Dave Annual Report 2014 | Quarterlytics

Plain-text annual report

ANNUAL REPORT 2014 A YEAR OF EVOLUTION “ 2014 has been a year of transition and transformation … ” its considerable When I joined the Board of Directors in January 2014, I was excited by the opportunity to help Famous Dave’s achieve long-term promise. I had no idea that I would be asked to step into the CEO’s role and lead such a fantastic company through a transition, a period of evolution and renewal. I am now even more excited, more energized and more conﬁ dent in the future of Famous Dave’s. In 2014 we faced considerable chal- lenges and change. Although our net sales decline for the year is disappoint- ing, with comparable sales decreasing by 4.9%, we expected this result based on the change in strategy implement- ed late in the ﬁ rst quarter. We believe our decision to stop relying on heavy discounting to drive sales is the right one. We know that we will continue to face severe headwinds from this change until we lap the discounts late in the second quarter of 2015. With that said, we are pleased that our adjusted EBITDA and adjusted Net Income per share in- creased year-over-year. During our 2014 ﬁ rst quarter, compa- rable sales declined 4.9%. Our sales decline was impacted by some severe winter weather compounded by the elimination of discounting. The second, third and fourth quarters followed the same pattern, with comparable restau- rant sales at company-owned restau- rants declining by 5.0%, 5.7% and 4.0% respectively. Our franchisees, who generally discounted to a lesser extent, reported comparable sales declines of 3.3%, 2.8%, 2.8% and 2.5% from the ﬁ rst to the fourth quarters, respectively. There is no question that these results are disappointing, whether expected or not. However, as we analyzed our business on a day-by-day basis, it became clear to me that we were recovering, particularly later in the year when we started to see some encouraging signs. conference As we discussed during our third quarter earnings call, half of the comparable sales decline at company-owned restaurants was concentrated in twelve locations and the same proportion was concentrated in ﬁ fteen franchisee-owned locations. TO OUR SHAREHOLDERS When we break down our performance this way, the challenge we face seems more manageable. increases Generating positive comparable sales increases driven by in guest count, rather than by increases in menu price, has been a struggle since at least 2008. When adjusted for price increases, the company has not registered a positive comparable sales increase since 2008. So what we faced in 2014 was not a new or recent phenomenon. The question we are focused on is “why has the brand not delivered on its enviable promise over the past six years?” We sell outstanding barbeque – we take high quality meats that are carefully pit smoked, over hickory wood, on site, every day, in a dedicated smoker, by talented Pit Masters to create mouth- watering dishes with unique ﬂ avor proﬁ les. We marry this with excellent hospitality in a warm and welcoming country lodge environment. Our belief is that the way our guests eat out and the way they use restaurants has evolved through the recession, but we have not. We are acutely aware that some of our competitors generated positive comparable sales during this period when we did not. We need to become more relevant to our guests again. 2014 has been a year of transition and transformation – we have taken a critical look our business and developed a strategy to evolve our great brand to return to positive sales growth. We want to reinforce the fact that this is evolution not revolution. We remain committed to selling the highest quality barbeque in a fun, casual and welcoming environment. We remain committed to the traditional process of barbequing – slowly smoking our meats daily over hickory wood. We will retain our roots while we grow our wings. We intend to transform ourselves into an organization that is franchisee-led. In doing so, we plan to refranchise many of our company-owned restaurants and put these restaurants in the hands of local owner-operators whose incentives are heavily aligned toward driving sales. This will allow us to reorganize our corporate oﬃ ce, where we will focus on brand development and brand management. In addition, we will focus on supporting growth in each of our three lines of business – dine-in, to-go and catering – through reorienting our marketing programs and platforms, leveraging new technology and deploying a dedicated catering sales force. Our goals are to evolve while retaining our current guests, recovering lapsed guests and attracting new guests to drive sales growth. The company will continue to operate between 10% and 15% of our total restaurants. We will aim to maintain this percentage as we return to growth – ﬁ rst to positive comparable restaurant sales growth and then to new unit growth. We have engaged three world-class brand design ﬁ rms to give us diﬀ erent perspectives on how we could evolve. Their work is being supported by independent third party research into the needs and behaviors of our current, lapsed and target future guests. We will weave the results into a coherent brand strategy – with a pathway to cost- eﬃ ciently evolve our existing locations and multiple platforms for future new unit growth. Our evolution has begun and it will take until 2016 to see the impact of the changes that we are making. We believe that reversing the discounting strategy coupled with the plans that we laid out above were, and are, the right decisions. We would like close by recognizing and thanking our dedicated franchisees, partners and staﬀ – it is their commit- ment, passion, and drive for excellence that supports everything that Famous Dave’s is today and can become in the future. We retain an unwavering com- mitment to creating long-term sustain- able shareholder value and we thank you for your support while we under- take this transformation. Edward H. Rensi Chief Executive Oﬃ cer “ We serve outstanding BBQ – food that is slowly pit-smoked, over hickory wood, on-site, every day. ” When I joined the Board in late July I found a company that was in the early stages of a necessary, and long overdue, transition. Famous Dave’s is unquestionably a brand with tremendous positives that has, as both a franchisor and operator, yet to achieve its full potential. We serve outstanding BBQ — food that is slowly pit-smoked, over hickory wood, on-site, every day. Our high food quality and commitment to traditional methods of barbequing diﬀ erentiate us from our competitors. We oﬀ er three distinct occasions during which we interact with our guests – dine-in, to-go and catering – this diﬀ eren- tiates us further and is important as our menu generally commands a lower visit frequency. We have a diverse base of restaurants successfully operating across the majority of US States, Puerto Rico and Canada. Our brand has broad geographic appeal – our food travels well. This gives us conﬁ dence that we have the poten- tial for additional future growth. Finally, we have a new CEO in Ed Rensi; and we are fortunate to have someone with a combination of extensive industry experience, leadership skills and a track record of successful innovation to lead us through a period of change. We have a lot of positives. CHAIRMAN’S LETTER However, we are not without our chal- lenges and opportunities. The restaurant industry has evolved rapidly over the last decade. Famous Dave’s did not evolve with it and the results speak for themselves – comparable company-owned restau- rant sales declined by a cumulative 6.5% over the past three years; and the company came to rely on an unsustain- able strategy of heavy discounting to maintain sales, a strategy that we stopped in early 2014. This performance is unacceptable. Our customers have told us, and are telling us, that Famous Dave’s we need to change. Our franchisees, many of whom are keen to grow, have told us we need to change. We are listening. We have developed a strategy that respects our legacy but evolves our brand. We aim to retain the guests we currently serve, recapture lost guests and attract new guests who will drive our future growth. Our goal is a return to positive comparable sales growth. We are focusing on improving our overall customer value proposition and brand positioning through: updating our menu; positioning through: updating our menu; redesigning our restaurants, both inside redesigning our restaurants, both inside and out; improving hospitality through and out; improving hospitality through training; and leveraging technology to in- training; and leveraging technology to in- crease speed of service. In addition, we are crease speed of service. In addition, we are adding a dedicated sales force to support adding a dedicated sales force to support our catering business – which oﬀ ers growth potential and an excellent way to expose our food to new guests. To help communicate these changes our marketing will be re-oriented locally. Our goal is to build and broaden our reach in the communities that we serve. Further, we aim to improve restaurant- level operating margins and reduce corporate overhead. To date, we have identiﬁ ed or implemented certain initiatives to reduce our distribution costs, improve restaurant-level labor deployment and operating procedures, optimize our supply chain and reduce overall corporate expenses. Finally, our goal is to refranchise many of our company-owned restau- rants and put them in the hands of ex- perienced franchisees, either new or existing, that we believe will make good long-term partners. As this pro- cess moves forward, we will realign our corporate oﬃ ce to better support a primarily franchisee-led organization. We are early in our transformation. The results may not be seen immediately, but we believe that we are on the right path. We are excited by the prospects and opportunities for Famous Dave’s and opportunities for Famous Dave’s that lie ahead. that lie ahead. David J. Mastrocola David J. Mastrocola Chairman of the Board Chairman of the Board “ We retain an unwavering commitment to creating long-term sustainable shareholder value … ” UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION Washington, D.C. 20549 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 For the Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2014 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-known 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 (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) 