Company and (ii) 7,725,337 shares of common stock of the Company which are subject to presently exercisable purchase warrants. There is a beneficial ownership limitation on the warrants and prefunded warrants owned by the holder that limits beneficial ownership of the holder to 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrant at any time. The beneficial ownership limitation can be increase by the holder by giving written notice to the Company, but this will not take effect until 61 days after the delivery of the notice to the Company. Armistice Capital Master Fund LTD is managed by Armistice Capital, LLC, its investment manager. Steven Boyd, the managing member of Armistice Capital, LLC has the sole voting and investment power over the securities held by Armistice Capital Master Fund LTD. Based solely on the information provided in Schedule 13G filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated February 14, 2022 by Armistice Capital, LLC.
3. Altium Growth Funds, LP beneficial owns (i) 1,995,882 shares of the common stock of the Company, (ii) 2,888,085 shares of common stock of the Company which are subject to presently exercisable purchase warrants and (iii) 438,085 shares of common stock of the Company issuable upon the exercise of pre-funded warrants. There is a beneficial ownership limitation on the warrants and prefunded warrants owned by the holder that limits beneficial ownership of the holder to 9.99% of the number of shares of common stock outstanding immediately after giving effect to the issuance of shares of common stock issuable upon exercise of the warrant at any time. The beneficial ownership limitation can be increase by the holder by giving written notice to the Company, but this will not take effect until 61 days after the delivery of the notice to the Company. Altium Growth Fund, LP is managed by Jacob Gottlieb who has the sole voting and investment power over the securities held by Altium Growth Fund, LP. Based solely on the information provided in Schedule 13G/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission dated February 11, 2022 by Armistice Capital, LLC.
4. Catalytic Holdings, LLC beneficially owns (i) 1,129,052 shares of common stock of the Company (ii) 850,750 shares of Common Stock of the Company which are subject to presently exercisable purchase warrants. The natural person with voting and investment control for Catalytic Holdings, LLC is Dmitriy Shapiro. Thoroughbred Diagnostics, LLC beneficially owns (i) 979,000 shares of common stock of Muscle Maker (ii) 600,000 shares of common stock of Muscle Maker which are subject to presently exercisable purchase warrants. The natural person with voting and investment control for Thoroughbred Diagnostics, LLC is Joey Giamichael.
5. Kevin Mohan beneficially owns (i) indirectly 5,574 shares of common stock of the Company through various family members that reside in the same household as Kevin Mohan and (ii) directly 130,963 shares of common stock of Muscle Maker of which 10,714 are subject to presently exercisable purchase warrants issued to Kevin Mohan.
6. Michael J. Roper beneficial owns directly 105,000 shares of common stock of the Company (i) 100,000 shares of Common stock of Muscle Maker Inc. for serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Company and (ii) 5,000 shares of common stock of the Company purchased on the open market.
7. Aimee Infante beneficial owns directly 2,602 shares of common stock of the Company for serving as the Chief Marketing Officer of the Company.
8. Kenneth Miller beneficial owns directly 32,142 shares of common stock of the Company for serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Company.
9. Stephen Spanos beneficially owns directly (i) 19,108 shares of common stock of the Company for serving as a director and (ii) 5,300 of the common stock of through purchase on the open market.
10. A.B. Southall III beneficially owns (i) directly 114,915 shares of common stock of Muscle Maker, and (ii) directly 10,000 shares of common stock of the Company subject to presently exercisable purchase warrants issued to A.B. Southall III.
11. Paul L. Menchik beneficially owns (i) directly 78,420 shares of common stock of Muscle Maker, and (ii) directly 10,000 shares of common stock of the Company subject to presently exercisable purchase warrants issued to Paul L. Menchik.
12. Jeff Carl beneficially owns directly 17,639 shares of common stock of the Company for services rendered as a board of director.
