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Ark Restaurants

arkr · NASDAQ Consumer Cyclical
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Ticker arkr
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Restaurants
Employees 1001-5000
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FY2000 Annual Report · Ark Restaurants
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Ark
Restaurants
Corp.

2000  ANNUAL  REPORT

THE COMPANY 

Ark Restaurants Corp. (the “Company”) is a holding company which, through subsidiaries, owns 
and operates 23 restaurants and manages one restaurant.  Eleven of the restaurants owned or managed by 
the Company are located in New York City, four  are located in Washington, D.C., seven are located in 
Las  Vegas,  Nevada,  and  one  is  located  in  Islamorada,  Florida.    At  the  New  York-New York Hotel & 
Casino, the Company also operates the room service, banquet facilities and employee dining room and a 
complex of nine smaller eateries.  The Company also owns and operates four food court facilities at the 
Venetian Casino Resort and six food court facilities at the Aladdin Resort and Casino, both of which are 
located  in  Las  Vegas.    The  Company’s  other  operations include a bar at the Venetian Casino Resort and 
catering businesses in New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as wholesale and retail bakeries in 
New York City. 

The Company will provide without charge a copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000, including financial statements and schedules thereto, to 
each of the Company’s shareholders of record on March 12, 2000 and each beneficial holder on that date, 
upon receipt of a written request therefor mailed to the Company’s offices, 85 Fifth Avenue, New York, 
New York 10003, attention: Treasurer. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 7, 2001 

Dear Shareholder: 

The  year  2000  resulted  in  a  loss  of  $5.4  million  before  taxes  and  $3.5  million  after  taxes.    A 
principal reason  was the $5.0 million write off of a joint venture with Sony to open four restaurants in a 
Southfield,  Michigan  multiplex  cinema  operation.    There  are  no  excuses;  but  we  are  in  the  business  of 
opening new restaurants and some will fail or under perform.  Over the years we have had good success 
and the very high returns on capital of the winners more than compensates for the losers. 

Other  significant  detractors  from  our  results  were  (a)  losses  of  $1.5  million  in  operating  and 
closing a restaurant at Tysons Corner, Virginia, (b) a $1.65 million settlement (inclusive of legal fees) of a 
wage and hour litigation which the Company believes was associated with the unsuccessful union attempt 
to organize our Las Vegas New York, New York facility and which the Company therefore regards as an 
investment in preserving the strong economics of that operation, and (c) a $300,000 write off representing 
the non-payment of a loan made to a restaurant for which we had an operating agreement. 

With  these  items  being  absorbed  in  various  categories  of  our  audited  income  statement,  we 
thought it would be useful for shareholders to see a reconstruction of the year exclusive of these items as 
follows:    

Fiscal Year Ended September 30, 2000 

Net Sales 
Cost of Sales 
Gross Restaurant Profit 
Management Fee Income 

Operating Expenses: 

Payroll and payroll benefits 
Occupancy 
Other expenses 

Income from Restaurant Operating Expenses (before depreciation) 

General & Administrative Expenses 
Other Income 
Earnings Before Interest, Income Taxes & Depreciation 

Depreciation 
Interest, Net 
Earnings Before Other Items 
Other Items: 

Labor settlement, inclusive of legal fees 
America Virginia writeoff & operations 
Southfield, Michigan writeoff 
Accounts receivable writeoff 

Loss Before Income Taxes 
Income Tax Benefit 
Net Loss, as reported 

($,000) 

$ 117,639 
  30,585 
  87,054 
474 
  87,528 

  42,261 
  14,744 
  14,703 
  71,708 
  15,820 

6,767 
(437) 
9,490 

4,709 
1,835 
2,946 

(1,644) 
(1,474) 
(4,988) 
(280) 
(8,386) 
(5,440) 
1,906 
  ($3,534) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The  earnings  before  interest,  taxes  and  depreciation  (EBIDT)  of  $9.5  million  have  not  been 
purged of certain items such as pre-opening losses at new and renovated restaurants which are a regular 
part of our business but which are themselves one-time items.  So, included in that $9.5 million EBIDT is 
an EBIDT loss of $926,000 reflecting the conversion of B. Smith’s restaurant to Jack Rose and an EBIDT 
loss of $767,000 for the openings of The Venetian and Desert Passage. 

Same store sales for the year 2000 were up 3.6% and same store cash flows were strong.  Many 
of  our  restaurants  had  outstanding  years.    At  New  York,  New  York  and  The  Stage  Deli  in  Las  Vegas, 
profitability increased for the fourth consecutive year.  Bryant Park continued to build its customer base 
and private party business while achieving record profits.  The same is true of our Sequoia operations in 
New York and Washington, D.C.  We expect the current year to be excellent. 

Our unaudited results for the four months ended January 31, 2001 show same store sales up 4.0%, 
EBIDT of $2,468,000 vs. $16,000 a year ago, and an operating loss of $398,000 vs. an operating loss of 
$1,598,000 a year ago.  As a highly seasonal business, we usually generate an operating loss through our 
first  four  months  followed  by  substantial  cash  flow  and  operating  profit  in  the  June  and  September 
quarters.  Our optimism for the remainder of the current year has a number of specific elements to it as 
follows:  

1. 

Through  January,  pre-tax  profitability  at  New  York, New York was well ahead of last 

year and we expect this trend to continue. 

2. 

The Venetian, Dessert Passage and Jack Rose are all expected to improve significantly in 

the aggregate (a fuller description follows). 

3. 

In the four months ended January, the new 1800 seat circus in Bryant park and a 300 seat 
tented addition to our restaurant for corporate events resulted in a substantial incremental profit.  The tent 
will be a permanent feature; we are hopeful that the circus will be an annual event as well. 

4. 

Corporate  overhead  which  increased  $1,041,000  in  2000  as  we  added  new  properties 

should decrease significantly this year. 

5. 

6. 

Our successful corporate sales and travel department is being expanded to Las Vegas. 

We have new management and a new chef at our world famous Lutece restaurant. 

This will all be partially offset by higher interest and depreciation expenses. 

Below is a review of this past year’s new operations. 

Venetian 

In the first quarter of fiscal 2000 we opened three fast food operations at this new Las Vegas hotel 
followed in the second quarter by two restaurants, Lutece Las Vegas and a Pan Asian concept Tsunami.  
In  the  first  quarter  of  fiscal  2001  we  opened  the  V  Bar,  and  later  this  year  we  will  add  an  additional 
restaurant.    Although  the  Venetian  Hotel  experienced the usual early shakedown problems, it is now on 
all cylinders and benefiting as the center of gravity for Las Vegas conventions.  We have great confidence 
in the Venetian management.  In fiscal 2000, these operations reduced EBIDT by $212,000.  Positive cash 
flow was achieved in the September quarter and profitability was achieved in the December quarter of 
fiscal 2001.  The hotel is presently expanding its attractions with the addition of 1000 new rooms and the 
building  of  annexes  for  the  Guggenheim and Hermitage museums.   This should attract substantial foot 
traffic to this property. 

2 

 
 
 
 
Desert Passage 

Desert Passage is a highly themed complex of 135 retail tenants encircling the new Aladdin Hotel 
on Las Vegas Boulevard.  We operate six foot court facilities as well as one restaurant.  Desert Passage 
opened  in  August  2000  and  to  date  has  been  disappointing.    In  fiscal  2000  this  operation  reduced  our 
EBIDT by $555,000 and another poor year is in our forecast.  The presently inadequate traffic flow at 
Desert Passage must be increased to become successful.  Better promotion, management, and cooperation 
between  the  developer  and  tenants  should  accomplish  this  over  time.    Presently,  we  have  reduced  our 
expenses and losses and seek opportunities to improve the sales line. 

Jack Rose 

Our partnership at B. Smith’s restaurants in New York and Washington was terminated in 2000.  
As part of the financial settlement, we converted the New York asset to Jack Rose, a mid-priced steak 
house.  While this reduced EBIDT by $926,000, the current years operation should be vastly improved. 

I wish to acknowledge our able and hard working team of executives, managers and chefs at our 
restaurants, and the dedication of all employees to getting customers to come back for another meal.  This 
year the quality of our organization should be apparent in our income statement. 

Sincerely, 

Michael Weinstein, President 

3 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. 

CORPORATE OFFICE 
Michael Weinstein, President 
Andrew Kuruc, Vice President-Chief Financial Officer 
Vincent Pascal, Vice President-Operations 
Walter Rauscher, Vice President-Corporate Sales & Catering 
Robert Towers, Vice President-Chief Operating Officer 
Paul Gordon, Vice President-Director of Las Vegas Operations 
Nancy Alvarez, Assistant Controller 
Kirsten Borstad, Director of Marketing 
Kathryn Green, Controller-Las Vegas Operations 
Marilyn Guy, Director of Human Resources 
Colleen Hennigan, Director of Operations – Washington Division 
John Oldweiler, Director of Purchasing 
Jennifer Sutton, Operations and Financial Analysis 
Joe Vazquez, Facilities Management 

JOINT VENTURE ASSOCIATE 
Andre Soltner, Lutece 

EXECUTIVE CHEFS 
Charles Brucculeri 
Mike Kiernan 
Chun Liao 
Damien McEvoy 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RESTAURANT GENERAL MANAGERS 
Jennifer Baquierizo, El Rio Grande 
Kyle Carnegie, Sequoia, DC 
Liz Caro, The Grill Room & Columbus Bakery III 
Jessica Fernandez, Columbus Bakery II 
Tom Ferretti, Ernie’s 
Brian Fountain, Gallagher’s, Las Vegas 
Kelly Gallo, Jack Rose 
Bender Ganiao, Thunder Grill, DC 
Charles Gerbino, Las Vegas Employee Dining Facility 
Gus Fuzman, Village Streets, Las Vegas 
Bridgeen Hale, Metropolitan Café 
John Hausdorf, Las Vegas Room Service 
Halbert Hernandez, Canyon Road Grill 
Lynn Huartson, America, NY 
Debra Lomurno, Sequoia, NY 
Joel Lopez, Tsunami Grill 
John Maloughney, Lor-e-Lei 
Mary Masa, Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, Las Vegas 
Matt Mitchell, America & Center Café, DC 
Christine Mundy, Columbus Bakery 
Paul O’hearn, Stage Deli, Las Vegas 
John Page, Las Vegas Catering 
Bobbie Rihel, America, Las Vegas 
Donna Simms, Bryant Park Grill 
Robert Smythe, Lutece, Las Vegas 
Ridgeley Trufant, Red 
Anna Zaldarriaga, Gonzalez Y Gonzalez 

RESTAURANT CHEFS 
John Brady, Banquet, Las Vegas 
Oscar Campos, Thunder Grill, DC 
Henry Chung, Jack Rose 
Ken Clark, Stage Deli, Las Vegas 
Armando Cortes, The Grill Room 
David Cross, America, Las Vegas 
Arvy Dumbrys, Alakazam/Fat Anthony 
David Feau, Lutece, NY 
Michael Foo, America, DC 
William Foo, America, NY 
Rosalio Fuentes, Metropolitan Café 
Carlos Garcia, Sequoia, NY 
Luigi Guiga, Gallagher’s, Las Vegas 
Raul Juarez, Ernies 
Chun Liao, Sequoia, DC 
David Mansen, Lor-e-li 
John Miller, Las Vegas Employee Dining Facility 
Virgilio Ortega, Columbus Bakery 
Fermin Ramirez, El Rio Grande 
Ruperto Ramirez, Canyon Road 
Sergio Salazar, Gonzalez & Gonzalez, Las Vegas 
Raul Santos, Red 
Jose Trinidad, Tsunami Grill 
Mariano Veliz, Gonzalez Y Gonzalez, NY 
Gadi Weinreich, Bryant Park Grill 

5 

 
 
 
 
 
 
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA 

The following table sets forth certain financial data for the fiscal years ended 1996 through 2000.  This 
information should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements and the 
notes thereto appearing at page F-1. 

