Dave
Annual Report 2012

Plain-text annual report

Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. 12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 200 Minnetonka, MN 55343 Phone: 952-294-1300 www.famousdaves.com FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE TEAM AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION FISCAL YEAR 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 (1) ($’s in 000’s, except per share data, and average weekly sales) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE TEAM SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION $ 154,988 $ 154,811 $ 148,268 $ 136,018 $ 140,382 Dean A. Riesen Chairman of the Board John F. Gilbert III Chief Executive Officer Revenue Asset impairment and estimated lease termination (2) and other closing costs Income from operations Income tax (expense) benefit Net income Basic net income per common share Diluted net income per common share Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Long-term debt less current maturities OTHER DATA Total shareholders’ equity (4) Restaurant Sales: Company-owned Franchise-operated Number of restaurants open at year end: Company-owned restaurants Franchise-operated restaurants Total restaurants Company-owned comparable (5) $ (370) (805) $ (74) $ $ (513) $ 11,983 $ $ 6,213 $ 9,396 $ $ (3,796) $ $ (2,764) $ 4,360 $ 5,562 $ 7,218 $ $ $ 0.84 $ $ 0.82 $ $ $ 2,654 $ $ 2,074 $ 76,129 $ $ 76,253 $ 23,497 $ 22,105 $ $ 32,904 $ $ 33,767 0.70 0.68 $ 1,148 $ 73,839 $ 20,451 $ 34,094 0.58 $ 0.57 $ (3) (3) (218) $ 10,514 $ (2,989) $ 5,701 $ 0.63 $ 0.62 $ 2,996 $ 68,381 $ 17,990 $ 32,944 $ (6,912) 2,030 119 389 0.04 0.04 1,687 73,401 29,252 26,184 $ 135,730 $ 361,109 $ 136,896 $ 355,338 $ 131,154 $ 117,934 $ 122,016 $ 340,454 $ 358,696 $ 355,946 53 135 188 54 133 187 52 130 182 45 132 177 (6) 47 123 170 (1.8)% increase 1.5% 0.7% (6.3)% sales (decrease) Average weekly sales: Company-owned restaurants Franchise-operated restaurants (1) Fiscal 2009 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2008 all consisted of 52 weeks. (2) Fiscal 2012 primarily reflects closing costs for three company-owned restaurants as well as a lease reserve for one of the closed restaurants. Fiscal 2011 primarily reflects impairment charges for three company-owned restaurants. Two of these are still operating and one has closed. Fiscal 2009 primarily reflects closing costs for two company- owned restaurants. Fiscal 2008 reflects impairment charges for eight restaurants. Five of these have closed and three are still operating. (3) Reflects gain on acquisition of New York and New Jersey restaurants in March 2010, of $0.15 per diluted share. (4) Long-term debt includes our line of credit. (5) Our comparable store sales includes company-owned restaurants that are open year round and have been open more than 24 months. (6) For purposes of computing comparable store sales, this computation assumes fiscal 2009 was a 52-week year. $ 49,172 $ 50,216 $ 49,187 $ 48,197 $ 50,685 $ 52,714 $ 53,096 $ 52,631 $ 53,016 $ 56,535 (2.0)% John F. Gilbert III Chief Executive Officer and Member of Strategic Planning Committee Christopher O’Donnell President and Chief Operations Officer and Member of Strategic Planning Committee Wallace B. Doolin Chairperson of Strategic Planning Committee, Chairperson of Compensation Committee and Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, and Audit Committee Lisa A. Kro Chairperson of Audit Committee, Member of Compensation Committee, Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee Richard L. Monfort Chairperson of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, Member of Audit Committee, and Member of Strategic Planning Committee Christopher O’Donnell President and Chief Operations Officer Diana Garvis Purcel Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Jeff Abramson Vice President, Purchasing Jackie Ottoson Vice President, Human Resources and Training Victor Salamone Vice President, Franchise Development Ben Welshons Vice President, Sales CHAIRMAN EMERITUS David W. Anderson Founder and Chairman Emeritus RESTAURANT LOCATIONS Investor/Analyst Contact Diana Garvis Purcel 952-294-1300 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Grant Thornton LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota Legal Counsel Maslon Edelman Borman and Brand, LLP Transfer Agent & Registrar Wells Fargo Stock Exchange Listing Common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol DAVE Annual Meeting The annual meeting of shareholders is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM (CST) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at the Company’s headquarters REVENUE NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS $154.8 $155.0 $148.3 $140.4 $136.0 $160 $150 $140 $130 $120 $110 $100 $90 187 188 182 177 170 135 133 123 132 130 47 45 52 54 53 190 180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0% (1.0)% (2.0)% (3.0)% (4.0)% (5.0)% (6.0)% (7.0)% COMPANY-OWNED COMPARABLE SALES 1.5% 0.7% (2.0)% (1.8)% (6.3)% • 53 Company RestauRants • 134 FRanChise RestauRants 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Company-Owned Franchise-Operated As of March 2013, Famous Dave’s had a total of 187 company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants in 34 states and 1 Canadian province. Chairman’s Letter Change is a constant part of business and Famous Dave’s is no exception. In early September, 2012 I, with unani- mous support of the Board, decided that we needed to make a significant addition to the management team, and we asked fellow board member, John Gilbert, to become our new Chief Executive Officer. The key ingredient for this change was to create a laser focus on GROWTH. Growth of guests, growth of franchi- sees, and growth of new stores. These growth areas now report directly to John. Sustainable GROWTH on all three fronts is the key to increasing shareholder value. And, as a shareholder, like you, I am passionate about growth. Why John Gilbert? There are numerous reasons. He has a 30-year career in marketing, primarily in the restau- rant business with a track record of innovation that lasts beyond his tenure. John has held roles as the top market- ing officer for TGIFriday’s, Dunkin Donuts, Kentucky Fried Chicken and TJX Companies, and most recently, he was CEO of e-retailer Vermont Teddy Bear. Additionally, John is a board member of Ignite Restaurant Group (owner of Joe’s Crab Shack) and has been a board member of Famous Dave’s since August of 2011. John has already made a sig- nificant contribution to our rapidly evolving go-to-market strategy, which will become very evident in our restaurants in 2013. We are truly pleased to count John as one of our newest members to the Famous Dave’s management team. I would be remiss if I didn’t recognize the dedicated efforts of small businessmen and women who make up our Famous Dave’s franchise community. They are the representatives, and the “heart,” of America’s free enterprise system, who every day, provide famous food & service to customers all over America. And of course, we continue to appreciate the advice and support of our Founder and Chairman Emeritus, Famous Dave Anderson. Dean A. Riesen Dean A. Riesen Chairman of the Board BARBEQUE’S LIVING LEGEND Famous Dave is the most awarded Pitmaster in history – a true originator blessed with a great sense of taste and a passion to create only the best of the best. Even among BBQ champions, Dave is recognized as the authority on the art of cooking with smoke and flame. to our sharehoLders, Fiscal 2012 was a challenging year for Famous Dave’s. We didn’t meet our internal expectations of financial performance, and we didn’t meet yours. But at no time did we stop thinking, planning or investing in the future and in the potential of what we can be. We continued to grow with 12 new restaurants, including our first inter- national location. We brought on board new franchise partners to accelerate our growth and brand presence. We continued to evolve the concept, including continuing to invest in the smaller “quick casual” footprint “Shack” as a viable and alternative growth vehicle. We invested in people and systems that will enable us to be more agile, efficient, focused and profitable for the future. We made a management change that will allow our CEO and COO to collaboratively lead the company and bring expertise through their particular areas of strength. And we con- tinued to invest in ourselves by buying back more stock as appropriate, because we believe, as hopefully you do, that we are a good investment not only for today, but for the future. operational, technological and financial orientation. While we will continue to leverage our size and expertise to de- fine the category, we will shift our emphasis by going deep- er into each distinct “line-of-business” and connecting with consumers on their terms within each occasion. Through this differentiation, or segmentation, we will be able to create more immediate relevancy, and thus more sales opportunity. This approach will be manifest in all market- ing programs and initiatives, including menu, promotional outreach, pricing, and new product news. Additionally, we will be supporting these businesses through an investment in a new function for the organization, the Digital Services Group. This new resource will move us from the back of the ‘digital class’ to best-in-class. With nearly 40% of our sales coming from To-Go and Catering, Famous Dave’s has a legitimate, and profoundly differentiating, source of cus- tomer information, and this new function will help leverage the many opportunities, and multiple sources, for growth. This will allow us to climb back into the top same store sale quartile, permanently. As we close out the year, it’s worth reviewing who we are in order to understand what we can be. We are one of the oldest BBQ brands with a 20 year history, and a founder, Dave Andersen, who is actively involved in the business, and who has a deep understanding of the inherent qualities that make BBQ special. The best BBQ is hand-rubbed, slow-smoked, flame-kissed, and then held, readily available for customers to enjoy. BBQ travels incredibly well, over time and distance, creat- ing a flexibility to the experience and portability that most foods don’t enjoy. This establishes BBQ as a logical choice for a wide range of occasions and also represents a huge market opportunity for Famous Dave’s. There’s no doubt about it, BBQ is a special category, and quite simply, Dave’s is the best! With over 650 local, regional and national awards, Dave’s does BBQ better than any other brand in the industry. In fact, Famous Dave’s is the most recognized restaurant brand in the world. Nobody even comes close. Guests today have the option to enjoy Famous Dave’s as a Dine-in, To-Go, or Catering experi- ence, or by using any number of readily available Famous Dave’s retail products. These “lines-of-business” are big businesses in and of themselves, each with a different growth rate and occasion base, and each represents an exciting growth opportunity for our future. Looking ahead, our plan is straightforward, we intend to approach growth through these distinctly different occasions, talking to consumers on their terms about their meal needs, and leveraging the world’s best BBQ to create a sustainable point-of-difference. We have already set these plans in motion. Late in 2012 we reorganized the company, particularly the market- ing function, in a significant way. Our extreme focus on line-of-business strategy and execution requires a strong With system-wide sales of nearly half a billion dollars, gen- erated by nearly 200 restaurants, we are the largest “Better BBQ” brand in the world. Today, over 70% of our loca- tions are franchise-operated locations, and we will see that percentage continue to grow. While we still plan to maintain a presence through company-owned units and will grow modestly, we strongly believe in a strategy that accelerates franchise growth, and we will refranchise company units, where and when strategically appropriate in order to stimu- late or seed additional growth. Famous Dave’s of America is a big brand, but a nimble com- pany, with an incredibly bright future. Next year we will convey a very different message, not one of challenges, but one of successes. We are uniquely positioned to capital- ize on what Famous Dave’s has always been, the category defining leader in BBQ. We see an unprecedented amount of opportunity for 2013 and for the long term, and believe that the strategy that we have put in place and the invest- ments we have made will soon translate into a stronger brand with sales growth, unit growth, and improved profit- ability, and you, our shareholders, will be rewarded for your continued trust and patience. As we move forward, we will continue to make the deci- sions and investments we believe are necessary to exceed the needs of our customers, support franchisees, attract and retain the best people, control costs, manage risks and create long-term value for our shareholders. Thank you for your support. your support. John Gilbert III John Gilbert III CEO CEO UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 30, 2012 Commission File No. 0-21625 FAMOUS DAVE’S of AMERICA, INC. (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) Minnesota (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) 41-1782300 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) 12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 200 Minnetonka, MN 55343 (Address of principal executive offices) (Zip code) Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (952) 294-1300 Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered Common Stock, $0.01 par value The NASDAQ Global Market Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act Yes  No  Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes No  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  No  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  No  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of the Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K  Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): Large Accelerated Filer  Accelerated Filer  Non- Accelerated Filer  Smaller reporting company  (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes  No  The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was approximately $74.9 million as of June 29, 2012 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second quarter), assuming solely for the purpose of this calculation that all directors, officers, and more than 10% shareholders of the registrant are affiliates. The determination of affiliate status for this purpose is not necessarily conclusive for any other purpose. As of March 11, 2013, 7,522,899 shares of the registrant's Common Stock were outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K, to the extent described in Part III. TABLE OF CONTENTS PART I Item 1. Item 1A. Item 1B. Item 2. Item 3. Item 4. Business Risk Factors Unresolved Staff Comments Properties Legal Proceedings Mine Safety Disclosures PART II Item 5. Item 6. Item 7. Item 7A. Item 8. Item 9. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities Selected Financial Data Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk Financial Statements and Supplementary Data Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure Item 9A. Item 9B. Controls and Procedures Other Information PART III Item 10. Item 11. Item 12. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance Executive Compensation Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters Item 13. Item 14. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence Principal Accountant Fees and Services PART IV Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules SIGNATURES 2 Page 3 16 20 21 23 23 23 26 27 42 42 42 42 43 44 44 44 45 45 46 PART I ITEM 1. BUSINESS Summary of Business Results and Plans Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (“Famous Dave’s”, the “Company” or “we”) was incorporated as a Minnesota corporation in March 1994 and opened its first restaurant in Minneapolis, Minnesota in June 1995. As of December 30, 2012, there were 188 Famous Dave’s restaurants operating in 34 states and 1 Canadian province, including 53 company-owned restaurants and 135 franchise-operated restaurants. An additional 62 franchise restaurants were committed to be developed through signed area development agreements at December 30, 2012. In fiscal 2012, total revenue was $155.0 million, a slight increase from $154.8 million in fiscal 2011. This increase was primarily related to a year over year increase in franchise-related revenue partially offset by a decline in restaurant sales. The Company realized a comparable sales decrease for company-owned restaurants of 1.8% compared to a comparable sales increase of 1.5% for fiscal 2011. The franchise-operated restaurants saw a decline in their comparable sales of 2.0%, compared to 2011’s comparable sales, which were flat. During 2012, the Company opened two new company-owned restaurants, including one which was a “Current Shack” style counter-service restaurant and ten new franchise-operated restaurants, including our first international location in Winnipeg Manitoba as well as a “Current Shack” style counter-service restaurant in Beaverton, Oregon. Fiscal 2012 earnings per diluted share were $0.57, including $0.04 of closure costs and a lease reserve for restaurants that closed in 2012. Additionally, there was a $0.07 favorable impact to earnings per share which reflected the cumulative impact from a favorable tax rate adjustment for employment tax credits, for four open tax years. This compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.68 in fiscal 2011, which included approximately $0.05 non-cash impairment charges for specific restaurant assets. Fiscal 2012 earnings per diluted share declined year over year due to several factors; first, we entered 2012 on the heels of an industry-leading finish for the fourth quarter of 2011, a sales performance that resulted in a 3.6% comparable sales increase for our company-owned restaurants. These sales, however, were driven primarily through heavy coupon discounting that diminished profits. In 2012, we proactively pulled back on the level of consumer focused discounting in the fourth quarter in order to preserve our pricing integrity and gross margin. Famous Dave’s is not a broad-scale discount driven brand; we don’t have the media muscle or the frequency for that strategy to be effective. Consumers want great value and we believe that there are many other ways to promote value than the broad distribution of big discounts. As such, in 2013 we will continue to shift our focus to alternative consumer value propositions and away from these big discounts. Additionally, in 2012 our gross margins were negatively impacted by a difficult commodity environment. Anticipating some of these challenges, at the beginning of 2012, we locked in some of our major protein contracts. Nevertheless, the rising commodity prices still took an undue toll on us. An example of this was pork. Despite the fact that we were able to secure product at a price that proved favorable throughout the entire year in comparison to the market, our cost was still over 20% higher than 2011’s pork costs that was secured during more favorable market conditions. Our margins were also negatively impacted by decisions, made mid-year, to delay a number of strategic initiatives for further testing. For example, we delayed the roll out of our fresh, house-smoked brisket, which had cost savings attached to it for 2012, in order to ensure quality and consistency. This delay negatively impacted gross margin in 2012 but it allowed us to further develop the product, including the creation of Famous Dave’s Burnt Ends, which will be featured in a national promotion in April 2013. Burnt Ends will allow us to use all of the parts of the brisket; it will improve yield, and thus the margin contribution for this product, and it will deliver product news to the market. Additionally, the decline in our margins year over year reflected sales deleverage on fixed cost categories such as manager labor and rent. In 2013, the Company has the following key areas of focus and believes that if we do all successfully, we will generate shareholder value and create a long-term sustainable brand. 3  Sales and Profitability Growth  System Growth  Enhancing core systems, processes and infrastructure Sales and Profitability Growth Late in 2012, the Company reorganized the marketing function to connect with consumers on their terms, whether it is a dine-in, To Go, catering or retail sales occasion. We expect this realignment strategy will create more sales opportunities through immediate relevancy with our guest. Also, it requires a strong operational, technological and financial orientation. Additionally, as part of the realignment the Company invested in a new function for the organization, the Digital Services Group that is specifically tasked with driving sales and traffic growth through the use of proven digital solutions, such as on-line ordering, and To Go and catering call centers. With approximately 33.4% of our sales in 2012 coming from To Go and Catering, Famous Dave’s has an additional opportunity to gather customer information, which this new function should be able to help leverage and provide possible opportunities for growth. Also, the Company has engaged a pricing strategy consultancy, RMS, that will help us optimize our pricing strategies and aid the Company in optimizing the menu. The culmination of this work will be the launch of our new menu in April 2013. The Company also plans on taking advantage of both opportunistic purchasing strategies and the Company’s agility in our 2013 commodity contracting. System Growth We expect to open up approximately 12 to 14 new restaurants in fiscal 2013, including two company-owned ground-up full-service restaurants and 10 to 12 franchise-operated restaurants, including a restaurant in Puerto Rico. We are updating our estimate due to delays in lease executions and permitting as well as complexities associated with international growth. We will also continue to invest in our existing base of restaurants and plan on a significant remodeling project that will combine both an exterior and interior focus at a restaurant in the Midwest. Finally, we will continue to pursue the expansion of our geographical footprint by entering into new area development and franchise agreements, with both new and existing partners. Enhancing core systems, processes and infrastructure As part of this initiative, we will continue the implementation of systems that will support our sales building efforts, such as infrastructure for the Digital Services group, as well as upgraded systems around business analytics that will support the sales building efforts and system-wide growth. Additionally, the Company will continue its Guest feedback initiatives and an e-learning pilot for our company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants. We will also continue to enhance other core systems, such as our Human Resource Information System (HRIS), financial systems, and labor scheduling tool. These infrastructure systems will help increase efficiency and will allow our team to focus their efforts on better serving our guests. Financial Information about Segments Since our inception, our revenue, operating income and assets have been attributable to the single industry segment of the foodservice industry. Our revenue and operating income for each of the last three fiscal years, and our assets for each of the last two fiscal years, are set forth elsewhere in this Form 10-K under Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data. Narrative Description of Business Famous Dave’s restaurants, a majority of which offer full table service, feature hickory-smoked off-the-grill entrée favorites. We seek to differentiate ourselves by providing high-quality food in distinctive and comfortable environments with signature décor and signage. As of December 30, 2012, 46 of our company-owned restaurants were full-service and 7 were counter-service. Generally, our prototypical design includes the following elements: a designated bar, a signature exterior smokestack, a separate entrance for our category-leading To Go business and a patio (where available). This design enables us to capitalize on a consistent trade-dress and readily identifiable look and feel for our future locations. We have 6,000 and 5,000 square foot packages that can be built as a free standing building, a 4,000 square foot model that most likely would be constructed as an end cap of a building, and a new 3,000 4 square foot design which would be constructed as a counter-service location in an existing building. In 2012, we, and several of our franchisees, successfully converted restaurants from existing casual dining chains. In 2012, two “Current Shack” style counter-service restaurants, utilizing our new 3,000 square foot prototype were built; a franchise-operated restaurant in Beaverton, Oregon and a company-owned restaurant in Evergreen Park, Illinois. Additionally, in 2012, a full-service company-owned restaurant was converted from another restaurant concept in Gainesville, Virginia. In fiscal 2011, we built two company-owned restaurants, one a full-service restaurant and a “Current Shack” style counter service restaurant, both of these restaurants were conversions from other restaurant concepts. In fiscal 2010, we opened one full-service restaurant which was a conversion of another restaurant concept and was approximately 6,000 square feet. We offer lower cost conversion packages that provide our franchisees with flexibility to build in cost effective formats, which includes opportunities to convert existing restaurants and other footprints into a Famous Dave’s restaurant. Due to the flexibility and scalability of our concept, we believe that there are a variety of development opportunities available now and in the future. Additionally in 2013, we will be working with a restaurant consulting firm to develop the next evolution in our full-service and counter-service prototypes. We pride ourselves on the following: High Quality Food – Each restaurant features a distinctive selection of authentic hickory-smoked off-the-grill barbecue favorites, such as flame-grilled St. Louis-style and baby back ribs, Texas beef brisket, Georgia chopped pork, country-roasted chicken, and generous signature sandwiches and salads. Also, enticing side items, such as honey- buttered corn bread, potato salad, coleslaw, Shack FriesTM and Wilbur BeansTM, accompany the broad entrée selection. Homemade desserts, including Famous Dave's Bread Pudding, Hot Fudge Kahlua Brownies, and Key Lime Pie, are a specialty. To complement our entrée and appetizer items and to suit different customer tastes, we offer six regional tableside barbeque sauces: Rich & Sassy®, Texas PitTM, Georgia MustardTM, Devil’s Spit®, Sweet and ZestyTM and Wilbur’s RevengeTM. These sauces, in addition to a variety of seasonings, rubs, marinades, and other items are also distributed in retail grocery stores throughout the country under licensing agreements. Additionally, we often introduce specialty barbeque sauces with our limited time offerings and popular ones may get added to our menu, such as our Pineapple Rage and Southside BBQ sauces. We believe that high quality food, “scratch cooking” and the fact that we smoke our meats daily at each of our restaurants are principal points of differentiation between us and other casual dining competitors and are a significant contributing factor to repeat business. We also feel that our focus on barbecue being a noun, a verb and a culture allows for product innovation without diluting our brand. As a noun, barbeque refers to the art of the smoke and sauce. As a verb, barbeque refers to the act of grilling. As a culture, barbeque refers to the competitive spirit. As a result, we see no geographic impediments to scaling our concept and brand. Distinctive Environment - Décor and Music – Our original décor theme was a nostalgic roadhouse shack (“Original Shack”), as defined by the abundant use of rustic antiques and items of Americana. This format was used for both full-service and counter-service restaurant formats. In late 1997, we introduced the “Lodge” format which featured décor reminiscent of a comfortable “Northwoods” hunting lodge with a full-service dining room and small bar. In addition, we developed a larger “Blues Club” format that featured authentic Chicago Blues Club décor and live music seven nights a week. We have evolved our format to that of a full-service concept with several “Prototypical” designs that incorporate the best attributes of the past restaurants while providing a consistent brand image. In 2011, we evolved our counter-service “Original Shack” format into a new “Current Shack” counter-service, fast casual format that included a new layout for the restaurant, as well as new trade dress, music, décor, ambiance, and menu offerings. Of our 53 restaurants as of December 30, 2012, 46 were full-service restaurants and 7 were counter-service restaurants. Below is a breakdown of the various styles of full and counter-service restaurants: Full-service:  23 “Lodge” format  6 “Original Shack” format  1“Blues Club” format, located in Minneapolis market  16 “Prototypical” format 5 Counter-service:  5 “Original Shack” format  2 “Current Shack” format Broad-Based Appeal – We believe that our concept has broad appeal because it attracts customers of all ages, the menu offers a variety of items, and our distinctive sauces allow our guests to customize their experience, appealing to many tastes. We believe that our distinctive barbecue concept, combined with our high-quality food, makes Famous Dave's appeal to families, children, teenagers and adults of all ages and socio-economic backgrounds. Operating Strategy We believe that our ability to achieve sustainable profitable growth is dependent upon us delivering high-quality experiences in terms of both food and hospitality to every guest, every day, and to enhance brand awareness in our markets. Key elements of our strategy include the following: Operational Excellence – During fiscal 2012, we continued to focus on operational excellence and integrity, and on creating a consistently enjoyable guest experience, both in terms of food and hospitality, across our system. We define operational excellence as an uncompromising attention to the details of our recipes, preparation and cooking procedures, handling procedures, rotation, sanitation, cleanliness and safety. Operational excellence also means an unyielding commitment to provide our guests with precision service during every visit. In our restaurants, we strive to emphasize value and speed of service by employing a streamlined operating system based on a focused menu and simplified food preparation techniques. Our menu focuses on a number of popular smoked, barbeque, grilled meat, entrée items and delicious side dishes which are prepared using easy-to-operate kitchen equipment and processes that use prepared proprietary seasonings, sauces and mixes. This streamlined food preparation system helps lower the cost of operation by requiring fewer staff; lower training costs, and eliminates the need for highly compensated chefs. Additionally, barbeque has the ability to be batch cooked and held, which enables our award winning food to get to our guests quickly, whether in the restaurant, at their homes, or at a catering event. In order to enhance our appeal, expand our audience, and feature our cravable products, we have product features which can provide higher margins than our regular menu items. Also, in order to increase customer frequency, we have assembled a research and development product pipeline designed to generate annual product news. During 2012, we offered our guests several promotions and limited time offerings. Early in 2012, and in support of the Lenten season, we featured our Beer-Battered Cod, and on Fridays we offered an All-You-Can-Eat Cod fish special. During the spring, we featured brisket-stuffed into our burgers, which offered five different flavor profiles. In the summer of 2012, we had our “Southern BBQ” which offered our ribs and pork sandwich with a traditional Carolina red sauce. This promotion featured a delicious banana pudding dessert as well as line-up of “Blue Ribbon drinks”, including our signature Famous Margarita and Devil’s Spit Bloody Mary. This past fall we featured a “Beer Can Chicken” platter, as well as a chicken salad sandwich along with a grilled cob of sweet corn. In 2013, we will discontinue the broad use of limited time offerings that temporarily introduce new products to the menu. The removal of these limited time offerings should help improve food margins by reducing waste and operating inefficiencies that are inherent with products that are added to the menu for only a limited time. In 2013, we will use opportunistic commodity purchases of high margin items that make sense to our guests and can be inserted quickly into our promotional calendar as well as promote core menu items or new items that will be added to the menu permanently after their initial launch. In our first feature of 2013, we re-introduced our Sweetwater catfish, which had been previously removed from our menu due to supply concerns. Additionally, in April we will feature Burnt Ends, which is a premium product, a ‘treat’ that authentic pitmasters would typically save for themselves and we are serving as a sandwich or an appetizer. Human Resources and Training/Development - We know a key ingredient to our success as an employer and of our concept lies with