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 $ 153.0 million as of June 27, 2014 (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 6, 2014, 7,057,866 shares of the registrant's Common Stock were outstanding. DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE: Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which is to be filed within 120 days after the end of the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014, 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 13 18 18 21 21 21 24 25 39 39 39 39 40 41 41 41 42 42 43 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 28, 2014, there were 189 Famous Dave’s restaurants operating in 34 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Canada, including 50 Company-owned restaurants and 139 franchise-operated restaurants. An additional 56 franchise restaurants were committed to be developed through signed area development agreements at December 28, 2014. Fiscal 2014 was a year of transition for Famous Dave’s. At the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2014, the Company made the decision to eliminate a strategy of relying on offering heavy discounts to drive sales that was in place for 2013 and early 2014. As result of this decision, the Company faced sales headwinds throughout 2014 and will continue to face them into the second quarter of 2015. We are confident that this was the right long-term decision for the brand. Throughout fiscal 2014, the Company laid the foundation to return to positive same store sales growth and to improved restaurant-level and Company-level operating margins, progress that was masked by strategic investments in the business, one-time cost adjustments associated with prior years, costs associated with changes to the corporate headquarters and costs associated with rationalizing our restaurant portfolio. In fiscal 2014, total revenue was $149.4 million, a decrease from $155.4 million in fiscal 2013. This decrease predominantly reflected a comparable sales decline as a result of the decision to discontinue the discounting strategy highlighted above. Franchise royalty revenue and fees were flat while licensing and other revenue declined year over year. The Company realized a comparable sales decrease for Company-owned restaurants of 4.9% compared to a comparable sales increase of 0.2% for fiscal 2013. The franchise-operated restaurants saw a decline in their comparable sales of 2.5%, compared to 2013’s comparable sales decline of 2.9%. During 2014, the Company closed four Company-owned restaurants and did not open a new Company-owned restaurant. Additionally, in 2014, there were five new franchise-operated restaurants that opened, five lower volume franchise-operated restaurants that closed as well as one additional franchise-operated restaurant that closed in anticipation of being relocated in the future. Fiscal 2014 earnings per diluted share were $0.40, that included the negative impact of $3.8 million, or $0.38 per diluted share, of one-time non-cash impairment and closure costs associated with the three Richmond area restaurants, as well as impairment charges for three additional restaurants, all of which charges were recorded during the fourth quarter. In the first half of fiscal 2014, there were additional charges of $1.1 million, or $0.11 per diluted share recorded for the sale, impairment, lease termination, and closure costs of the décor warehouse, as well as costs incurred for the closure of the Salisbury, Maryland restaurant. This compared to earnings per diluted share of $0.62 in fiscal 2013, that included the impact of $1.2 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, impact of non-cash impairment charges for the impairment of the Salisbury, Maryland restaurant, lease restructuring fees associated with a restaurant in Virginia, and residual closing costs for a restaurant relocated in 2013. Fiscal 2013’s results were favorably impacted by an approximate $1.4 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, of bonus recapture in the fourth quarter. Fiscal 2014 earnings per diluted share decreased year over year due to several factors. The majority of the decline was the result of the impairment charges detailed above. The decline in restaurant sales is believed to be largely attributable to the Company’s decision to stop its heavy discount strategy in the first quarter of 2014, which had an adverse impact on operating margins. There was an increase in operating expenses as result of specific one-time charges related to investments in our restaurants. These increases in operating expenses were partially offset by favorable food and beverage costs and lower general and administrative expenses year-over-year as a result of executive and employee departures in fiscal 2014. Although the Company is still early in the turnaround, the priorities for 2015 are clear. The Company is focusing its efforts on returning to positive comparable restaurant sales, while improving profitability at both the restaurant and Company level, refranchising Company restaurants and maintaining flexibility to make capital allocation decisions. 3 In fiscal 2014, the Company ceased relying on offering regular and heavy discounts as broad strategy to drive guest traffic; this is believed to be largely responsible for explaining the year over year comparable sales decline of 4.9%. The elimination of this strategy will continue to put pressure on top-line revenue through the middle of 2015. The Company has developed a pipeline of new menu items tied to an eighteen-month marketing calendar along with other brand and marketing initiatives that we believe will drive guest traffic for our dine-in and To Go occasions. Additionally, the Company will continue to focus driving catering sales and has recently added both senior corporate and field based staff to lead this initiative. The Company aims to reduce the number of Company-owned restaurants to be approximately 10% to 15% of the total number of restaurants system wide over the next three to five years. To achieve this target, the Company will aim to sell some of its existing restaurants to existing and new franchisees that have the ability to not only acquire these restaurants but develop additional restaurants. Concurrently with this initiative, the Company may look to monetize its owned real estate. The Company is working towards the goals of improving restaurant level cash flow margins and reducing general and administrative expenses so that its performance is more comparable to other similar casual-dining restaurant changes. The Company aims to achieve this by continuing to focus on cost optimization at the restaurant and at the general headquarters levels as well as to drive growth in top-line revenue to leverage its fixed costs. 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 and 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 28, 2014, 43 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 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 designs that can be adapted to fit various location sizes and desired service styles such as full-service or counter-service. In 2014, our franchise openings were a mixture of conversions of existing full-service casual dining chains to our concept as well as new construction. One of these was a full-service franchise-operated restaurant in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. In 2014, the Company did not open a Company-owned restaurant; however it did undertake a significant remodel in Bolingbrook, Illinois. In fiscal 2013, the Company completed construction on two restaurants in Maryland; both were ground-up construction of full-service restaurants. In 2012, two counter-service restaurants, utilizing our new 3,000 square foot prototype were built: one Company-owned and one franchise-operated. Additionally, in 2012, a full-service Company-owned restaurant was converted from another restaurant concept in Gainesville, Virginia. All other locations that opened in fiscal 2013 were franchise-owned full-service restaurants. We offer conversion packages that provide our franchisees with the flexibility 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 2015, we are working with three restaurant design firms to develop the next evolution in our full-service format and to develop plans for three additional service-style models including counter-service, line-service and hybrid flex-service models. Our one new Company-owned restaurant that is expected to open in fiscal 2015 will be a relocation of an existing restaurant in North Riverside, Illinois and will reflect one interpretation of our new full-service design prototypes. 4 We pride ourselves on the following: High Quality Food – Each restaurant features a distinctive selection of authentic hickory-smoked and 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 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 Banana Pudding, are a specialty. To complement our entrée and appetizer items and to suit different customer tastes, we offer six regional 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. In 2014, we expanded our menu to include the use of smoked meats to be used as an ingredient in other menu items, such as flat breads and tacos. We believe that high quality food, a menu that is over 80% “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 few geographic impediments to scaling our concept and brand. Distinctive Environment - Décor and Music – During 2014, the Company re-evaluated the existing restaurants décor and music. As part of this evaluation, the Company began removing a significant portion of its decor in an effort to lighten up and modernize the restaurants. Additionally, the Company tested and implemented new music programs that updated the music selection in our restaurants to appeal to a broader spectrum of guests. 