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

Years Ended
October 3,
1998

September 27, September 28,

1997

1996

OPERATING DATA:

  Net sales

$ 

119,212,486

$ 

110,800,913

$ 

117,398,453

$ 

104,326,386

$   

76,795,940

  Gross restaurant profit

88,196,382

81,499,610

86,132,751

75,874,499

55,934,475

  Operating income (loss)

(3,967,961)

6,833,874

7,589,465

2,785,713

  Other income expense, net

(1,396,758)

236,465

91,417

96,550

497,996

743,615

  Income (loss) before 
    provision for income taxes 
    and cumulative effect of
    accounting change

  Income before
    cumulative effect on
    accounting change

(5,439,719)

7,070,339

7,680,882

2,882,263

1,241,611

NET INCOME (LOSS)

(3,723,130)

4,494,731

(3,533,617)

4,494,731

4,612,141

4,612,141

1,737,655

1,737,655

788,762

788,762

NET INCOME (LOSS)
  PER SHARE:
  Basic

$             

(1.11)

$              

1.30

$              

1.21

$              

0.47

$              

0.24

  Diluted

$             

(1.11)

$              

1.29

$              

1.20

$              

0.46

$              

0.24

  Weighted average
    number of shares 
  Basic

3,186,496

3,460,865

3,826,255

3,714,116

3,238,419

  Diluted

3,186,496

3,475,890

3,852,019

3,742,811

3,272,857

BALANCE SHEET DATA
  (end of period):
  Total assets

67,015,837

47,379,103

44,045,179

42,079,098

33,020,479

  Working capital (deficit)

(4,919,852)

(3,044,204)

(719,343)

(2,373,859)

(1,303,920)

  Long-term debt

29,520,860

7,655,406

5,014,634

6,126,797

6,403,866

  Shareholders’ equity

24,784,178

29,513,971

29,062,140

25,888,880

17,804,394

  Shareholders’ equity
    per share

  Facilities in operations,
    end of year, including
     managed

7.78

8.49

7.54

6.92

5.44

49

42

42

46

32

6 

 
 
 
 
 
  
     
     
     
     
     
      
       
       
       
          
      
          
            
            
          
      
       
       
       
       
      
       
       
       
          
      
       
       
       
          
  
       
       
       
       
       
  
       
       
       
       
       
     
     
     
     
     
      
      
         
      
      
     
       
       
       
       
     
     
     
     
     
                
                
                
                
                
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
 
 
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF   

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS  

Accounting period 

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30.  The fiscal years ended 
September 30, 2000 and October 2, 1999 included 52 weeks while the fiscal year ended October 3, 1998  
included 53 weeks.   

Net Sales 

Net sales at restaurants owned by the Company increased by 7.6% from fiscal 1999 to fiscal 2000 
and decreased by 5.6% from fiscal 1998 to fiscal 1999.  Net sales increased by $8,749,000 from sales at 
restaurants which the Company either opened this year or did not operate for the full period last year (The 
Venetian  Casino  Resort  concepts:    Lutece,  Tsunami and four food court outlets; the Aladdin Resort and 
Casino concepts: Fat Anthony’s and the Alakazam Food Court; and Thunder Grill in Washington, DC ).  
Net sales also increased by $3,764,000 from a 3.6% increase in same store sales.  The components of this 
increase consisted of a 4.4% increase in the Company’s Las Vegas operations along with a 3.1% increase 
in the Company’s other operations.  The increase in net sales in fiscal 2000 was offset in part by the loss 
of sales totaling $4,102,000 at restaurants that the Company no longer operates (B. Smith’s DC, Perretti 
Italian Café, Louisiana Community Bar & Grill and B. Smith’s New York). 

Net sales for fiscal 1999 decreased by $8,586,000 from the loss of sales at restaurants which the 
Company  no  longer  operates  (B.  Smith’s  DC and  Perretti  Italian  Café were sold in fiscal 1999 and An 
American  Place  and  the  Beekman  1766  Tavern  were  sold  in  fiscal  1998).    Additionally  fiscal  1999 
included 52 weeks while fiscal 1998 included 53 weeks.  This decrease in fiscal 1999 was offset in part 
by $3,827,000 in net sales from restaurants and food court operations which either opened in fiscal 1999 
(Thunder  Grill and Rialto Deli) or did not operate for the full fiscal 1998 year (Red opened in the fourth 
quarter of fiscal 1998).   Same store sales were basically unchanged for the year.  Same store sales for the 
year  at  the  Company’s  Las  Vegas  operations  increased  by  2.0%  offset  by  a  0.8%  decrease  at  the 
Company’s non-Las Vegas operations. 

Costs and Expenses 

The Company's cost of sales consists principally of food and beverage costs at restaurants owned 
by the Company.  Cost of sales as a percentage of net sales was 26.0% in fiscal 2000, 26.4% in fiscal 
1999,  and 26.6% in fiscal 1998.  

Operating  expenses  of  the  Company,  consisting  of  restaurant  payroll,  occupancy  and  other 
expenses at restaurants owned by the Company, as a percentage of net sales, were 67.6% in fiscal 2000 
and  62.7%  in  both  fiscal  1999  and  fiscal  1998.    Operating  expenses  for  fiscal  2000  were  adversely 
affected  by  an  impairment  charge  of  $811,000  associated  with  the  anticipated  sale  of  a  restaurant 
(America in McLean, Virginia), expenses of $280,000 from the sale of a managed restaurant (Arlo) and a 
$1,300,000 charge associated with a wage and hour lawsuit.  Operating expenses in the fiscal 1999 are net 
of  gains  on  sale  of  restaurants  totaling  $752,000  while  gains  on  sales  in  the  fiscal  2000  year  totaled 
$87,000.   

Restaurant  payroll was 36.1% of sales in fiscal 2000, 35.4% in fiscal 1999, and 35.1% in fiscal 
1998, while occupancy expenses were 12.8% of sales in fiscal 2000, 12.2% in fiscal 1999 and 11.7% in 
fiscal 1998.  Restaurant payroll and occupancy expenses were both impacted by expenses associated with 
newly opened restaurant operations in fiscal 2000.  Other operating expenses were 14.6% of sales in fiscal 
2000, 11.4% in fiscal 1999 and 12.5% in fiscal 1998.  Other operating expenses were adversely affected 

7 

 
 
 
 
 
by the impairment  charge associated with the anticipated sale of America in McLean, Virginia, expenses 
from the sale of the managed restaurant Arlo and the charge associated with the wage and hour lawsuit. 

The  Company  incurred  pre-opening  expenses  and  early  operating  losses  at  newly  opened 
restaurants of approximately $2,393,000 in fiscal 2000, $400,000 in fiscal 1999 and $200,000 in fiscal 
1998.    The  fiscal  2000  expenses  and  losses  were  from  opening  restaurants  and  food  court  operations 
within  two  Las  Vegas  casinos  (Lutece  and  Tsunami in the Venetian Casino Resort along with four food 
court  outlets;  and  Fat  Anthony’s  and  the  food  court  outlets  in  the  Aladdin  Resort  and  Casino).    The 
Company also converted an existing restaurant in New York City (B. Smith’s New York was changed to 
Jack  Rose).   The Company typically incurs significant pre-opening expenses in connection with its new 
restaurants  which  are  expensed  as  incurred.    Furthermore,  it  is  not  uncommon  that  such  restaurants 
experience operating losses during the early months of operation.   

General and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, were 6.0% in fiscal 2000, 5.5% 
in fiscal 1999 and 5.2% in 1998.  If net sales at managed restaurants were included in consolidated net 
sales, general and administrative  expenses as a percentage of net sales would have been 5.6% in fiscal 
2000,  5.0% in fiscal 1999, and 4.7% in fiscal 1998.  A significant portion of the increase in fiscal 2000 as 
compared to fiscal 1999 is due to costs associated with the expansion of the  Company’s corporate sales 
department,  travel  expenditures  associated  with  the  new  openings  in  Las  Vegas  and  legal  expenditures 
from the wage and hour lawsuit.  

As  of  September  30,  2000,  the  Company  managed  four  restaurants  owned  by  others  (El Rio 
Grande  in Manhattan, the Marketplace Cafe, the Marketplace Grill, and the Brewskeller Pub in Boston, 
Massachusetts).   Net sales of these restaurant facilities, which are not included in consolidated net sales 
were $8,867,000 in fiscal 2000,  $9,804,000 in fiscal 1999, and $12,740,000 in fiscal 1998.  The decrease 
in net sale of managed operations is principally due to the termination of a management contract.  The 
management agreement for the three Boston restaurants will expire on December 31, 2000 and will not be 
renewed.  The contribution of these restaurants to management fee income was $278,000 in fiscal 2000, 
$496,000 in fiscal 1999 and $446,000 in fiscal 1998. 