13. Major General (ret) Malcolm Frost beneficially owns directly (i) 11,656 shares of common stock of the Company for services rendered as a board of director and (ii) 4,951 shares of common stock of the Company through purchases on the open market..
14. Philip Balatsos beneficially owns directly 16,607 shares of common stock of the Company for services rendered as a board of director.

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ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
Policies and Procedures for Related Party Transactions
Following this offering, pursuant to the written charter of our Audit Committee, the Audit Committee will be responsible for reviewing and approving, prior to our entry into any such transaction, all related party transactions and potential conflict of interest situations involving:
● any of our directors, director nominees or executive officers;
● any beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding stock; and
● any immediate family member of any of the foregoing.
Our Audit Committee will review any financial transaction, arrangement or relationship that:
● involves or will involve, directly or indirectly, any related party identified above and is in an amount greater than $0;
● would cast doubt on the independence of a director;
● would present the appearance of a conflict of interest between us and the related party; or
● is otherwise prohibited by law, rule or regulation.
The Audit Committee will review each such transaction, arrangement or relationship to determine whether a related party has, has had or expects to have a direct or indirect material interest. Following its review, the Audit Committee will take such action as it deems necessary and appropriate under the circumstances, including approving, disapproving, ratifying, canceling or recommending to management how to proceed if it determines a related party has a direct or indirect material interest in a transaction, arrangement or relationship with us. Any member of the Audit Committee who is a related party with respect to a transaction under review will not be permitted to participate in the discussions or evaluations of the transaction; however, the Audit Committee member will provide all material information concerning the transaction to the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee will report its action with respect to any related party transaction to the board of directors.
Transactions with Officers, Directors and Executives of Muscle Maker
On February 17, 2020 the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 25,616 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned through the end of the fourth quarter of 2019.
On June 24, 2020 the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 4,340 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned through the end of the first quarter of 2020.
On November 10, 2020 the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 5,944 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned for the second and third quarter of 2020
On December 4, 2020, the board of directors approved a new board compensation plan that would compensate the board members for their deferred compensation for the fourth quarter 2020 through the third quarter of 2021. The board members are eligible for cash compensation of $12,000 per year to be paid quarterly within 30 days of the close of each quarter.
In addition, on an ongoing basis pursuant to the approved board compensation plan each director will receive $8,000 in value of common stock per year for service as director, $6,000 in value of shares of common stock per year for service on each committee and $4,000 in value of shares of common stock per year for service as chair for such committee. The number of shares to be issued would be based upon the closing price of the last trading date of each calendar quarter. The shares of common stock for committee service will be limited to two committees.
On February 3, 2021, the Company issued an aggregate of 16,126 shares of common stock of the Company to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned through the end of the fourth quarter of 2020.
On March 31, 2021, the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 12,711 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned during the first quarter of 2021.
On August 24, 2021, the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 20,829 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned during the second quarter of 2021.
On October 21, 2021, the Company authorized the issuance of an aggregate of 24,275 shares of common stock to the members of the board of directors as compensation earned during the third quarter of 2021.
As of December 31, 2021, the Company accrued a total of $39,573 related to board compensation for stock issuance and $18,000 for their portion of cash compensation earned during the fourth quarter of 2021.