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 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 and demographic 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 2014, 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 superior 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, barbequed, grilled meats, entrée items and delicious side dishes which are prepared using easy-to-operate kitchen equipment and processes that use proprietary seasonings, sauces and mixes. This streamlined food preparation system helps manage the cost of operation by requiring fewer staff; lower training costs, and eliminates the need for highly compensated chefs. Additionally, barbeque has the ability 5 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, increase frequency, and feature our cravable products, we have assembled a research and development product pipeline designed to generate new, delicious and exciting menu items that allow us to regularly update our menu. During 2014, we offered our guests several new products as well as featured several signature menu items. Early in 2014, and in support of the Lenten season, we featured several fish entrée’s such as catfish, salmon, and cod. We also offered an Easter holiday meal program with our own Signature Smoked Hams. In the spring, we launched “Build Your Own BBQ or BYOB” – where our guests could build their own BBQ taco or lettuce cup with our smoked pork, brisket, or chicken along with other accompaniments. During the holiday season, we featured, system-wide, a Signature Smoked Ham and Signature Smoked Turkey product available for off-premise occasions. Human Resources and Training/Development - A key ingredient to our success lies with our ability to hire, train, engage and retain Employees at all levels of our organization. We place a great deal of importance on creating an exceptional working environment for all of our employees. Through our Human Resource, Talent Management and Training/Development resources, tools and programs, we continually enhance and support superior performance within our restaurants and General Headquarters. Our foundational guiding principle is doing the right thing for the organization and our guests 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 employee evaluations relative to peer contribution, taking into account specific core competencies and goals. 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. Our restaurant management turnover for fiscal 2014 was approximately 16% and our restaurant hourly turnover was approximately 57%. Our Human Resource and Training organization focuses 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 Employees, Restaurant Managers, and Multi-Unit Managers) in an effort to create defined career paths. Our Management Trainee program provides new restaurant managers a foundational based training for restaurant operations, including ServSafe Food and Alcohol Certification; and several learning sessions focused on the basic behaviors and skills of a Famous Dave’s Manager. We also offer a Famous Dave’s Leadership Series program which provides a library of workshop offerings for our managers focused on building and strengthening core skills in the areas of communication, teamwork, coaching, change management and performance management. In addition, we have incorporated e-learning training tasks, skills and processes on-demand. E-learning provides many benefits including: saving costs on printed materials, saving training time with greater knowledge retention, providing a testing platform for training results, and increasing the productivity of tenured staff by keeping skills sharp. 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 Operations Supervisors 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 Employees and the establishment of, and adherence to, high standards relating to performance, food and beverage preparation, and maintenance of facilities. 6 All Managers must complete an eight-week training program, during which they are instructed in areas such as food quality and preparation, customer service, hospitality, and employee relations. We have prepared operations’ manuals relating to food and beverage quality and service standards. New Employees participate in training under the close supervision of our Management. Each General Manager reports to an Operations Supervisor, who manages from six to seven restaurants, depending on the region. Our Operations Supervisors 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 Operations Supervisors receive additional training through Operations Supervisors Workshops that focus specifically on managing multiple locations, planning, time management, staff and management development skills. We have a Sr. Director of Operations who is responsible for overseeing all Company-owned restaurants. This individual works closely with the Operations Supervisors to support day-to-day restaurant operations. In addition, the Sr. Director of Operations assists in the professional development of our multi-unit supervisors and general managers. The Sr. Director of Operations is 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. The Sr. Director reports to the Executive Director of Operations. 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 Employees. 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 an expedient take-out service along with 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, fair prices 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 ways to leverage these segments of our business. Catering accounted for approximately 10.0% of our net sales for fiscal 2014, as compared to 9.4% in 2013. 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. During 2014, we implemented a catering call center for phone-in and web catering orders which provided our catering sales managers with more time to grow this area of the business. To Go accounted for approximately 26.8% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2014 as compared to 26.0% in 2013. 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 by allowing 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. During 2014, we implemented a call center for phone-in orders that helped to reduce wait times during peak weekend hours. 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. 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 $6.99 to $24.99, resulting in a per person dine-in and To Go average of $16.49 during fiscal 2014. During fiscal 2014, lunch checks averaged $15.48 and dinner checks averaged $18.91. We intend to use value priced offerings, new product introductions, and 7 the convenience of connecting with guests on their own terms, to drive new and infrequent guests into our restaurants for additional meal occasions. Marketing, Promotion and Sales We believe that by specializing in unique and distinctive smoked and grilled meats, 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 2014, predominately due to the carryover of funds from fiscal 2013, the Company made the decision to decrease the 2014 Marketing Ad Fund contribution system-wide to 0.75% of net sales. In 2015, the Marketing Ad Fund contribution system-wide will revert back to the contractual rate of 1% 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. Famous Dave’s uses traditional marketing efforts that include television, internet, radio, digital marketing, public relations and outdoor billboards. During 2014, we had 1.9 million Famous Nation members and approximately 408,000 fans on Facebook. The strategic focus for marketing and promotion is to ensure that Famous Dave’s is recognized as 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. In fiscal 2014 the Company discontinued the broad use of discounts to drive guest traffic as it had the previous couple of years. To help drive top-line sales, the Company is implementing a rolling 18 month marketing calendar with specific regular promotions. We featured four limited time offerings in 2014 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. 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. In 2014, we shifted our emphasis to achieving growth by going deeper in connecting with guests on their terms. Each of these dining occasions’ offer 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 guest’s daily dinner dilemma and address these differences in our marketing, including menu, promotional outreach, pricing, and new product news. 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 few impediments to our growth on a geographical basis. Our geographical concentration as of December 28, 2014 was 41% Midwest, 11% Middle Atlantic, 8% South, 30% West, 8% Northeast, 1% in Canada and 1% in Puerto Rico. We were located in 34 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Canada as of December 28, 2014. 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 target guest profile. The identified 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 assist in assessing the site and trade area quality of new locations. This process involves consumer research in our existing restaurants, the results of which are captured in a target guest profile, that is regularly updated. Each location is evaluated based on three primary sales drivers, that include: sales potential from the residential base (home quality), employment base (work quality), and retail activity (retail quality). 8 Locations are also evaluated on their site characteristics that includes seven categories of key site attributes, including, but not limited to, access, visibility, and parking. As part of our development strategy, we have engaged a design firm to redesign and reimage the traditional full- service prototype and develop plans for three additional service style models including counter-service, line-service and hybrid flex-service models. The three additional service-style models will allow us to access new markets or strategically locate restaurants in existing markets where a full-service restaurant is unlikely to be financially viable. The surrounding trade area will determine which service style is appropriate. Site selection will focus on newly developed green-field retail developments or existing retail projects being re-developed. Conversion opportunities will be considered on a case by case basis. 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 Development – We expect to open one new Company-owned restaurant in 2015, which is the relocation of the North Riverside, Illinois restaurant. It will serve as a prototype for the growth of our full- service restaurants system-wide. We expect to continue to build in our existing markets in high profile, heavy traffic retail locations. 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 Development – We expect to continue to grow the franchise program. 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 28, 2014, we had signed franchise area development agreements with aggregate commitments for 56 additional units that are expected to open over approximately the next five 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 here and outside of the United States. 