The Company was a partner with a 50% interest in a partnership that was formed to develop and 
construct four restaurants at a large theatre development in Southfield, Michigan.  In March 2000, the 
Company withdrew form the project and incurred charges, during fiscal 2000, of $4,988,000 from the 
write-off of advances for construction costs and working capital needs on the project.  Such charges are 
reflected as “Joint Venture Loss” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations. 

Interest expense was $2,007,000 in fiscal 2000, $425,000 in fiscal 1999, and $608,000 in fiscal 
1998.    The  significant  increase  is  principally due to borrowings to finance the construction costs and 
working capital requirements of the Las Vegas restaurant facilities which opened in fiscal 2000. 

Interest  income  was  $172,000  in  fiscal  2000,  $226,000  in  fiscal  1999,  and  $210,000  in  fiscal 

1998. 

Other  income,  which  generally  consists  of  purchasing  service  fees,  and  the  sale  of  logo 
merchandise at various restaurants, was $438,000 in fiscal 2000, $436,000 in fiscal 1999 and, $490,000 in 
fiscal 1998.  

8 

 
 
 
 
Income Taxes 

The provision for income  taxes reflects Federal income taxes calculated on a consolidated basis 
and state and local income taxes calculated by each New York subsidiary on a non consolidated basis.  
Most  of  the  restaurants  owned  or  managed  by  the  Company  are  owned  or  managed  by  a  separate 
subsidiary. 

For state and local income tax purposes, the losses incurred by a subsidiary may only be used to 
offset  that  subsidiary's  income  with  the  exception  of  the  restaurants  which  operate  in  the  District  of 
Columbia.    Accordingly,  the  Company's  overall  effective  tax  rate  has  varied  depending  on  the  level  of 
losses incurred at individual subsidiaries.  Due to losses incurred in fiscal 2000 and the carryback of such 
losses, the Company realized an overall tax benefit in fiscal 2000 of 35% of such losses.  The Company’s 
effective tax rate was 36.4% in fiscal 1999 and 40% in fiscal 1998.   

The Company's overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as the level 
of losses incurred at the Company's New York facilities (whic h cannot be consolidated for state and local 
tax  purposes),  pre-tax  income  earned  outside  of  New  York  City  (Nevada  has  no  state  income  tax  and 
other  states  in  which  the  Company  operate  have  income  tax  rates  substantially  lower  in  comparison  to 
New  York)  and  the  utilization  of  state  and  local  net  operating  loss  carry  forwards.  In  order  to  more 
effectively utilize tax loss carry forwards at restaurants that were unprofitable, the Company has merged 
certain profitable subsidiaries with certain loss subsidiaries. 

As a result of the enactment of the Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993, the Company is entitled, 
commencing January 1, 1994, to a tax credit based on the amount of FICA taxes paid by the Company 
with  respect  to  the  tip  income  of  restaurant  service  personnel.    The  net  benefit  to  the  Company  was 
$503,000 in fiscal 2000, $512,000 in fiscal 1999, and $506,000 in fiscal 1998. 

The  Company  and  the  Internal  Revenue  Service  finalized  the  adjustments  to  the  Company’s  Federal 
Income  Tax  returns  for  the  fiscal  years ended September 28, 1991 through October 1, 1994.  The final 
adjustments  primarily  related  to  (i)  legal  and  accounting  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  new  or 
acquired restaurants that the Internal Revenue Service asserts should have been capitalized and amortized 
rather than currently expensed and (ii) travel and meal expenses for which the Internal Revenue Service 
asserted  that  the  Company  did  not  comply  with  certain  record  keeping  requirements  of  the  Internal 
Revenue  Code.  The  settlement  did  not  have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition. The 
Internal  Revenue  Service  is  currently  examining  the  Company’s  returns  for  the  fiscal  years  ended 
September 30, 1995 through September 27, 1997.  The Company does not expect the results from such 
examination to have a material effect on the Company’s financial condition.  

Liquidity and Sources of Capital 

The Company's primary source of capital is cash provided by operations and funds available from 
the  revolving  credit  agreement  with  its  main  bank, Bank Leumi USA.  The Company from time to time 
also utilizes equipment financing in connection with the construction of a restaurant and seller financing 
in connection with the acquisition of a restaurant.  The Company utilizes capital primarily to fund the cost 
of developing and opening new restaurants and acquiring existing restaurants. 

The net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2000 ($25,243,000), fiscal 1999 ($6,096,000),  
and  fiscal  1998  ($4,179,000)  was  principally  for  the  Company's  continued investment in fixed assets 
associated  with  constructing  new  restaurants  and  acquiring  existing  restaurants.    In  fiscal  2000  the 
Company  opened  two  restaurants  and  four  food  court  outlets  in  The  Venetian  Casino  Resort  in  Las 
Vegas, Nevada (Lutece, Tsunami and the food court outlets), and the Company opened one restaurant and 
six  food  court  outlets  in  the  Aladdin  Resort  and  Casino  in  Las  Vegas,  Nevada  (Fat  Anthony’s and the 
9 

 
 
 
 
 
Alakazam Food Court).  In fiscal 1999, the Company opened a restaurant in Union Station in Washington, 
DC (Thunder Grill) and began constructing the restaurants and food court outlets at the Venetian Casino 
Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.  In fiscal 1998 the Company acquired an existing restaurant in Las Vegas 
(the Stage Deli). 

The net cash provided from financing activities in fiscal 2000 ($20,710,000) was principally from 
borrowings  on  the  Company’s  Revolving  Credit  Facility.    The  net  cash  used  in  financing  activities  in 
fiscal  1999  ($1,632,000)  was  due  to  the  repurchase  of  423,000  shares  of the Company’s outstanding 
common stock offset by a net increase in long-term debt in excess of debt repayments.  The net cash used 
in financing activities in fiscal 1998 ($2,825,000) was principally due to the repurchase of 159,000 shares 
of  the  Company’s  outstanding  common  stock  and  repayments  of  debt  on  the  Company’s  main  credit 
facility in excess of borrowings on such facility.  

At September 30, 2000 the Company had a working capital deficit of $4,919,852 as compared to 
working  capital  deficit  of  $3,044,204  at  October  2,1999.    Working  capital  deficit  in  fiscal  2000  was 
significantly impacted by cash expended for the construction of the new Las Vegas facilities and the new 
restaurants  at  the  Star  Theatres  entertainment  center  in  Southfield,  Michigan.    The restaurant business 
does  not  require  the  maintenance  of  significant  inventories  or  receivables;  thus  the  Company  is  able  to 
operate with negative working capital. 

At fiscal 2000 year end, the Company’s Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility with its main 
bank included a $27,500,000 facility for use in construction of and acquisition of new restaurants and for 
working  capital  purposes  at  the  Company’s  existing  restaurants.    The  facility  allowed  the  Company  to 
borrow up to $27,500,000 until December 2001 at which time outstanding loans in excess of $22,000,000 
became due in full while the balance could be converted into a term loan payable over three years.   The 
loans bore interest at a rate of prime plus ½%.  At September 30, 2000 the Company had borrowings of 
$27,150,000 outstanding on the facility.  The Company also had a $2,500,000 Letter of Credit Facility for 
use in lieu of lease security deposits.  At September 30, 2000 the Company had delivered $1,489,000 in 
irrevocable letters of credit on this facility.   

In  November  2000  the  Company  and  its  main  bank,  Bank  Leumi  USA  amended  its  Revolving 
Credit  Facility.    The  amended  agreement  allows  the  Company  to  borrow  up  to  $28,500,000  for  use  in 
construction  of  and  acquisition  of  new  restaurants  and  for  working capital purposes at the Company’s 
existing restaurants.  The Company is required to repay any borrowings to the extent such borrowings 
exceed  $26,000,000  on  June  30,  2001,    $23,000,000  on  September  30,  2001  and  $22,000,000  on 
December 27, 2001.  At December 27, 2001 the revolving loans will be converted into term loans payable 
over  36  months.    Outstanding  loans  bear  interest  at  prime  plus  ½%.    The  commitment  also  includes  a 
$1,500,000 Letter of Credit Facility for use at the Company’s restaurants in lieu of lease security deposits.  

The  amount  of  indebtedness  that  may  be  incurred  by  the  Company  is  limited  by  the  Revolving 
Credit Facility.  Certain provisions of the agreement may impair the Company's ability to borrow funds.  
The  agreement  contains  certain  financial  covenants  such  as  minimum  cash  flow  in  relation  to  the 
Company’s  debt  service  requirements,  ratio  of  debt  to  equity,  and  the  maintenance  of  minimum 
shareholders’ equity.  At September 30, 2000, the Company was not in compliance with several of the 
requirements of the agreement principally due to withdrawal from the Southfield, Michigan project and   
received a waiver from the bank on those requirements.  The Company and its bank have modified the 
covenants in effect at September 30, 2000.  

In  January  1997,  pursuant  to  an  equipment  financing  facility,  the  Company  borrowed  from  its 
main  bank  $2,851,000  at  an  interest  rate  of  8.75%  to  refinance  the  purchase  of  various  restaurant 
equipment  at  the  New  York-New York Hotel & Casino Resort.  The note, which is payable in 60 equal 
monthly installments through January 2002, is secured by such restaurant equipment.  At September 30, 
2000 the Company had $885,000 outstanding on this facility. 

10 

 
 
 
 
In April 2000, pursuant to an equipment financing facility, the Company borrowed from its main 
bank $1,570,000 at an interest rate of 8.8% to refinance the purchase of various restaurant equipment at 
the  Venetian  Casino  Resort.  The  note  which  is  payable  in  60  equal  monthly  installments  through  May 
2005,  is  secured  by  such restaurant equipment.  At September 30, 2000 the Company had $1,485,000 
outstanding on this facility.  

In November 2000, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback agreement with GE Capital 
for  $1,652,000  to  refinance  the  purchase  of  various  restaurant  equipment  at  its  food  and  beverage 
facilities in a hotel and casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The lease bears interest at 8.65% per annum and is 
payable in 48 equal monthly installments of $31,785 until maturity in November 2004 at which time the 
Company has an option to purchase the equipment for $519,440.  Alternatively, the Company can extend 
the lease for an additional 12 months at the same monthly payment until maturity in November 2005 and 
repurchase the equipment at such time for $165,242. 

Restaurant Expansion 

In  fiscal  2000,  the  Company  opened  two  restaurants  (Tsunami and  Lutece) along with 3 food 
court outlets at the Venetian Casino Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada.  One additional restaurant is scheduled 
to  open  in  the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  2001  (Chulas).  In fiscal 2000, the Company also opened one 
restaurant  (Fat  Anthony’s)  along  with  six  food  court  outlets  (Alakazam  Food  Bazaar) at the Aladdin 
Resort Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

The Company is not currently committed to any other projects.  Any new projects would require 

additional external financing. 