our ability to hire, train, engage and retain FAMOUS Team Members at all levels of our organization. We place a great deal of importance on creating an exceptional working environment for all of our Team Members. Through our Human Resource, Talent Management and Training/Development resources, tools and programs, we continually enhance and support superior performance within our restaurants and Support Center. Our 6 foundational guiding principle is to have Raving Internal Fans which emphasizes our commitment to doing the right thing for the organization while ensuring we have the right people in the right roles with the right resources and tools. We are a performance-based organization, committed to recognizing and rewarding performance at all levels of the organization. Our performance management process includes performance calibration at the organizational level as a means of providing measureable, comparative Team Member evaluations relative to peer contribution, taking into account specific core competencies and goals, as well as our core values of Famous PRIDE (Passion, Respect, Innovation, Diversity, Excellence). It is designed to provide a complete picture of performance that is consistent across the organization. We offer a total rewards program that is benchmarked closely against the industry and includes health and welfare coverage, 401(k) and non-qualified deferred compensation with a company match, base pay and incentive pay programs developed to sustain our market competitive position. For 2013, we expanded our medical offering to include a high deductible health plan with a health savings account option and continue with the implementation of a strategy for promoting wellness. We strive to instill enthusiasm and dedication in our Team Members and continually solicit feedback regarding our organization. We are in the third year of our Talking PRIDE Team Member Engagement Survey. Through our Talking PRIDE Engagement Survey results, we have established baseline action plans which are continually benchmarked to enhance our Team Member experience. We have conducted a full survey to measure our progress with effectively sharing results, establishing action plans, and implementing actions. We conduct an annual Business Conduct Survey for all Support Center and Restaurant Management Team Members. The results of this survey allow us to measure the extent to which “Do the Right Thing” exists in our organization. The results are shared within the organization and we measure and monitor progress in this area. During fiscal 2013, we will be introducing ethical workplace training for all Corporate staff and operations managers in our business to allow us to continue to strengthen our strong base as a value and ethics- based organization. In addition, we have an online employee ethics compliance tool, which includes a bi-lingual anonymous call center or web-based reporting center and a sophisticated issue tracking and reporting platform across all Famous Dave’s company locations. We have numerous programs designed to recognize and reward our Team Members for outstanding performance and tenure. These programs include the Famous PRIDE Award, Spirit of the Flame Award, Ring of Fire Program, and service recognition. Service recognition provides acknowledgement and celebration of service milestone achievements. Our Famous PRIDE Award encourages those within the company to submit nominations for fellow Team Members who live and breathe Famous PRIDE. Five individuals receive this prestigious honor each year. Our Spirit of the Flame Award encourages those within the organization to nominate and recognize one winner from our company operations team or Support Center and one winner from our franchise community. The two individuals receiving this award are selected based on their demonstration of continuous and exemplary FAMOUS behavior and outstanding contributions resulting in a significant and positive impact to Famous Dave’s brand and business. Our Ring of Fire Program recognizes the MOST FAMOUS of the FAMOUS. This program offered to both company and franchise operations, rewards those operating practices that will help us grow strong as a system. Exceptional operational performance is defined by consistently adhering to Famous Dave’s programs and systems and also by having a high regard for guests, Team Members, the community and the Famous Dave’s culture. These initiatives are crucial to our maintaining turnover levels that are below industry averages which we measure using several industry data sources. Our restaurant management turnover for fiscal 2012 was approximately 14% and our restaurant hourly turnover was approximately 60%. During fiscal 2012, our Human Resource and Training organization focused on the selection and retention of talent through programs in overall workforce planning, performance management, development, safety and risk reduction, and continued enhancements in our organizational structures for all positions in the business. In the Training and Development arena, we offer a variety of ongoing on-the-job and classroom training programs for the operations teams (hourly Team Members, Restaurant Managers, and Multi-Unit Managers) in an effort to create defined career paths. Our FD101 University provides our newer restaurant managers a foundational training for restaurant operations, including ServSafe Food and Alcohol Certification; as well as a comprehensive vignette-based program, Managing with PRIDE, designed to provide managers with an easy-to-remember behavioral model that defines when and how conduct, behavior, and performance are governed by organizational policy and law. We also offer a Famous Dave’s Management Certification program which provides a library of workshop offerings for our operators including the guest experience, orientation to training, leadership, and food focus topics. 7 In 2012, we introduced new tools to assist system-wide manager and team development including an orientation and onboarding tool-kit, FLSA training, and e-learning. We also introduced our Pitmaster program which is focused on developing the intricate and artful skills of BBQ as well as the Culture Maniac role, a brand ambassador dedicated to infusing Famous Dave’s culture in the restaurants through cultural tactics and initiatives. We expanded our utilization and integration of HRIS technology by providing Team Members and Managers with self-service access to manage life events, status changes, and benefits. We also moved to an electronic pay delivery environment and connected our core HRIS system electronically to other key business systems to enhance the performance of our financial and operations systems. We will continue to develop resources and add tools to support our system. In 2013, we will continue to offer a variety of enhanced and new programs, including: ethics based training, policies, safety, and Leadership Development. We will continue maximizing the use of technology by introducing mobile access applications for self- service and expanding our e-learning platform to include compliance and annual certifications that will enable us to further expand the reach of our programs through electronic-based system capabilities with interactive modules and on- line testing and administration. Our system-wide Brand Conference is held annually in March and features a variety of business sessions on Marketing, Guest Experience, Training, Product Innovation, among others. Participants include all company-owned restaurant General Managers, Area Directors, and Directors of Operations, as well as many Franchise Partners, Franchise General Managers and Franchise Multi-Unit Operators. Restaurant Operations Our ability to manage multiple restaurants in geographically diverse locations is central to our overall success. In each market, we place specific emphasis on the positions of Area Director and General Manager, and seek talented individuals that bring a diverse set of skills, knowledge, and experience to the Company. We strive to maintain quality and consistency in each of our restaurants through the careful training and supervision of team members and the establishment of, and adherence to, high standards relating to performance, food and beverage preparation, and maintenance of facilities. All General Managers must complete a seven-week training program, during which they are instructed in areas such as food quality and preparation, customer service, hospitality, and team member relations. We have prepared operations’ manuals relating to food and beverage quality and service standards. New team members participate in training under the close supervision of our Management. Each General Manager reports to an Area Director, who manages from six to seven restaurants, depending on the region. Our Area Directors have all served as General Managers, either for Famous Dave's or for other restaurants, and are responsible for ensuring that operational standards are consistently applied in our restaurants, communicating company focus and priorities, and supporting the development of restaurant management teams. In addition to the training that the General Managers are required to complete as noted above, our Area Directors receive additional training through Area Director Workshops that focus specifically on managing multiple locations, planning, time management, staff and management development skills. We also have two Directors of Operations. Each of these individuals is responsible for approximately half of the company-owned restaurants, which allows us to have our operations’ leadership closer to the day-in and day-out business of our restaurants. The Directors of Operations assist in the professional development of our Area Directors and General Managers. They are also instrumental in driving our vision of operational integrity and contributing to the improvement of results achieved at our restaurants, including building sales, developing personnel and growing profits. These Directors report to the President and Chief Operating Officer. Staffing levels at each restaurant vary according to the time of day and size of the restaurant. However, in general, each restaurant has approximately 40 to 60 team members. Off-Premise Occasions - Focus on Convenience – In addition to our lively and entertaining dine-in experience, we provide our guests with maximum convenience by offering expedient take-out service and catering. We believe that Famous Dave's entrées and side dishes are viewed by guests as traditional American "picnic foods" that maintain their quality and travel particularly well, making them an attractive choice to replace a home-cooked meal. Also, the high quality, reasonable cost and avoidance of preparation time make take-out of our product particularly attractive. Our off-premise sales provide us with revenue opportunities beyond our in-house seating capacity and we continue to seek 8 ways to leverage these segments of our business. During fiscal 2012, our industry-leading off-premise sales for the casual dining sector were approximately 33.4% of net restaurant sales, compared to 32.0% for fiscal 2011. Catering, which grew modestly in 2012, accounts for approximately 10.5% of our net sales for fiscal 2012, as compared to 9.9% in 2011. We see catering as an opportunity for new consumers to sample our product who would not otherwise have had the opportunity to visit our restaurants, and each restaurant has a dedicated vehicle to support our catering initiatives. To Go accounted for approximately 22.9% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2012 and grew slightly from 22.1% of net restaurant sales in 2011. Our restaurants have been designed specifically to accommodate a significant level of To Go sales, including a separate To Go entrance with prominent and distinct signage, and for added convenience, we separately staff the To Go counter. We believe our focus on To Go enables Famous Dave’s to capture a greater portion of the “take-out” market and allows consumers to “trade within our brand,” when dining in is not always an option. We pursue efforts to increase awareness of To Go in all company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants by featuring signage and merchandising both inside and outside the restaurants. Customer Satisfaction – We believe that we achieve a significant level of repeat business by providing high- quality food, efficient friendly service, and warm caring hospitality in an entertaining environment at moderate prices. We strive to maintain quality and consistency in each of our restaurants through the purposeful hiring, training and supervision of personnel and the establishment of, and adherence to, high standards of performance, food preparation and facility maintenance. We have also built family-friendly strategies into each restaurant’s food, service and design by providing children's menus, smaller-sized entrees at reduced prices and changing tables in restrooms. In 2012, we diligently monitored the guest experience through the use of an interactive voice response (IVR) guest feedback system to ensure that our system is producing the desired results. Through this IVR system, we obtained a “Raving Fan” score, which measured a combination of overall guest satisfaction, the guest’s intent to return in the next 30 days, and their intent to recommend Famous Dave’s to others. The company rating is based on the number of responses that give the highest rating of five. In 2013, we are changing our guest feedback system to a web-based, mobile-optimized guest feedback system. This system will obtain a new “Raving Fan” score, which measures guest likelihood to recommend Famous Dave’s to friends, family or coworkers based on a 0-10 rating scale with 10 being highest. The scores are then tallied using a Net Promoter-style scoring (Promoters-Detractors=Net Promoters), with Promoters scoring 9 and 10 and Detractors scoring 6 through 0. Guests scoring 7 and 8 are considered Passives. Value Proposition and Guest Frequency – We offer high quality food and a distinctive atmosphere at competitive prices to encourage frequent patronage. Lunch and dinner entrees range from $6.49 to $24.99, resulting in a per person average of $15.73 during fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2012, lunch checks averaged $13.84 and dinner checks averaged $16.89. We believe that value priced offerings and new product features as well as connecting with consumers on their terms, will help drive new and infrequent guests into our restaurants for additional meal occasions. Marketing, Promotion and Sales We believe that Famous Dave’s is the category-defining brand in barbecue. Specializing in a unique and distinctive brand of grilled, smoked, and southern style food, our menu specialty helps set the brand apart from the rest of the crowded field in casual dining. To further develop the advertising and promotional materials and programs designed to create brand awareness and increase the reach of the brand, we have a system-wide marketing fund. All company-owned restaurants, and those franchise-operated restaurants with agreements signed after December 17, 2003 are generally required to contribute 1% of net sales to this fund. In fiscal 2013, predominately due to the carryover of funds from fiscal 2012, the Company made the decision to decrease the 2013 Marketing Ad Fund contribution system- wide to 0.75% of net sales. The marketing team, working with outside consultants and other resources, is responsible for the advertising, promotion, creative development, and branding for Famous Dave’s. Franchise-operated restaurants place the advertising and marketing in their local markets based on contractual requirements, while the Famous Dave’s marketing team plans and executes the advertising and marketing for company-owned restaurants. In addition to the traditional marketing and publicity methods, Famous Dave’s uses marketing efforts that include television, internet, 9 radio, email Club, direct mail, website marketing promotion and outdoor billboards. During 2012, we reached 1.6 million PIG Club (Pretty Important Guest) members and approximately 339,000 fans on Facebook. The strategic focus for marketing and promotion for 2012 remained the same – to be the category–defining brand in BBQ, to create a more competitive distinction, and to continue to strengthen the perception of value in the consumer’s mind. We featured four limited time offerings in 2012 that introduced our customers to new flavor profiles, innovative products and provided value and margin opportunity. Additionally, a number of new initiatives were planned around enhancing the menu, the guest experience, events marketing and social media. Since its inception, Famous Dave’s has won over 650 awards, including some of the following prestigious awards won by our system during 2012:              “People’s Choice – Wings” – Tyson’s Best Wings on the Planet – Las Vegas NV “Best Wing on the Planet” – Sam’s Club National BBQ Tour Championship – Bentonville AR “1st Place – Sauce” – Best in the West – Reno NV “3rd Place – Best Ribs – Critic’s Choice” – Best in the West – Reno NV “Critic’s Choice – 3rd Place” – Great American Cook-Off – Cleveland, OH “Bride’s Choice – Top Wedding Professional” – The Knot Wedding Network “Best Non-Traditional BBQ Wings” – Kenosha Wing War – Pleasant Prairie, WI “People’s Choice - Most Unique Wings – Pineapple Rage” – Pork in the Park – Salisbury MD “People’s Choice – Best Wings Overall” – Pork in the Park – Salisbury MD “First Place – Pork” – Pork in the Park – Salisbury MD “First Place- Whole Hog” – Pork in the Park – Salisbury MD “First Place – Teriyaki Marinade” – National Barbecue Association Award of Excellence “Second Place – Wilbur’s Revenge” – National Barbecue Association Award of Excellence Famous Dave’s is somewhat unique in casual dining having four different occasions to interact with the consumer, Dine-In, To Go, Catering, and Retail, with each of these occasions being large enough to be treated differently. The strategies for marketing in 2013 will change significantly. While we will continue to leverage our size and expertise to define the category, we will shift our emphasis to achieving growth by going deeper in connecting with consumers on their terms. Each of these dining occasions’ offers unique and often compelling sources of growth, and, each occasion is growing at a different rate. Through this differentiation, we should be able to create a more immediate relevancy and sales opportunities by solving the consumer’s daily dinner dilemma and address these differences in our marketing, including menu, promotional outreach, pricing, and new product news. As such, we added the position of Vice President of Sales, who is focused on the execution of sales building initiatives around each dining occasion. Also to further support these sales building initiatives, the Digital Services Group will expand social and digital media efforts such as the use of email promotions, online ordering, with our new webpage, as well as a catering and To Go call center. Location Strategy We believe that the barbeque segment of the casual dining niche of the restaurant industry continues to offer strong growth opportunities, and we see no impediments to our growth on a geographical basis. Our geographical concentration as of December 30, 2012 was 43% Midwest, 19% South, 29% West, 8% Northeast and 1% in Canada. We were located in 34 states and 1 Canadian province as of December 30, 2012. We prepare an overall market development strategy for each market. The creation of this market strategy starts with identifying trade areas that align demographically with the guest profile. The trade areas are then assessed for viability and vitality and prioritized as initial, second tier, or future development. Since markets are dynamic, the market strategy includes a continual and ongoing assessment of all existing restaurant locations. If financially feasible, a restaurant may be relocated as the retail or residential focus in a trade area shifts. We have a real estate site selection model to assess the site quality and trade area quality of new locations. This process involves extensive consumer research in our existing restaurants captured in a guest profile, which is updated on an annual basis. Each location is evaluated based on three primary sales drivers, which include: sales potential from 10 the residential base (home quality), employment base (work quality), and retail activity (retail quality). Locations are also evaluated on their site characteristics which include seven categories of key site attributes, including, but not limited to, access, visibility, and parking. As part of our development strategy, we will seek conversion opportunities for future restaurants in order to streamline the development process and to minimize the up-front investment. We will also evaluate the use of our 6,000, 5,000, 4,000 and 3,000 square foot prototypes where it makes sense. With the reintroduction of the “Current Shack” style counter-service restaurant, we believe this format will allow us to access new markets or strategically locate these restaurants in existing markets where a full-service restaurant could not be sustained. We intend to finance development through the use of cash on hand, cash flow generated from operations, and through availability on our revolving line of credit. Company-Owned Restaurant Expansion – We are planning to open two company-owned restaurants in 2013. In the future, we will continue to build in our existing markets in high profile, heavy traffic retail locations as part of our future operating strategy to continue to build brand awareness. Our plan is to focus on sustainable, controlled growth, primarily in markets where multiple restaurants can be opened, thereby expanding consumer awareness, and creating opportunities for operating, distribution, and marketing efficiencies. Franchise-Operated Restaurant Expansion – We continue to grow the franchise program and now anticipate 10 to 12 franchise restaurants will open during fiscal 2013, including our first restaurant in Puerto Rico. We are updating our estimate due to delays in lease executions and permitting as well as complexities associated with international growth. Our goal is to continue to improve the economics of our current restaurant prototypes, while providing more cost-effective development options for our franchisees. As of December 30, 2012, we had signed franchise area development agreements with aggregate commitments for 62 additional units that are expected to open over approximately the next seven years. However, there can be no assurance that these franchisees will fulfill their commitments or fulfill them within the anticipated timeframe. Our franchise system is a significant part of our brand’s success. As such, another one of our goals is to be a valued franchisor; to enhance communication and recognition of best practices throughout the system and to continue to expand our franchisee network. Generally, we find franchise candidates with prior franchise casual-dining restaurant experience in the markets for which they will be granted. In the past, area development agreements generally ranged from 3 to 15 restaurants, however, due to economic and market conditions, we have been willing to discuss smaller unit agreements as well. We are also looking at individual franchise restaurants in the right markets where it makes sense. This encompasses an increased focus on expanding into international markets. Additionally, we believe the “Current Shack” format will allow us to bring new franchisees, with quick-service experience, into the system. Purchasing To provide the freshest ingredients and in order to maximize operational efficiencies for our food products, we strive to obtain consistent quality items at competitive prices from reliable sources, including identifying secondary suppliers for many of our key products. Additionally, our secondary suppliers help us assure supply chain integrity and better logistics. Finally, to reduce freight costs, we continually optimize our distribution networks. The products are then shipped directly to the restaurants through our foodservice distributors. Each restaurant’s management team determines the daily quantities of food items needed and orders such quantities to be delivered to their restaurant. Approximately 85% of our food and non-alcoholic beverage purchases are on contract, with the majority being proteins. Pork represents approximately 34% of our total purchases, while chicken is approximately 13%, beef, which includes hamburger and brisket, is approximately 10%, and seafood is approximately 2%. Our purchasing department contracts, as well as our food and beverage costs and trends associated with each, are discussed under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Our purchasing team is also responsible for managing the procurement of the non-food items for our restaurants, including restaurant equipment, small wares and restaurant supplies. Also, they contract many of our restaurants repair and maintenance services along with strategically managing our utility costs. 11 Information Technology Famous Dave’s recognizes the importance of leveraging information and technology to support and extend our competitive position in the restaurant industry. We continue to invest in capabilities that provide secure and efficient operations, maximize the guest experience, and provide the ability to analyze data that describes our operations. We have implemented a suite of restaurant and support center systems which support operations by providing transactional functions (ordering, card processing, etc.) and reporting at both the unit and support center level. Interfaces between Point-of-Sale (POS), labor management, inventory management, menu management, key suppliers, and team member screening/hiring and financial systems all contribute to the following operator and corporate visibility:  Average guest check broken down by location, by server, by day part, and by revenue center;  Daily reports of revenue and labor (both current and forecasted);  Weekly reports of selected controllable restaurant expenses;  Monthly reporting of detailed revenue and expenses; and  Ideal vs. actual usage variance reporting for critical restaurant-level materials; This visibility enables every level of the Famous Dave’s organization to manage the key controllable costs within our industry, including food and labor costs. Below are the significant information technology initiatives completed in fiscal 2012:  Implementation of capabilities for forecasting in the budgeting solution to realize additional efficiencies, improvements in reporting, and allow better integration with other systems.  Continued expansion of a Human Resource Information System (HRIS) leveraging additional capabilities to drive further efficiencies and self-service processes.  Expansion of the food cost/supply chain back-office solution to include predictive features for ordering and product preparation that will enhance the effectiveness of efforts to manage cost.  Evaluation and selection of an enhanced labor management solution providing labor scheduling efficiencies, self-service processes, and more effective integration with other systems. In 2013, in addition to working alongside the Digital Services Group, the department will leverage technology to support the needs of the Company through several initiatives listed below:  Roll-out of a redesigned FamousDaves.com website with clear pathways to ordering channels, enhanced capabilities for restaurant level customization, and social media integration.  Selection and implementation of a video conferencing solution to increase collaboration and reduce travel costs.  Selection and installation of a new phone system at corporate headquarters leveraging digital functionality to decrease communication costs.  Replacement of an in-house integration and reporting platform with a Microsoft Integration and connectivity server solution.  Upgrade of the existing online ordering application to provide additional functionality with increased ease of use and enhanced upsell capabilities.  Redesigned reporting application providing increased analytical capability for corporate and field staff.  Research and select a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) application for the Catering group which will support new sales and marketing initiatives.  Pilot a Wait List application to streamline the customer experience while collecting information for future marketing efforts. Results of this test will determine whether this application is implemented across the organization. 12 Trademarks Our Company has registered various trademarks, makes use of various unregistered marks, and intends to vigorously defend these marks. “Famous Dave’s” and the Famous Dave’s logo are registered trademarks of Famous Dave's of America, Inc. The Company highly values its trademarks, trade names and service marks and will defend against any improper use of its marks to the fullest extent allowable by law. Franchise Program We have offered franchises of our concept since July 1998 and currently file our franchise disclosure document in all 50 states. Our growth and success depends in part upon our ability to attract, contract with and retain qualified franchisees. It also depends upon the ability of those franchisees to successfully operate their restaurants with our standards of quality and promote and develop Famous Dave’s brand awareness. Although we have established criteria to evaluate prospective franchisees, and our franchise agreements include certain operating standards, each franchisee operates his/her restaurants independently. Various laws limit our ability to influence the day-to-day operation of our franchise restaurants. We cannot assure you that franchisees will be able to successfully operate Famous Dave’s restaurants in a manner consistent with our standards for operational excellence, service and food quality. At December 30, 2012, we had 47 ownership groups operating 135 Famous Dave’s franchise restaurants. Signed area development agreements, representing commitments to open an additional 62 franchise restaurants, were in place as of December 30, 2012. There can be no assurance that these franchisees will fulfill their commitments or fulfill them within the anticipated timeframe. We continue to grow the franchise program and now anticipate 10 to 12 franchise restaurants will open during fiscal 2013. We are updating our estimate due to delays in lease executions and permitting as well as complexities associated with international growth. 13 As of December 30, 2012, we had franchise-operated restaurants in the following locations: Number of Franchise-Operated Restaurants 2 6 18 6 2 2 2 3 4 3 6 1 1 8 7 3 4 3 6 1 3 2 3 3 4 2 5 3 3 6 11 1 134 1 1 135 United States Arkansas Arizona California Colorado Delaware Florida Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Maine Michigan Minnesota Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Jersey New York North Dakota Oregon Ohio Pennsylvania South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Washington Wisconsin Wyoming United States Total Canada Manitoba Canada Province Total United States and Canada Total 14 Our Franchise Operations Department is made up of the President and Chief Operating Officer, who guides the efforts of two Directors of Franchise Operations, each supported by two Territory Directors. The Directors of Franchise Operations have responsibility for supporting our franchisees geographically throughout the country and play a critical role for us as well as for our franchise community. Directors of Franchise Operations manage the relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor and provide an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, differences, and accountabilities of that relationship. They are active participants towards enhancing performance, as they partner in strategic and operational planning sessions with our franchise partners and review the individual strategies and tactics for obtaining superior performance for the franchisee. The Directors of Franchise Operations share best practices throughout the system and work to create a one-system mentality that benefits everyone. In addition, they ensure compliance with obligations under our area development and franchise agreements. Franchisees are encouraged to utilize all available assistance from the Directors of Franchise Operations and the Support Center but are not required to do so. The Company has a comprehensive operations’ scorecard and training tool that we call “FD Powers” that helps us measure our operational effectiveness of our company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants. This scorecard is used to evaluate, monitor and improve operations in areas such as guest satisfaction, health and safety standards, community involvement, and local store marketing effectiveness, among other operating metrics. Also, we generally provide support as it relates to all aspects of franchise operations including, but not limited to, store openings, operating performance, and human resource strategic planning. Finally, the Company solicits feedback from our franchise- system by conducting a Franchise Satisfaction Survey every year. The results of this survey are used to better support the needs of the franchise system while maintaining a one-system mindset. Our franchise-related revenue consists of area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty payments. Our area development fee consists of a one-time, non-refundable payment equal to $10,000 per restaurant in consideration for the services we perform in preparation of executing each area development agreement. Substantially all of these services, which include, but are not limited to a meeting with the Famous Dave’s Executive Team and performing a potential franchise background investigation, are completed prior to our execution of the area development agreement and receipt of the corresponding area development fee. As a result, we recognize this fee in full upon receipt. Our initial, non-refundable, franchise fee is typically $30,000 to $40,000 per restaurant, of which $5,000 is recognized immediately when a franchise agreement is signed, reflecting the commission earned and expenses incurred related to the sale. The remaining non-refundable fee of $25,000 to $35,000 is included in deferred franchise fees and is recognized as revenue when we have performed substantially all of our obligations, which generally occurs upon the franchise entering into a lease agreement for the restaurant(s). In 2013, after our Franchise Disclosure Document is filed, we will be adjusting our franchise fee to $45,000. During fiscal 2012, to incentivize growth, we reduced the initial franchise fee by 50% for any partner who signed a franchise agreement and opened a “Current Shack” style counter service restaurant for that restaurant. The franchise agreement represents a separate and distinct earnings process from the area development agreements. Franchisees are also required to pay us a monthly royalty equal to a percentage of their net sales, which has historically varied from 4% to 5%. In general, new franchisees pay us a monthly royalty of 5% of their net sales. Because of the continuing difficult economic environment and scarcity of capital for development, we offered a reduced royalty rate for twelve months from the date of opening for franchisees that opened restaurants during fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2011, we modified and extended this growth incentive program. The modification offered new and existing franchisees reduced levels of franchise royalties, based on a sliding scale, for new restaurants opened during 2011. All franchise restaurants opened in the first, second, and third quarters paid a reduced royalty of 2.5%, 3%, and 4%, respectively, from the date of opening through the remainder of 2011. Any openings in the fourth quarter and beyond were at the 5% royalty rate. In 2012, there were no reduced royalty rate programs, and we do not intend to offer reduced royalty rate programs in fiscal 2013. The franchisee’s investment depends primarily upon restaurant size. This investment includes the area development fee, initial franchise fee, real estate and leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment, POS systems, business licenses, deposits, initial food inventory, small wares, décor and training fees as well as working capital. In 2013, franchisees will be required to contribute 0.75% of net sales to a marketing fund dedicated to building system- wide brand awareness. 