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 as individual franchise restaurants in the right markets where it makes sense. Additionally, we have begun to focus on certain strategic international markets where it makes sense. We do believe that the additional service-style formats will allow us to bring new franchisees, with diverse restaurant 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, where the products are 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 32% of our total purchases, while beef, which includes hamburger and brisket, is approximately 13%, chicken is approximately 12%, 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 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. 9 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 general headquarter 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 Employee 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 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 are currently authorized to offer and sell franchises in 44 of 50 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and have a Canadian franchise disclosure document available. 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 28, 2014, we had 39 ownership groups operating 139 Famous Dave’s franchise restaurants. Signed area development agreements, representing commitments to open an additional 56 franchise restaurants, were in place as of December 28, 2014. There can be no assurance that these franchisees will fulfill their commitments or fulfill them within the anticipated timeframe. 10 As of December 28, 2014, we had franchise-operated restaurants in the following locations: United States Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Delaware Florida Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Maine Maryland 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 The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Canada United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and Canada Total 11 Number of Franchise-Operated Restaurants 6 2 20 6 2 2 2 3 4 3 3 1 1 1 9 6 4 4 3 6 1 2 3 2 3 4 2 5 4 3 7 11 1 136 2 1 139 Our Franchise Operations Department is made up of the Executive Director of Operations, who guides the effort of a Sr. Director of Franchise Operations, supported by four Franchise Consultants. The Sr. Director of Franchise Operations has the responsibility for supporting our franchisees throughout the country and plays a critical role for us as well as for our franchise community. The Sr. Director of Franchise Operations manages the relationship between the franchisee and the franchisor and provides an understanding of the roles, responsibilities, differences, and accountabilities of that relationship. They are an active participant 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. They ensure compliance with obligations under our area development and franchise agreements. Franchisees are encouraged to utilize all available assistance from the Sr. Director of Franchise Operations and the Franchise Consultants and the General Headquarters but are not required to do so. The Company has a comprehensive operations’ scorecard and training tool 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 and operating performance. 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 is comprised of three separate and distinct earnings processes: area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty payments. Currently, our domestic area development fee for domestic growth consists of a one-time, non-refundable payment of approximately $10,000 per restaurant in consideration for the services we perform in preparation of executing each area development agreement. For our foreign area development agreements the one time, non-refundable payment is negotiated on a per development basis and is determined based on the costs incurred to sell that development agreement. Substantially all of these services, which include, but are not limited to, conducting market and trade area analysis, 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. Currently, our initial, non-refundable, franchise fee for domestic growth is $45,000 per restaurant, of which approximately $5,000 is recognized immediately when a franchise agreement is signed, reflecting expenses incurred related to the sale. The remaining non-refundable fee 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). Finally, 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. 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 2014, franchisees were required to contribute 0.75% of net sales to a marketing fund dedicated to building system-wide brand awareness. In 2015, franchisees will be required to contribute 1% of net sales to the marketing fund. Additionally, franchisees have historically spent 1.5% to 2.0% of their net sales annually on local marketing activities. Currently franchisees are required to spend approximately 1.5% of their net sales annually on local marketing activities. 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 12 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 28, 2014, we employed approximately 2,438 team members of which approximately 256 were salaried full-time 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. 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. 13 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 cash flows 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 cash flows, and has negatively impacted our financial position which has resulted in asset impairment charges being recorded and if it continues in the future, may result in further impairment of the Company’s assets. Depending on the duration and severity of the continued economic downturn and the pace of recovery, it may 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 and stock buy-backs, 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 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our covenants during fiscal 2014. 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 approximately $5.0 million and $4.0 million, respectively, at December 28, 2014, 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, operating income, and cash flows 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. Our plan is to open one new Company-owned restaurant, which is the relocation of the North Riverside, IL restaurant, in 2015. 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. 14 Competition may reduce our revenue, operating income, and cash flows. 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, operating income and cash flows. 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. We are also pursuing a strategic “re-franchising” initiative to transition some of our Company-owned restaurants into franchised locations. Our ability to successfully franchise additional restaurants and re-franchise existing Company-owned 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, the negotiation of acceptable terms for the re-franchising of existing Company-owned restaurants, 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. We may not be successful in expanding our international footprint. Our current franchise program includes two restaurants in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and one restaurant in Manitoba, Canada, and we believe there is a significant opportunity to expand our concept in international markets. Because we are at the early stage of pursuing international growth, we may not be completely aware of the development efforts involved and barriers to entry into foreign markets. As a result, we may incur more expenses than originally anticipated and there is a risk that we may not be successful in expanding internationally. If we are successful in expanding our international footprint, our future results could be materially adversely affected by a variety of uncontrollable and changing factors affecting international operations including, among others, regulatory, social, political, or economic conditions in a specific country or region, trade protection measures and other regulatory 15 requirements, government spending patterns, and changes in the laws and policies. Furthermore, by expanding our international footprint, our brand value could be harmed by factors outside of our control, including, among other things, difficulties in achieving the consistency of product quality and service compared to our U.S. restaurants and an inability to obtain adequate and reliable supplies of ingredients and products. The restaurant industry is subject to extensive government regulation that could negatively impact our business. The restaurant industry is subject to extensive federal, 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, adjustments to tip credits, increases to 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. In addition, our operating results would be adversely affected in the event we fail to maintain our food and liquor licenses. 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 2014, the general counsel’s office of the National Labor Relations Board issued complaints naming the McDonald’s Corporation as a joint employer of workers at its franchisees for alleged violations of the Fair Labor Standards Act. There can be no assurance that other franchisors will not receive similar complaints in the future which may result in legal proceedings based on the actions of its franchisees. Enactment and enforcement of various federal, state and local laws, rules and regulations on immigration and labor organizations may adversely impact the availability and costs of labor for our restaurants in a particular area or across the United States. Other labor shortages or increased team member turnover could also increase labor costs. Furthermore, restaurant operating costs are affected by increases in unemployment tax rates and similar costs over which we have no control. 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. Our restaurants will be covered by these national requirements when they go into effect, which may be as early as 2014. This legislation mandates menu labeling of certain nutritional aspects of restaurant menu items such as caloric, sugar, sodium, and fat content. There is a risk that consumers’ dining preferences may be impacted by such menu labeling. If we elect to alter our recipes in response to such a change in dining preferences, doing so 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. Healthcare reform legislation could have a negative impact on our business. Certain of the provisions of recent health care legislation 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. 