Recent Developments 

The Financial Accounting Standards Board has recently issued a new accounting pronouncement:  

SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities”, as amended by 
SFAS  No.  137  and  138,  establishes  standards  for  measuring,  classifying  and  reporting  all  derivative 
financial instruments in the financial statements.  SFAS No. 133 is effective for the Company beginning 
the first quarter of fiscal year 2001.  The Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a 
material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. 

Year 2000 

To date there have been no adverse effects to the Company’s financial statements as a result of 

the year 2000 issues. 

11 

 
 
 
 
MARKET INFORMATION 

The Company’s Common Stock, $.01 par value, is traded in the over-the-counter market on the 
Nasdaq  National  Market  (“Nasdaq”)  under  the  symbol  “ARKR”.    The  high  and  low  sale  prices  for  the 
Common Stock from October 4,1998 through September 30, 2000 are as follows: 

Calendar 1998 

Fourth Quarter 

Calendar 1999 

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 
Fourth Quarter 

Calendar 2000 

First Quarter 
Second Quarter 
Third Quarter 

Dividends 

High 

11 (cid:31)

Low 

8 ¼ 

10 ¼  
11 
11 (cid:31)
10 ¼ 

9 
8 ¼ 
10 

9 ½  
9 (cid:31)
9 (cid:31)
8 ¼ 

6 c 
6 ½ 
5 ¾ 

The  Company  has  not  any  paid  cash  dividends  since  its  inception  and  does  not  intend  to  pay 

dividends in the foreseeable future.  

Number of Shareholders 

As of February 28, 2001, there were 71 holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock. 

12 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP 
Two World Financial Center 
New York, New York 10281-1414 

Tel: (212) 436 2000 
Fax: (212) 436 5000 
www.us.deloitte.com 

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of 
Ark Restaurants Corp. 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ark Restaurants Corp. and its 
subsidiaries as of September 30, 2000 and October 2, 1999, and the related consolidated 
statements of operations, shareholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in 
the period ended September 30, 2000.  These financial statements are the responsibility of the 
Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial 
statements based on our audits. 

We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United 
States of America.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain 
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in 
the financial statements.  An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and 
significant estimates made by management as well as evaluating the overall financial statement 
presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial 
position of Ark Restaurants Corp. and subsidiaries as of September 30, 2000 and October 2, 1999, and the 
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended 
September 30, 2000, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America. 

December 1, 2000 

F-1 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

ASSETS

CURRENT ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents
  Accounts receivable
  Current portion of long-term receivables (Note 2)
  Inventories 
  Deferred income taxes (Note 12)
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets
  Refundable and prepaid income taxes

           Total current assets

LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES (Note 2)

ASSETS HELD FOR SALE (Note 3)

FIXED ASSETS - At cost:
  Leasehold improvements
  Furniture, fixtures and equipment
  Leasehold improvements in progress

  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Net (Note 4)

DEFERRED INCOME TAXES (Note 12)

OTHER ASSETS (Note 5)

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

CURRENT LIABILITIES:
  Accounts payable - trade
  Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (Note 6)
  Current maturities of capital lease obligations (Note 8)
  Current maturities of long-term debt (Note 7)
  Accrued income taxes (Note 12)

           Total current liabilities

OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES (Note 8)

LONG-TERM DEBT - Net of current maturities (Notes 4 and 7)

OPERATING LEASE DEFERRED CREDIT (Notes 1 and 8)

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Notes 5, 7 and 8)

SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Notes 7, 9 and 10):
  Common stock, par value $.01 per share - authorized, 10,000,000
    shares; issued, 5,249,336 and 5,208,336 shares, respectively
  Additional paid-in capital
  Retained earnings

Less treasury stock, 2,067,637 and 1,927,037 shares

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-2 

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

$      

697,385
4,045,215
1,427,243
2,132,983
1,694,016
347,174
1,307,524

$      

333,621
3,073,615
446,043
1,916,436
710,095
336,041
-     

11,651,540

6,815,851

1,129,638

1,184,331

-     

988,004

38,099,297
31,156,691
266,950

69,522,938

22,324,552

23,500,280
19,352,078
4,408,071

47,260,429

18,162,614

47,198,386

29,097,815

4,569,569

1,532,758

933,946

5,294,531

846,657

3,151,914

$ 

67,015,837

$ 

47,379,103

$   

5,291,885
6,205,915
-     
5,073,592
-     

$   

3,815,760
4,736,897
148,657
972,330
186,411

16,571,392

9,860,055

-     

24,447,268

1,213,000

-     

52,494
14,743,118
18,336,859

33,132,471

8,348,294

-     

6,683,076

1,322,000

-     

52,084
14,399,956
22,059,989

36,512,029

6,998,057

24,784,177

29,513,972

$ 

67,015,837

$ 

47,379,103

 
     
     
     
        
     
     
     
        
        
        
     
               
   
     
 
                  
     
     
 
                  
 
                  
               
        
 
                  
 
                  
   
   
   
   
        
     
 
                  
           
   
   
 
                  
   
   
 
                  
 
                  
           
   
   
 
                  
 
                  
     
     
 
                  
 
                  
     
        
 
                  
 
                  
        
     
 
                  
 
                  
           
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                
 
                
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
     
     
               
        
     
        
               
        
 
                  
 
                  
   
     
 
                  
 
                  
               
               
   
     
 
                  
 
                  
     
     
 
                  
 
                  
               
               
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
          
          
   
   
   
   
 
                  
 
                  
           
   
   
     
     
 
                  
 
                  
           
   
   
 
                  
 
                  
           
ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

NET SALES

COST OF SALES

Years Ended

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

October 3,
1998

$ 

119,212,486

$ 

110,800,913

$ 

117,398,453

31,016,104

29,301,303

31,265,702

           Gross restaurant profit

88,196,382

81,499,610

86,132,751

MANAGEMENT FEE INCOME (Note 11)

473,895

869,254

1,139,799

JOINT VENTURE LOSS (Note 5)

(4,988,000)

-     

-     

RESTAURANT OPERATING EXPENSES:
  Payroll and payroll benefits
  Occupancy
  Depreciation and amortization
  Other

83,682,277

82,368,864

87,272,550

43,063,142
15,309,525
4,885,286
17,356,386

39,254,439
13,492,931
4,062,849
12,654,868

41,171,865
13,788,992
3,998,272
14,671,521

80,614,339

69,465,087

73,630,650

INCOME FROM RESTAURANT OPERATIONS

3,067,938

12,903,777

13,641,900

GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES 

7,110,899

6,069,903

6,052,435

OPERATING INCOME (LOSS)

OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME):
  Interest expense (Note 7)
  Interest income
  Other income (Note 13)

(4,042,961)

6,833,874

7,589,465

2,007,013
(171,977)
(438,278)

425,141
(225,996)
(435,610)

608,278
(209,577)
(490,118)

1,396,758

(236,465)

(91,417)

INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES 

(5,439,719)

7,070,339

7,680,882

PROVISION (BENEFIT) FOR INCOME TAXES (Note 12)

(1,906,102)

2,575,608

3,068,741

NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF
  ACCOUNTING CHANGE

$    

(3,533,617)

$     

4,494,731

$     

4,612,141

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE, Net

$       

(189,513)

$               

-     

$               

-     

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$    

(3,723,130)

$     

4,494,731

$     

4,612,141

NET INCOME PER SHARE - BASIC 

NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF 
  ACCOUNTING CHANGE

$             

(1.11)

$              

1.30

$              

1.21

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

$             

(0.06)

$               

-     

$               

-     

NET INCOME (LOSS)

$             

(1.17)

$              

1.30

$              

1.21

NET INCOME PER SHARE - DILUTED

NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF 
  ACCOUNTING CHANGE

$             

(1.11)

$              

1.29

$              

1.20

CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF ACCOUNTING CHANGE

(0.06)

-     

-     

NET (LOSS) INCOME

$             

(1.17)

$              

1.29

$              

1.20

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES - BASIC

3,186,496

3,460,865

3,826,255

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES - DILUTED

3,186,496

3,475,980

3,852,019

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3 

 
 
                    
 
                    
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
                    
 
                    
          
          
       
      
                 
                 
           
     
     
     
 
                    
 
                    
     
     
     
     
     
     
       
       
       
     
     
     
           
     
     
     
       
     
     
       
       
       
 
                    
 
                    
      
       
       
 
                    
 
                    
       
          
          
         
         
         
         
         
         
           
       
         
           
      
       
       
      
       
       
               
                 
                 
       
       
       
 
                    
 
                    
       
       
       
 
ARK RESTAURANT CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income (loss) before cumulative effect of accounting change 
  Cumulative effect of accounting change
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided
    by operating activities:
    Depreciation and amortization of fixed assets
    Amortization of intangibles
    Gain on sale of restaurants
   Write-off of joint venture advances
   Impairment of assets held for sale
   Write-off of accounts receivables
    Operating lease deferred credit
    Deferred income taxes
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      (Increase) decrease in accounts receivable
      (Increase) decrease in inventories
      (Increase) decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets
      (Increase) in refundable and prepaid income taxes
      (Increase) in other assets, net
      Increase in accounts payable - trade
      Increase (Decrease) in accrued income taxes
      Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses and other current liabilities

Years Ended

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

October 3,
1998

$ 

(3,533,617)
(189,513)

$   

4,494,731
-     

$   

4,612,141
-     

4,334,092
551,194
(87,586)
4,988,000
810,769
279,394
(109,000)
(1,670,022)

(1,250,994)
(216,547)
(11,133)
(1,307,524)
(449,295)
1,476,125
(186,411)
1,469,018

3,330,568
732,281
(752,274)
-     
-     
-     
(149,000)
382,624

376,692
33,710
155,088
-     
(2,111,012)
252,692
(518,722)
811,130

3,432,104
566,168
(258,684)
-     
-     
-     
(57,000)
57,164

(663,873)
(17,020)
(58,313)
-     
(543,820)
2,818
291,263
(58,590)

           Net cash provided by operating activities

4,896,950

7,038,508

7,304,358

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Additions to fixed assets
  Additions to intangible assets
  Advances to joint venture, net
  Issuance of demand notes and long-term receivables
  Payments received on demand notes and long-term receivables
  Restaurant sales
  Restaurant acquisitions