15 Seasonality Our restaurants typically generate higher revenue in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year as a result of seasonal traffic increases and high catering sales experienced during the summer months, and lower revenue in the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year, due to possible adverse weather which can disrupt guest and team member transportation to our restaurants. Government Regulation Our Company is subject to extensive state and local government regulation by various governmental agencies, including state and local licensing, zoning, land use, construction and environmental regulations and various regulations relating to the sale of food and alcoholic beverages, sanitation, disposal of refuse and waste products, public health, safety and fire standards. Our restaurants are subject to periodic inspections by governmental agencies to ensure conformity with such regulations. Any difficulty or failure to obtain required licensing or other regulatory approvals could delay or prevent the opening of a new restaurant, and the suspension of, or inability to renew a license, could interrupt operations at an existing restaurant, any of which would adversely affect our operations. Restaurant operating costs are also affected by other government actions that are beyond our control, including increases in minimum hourly wage requirements, workers compensation insurance rates, health care insurance costs, property and casualty insurance, and unemployment and other taxes. We are also subject to "dram-shop" statutes, which generally provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. As a franchisor, we are subject to federal regulation and certain state laws that govern the offer and sale of franchises. Many state franchise laws impose substantive requirements on franchise agreements, including limitations on non-competition provisions and the termination or non-renewal of a franchise. Bills have been introduced in Congress from time to time that would provide for federal regulation of substantive aspects of the franchisor-franchisee relationship. As proposed, such legislation would limit, among other things, the duration and scope of non-competition provisions, the ability of a franchisor to terminate or refuse to renew a franchise, and the ability of a franchisor to designate sources of supply. The 1990 Federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations and employment. We could be required to incur costs to modify our restaurants in order to provide service to, or make reasonable accommodations for, disabled persons. Our restaurants are currently designed to be accessible to the disabled, and we believe we are in substantial compliance with all current applicable regulations relating to this Act. Team Members As of December 30, 2012, we employed approximately 3,165 team members of which approximately 309 were restaurant managers and Support Center employees. None of our team members are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We consider our relationships with our team members to be good. ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS Famous Dave’s makes written and oral statements from time to time, including statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding its business and prospects, such as projections of future performance, statements of management’s plans and objectives, forecasts of market trends and other matters that are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Sections 27A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements containing the words or phrases “will likely result,” “anticipates,” “are expected to,” “will continue,” “is anticipated,” “estimates,” “projects,” “believes,” “expects,” “intends,” “target,” “goal,” “plans,” “objective,” “should” or similar expressions identify forward-looking statements which may appear in documents, reports, filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, news releases, written or oral presentations made by our officers or other representatives to analysts, shareholders, investors, news organizations, and others, and discussions with our management and other Company representatives. For such statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 16 Our future results, including results related to forward-looking statements, involve a number of risks and uncertainties. No assurance can be given that the results reflected in any forward-looking statements will be achieved. Any forward-looking statements made by us or on our behalf speak only as of the date on which such statement is made. Our forward-looking statements are based upon our management’s current estimates and projections of future results or trends. Although we believe that our plans and objectives reflected in or suggested by these forward-looking statements are reasonable, we may not achieve these plans or objectives. In addition, forward-looking statements may reflect assumptions that are sometimes based upon estimates, data, communications and other information from suppliers, government agencies and other sources that may be subject to revision. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, we do not undertake any obligation to update or keep current either (i) any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date of such statement, or (ii) the important factors that could cause our future results to differ materially from historical results or trends, results anticipated or planned by us, or which are reflected from time to time in any forward-looking statement which may be made by us or on our behalf. In addition to other matters identified or described by us from time to time in filings with the SEC, including the risks described below and elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, there are several important factors that could cause our future results to differ materially from historical results or trends, results anticipated or planned by us, or results that are reflected from time to time in any forward-looking statement that may be made by us or on our behalf. The state of the economy and the volatility of the financial markets may adversely impact our business and results of operations and may impact our ability to comply with our credit facility’s financial covenants. The restaurant industry is still affected by macro-economic factors, including changes in national, regional, and local economic conditions, employment levels and consumer spending patterns. The recent economic recession, and the slow economic recovery, has kept consumer confidence low, and consequently, has affected the frequency of consumers’ dining out occasions, which has been harmful to our results of operations, and has negatively impacted our financial position. Depending on the duration and severity of the continued economic downturn and the pace of recovery, it may continue to adversely affect our ability to comply with financial covenants under our credit facility on a continuing basis. These financial covenants include, without limitation, maximum target capital expenditures, cash flow ratios, adjusted leverage ratios, and in certain circumstances, a maximum aged royalty receivable. There can be no assurances that government responses to the disruptions in the financial markets and overall economy will restore consumer confidence, stabilize the markets or increase liquidity and the availability of credit. As of December 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all of our covenants after we obtained an amendment to our credit facility on March 14, 2013. In the event we fail to comply with these or other financial covenants in the future and are unable to obtain similar amendments or waivers, our lender will have the right to demand repayment of all principal amounts outstanding under the credit facility and term loan, which were $13.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively, at December 30, 2012, and to terminate the existing credit facility and term loan. If we were unable to repay outstanding amounts, either using current cash reserves, a replacement facility or another source of capital, our lender would have the right to foreclose on our personal property, which serves as collateral for the credit facility. Replacement financing may be unavailable to us on similar terms or at all, especially if current credit market conditions persist. Termination of our existing credit facility without adequate replacement, either through a similar facility or other sources of capital, would have a material and adverse impact on our ability to continue our business operations. Our future revenue and operating income are dependent on consumer preference and our ability to successfully execute our plan. Our Company’s future revenue and operating income will depend upon various factors, including continued and additional market acceptance of the Famous Dave's brand, the quality of our restaurant operations, our ability to grow our brand, our ability to successfully expand into new and existing markets, our ability to successfully execute our franchise program, our ability to raise additional financing as needed, discretionary consumer spending, the overall success of the venues where Famous Dave’s restaurants are or will be located, economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income, general economic conditions and the continued popularity of the Famous Dave’s concept. An adverse change in any or all of these conditions would have a negative effect on our operations and the market value of our common stock. 17 It’s our plan to open two new company-owned restaurants in 2013, and we are now anticipating the opening of 10 to 12 new franchise restaurants during the course of the year. We are updating our estimate due to delays in lease executions and permitting as well as complexities associated with international growth. There is no guarantee that any of the company-owned or franchise-operated restaurants will open when planned, or at all, due to many factors that may affect the development and construction of our restaurants, including landlord delays, weather interference, unforeseen engineering problems, environmental problems, construction or zoning problems, local government regulations, modifications in design to the size and scope of the project, and other unanticipated increases in costs, any of which could give rise to delays and cost overruns. There can be no assurance that we will successfully implement our growth plan for our company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants. In addition, we also face all of the risks, expenses and difficulties frequently encountered in the development of an expanding business. Competition may reduce our revenue and operating income. Competition in the restaurant industry is intense. The restaurant industry is affected by changes in consumer preferences, as well as by national, regional and local economic conditions, including real estate, and demographic trends, traffic patterns, the cost and availability of qualified labor, and product availability. Discretionary spending priorities, traffic patterns, tourist travel, weather conditions, and the type, number and location of competing restaurants, among other factors, will also directly affect the performance of our restaurants. Changes in any of these factors in the markets where we currently operate our restaurants could adversely affect the results of our operations. Increased competition by existing or future competitors may reduce our sales. Our restaurants compete with moderately-priced restaurants primarily on the basis of quality of food and service, atmosphere, location and value. In addition to existing barbeque restaurants, we face competition from steakhouses and other restaurants featuring protein- rich foods. We also compete with other restaurants and retail establishments for quality sites. Many of our competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. Regional and national restaurant companies continue to expand their operations into our current and anticipated market areas. We believe our ability to compete effectively depends on our ongoing ability to promote our brand and offer high quality food and hospitality in a distinctive and comfortable environment. If we are unable to respond to, or unable to respond in a timely manner, to the various competitive factors affecting the restaurant industry, our revenue and operating income could be adversely affected. Our failure to execute our franchise program may negatively impact our revenue and operating income. Our growth and success depends in part upon increasing the number of our franchised restaurants, through execution of area development and franchise agreements with new and existing franchisees in new and existing markets. Our ability to successfully franchise additional restaurants will depend on various factors, including our ability to attract, contract with and retain quality franchisees, the availability of suitable sites, the negotiation of acceptable leases or purchase terms for new locations, permitting and regulatory compliance, the ability to meet construction schedules, the financial and other capabilities of our franchisees, our ability to manage this anticipated expansion, and general economic and business conditions. Many of the foregoing factors are beyond the control of the Company or our franchisees. Our growth and success also depends upon the ability of our franchisees to operate their restaurants successfully to our standards and promote the Famous Dave’s brand. Although we have established criteria to evaluate prospective franchisees, and our franchise agreements include certain operating standards, each franchisee operates his/her restaurant independently. Various laws limit our ability to influence the day-to-day operation of our franchise restaurants. We cannot assure you that our franchisees will be able to successfully operate Famous Dave’s restaurants in a manner consistent with our concepts and standards, which could reduce their sales and correspondingly, our franchise royalties, and could adversely affect our operating income and our ability to leverage the Famous Dave’s brand. In addition, there can be no assurance that our franchisees will have access to financial resources necessary to open the restaurants required by their respective area development agreements, which would negatively impact our growth plans. 18 The restaurant industry is subject to extensive government regulation that could negatively impact our business. The restaurant industry is subject to extensive state and local government regulation by various government agencies, including state and local licensing, zoning, land use, construction and environmental regulations and various regulations relating to the preparation and sale of food and alcoholic beverages, sanitation, disposal of refuse and waste products, public health, safety and fire standards, minimum wage requirements, workers’ compensation and citizenship requirements. Due to the fact that we offer and sell franchises, we are also subject to federal regulation and certain state laws which govern the offer and sale of franchises. Many state franchise laws impose substantive requirements on franchise agreements, including limitations on non-competition provisions and termination or non-renewal of a franchise. We may also be subject in certain states to "dram-shop" statutes, which provide a person injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to the intoxicated person. Any change in the current status of such regulations, including an increase in team member benefits costs, any and all insurance rates, or other costs associated with team members, could substantially increase our compliance and labor costs. Because we pay many of our restaurant-level team members rates based on either the federal or the state minimum wage, increases in the minimum wage would lead to increased labor costs. In addition, our operating results would be adversely affected in the event we fail to maintain our food and liquor licenses. Furthermore, restaurant operating costs are affected by increases in unemployment tax rates and similar costs over which we have no control. Recent health care legislation enacted by the Federal Government mandates menu labeling of certain nutritional aspects of restaurant menu items such as caloric, sugar, sodium, and fat content. Altering our recipes in response to such legislation could increase our costs and/or change the flavor profile of our menu offerings which could have an adverse impact on our results of operations. Additionally, minimum employee health care coverage mandated by state or federal legislation could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Healthcare reform legislation could have a negative impact on our business. During 2010, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 were signed into law in the United States. Certain of the provisions that have increased our healthcare costs include the removal of annual plan limits and the mandate that health plans provide 100% coverage on expanded preventative care. In addition, our healthcare costs could increase significantly as the new legislation and accompanying regulations require us to automatically enroll employees in health coverage, potentially cover more variable hour employees than we do currently or pay penalty amounts in the event that employees do not elect our offered coverage. While much of the cost of the recent healthcare legislation enacted will occur on or after 2014 due to provisions of the legislation being phased in over time, changes to our healthcare cost structure could have an impact on our business and operating costs. We are subject to the risks associated with the food services industry, including the risk that incidents of food- borne illnesses or food tampering could damage our reputation and reduce our restaurant sales. Our industry is susceptible to the risk of food-borne illnesses. As with any restaurant operation, however, we cannot guarantee that our internal controls and training will be fully effective in preventing all food-borne illnesses. Furthermore, our reliance on third-party food suppliers and distributors increases the risk that food-borne illness incidents could be caused by third-party food suppliers and distributors outside of our control and/or multiple locations being affected rather than a single restaurant. New illnesses resistant to any precautions may develop in the future, or diseases with long incubation periods could arise that could give rise to claims or allegations on a retroactive basis. Reports in the media or on social media of one or more instances of food-borne illness in one of our company-owned restaurants, one of our franchise-operated restaurants or in one of our competitor’s restaurants could negatively affect our restaurant sales, force the closure of some of our restaurants and conceivably have a national impact if highly publicized. This risk exists even if it were later determined that the illness had been wrongly attributed to the restaurant. Furthermore, other illnesses could adversely affect the supply of some of our food products and significantly increase our costs. A decrease in guest traffic as a result of these health concerns or negative publicity could materially harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. 19 Our ability to exploit our brand depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property, and if any third parties make unauthorized use of our intellectual property, our competitive position and business could suffer. We believe that our trademarks and other intellectual proprietary rights are important to our success and our competitive position. Accordingly, we have registered various trademarks and make use of various unregistered marks. However, the actions we have taken or may take in the future to establish and protect our trademarks and other intellectual proprietary rights may be inadequate to prevent others from imitating our products and concept or claiming violations of their trademarks and proprietary rights by us. Although we intend to defend against any improper use of our marks to the fullest extent allowable by law, litigation related to such defense, regardless of the merit or resolution, may be costly and time consuming and divert the efforts and attention of our management. Our financial performance is affected by our ability to contract with reliable suppliers at competitive prices. In order to maximize operating efficiencies, we have entered into arrangements with food manufacturers and distributors pursuant to which we obtain approximately 85% of the products used by the Company, including, but not limited to, pork, poultry, beef, and seafood. We believe that our relationships with our food manufacturers and distributors are excellent. We anticipate no interruption in the supply of product delivered by these companies; however, we have arrangements with several secondary suppliers in the case of a supply disruption. Although we may be able to obtain competitive products and prices from alternative suppliers, an interruption in the supply of products delivered by our food suppliers could adversely affect our operations in the short term. Due to the rising market price environment, our food costs may increase without the desire and/or ability to pass that price increase to our customers. While we do contract for utilities in all available states, the costs of these energy-related items will fluctuate due to factors that may not be predictable, such as the economy, current political/international relations and weather conditions. Because we cannot control these types of factors, there is a risk that prices of energy/utility items will increase beyond our current projections and adversely affect our operations. We could be adversely impacted if our information technology and computer systems do not perform properly or if we fail to protect our customers’ credit card information or our employees’ personal data. We rely heavily on information technology to conduct our business, and any material failure, interruption of service, or compromised data security could adversely affect our operations. While we take it very seriously and expend significant resources to ensure that our information technology operates securely and effectively, any security breaches could result in disruptions to operations or unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. Additionally, if our guests’ credit card or other personal information or our team members’ personal data are compromised, our operations could be adversely affected, our reputation could be harmed, and we could be subjected to litigation or the imposition of penalties. Pursuant to its authority to designate and issue shares of our stock as it deems appropriate, our board of directors may assign rights and privileges to currently undesignated shares which could adversely affect the rights of existing shareholders. Our authorized capital consists of 100,000,000 shares of capital stock. Our Board of Directors, without any action by the shareholders, may designate and issue shares in such classes or series (including classes or series of preferred stock) as it deems appropriate and establish the rights, preferences and privileges of such shares, including dividends, liquidation and voting rights. As of March 11, 2013, we had 7,522,899 shares of common stock outstanding. The rights of holders of preferred stock and other classes of common stock that may be issued could be superior to the rights granted to the current holders of our common stock. Our Board's ability to designate and issue such undesignated shares could impede or deter an unsolicited tender offer or takeover proposal. Further, the issuance of additional shares having preferential rights could adversely affect the voting power and other rights of holders of common stock. ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS None. 20 ITEM 2. PROPERTIES The development cost of our restaurants varies depending primarily on the size and style of the restaurant, whether the property is purchased or leased, and whether it is a conversion of an existing building or a newly constructed restaurant. We have 6,000 and 5,000 square foot packages that can be built as a free standing building, a 4,000 square foot model that most likely would be constructed as an end cap of a building and a 3,000 square foot design which would be constructed as a counter service location in an existing building or as a in-line location in a shopping center. Additionally, we offer lower cost conversion packages that provide our franchisees with the flexibility to build in cost effective formats, such as, opportunities to convert existing restaurants into a Famous Dave’s restaurant. In fiscal 2012, the company opened a 6,000 square foot full-service restaurant and a 3,600 square foot “Current Shack” style counter-service restaurant, both of which were conversions of other restaurant concepts. In 2012, several franchisees successfully converted restaurants from existing casual dining concepts. In 2011, the company opened a 5,400 square foot full-service restaurant and a 3,000 square foot “Current Shack” style counter-service restaurant, both of which were conversions of other restaurant concepts. In fiscal 2010, the company opened one 6,400 square foot restaurant that was also a conversion of another restaurant concept. We did not open any restaurants in 2009; however the restaurants we opened in 2006, 2007, and 2008 were approximately 6,000 square feet, ground up construction and had approximately 175 seats, with an additional 50 seats in the bar, and 32 additional seats on the patio, where available. Due to the flexibility and scalability of our concept, there are a variety of development opportunities available now and in the future. In 2013, we now expect to open 2 company-owned restaurants, and 10 to 12 franchise- operated restaurants. We are updating our estimate due to delays in lease executions and permitting as well as complexities associated with international growth. Our leased restaurant facilities are occupied under agreements with remaining terms ranging from 1 to 35 years, including renewal options. Such leases generally provide for fixed rental payments plus operating expenses associated with the properties. Several leases also require the payment of percentage rent based on net sales. Our executive offices are currently located in approximately 23,900 square feet in Minnetonka, Minnesota. In 2011, we negotiated a lease amendment for our executive offices which extends our lease to November 2018, with two five-year renewal options. The minimum annual rent commitment remaining over the lease term, including renewal options is approximately $4.8 million, net of sublease income. In 2010, in an effort to reduce general and administrative expense, we entered into a sublease for 2,100 square feet, in our executive office building, that will expire in August of 2013. Additionally, we have leased warehouse space to house our décor and recently executed a three lease extension for this property. 21 We believe that our properties will be suitable for our needs and adequate for operations for the foreseeable future. The following table sets forth certain information about our existing company-owned restaurant locations, as of December 30, 2012, sorted by opening date: Location 1 Roseville, MN (3) 2 Calhoun Square (Minneapolis, MN) 3 Maple Grove, MN 4 Highland Park (St. Paul, MN)(3) 5 Stillwater, MN 6 Apple Valley, MN(3) 7 Forest Lake, MN(3) 8 Minnetonka, MN 9 Plymouth, MN(3) 10 West Des Moines, IA 11 Des Moines, IA 12 Cedar Falls, IA 13 Bloomington, MN 14 Woodbury, MN 15 Lincoln, NE 16 Columbia, MD 17 Annapolis, MD 18 Frederick, MD 19 Woodbridge, VA 20 Addison, IL 21 North Riverside, IL 22 Sterling, VA 23 Oakton, VA 24 Laurel, MD 25 Richmond I (Richmond, VA) 26 Gaithersburg, MD 27 Richmond II (Richmond, VA) 28 Orland Park, IL 29 Virginia Commons, VA 30 Chantilly, VA 31 Florence, KY 32 Waldorf, MD 33 Coon Rapids, MN 34 Fredericksburg, VA 35 Owings Mills, MD 36 Bolingbrook, IL 37 Oswego, IL 38 Alexandria, VA 39 Algonquin, IL 40 Greenwood, IN 41 Salisbury, MD 42 Brick, NJ 43 May's Landing, NJ 44 Smithtown, NY 45 Westbury, NY 46 New Brunswick, NJ 47 Mountainside, NJ 48 Metuchen, NJ 49 Bel Air, MD 50 Falls Church, VA 51 Eden Prairie, MN(3) 52 Gainesville, VA 53 Evergreen Park, IL(3) Square Footage 4,800 10,500 6,100 5,200 5,200 3,800 4,500 5,500 2,100 5,700 5,800 5,400 5,400 5,900 6,200 7,200 6,800 5,600 6,000 5,000 4,700 5,800 4,400 5,200 5,400 5,000 5,200 5,400 5,600 6,400 5,900 6,600 6,300 6,500 6,700 6,600 6,600 6,600 6,000 5,700 5,400 5,200 6,400 6,400 6,400 7,200 8,800 6,200 6,360 5,430 2,980 6,000 3,600 Interior Seats 105 380 146 125 130 90 100 140 49 150 150 130 140 180 185 270 219 180 219 135 150 200 184 165 180 170 158 158 186 205 217 200 160 219 219 219 219 219 219 184 192 181 237 237 276 255 253 176 199 169 65 215 90 Owned or Leased Leased Leased Leased(1) Leased Leased(1) Leased(1) Leased Owned(2) Owned(2) Leased Leased Leased Leased Owned(2) Owned(2) Leased Leased Leased Leased Owned(2) Leased Leased Leased Leased Owned(2) Leased Owned(2) Leased Owned(2) Leased Leased Leased Owned(2) Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Leased Date Opened/Acquired June 1996 September 1996 April 1997 June 1997 July 1997 July 1997 October 1997 December 1997 December 1997 April 1998 April 1998 September 1998 October 1998 October 1998 December 1999 January 2000 January 2000 January 2000 January 2000 March 2000 August 2000 December 2000 May 2001 August 2001 December 2001 May 2002 June 2002 June 2002 June 2003 January 2006 January 2006 June 2006 December 2006 September 2007 November 2007 November 2007 December 2007 February 2008 September 2008 October 2008 October 2008 March 2010 March 2010 March 2010 March 2010 March 2010 March 2010 March 2010 August 2010 August 2011 December 2011 June 2012 November 2012 All seat count and square footage amounts are approximate. (1)Restaurant is collateral in a financing lease. (2)Restaurant land and building are owned by the Company. (3)Counter service restaurant 22 ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS From time-to-time, we are involved in various legal actions arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of our management, the ultimate dispositions of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position and results of operations. Currently, there are no significant legal matters pending. ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES Not Applicable. PART II ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES Market Information Our common stock has traded on the NASDAQ Stock Market since July 24, 1997 under the symbol DAVE. Currently, our common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Market. The following table summarizes the high and low sale prices per share of our common stock for the periods indicated, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market. Period 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 2012 2011 High Low High Low $ $ $ $ 11.75 12.08 10.98 10.00 $ $ $ $ 10.15 9.32 8.16 7.75 $ $ $ $ 12.20 10.17 11.05 10.45 $ $ $ $ 9.15 8.53 8.00 7.76 Holders As of March 5, 2013, we had approximately 345 shareholders of record and approximately 3,676 beneficial shareholders. Dividends Our Board of Directors has not declared any dividends on our common stock since our inception, and does not intend to pay out any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. We presently intend to retain all earnings, if any, to provide for our growth, reduce our debt levels, and repurchase our common stock. The payment of cash dividends in the future, if any, will be at the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon such factors as earnings levels, capital requirements, loan agreement restrictions, our financial condition and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors. Stock Performance Graph Below is a line-graph presentation that compares the cumulative, five-year return to the Company’s shareholders (based on appreciation of the market price of the Company’s common stock) on an indexed basis with (i) a broad equity market index and (ii) an appropriate published industry or line-of-business index, or Peer Group Index constructed by the Company. The following presentation compares the Company’s common stock price for the period from December 30, 2007 through December 30, 2012, to the S&P 500 Stock Index and to the S&P Small Cap Restaurant Index. The Company has elected to use the S&P Small Cap Restaurant Index in compiling its stock performance graph because it believes the S&P Small Cap Restaurant Index represents a comparison to competitors with similar market capitalization to the Company. 23 The presentation assumes that the value of an investment in each of the Company's common stock, the S&P 500 Index and S&P Small Cap Restaurants was $100 on December 30, 2007, and that any dividends paid were reinvested in the same security. COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN* Among Famous Dave's of America, Inc., the S&P 500 Index, and S&P Small Cap Restaurants $160 $140 $120 $100 $80 $60 $40 $20 $0 12/30/07 12/28/08 1/3/10 1/2/11 1/1/12 12/30/12 Famous Dave's of America, Inc. S&P 500 S&P Small Cap Restaurants *$100 invested on 12/30/07 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Fiscal year ending 12/30/12 with previous specific fiscal year ends at December 28, 2008; January 3, 2010, January 2, 2011 and January 1, 2012. Copyright© 2013 S&P, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved. Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer On November 4, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million shares of our common stock in both the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. On May 1, 2012 we completed the repurchase of all shares under this program for approximately $9.9 million at an average market price per share of $9.91, excluding commissions. On May 1, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million shares of our common stock in both the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. As of December 30, 2012, we had repurchased 323,862 shares under this program for approximately $3.4 million at an average market price per share of $10.49, excluding commissions. 24 The following table includes information about our share repurchases for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2012: Total Number of Shares Purchased Average Price Paid per Share(1) 45,513 (2) 29,972 (2) 72,234 (2) 40,508 (2) 10.56 10.82 11.29 11.46 Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publically Announced Plans or Programs 45,513 (2) 29,972 (2) 72,234 (2) 40,508 (2) 226,553 (2)(3) 10.21 226,553 (2)(3) 124,816 (3) 10.94 124,816 (3) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs 170,221(4) 140,249(4) 68,015(4) 27,507(4) 800,954(5) 676,138(5) 676,138(5) 676,138(5) 676,138(5) 676,138(5) 676,138(5) 676,138(5) Period Month #1 (January 2, 2012 – January 29, 2012) Month #2 (January 30, 2012 – February 26, 2012) Month #3 (February 27, 2012 – April 1, 2012) Month #4 (April 2, 2012 – April 29, 2012) Month #5 (April 30, 2012 – May 27, 2012) Month #6 (May 28, 2012 – July 1, 2012) Month #7 (July 2, 2012 – July 29, 2012) Month #8 (July 30, 2012 – August 26, 2012) Month #9 (August 27, 2012 – September 30, 2012) Month #10 (October 1, 2012 – October 28, 2012) Month #11 (October 29, 2012 – November 25, 2012) Month #12 (November 26, 2012 – December 30, 2012) (1)Excluding commissions. (2)Shares purchased under the 1.0 million share publically announced repurchase plan adopted November 4, 2010. (3)Shares purchased under the 1.0 million share publically announced repurchase plan adopted May1, 2012. (4)Reflects the maximum number of shares that may be purchased in the future under the publicly announced share repurchase plan adopted November 4, 2010. (5)Reflects the maximum number of shares that may be purchased in the future under the publicly announced share repurchase plan adopted May 1, 2012. 25 ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA The selected financial data presented below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included elsewhere in this Form 10-K, and in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” included elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The selected financial data as of and for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), January 1, 2012 (fiscal 2011), January 2, 2011, (fiscal 2010), January 3, 2010 (fiscal 2009), and December 28, 2008 (fiscal 2008) have been derived from our consolidated financial statements as audited by Grant Thornton LLP, independent registered public accounting firm. FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS FISCAL YEAR ($’s in 000’s, except per share data and average weekly sales) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA Revenue Asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs(2) Income from operations Income tax (expense) benefit Net income Basic net income per common share Diluted net income per common share BALANCE SHEET DATA (at year end) Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Long-term debt less current maturities(4) Total shareholders’ equity OTHER DATA Restaurant Sales: Company-owned Franchise-operated Number of restaurants open at year end: Company-owned restaurants Franchise-operated restaurants Total restaurants Company-owned comparable store Sales (decrease) increase (5) Average weekly sales: Company-owned restaurants Franchise-operated restaurants 2012 2011 2010 2009(1) 2008 $154,988 $154,811 $148,268 $136,018 $140,382 ($370) $6,213 ($805) $4,360 $0.58 $0.57 $2,074 $76,253 $22,105 $33,767 ($513) $9,396 ($2,764) $5,562 $0.70 $0.68 $1,148 $73,839 $20,451 $34,094 ($74) $11,983 ($3,796) $7,218 $0.84 (3) $0.82 (3) $2,654 $76,129 $23,497 $32,904 ($218) $10,514 ($2,989) $5,701 $0.63 $0.62 $2,996 $68,381 $17,990 $32,994 ($6,912) $2,030 $119 $389 $0.04 $0.04 $1,687 $73,401 $29,252 $26,184 $135,730 $361,109 $136,896 $355,338 $131,154 $340,454 $117,934 $358,696 $122,016 $355,946 53 135 188 54 133 187 52 130 182 45 132 177 47 123 170 (1.8)% 1.5% 0.7% (6.3)%(6) (2.0)% $49,172 $52,714 $50,216 $53,096 $49,187 $52,631 $48,197 $53,016 $50,685 $56,535 (1)Fiscal 2009 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal 2012, 2011, 2010 and 2008 all consisted of 52 weeks. (2)Fiscal 2012 primarily reflects closing costs for three company-owned restaurants. Fiscal 2011 primarily reflects impairment charges for three company-owned restaurants. Two of these are still operating and one has been closed. Fiscal 2009 primarily reflects closing costs for two company-owned restaurants. Fiscal 2008 reflects impairment charges for eight restaurants. Five of these have closed and three are still operating. (3)Reflects gain on acquisition of New York and New Jersey restaurants in March of 2010, of $0.15 per diluted share. (4)Long-term debt includes our line of credit. (5)Our comparable store sales includes company-owned restaurants that are open year round and have been open more than 24 months. (6)For purposes of computing comparable store sales, this computation assumes fiscal 2009 was a 52-week year. 26 ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS Certain statements contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All such forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to us as of the date of this Annual Report, and we assume no obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors may include, among others, those factors listed in Item 1A of and elsewhere in this Annual Report and our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with “Selected Financial Data” above (Item 6 of this Annual Report) and our financial statements and related footnotes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report. OVERVIEW Famous Dave's of America, Inc. was incorporated as a Minnesota corporation in March 1994 and opened its first restaurant in Minneapolis in June 1995. As of December 30, 2012, there were 188 Famous Dave’s restaurants operating in 34 states and 1 Canadian province, including 53 company-owned restaurants and 135 franchise-operated restaurants. An additional 62 franchise restaurants were committed to be developed through signed area development agreements as of December 30, 2012. Fiscal Year Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest December 31st of each year. Our fiscal year is generally 52 weeks; however it periodically consists of 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), January 1, 2012 (fiscal 2011), and January 2, 2011 (fiscal 2010) all consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2013, which ends on December 29, 2013, will consist of 52 weeks. Basis of Presentation – The financial results presented and discussed herein reflect our results and the results of our wholly-owned and majority-owned consolidated subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Application of Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates – The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations is based upon its financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amount of assets, liabilities and expenses, and related disclosures. On an on-going basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments. By their nature, these estimates and judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience, observance of trends in the industry, information provided by customers and other outside sources and on various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management believes the following critical accounting policies reflect its more significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Our Company’s significant accounting policies are described in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements included herein. We have discussed the development and selection of the following critical accounting estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors and the Audit Committee has reviewed our disclosures relating to such estimates in this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. Recognition of Franchise-Related Revenue – Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized when we have performed substantially all of our obligations as franchisor. Franchise royalties are recognized when earned. 27 Our franchise-related revenue consists of area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty payments. Our area development fee consists of a one-time, non-refundable payment equal to $10,000 per restaurant in consideration for the services we perform in preparation of executing each area development agreement. Substantially all of these services, which include, but are not limited to a meeting with the Famous Dave’s Executive Team and performing a potential franchise background investigation, are completed prior to our execution of the area development agreement and receipt of the corresponding area development fee. As a result, we recognize this fee in full upon receipt. Our initial, non-refundable, franchise fee is typically $30,000 to $40,000 per restaurant, of which $5,000 is recognized immediately when a franchise agreement is signed, reflecting the commission earned and expenses incurred related to the sale. The remaining non-refundable fee of $25,000 to $35,000 is included in deferred franchise fees and is recognized as revenue when we have performed substantially all of our obligations, which generally occurs upon the franchise entering into a lease agreement for the restaurant(s). In 2013, after our Franchise Disclosure Document is filed, we will be adjusting our franchise fee to $45,000. During fiscal 2012, to incentivize growth, we reduced the initial franchise fee by 50% for any partner who signed a franchise agreement and opened a “Current Shack” style counter service restaurant for that restaurant. The franchise agreement represents a separate and distinct earnings process from the area development agreements. Franchisees are also required to pay us a monthly royalty equal to a percentage of their net sales, which has historically varied from 4% to 5%. In general, new franchises pay us a monthly royalty of 5% of their net sales. Because of the continuing difficult economic environment and scarcity of capital for development, we offered a reduced royalty rate for twelve months from date of opening for franchisees that opened restaurants during fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2011, we modified and extended this growth incentive program. The modification offered new and existing franchisees reduced levels of franchise royalties, based on a sliding scale, for new restaurants opened during 2011. All franchise restaurants opened in the first, second, and third quarters paid a reduced royalty of 2.5%, 3%, and 4%, respectively, from the date of opening through the remainder of 2011. Any openings in the fourth quarter and beyond were at the 5% royalty rate. In 2012, there were no reduced royalty rate programs, and there will be no reduced royalty rate programs in fiscal 2013. Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs – We evaluate restaurant sites and long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of restaurant sites to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant site to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis. If a restaurant is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the restaurant site exceeds its fair value. Fair value is estimated based on the best information available including estimated future cash flows, expected growth rates in comparable restaurant sales, remaining lease terms and other factors. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to take additional impairment charges for the related assets. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. Restaurant sites that are operating, but have been previously impaired, are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Lease Accounting – We recognize lease expense for our operating leases over the entire lease term including lease renewal options where the renewal is reasonably assured and the build-out period takes place prior to the restaurant opening or lease commencement date. We account for construction allowances by recording a receivable when its collectability is considered probable, depreciating the leasehold improvements over the lesser of their useful lives or the full term of the lease, including renewal options and build-out periods, amortizing the construction allowance as a credit to rent expense over the full term of the lease, including renewal options and build-out periods, and relieving the receivable once the cash is obtained from the landlord for the construction allowance. We record rent expense during the build-out period and classify this expense as pre-opening expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. Liquor licenses - The Company owns transferable liquor licenses in jurisdictions with a limited number of authorized liquor licenses. These licenses were capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets and are included in intangible assets, net in our consolidated Balance Sheets (see note 5 to our financial statements) at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012. We annually review the liquor licenses for impairment and in fiscal 2012 and 2011, no impairment charges were required to be recorded. Additionally, the costs of obtaining non-transferable liquor licenses 28 that are directly issued by local government agencies for nominal fees are expensed as incurred. Annual liquor license renewal fees are expensed over the renewal term. Accounts Receivable, Net – We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts on accounts receivable based on historical losses and existing economic conditions, when relevant. We provide for a general bad debt reserve for franchise receivables due to increases in days’ sales outstanding and deterioration in general economic market conditions. This general reserve is based on the aging of receivables meeting specified criteria and is adjusted each quarter based on past due receivable balances. Additionally, we have periodically established a specific reserve on certain receivables as necessary. Any changes to the reserve are recorded in general and administrative expenses. The allowance for uncollectible accounts was approximately $236,000 and $18,000, at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively. In 2012, the increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts was primarily due to the receivable aging for two franchise partners. Accounts receivable are written off when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to the allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances written off have not exceeded allowances provided. We believe all accounts receivable in excess of the allowance are fully collectible. If accounts receivable in excess of provided allowances are determined uncollectible, they are charged to expense in the period that determination is made. Outstanding past due accounts receivable are subject to a monthly interest charge on unpaid balances which is recorded as interest income in our consolidated statements of operations. In assessing recoverability of these receivables, we make judgments regarding the financial condition of the franchisees based primarily on past and current payment trends, as well as other variables, including annual financial information, which the franchisees are required to submit to us. Stock-based compensation – We recognize compensation cost for share-based awards granted to team members based on their fair values at the time of grant over the requisite service period. Our pre-tax compensation cost for stock options and other incentive awards is included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 10 to our financial statements). Income Taxes – We provide for income taxes based on our estimate of federal and state income tax liabilities. These estimates include, among other items, effective rates for state and local income taxes, allowable tax credits for items such as taxes paid on reported tip income, estimates related to depreciation and amortization expense allowable for tax purposes, and the tax deductibility of certain other items. Our estimates are based on the information available to us at the time that we prepare the income tax provision. We generally file our annual income tax returns several months after our fiscal year-end. Income tax returns are subject to audit by federal, state, and local governments, generally years after the tax returns are filed. These returns could be subject to material adjustments or differing interpretations of the tax laws. Accounting for uncertain tax positions requires significant judgment including estimating the amount, timing, and likelihood of ultimate settlement. Although the Company believes that its estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. Additionally, uncertain positions may be re-measured as warranted by changes in facts or law. During 2012, we realized the benefit from the cumulative impact of tax credits for employee reported tips for the current year as well as four previous tax years that were amended, or in the case of fiscal 2011, initially filed. This resulted from a more precise calculation methodology for this tax credit, and will continue to benefit us in the future. Results of Operations Revenue – Our revenue consists of four components: company-owned restaurant sales, franchise-related revenue from royalties and franchise fees, licensing revenue from the retail sale of our sauces and rubs, and other revenue from the opening assistance we provide to franchise partners. We record restaurant sales at the time food and beverages are served. Our revenue recognition policies for franchising are discussed under “Recognition of Franchise-Related Revenue” above. Our franchise-related revenue consists of area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty payments. We record sales of merchandise items at the time items are delivered to the customer. We have a licensing agreement for our retail products, with renewal options of five years, subject to the licensee’s attainment of identified minimum product sales levels. Based on achievement of the required minimum product sales, the agreement will be in force until April 2015 at which time these levels will be re-evaluated. Periodically, we provide additional services, beyond the general franchise agreement, to our franchise operations, such as new restaurant training and décor installation services. The cost of these services is billed to the 29 respective franchisee, is recorded as other income when the service is provided, and is generally payable on net 30-day terms. Since 2010, the franchise agreements require a 50% deposit be paid in advance for these services. Costs and Expenses – Restaurant costs and expenses include food and beverage costs, operating payroll, team member benefits, restaurant level supervision, occupancy costs, repair and maintenance costs, supplies, advertising and promotion, and restaurant depreciation and amortization. Certain of these costs and expenses are variable and will increase or decrease with sales volume. The primary fixed costs are corporate and restaurant management salaries and occupancy costs. Our experience is that when a new restaurant opens, it incurs higher than normal levels of labor and food costs until operations stabilize, usually during the first 12-14 weeks of operation. As restaurant management and team members gain experience following a restaurant’s opening, labor scheduling, food cost management and operating expense control are improved to levels similar to those at our more established restaurants. General and Administrative Expenses – General and administrative expenses include all corporate and administrative functions that provide an infrastructure to support existing operations and support future growth. Salaries, bonuses, team member benefits, legal fees, accounting fees, consulting fees, travel, rent, and general insurance are major items in this category. We record expenses for Managers in Training (“MITs”) in this category for approximately six weeks prior to a restaurant opening. We also provide franchise services, the revenue of which are included in other revenue and the expenses of which are included in general and administrative expenses. The following table presents items in our consolidated statements of operations as a percentage of total revenue or net restaurant sales, as indicated, for the following fiscal years: Food and beverage costs(1) Labor and benefits(1) Operating expenses(1) Depreciation & amortization (restaurant level)(1) Depreciation & amortization (corporate level)(2) General and administrative(2) Asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs(1) Pre-opening expenses and net loss on disposal of property(1) Gain on acquisition, net of acquisition costs(1) Total costs and expenses(2) Income from operations(2) 2012 31.3% 32.6% 28.3% 4.0% 0.4% 10.9% 0.3% 0.4% --- 96.0% 4.0% 2011 2010 29.8% 31.5% 28.0% 3.7% 0.4% 10.6% 0.4% 0.3% --- 93.9% 6.1% 29.5% 31.5% 27.5% 3.8% 0.4% 10.9% 0.1% 0.2% (1.6)% 91.9% 8.1% *Data regarding our restaurant operations as presented in the table includes sales, costs and expenses associated with our Rib Team, which had a net loss of $69,000, $26,000 and $6,000, respectively, in fiscal years 2012, 2011 and 2010. Our Rib Team travels around the country introducing people to our brand of barbeque and building brand awareness. (1)As a percentage of restaurant sales, net (2)As a percentage of total revenue Fiscal Year 2012 Compared to Fiscal Year 2011 Total Revenue Total revenue of approximately $155.0 million for fiscal 2012 increased approximately $200,000, or 0.1%, from total revenue of $154.8 in fiscal 2011. Fiscal 2012 and 2011 both consisted of 52 weeks. 30 Restaurant Sales, net Restaurant sales for fiscal 2012 were approximately $135.7 million, compared to approximately $136.9 million for fiscal 2011 reflecting a 0.9% decrease. Total restaurant sales reflected a 1.8% comparable sales decrease and the closure of three company-owned restaurants. This was partially offset by the full year impact of two company-owned restaurants that opened in fiscal 2011, and the partial year impact of two company-owned restaurants that opened in fiscal 2012, as well as a weighted average price increase of approximately 2.85%. The overall 1.8% comparable sales decrease was, on a weighted basis, comprised of a 2.1% comparable sales decrease for dine-in sales which was partially offset by a comparable sales increase for catering of 0.3%, while To Go comparable sales remained flat. For fiscal 2012, off-premise sales were 33.4% of total sales, with catering at 10.5% and To Go at 22.9%. This compares to 2011’s off-premise sales of 32.0 % with catering at 9.9% and To Go at 22.1%. Finally, as a percentage of dine-in sales, our adult beverage sales at our company-owned restaurants were approximately 9.5% and 9.4% for fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. Franchise-Related Revenue Franchise-related revenue consists of royalty revenue and franchise fees, which includes initial franchise fees and area development fees. Franchise-related revenue was approximately $18.1 million for fiscal 2012, compared to $16.9 million for 2011. The increase in franchise-related revenue is primarily related to an increase in franchise fees which reflects a net increase of two franchise restaurants year over year partially offset by a comparable sales decrease of 2.0%. Ten new franchise restaurants opened in fiscal 2012 at higher sales volumes than the eight restaurants that closed. Additionally, while our committed units to be developed decreased by one unit year over year; it did reflect the execution of two significant area development agreements as well as several smaller agreements. Fiscal 2012 included 6,848 franchise operating weeks, compared to 6,691 franchise operating weeks in fiscal 2011. There were 135 franchise-operated restaurants open at December 30, 2012, compared to 133 at January 1, 2012. Licensing and Other Revenue Licensing revenue includes royalties from a retail line of business, including sauces, rubs, marinades and seasonings. Other revenue includes opening assistance and training we provide to our franchise partners. Licensing royalty revenue was approximately $731,000 for fiscal 2012 as compared to $702,000 for fiscal 2011. During fiscal 2013, as a result of continued growth in our restaurant base and expanded markets, we expect to see licensing revenue continue to increase beyond fiscal 2012 levels. Other revenue for fiscal 2012 was approximately $443,000 compared to approximately $282,000 for the comparable period of fiscal 2011. The increase was primarily due to an increase in the number of franchise openings and an increase in the opening assistance required. Same Store Net Sales It is our policy to include in our same store net sales base, restaurants that are open year round and have been open at least 24 months. Same store net sales for company-owned restaurants open at least 24 months ended December 30, 2012 decreased 1.8%, compared to fiscal 2011’s increase of 1.5%. For fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, there were 49 and 44 restaurants, respectively, included in the company-owned 24 month comparable sales base. Same store net sales on a 24 month basis for franchise-operated restaurants for fiscal 2012 decreased 2.0%, compared to fiscal 2011’s comparable sales which were flat to 2010’s sales. For fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, there were 107 and 102 restaurants, respectively, included in the franchise-operated 24 month comparable sales base. 31 Average Weekly Net Sales and Operating Weeks The following table shows company-owned and franchise-operated average weekly net sales for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011: Fiscal Years Ended December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Average Weekly Net Sales (AWS): Company-Owned Full-Service Counter-Service Franchise-Operated Food and Beverage Costs $ $ $ $ 49,172 50,963 35,454 52,714 $ $ $ $ 50,216 51,695 36,213 53,096 Food and beverage costs for fiscal 2012 were approximately $42.4 million or 31.3% of net restaurant sales compared to approximately $40.8 million or 29.8% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2011. This increase is primarily due to expected commodity cost increases combined with a shift in higher sales of lower-priced, lower-margin items compared to fiscal 2011. Additionally, we strategically slowed the progress of certain initiatives for further testing. These initiatives were intended to positively impact food costs in 2012; however, to ensure their long-term success, both in terms of dollar savings, as well as delivering a value proposition to our guests, they were delayed until fiscal 2013. For 2013, we currently anticipate a 2.0% year over year decline in dollars in our contracted food and beverage costs for comparable restaurants, based on what we have contracted to date and based on a projection of the remainder of the year. Late in 2012, we locked in a majority of our pork contracts for all of fiscal 2013 which positions us to capitalize on future savings should we see further opportunities in 2013 to blend and extend our contract into fiscal 2014. Additionally, we anticipate a decrease in the cost of our brisket and other items, such as hamburger, seafood, and French fries, which we expect will be partially offset by higher chicken prices year over year. Certain of our key proteins, such as chicken and brisket, have been contracted through the first quarter of 2013; and although our guidance reflects a projection of these, we are still negotiating final pricing for the remainder of 2013 on these items. With all indications pointing to a continuation of rising commodity prices across the industry, we plan on mitigating these price increases with a number of strategies. First, we anticipate taking a menu price increase of approximately 1.5% on selected menu items in April 2013, concurrent with our menu redesign. As we move through 2013, we will determine whether or not we will take an additional price increase later in the year based on greater insight obtained from our work with RMS, our menu pricing consultant. During 2013, we will also continue our strategy of growing our supplier network, particularly in the West. These new suppliers will allow us to optimize our freight costs because our restaurants will be closer to the distribution centers, thereby lowering freight costs across the rest of the system. Additionally, in 2013, we will transition to selling some of our key proteins in the same unit of measure we receive them, protecting us from the variability of size and weight for these key items. An example of this is selling wings “by weight” as opposed to “by the piece”. Although, this will not change portion sizes or the value delivered to our guest, it will allow us to standardize food costs by reducing the weight variations of the products we sell, and will open us up to bringing additional vendors into our system. Lastly, we will strategically manage menu mix and margin through key core-item promotions as well as through opportunistic commodity purchases of high margin items that make sense to our guests and can be inserted quickly into our promotional calendar. As a result of our contracts and initiatives, we anticipate food and beverage costs for fiscal 2013, as a percentage of net sales, to be approximately 120 to 125 basis points lower than fiscal 2012’s percentage. Labor and Benefits Costs Labor and benefits costs for fiscal 2012 were approximately $44.3 million or 32.6% of net restaurant sales, compared to approximately $43.2 million or 31.5% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2011. This increase was primarily due to higher direct labor costs, as well as higher medical claims, payroll taxes, and workers’ compensation premiums 32 year over year in addition to sales deleverage. For 2013, we expect labor and benefits costs as a percentage of sales, to be 30 to 35 basis points lower than fiscal 2012’s percentage, primarily due to a lower level of discounts year over year. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for fiscal 2012 were approximately $38.4 million or 28.3% of net restaurant sales, compared to approximately $38.4 million or 28.0% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2011. This increase was primarily due to sales deleverage partially offset by lower utility and repair and maintenance costs year over year. In fiscal 2012, advertising, as a percentage of sales, was approximately 3.4% which was flat to fiscal 2011. For fiscal 2013, due to a carryover of funds, the Company has decreased the Marketing Fund contribution system-wide, to 0.75% from 1.0% for fiscal 2012. We expect that advertising expense for 2013 will remain at approximately 3.4% of net sales, including the contribution to the Marketing Fund, with amounts saved from a lower ad fund contribution redeployed to support sales building efforts. We are projecting operating expenses as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2013 to be approximately 50 to 55 basis points lower than 2012’s percentage. The majority of this decline relates to decreased supply costs from a packaging initiative and an expected decline in other direct operating costs. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2012 and 2011 was approximately $6.0 million and $5.6 million, respectively, and was 3.9% and 3.6%, respectively, of total revenue due to a year over year increase in capital expenditures. For 2013, we expect depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of total revenue, to be 10 to 15 basis points lower than fiscal 2012’s percentage, primarily due to a lower level of discounts year over year. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses for fiscal 2012 were approximately $16.8 million or 10.9% of total revenue compared to approximately $16.5 million or 10.6% of total revenue for fiscal 2011. The increase is primarily due to additions and changes to our corporate infrastructure to support our lines of business strategy as well as a year over year increase in required franchise opening assistance. Additionally, 2012 did not contain a bonus accrual compared to fiscal 2011, which contained a bonus accrual of approximately $1.3 million. For fiscal 2012 and 2011, stock-based compensation and board of director cash compensation expense was approximately $1.7 million. Due to a higher average share price for the performance share programs vesting in fiscal 2013, and due to equity grants associated with hiring our new CEO, we anticipate stock-based compensation and board of director cash compensation to be approximately $2.3 million for fiscal 2013, as follows (in thousands): Performance Shares and Performance Stock Units $1,427 Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units $405 Board of Directors Shares and Cash Compensation $476 Total $2,308 For 2013, we expect general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue, to be approximately 150 to 155 basis points unfavorable to 2012’s percentage, primarily due to a 145 basis point increase for the full accrual for bonus achievement, and the previously mentioned personnel investments, particularly in areas that support growth. Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs We evaluate restaurant sites and long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of restaurant sites to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant site to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis. If a restaurant is determined to be impaired, the loss 33 is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the restaurant site exceeds its fair value. Fair value is estimated based on the best information available including estimated future cash flows, expected growth rates in comparable restaurant sales, remaining lease terms and other factors. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to take additional impairment charges for the related assets. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. Restaurant sites that are operating, but have been previously impaired, are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. Here is a summary of these events and situations for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011: 2012 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Various Vernon Hills, IL Various Total for 2012 Reason Costs for closed restaurants(1) Lease reserve(2) Other Amount $ $ 289 77 4 370 (1)The Company incurred various costs for closed restaurants primarily related to its Tulsa, OK, Vernon Hills, IL, and Yorktown, IL restaurants which closed in 2012. (2)The lease reserve equals the net present value of the remaining lease obligations for the Vernon Hills, IL restaurant, net of expected sublease income, equal to zero. 2011 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Various Gaithersburg, MD Calhoun, MN Tulsa, OK Various Total for 2011 Reason Costs for closed restaurants(1) Asset impairment(2) Asset impairment(3) Asset impairment(4) Other Amount 17 148 144 198 6 513 $ $ (1)The Company incurred various costs for previously closed restaurants, net of a recapture of accrued expenses for approximately $30,000, in Palatine, IL and Carpentersville, IL. (2)Based on the Company’s assessment of expected cash flows, an asset impairment charge was recorded for this restaurant which we expect to relocate within its existing market in the third quarter of 2013. (3)Based on the Company’s assessment of expected cash flows for this restaurant over the remainder of its respective lease term, an asset impairment charge was recorded. (4)In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into a purchase agreement for the sale of its Tulsa, OK restaurant for approximately $1.2 million. These assets had a net book value of approximately $1.4 million and were accounted for as held for sale and an impairment charge was recorded since the net book value of the assets exceeded the sale price. On March 2, 2012, these assets were sold. Pre-opening Expenses Pre-opening expenses consist of labor, food, utilities, training and rent costs incurred prior to the opening of a restaurant. Included in pre-opening costs is pre-opening rent for approximately 16 weeks prior to opening but this will vary based on lease terms. During fiscal 2012 and 2011, we had $474,000 and $412,000, respectively, of pre-opening expenses which included pre-opening rent and other pre-opening expenses. Pre-opening costs for 2013 are estimated to be approximately $523,000 for the opening of two company-owned restaurants. 34 Interest Expense Interest expense was approximately $1.1 million or 0.7% of total revenue for fiscal 2012 and 2011. Interest expense was flat compared to 2011 primarily due to lower balances on our term loan and financing lease obligations along with a lower weighted average interest rate on our term loan partially offset by a higher average balance and a higher weighted average interest rate on our line of credit. Interest Income Interest income was approximately $7,000 and $22,000 for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. Interest income reflects interest received on short-term cash and cash equivalent balances as well as on outstanding notes receivable and accounts receivable balances. The year over year decrease is due to the full recovery of outstanding notes receivable in fiscal 2012. Provision for Income Taxes For fiscal 2012, our tax provision was approximately $805,000, or 15.6% of income before income taxes, compared to the prior year comparable period of approximately $2.8 million, or 33.2% of income before income taxes. During 2012, we realized the benefit from the cumulative impact of tax credits for employee reported tips for the current year as well as four previous tax years that were amended. This resulted from a more precise calculation methodology for this tax credit, and will continue to benefit us in the future. We estimate an effective tax rate of approximately 29.0% for fiscal 2013. Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Net income for fiscal 2012 was approximately $4.4 million, or $0.58 per basic share and $0.57 per diluted share, on approximately 7,455,000 weighted average basic shares outstanding and approximately 7,650,000 weighted average diluted shares outstanding, respectively. Net income for fiscal 2011 was approximately $5.6 million, or $0.70 per basic share and $0.68 per diluted share, on approximately 7,972,000 weighted average basic shares outstanding and approximately 8,149,000 weighted average diluted shares outstanding, respectively. Fiscal Year 2011 Compared to Fiscal Year 2010 Total Revenue Total revenue of approximately $154.8 million for fiscal 2011 increased approximately $6.5 million, or 4.4%, from total revenue of $148.3 in fiscal 2010. Fiscal 2011 and 2010 both consisted of 52 weeks. Restaurant Sales, net Restaurant sales for fiscal 2011 were approximately $136.9 million, compared to approximately $131.2 million for fiscal 2010 reflecting a 4.4% increase. Total restaurant sales growth reflected the full year impact of the seven New York and New Jersey restaurants acquired March 3, 2010, two new company-owned restaurants opened during the third quarter and fourth quarter, respectively, and a comparable sales increase of 1.5%, which included a weighted average pricing impact of 2.6%. The 1.5% overall comparable sales increase was, on a weighted basis, comprised of a 0.3% comparable sales decrease for dine-in sales, which was completely offset by comparable sales increases of 1.1% and 0.7% for To Go and catering, respectively. For fiscal 2011, off-premise sales were 32.0% of total sales, with catering at 9.9% and To Go at 22.1%. This compares to 2010’s off-premise sales of 31.0%, with catering at 9.5% and To Go at 21.5%. Finally, as a percentage of dine-in sales, our adult beverage sales at our company-owned restaurants were approximately 9.4% and 9.0%, for fiscal 2011 and 2010, respectively. Franchise-Related Revenue Franchise-related revenue consists of royalty revenue and franchise fees, which includes initial franchise fees and area development fees. Franchise-related revenue was approximately $16.9 million for fiscal 2011, compared to $16.2 million for 2010. The increase in franchise related revenue was primarily related to an increase in franchise fees 35 which reflects a net increase of three franchise restaurants year over year and comparable sales results that were flat. Eight new franchise restaurants opened in fiscal 2011 and five restaurants closed. Fiscal 2011 included 6,691 franchise operating weeks, compared to 6,458 franchise operating weeks in fiscal 2010. There were 133 franchise-operated restaurants open at January 1, 2012, compared to 130 at January 2, 2011. Licensing and Other Revenue Licensing revenue includes royalties from a retail line of business, including sauces, rubs, marinades and seasonings. Licensing royalty revenue was approximately $702,000 for fiscal 2011 as compared to $595,000 for fiscal 2010. Other revenue includes opening assistance and training we provide to our franchise partners. Other revenue for fiscal 2011 was approximately $282,000 compared to approximately $272,000 for the comparable period of fiscal 2010 which remained essentially flat due to a similar number of franchise-operated restaurants that opened during fiscal 2011 compared to fiscal 2010. Same Store Net Sales It is our policy to include in our same store net sales base, restaurants that are open year round and have been open at least 24 months. Same store net sales for company-owned restaurants open at least 24 months ended January 1, 2012 increased 1.5%, compared to fiscal 2010’s increase of 0.7%. For fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, there were 44 and 40 restaurants, respectively, included in the company-owned 24 month comparable sales base. Same store net sales on a 24 month basis for franchise-operated restaurants for fiscal 2011 were flat to the prior year. In fiscal 2010, comparable sales declined 0.8%. For fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, there were 102 and 94 restaurants, respectively, included in the franchise-operated 24 month comparable sales base. Neither franchise- operated comparable sales nor company-owned comparable sales included the results of the seven franchise restaurants acquired in March of 2010. These restaurants entered the full year company-owned comparable sales base in 2012. Average Weekly Net Sales and Operating Weeks The following table shows company-owned and franchise-operated average weekly net sales for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010: Average Weekly Net Sales (AWS): Company-Owned Full-Service Counter-Service Franchise-Operated Food and Beverage Costs Fiscal Years Ended January 1, 2012 January 2, 2011 $ $ $ $ 50,216 51,695 36,213 53,096 $ $ $ $ 49,187 50,760 34,697 52,631 Food and beverage costs for fiscal 2011 were approximately $40.8 million or 29.8% of net restaurant sales compared to approximately $38.8 million or 29.5% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2010. This increase was primarily due to expected commodity cost increases and higher levels of discounting during the fourth quarter of 2011 as compared to prior year. Labor and Benefits Costs Labor and benefits for fiscal 2011 were approximately $43.2 million or 31.5% of net restaurant sales, compared to approximately $41.4 million or 31.5% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2010. Labor and benefits, as a percentage of restaurant sales, were flat year over year due to additional staffing required to support the fourth quarter programs. 36 This increase was completely offset by savings from operating below our full manager matrix and favorable healthcare claims experience. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for fiscal 2011 were approximately $38.4 million or 28.0% of net restaurant sales, compared to approximately $36.1 million or 27.5% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2010. This year over year increase was primarily related to increased occupancy costs related to the full year impact of the New York and New Jersey restaurants, as well as higher supply and advertising costs. These increases were partially offset by lower utility costs. In fiscal 2011, advertising, as a percentage of sales, was approximately 3.4% compared to 3.2% for the prior year, primarily due to the increase in the Marketing Fund contribution from 0.5% for 2010 to 0.75% for 2011 and the resulting deployment of the additional funds. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2011 and 2010 was approximately $5.6 million and $5.5 million, respectively, and was 3.6% and 3.7%, respectively, of total revenue. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses for fiscal 2011 were approximately $16.5 million or 10.6% of total revenue compared to approximately $16.2 million or 10.9% of total revenue for fiscal 2010. This percentage decrease was primarily due to revenue leverage and a reduction in our bonus accrual. General and administrative expenses as a percent of total revenue, excluding stock-based compensation and board of directors’ cash compensation, were 9.6% for fiscal 2011 and 10.0% for fiscal 2010. Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs We evaluate restaurant sites and long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of restaurant sites to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant site to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis. If a restaurant is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the restaurant site exceeds its fair value. Fair value is estimated based on the best information available including estimated future cash flows, expected growth rates in comparable restaurant sales, remaining lease terms and other factors. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to take additional impairment charges for the related assets. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. Restaurant sites that are operating, but have been previously impaired, are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. 37 Here is a summary of these events and situations for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010: 2011 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Various Gaithersburg, MD Calhoun, MN Tulsa, OK Various Total for 2011 Reason Costs for closed restaurants(1) Asset impairment(2) Asset impairment(3) Asset impairment(4) Other Amount 17 148 144 198 6 513 $ $ (1)The Company incurred various costs for previously closed restaurants, net of a recapture of accrued expenses for approximately $30,000, in Palatine, IL and Carpentersville, IL. (2)Based on the Company’s assessment of expected cash flows, an asset impairment charge was recorded for this restaurant which we expect to relocate within its existing market in the third quarter of 2013. (3)Based on the Company’s assessment of expected cash flows for this restaurant over the remainder of its respective lease term, an asset impairment charge was recorded. (4)In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into a purchase agreement for the sale of its Tulsa, OK restaurant for approximately $1.2 million. These assets had a net book value of approximately $1.4 million and were accounted for as held for sale and an impairment charge was recorded since the net book value of the assets exceeded the sale price. On March 2, 2012, these assets were sold. 2010 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Various Palatine, IL Atlanta, GA Various Total for 2010 Reason Costs for closed restaurants(1) Lease reserve(2) Gain on lease terminations(3) Other Amount 68 88 (84) 2 74 $ $ (1)The Company incurred costs for closed restaurants which primarily related to its Palatine, IL restaurant which was closed in 2010. (2)The lease reserve equals the net present value of the remaining lease obligations for the Palatine, IL restaurant at its closure date, net of expected sublease income, equal to zero. (3)During 2010, the Company negotiated lease buyouts for its Marietta, GA location. Total termination fees were approximately $506,000 less lease reserve of approximately $590,000 for a net gain of approximately $84,000. Pre-opening Expenses Pre-opening expenses consist of labor, food, utilities, training and rent costs incurred prior to the opening of a restaurant. Included in pre-opening costs is pre-opening rent for approximately 16 weeks prior to opening but this will vary based on lease terms. During fiscal 2011 and 2010, we had $412,000 and $300,000, respectively, of pre-opening expenses which included pre-opening rent and other pre-opening expenses. Interest Expense Interest expense was approximately $1.1 million or 0.7% of total revenue for fiscal 2011 and approximately $1.1 million or 0.8% of total revenue for fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2011, interest expense decreased year over year due to lower average debt balances. 38 Interest Income Interest income was approximately $22,000 and $171,000 for fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. Interest income reflects interest received on short-term cash and cash equivalent balances and on outstanding notes and accounts receivable balances. This decrease was due to several notes receivable primarily being fully paid in fiscal 2010. Provision for Income Taxes For fiscal 2011, our tax provision was approximately $2.8 million, or 33.2% of income before income taxes, compared to the prior year comparable period of approximately $3.8 million, or 34.5% of income before income taxes. The decrease in the effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 was primarily due to the settlement of certain tax adjustments proposed during the federal audit of the 2008 and 2009 tax years and the increased impact that employee-related tax credits. Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Net income for fiscal 2011 was approximately $5.6 million, or $0.70 per basic share and $0.68 per diluted share, on approximately 7,972,000 weighted average basic shares outstanding and approximately 8,149,000 weighted average diluted shares outstanding, respectively. Net income for fiscal 2010 was approximately $7.2 million, or $0.84 per basic share and $0.82 per diluted share, on approximately 8,620,000 weighted average basic shares outstanding and approximately 8,784,000 weighted average diluted shares outstanding, respectively. Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 30, 2012, our Company held unrestricted cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2.1 million compared to approximately $1.1 million as of January 1, 2012. Our cash balance reflects net borrowings of $2.6 million on our line of credit, the use of approximately $5.9 million for the repurchase of common stock, including commissions, and the purchases of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements for approximately $6.7 million. The cash expenditures were partially offset by net cash flows from operations and proceeds from the sale of restaurant assets of $1.2 million. Our current ratio, which measures our immediate short-term liquidity, was 1.02 at December 30, 2012, compared to 0.81 at January 1, 2012. The current ratio is computed by dividing total current assets by total current liabilities. The change in our current ratio was primarily due to an increase in cash and cash equivalents and prepaid expenses predominately due to an increase in prepaid taxes as a result of previously amended tax returns. Additionally, accrued compensation and benefits decreased year over year due to no corporate bonus accrual in 2012 and partially offset by an increase in accounts payable. As is true with most restaurant companies, we often operate in a negative working capital environment due to the fact that we receive cash up front from customers and then pay our vendors on a delayed basis. Net cash provided by operations for each of the last three fiscal years was approximately $9.6 million in fiscal 2012, $11.9 million in fiscal 2011, and $13.9 million in fiscal 2010. Cash generated in fiscal 2012 was primarily from net income of approximately $4.4 million, depreciation and amortization of approximately $6.0 million, an increase in accounts payable of approximately $1.6 million, stock-based compensation of $1.3 million, an increase in tax benefit for equity awards issued of approximately $990,000, and an increase in deferred rent of approximately $912,000. These net increases were partially offset by a decrease in accrued compensation and benefits of approximately $2.4 million, a decrease in other liabilities of $1.4 million, and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of approximately $1.0 million. Cash generated in fiscal 2011 was primarily from net income of approximately $5.6 million, depreciation and amortization of approximately $5.6 million, stock-based compensation of $1.3 million, an increase in deferred rent of approximately $911,000, an increase in deferred taxes of approximately $659,000, a decrease in prepaid expenses of approximately $604,000 and asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs of $513,000. These net increases were partially offset by an approximate $2.0 million decrease in accounts payable and a decrease of $740,000 in other current liabilities. 39 Cash generated in fiscal 2010 was primarily from net income of approximately $7.2 million, depreciation and amortization of approximately $5.5 million, an increase in deferred taxes of approximately $1.2 million, stock-based compensation of $1.1 million and an increase in the use of restricted cash of $533,000. These net increases were partially offset by an approximate $2.3 million gain on the acquisition of seven restaurants and an approximate $531,000 decrease in accrued liabilities. Net cash used for investing activities for each of the last three fiscal years was approximately $5.5 million in fiscal 2012, $5.1 million in fiscal 2011, and $11.8 million in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2012, we used approximately $6.7 million for capital expenditures for the construction of two new company-owned restaurants, continued investment in, and remodeling projects for our existing restaurants and various corporate infrastructure projects. This was partially offset by $1.2 million in proceeds from the sale of restaurant assets. In fiscal 2011, we used approximately $5.5 million for capital expenditures for the construction of two new company-owned restaurants, continued investment in, and remodeling projects for our existing restaurants and various corporate infrastructure projects. In fiscal 2010, we used approximately $5.3 million for capital expenditures and $6.8 million for the acquisition of the seven New York and New Jersey restaurants. The capital expenditures were primarily for continued investment in, and remodeling projects for our existing restaurants, including approximately $364,000 for the New York and New Jersey restaurants, as well as for the conversion of a new company-owned restaurant, and various corporate infrastructure projects. We expect total 2013 capital expenditures to be approximately $7.1 million, primarily reflecting two new restaurant openings, continued investments in our existing restaurants, including a significant remodeling project, and continued investments in corporate infrastructure systems. Net cash used for financing activities was approximately $3.2 million in fiscal 2012, $8.2 million in fiscal 2011, and $2.5 million in fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2012, we had draws on our line of credit of approximately $30.4 million and had repayments of approximately $27.8 million. The maximum balance on our line of credit during fiscal 2012 was $16.2 million. Additionally, we used approximately $5.9 million to repurchase approximately 541,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of $10.68 per share, excluding commissions. In fiscal 2011, we had draws on our line of credit of approximately $28.6 million and had repayments of approximately $30.6 million. The maximum balance on our line of credit during fiscal 2011 was $16.0 million. Additionally, we used approximately $5.7 million to repurchase approximately 610,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of $9.42 per share, excluding commissions. In fiscal 2010, we had draws on our line of credit of approximately $20.5 million and had repayments of approximately $21.0 million. The maximum balance on our line of credit during fiscal 2010 was $16.0 million. Additionally, we used approximately $8.7 million to repurchase approximately 1.1 million shares of our common stock at an average price of $8.18 per share, excluding commissions. We are still under a stock repurchase authorization, and our three primary uses for capital will be to grow our system, and reduce our debt levels, and when appropriate, repurchase our shares. The Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively known as the “Borrower”) currently have a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender (the “Lender”). The Credit Agreement was amended on November 1, 2012 and will expire on July 5, 2016, and contains a $30.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) with an opportunity, subject to the Company meeting identified covenants and elections, to increase the commitment to $50.0 million, and a term loan (the “Term Loan”). Principal amounts outstanding under the Facility bear interest either at an adjusted Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin or at a Base Rate plus an applicable margin. The Base Rate is defined in the Credit Agreement as the greater of the Federal Funds Rate (0.25% at December 30, 2012) plus 0.5% or Wells Fargo’s prime rate (3.25% at December 30, 2012). The applicable margin will depend on the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio, as defined, at the end of the previous quarter and will range from 1.50% to 2.50% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and from 0.00% to 1.00% for Base Rate Loans. Unused portions of the Facility will be subject to an unused Facility fee which will be equal to either 0.25% or 0.375% of the unused portion, depending on the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio. Our rate for the unused portion of the Facility as of December 30, 2012, was 0.375%. An increase option exercise fee will apply to increased amounts between $30.0 and $50.0 million. Our current weighted average rate for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was 2.82% and 2.72%, respectively. The Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Borrower with respect to indebtedness, liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, 40 dispositions of assets and transactions with affiliates of the Borrower, among others. The Facility also includes various financial covenants that have maximum target capital expenditures, cash flow ratios, and adjusted leverage ratios. If the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00, an additional covenant applies that limits the maximum royalty receivable aged past 30 days. In addition, capital expenditure limits include permitted stock repurchase limits (limited to $10.0 million in aggregate during any 12 month period, and $30.0 million in aggregate during the term of the agreement). The Credit Agreement currently provides for up to $3.0 million in letters of credit to be used by the Company, with any amounts outstanding reducing our availability for general corporate purchases, and also allows for the termination of the Facility by the Borrower without penalty at any time. At December 30, 2012 we had $13.6 million in borrowings under this Facility, and had approximately $620,000 in letters of credit for real estate locations. As of December 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all of our covenants after we obtained an amendment to our credit facility on March 14, 2013. If the bank were to call the Facility prior to expiration, the Company believes there are multiple options available to obtain other sources of financing. Although possibly at different terms, the Company believes there would be other lenders available and willing to finance a new credit facility. However, if replacement financing were unavailable to us, termination of the Facility without adequate replacement would have a material and adverse impact on our ability to continue our business operations. We expect to use any borrowings under the Credit Agreement for general working capital purchases as needed. Under the Facility, the Borrower has granted the Lender a security interest in all current and future personal property of the Borrower. Contractual Obligations (In thousands) Payments Due by Period (including interest) Long Term Debt(1) Financing Leases Line of Credit(2) Operating Lease Obligations Sublease Income Total $ Total 6,157 4,237 13,600 144,969 (26) $ 168,937 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Thereafter $ 908 647 --- 6,000 (26) $ 907 653 --- 6,154 --- $ 897 673 --- 6,251 --- $ 3,445 $ 680 13,600 5,988 --- --- 700 --- 6,036 --- $ --- 884 --- 114,540 --- $ 7,529 $ 7,714 $ 7,821 $ 23,713 $ 6,736 $ 115,424 (1)This is variable interest rate debt and the interest expense assumption was based on projected interest rates ranging from 4.0% to 6.8% over the term of the loan at December 30, 2012. (2)The Company pays interest on the outstanding line balance in accordance with the terms contained in our Credit Facility (see note 8 to our financial statements and appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report). However, the Company has excluded interest payments from this commitment table because it uses the Line of Credit for working capital purposes, as such, it will periodically draw upon and partially repay the line of credit throughout any given year. This results in fluctuations in the annual outstanding balance, therefore, making it difficult to accurately estimate future principal balances and interest payments as of December 30, 2012. Additionally, the Company is contractually required to repay the balance at maturity, July 5, 2016. See Notes 8 and 9 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of our contractual obligations. Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements Our Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements (as such term is defined in Item 303 of regulation S-K) that are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition or changes in financial condition, operating results, or liquidity. 41 Income Taxes In 2012, we had cumulative state net operating loss carry-forwards for tax reporting purposes of approximately $38.5 million for state purposes, which if not used, will begin to expire in fiscal 2020. This amount may be adjusted when we file our fiscal 2012 income tax returns in 2013. Inflation The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations include food, beverage, and labor costs. In addition, our leases require us to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs and utilities and these costs are subject to inflationary increases. In some cases, some of our lease commitments are tied to consumer price index (CPI) increases. We are also subject to interest rate changes based on market conditions. We believe that increasing inflation rates have contributed to some price instability. There is no assurance, however, that inflation rates will continue at their current levels or decrease. Item 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK Our Company’s financial instruments include cash and cash equivalents and long-term debt. Our Company includes as unrestrictive cash and cash equivalents, investments with original maturities of three months or less when purchased and which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash. Our Company’s unrestricted cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the short maturities of these instruments. We have no derivative financial instruments or derivative commodity instruments in our cash and cash equivalents. The total outstanding long-term debt of all our Company as of December 30, 2012 was approximately $22.1 million, including our line of credit, our term loan with Wells Fargo and financing lease obligations. The terms of our credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender are discussed above under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources.” Some of the food products purchased by us are affected by commodity pricing and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, production problems, delivery difficulties and other factors that are outside our control. To control this risk in part, we have fixed-price purchase commitments for food from vendors. In addition, we believe that substantially all of our food is available from several sources, which helps to control food commodity risks. We now have secondary and in some cases tertiary source suppliers for key items in order to protect the supply chain and to ensure a more fair and competitive pricing environment. We believe we have some ability to increase menu prices, or vary the menu options offered, if needed, in response to a food product price increase. ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA The consolidated financial statements of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. are included herein, beginning on page F-1. ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE None. ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES Disclosure Controls and Procedures Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we conducted an evaluation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as such term is defined under Rule 13a-15(e) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, as of the end of the period 42 covered by this report. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of such date our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Our management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 30, 2012. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management has concluded that, as of December 30, 2012, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria. Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Famous Dave's of America have been detected. Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recently-completed fiscal quarter ended December 30, 2012 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal controls over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION On March 14, 2013, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively with the Company as the "Borrower") entered into a Third Amendment (the "Amendment") to the Company's Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender (the "Lender") ("Credit Agreement"). As described elsewhere in this report, the Credit Agreement provides for loans consisting of a revolving credit facility of $30.0 million, with an opportunity, subject to the Company meeting identified covenants and elections, to increase the amount to $50.0 million (the "Facility"), a term loan (the "Term Loan") and up to $3.0 million of letters of credit which reduce the availability of the Facility. At December 30, 2012, the principal amount outstanding under the Facility and the Term Loan was $13.6 million and $5.4 million, respectively, along with approximately $620,000 in letters of credit for real estate locations. The Borrower has granted the Lender a security interest in all of the Borrower's current and future personal property to secure obligations under the Credit Agreement. The facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type, including financial covenants. Pursuant to the Amendment, the parties amended a financial covenant relating to the Company's percentage of aged franchise royalties receivable. The foregoing description of the Amendment does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the Amendment itself, a copy of which is filed as Exhibit 10.11 to this report and incorporated herein by reference. The benefits of the representations and warranties set forth in the Amendment are intended to be relied upon by the parties to the Amendment only, and do not constitute continuing representations and warranties of the Borrower to any other party or for any other purpose. On March 14, 2013, the Company's Compensation Committee approved amendments to the target amounts of annual incentive cash bonus and long-term equity incentive compensation that Christopher O'Donnell, the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, is eligible to receive under his employment arrangement with the Company. As amended, the target amount of cash bonus that Mr. O'Donnell is eligible to receive under the Company's annual incentive compensation (bonus) plan and the target grant amount under the Company's long-term equity incentive compensation plan are equal to 75% of his base salary. The target amount of cash bonus is in effect for the 2013 fiscal year and the target grant amount under the long-term equity incentive compensation plan will be in effect for fiscal 2014. Each is reduced from 100% of base salary previously. Mr. O'Donnell's annualized base salary of $400,000 remains unchanged. 43 PART III ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE OF THE REGISTRANT Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-K. The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics specifically applicable to its CEO, COO, CFO and Key Financial & Accounting Management. In addition, there is a more general Code of Ethics applicable to all team members. The Code of Ethics is available on our website at www.famousdaves.com and a copy is available free of charge to anyone requesting it. ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-K. ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans The Company maintains the 1995 Stock Option and Compensation Plan (the “Management Plan”), the 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan (the “Employee Plan”), the 1998 Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”) and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). We have also granted stock incentives outside of these equity compensation plans in limited situations. The Management Plan prohibits the granting of incentives after December 29, 2005, the tenth anniversary of the date the Management Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders. Similarly, the Employee Plan prohibits the granting of incentives after June 24, 2007, the tenth anniversary of the date the Employee Plan was approved by the Company’s board of directors. The Director Plan prohibits the granting of incentives after June 10, 2008, the tenth anniversary of the date the Director Plan was approved by the Company’s shareholders. As such, no further grants of incentives may be made under the Management Plan, the Employee Plan or the Director Plan. Nonetheless, these plans will remain in effect until all outstanding incentives granted there-under have either been satisfied or terminated. The purpose of the 2005 Plan, is to increase shareholder value and to advance the interests of the Company by furnishing a variety of economic incentives designed to attract, retain and motivate team members (including officers), certain key consultants and directors of the Company. Under the 2005 Plan, an aggregate of 228,429 shares of our Company’s common stock remained unreserved and available for issuance at December 30, 2012. The Management Plan, the Director Plan and the 2005 Plan have each been approved by the Company’s shareholders. The Employee Plan was not submitted for approval to the Company’s shareholders. The following table sets forth certain information as of December 30, 2012 with respect to the Management Plan, the Employee Plan, the Director Plan and the 2005 Plan. 44 Number of Securities to be Issued Upon Exercise of Outstanding Options Warrants and Rights (A) Weighted- Average Exercise Price of Outstanding Options, Warrants and Rights (B) Number of Securities Remaining Available for Future Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans (Excluding Securities Reflected in Column (A)) (C) 40,000 50,000 492,990 582,990 $ $ $ $ 6.15 6.96 10.98 6.83 7,125 590,115 $ $ 6.35 6.79 --- --- 228,429 228,429 --- 228,429 Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders: 1995 Stock Option and Compensation Plan 1998 Director Stock Option Plan 2005 Stock Incentive Plan(1) TOTAL Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders: 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan TOTAL (1)The number of securities reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding awards granted under the 2005 Plan includes 412,990 performance shares, 75,000 restricted shares, and 5,000 stock options. Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-K. ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-K. ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES Information in response to this Item is incorporated herein by reference to our definitive proxy statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form 10-K. 45 PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Documents filed as part of this Form 10-K: Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – Years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012 and January 2, 2011 Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements Financial Statement Schedule: Schedule II. Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Exhibits: See "exhibit index" on the page following the consolidated financial statements and related footnotes and the signature page to this Form 10-K 46 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Board of Directors and Shareholders Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (a Minnesota corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2012. Our audits of the basic consolidated financial statements included the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15. These financial statements and financial statement schedule are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedule based on our audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, 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, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. and subsidiaries as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 30, 2012, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic consolidated financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein. /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota March 15, 2013 F-1 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 30, 2012 AND JANUARY 1, 2012 (in thousands, except per-share data) ASSETS December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Accounts receivable, net Inventories Deferred tax asset Prepaid expenses and other current assets Notes receivable Total current assets Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net Other assets: Intangible assets, net Other assets $ $ 2,074 $ 689 3,427 2,760 596 2,800 --- 12,346 1,148 275 3,430 2,754 247 1,765 60 9,679 60,429 60,972 2,815 663 76,253 $ 2,841 347 73,839 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt and financing lease obligations Accounts payable Accrued compensation and benefits Other current liabilities $ Total current liabilities Long-term liabilities: Line of credit Long-term debt, less current portion Financing lease obligations, less current portion Deferred tax liability Other liabilities Total liabilities Shareholders’ equity: Common stock, $.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 7,514 and 7,707 shares issued and outstanding at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 respectively Additional paid-in capital Retained earnings Total shareholders’ equity $ 946 $ 3,640 3,511 4,020 12,117 13,600 4,703 3,802 1,231 7,033 42,486 73 1,188 32,506 33,767 76,253 $ 904 1,940 4,696 4,397 11,937 11,000 5,383 4,068 1,147 6,210 39,745 77 5,871 28,146 34,094 73,839 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-2 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2012, JANUARY 1, 2012, AND JANUARY 2, 2011 (in thousands, except per share data) Revenue: Restaurant sales, net Franchise royalty revenue Franchise fee revenue Licensing and other revenue Total revenue Costs and expenses: Food and beverage costs Labor and benefits costs Operating expenses Depreciation and amortization General and administrative expenses Asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs Pre-opening expenses Gain on acquisition, net of acquisition costs Net loss on disposal of property Total costs and expenses Income from operations Other expense: Interest expense Interest income Other expense, net Total other expense Income before income taxes Income tax expense Net income Basic net income per common share Diluted net income per common share Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 January 2, 2011 $ $ $ $ 135,730 17,354 730 1,174 154,988 42,431 44,257 38,364 6,000 16,849 370 474 --- 30 148,775 $ 136,896 16,611 320 984 154,811 40,829 43,170 38,398 5,616 16,463 513 412 --- 14 145,415 $ 131,154 15,902 345 867 148,268 38,754 41,352 36,107 5,547 16,165 74 300 (2,036) 22 136,285 6,213 9,396 11,983 (1,050) 7 (5) (1,048) 5,165 (805) 4,360 0.58 0.57 7,455 7,650 $ $ $ (1,085) 22 (7) (1,070) 8,326 (2,764) 5,562 0.70 0.68 7,972 8,149 $ $ $ (1,140) 171 --- (969) 11,014 (3,796) 7,218 0.84 0.82 8,620 8,784 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-3 FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2012, JANUARY 1, 2012, AND JANUARY 2, 2011 (in thousands) Balance - January 3, 2010 Exercise of stock options Tax benefit for equity awards issued Common stock issued Performance shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes incurred Repurchase of common stock Stock-based compensation Deferred compensation Net income Balance - January 2, 2011 Exercise of stock options Tax benefit for equity awards issued Common stock issued Performance shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes incurred Repurchase of common stock Stock-based compensation Deferred compensation Net income Balance - January 1, 2012 Exercise of stock options Tax benefit for equity awards issued Common stock issued Performance shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes incurred Repurchase of common stock Stock-based compensation Deferred compensation Net income Common Stock Shares Amount Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Total 9,202 $ 92 $ 17,536 $ 15,366 $ 32,994 93 --- 26 (9) (1,067) --- --- --- 1 --- --- --- (11) --- --- --- 351 62 --- (68) (8,735) 861 231 --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 7,218 352 62 --- (68) (8,746) 861 231 7,218 8,245 $ 82 $ 10,238 $ 22,584 $ 32,904 41 --- 40 (9) (610) --- --- --- --- --- 1 --- (6) --- --- --- 128 80 153 (82) (5,753) 1,183 (76) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 5,562 128 80 154 (82) (5,759) 1,183 (76) 5,562 7,707 $ 77 $ 5,871 $ 28,146 $ 34,094 33 --- 414 (101) (539) --- --- --- --- --- 2 --- (6) --- --- --- 22 990 1,464 (1,189) (5,768) 1,096 (1,298) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- 4,360 22 990 1,466 (1,189) (5,774) 1,096 (1,298) 4,360 Balance - December 30, 2012 7,514 $ 73 $ 1,188 $ 32,506 $ 33,767 See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-4 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 30, 2012, JANUARY 1, 2012, AND JANUARY 2, 2011 (in thousands) December 30, January 1, January 2, 2012 2012 2011 $ 4,360 $ 5,562 $ 7,218 Cash flows from operating activities: Net income Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash flows provided by operations: Depreciation and amortization Amortization of deferred financing costs Net loss on disposal of property Gain on acquisition of restaurants Asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs Inventory reserve Deferred income taxes Deferred rent Stock-based compensation Tax benefit for equity awards issued Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition: Restricted cash Accounts receivable, net Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Deposits Accounts payable Accrued compensation and benefits Other current liabilities Long-term deferred compensation Cash flows provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Payments received on notes receivable Proceeds from the sale of restaurant assets Payments for acquired restaurants Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements Purchases of intangible assets Issuance of note receivable Cash flows used for investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: Proceeds from long-term debt Proceeds from draws on line of credit Payments on line of credit Payments for debt issuance costs Payments on long-term debt and financing lease obligations Proceeds from exercise of stock options Tax benefit for equity awards issued Repurchase of common stock Cash flows used for financing activities Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year 6,000 21 30 --- 370 72 (265) 912 1,264 990 (414) (304) (134) (1,043) 47 1,601 (2,383) (1,462) (36) 9,626 60 1,200 --- (6,712) (21) --- (5,473) --- 30,400 (27,800) (62) (905) 22 990 (5,872) (3,227) 926 1,148 5,616 59 14 --- 513 6 659 911 1,259 80 (181) (333) (310) 604 19 (2,042) 208 (740) (52) 11,852 378 --- --- (5,506) --- --- (5,128) --- 28,600 (30,600) (96) (680) 128 80 (5,662) (8,230) (1,506) 2,654 1,148 $ 5,547 56 22 (2,343) 74 8 1,161 671 1,092 62 533 (83) (153) (478) (6) (70) 1 470 102 13,884 428 --- (6,822) (5,296) --- (64) (11,754) 6,800 20,500 (21,000) (24) (416) 352 62 (8,746) (2,472) (342) 2,996 2,654 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 2,074 $ F-5 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (1) NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Nature of business - We, Famous Dave's of America, Inc. (“Famous Dave’s” or the “Company”), were incorporated in Minnesota on March 14, 1994. We develop, own, operate and franchise restaurants under the name "Famous Dave's". As of December 30, 2012, there were 188 Famous Dave’s restaurants operating in 34 states and one Canadian province, including 53 company-owned restaurants and 135 franchise-operated restaurants. An additional 62 franchise restaurants were committed to be developed through signed area development agreements as of December 30, 2012. Seasonality – Our restaurants typically generate higher revenue in the second and third quarters of our fiscal year as a result of seasonal traffic increases and high catering sales experienced during the summer months, and lower revenue in the first and fourth quarters of our fiscal year, due to possible adverse weather which can disrupt customer and team member transportation to our restaurants. Principles of consolidation – The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Any inter-company transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Management’s use of estimates – The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Reclassifications – Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation. Financial instruments – Due to their short-term nature, the carrying value of our current financial assets and liabilities approximates their fair value. The fair value of long-term debt approximates the carrying amount based upon our expected borrowing rate for debt with similar remaining maturities and comparable risk. Segment reporting – We have company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants in the United States and Canada, and operate within the single industry segment of foodservice. We make operating decisions on behalf of the Famous Dave’s brand which includes both company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants. In addition, all operating expenses are reported in total and are not allocated to franchising operations for either external or internal reporting. Fiscal year – Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday nearest December 31st of each year. Our fiscal year is generally 52 weeks; however it periodically consists of 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), January 1, 2012 (fiscal 2011), and January 2, 2011 (fiscal 2010) all consisted of 52 weeks. Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents – Cash equivalents include all investments with original maturities of three months or less or which are readily convertible into known amounts of cash and are not legally restricted. Accounts at each institution are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation up to $250,000, while the remaining balances are uninsured at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts and believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents. Accounts receivable, net – We provide an allowance for uncollectible accounts on accounts receivable based on historical losses and existing economic conditions, when relevant. We provide for a general bad debt reserve for franchise receivables due to increases in days’ sales outstanding and deterioration in general economic F-6 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS market conditions. This general reserve is based on the aging of receivables meeting specified criteria and is adjusted each quarter based on past due receivable balances. Additionally, we have periodically established a specific reserve on certain receivables as necessary. Any changes to the reserve are recorded in general and administrative expenses. The allowance for uncollectible accounts was approximately $236,000 and $18,000, at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively. In 2012, the increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts was primarily due to the receivable aging for two franchise partners. Accounts receivable are written off when they become uncollectible, and payments subsequently received on such receivables are credited to allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable balances written off have not exceeded allowances provided. We believe all accounts receivable in excess of the allowance are fully collectible. If accounts receivable in excess of provided allowances are determined uncollectible, they are charged to expense in the period that determination is made. Outstanding past due accounts receivable are subject to a monthly interest charge on unpaid balances which is recorded as interest income in our consolidated statements of operations. In assessing recoverability of these receivables, we make judgments regarding the financial condition of the franchisees based primarily on past and current payment trends, as well as other variables, including annual financial information, which the franchisees are required to submit to us. Inventories – Inventories consist principally of small wares and supplies, food and beverages, and retail goods, and are recorded at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market. Notes receivable - Notes receivable consist of receivables primarily related to our on-going business agreements with franchisees and we consider such receivables to have similar risk characteristics and evaluate them as one collective portfolio segment and class for determining the allowance for doubtful accounts. We monitor the financial condition of our franchisees and record provisions for estimated losses on receivables when we believe it is probable that our franchisees or licensees will be unable to make their required payments. Balances of notes receivable due within one year are included in the current portion of notes receivable while amounts due beyond one year are included in notes receivable less current portion. Notes receivable that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible, and for which collection efforts have been exhausted, are written off against the allowance for doubtful accounts. Interest income recorded on financing receivables has traditionally been immaterial. The fair value of notes receivable currently approximates their carrying value. Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net – Property, equipment and leasehold improvements are capitalized at a level of $250 or greater and are recorded at cost. Repair and maintenance costs are charged to operations when incurred. Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are depreciated using the straight-line method over estimated useful lives ranging from 3-7 years, while buildings are depreciated over 30 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the lease term, including reasonably assured renewal options, or the estimated useful life of the assets. Décor that has been installed in the restaurants is recorded at cost and is depreciated using the straight-line method over seven years. Liquor licenses - The Company has transferable liquor licenses in jurisdictions with a limited number of authorized liquor licenses. These licenses were capitalized as indefinite-lived intangible assets and are included in intangible assets, net in our consolidated balance sheets (see note 5) at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012. We annually review the liquor licenses for impairment and in fiscal 2012 and 2011, no impairment charges were recorded. Additionally, the costs of obtaining non-transferable liquor licenses that are directly issued by local government agencies for nominal fees are expensed as incurred. Annual liquor license renewal fees are expensed over the renewal term. Debt issuance costs – Debt issuance costs are amortized to interest expense over the term of the related financing. The carrying value of our deferred debt issuance costs, classified in other long-term assets, is approximately $221,000, and $180,000 respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $668,000 and $647,000, respectively, as of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, respectively. F-7 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Construction overhead and capitalized interest – We capitalize construction overhead costs until the time a building is turned over to operations, which is approximately two weeks prior to opening. In fiscal 2012, 2011, 2010, we capitalized construction overhead costs of approximately $203,000, $196,000, and $126,000, respectively. In fiscal 2012, we capitalized interest costs of approximately $28,000. There were no capitalized interest costs in fiscal years 2011 and 2010. We depreciate and amortize construction overhead and capitalized interest over the same useful life as leasehold improvements. Advertising costs – Advertising costs are charged to expense as incurred. Advertising costs were approximately $4.6 million, $4.7 million, and $4.2 million for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, and are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Software implementation costs – We capitalize labor costs associated with the implementation of significant information technology infrastructure projects based on actual labor rates per person including benefits, for all the time spent in the implementation of software. In fiscal 2012 and 2010, we did not capitalize any software implementation costs. In 2011, we capitalized approximately $48,000. Research and development costs – Research and development costs represent salaries and expenses of personnel engaged in the creation of new menu and Limited-Time Offering (“LTO”) items, recipe enhancements and documentation activities. Research and development costs were approximately $399,000, $342,000, and $346,000, for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, and are included in general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Pre-opening expenses – All start-up and pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred. In fiscal 2012 and 2011, we had pre-opening expenses of approximately $474,000 and $412,000, respectively, related to two Company-owned restaurants. In fiscal 2010, we had pre-opening expenses of approximately $300,000 related to one Company-owned restaurant. Also, included in pre-opening expenses is pre-opening rent during the build-out period. Lease accounting – We recognize lease expense on a straight-line basis for our operating leases over the entire lease term including lease renewal options and build-out periods where the renewal is reasonably assured and the build-out period takes place prior to the restaurant opening or lease commencement date. Rent expense recorded during the build-out period is reported as pre-opening expense. We account for construction allowances by recording a receivable when its collectability is considered probable, and relieve the receivable once the cash is obtained from the landlord for the construction allowance. Construction allowances are amortized as a credit to rent expense over the full term of the lease, including reasonably assured renewal options and build-out periods. Recoverability of property, equipment and leasehold improvements, impairment charges, and exit and disposal costs – We evaluate restaurant sites and long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of restaurant sites to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of the restaurant site to the undiscounted future net cash flows expected to be generated on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis. If a restaurant is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the restaurant exceeds its fair value. Fair value, as determined by the discounted future net cash flows, is estimated based on the best information available including estimated future cash flows, expected growth rates in comparable restaurant sales, remaining lease terms and other factors. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to take additional impairment charges for the related assets. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from the estimates. Exit or disposal activities, including restaurant closures, include the cost of disposing of the assets as well as other facility-related expenses from previously closed restaurants. These costs are generally expensed as incurred. Additionally, at the date we cease using a property under an operating lease, we record a liability for the F-8 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS net present value of any remaining lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income. Any subsequent adjustments to that liability as a result of lease termination or changes in estimates of sublease income are recorded in the period incurred. Upon disposal of the assets associated with a closed restaurant, any gain or loss is recorded in the same caption as the original impairment within our consolidated statements of operations. Asset retirement obligation – We recognize a liability for the fair value of a required asset retirement obligation (“ARO”) when such obligation is incurred. The Company’s AROs are primarily associated with leasehold improvements which, at the end of a lease, the Company is contractually obligated to remove in order to comply with the lease agreement. The net ARO liability included in other long term liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets was $106,000 at December 30, 2012 and $102,000 at January 1, 2012. Marketing fund and restricted cash – In fiscal 2004, we established a system-wide Marketing fund. Company-owned restaurants in addition to franchise-operated restaurants, that entered into franchise agreements with the Company after December 17, 2003, are required to contribute a percentage of net sales to the fund that is used for public relations and marketing development efforts throughout the system. These restaurants were required to contribute 1.00% and 0.75% of net sales to this fund during fiscal 2012 and 2011, respectively. In fiscal 2013, due to carryover amounts in the fund, the contribution will be 0.75% of net sales. The assets held by this fund are considered restricted and are in an interest bearing account. Accordingly, we reflected the cash related to this fund in restricted cash and the liability is included in accounts payable on our consolidated balance sheets. As of December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, we had approximately $689,000 and $275,000 in this fund, respectively. Gift cards – We record a liability in the period in which a gift card is issued and proceeds are received. As gift cards are redeemed, this liability is reduced and revenue is recognized. We recognize gift card breakage income as an offset to operating expense based on a stratified breakage rate per year. This breakage rate is based on a percentage of sales when the likelihood of the redemption of the gift card becomes remote. Interest income – We recognize interest income when earned. Net income per common share – Basic net income per common share (“EPS”) is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the reporting period. Diluted EPS equals net income divided by the sum of the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus all additional common stock equivalents relating to stock options when dilutive. Following is a reconciliation of basic and diluted net income per common share: (in thousands, except per share data) Net income per common share – basic: Net income Weighted average shares outstanding Net income per common share – basic Net income per common share – diluted: Net income Weighted average shares outstanding Dilutive impact of common stock equivalents outstanding Adjusted weighted average shares outstanding Net income per common share – diluted 2012 Fiscal Year 2011 2010 $ $ $ $ 4,360 $ 7,455 0.58 $ 4,360 $ 7,455 195 7,650 0.57 $ 5,562 $ 7,972 0.70 $ 5,562 $ 7,972 177 8,149 0.68 $ 7,218 8,620 0.84 7,218 8,620 164 8,784 0.82 F-9 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS There were 15,000, 25,500, and 158,640 options outstanding as of December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012, and January 2, 2011, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive. Stock-based compensation – We recognize compensation cost for share-based awards granted to team members based on their fair values at the time of grant over the requisite service period. Our pre-tax compensation cost for stock options and other incentive awards is included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 10). Cash flows from the exercise of stock options resulting from tax benefits in excess of recognized cumulative compensation cost (excess tax benefits) is classified as cash flows from financing activities. There were no stock options granted during fiscal years 2012, 2011, or 2010. Income Taxes – We provide for income taxes based on our estimate of federal and state income tax liabilities. These estimates include, among other items, effective rates for state and local income taxes, allowable tax credits for items such as taxes paid on reported tip income, estimates related to depreciation and amortization expense allowable for tax purposes, and the tax deductibility of certain other items. Our estimates are based on the information available to us at the time that we prepare the income tax provision. We generally file our annual income tax returns several months after our fiscal year-end. Income tax returns are subject to audit by federal, state, and local governments, generally years after the tax returns are filed. These returns could be subject to material adjustments or differing interpretations of the tax laws. Revenue recognition – We record restaurant sales at the time food and beverages are served. We record sales of merchandise items at the time items are delivered to the guest. All sales taxes are presented on a net basis and are excluded from revenue. We have detailed below our revenue recognition policies for franchise and licensing agreements. Franchise arrangements – Our franchise-related revenue consists of area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty payments. Our area development fee consists of a one-time, non-refundable payment equal to $10,000 per restaurant in consideration for the services we perform in preparation of executing each area development agreement. Substantially all of these services, which include, but are not limited to a meeting with Famous Dave’s Executive Team and performing a potential franchise background investigation, are completed prior to our execution of the area development agreement and receipt of the corresponding area development fee. As a result, we recognize this fee in full upon receipt. Our initial, non-refundable, franchise fee is typically $30,000 to $40,000 per restaurant, of which $5,000 is recognized immediately when a franchise agreement is signed, reflecting the commission earned and expenses incurred related to the sale. The remaining non-refundable fee of $25,000 to $35,000 is included in deferred franchise fees and is recognized as revenue when we have performed substantially all of our obligations, which generally occurs upon the franchise entering into a lease agreement for the restaurant(s). In 2013 after our Franchise Disclosure Document is filed, we will be adjusting our franchise fee to $45,000. During fiscal 2012, to incentivize growth, we reduced the initial franchise fee by 50% for any partner who signed a franchise agreement and opened a “Shack” style counter service restaurant for that restaurant. The franchise agreement represents a separate and distinct earnings process from the area development agreements. Franchisees are also required to pay us a monthly royalty equal to a percentage of their net sales, which has historically varied from 4% to 5%. In general, new franchises pay us a monthly royalty of 5% of their net sales. Because of the continuing difficult economic environment and scarcity of capital for development, we offered a reduced royalty rate for twelve months from date of opening for franchisees that opened restaurants during fiscal 2010. In fiscal 2011, we modified and extended this growth incentive program. The modification offered new and existing franchisees reduced levels of franchise royalties, based on a sliding scale, for new restaurants opened during 2011. All franchise restaurants opened in the first, second, and third quarters paid a reduced royalty of 2.5%, 3%, and 4%, respectively, from the date of opening through the remainder of 2011. Any openings in the fourth quarter and beyond were at the 5% royalty rate. In 2012, there were no reduced royalty rate programs, and there are currently no reduced royalty rate programs in fiscal 2013. F-10 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Licensing and other revenue – We have a licensing agreement for our retail products, the initial term of which expires in April 2015 with renewal options of five years, subject to the licensee’s attainment of identified minimum product sales levels. Licensing revenue is recorded based on royalties earned by the Company in accordance with our agreement. Licensing revenue for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 was approximately $731,000, $702,000, and $595,000, respectively. Periodically, we provide additional services, beyond the general franchise agreement, to our franchise operations, such as new restaurant training, information technology setup and décor installation services. The cost of these services is recognized upon completion and is billed to the respective franchisee and is generally payable on net 30-day terms. Other revenue related to these services for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010 was approximately $443,000, $282,000, and $272,000, respectively. (2) INVENTORIES Inventories consisted approximately of the following at: (in thousands) Small wares and supplies Food and beverage Retail goods December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 $ $ 1,576 1,161 23 2,760 $ $ 1,571 1,145 38 2,754 (3) NOTES RECEIVABLE Notes receivable consisted approximately of the following at: (in thousands) December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Old School BBQ, Inc. – monthly installments of approximately $5.7 including interest at 9.0%. This note was paid in full in November 2012. It was secured by property and equipment and guaranteed by the franchise owners. Total notes receivable Less: current maturities Long-term portion of notes receivable $ --- --- --- --- $ 60 60 (60) --- F-11 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (4) PROPERTY, EQUIPMENT, AND LEASEHOLD IMPROVEMENTS, NET Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net, consisted approximately of the following at: (in thousands) Land, buildings and improvements Furniture, fixtures, and equipment Décor Construction in progress Assets held for sale (See note 16) Accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 $ $ 72,509 39,325 2,773 787 --- (54,965) $ 60,429 $ 70,980 37,186 2,806 274 1,200 (51,474) 60,972 (5) INTANGIBLE ASSETS The Company has intangible assets that consist of liquor licenses and lease interest assets. The liquor licenses are indefinite lived assets (see note 1) and are not subject to amortization. The lease interest assets are amortized, to occupancy costs, on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of each respective lease. Amortization for each of the next five years is expected to be approximately $48,000. F-12 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A reconciliation of beginning and ending amounts of intangible assets for the years ended January 1, 2012 and December 30, 2012, respectively, is presented in a table below: Remaining estimated useful life (years) Original Cost Additions Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Less Current Portion(1) Non Current Portion (in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2012 Lease interest assets Liquor licenses 28 $ 1,417 $ 1,560 $ --- --- (88) $ 1,329 $ (48) $ --- 1,560 --- 1,281 1,560 Total $ 2,977 $ --- $ (88) $ 2,889 $ (48) $ 2,841 Remaining estimated useful life (years) Original Cost Additions Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Less Current Portion(1) Non Current Portion (in thousands) Balance at December 30, 2012 Lease interest assets Liquor licenses 27 $ 1,417 $ --- $ (135) $ 1,282 $ (48) $ 1,560 21 --- 1,581 --- 1,234 1,581 Total $ 2,977 $ 21 $ (135) $ 2,863 $ (48) $ 2,815 (1)The current portion of lease interest assets are located in prepaid expenses and other current assets. (6) OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Other current liabilities consisted of the following at: (in thousands) Gift cards payable Other liabilities Sales tax payable Accrued property and equipment purchases Deferred franchise fees Income taxes payable December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 $ $ 1,863 1,112 803 153 89 --- 4,020 $ $ 1,916 1,196 863 42 105 275 4,397 F-13 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (7) OTHER LIABILITIES Other liabilities consisted of the following at: (in thousands) Deferred rent Other liabilities Asset retirement obligations December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 $ $ $ 6,785 147 101 7,033 $ 5,915 193 102 6,210 (8) CREDIT FACILITY AND DEBT COVENANTS, LONG-TERM DEBT, AND FINANCING LEASE OBLIGATIONS The Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively known as the “Borrower”) currently have a Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender (the “Lender”). The Credit Agreement was amended on November 1, 2012 and will expire on July 5, 2016, and contains a $30.0 million revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) with an opportunity, subject to the Company meeting identified covenants and elections, to increase the commitment to $50.0 million, and a term loan (the “Term Loan”). Principal amounts outstanding under the Facility bear interest either at an adjusted Eurodollar rate plus an applicable margin or at a Base Rate plus an applicable margin. The Base Rate is defined in the Credit Agreement as the greater of the Federal Funds Rate (0.25% at December 30, 2012) plus 0.5% or Wells Fargo’s prime rate (3.25% at December 30, 2012). The applicable margin will depend on the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio, as defined, at the end of the previous quarter and will range from 1.50% to 2.50% for Eurodollar Rate Loans and from 0.00% to 1.00% for Base Rate Loans. Unused portions of the Facility will be subject to an unused Facility fee which will be equal to either 0.25% or 0.375% of the unused portion, depending on the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio. Our rate for the unused portion of the Facility as of December 30, 2012, was 0.375%. An increase option exercise fee will apply to increased amounts between $30.0 and $50.0 million. Our current weighted average rate for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was 2.82% and 2.72%, respectively. The Facility contains customary affirmative and negative covenants for credit facilities of this type, including limitations on the Borrower with respect to indebtedness, liens, investments, distributions, mergers and acquisitions, dispositions of assets and transactions with affiliates of the Borrower, among others. The Facility also includes various financial covenants that have maximum target capital expenditures, cash flow ratios, and adjusted leverage ratios. If the Company’s Adjusted Leverage Ratio is greater than 3.00 to 1.00, an additional covenant applies that limits the maximum royalty receivable aged past 30 days. In addition, capital expenditure limits include permitted stock repurchase limits (limited to $10.0 million in aggregate during any 12 month period, and $30.0 million in aggregate during the term of the agreement). The Credit Agreement currently provides for up to $3.0 million in letters of credit to be used by the Company, with any amounts outstanding reducing our availability for general corporate purchases, and also allows for the termination of the Facility by the Borrower without penalty at any time. At December 30, 2012 we had $13.6 million in borrowings under this Facility, and had approximately $620,000 in letters of credit for real estate locations. As of December 30, 2012, we were in compliance with all of our covenants after we obtained an amendment to our credit facility on March 14, 2013. If the bank were to call the Facility prior to expiration, the Company believes there are multiple options available to obtain other sources of financing. Although possibly at different terms, the Company believes there would be other lenders available and willing to finance a new credit facility. However, if replacement financing were unavailable to us, termination of the Facility without adequate replacement would have a material and adverse impact on our ability to F-14 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS continue our business operations. We expect to use any borrowings under the Credit Agreement for general working capital purchases as needed. Under the Facility, the Borrower has granted the Lender a security interest in all current and future personal property of the Borrower. Our credit facility consisted of the following at: (in thousands) December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Credit facility - Wells Fargo - balloon payment of the outstanding balance due July 2016 Less: current maturities Long-term credit facility net of current portion $ $ $ 13,600 --- 13,600 $ 11,000 --- 11,000 Required principal payments under our credit facility are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total Long-Term Debt $ $ --- --- --- 13,600 13,600 Principal amounts outstanding under the Term Loan bear interest at the same rate as the Facility. The weighted average interest rate of the Term Loan for fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012 was 2.43% and 2.54%, respectively. The Company is required to make minimum annual amortization payments of 10.0% of the principal balance of the Term Loan. F-15 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Long-term debt consisted approximately of the following at: (in thousands) December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Notes Payable - Wells Fargo - monthly installments are approximately $57 until July 2016; at which time we have a balloon payment of approximately $3,003 including interest at an adjusted Eurodollar rate plus 225 basis points for an interest rate period of one, two, three, or six months; which is determined by the Company and is due July 2016, secured by the property and equipment Less: current maturities Long-term debt net of current maturities Required principal payments on long-term debt are as follows: $ $ 5,383 (680) 4,703 $ $ 6,063 (680) 5,383 (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total Financing Lease Obligation $ $ 680 680 680 3,343 5,383 On March 31, 1999, the Company completed a $4.5 million financing obligation involving three existing restaurants as part of a sale/leaseback transaction. Under this financing, we are obligated to make monthly payments of $52,315 (which increases 4.04% every two years) for a minimum of 20 years. At the end of the 20 year lease term, we may extend the lease for up to two additional five year terms. We also have the option to purchase the leased restaurants on the 20th anniversary of the lease term and between the first and second five year option terms. The option purchase price is the greater of $4.5 million or the fair market value, as defined in the agreement, of the properties at the time the purchase option is exercised. Based upon our continued involvement in the leased property and its purchase option, the transaction has been accounted for as a financing arrangement. Accordingly, the three existing restaurants are included in property, equipment and leasehold improvements, and are being depreciated over a 20 year term. In addition, as the monthly lease payments are made, the obligation will be reduced by the 20 year amortization table. F-16 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Financing lease obligations consisted of the following at: (in thousands) December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Financing lease – Spirit Financial – monthly installments of $52- $59 – including an interest rate of 9.63%, due in March 2019. Less current maturities Long-term financing lease net of current maturities $ $ 4,068 (266) 3,802 $ $ 4,292 (224) 4,068 Required principal payments under our financing leases are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Thereafter Total $ $ 266 300 351 393 454 2,304 4,068 (9) OPERATING LEASE OBLIGATIONS We have various operating leases for existing and future restaurants and corporate office space with remaining lease terms ranging from 1 to 35 years, including lease renewal options. Fourteen of the leases require percentage rent between 3% and 7% of annual gross sales, typically above a natural breakeven point, in addition to the base rent. All of these leases contain provisions for payments of real estate taxes, insurance and common area maintenance costs. Total occupancy lease costs for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, including rent, common area maintenance costs, real estate taxes and percentage rent, were approximately $9.8 million, $9.5 million, and $8.8 million, respectively. Minimum rents were approximately $5.7 million, $5.6 million, and $5.3 million, for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Percentage rent was approximately $87,000, $94,000, and $326,000 for fiscal years 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. Due to a lease amendment in 2010, one restaurant lease converted its rent payments from a percentage rent to a minimum rent structure, thus reducing percentage rent year over year. In December of 2009, the Company sublet 2,100 square feet of its corporate office space until August 2013. Sublease income has reduced the future minimum lease payments. In 2012, 2011, and 2010, the Company recognized $34,000, $32,000, and $23,000, respectively, of sublease income which partially offset our total rent expense. F-17 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Future minimum lease payments (including reasonably assured renewal options) existing at December 30, 2012 were: (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Thereafter Total operating lease obligations Sublease income Net operating lease obligations $ $ 6,000 6,154 6,251 5,988 6,036 114,540 144,969 (26) 144,943 (10) PERFORMANCE SHARES, STOCK OPTIONS, OTHER FORMS OF COMPENSATION, AND COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES Stock-based Compensation We have adopted a 1995 Stock Option and Compensation Plan, a 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan, a 1998 Director Stock Option Plan and a 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plans”), pursuant to which we may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, and other stock and cash awards to eligible participants. Under the Plans, an aggregate of 228,429 shares of our Company’s common stock remained unreserved and available for issuance at December 30, 2012. F-18 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS We recognized stock-based compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, as follows: For the Years Ended (in thousands) Performance Share Programs: 2008 Program 2009 Program 2010 Program 2011 Program 2012 Program Performance Shares Director Shares Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Performance Shares December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 January 2, 2011 $ $ $ $ $ --- --- 153 343 464 960 94 $ $ --- 235 343 469 --- 1,047 76 101 244 380 --- --- 725 231 210 1,264 $ 136 1,259 $ 136 1,092 Since fiscal 2005, stock incentive awards for employees of the Company (whom we refer to as team members), including officers, have primarily taken the form of performance shares. We have a program under which management and certain director-level team members may be granted performance shares under the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan, subject to certain contingencies. Issuance of the shares underlying the performance share grants is contingent upon the Company achieving a specified minimum percentage of the cumulative earnings per share goals (as determined by the Compensation Committee) for each of the three fiscal years covered by the grant. Upon achieving the minimum percentage, and provided that the recipient remains a team member during the entire three-year performance period, the Company will issue the recipient a percentage of the performance shares that is based upon the percentage of the cumulative earnings per share goal achieved. No portion of the shares will be issued if the specified percentage of earnings per share goal is achieved in any one or more fiscal years but not for the cumulative three-year period. No recipient will have any rights as a shareholder based on the performance share grants, unless and until the conditions have been satisfied, and the shares have been issued to the recipient. In accordance with this program, we recognize as compensation expense the value of these stock grants as they are earned in our consolidated statements of operations throughout the performance period. As of December 30, 2012, we had three performance share programs in progress. All of these performance share awards qualify for equity-based treatment. Accordingly, we recognize compensation cost for these share-based awards based on their fair value, which is the closing stock price at the date of grant over the requisite service period (i.e. fixed treatment). Participants in each performance share program are entitled to receive a specified number of shares of common stock (“Performance Shares”) based upon our achieving a specified percentage of the cumulative total of the earnings per share goals established by our compensation committee for each fiscal year within a three-year performance period (the “Cumulative EPS Goal”). In the second and third year of any performance share program, the estimated attainment percentage is based on the forecasted earnings per share for that program. For the 2010 program, which completed its vesting in 2012, the attainment percentage was 86.9%. The estimated attainment percentage for the 2011 program currently is 88.2%. For the 2012 program, and for the first year of any program, we estimate the attainment rate to be 100%. We have recorded compensation net of the estimated non-attainment rates. We will continue to evaluate the need to adjust the attainment percentages in future periods. F-19 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we issued 263,891 shares upon satisfaction of conditions under the 2009 performance share program, representing the achievement of approximately 99.0% of the target payout for this program. Recipients elected to forfeit 101,203 of those shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net issuance of 162,688 shares. For each of the 2010 and 2011 programs in progress as of December 30, 2012, if the Company achieves at least 80% of the Cumulative EPS Goal, then each recipient will be entitled to receive a percentage of the “Target” number of Performance Shares granted that is equal to the percentage of the Cumulative EPS Goal achieved, up to 100%. The maximum share payout a recipient will be entitled to receive is 100% of the “Target” number of Performance Shares granted if the Cumulative EPS Goal is met. The Compensation Committee elected to change the terms of the Performance Share Program for the fiscal 2012 program. As revised, the participants’ rights to receive Performance Shares will be contingent on the Company achieving cumulative earnings per share for fiscal 2012, 2013 and 2014 equal to at least the sum of the amounts achieved by the Company during fiscal 2011, 2012 and 2013 (as adjusted by the Compensation Committee, if applicable). If the Company achieves this threshold, then participants will be entitled to receive a percentage of their “Target” number of Performance Shares equal to the percentage of the Cumulative EPS Goal achieved by the Company, up to 100%. If the Company achieves more than 100% of the Cumulative EPS Goal, then participants will be entitled to receive 100% of their “Target” number of Performance Shares, plus an additional percentage equal to twice the incremental percentage increase in the Cumulative EPS Goal achieved over 100% (e.g., if the Company achieves 103% of the Cumulative EPS Goal, then participants will be entitled to receive 106% of their “Target” number of Performance Shares); provided that the maximum payout under the fiscal 2012 program is capped at 110% of the “Target” number of Performance Shares. At December 30, 2012, the following performance share programs were in progress: Award Date 1/4/2010 1/3/2011 1/2/2012 Performance Share Program 2010 Program 2011 Program 2012 Program Target No. of Performance Shares (Originally Granted)(1) 193,700 129,900 144,200 No. of Performance Shares (Outstanding at December 30, 2012) 169,100(2) 117,700(2) 134,900(2) (1)Assumes achievement of 100% of the applicable cumulative EPS goal. (2)Assumes an estimated payout equal to the forecasted achievement of the applicable cumulative EPS Goal, net of employee forfeitures. F-20 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Board of Directors’ Compensation We recognized Board of Directors’ Compensation expense in our consolidated statement of operations for the years ended 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively, as follows: (in thousands) 2012 Fiscal Years 2011 2010 Stock-based compensation(1)(2)(3) Cash compensation Total board of directors' compensation $ $ 94 395 489 $ $ 76 413 489 $ $ 231 255 486 (1)On May 5, 2009 and September 29, 2009 one-time 25,000 share restricted stock awards were granted to Lisa A. Kro and Wallace B. Doolin, respectively, upon joining the Board of Directors. The grants to Ms. Kro and Mr. Doolin had grant date fair values of $168,000 and $150,000, respectively, and will vest ratably over a period of five years beginning on the commencement date of their Board service. (2)On August 2, 2011, a one-time 15,000 share restricted stock award was granted to John F. Gilbert III, upon assuming his new position on the Board of Directors. The grant to Mr. Gilbert had a grant date fair value of $153,750 and will vest ratably over a period of five years beginning on the commencement date of his Board service. (3)On May 5, 2009, a total of 66,000 shares were issued to our Board of Directors on which date the closing price of our common stock was $6.72. On September 29, 2009, 5,000 shares were issued to Wallace B. Doolin on which the closing price of our common stock was $6.00. The total compensation cost of approximately $474,000 has been reflected in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations for fiscal 2009 and fiscal 2010. Stock Options The stock options we had issued under the Plans were fully vested as of January 3, 2010 and expire 10 years from the date of grant. The 1995 Stock Option and Compensation Plan expired on December 29, 2005, the 1997 Employee Stock Option Plan expired on June 24, 2007, and the 1998 Director Stock Option Plan expired on June 19, 2008. Although incentives are no longer eligible for grant under these plans, each such plan will remain in effect until all outstanding incentives granted thereunder have either been satisfied or terminated. F-21 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Information regarding our Company’s stock options is summarized below: (number of options in thousands) Options outstanding at January 3, 2010 Exercised(1) Options outstanding at January 2, 2011 Exercised(2) Options outstanding at January 1, 2012 Canceled or expired Exercised(3) Options outstanding at December 30, 2012 Options exercisable at January 2, 2011 Options exercisable at January 1, 2012 Options exercisable at December 30, 2012 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price 351 (104) 247 (54) 193 (11) (80) 102 247 193 102 $ $ $ $ $ 5.68 4.30 6.27 4.79 6.68 10.98 5.97 6.80 6.27 6.68 6.80 (1)In 2010, option holders elected to forfeit approximately 11,000 shares to satisfy the strike price and tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net issuance of approximately 93,000 shares. (2)In 2011, option holders elected to forfeit approximately 13,000 shares to satisfy the strike price and tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net issuance of approximately 41,000 shares. (3)In 2012, option holders elected to forfeit approximately 46,000 shares to satisfy the strike price and tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net issuance of approximately 34,000 shares. The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 30, 2012: (number outstanding and number exercisable in thousands) Options Outstanding and Exercisable Exercise prices $4.16 $6.50 - - $6.50 $10.98 Number outstanding 77 25 102 Weighted- average remaining contractual life in years 0.95 1.97 1.2 Weighted- average exercise price $ $ $ 5.99 9.28 6.80 The aggregate intrinsic value of options (the amount by which the market price of the stock on the date of exercise exceeds the exercise price of the option) exercised during fiscal 2012 was approximately $241,000. As of December 30, 2012, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was approximately $248,000. F-22 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Restricted Stock On October 8, 2012, John Gilbert III, was named Chief Executive Officer by the Company’s Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement governing Mr. Gilbert’s employment, the Company granted 150,000 shares of restricted stock having an aggregate grant date fair value of $1,465,500. These shares of restricted stock will vest in equal annual installments on each of the first five anniversaries of the grant date provided that Mr. Gilbert remains employed by the Company through the applicable vesting date. The compensation expense will be recognized under general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations in equal quarterly installments commencing in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and continuing through the applicable service period until the third quarter of fiscal 2017. Restricted Stock Units On October 8, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors named Christopher O’Donnell President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to his appointment, he was the President and Chief Executive Officer from September 11, 2008 until October 8, 2012. Pursuant to the agreement dated September 11, 2008, governing Mr. O’Donnell’s employment, the Company granted 50,000 restricted stock units having an aggregate grant date fair value of $454,000. These restricted stock units will vest in three equal installments on the three, four and five year anniversaries of the grant date provided that Mr. O’Donnell remains employed by the Company through the applicable vesting date, and will vest in its entirety upon a “change of control” as defined in the employment agreement. To the extent vested, Mr. O’Donnell will have the right to receive shares comprising the restricted stock units upon a termination of his employment that is a “separation from service” (as determined by Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), at which point the restricted stock units will become issued and outstanding shares. If Mr. O’Donnell is a “specified employee” (as determined under Section 409A) as of the date of his separation from service, the issuance of shares will occur six months following such separation from service (or, if earlier, upon his death). The compensation expense for this grant is being recognized in equal quarterly installments as general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations through the applicable service period which expires in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. In addition, on September 11, 2008, the Company made a grant of 25,000 restricted stock units to the Company’s Chief Financial Officer, Diana Purcel, for a grant date fair value of $227,000. This grant is subject to the same terms and conditions as Mr. O’Donnell’s grant. Common Share Repurchases On August 6, 2008, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million shares of our common stock in both the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. As of September 2010, we had repurchased all of the shares under this authorization, for approximately $7.8 million at an average market price per share of $7.79, excluding commissions. On November 4, 2010, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million shares of our common stock in both the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. As of May 1, 2012 we repurchased all of the shares under this program for approximately $8.8 million at an average market price per share of $9.91, excluding commissions. On May 1, 2012, our Board of Directors approved a stock repurchase program that authorized the repurchase of up to 1.0 million shares of our common stock in both the open market or through privately negotiated transactions. As of December 30, 2012, we repurchased 323,862 shares under this program for approximately $9.8 million at an average market price per share of $10.49, excluding commissions. F-23 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Employee Stock Purchase Plan The Company maintains an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which gives eligible team members the option to purchase Common Stock (total purchases in a year may not exceed 10% of a team member’s current year compensation) at 100% of the fair market value of the Common Stock at the end of each calendar quarter. For the year ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, there were approximately 4,725 shares and 5,230 shares purchased, respectively, with a weighted average fair value of $10.51 and $9.41, respectively. For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, the Company did not recognize any expense related to the stock purchase plan due to it being non-compensatory as defined by IRS Section 423. (11) RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS 401(k) Plan We have a pre-tax salary reduction/profit-sharing plan under the provisions of Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code, which covers employees meeting certain eligibility requirements. In fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010 we matched 25.0%, of the employee’s contribution up to 4.0% of their earnings. Team member contributions were approximately $618,000, $564,000, and $538,000, for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. The employer match was $89,000, $86,000, and $84,000 for fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, respectively. There were no discretionary contributions to the plan in fiscal 2012. There were approximately $11,000 in discretionary contributions to the Plan during fiscal 2011 and 2010. Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan We have a Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan effective as of February 25, 2005 (the “Plan”). Eligible participants are those team members who are at the “director” level and above and who are selected by the Company to participate in the Plan. Participants must complete a deferral election each year to indicate the level of compensation (salary, bonus and commissions) they wish to have deferred for the coming year. This deferral election is irrevocable except to the extent permitted by the Plan Administrator, and the Regulations promulgated by the IRS. During fiscal 2012, 2011, and 2010, we matched 25% of the first 4.0% contributed and paid a declared interest rate of 6.0% on balances outstanding. The Board of Directors administers the Plan and may change the rate or any other aspects of the Plan at any time. Deferral periods are limited to the earlier of termination of employment or not less than three calendar years following the end of the applicable Plan Year. Extensions of the deferral period for a minimum of five years are allowed provided an election for extension is made at least one year before the first payment affected by the change. Payments can be in a lump sum or in equal payments over a two-, five- or ten-year period, plus interest from the commencement date. The Plan assets are kept in an unsecured account that has no trust fund. In the event of bankruptcy, participants entitled to future payments under the Plan would have no greater rights than that of an unsecured general creditor of the Company and the Plan confers no legal rights for interest or claim on any specific assets of the Company. Benefits provided by the Plan are not insured by the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC) under Title IV of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), because the pension insurance provisions of ERISA do not apply to the Plan. For fiscal years ended December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, eligible participants contributed approximately $144,000 and $134,000 to the Plan and the Company provided matching funds and interest of approximately $76,000 and $66,000, net of distributions of approximately $65,000 and $40,000, respectively. The distributions were due to executive departures and required distributions in accordance with our Plan. The outstanding deferred compensation balance at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012, was approximately $878,000 and $723,000, respectively. F-24 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (12) INCOME TAXES The following table summarizes the income tax expense for the last three fiscal years: (in thousands) Current: Federal State Deferred: Federal State Total income tax expense 2012 Fiscal Year 2011 2010 $ $ (695) (375) (1,070) 268 (3) 265 (805) $ $ (1,644) (461) (2,105) (742) 83 (659) (2,764) $ $ (2,134) (501) (2,635) (1,137) (24) (1,161) (3,796) The impact of uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on income tax returns must be recognized in the financial statements at the largest amount that is more likely than not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized in the financial statements unless it is more likely than not of being sustained. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012, and January 2, 2011, respectively, is presented in the table below: (in thousands) Balance at January 3, 2010 Increases attributable to tax positions taken during prior periods Decreases due to lapses of statutes of limitations Balance at January 2, 2011 Increases attributable to tax positions taken during prior periods Audit settlements Decreases due to lapses of statutes of limitations Balance at January 1, 2012 Increases attributable to tax positions taken during prior periods Decreases due to lapses of statutes of limitations $ 55 734 (19) 770 34 (754) (43) 7 21 (7) Balance at December 30, 2012 $ 21 At December 30, 2012, January 1, 2012, and January 2, 2011 the Company had unrecognized tax benefits that had an effect on the annual effective tax rate of $21,000, $7,000, and $77,000, respectively, which if recognized, would affect the annual effective rate. In fiscal year 2012, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits increased due to additional F-25 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS federal and state reserves, and decreased due to the passing of the federal statute. In fiscal year 2011, the amount of unrecognized tax benefits decreased due to the final settlement of a federal audit. For fiscal 2010, the difference between the amounts affecting the annual effective rate and the balance on January 2, 2011 related to the unrecognized deferred tax benefits related to federal and state income taxes. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. Total accrued interest and penalties amounted to $11,000 on a gross basis at December 30, 2012 and January 1, 2012. There was no expense for interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions recognized in the consolidated statements of operations in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2011, there was $24,000 in interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions recognized in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. As of December 30, 2012, the Company was no longer subject to income tax examinations for taxable years before 2009 in the case of U.S. federal and taxable years generally before 2008 in the case of state taxing authorities. Deferred taxes, detailed below, recognize the impact of temporary differences between the amounts of assets and liabilities recorded for financial statement purposes and such amounts measured in accordance with tax laws. Realization of the net operating loss carry forwards and other deferred tax temporary differences are contingent on future taxable earnings. During fiscal years 2012 and 2011, our deferred tax asset was reviewed for expected utilization using a “more likely than not” approach as required by assessing the available positive and negative evidence surrounding its recoverability. F-26 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS At December 30, 2012, the realization of the deferred tax asset is more likely than not based on our taxable income for fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011 and based on the expectation that our Company will generate the necessary taxable income in future years. However, there is a portion of the state net operating loss carry forward and state tax credit carry forward, for which the Company has created a valuation allowance listed in the table below. (in thousands) Deferred tax asset: Deferred rent State net operating loss carry-forwards Accrued and deferred compensation Tax credit carryover Deferred revenue Lease reserve Intangible property basis difference Other Accrued expenses Inventories Total deferred tax asset Deferred tax liability: Property and equipment basis difference Inventories Prepaid expenses Accrued expenses Financing lease obligations Total deferred tax liability Net deferred tax assets Valuation allowance December 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 2,466 1,784 1,484 365 289 113 96 89 45 32 6,763 (4,601) (574) (281) (144) --- (5,600) 1,1631 (1,798) 2,286 1,575 1,389 15 152 174 167 7 172 --- 5,937 (4,188) (578) (346) --- (135) (5,247) 6901 (1,590) Total net deferred tax liability $ (635) $ (900) In 2012, we had cumulative net operating loss carry-forwards for tax reporting purposes of approximately $38.5 million for state purposes, which if not used, will begin to expire in fiscal 2020. This amount may be adjusted when we file our fiscal 2012 income tax returns in 2013. F-27 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS During 2012, we realized the benefit from the cumulative impact of tax credits for employee reported tips for the current year as well as four previous tax years that were amended, or in the case of fiscal 2011, initially filed. This resulted from a more precise calculation methodology for this tax credit, and will continue to benefit us in the future. Reconciliation between the statutory rate and the effective tax rate is as follows: Federal statutory tax rate State taxes, net of federal benefit Tax effect of permanent differences – meals and entertainment Tax effect of permanent differences – Tip Credit(1) Tax effect of permanent differences – Other(2) Tax effect of general business credits Uncertain tax positions Other(3) Effective tax rate Fiscal Year 2011 2010 34.0 % 34.0 % 3.6 0.5 2.1 (0.1) (6.7) --- (0.2) 3.6 0.3 1.7 (0.2) (5.4) 0.6 (0.1) 33.2 % 34.5 % 2012 34.0 % 4.0 0.9 5.7 (1.1) (16.9) 0.2 (11.2) 15.6 % (1)Increase attributable to the larger add-back of employment tax credits due to increased credit. (2)The decrease is attributable to a greater impact of additional deductions based on lower than expected pre-tax income. (3)The decrease in the effective income tax rate, year over year, was primarily attributable to an increase in the impact of employment tax credits for tipped employees for the previous open tax years. The Company amended certain tax returns to capture the additional credit during the third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2012. The impact was treated discretely in the periods the amended returns were filed. (13) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION (in thousands) Cash paid for interest Cash paid for taxes Non-cash investing and financing activities: Reclassification of additional paid-in-capital to payroll taxes payable for performance shares issued Accrued property and equipment purchases Redemption of note receivable due to the acquisition of franchise restaurants For the Fiscal Year Ended 2012 2011 2010 987 1,554 $ $ 1,057 2,392 $ $ 961 1,819 1,189 (111) $ $ 82 $ $ 18 --- $ --- $ 68 240 613 $ $ $ $ $ F-28 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (14) SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) The following represents selected quarterly financial information for fiscal years 2012 and 2011 (in thousands except per-share data). First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 2012 2011 37,493 $ 1,493 $ 817 $ 37,090 $ 41,319 $ 41,290 $ 39,921 $ 38,927 $ 36,255 $ 37,504 2,055 $ 3,184 $ 3,921 $ 739 $ 2,642 $ 1,182 $ 1,948 $ 2,401 $ 845 $ 1,565 $ 797 $ 750 $ 778 414 0.11 $ 0.15 $ 0.26 $ 0.30 $ 0.12 $ 0.20 $ 0.10 $ 0.05 0.11 $ 0.14 $ 0.25 $ 0.29 $ 0.11 $ 0.19 $ 0.10 $ 0.05 Revenue Income from operations Net income Basic net income per common share Diluted net income per common share (15) LITIGATION $ $ $ $ $ In the normal course of business, the Company is involved in a number of litigation matters that are incidental to the operation of the business. These matters generally include, among other things, matters with regard to employment and general business-related issues. The Company currently believes that the resolution of any of these pending matters will not have a material adverse effect on its financial position or liquidity, but an adverse decision in more than one of the matters could be material to its consolidated results of operations. (16) ASSET IMPAIRMENT AND ESTIMATED LEASE TERMINATION AND OTHER CLOSING COSTS Restaurant sites that are operating, but have been previously impaired, are reported at the lower of their carrying amount or fair value less estimated costs to sell. The following is a summary of impairment for fiscal 2012, fiscal 2011, and fiscal 2010. 2012 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Various Vernon Hills, IL Various Total for 2012 Reason Costs for closed restaurants(1) Lease reserve(2) Other Amount $ $ 289 77 4 370 (1)The Company incurred various costs for closed restaurants primarily related to its Tulsa, OK, Vernon Hills, IL, and Yorktown, IL restaurants which closed in 2012. (2)The lease reserve equals the net present value of the remaining lease obligations for the Vernon Hills, IL restaurant, net of expected sublease income, equal to zero. F-29 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2011 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Various Gaithersburg, MD Calhoun, MN Tulsa, OK Various Total for 2011 Reason Costs for closed restaurants(1) Asset impairment(2) Asset impairment(3) Asset impairment(4) Other Amount 17 148 144 198 6 513 $ $ (1)The Company incurred various costs for previously closed restaurants, net of a recapture of accrued expenses for approximately $30,000, in Palatine, IL and Carpentersville, IL. (2)Based on the Company’s assessment of expected cash flows, an asset impairment charge was recorded for this restaurant which we expect to relocate within its existing market in the third quarter of 2013. (3)Based on the Company’s assessment of expected cash flows for this restaurant over the remainder of its respective lease term, an asset impairment charge was recorded. (4)In fiscal 2011, the Company entered into a purchase agreement for the sale of its Tulsa, OK restaurant for approximately $1.2 million. These assets had a net book value of approximately $1.4 million and were accounted for as held for sale and an impairment charge was recorded since the net book value of the assets exceeded the sale price. On March 2, 2012, these assets were sold (See note 17). 2010 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurant Various Palatine, IL Atlanta Various Total for 2010 Reason Costs for closed restaurants(1) Lease reserve(2) Gain on lease terminations(3) Other Amount $ $ 68 88 (84) 2 74 (1)The Company incurred costs for closed restaurants which primarily related to its Palatine, IL restaurant which was closed in 2010. (2)The lease reserve equals the net present value of the remaining lease obligations for the Palatine, IL restaurant, net of expected sublease income, equal to zero. (3)During 2010, the Company negotiated a lease buyout for its Marietta, GA location. Total termination fees were approximately $506,000 less lease reserve of approximately $590,000 for a net gain of approximately $84,000. F-30 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Below reflects the change in our reserve for lease termination costs for fiscal 2012 and 2011: Balance at Beginning of Period Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions Credits to Costs and Expenses and Other Accounts Balance at End of Period 87.7 --- (87.7) $ --- --- 85.7 (85.7) $ --- (in thousands) Year ended January 1, 2012 Reserve for lease termination costs Year ended December 30, 2012 Reserve for lease termination costs $ $ These amounts were recorded in other current liabilities or other liabilities depending on when we expected the amounts to be paid. (17) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Non-Financial Assets Measured on a Non-Recurring Basis There were no impairment charges recorded that required a determination of fair value in 2012. In the first quarter of fiscal 2011, an impairment charge was recorded for approximately $148,000 for a restaurant that the Company expects to relocate within its existing market in the third quarter of 2013. This restaurant had a carrying value of approximately $327,000. We determined fair value based on projected discounted future operating cash flows of the restaurant over its remaining service life using a discount rate that is commensurate with the risk inherent in our current business model, which reflects our own judgment. The fair value of approximately $179,000 was determined by using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, an impairment charge was recorded for approximately $198,000 for a restaurant that the Company sold in March 2012. This restaurant had a carrying value of approximately $1.2 million. The fair value of approximately $1.4 million was determined by using the sales price in the purchase agreement (Level 3). (18) SUBSEQUENT EVENTS The Company evaluated for the occurrence of subsequent events through the issuance date of the Company’s financial statements. No other recognized or non-recognized subsequent events occurred that require recognition or disclosure in the financial statements except as noted below. On March 14, 2013, the Company and certain of its subsidiaries (collectively known as the “Borrower”) executed the Third Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association. This amendment changed how the Company calculates the covenant for the maximum royalty receivable aged past 30 days for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2012 and future periods. The amendment is attached as exhibit 10.11. F-31 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Financial Statement Schedule SCHEDULE II. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (in thousands) Additions Balance at Beginning of Period Charged to Costs and Expenses Deductions Credits to Costs and Expenses and Other Accounts Balance at End of Period Year ended January 2, 2011: Allowance for doubtful accounts Reserve for lease termination costs Reserve for corporate severance Year ended January 1, 2012: Allowance for doubtful accounts Reserve for lease termination costs Reserve for corporate severance Year ended December 30, 2012: Allowance for doubtful accounts Reserve for lease termination costs Reserve for corporate severance $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 67.4 589.0 --- $ $ $ 79.6 87.7 10.2 $ $ $ 50.9 89.2 81.3 54.8 --- 27.3 17.6 --- --- $ $ $ 306.7 85.7 133.0 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ (38.7) (590.5) (71.1) $ $ $ (116.8) (87.7) (37.5) $ $ $ 79.6 87.7 10.2 17.6 --- --- (88.0) (85.7) (12.8) $ $ $ 236.3 --- 120.2 F-32 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SIGNATURES FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. (“Registrant”) Dated: March 15, 2013 By: /s/ John F. Gilbert__ John F. Gilbert Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) By: /s/ Diana Garvis Purcel Diana Garvis Purcel Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on March 15, 2013 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant, in the capacities indicated. Signature Title /s/ John F. Gilbert John F. Gilbert /s/ Christopher O’Donnell Christopher O’Donnell /s/ Dean A. Riesen Dean A. Riesen /s/ Wallace B. Doolin Wallace B. Doolin /s/ Lisa A. Kro Lisa A. Kro /s/ Richard L. Monfort Richard L. Monfort Chief Executive Officer and Director President and Chief Operating Officer and Director Director Director Director Director Exhibit No. EXHIBITS Description 3.1 3.2 3.3 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 10.6 10.7 10.8 10.9 10.10 10.11 10.12 10.13 Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-10675) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 23, 1996 Amendment to Articles of Incorporation dated May 31, 1996, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to our Registration Statement on Form SB-2/A (File No. 333-10675) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 1, 1996 Second Amended and Restated Bylaws, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-Q filed May 11, 2012 Trademark License Agreement between Famous Dave's of America, Inc. and Grand Pines Resorts, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the Registration Statement on Form SB-2 (File No. 333-10675) filed on August 23, 1996 1995 Employee Stock Option Plan (as amended through May 22, 2002), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2002 Amendment to 1995 Employee Stock Option and Compensation Plan, effective November 7, 2006, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed November 9, 2006 1997 Stock Option and Compensation Plan (as amended through May 22, 2002), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2002 1998 Director Stock Option Plan (as amended through May 22, 2002), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q filed August 14, 2002 Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (as amended through January 21, 2013) Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., dated March 4, 2010, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed March 9, 2010 Letter amendment dated February 1, 2011, to the Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-K filed March 18, 2011 First Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., dated July 5, 2011, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed July 5, 2011 Second Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., dated November 1, 2012, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed November 2, 2012 Third Amendment to the Second Amended and Restated Credit Agreement by and between Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., dated March 14, 2013 Employee Stock Purchase Plan, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2008 Second Amended and Restated Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Plan, dated January 1, 2008, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to Form 10-K filed March 14, 2008 Exhibit No. EXHIBITS Description 10.14 10.15 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 10.23 10.24 10.25 10.26 10.27 10.28 10.29 21.0 23.1 31.1 31.2 Form of Severance Agreement dated January 4, 2008, between Famous Dave's of America, Inc. and each of Diana G. Purcel and Christopher O’Donnell, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 for Form 8-K filed January, 8, 2008 Form 2010-2012 Performance Share Agreement and Schedule of Grants under such form, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to Form 8-K filed January 6, 2010 Form 2011-2013 Performance Share Agreement and Schedule of Grants under such form, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to Form 8-K filed January 5, 2011 Form of 2012 – 2014 Performance Share Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed January 6, 2012 Schedule of Grants made under Form of 2012 – 2014 Performance Share Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to Form 10-K filed March 16, 2012 Form 2013 – 2015 Performance Share Agreement and Schedule of Grants under such form, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2 to Form 8-K filed January 8, 2013 Form 2013 – 2015 Performance Stock Unit Agreement and Schedule of Grants under such form, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.3 and 10.4 to Form 8-K filed January 8, 2013 Form of Director Stock Grant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed February 21, 2008 Restricted Stock Unit Agreement, between Famous Dave's of America, Inc. and each of Diana G. Purcel and Christopher O’Donnell, incorporated by reference to Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, to Form 8- K filed September 17, 2008 Restricted Stock Agreement dated May 5, 2009, between Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. and Lisa A. Kro, incorporated by reference from Exhibit 10.2 to Form 10-Q filed on May 7, 2009 Restricted Stock Agreement dated May 5, 2009, between Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. and Wallace B. Doolin, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed on November 5, 2009 Restricted Stock Agreement dated August 2, 2011, between Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. and John Gilbert, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed on August 12, 2011 Employment Offer Letter dated October 8, 2012, between Famous Dave's of America, Inc. and John Gilbert, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2012 Confidentiality and Noncompetition Agreement dated October 8, 2012, between Famous Dave's of America, Inc. and John Gilbert, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2012 Restricted Stock Agreement dated October 8, 2012, between Famous Dave's of America, Inc. and John Gilbert, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 8-K filed on October 9, 2012 Nomination Agreement dated March 1, 2013 by and among the persons and entities listed on Schedule A thereto, Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., and Patrick Walsh, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed March 4, 2013 Subsidiaries of Famous Dave's of America, Inc. Consent of Grant Thornton LLP Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Exhibit No. 32.1 32.2 101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.LAB 101.PRE 101.DEF EXHIBITS Description Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 1350 as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 XBRL Instance Document XBRL Schema Document XBRL Calculation Linkbase Document XBRL Label Linkbase Document XBRL Presentation Linkbase Document XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document SUBSIDIARIES OF FAMOUS DAVE'S OF AMERICA, INC. Exhibit 21.0 FEIN % of Ownership Entity D&D of Minnesota, Inc. Famous Dave's Ribs of Maryland, Inc. Famous Dave's Ribs, Inc. Famous Dave's Ribs-U, Inc. FDA Properties, Inc. 41-1856702 41-1958496 41-1884517 41-1884548 36-4379010 Lake & Hennepin BBQ and Blues, Inc. 41-1834594 Minwood Partners, Inc. 51-0396229 100% 96% 100% 100% 100% 100% 100% Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Exhibit 23.1 We have issued our report dated March 15, 2013, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule included in the Annual Report of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2012. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. on Forms S-3 (File No. 333-86358, File No. 333-48492, File No. 333-95311, File No. 333- 54562, File No. 333-65428, and File No. 333-73504) and on Forms S-8 (File No. 333-176268, File No. 333-124985, File No. 333-88928, File No. 333-88930, File No. 333-88932, File No. 333-16299, File No. 333-49939, and File No. 333-49965). /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota March 15, 2013 I, John F. Gilbert, certify that: CERTIFICATIONS Exhibit 31.1 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Dated: March 15, 2013 By: /s/ John F. Gilbert John F. Gilbert Chief Executive Officer I, Diana Garvis Purcel, certify that: CERTIFICATIONS Exhibit 31.2 1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have: a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Dated: March 15, 2013 By: /s/ Diana Garvis Purcel Diana Garvis Purcel Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Exhibit 32.1 In connection with the Annual Report of Famous Dave's of America, Inc (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, John F. Gilbert, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the Registrant, certify, in accordance with Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. Dated: March 15, 2013 By: /s/ John F. Gilbert John F. Gilbert Chief Executive Officer Certification Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 Exhibit 32.2 In connection with the Annual Report of Famous Dave's of America, Inc (the “Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the annual period ended December 30, 2012, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Diana Garvis Purcel, Chief Financial Officer and Secretary of the Registrant, certify, in accordance with Rule 13a-14(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 that: 1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and 2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Registrant. Dated: March 15, 2013 By: /s/ Diana Garvis Purcel Diana Garvis Purcel Chief Financial Officer and Secretary FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE TEAM AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION FISCAL YEAR 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 (1) ($’s in 000’s, except per share data, and average weekly sales) STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE TEAM SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION $ 154,988 $ 154,811 $ 148,268 $ 136,018 $ 140,382 Dean A. Riesen Chairman of the Board John F. Gilbert III Chief Executive Officer Revenue Asset impairment and estimated lease termination (2) and other closing costs Income from operations Income tax (expense) benefit Net income Basic net income per common share Diluted net income per common share Cash and cash equivalents Total assets Long-term debt less current maturities OTHER DATA Total shareholders’ equity (4) Restaurant Sales: Company-owned Franchise-operated Number of restaurants open at year end: Company-owned restaurants Franchise-operated restaurants Total restaurants Company-owned comparable (5) $ (370) (805) $ (74) $ $ (513) $ 11,983 $ $ 6,213 $ 9,396 $ $ (3,796) $ $ (2,764) $ 4,360 $ 5,562 $ 7,218 $ $ $ 0.84 $ $ 0.82 $ $ $ 2,654 $ $ 2,074 $ 76,129 $ $ 76,253 $ 23,497 $ 22,105 $ $ 32,904 $ $ 33,767 0.70 0.68 $ 1,148 $ 73,839 $ 20,451 $ 34,094 0.58 $ 0.57 $ (3) (3) (218) $ 10,514 $ (2,989) $ 5,701 $ 0.63 $ 0.62 $ 2,996 $ 68,381 $ 17,990 $ 32,944 $ (6,912) 2,030 119 389 0.04 0.04 1,687 73,401 29,252 26,184 $ 135,730 $ 361,109 $ 136,896 $ 355,338 $ 131,154 $ 117,934 $ 122,016 $ 340,454 $ 358,696 $ 355,946 53 135 188 54 133 187 52 130 182 45 132 177 (6) 47 123 170 (1.8)% increase 1.5% 0.7% (6.3)% sales (decrease) Average weekly sales: Company-owned restaurants Franchise-operated restaurants (1) Fiscal 2009 consisted of 53 weeks. Fiscal 2012, 2011, 2010, and 2008 all consisted of 52 weeks. (2) Fiscal 2012 primarily reflects closing costs for three company-owned restaurants as well as a lease reserve for one of the closed restaurants. Fiscal 2011 primarily reflects impairment charges for three company-owned restaurants. Two of these are still operating and one has closed. Fiscal 2009 primarily reflects closing costs for two company- owned restaurants. Fiscal 2008 reflects impairment charges for eight restaurants. Five of these have closed and three are still operating. (3) Reflects gain on acquisition of New York and New Jersey restaurants in March 2010, of $0.15 per diluted share. (4) Long-term debt includes our line of credit. (5) Our comparable store sales includes company-owned restaurants that are open year round and have been open more than 24 months. (6) For purposes of computing comparable store sales, this computation assumes fiscal 2009 was a 52-week year. $ 49,172 $ 50,216 $ 49,187 $ 48,197 $ 50,685 $ 52,714 $ 53,096 $ 52,631 $ 53,016 $ 56,535 (2.0)% John F. Gilbert III Chief Executive Officer and Member of Strategic Planning Committee Christopher O’Donnell President and Chief Operations Officer and Member of Strategic Planning Committee Wallace B. Doolin Chairperson of Strategic Planning Committee, Chairperson of Compensation Committee and Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, and Audit Committee Lisa A. Kro Chairperson of Audit Committee, Member of Compensation Committee, Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee Richard L. Monfort Chairperson of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee, Member of Audit Committee, and Member of Strategic Planning Committee Christopher O’Donnell President and Chief Operations Officer Diana Garvis Purcel Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Jeff Abramson Vice President, Purchasing Jackie Ottoson Vice President, Human Resources and Training Victor Salamone Vice President, Franchise Development Ben Welshons Vice President, Sales CHAIRMAN EMERITUS David W. Anderson Founder and Chairman Emeritus RESTAURANT LOCATIONS Investor/Analyst Contact Diana Garvis Purcel 952-294-1300 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Grant Thornton LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota Legal Counsel Maslon Edelman Borman and Brand, LLP Transfer Agent & Registrar Wells Fargo Stock Exchange Listing Common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol DAVE Annual Meeting The annual meeting of shareholders is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM (CST) on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at the Company’s headquarters REVENUE NUMBER OF RESTAURANTS $154.8 $155.0 $148.3 $140.4 $136.0 $160 $150 $140 $130 $120 $110 $100 $90 187 188 182 177 170 135 133 123 132 130 47 45 52 54 53 190 180 170 160 150 140 130 120 110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 3.0% 2.0% 1.0% 0.0% (1.0)% (2.0)% (3.0)% (4.0)% (5.0)% (6.0)% (7.0)% COMPANY-OWNED COMPARABLE SALES 1.5% 0.7% (2.0)% (1.8)% (6.3)% • 53 Company RestauRants • 134 FRanChise RestauRants 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 Company-Owned Franchise-Operated As of March 2013, Famous Dave’s had a total of 187 company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants in 34 states and 1 Canadian province. Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. 12701 Whitewater Drive, Suite 200 Minnetonka, MN 55343 Phone: 952-294-1300 www.famousdaves.com 

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