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. While much of the cost of the recent healthcare legislation enacted will occur in 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. 16 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. 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. As a franchisor, we are subject to additional reputation risk associated with data breaches that could occur at one of our franchise locations, that could potentially harm the Famous Dave’s brand reputation. 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. 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 or interruption of service could adversely affect our operations. Furthermore, we accept credit and debit card payments in our restaurants. Recently, retailers have experienced actual or potential security breaches in which credit and debit card information may have been compromised, including several highly publicized incidents. 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. If our guests’ consumer data 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 and other remedial costs. 17 We evaluate restaurant sites and long-lived assets for impairment and expenses recognized as a result of any impairment would negatively affect our financial condition and consolidated results of operations. On December 29, 2014, we announced the closure of three underperforming Company-owned restaurants located in and around Richmond, Virginia and that we anticipated impairing the assets of up to four additional restaurants that underperformed during fiscal 2014. Based on our impairment analysis, we recognized expenses during the fiscal 2014 fourth quarter of $3.8 million as a result of impairment charges for three restaurants. 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, discount rate and other factors. If these estimates change in the future, we may be required to take additional impairment charges for the related assets, which would negatively affect our financial condition and consolidated results of operations. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate future cash flows. Accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such estimates. 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 6, 2015, we had 7,057,866 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. 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 engaged a design firm to redesign and reimage the traditional full-service prototype and develop plans for three additional service style models including counter-service, line-service and hybrid flex- service models. The three additional service-style models will allow us to access new markets or strategically locate restaurants in existing markets where a full-service restaurant is not sustainable. The surrounding trade area will determine which service style is appropriate. These new prototypes can be built as free standing buildings, as end caps of a building or as in-line locations. 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 2014, the Company did not open any new Company owned locations, and closed four locations. In fiscal 2013 the Company opened two free-standing, full-service restaurants, one in a 5,000 square foot building constructed by the landlord and the second in a 5,600 square foot prototype building constructed by the Company. In addition to the Company locations, franchisees opened eight full-service restaurants during fiscal 2013 including five conversions, two ground-up free-standing buildings, and one end-cap. In fiscal 2012, the Company opened a 6,000 square foot full-service restaurant and a 3,600 square foot counter-service restaurant, both of which were conversions 18 of other restaurant concepts. In 2012, several franchisees successfully converted restaurants from existing casual dining concepts. Due to the flexibility and scalability of our concept, there are a variety of development opportunities available now and in the future. In 2015, we expect to open one Company-owned restaurant, which is a relocation of the North Riverside, Illinois restaurant. Our leased restaurant facilities are occupied under agreements with remaining terms ranging from 9 months to 33 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 Minnesota executive offices are currently located in approximately 28,600 square feet in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Our executive office lease expires November 2018, with two five-year renewal options. The minimum annual rent commitment remaining over the lease term, including renewal options, is approximately $4.1 million. Our Illinois executive offices are currently located in approximately 8,400 square feet in Lombard, Illinois. This executive office lease expires October 2022. The minimum annual rent commitment remaining over the lease term is approximately $715,000. 19 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 28, 2014, 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 Orland Park, IL 26 Chantilly, VA 27 Florence, KY 28 Waldorf, MD 29 Coon Rapids, MN 30 Fredericksburg, VA 31 Owings Mills, MD 32 Bolingbrook, IL 33 Oswego, IL 34 Alexandria, VA 35 Algonquin, IL 36 Greenwood, IN 37 Brick, NJ 38 May's Landing, NJ 39 Smithtown, NY 40 Westbury, NY 41 New Brunswick, NJ 42 Mountainside, NJ 43 Metuchen, NJ 44 Bel Air, MD 45 Falls Church, VA 46 Eden Prairie, MN(3) 47 Gainesville, VA 48 Evergreen Park, IL(3) 49 Germantown, MD 50 Timonium, MD 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 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 6,400 5,900 6,600 6,300 6,500 6,700 6,600 6,600 6,600 6,000 5,700 5,200 6,400 6,400 6,400 7,200 8,800 6,200 6,360 5,430 2,980 6,000 3,600 5,000 5,600 Interior Seats 105 380 146 125 130 90 100 140 49 150 150 130 140 180 185 270 219 180 219 135 150 200 184 165 158 205 217 200 160 219 219 219 219 219 219 184 181 237 237 276 255 253 176 199 169 65 215 90 160 187 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 Leased 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 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 June 2002 January 2006 January 2006 June 2006 December 2006 September 2007 November 2007 November 2007 December 2007 February 2008 September 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 September 2013 November 2013 20 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 2014 2013 High Low High Low $ $ $ $ 31.99 34.70 29.67 29.98 $ $ $ $ 15.01 23.00 23.26 23.88 $ $ $ $ 11.09 15.76 16.95 20.99 $ $ $ $ 8.89 10.23 14.75 15.50 Holders As of March 6, 2015, we had approximately 333 shareholders of record and approximately 3,390 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 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 January 3, 2010 through December 28, 2014, to the S&P 500 Stock Index and to the S&P Small Cap Restaurant Index. 21 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. 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 January 3, 2010, and that any dividends paid were reinvested in the same security. 22 Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer 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. Since the program was adopted in May 2012, we have repurchased 804,101 shares under this program for approximately $12.9 million at an average market price per share of $16.05, excluding commissions. During fiscal 2014, we repurchased 101,466 shares under this program for approximately $2.6 million at an average market price per share of $25.72, excluding commissions. The following table includes information about the stock repurchase program approved on May 1, 2012 for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2014: Maximum Number Total Number of Shares (or Approximate Dollar Value) Average Purchased as of Shares that May Price Part of Publically Yet be Purchased Paid per Share(1) Announced Plans or Programs Under the Plans or Programs 43,098 (2) 19.37 17.71 --- --- --- --- 31.66 --- --- --- 24.43 24.97 1,965 (2) --- --- --- --- 50,000 (2) --- --- --- 4,903 (2) 1,500 (2) 254,267(3) 252,302(3) 252,302(3) 252,302(3) 252,302(3) 252,302(3) 202,302(3) 202,302(3) 202,302(3) 202,302(3) 197,399(3) 195,899(3) Total Number of Shares Purchased 43,098(2) 1,965(2) --- --- --- --- 50,000(2) --- --- --- 4,903(2) 1,500(2) Period Month #1 (December 30, 2013 – January 26, 2014) Month #2 (January 27, 2014 – February 23, 2014) Month #3 (February 24, 2014 – March 30, 2014) Month #4 (March 31, 2014 – April 27, 2014) Month #5 (April 28, 2014 – May 25, 2012) Month #6 (May 26, 2014 – June 29, 2014) Month #7 (June 30, 2013 – July 27, 2014) Month #8 (July 28, 2014 – August 24, 2014) Month #9 (August 25, 2014 – September 28, 2014) Month #10 (September 29, 2014 – October 26, 2014) Month #11 (October 27, 2014– November 23, 2014) Month #12 (November 24, 2014 – December 28, 2014) (1)Excluding commissions. (2)Shares purchased under the 1.0 million share publically announced repurchase plan adopted May 1, 2012. (3)Reflects the maximum number of shares that may be purchased in the future under the publicly announced share repurchase plan adopted May 1, 2012. 23 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 28, 2014 (fiscal 2014), December 29, 2013 (fiscal 2013), December 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012), January 1, 2012 (fiscal 2011), and January 2, 2011 (fiscal 2010) 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) 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010(1) STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS DATA Revenue Asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs(2) Income from operations Income tax expense 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 Total shareholders’ equity $149,355 $155,432 $154,988 $154,811 $148,268 ($4,517) $4,892 ($1,099) $2,897 $0.40 $0.40 $2,133 $66,677 $11,493 $31,802 ($1,181) $7,747 ($2,010) $4,767 $0.65 $0.62 $1,293 $75,337 $18,924 $32,791 ($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 $131,154 $340,454 50 139 189 53 135 188 54 140 194 $131,015 $369,871 $136,896 $355,338 $136,930 $363,438 $135,730 $361,109 OTHER DATA Restaurant Sales: Company-owned Franchise-operated Number of restaurants open at year end: Company-owned restaurants Franchise-operated restaurants Total restaurants Comparable Sales: Company-owned comparable store Sales (decrease) increase (4) Franchise-operated comparable store Sales (decrease) increase (4) Average weekly sales: Company-owned restaurants Franchise-operated restaurants (1)All presented fiscal years consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2015 will consist of 53 weeks. (2)Fiscal 2014 reflects non-cash impairment charges for six Company-owned restaurants, two lease restructurings charges at additional Company-owned restaurants and the décor warehouse, the write-off of décor due to a change in operating strategy and closing costs associated with Company owned restaurants. Fiscal 2013 reflects non-cash impairment charges for one Company-owned restaurant, a lease restructuring at another Company-owned restaurant, and residual closing costs for a restaurant relocated in 2013. 