           Net cash used in investing activities

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Principal payment on long-term debt
  Issuance of long-term debt
  Exercise of stock options
  Principal payment on capital lease obligations
  Purchase of treasury stock

           Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

(22,262,509)
-     
(3,297,000)
(93,530)
409,559
-     
-     

(6,989,405)
(384,880)
-     
(95,611)
398,869
975,000
-     

(1,713,847)
(229,524)
-     
(81,580)
315,908
265,000
(2,735,000)

(25,243,480)

(6,096,027)

(4,179,043)

(3,154,580)
25,020,034
343,572
(148,495)
(1,350,237)

(5,659,226)
8,300,000
185,263
(229,781)
(4,228,162)

(8,012,164)
6,900,000
83,615
(273,507)
(1,522,496)

20,710,294

(1,631,906)

(2,824,552)

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF YEAR

363,764

333,621

(689,425)

1,023,046

300,763

722,283

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR

$      

697,385

$      

333,621

$   

1,023,046

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
  Cash payments for the following were:
    Interest

    Income taxes

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4 

$   

2,245,013

$      

526,382

$      

608,278

$   

1,113,395

$   

2,690,443

$   

2,699,651

 
 
      
              
              
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
     
     
     
        
        
        
        
      
      
     
              
              
        
              
              
        
              
              
      
      
        
   
        
          
 
                  
   
        
      
      
          
        
        
        
        
   
              
              
      
   
      
     
        
            
      
      
        
     
        
        
     
     
     
 
                  
 
                  
 
   
   
              
      
      
   
              
              
        
        
        
        
        
        
              
        
        
              
              
   
 
                  
 
                  
 
   
   
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
   
   
   
   
     
     
        
        
          
      
      
      
   
   
   
 
                  
 
                  
   
   
   
 
                  
 
                  
        
      
        
        
     
        
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, OCTOBER 2, 1999 AND OCTOBER 3, 1998 

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional
Paid-In
Capital

Retained
Earnings

Treasury
Stock

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 27, 1997

5,177,836

$ 

51,779

$ 

14,131,383

$ 

12,953,117

$    

(1,247,399)

$ 

25,888,880

  Exercise of stock options
  Purchase of treasury stock
  Tax benefit on exercise of options
  Net income

10,000
-     
-     
-     

100
-     
-     
-     

64,900
-     
18,615
-     

-     
-     
-     
4,612,141

-     
(1,522,496)
-     
-     

65,000
(1,522,496)
18,615
4,612,141

BALANCE, OCTOBER 3, 1998

5,187,836

51,879

14,214,898

17,565,258

(2,769,895)

29,062,140

  Exercise of stock options
  Purchase of treasury stock
  Tax benefit on exercise of options
  Net income

20,500
-     
-     
-     

205
-     
-     
-     

163,795
-     
21,263
-     

-     
-     
-     
4,494,731

-     
(4,228,162)
-     
-     

164,000
(4,228,162)
21,263
4,494,731

BALANCE, OCTOBER 2, 1999

5,208,336

52,084

14,399,956

22,059,989

(6,998,057)

29,513,972

  Exercise of stock options
  Purchase of treasury stock
  Tax benefit on exercise of options
  Net Loss

41,000
-     
-     
-     

410
-     
-     
-     

327,590
-     
15,572
-     

-     
-     
-     
(3,723,130)

-     
(1,350,237)
-     
-     

328,000
(1,350,237)
15,572
(3,723,130)

BALANCE, SEPTEMBER 30, 2000

5,249,336

$ 

52,494

$ 

14,743,118

$ 

18,336,859

$    

(8,348,294)

$ 

24,784,177

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5 

 
 
      
        
          
               
                 
          
          
        
               
               
      
    
          
        
          
               
                 
          
          
        
               
     
                 
     
 
   
   
   
      
   
      
        
        
               
                 
        
          
        
               
               
      
    
          
        
          
               
                 
          
          
        
               
     
                 
     
 
   
   
   
      
   
      
        
        
               
                 
        
          
        
               
               
      
    
          
        
          
               
                 
          
          
        
               
    
                 
    
 
 
ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES 

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 
YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2000, OCTOBER 2, 1999 AND OCTOBER 3, 1998 

1.  BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES  

Ark Restaurants Corp. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) own and operate 24 restaurants, and manage 
four restaurants, of which 12 are in New York City, four in Washington, D.C., seven in Las Vegas, 
Nevada, three in Boston, Massachusetts and one each in McLean, Virginia, and Islamorada, Florida.  
The Las Vegas operations include three restaurants within the New York-New York Hotel & Casino 
Resort and operation of the Resort’s room service, banquet facilities, employee dining room and nine 
perations; two restaurants within the Venetian Casino Resort as well as four food court 
concepts; one restaurant within the Aladin Casino Resort along with six food court concepts; and one 
restaurant within the Forum Shops at Caesar’s Shopping Center.  The
include catering businesses in New York City and Washington, D.C., and wholesale and retail bakeries 
in New York City. 

Accounting Period - The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30.  The 
fiscal years ended September 30, 2000 and October 2, 1999, included 52 weeks and the fiscal year 
ended October 3, 1998, included 53 weeks. 

Significant Estimates - In the process of preparing its consolidated financial statements, the Company 
estimates the appropriate carrying value of certain assets and liabilities which are not readily apparent 
from other sources.  The primary estimates underlying the Company’s financial statements include 
allowances for potential bad debts on accounts and notes receivable, the useful lives and recoverability 
of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments, the realizable value 
of its tax assets and other matters.  Management bases its estimates on certain assumptions, which 
they believe are reasonable in the circumstances, and while actual results could differ from those 
estimates, management does not believe that any change in those assumptions in the near term would 
have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position or the results of operation. 

Principles of Consolidation - The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the 
Company and its wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries.  All significant intercompany 
accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.  Investments in affiliated companies 
where the Company is able to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies even 
though the Company holds 50% or less of the voting stock, are accounted for under the equity 
method. 

Cash Equivalents - Cash equivalents include instruments with original maturities of three months or 
less. 

Accounts Receivable - Included in accounts receivable are amounts due from employees of 
$1,401,487 and $994,915 at September 30, 2000 and October 2, 1999, respectively.  Such amounts, 
which are due on demand, are principally due from various employees exercising stock options in 
accordance with the Company’s Stock Option Plan (see Note 10). 

F-6 

 
Inventories - Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, and consist of 
food and beverages, merchandise for sale and other supplies. 

Fixed Assets - Leasehold improvements and furniture, fixtures and equipment are stated at cost.  
Depreciation of furniture, fixtures and equipment (including equipment under capital leases) is 
computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets (seven 
years).  Amortization of improvements to leased properties is computed using the straight-line method 
based upon the initial term of the applicable lease or the estimated useful life of the improvements, 
whichever is less, and ranges from 5 to 35 years.  

The Company includes in leasehold improvements in progress restaurants that are under  construction. 
Once the projects have been completed the Company will begin depreciating the assets.  

The Company annually assesses any impairment in value of long-lived assets and certain identifiable 
intangibles to be held and used.  For the year ended September 30, 2000 an impairment of $810,769 
was incurred on a restaurant that the Company owns in McLean, Virginia.  The assets of such 
restaurant had been classified as assets held for sale (see Note 3).  For the years ended October 2, 
1999 and October 3, 1998, no impairments were recognized. 

Costs incurred during the construction period of restaurants, including rental of premises, training and 
payroll, are expensed as incurred. 

Intangible and Other Assets - Costs associated with acquiring leases and subleases, principally 
purchased leasehold rights, have been capitalized and are being amortized on the straight-line method 
based upon the initial terms of the applicable lease agreements, which range from 10 to 21 years. 

Goodwill recorded in connection with the acquisition of shares of the Company’s common stock from 
a former shareholder, as discussed in Note 4, is being amortized over a period of 40 years.  Goodwill 
arising from restaurant acquisitions is being amortized over periods ranging from 10 to 15 years. 

The Company adopted in the quarter ended January 1, 2000, Statement of Position 98-5, Reporting on 
the Costs of Start-Up Activities, which requires costs of start-up activities and organization costs to be 
expensed as incurred.  The Company had previously capitalized organization costs and then amortized 
such costs over five years.  The Company had net deferred organization expenses of $300,000 in 
intangible assets as of October 2, 1999 and such amount ($189,513 after taxes) is reported in the fiscal 
year ended September 30, 2000 as a cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle. 

Covenants not to compete arising from restaurant acquisitions are amortized over the contractual 
period of 5 years. 

Certain legal and bank commitment fees incurred in connection with the Company’s Revolving Credit 
and Term Loan Facility, as discussed in Note 7, were capitalized as deferred financing fees and are 
being amortized over four years, the term of the facility. 

Operating Lease Deferred Credit - Several of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined 
increases in the rentals payable during the term of such leases.  For these leases, the aggregate rental 
expense over the lease term is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term.  The excess of 
the expense charged to operations in any year and amounts payable under the leases during that year 

F-7 

 
are recorded as a deferred credit.  The deferred credit subsequently reverses over the lease term 
(Note 8). 

Occupancy Expenses - Occupancy expenses include rent, rent taxes, real estate taxes, insurance and 
utility costs. 

Income Per Share of Common Stock - Net income per share is computed in accordance with 
Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 128, Earnings Per Share, and is calculated 
on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period plus 
the additional dilutive effect of common stock equivalents.  Common stock equivalents consist of 
dilutive stock options.  

Stock Options - The Company accounts for its stock options granted to employees under the intrinsic 
value-based method for employee stock-based compensation and provide pro forma disclosure of net 
income and earnings per share as if the accounting provision of SFAS No.123 had been adopted.  The 
Company generally does not grant options to outsiders. 

Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards - In March 2000, the Financial Accounting 
Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation No. 44 (“FIN 44”), "Accounting for Certain 
Transactions involving Stock Compensation, an Interpretation of APB Opinion No. 25." FIN 44 
clarifies the application of APB No. 25 for certain issues, including the definition of an employee, the 
treatment of the acceleration of stock options and the accounting treatment for options assumed in 
business combinations. FIN 44 became effective on July 1, 2000, but is applicable for certain 
transactions dating back to December 1998. The adoption of FIN 44 did not have a material impact on 
the Company's financial position or results of operations.  