On February 10, 2022, the Company entered into an Employment Agreement with Michael Roper effective February 14, 2022, which replaced his prior employment agreement. Pursuant to the Employment Agreement, Mr. Roper will continue to be employed as Chief Executive Officer of the Company on an at will basis. During the term of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Roper will be entitled to a base salary at the annualized rate of $350,000, which will be increased to $375,000 upon the one-year anniversary. Mr. Roper will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Mr. Roper stock options to receive 100,000 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Mr. Roper is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, Mr. Roper will be entitled to a severance package of 18 months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
On February 10, 2022, the Company and Kevin Mohan, Chief Investment Officer, entered a letter agreement providing that Mr. Mohan will continue to be engaged by the Company on an at-will basis with a base salary at the annualized rate of $200,000 effective February 14, 2022. Mr. Mohan will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity of up to 75% of his salary. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Mr. Mohan stock options to receive 75,000 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Mr. Mohan is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, he will be entitled to a severance package of six months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule and insurance program, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
On February 9, 2022, the Company and Kenn Miller, Chief Operations Officer, entered a letter agreement providing that Mr. Miller will continue to be engaged by the Company on an at-will basis with a base salary at the annualized rate of $275,000 effective February 14, 2022. Mr. Miller will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity of up to 75% of his salary. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Mr. Miller stock options to receive 50,000 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Mr. Miller is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, he will be entitled to a severance package of 12 months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule and insurance program, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
On February 9, 2022, the Company and Aimee Infante, Chief Marketing Officer, entered a letter agreement providing that Ms. Infante will continue to be engaged by the Company on an at-will basis with a base salary at the annualized rate of $175,000 effective February 14, 2022. Ms. Infante will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity of up to 25% of her salary. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Ms. Infante stock options to receive 42,500 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Ms. Infante is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, she will be entitled to a severance package of six months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule and insurance program, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
On February 9, 2022, the Company and Ferdinand Groenewald, Chief Accounting Officer, entered a letter agreement providing that Mr. Groenewald will continue to be engaged by the Company on an at-will basis with a base salary at the annualized rate of $175,000 effective February 14, 2022. Mr. Groenewald will be eligible for a discretionary performance bonus to be paid in cash or equity of up to 25% of his salary. Within 90 days of the effective date, the Company will issue Mr. Groenewald stock options to receive 25,000 shares of common stock which will vest over a term of five years. If Mr. Groenewald is terminated by the Company for any reason other than cause, including termination without cause in connection with a change in control, he will be entitled to a severance package of six months of salary and health and dental benefits paid in accordance with the Company’s payroll schedule and insurance program, but subject to the execution of a valid release in favor of the Company and its related parties.
We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our directors and entered into such agreements with certain of our executive officers. These agreements require us, among other things, to indemnify these individuals for certain expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts reasonably incurred by such person in any action or proceeding, including any action by or in our right, on account of any services undertaken by such person on behalf of our Company or that person’s status as a member of our Board of Directors to the maximum extent allowed under Nevada law.

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ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTING FEES AND SERVICES
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES.
Paris Kreit & Chiu CPA LLP (formerly known as Benjamin and Ko) has served as our independent registered public accountants for the year ended December 31, 2021. Marcum LLP has served as our independent registered public accountants for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The following is a summary of the fees billed or expected to be billed to us by our independent registered public accountants, for professional services rendered by Paris Kreit & Chiu CPA (formerly known as Benjamin and Ko) for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021 and Marcum LLP for the year ended December 31, 2020:
Audit fees (1) $ 58,000 $ 312,390
Audit-related fees (2) 75,000 -
Tax fees (3) - -
All other fees (4) - -
$ 133,000 $ 312,390
Audit Fees consist of fees billed and expected to be billed for services rendered for the audit of our consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 and in connection with the filing of our Form 10-K, Form 10-Qs and multiple Forms S-1 and Forms S-3s.
1. Audit-Related Fees consist of fees billed for assurance and related services that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit of our financial statements and are not reported under “Audit Fees.”
2. Tax Fees consist of fees billed for professional services related to preparation of our U.S. federal and state income tax returns and tax advice.
3. All Other Fees consist of fees billed for products and services provided by our independent registered public accountants, other than those disclosed above.
The Audit Committee is responsible for the appointment, compensation and oversight of the work of the independent registered public accountants and approves in advance any services to be performed by the independent registered public accountants, whether audit-related or not. The Audit Committee reviews each proposed engagement to determine whether the provision of services is compatible with maintaining the independence of the independent registered public accountants. The fees shown above were pre-approved either by our Board or our Audit Committee.
PART IV

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ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.
Exhibit
No.