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. One is still operating and two have closed. (3)Reflects gain on acquisition of New York and New Jersey restaurants in March of 2010, of $0.15 per diluted share. (4)Our comparable store sales includes Company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants that are open year round and have been open more than 24 months. $49,514 $52,136 $49,172 $52,714 $50,216 $53,096 $47,249 $51,059 54 133 187 (4.9)% (2.5)% (1.8)% (2.9)% (2.0)% 0.2% 1.5% 0.0% $49,187 $52,631 52 130 182 (0.8)% 0.7% 24 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 28, 2014, there were 189 Famous Dave’s restaurants operating in 34 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and 1 Canadian province, including 50 Company-owned restaurants and 139 franchise-operated restaurants. An additional 56 franchise restaurants were committed to be developed through signed area development agreements as of December 28, 2014. 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 28, 2014 (fiscal 2014), December 29, 2013 (fiscal 2013), and December 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012) all consisted of 52 weeks. Fiscal 2015, which ends on January 3, 2016, will consist of 53 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. Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts to conform to the current year’s presentation. 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. 25 Our franchise-related revenue is comprised of three separate and distinct earnings processes: area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty payments. Currently, our domestic area development fee for domestic growth consists of a one-time, non-refundable payment of approximately $10,000 per restaurant in consideration for the services we perform in preparation of executing each area development agreement. For our foreign area development agreements the one time, non-refundable payment is negotiated on a per development basis and is determined based on the costs incurred to sell that development agreement. Substantially all of these services, which include, but are not limited to, a review of the potential franchisee’s current operations, conducting market and trade area analysis, 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. Currently, our initial, non-refundable, franchise fee for domestic growth is $45,000 per restaurant, of which approximately $5,000 is recognized immediately when a franchise agreement is signed, reflecting expenses incurred related to the sale. The remaining non-refundable fee 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). Finally, 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. 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, discount rate 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 in 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 4 to our consolidated financial statements) at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013. We annually review the liquor licenses for impairment and in fiscal 2014 and 2013 no impairment charges were required to be 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. 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 $214,000 and $72,000, at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. In 2014, the increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts was primarily due to the aging of 26 receivables associated with a couple of franchisees. 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 expense for share-based awards granted to team members based on their fair values at the time of grant over the requisite service period. Additionally, our board members receive share-based awards for their board service. Our pre-tax compensation expense for stock options and other incentive awards is included in general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations (see Note 9 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 2012 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 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, labor and benefits costs, operating expenses which include 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 three to four months of operation. As restaurant management and team members gain experience following a restaurant’s opening, labor scheduling, food cost management and operating expense control typically improve to levels similar to those at our more established restaurants. 27 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, including restaurant-level supervision, bonuses, team member benefits, legal fees, accounting fees, consulting fees, travel, rent, and general insurance are major items in this category. Additionally, 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:(5) Food and beverage costs(1) Labor and benefits(1) Operating expenses(1)(3) Restaurant level cash flow margin(1)(4) Depreciation & amortization (restaurant level)(1) Asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs(1) Pre-opening expenses and net loss on disposal of property(1) Costs and expenses (restaurant level)(1) Restaurant level margin(1)(3) Depreciation & amortization (corporate level)(2) General and administrative(2) Total costs and expenses(2) Income from operations(2) 2014 2013 2012 29.5% 32.5% 27.5% 10.5% 4.1% 3.4% 0.3% 97.3% 2.7% 0.5% 10.8% 96.7% 3.3% 30.3% 32.4% 25.6% 11.7% 4.0% 0.9% 0.5% 93.7% 6.3% 0.5% 12.2% 95.0% 5.0% 31.3% 32.6% 26.9% 9.2% 4.0% 0.3% 0.4% 95.5% 4.5% 0.4% 12.1% 96.0% 4.0% (1)As a percentage of restaurant sales, net (2)As a percentage of total revenue (3)Restaurant level margin is equal to taking restaurant sales, net less restaurant level costs and expenses. Restaurant level costs and expenses include food and beverage costs, labor and benefit costs, operating expenses, restaurant level depreciation and amortization, asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs, pre-opening expenses and net loss on disposal of equipment. (4)Restaurant level cash flow margin is equal to taking restaurant sales, net less restaurant level food and beverage costs, labor and benefit costs, and operating expenses. (5)Data regarding our restaurant operations as presented in this table includes sales, costs and expenses associated with our Rib Team, which netted a loss of $7,000, $54,000, and $69,000, respectively, in fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012. Our Rib Team travels around the country introducing people to our brand of barbeque and building brand awareness. Fiscal Year 2014 Compared to Fiscal Year 2013 Due to the strategic operational changes we initiated during fiscal year 2014, we are continuing to evaluate and assess various aspects of our business that may impact our budgets and expected financial performance for fiscal 2015. As a result, we believe that it is premature to provide any guidance for fiscal 2015 in this report and have elected not to do so. We will re-assess the advisability of providing guidance in the future commencing with our quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the first fiscal quarter of 2015. Total Revenue Total revenue of approximately $149.4 million for fiscal 2014 decreased approximately $6.1 million, or -3.9%, from total revenue of $155.4 in fiscal 2013. Fiscal 2014 and 2013 both consisted of 52 weeks. 28 Restaurant Sales, net Restaurant sales for fiscal 2014 were approximately $131.0 million, compared to approximately $136.9 million for fiscal 2013 reflecting a 4.3% decrease. Total restaurant sales reflected a 4.9% comparable sales decrease, partially offset by the full year effect of a weighted average price increase of approximately 2.5% during fiscal 2013 and a reduction in discounting. This 4.9% comparable sales decrease was, on a weighted basis, comprised of a 3.2% comparable sales decrease for dine-in sales, a 1.3% comparable sales decrease for To Go and a 0.5% comparable sales decrease for catering. 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 $17.4 million for both fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013. The franchise-related revenue reflected the five franchise-operated openings fiscal 2014 and the annualized impact of eight franchise-operated restaurants opened in fiscal 2013. These openings were partially offset by the closure of six lower sales volume restaurants in 2014, a comparable sales decline of 2.5% and a year over year decline in franchise fees. Fiscal 2014 included 7,244 franchise operating weeks, compared to 6,971 franchise operating weeks in fiscal 2013. There were 139 franchise-operated restaurants open at December 28, 2014, compared to 140 at December 29, 2013. 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 $878,000 for fiscal 2014 as compared to $805,000 for fiscal 2013. Other revenue for fiscal 2014 was approximately $76,000 compared to approximately $311,000 for fiscal 2013. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the number of franchise openings and level of assistance provided to the franchisees year over year. 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 28, 2014 decreased 4.9%, compared to fiscal 2013’s increase of 0.2%. For fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, there were 49 and 48 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 2014 decreased 2.5%, compared to fiscal 2013’s comparable same store net sales which were down 2.9%. For fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013, there were 117 and 114 restaurants, respectively, included in the franchise-operated 24 month comparable sales base. Average Weekly Net Sales and Operating Weeks The following table shows Company-owned and franchise-operated average weekly net sales for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013: Average Weekly Net Sales (AWS): Company-Owned Full-Service Counter-Service Franchise-Operated Fiscal Years Ended December 28, 2014 December 29, 2013 $ $ $ $ 47,249 47,890 42,195 51,059 $ $ $ $ 49,514 51,327 37,572 52,136 29 Food and Beverage Costs Food and beverage costs for fiscal 2014 were approximately $38.7 million or 29.5% of net restaurant sales compared to approximately $41.4 million or 30.3% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2013. This decrease is due to a reduction in discounting and the full year effect of more favorable pricing on some of our food contracts. Labor and Benefits Costs Labor and benefits costs for fiscal 2014 were approximately $42.6 million or 32.5% of net restaurant sales, compared to approximately $44.3 million or 32.4% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2013. This slight increase was primarily due to sales deleverage on fixed and management labor costs. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for fiscal 2014 were approximately $36.1 million or 27.5% of net restaurant sales, compared to approximately $35.0 million or 25.6% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2013. This increase was primarily related to sales deleverage on fixed operating costs as well as charges incurred for our new optimized menu, higher repairs and maintenance, and other operating costs. These increases were partially offset by lower supply costs. In fiscal 2014, advertising, as a percentage of sales, was approximately 2.5%, compared to fiscal 2013’s percentage at 2.5%. The Company decreased the Marketing Fund contribution system-wide to 0.75% for fiscal 2014 and 2013. For 2015, the Marketing Fund contribution will return to 1.0%. Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2014 and 2013 was approximately $6.1 million and $6.2 million, respectively, and was 4.1% and 4.0%, respectively, of total revenue reflecting the prior year’s capital expenditures and revenue deleverage partially offset by slightly lower current year capital expenditures. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses for fiscal 2014 were approximately $16.1 million or 10.8% of total revenue compared to approximately $18.9 million or 12.2% of total revenue for fiscal 2013. The decrease year over year primarily reflects the results of executive and employee departures during 2014 partially offset by the impact of revenue deleverage. 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. Following is a summary of these events for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013: Richmond, VA Area Restaurant Closures On December 29, 2014, the Registrant announced the closure of three underperforming Company-owned restaurants located in and around Richmond, Virginia. It is anticipated these sites will be sold during fiscal 2015. The associated impairment charges primarily related to the write-off of the book value of the related property, plant and equipment, net of estimated proceeds from the sale of these assets (primarily derived from the sale of real property). The remaining assets have been valued at the estimated proceeds from the sale and are recorded as Assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Loss before taxes associated with these operations for the year ended December 28, 2014 totaled approximately $187,000. 30 2014 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Reason Amount Richmond, VA area restaurants May's Landing, NJ Two Minneapolis, MN area restaurants Décor Des Moines, IA Salisbury, MD Décor Warehouse Richmond, VA area restaurants Salisbury, MD Total for 2014 Asset impairment(1) Asset impairment(1) Asset impairment(1) Asset impairment(2) Asset impairment(1) Restaurant closing costs(3) Lease termination costs(4) Restaurant closing costs(5) Lease termination costs(6) $ $ 2,285 766 544 342 226 187 94 54 19 4,517 (1)Based on the Company's assessment of expected cash flows, an asset impairment charge was recorded for these restaurants. The remaining asset balances are expected to be recovered through sale or transferred to other restaurants. (2)Change in strategy regarding décor resulted in the impairment of the décor located in the Company's restaurants. (3)Write-off of obsolete restaurant equipment. (4)Lease termination costs associated with closure of the décor warehouse. (5)Costs associated with anticipated future closures. (6)Lease termination costs associated with closure of the restaurant, net of deferred rent credits. 2013 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Salisbury, MD Oakton, VA Gaithersburg, MD Total for 2013 Reason Asset impairment(1) Lease reserve(2) Other(3) Amount 943 200 38 1,181 $ $ (1)Based on the Company's assessment of expected cash flows, an asset impairment charge was recorded for this restaurant. The remaining asset balance can be transferred to other restaurants. (2)Lease costs associated with terminatingthis lease. (3)The Company incurred various costs for this restaurant which closed at the end of its natural lease term. 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 2014 and 2013, we had $7,000 and $646,000, respectively, of pre-opening expenses which included pre-opening rent and other pre-opening expenses. Interest Expense Interest expense was approximately $0.9 million or 0.6% of total revenue for fiscal 2014, and $1.0 million or 0.6% of total revenue for fiscal 2013. Interest expense was slightly favorable compared to 2013 primarily due to lower balances on our line of credit, term loan and financing lease obligations. 31 Interest Income Interest income was approximately $2,000 for fiscal 2014 and $7,000 for fiscal 2013. Interest income reflects interest received on short-term cash and cash equivalent balances as well as on outstanding accounts receivable balances. Provision for Income Taxes For fiscal 2014, our tax provision was approximately $1.1 million, or 27.5% of income before income taxes, compared to the prior year comparable period of approximately $2.0 million, or 29.7% of income before income taxes. Our effective tax rate for fiscal 2014 reflected year over year change in pre-tax income. Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Net income for fiscal 2014 was approximately $2.9 million, or $0.40 per basic share and $0.40 per diluted share, on approximately 7,199,000 weighted average basic shares outstanding and approximately 7,226,000 weighted average diluted shares outstanding, respectively. Net income for fiscal 2013 was approximately $4.8 million, or $0.65 per basic share and $0.62 per diluted share, on approximately 7,367,000 weighted average basic shares outstanding and approximately 7,648,000 weighted average diluted shares outstanding, respectively. Fiscal Year 2013 Compared to Fiscal Year 2012 Total Revenue Total revenue of approximately $155.4 million for fiscal 2013 increased approximately $444,000, or 0.3%, from total revenue of $155.0 million in fiscal 2012. Fiscal 2013 and 2012 both consisted of 52 weeks. Restaurant Sales, net Restaurant sales for fiscal 2013 were approximately $136.9 million, compared to approximately $135.7 million for fiscal 2012 reflecting a 0.9% increase. Total restaurant sales reflected a 0.2% comparable sales increase resulting from the annualized impact of two Company-owned restaurants that opened in fiscal 2012, and the partial year impact of two Company-owned restaurants that opened in fiscal 2013, as well as a weighted average price increase of approximately 2.5% in 2013. This increase was partially offset by the closure of one Company owned restaurant. The overall 0.2% comparable sales increase was, on a weighted basis, comprised of a 1.9% comparable sales decrease for dine-in sales, and a 0.6% comparable sales decrease for catering, partially offset by a comparable sales increase for To Go of 2.6%. 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 $17.4 million for fiscal 2013, compared to $18.1 million for 2012. The decrease in franchise-related revenue is primarily related to decreases in franchise fees and royalty revenue resulting from a franchise comparable sales decrease of 2.9% partially offset by revenue generated from a net five new franchise restaurants year over year. Although our committed units to be developed decreased by two units year over year, the commitments reflected the execution of several smaller agreements. Fiscal 2013 included 6,971 franchise operating weeks, compared to 6,848 franchise operating weeks in fiscal 2012. There were 140 franchise-operated restaurants open at December 29, 2013, compared to 135 at December 30, 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 $805,000 for fiscal 2013 as compared to $731,000 for fiscal 2012. 32 Other revenue for fiscal 2013 was approximately $311,000 compared to approximately $443,000 for the comparable period of fiscal 2012. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the number of franchise openings year over year and a corresponding decrease 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 29, 2013 increased 0.2%, compared to fiscal 2012’s decrease of 1.8%. For fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, there were 48 and 49 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 2013 decreased 2.9%, compared to fiscal 2012’s comparable same store net sales which were down 2.0%. For fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, there were 114 and 107 restaurants, respectively, included in the franchise-operated 24 month comparable sales base. Average Weekly Net Sales and Operating Weeks The following table shows Company-owned and franchise-operated average weekly net sales for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012: Average Weekly Net Sales (AWS): Company-Owned Full-Service Counter-Service Franchise-Operated Food and Beverage Costs Fiscal Years Ended December 29, 2013 December 30, 2012 $ $ $ $ 49,514 51,327 37,572 52,136 $ $ $ $ 49,172 50,963 35,454 52,714 Food and beverage costs for fiscal 2013 were approximately $41.4 million or 30.3% of net restaurant sales compared to approximately $42.2 million or 31.3% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2012. This decrease was primarily due to more favorable food contracts compared to fiscal 2012. Labor and Benefits Costs Labor and benefits costs for fiscal 2013 were approximately $44.3 million or 32.4% of net restaurant sales, compared to approximately $44.3 million or 32.6% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2012. It declined as a percent of sales primarily due to lower direct labor costs as a percent of sales. Operating Expenses Operating expenses for fiscal 2013 were approximately $35.0 million or 25.6% of net restaurant sales, compared to approximately $36.5 million or 26.9% of net restaurant sales for fiscal 2012. This decrease was primarily due to the redeployment of our marketing spend during 2013 in more effective ways, such as discontinuing investing in a direct mail program similar to fiscal 2012. Additionally, 2013 operating expenses were positively impacted by lower supply and repair and maintenance costs. In fiscal 2013, advertising, as a percentage of sales, was approximately 2.5% compared to fiscal 2012’s percentage at 3.4%. Due to a carryover of funds, the Company decreased the Marketing Fund contribution system- wide, to 0.75% for fiscal 2013, from 1.0% for fiscal 2012. 