Future Impact of Recently Issued Accounting Standards - SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative 
Instruments and Hedging Activities," as amended by SFAS No. 137 and 138, establishes standards for 
measuring, classifying and reporting all derivative financial instruments in the financial statements. 
SFAS No. 133 is effective for the Company beginning the first quarter of fiscal year 2001. The 
Company does not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on the Company's 
financial position or results of operations. 

F-8 

 
 
 
2.  LONG-TERM RECEIVABLES 

Long-term receivables consist of the following: 

Note receivable due March 2001 (a)

Note receivable secured by fixed assets and lease at a 
  restaurant sold by the Company, at 8% interest; due in
  monthly installments through December 2006 (b)

Note receivable secured by fixed assets and lease at a 
  restaurant sold by the Company, at 7.5% interest; due in
  monthly installments through March 2002 (c)

Note receivable secured by fixed assets and lease at a 
  restaurant sold by the Company, at 7.5% interest; due in
  monthly installments through April 2000 (d)

Note receivable secured by fixed assets and lease at a 
  restaurant sold by the Company, at 7.5% interest; due in
  monthly installments commencing May 2000 
  through December 2008 (d)

Note receivable secured by fixed assets and lease at a 
  restaurant sold by the Company, at 10.0% interest; due in
  monthly installments through April 2004 (e)

Note receivable secured by fixed assets and lease at a 
  restaurant at 7.0% interest; due in monthly installments
  through June 2006 (f)

Advances for construction and working capital, at one of
  the Company’s managed locations, at 15% interest; due
  in monthly installments through December 2000

Others

Less current portion

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

$ 
1,000,000

$        

-     

460,149

514,706

72,333

112,571

-     

126,796

553,734

445,118

221,239

244,565

228,315

-     

21,111

-     

98,110

88,508

2,556,881

1,630,374

1,427,243

446,043

$ 
1,129,638

$ 
1,184,331

(a) 

In March 2000, the Company withdrew from a partnership that was formed to develop and 
construct four restaurants at a large theatre development in Southfield, Michigan.  The 
Company was issued this note in consideration of its working capital advances to the 
project.  The note is noninterest bearing. 

(b) 

In December 1996, the Company sold a restaurant for $900,000.  Cash of $50,000 was 
received on sale and the balance is due in installments through December 2006. 

F-9 

 
     
     
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
       
     
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
          
     
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
     
     
     
     
     
          
 
             
 
             
 
             
 
             
       
       
 
             
 
             
          
       
           
  
  
  
     
           
 
(c) 

(d) 

(e) 

(f) 

In October 1996, the Company sold a restaurant for $258,500.  Cash of $50,000 was 
received on sale and the balance is due in installments through March 2002.  The Company 
recognized a gain of $134,000 on this sale in the fiscal year ended September 27, 1997. 

In October 1997, the Company sold a restaurant for $1,750,000, of which $200,000 was 
paid in cash and the balance is due in monthly installments under the terms of two notes 
bearing interest at a rate of 7.5%.  One note, with an initial principal balance of $400,000, 
was paid in 24 monthly installments of $18,569 through April 2000.  The second note, with 
an initial principal balance of $1,150,000, will be paid in 104 monthly installments of 
$14,500 commencing May 2000 and ending December 2008.  At December 2008, the then 
outstanding balance of $519,260 matures. 

The Company recognized a gain on sale of approximately $88,000 and $142,000 and 
$185,000 in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 
1998, respectively.  Additional deferred gains totaling $794,000 and $882,000 for the fiscal 
years ended September 30, 2000 and October 2, 1999, respectively, could be recognized in 
future periods as the notes are collected.  The Company deferred recognizing this additional 
gain and recorded an allowance for possible uncollectible note against the second 
outstanding note.  This uncertainty is based on the significant length of time of this note 
(over 10 years) and the substantial balance, which matures in December 2008 ($519,260). 

In December 1998, the Company sold a restaurant for $500,000, of which $250,000 was 
paid in cash and a note financed the balance of $250,000 was financed by a note.  The note 
is due in monthly installments of $5,537, inclusive of interest at 10%, from May 1999 
through April 2004.  The Company recognized a gain of $207,220 on this sale in the fiscal 
year ended October 2, 1999. 

In June 2000, the Company terminated the management of a restaurant in New York City.  
The Company received cash of $164,000 and notes totaling $234,000 as consideration for 
its then outstanding working capital loans.  The Company recognized a loss of $280,000 on 
the termination. 

The carrying value of the Company’s long-term receivables approximates its current aggregate fair 
value. 

3.  ASSETS HELD FOR SALE 

The Company was actively pursuing the sale of one restaurant during fiscal 2000, and accordingly had 
reclassified the net fixed assets ($759,190) and inventories ($51,579) as assets held for sale.  The 
Company continuously assessed the carrying value of this restaurant in accordance with SFAS No. 
121, Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of.  The Company 
determined that it has been unsuccessful in its efforts to sell this restaurant after two potential sales 
were abandoned by the buyers.  The Company determined that the restaurant value was impaired 
based upon the future undiscounted anticipated cash flows.  The Company assessed the discounted 
cash flow value of the property and it recorded an impairment charge of $810,769. 

At October 2, 1999, the Company was actively pursuing the sale of one restaurant and accordingly 
reclassified the net fixed assets ($935,097) and inventories($52,907) as assets held for sale. 

F-10 

 
 
4. 

INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

Intangible assets consist of the following: 

Goodwill (a)
Purchased leasehold rights (b)
Noncompete agreements and other (c)
Organization costs (d)

Less accumulated amortization

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

$ 

6,222,877
750,740
790,000
-     

7,763,617
3,194,048

$ 

6,222,877
750,740
790,000
789,521

8,553,138
3,258,607

$ 

4,569,569

$ 

5,294,531

(a) 

In August 1985, certain subsidiaries of the Company acquired approximately one-third of the then 
outstanding shares of common stock (964,599 shares) from a former officer and director of the 
Company for a purchase price of $3,000,000.  The consolidated balance sheets reflect the 
allocation of $2,946,000 to goodwill. 

(b)  Purchased leasehold rights arise from acquiring leases and subleases of various restaurants. 

(c)  During fiscal 1998, the Company acquired a restaurant for $2,735,000 in cash.  The acquisition 
was accounted for as a purchase transaction with the purchase price allocated as follows:  
leasehold improvements $200,000; furniture, fixtures and equipment $300,000; and goodwill 
$2,235,000. 

(d)  See Note 1. 

5.  OTHER ASSETS 

Other assets consist of the following: 

Deposits
Deferred financing fees
Investments in and advances to affiliates (a)

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

$    

276,484
171,250
486,212

$    

313,142
144,195
2,694,577

$    

933,946

$ 

3,151,914

(a)   The Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, became a general partner with a 19% interest 
in a partnership which acquired on July 1, 1987 an existing Mexican food restaurant, El Rio 
Grande, in New York City.  Several related parties also participate as limited partners in the 
partnership.  The Company’s equity in earnings of the limited partnership was $15,000, $65,000 
and $80,000, for the years ended September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998, 
respectively. 

The Company also manages El Rio Grande through another wholly owned subsidiary on behalf of 
the partnership.  Management fee income relating to these services was $161,800, $358,000 and, 

F-11 

 
      
      
      
      
             
      
 
                
 
                
           
   
   
   
   
 
                
 
                
           
 
      
      
      
   
           
 
 
$421,000 for the years ended September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998, 
respectively (Note 11). 

The Company, through a wholly owned subsidiary, was a partner with a 50% interest in a 
partnership to construct and develop four restaurants at a large theatre development in Southfield, 
Michigan.  In March 2000, the Company withdrew from the partnership and incurred losses 
totaling $4,988,000 on this project.  At October 2, 1999, the Company’s investment in the 
partnership were $2,691,000  

6.  ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES  

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following: 

Sales tax payable
Accrued wages and payroll related costs
Customer advance deposits
Accrued and other liabilities
Litigation accrual (Note 8)

7.  LONG-TERM DEBT 

Long-term debt consists of the following: 

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

$   

877,765
999,115
1,175,000
1,854,035
1,300,000

$    

782,365
877,758
1,083,000
1,993,774
-     

$ 
6,205,915

$ 
4,736,897

Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility with interest at the 
  prime rate, plus 1/2%, payable on December 27, 2001 (a)

$ 

27,150,000

$   

5,850,000

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

Notes issued in connection with refinancing of restaurant
  equipment, at 8.75%, payable in monthly installments through
  January 2002 (b)

Notes issued in connection with refinancing of restaurant
  equipment, at 8.80%, payable in monthly installments through
  May 2005 (c)

Note issued in connection with acquisition of restaurant site, 
  at 7.25%, payable in monthly installments through
   January 1, 2000

Less current maturities

885,456

1,439,171

1,485,404

-     

-     

366,235

29,520,860
5,073,592

7,655,406
972,330

$ 

24,447,268

$   

6,683,076

(a)  The Company’s Revolving Credit and Term Loan Facility (the “Facility”) with its main bank 

(Bank Leumi USA), as amended November 2000, includes a $28,000,000 facility to finance the 

F-12 

 
 
 
     
     
  
  
  
  
  
          
           
 
 
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
 
                  
        
     
 
 
                  
 
                  
     
               
 
                  
 
                  
               
        
 
                  
 
                  
           
   
     
     
        
 
                  
 
                  
           
 
development and construction of new restaurants and for working capital purposes at the 
Company’s existing restaurants.  Outstanding loans bear interest at ½% above the bank’s prime 
rate.  As of September 30, 2000, the rate of interest on the Facility was 10%.  Any outstanding 
loans on December 2001 in excess of $22,000,000 are due in full and the balance can be 
converted into a term loan payable over 36 months.  The Facility also includes a five-year 
$2,000,000 Letter of Credit Facility for use in lieu of lease security deposits.  The Company 
generally is required to pay commissions of 1½% per annum on outstanding letters of credit. 

The Company’s subsidiaries each guaranteed the obligations of the Company under the foregoing 
facilities and granted security interests in their respective assets as collateral for such guarantees.  
In addition, the Company pledged stock of such subsidiaries as security for obligations of the 
Company under such facilities. 

The agreement includes restrictions relating to, among other things, indebtedness for borrowed 
money, capital expenditures, advances to managed businesses, mergers, sale of assets, dividends 
and liens on the property of the Company.  The agreement also contains financial covenants such 
as minimum cash flow in relation to the Company’s debt service requirements, ratio of debt to 
equity, and the maintenance of minimum shareholders’ equity.  At September 30, 2000, the 
Company received a waiver from the bank for the covenants it was not in compliance with.  