Exhibit Description
3.1+
Articles of Incorporation of Muscle Maker, Inc., a Nevada corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2019)
3.2+
Bylaws of Muscle Maker, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 14, 2019)
3.3+
Certificate of Change Pursuant to NRS 78.209 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 11, 2019)
3.4+
Certificate of Amendment to Articles of Incorporation of Muscle Maker, Inc., a Nevada corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on November 16, 2020)
4.1+
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated April 9, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2021)
4.2 +
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated April 9, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2021)
4.3+
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners dated April 9, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2021)
4.4+
Form of Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated November 22, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2021)
4.5+
Form of Pre-Funded Warrant to Purchase Common Stock dated November 22, 2021(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2021)
4.6+
Form of Placement Agent Warrant to Purchase Common Stock issued to A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners dated November 22, 2021(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2021)
4.7
2021 Equity Incentive Plan
4.8
Description of Securities
10.1†
Muscle Maker 2017 Stock Option and Stock Issuance Plan and form of award agreements (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.1 to Amendment No 1 to the Offering Statement Report on Form 1-A/A filed on September 21, 2017)
10.2†
Form of Restricted Stock Agreement under Muscle Maker 2017 Stock Option and Stock Issuance Plan (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.5 to Amendment No 1 to the Offering Statement Report on Form 1-A/A filed on September 21, 2017)
10.3
Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated August 25, 2017, between Muscle Maker Brands Conversion, Inc. and Muscle Maker Development, LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.7 to Amendment No 1 to the Offering Statement Report on Form 1-A/A filed on September 21, 2017)
10.4
Agreement of Conveyance, Transfer and Assigning of Assets and Assumptions of Obligations, dated September 15, 2017, between Muscle Maker, Inc. and Muscle Maker Corp., LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 6.8 to the Registrant’s Amendment No 1 to the Offering Statement Report on Form 1-A/A filed on September 21, 2017)
10.5
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated April 7, 2021, between Muscle Maker, Inc. and the Purchaser* (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2021)
10.6
Placement Agency Agreement between Muscle Maker, Inc. and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners dated April 6, 2021 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on April 12, 2021)
10.7
Form of Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 17, 2021, between Muscle Maker, Inc. and the Purchasers*(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2021)
10.8
Form of Registration Rights Agreement, dated November 17, 2021, between Muscle Maker, Inc. and the Purchasers(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2021)
10.9
Placement Agency Agreement between Muscle Maker, Inc. and A.G.P./Alliance Global Partners dated November 17, 2021(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 22, 2021)
10.10†
Employment Agreement between Muscle Maker, Inc. and Michael Roper dated February 10, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2022)
10.11†
Letter Agreement between Muscle Maker, Inc. and Kevin Mohan dated February 10, 2022(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2022)
10.12†
Letter Agreement between Muscle Maker, Inc. and Aimee Infante dated February 9, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2022)
10.13†
Letter Agreement between Muscle Maker, Inc. and Kenn Miller dated February 9, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2022)
10.14†
Letter Agreement between Muscle Maker, Inc. and Ferdinand Groenewald dated February 9, 2022 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 11, 2022)
10.15†
Form of Director Agreement dated July 16, 2019 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 10, 2019)
10.16
Form of Conversion Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2019)
10.17
Form of Addendum to Conversion Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 10, 2019)
21.1*
List of Subsidiaries
23.1*
Consent of Paris Kreit & Chiu CPA LLP
23.2*
Consent of Marcum LLP
31.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
31.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.1
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.3
Certification of Chief Financial Accounting Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS
Inline XBRL Instance Document*
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Schema Document*
101.CAL
Inline XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document*
101.DEF
Inline XBRL Definition Linkbase Document*
101.LAB
Inline XBRL Label Linkbase Document*
101.PRE
Inline XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document*
Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)
† Includes management contracts and compensation plans and arrangements
*Filed herewith.
+Previously filed.