(b)  In January 1997, the Company borrowed from its main bank, $2,851,000 to refinance the 

purchase of various restaurant equipment at its food and beverage facilities in a hotel and casino 
in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The notes bear interest at 8.75% per annum and are payable in 60 equal 
monthly installments of $58,833 inclusive of interest, until maturity in January 2002.  The 
Company granted the bank a security interest in such restaurant equipment.  In connection with 
such financing, the Company granted the bank the right to purchase 35,000 shares of the 
Company’s common stock at the exercise price of $11.625 per share through December 2001.  
The fair value of the warrants was estimated at the date of grant, credited to additional paid-in 
capital and is being amortized over the life of the warrant. 

(c)  In April 2000, the Company borrowed from its main bank $1,570,000 to refinance the purchase 
of various restaurant equipment at its food and beverage facilities in a hotel and casino in Las 
Vegas, Nevada.  The notes bear interest at 8.80% per annum and are payable in 60 equal monthly 
installments of $32,439 inclusive of interest, until maturity in May 2005. 

Required principal payments on long-term debt are as follows: 

Year

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005

Amount

$   

5,073,592
7,025,019
7,654,180
7,683,582
2,084,487

$ 

29,520,860

During the fiscal years ended September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998, interest 
expense was $2,245,013, $526,411 and $608,278, respectively, of which $238,000 and $101,000 was 
capitalized during the fiscal years ended September 30, 2000 and October 2, 1999, respectively. 

F-13 

 
 
 
     
     
     
     
 
The carrying value of the Company’s long-term debt approximates its current aggregate fair value. 

8.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES 

Leases - The Company leases its restaurants, bar facilities, and administrative headquarters through its 
subsidiaries under terms expiring at various dates through 2029.  Most of the leases provide for the 
payment of base rents plus real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses and, in certain instances, for 
the payment of a percentage of the restaurants’ sales in excess of stipulated amounts at such facility. 

As of September 30, 2000, future minimum lease payments, net of sublease rentals, under 
noncancelable leases are as follows: 

Year

2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
Thereafter

Total minimum payments

Operating
Leases

$   

8,010,226
8,064,014
8,628,534
8,092,052
7,205,015
26,269,515

$ 

66,269,356

In connection with the leases included in the table above, the Company obtained and delivered 
irrevocable letters of credit in the aggregate amount of $1,485,000 as security deposits under such 
leases. 

Rent expense was $10,782,991, $9,638,551 and $9,940,639 during the fiscal years ended September 
30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998, respectively.  Rent expense for the fiscal years ended 
September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998 includes approximately $109,000, 
$149,000 and, $57,000 operating lease deferred credits, representing the difference between rent 
expense recognized on a straight-line basis and actual amounts currently payable.  Contingent rentals, 
included in rent expense, were $3,470,155, $2,799,585 and $2,769,721 for the fiscal years ended 
September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998, respectively. 

Legal Proceedings - In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is a party to various lawsuits 
arising from accidents at its restaurants and workmen’s compensation claims, which are generally 

The employment by the Company of management personnel, waiters, waitresses and kitchen staff at a 
number of different restaurants has resulted in the institution, from time to time, of litigation alleging 
violation by the Company of employment discrimination laws.  The Company does not believe that any 
of such suits will have a materially adverse effect upon the Company, its financial condition or 
operations. 

A lawsuit was commenced against the Company in 1995 in the U.S. District Court for the District of 
Columbia.  The plaintiff, a former employee, alleges violations of the District of Columbia Human 
Rights Act and 42 U.S.C. §1981.  The dispute with the plaintiff was settled for approximately $15,000.  

F-14 

 
     
     
     
     
   
 
                  
 
 
Counsel for plaintiff is now seeking attorneys fees in the amount of approximately $130,000.  A 
magistrate denied the request and this issue is on appeal. 

A lawsuit was commenced against the Company in October 1997 in the District Court for the 
Southern District of New York by 44 present and former employees alleging various violations of 
Federal wage and hour laws.  The complaint seeks an injunction against further violations of the labor 
laws and payment of unpaid minimum wages, overtime and other allegedly required amounts, 
liquidated damages, penalties and attorneys fees.  The Company believes that there were certain 
violations of overtime requirements, which have today been largely corrected, for which the Company 
will have liability.  The period of time in which affected employees could “opt-in” to the lawsuit 
asserting similar violations has expired and a total of 214 individuals have so elected.  Discovery in this 
action has not been completed.  The parties are currently discussing settlement of this matter.  Based 
upon the settlement discussions, in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000, the Company recorded a charge 
of $1,300,000 in connection with this matter. 

In addition, several unfair labor practice charges were filed against the Company in 1997 and 1998 
with the National Labor Relations Board with respect to the Company’s Las Vegas subsidiary.  The 
1997 charges were consolidated for a hearing which was conducted in October 1997.  At issue was 
whether the Company unlawfully terminated nine employees and disciplined six other employees 
allegedly in retaliation for their union activities.  An Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) found that six 
employees were terminated unlawfully and three were discharged for valid reasons.  Concerning the 
allegedly retaliatory discipline, the ALJ found that the Company acted legally in disciplining four 
employees but not lawfully with respect to two employees.  The Company has appealed the adverse 
rulings of the ALJ to the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, D.C., and is waiting for a 
decision.  The Company believes that there are reasonable grounds for obtaining a reversal of the 
unfavorable findings by the ALJ and does not believe that an adverse outcome in this proceeding will 
have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial condition or operations.   

In May 1999, in the second case, the ALJ issued a favorable decision involving unfair labor practice 
charges filed in 1998 against the Company before the National Labor Relations Board with respect to 
the Company’s Las Vegas subsidiary.  The complaint alleged that four employees were terminated and 
three other employees disciplined because of their union activities.  The ALJ found that none of the 
employees were terminated or disciplined for inappropriate reasons.  The ALJ found two violations of 
management communications rules for which non-economic remedies were proposed.  This case, 
involving the 1998 charges, was closed in September 1999. 

The Company does not believe that an adverse outcome in any of the unfair labor practice charges will 
have a material adverse effect upon the Company’s financial condition or operations.   

9.  SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY 

Common Stock Repurchase Plan - In August 1998, the Company authorized the repurchase of up to 
500,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock. In April 1999, the Company authorized 
the repurchase of an additional 300,000 shares of the Company’s outstanding common stock. For the 
years ended September 30, 2000 October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998, the Company repurchased 
140,600, 422,700 and 159,000 shares at a total cost of $1,350,237, $4,228,162 and $1,522,496, 
respectively. 

F-15 

 
10.  STOCK OPTIONS 

On October 15, 1985, the Company adopted a Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”) pursuant to which the 
Company reserved for issuance an aggregate of 175,000 shares of common stock.  In May 1991 and 
March 1994, the Company amended such Plan to increase the number of shares issuable under the 
Plan to 350,000 and 447,650, respectively.  In March 1996, the Company adopted a second plan and 
reserved for issuance an additional 135,000 shares.  In March 1997, the Company amended this plan 
to increase the number of shares included under the plan to 270,000.  Options granted under the Plans 
to key employees are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the 
dates the options were granted.  The options expire five years after the date of grant and are generally 
exercisable as to 25% of the shares commencing on the first anniversary of the date of grant and as to 
an additional 25% commencing on each of the second, third and fourth anniversaries of the date of 
grant. 

Additional information follows: 

2000

1999

1998

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Shares

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Shares

Shares

Outstanding, beginning of year

488,500

$  

10.65

311,500

$  

10.86

227,500

$  

10.38

Options:
  Granted
  Exercised
  Canceled or expired

-     
(41,000)
(104,000)

Outstanding, end of year (a)

343,500

-     
8.00
11.32

10.76

214,000
(20,500)
(16,500)

488,500

10.00
8.00
9.24

10.65

100,000
(10,000)
(6,000)

311,500

11.38
6.50
8.63

10.86

Price range, outstanding shares

$9.50 - $12.00

$8.00 - $12.00

$8.00 - $12.00

Weighted average years

2.62 Years

Shares available for future grant

126,500

3.3 years

22,500

3.2 years

20,000

Options exercisable (a)

157,125

11.24

178,917

10.78

117,583

10.13

(a)  Options become exercisable at various times until expiration dates ranging from January 2002 

through April 2004. 

Statement of Financial Accountings Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation 
(“SFAS No. 123”), requires the Company to disclose pro forma net income and pro forma earnings 
per share information for employee stock option grants to employees as if the fair-value method 
defined in SFAS No. 123 had been applied.  The fair value of each stock-option grant is estimated on 
the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing.  The assumptions for fiscal 1999 include:  
risk-free interest rate of 6.25%; no dividend yield; expected life of four years; and expected volatility of 
38%. The assumptions for fiscal 1998 include; risk free interest rate of 5.5%; no dividend yield; 
expected life of four years; and expected volatility of 75%.  There were no options granted during the 
fiscal year ended September 30, 2000. 

F-16 

 
    
 
 
 
           
 
          
 
           
 
           
 
          
 
           
          
      
 
    
 
    
    
      
  
       
  
      
  
    
  
       
    
      
 
           
 
          
 
           
    
    
 
    
 
    
    
   
   
 
           
 
          
 
           
    
    
 
    
 
    
 
The pro forma impact was as follows: 

Net earnings as reported
Net earnings - pro forma

Years Ended

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

October 3,
1998

$  

(3,533,617)
(3,768,272)

$ 

4,494,731
4,307,357

$ 

4,612,141
4,464,576

Earnings per share as reported - basic
Earnings per share as reported - diluted

$           

(1.11)
(1.11)

$          

1.30
1.29

$          

1.21
1.20

Earnings per share pro forma - basic 
Earnings per share pro forma - diluted

(1.18)
(1.18)

1.24
1.24

1.17
1.16

The exercise of nonqualified stock options in the fiscal years ended September 30, 2000, October 2, 
1999, and October 3, 1998 resulted in income tax benefits of $15,572, $21,263 and $18,615, 
respectively, which were credited to additional paid-in capital.  The income tax benefits result from the 
difference between the market price on the exercise date and the option price. 

11.  MANAGEMENT FEE INCOME 

As of September 30, 2000, the Company provides management services to four restaurants owned by 
outside parties.  In accordance with the contractual arrangements, the Company earns fixed fees and 
management fees based on restaurant sales and operating profits as defined by the various management 
agreements. 

Restaurants managed had net sales of $8,867,336, $9,803,693 and $12,738,639 during the 
management periods within the years ended September 30, 2000, October 2, 1999 and October 3, 
1998, respectively, which are not included in consolidated net sales of the Company. 

12.  INCOME TAXES 

The provision for income taxes reflects Federal income taxes calculated on a consolidated basis and 
state and local income taxes calculated by each subsidiary on a nonconsolidated basis.  For New York 
State and City income tax purposes, the losses incurred by a subsidiary may only be used to offset that 
subsidiary’s income. 

F-17 

 
    
   
   
 
                
             
            
            
             
            
            
             
            
            
 
The provision (benefit) for income taxes consists of the following: 

Current provision (benefit):
  Federal
  State and local

Deferred provision (benefit):
  Federal
  State and local

Years Ended

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

October 3,
1998

$  

(1,129,390)
782,310

$   

1,298,451
894,533

$   

1,892,997
1,117,363

(347,080)

2,192,984

3,010,360

(1,285,920)
(273,102)

(1,559,022)

349,299
33,325

382,624

100,486
(42,105)

58,381

$  

(1,906,102)

$   

2,575,608

$   

3,068,741

The provision (benefit) for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the Federal 
statutory rate due to the following: 

Provision (benefit) for Federal 
  income taxes (34%)

State and local income taxes net of Federal 
  tax benefit

Amortization of goodwill

Tax credits

Other

Years Ended

September 30,
2000

October 2,
1999

October 3,
1998

$  

(1,849,000)

$   

2,404,000

$   

2,612,000

336,000

25,000

612,000

26,000

710,000

26,000

(503,000)

(512,000)

(506,000)

84,898

45,608

226,741

$  

(1,906,102)

$   

2,575,608

$   

3,068,741

F-18 

 
 
        
        
     
 
                  
 
                  
           
       
     
     
    
        
        
       
          
         
           
    
        
          
           
 
 
 
                  
 
                  
        
        
        
          
          
          
       
       
       
 
                  
          
          
        
    
 
                  
 
 
Deferred tax assets or liabilities are established for (a) temporary differences between the carrying 
amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax 
purposes, and (b) operating loss carryforwards.  The tax effects of items comprising the Company’s 
net deferred tax asset are as follows: 

Deferred tax assets:
  Operating loss carryforwards
  Operating lease deferred credits
  Carryforward tax credits
  Depreciation and amortization
  Deferred gains
  Valuation allowance
  Asset impairment
  Litigation accrual

September 30, 
2000

October 2, 
1999

$ 

1,349,747
522,274
1,738,555
51,965
(235,432)
(917,998)
275,663
442,000

$ 

1,035,396
570,370
976,725
114,662
(270,112)
(870,289)
-     
-     

$ 

3,226,774

$ 

1,556,752

A valuation allowance for deferred taxes is required if, based on the evidence, it is more likely than not 
that some of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  The Company believes that uncertainty exists 
with respect to future realization of certain operating loss carryforwards and operating lease deferred 
credits.  Therefore, the Company provided a valuation allowance of $917,998 at September 30, 2000 
and $870,289 at October 2, 1999.  The Company has state operating loss carryforwards of 
$14,196,000 and local operating loss carryforwards of $9,549,734, which expire in the years 2002 
through 2015. 

During the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000, the Company and the Internal Revenue Service 
finalized the adjustments to the Company’s Federal income tax returns for the fiscal years ended 
September 28, 1991 through October 1, 1994.  The final adjustments primarily relate to (i) legal and 
accounting expenses incurred in connection with new or acquired restaurants that the Internal Revenue 
Service asserts should have been capitalized and amortized rather than currently expensed and (ii) 
travel and meal expenses for which the Internal Revenue Service asserts the Company did not comply 
with certain record keeping requirements or the Internal Revenue Code.  The settlement did not have a 
material effect on the Company’s financial condition.  The Internal Revenue Service is currently 
examining the Company’s returns for the fiscal year ended September 30, 1995 through September 27, 
1997.  The Company does not expect the results from such examination to have a material effect on 
the Company’s financial condition. 

F-19 

 
 
     
      
   
      
       
      
    
    
    
    
     
           
     
           
           
 
13.  OTHER INCOME 

Other income consists of the following: 

Purchasing service fees
Sales of logo T-shirts and hats
Other

Years Ended

September 30, October 2,

2000

1999

October 3,
1998

$   

65,535
179,562
193,181

$   

88,061
133,819
213,730

$ 

124,455
160,596
205,067

$ 

438,278

$ 

435,610

$ 

490,118

14.  INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK 

The Company adopted in the first quarter of fiscal 1998, Financial Accounting Standards Board 
Statement No. 128, “Earnings per Share,” which established new standards for computing and 
presenting earnings per share.  The Company now discloses “Basic Earnings per Share,” which is 
based upon the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during each period 
and “Diluted Earnings per Share,” which requires the Company to include common stock equivalents 
consisting of dilutive stock options and warrants.  The Company also retroactively applied the new 
standard to all periods presented. 

There were no dilutive stock options and warrants for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2000.  A 
reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for 
the fiscal years ended October 2, 1999 and October 3, 1998 follow.   

Year ended October 2, 1999:
  Basic EPS
  Stock options and warrants
  Diluted EPS

Year ended October 3, 1998:
  Basic EPS
  Stock options and warrants
  Diluted EPS

Income
(Numerator)

Shares

Per-Share
(Denominator) Amount

$ 
4,494,731
-     
4,494,731

3,460,865
15,115
3,475,980

4,612,141
$ 
-     
4,612,141

3,826,255
25,764
3,852,019

$ 

1.30
0.01
1.29

$ 

1.21
0.01
1.20

F-20 

 
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
           
 
  
           
       
   
  
  
   
  
           
       
   
  
  
   
 
15.  QUARTERLY INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) 

The following table sets forth certain quarterly operating data. 

2000

Net sales

January 1,
2000

Fiscal Quarters Ended
July1,
2000

April1,
2000

September 30,
2000

$ 

26,956,508

$ 

25,765,386

$ 

33,809,752

$ 

32,680,840

Gross restaurant profit

19,896,289

18,953,108

25,217,317

24,129,669

Cumulative effect of 
   accounting change

(189,513)

-

-

-

Net income (loss)

91,656

(4,976,492)

1,772,442

(610,736)

Net income (loss) per 
  share - basic and diluted

$            

0.03

$           

(1.56)

$            

0.56

$           

(0.19)

1999

Net sales

Gross restaurant profit

Net income (loss)

Net income (loss) per share -
  basic and diluted

1998

Net sales

January 2,
1999

April 3,
1999

July 3,
1999

October 2,
1999

Fiscal Quarters Ended

$ 

26,933,489

$ 

23,344,731

$ 

31,563,976

$ 

28,958,717

19,823,052

16,983,679

23,408,382

21,284,497

1,025,576

(156,178)

2,115,333

1,510,000

$            

0.28

$           

(0.04)

$            

0.63

$            

0.45

December 27,
1997

March 28,
1998

June 27,
1998

October 3,
1998

Fiscal Quarters Ended

$ 

26,940,384

$ 

25,198,012

$ 

33,029,512

$ 

32,230,545

Gross restaurant profit

19,692,165

18,345,554

24,432,866

23,662,166

Net income (loss)

727,441

(254,154)

2,428,676

1,710,178

Net income (loss) per share
  basic and diluted

16.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS 

$            

0.19

$           

(0.07)

$            

0.63

$            

0.45

Amendment to Credit Agreement 

In November 2000, the Company amended its credit agreement with its main bank, Bank Leumi USA. 
The new amendment allows the Company to borrow up to $28,500,000 for use in construction of and 

F-21 

 
   
   
   
   
       
                    
                    
                    
          
    
     
       
 
 
   
   
   
   
     
       
     
     
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
        
       
     
     
 
acquisition of new restaurants and for working capital purposes at the Company’s existing restaurants. 
The Company is required to repay any borrowings which exceed $26,000,000 on June 30, 2001, 
$23,000,000 on September 30, 2001, and $22,000,000 on December 27, 2001.  On December 27, 
2001, the revolving loans will be converted into term loans payable over 36 months. Outstanding loans 
bear interest at prime + ½%. The agreement also includes a five year $1,500,000 Letter of Credit 
Facility for use at the Company’s restaurants in lieu of lease security deposits. 

Default on Note Receivable 

In November 2000, the buyer of a restaurant from the Company defaulted on a promissory note to the 
company in the amount of $220,000 issued as part of the purchase price of the restaurant.  The buyer 
subsequently filed for bankruptcy and the Company is now seeking to recover the restaurant premises 
and assets.  The Company believes that it will recover the amount due on the note. 

Equipment Refinancing 

In November 2000, the Company entered into a sale and leaseback agreement with GE Capital for 
$1,652,000 to refinance the purchase of various restaurant equipment in a hotel and casino in Las 
Vegas, Nevada.  The lease bears interest at 8.65% per annum and is payable in 48 equal monthly 
installments of $31,785 until maturity in November 2004 at which time the Company has an option to 
purchase the equipment for $519,440.  Alternatively, the Company can extend the lease for an 
additional 12 months at the same monthly payment until maturity in November 2005 and repurchase 
the equipment at such time for $165,242. 

* * * * * *

F-22 

 
CORPORATE INFORMATION 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

Ernest Bogen 
Chairman 

Michael Weinstein 
President 

Paul Gordon 
Vice President – Director of Las Vegas Operations 

Andrew Kuruc 
Vice President – Chief Financial Officer 

Vincent Pascal 
Vice President - Operations 

Robert Towers 
Vice President – Chief Operating Officer 

Donald D. Shack 
Shack & Siegel, P.C. 

Jay Galin 
Chairman, G+G Retail, Inc. 

Bruce Lewin 
Owner, Bruce R. Lewin Gallery 

EXECUTIVE OFFICE 

AUDITORS 

85 Fifth Avenue 
New York, N.Y. 10003 
(212) 206-8800 

Deloitte & Touche 
Two World Financial Center 
New York, N.Y. 10281 

TRANSFER AGENT 

GENERAL COUNSEL 

Continental Stock Transfer & 
Trust Company 
2 Broadway 
New York, N.Y. 10001 

Shack & Siegel, P.C. 
530 Fifth Avenue 
New York, N.Y. 10036 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ark  Restaurants  Corp.
85  FIFTH  AVENUE
NEW  YORK,  N.Y.  10003-3019
(212)  206-8800