33 Depreciation and Amortization Depreciation and amortization expense for fiscal 2013 and 2012 was approximately $6.2 million and $6.0 million, respectively, and was 4.0% and 3.9%, respectively, of total revenue reflecting prior years capital expenditures partially offset by slightly lower fiscal 2013 capital expenditures and a small increase in total revenue base year over year. General and Administrative Expenses General and administrative expenses for fiscal 2013 were approximately $18.9 million or 12.2% of total revenue compared to approximately $18.7 million or 12.1% of total revenue for fiscal 2012. The increase year over year, reflects the impact from the addition of a Chief Operating Officer, the impact of $348,000 related to severance costs, and additional stock based compensation for grants of restricted shares to our former Chief Executive Officer and to two new board members. This increase was partially offset by reductions in overhead. Neither fiscal 2012 nor fiscal 2013 included the payment of a cash bonus to General Headquarters staff. For fiscal 2013 and 2012, stock-based compensation expense and board of director cash compensation expense was approximately $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively. 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. Here is a summary of these events for fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012: 2013 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Salisbury, MD Oakton, VA Gaithersburg, MD Total for 2013 Reason Asset impairment(1) Lease termination fee(2) Costs for closed restaurants(3) Amount $ $ 943 200 38 1,181 (1)Based on the Company's assessment of expected cash flows, an asset impairment charge was recorded for this restaurant. The remaining balance can be transferred to other restaurants. (2)Lease costs associated with terminating, and then entering into a new lease for this restaurant. (3)The Company incurred various costs for this restaurant which closed at the end of its natural lease term. 2012 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurant 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. 34 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 2013 and 2012, we had $646,000 and $474,000, respectively, of pre-opening expenses which included pre-opening rent and other pre-opening expenses. Interest Expense Interest expense was approximately $1.0 million or 0.6% of total revenue for fiscal 2013 and $1.1 million or 0.7% of total revenue for fiscal 2012. Interest expense was slightly favorable compared to fiscal 2012 primarily due to lower balances on our line of credit, term loan and financing lease obligations. Interest Income Interest income was approximately $7,000 for both fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, 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. Provision for Income Taxes For fiscal 2013, our tax provision was approximately $2.0 million, or 29.7% of income before income taxes, compared to the fiscal 2012 tax provision of approximately $805,000, or 15.6% 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. Basic and Diluted Net Income Per Common Share Net income for fiscal 2013 was approximately $4.8 million, or $0.65 per basic share and $0.62 per diluted share, on approximately 7,367,000 weighted average basic shares outstanding and approximately 7,648,000 weighted average diluted shares outstanding, respectively. 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. Financial Condition, Liquidity and Capital Resources As of December 28, 2014, our Company held cash and cash equivalents of approximately $2.1 million compared to approximately $1.3 million as of December 29, 2013. Our cash balance reflects net cash flows from operations of $12.7 million offset by a net paydown of $6.4 million on our line of credit, the use of approximately $2.7 million for the repurchase of common stock, including commissions, and the purchases of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements for approximately $2.9 million. Our current ratio, which measures our immediate short-term liquidity, was 0.96 at December 28, 2014, compared to 0.88 at December 29, 2013. The current ratio is computed by dividing total current assets by total current liabilities. The change in our current ratio was primarily due to the inclusion $2.5 million of assets held for sale within current assets, reflecting the fair value of the property and equipment at the three Richmond restaurants closed at the end of the fourth quarter of 2014. The was partially offset by decreases in restricted cash, accounts receivable, inventories, and prepaid expenses, and the increase in accrued compensation and benefits and other current liabilities. As is true with most restaurant companies, we often operate in a negative working capital environment because 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 $12.7 million in fiscal 2014, $15.6 million in fiscal 2013, and $9.6 million in fiscal 2012. Cash generated in fiscal 2014 was primarily from net income of approximately $2.9 million, depreciation and amortization of approximately $6.2 million, asset 35 impairment, lease reserve and closing costs of $4.5 million, and a $1.3 million increase in other liabilities. These net increases were partially offset by a decrease in accrued compensation and benefits of $1.3 million, a tax benefit for equity awards issued of $1.2 million, and a decrease in accounts payable of $874,000. Cash outflows in fiscal 2013 were primarily from a net paydown of $2.2 million on our line of credit, the use of approximately $6.8 million for the repurchase of common stock, including commissions, and the purchases of property, equipment, and leasehold improvements for approximately $6.6 million. These net decreases in cash were partially offset by depreciation and amortization of approximately $6.1 million, net income of approximately $4.8 million, an increase in accounts payable of approximately $2.4 million, stock-based compensation of $1.5 million, and an increase in deferred rent of approximately $1.1 million. Cash generated in fiscal 2012 was primarily from depreciation and amortization of approximately $6.0 million, net income of approximately $4.4 million, an increase in accounts payable of approximately $1.6 million, stock-based compensation of $1.3 million, a tax benefit for equity awards issued of approximately $990,000, an increase in deferred rent of approximately $912,000, and an increase in other liabilities of approximately $518,000. These net increases were partially offset by a decrease in accrued compensation and benefits of approximately $2.4 million and a decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets of approximately $1.0 million. Net cash used for investing activities for each of the last three fiscal years was approximately $2.8 million in fiscal 2014, $6.8 million in fiscal 2013, and $5.5 million in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2014 we used approximately $2.9 million for capital expenditures for remodeling projects and various corporate infrastructure projects. In fiscal 2013, we used approximately $6.6 million for capital expenditures for the construction of two new Company-owned restaurants, continued investments in our existing restaurants, and various corporate infrastructure projects. Additionally, we purchased a liquor license for a new location for $229,000. In fiscal 2012, we used approximately $6.7 million for capital expenditures for the construction of two new Company-owned restaurants, continued investments 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. Net cash used for financing activities was approximately $9.0 million in fiscal 2014, $9.6 million in fiscal 2013, and $3.2 million in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2014, we had draws on our line of credit of approximately $22.4 million and had repayments of approximately $28.8 million. The maximum balance on our line of credit during fiscal 2014 was $14.9 million. Additionally, we used approximately $2.7 million to repurchase approximately 101,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of $25.72 per share, including commissions. In fiscal 2013 we had draws on our line of credit of approximately $23.9 million and repayments of approximately $26.1 million. The maximum balance on our line of credit during fiscal 2013 was $16.0 million. Additionally, we used approximately $6.8 million to repurchase approximately 379,000 shares of our common stock at an average price of $18.22 per share, including commissions. 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, including commissions 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 May 9, 2014, 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 28, 2014) plus 0.5% or Wells Fargo’s prime rate (3.25% at December 28, 2014). 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 28, 2014, was 0.375%. An increase option exercise fee will apply to increased amounts between $30.0 and $50.0 million. Our current weighted average interest rate under the Facility for 36 fiscal years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was 2.72% and 3.24%, respectively. 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 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was 2.12% and 2.68%, respectively. The Company is required to make minimum annual amortization payments of 10.0% of the principal balance of the Term Loan. 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 4.00 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 $15.0 million in aggregate during any 12 month period beginning in fiscal 2014, and $45.0 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 28, 2014 we had $5.0 million in borrowings under this Facility, $4.0 million outstanding principal under the Term Loan, and approximately $620,000 in letters of credit for real estate locations. As of December 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our covenants under our credit facility. 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(3) Operating Lease Obligations Total Total 2015 2016 2017 2018 4,165 $ 776 $ 3,389 $ --- $ --- 2019 $ --- 1,838 (2) Thereafter $ --- 4,598 5,000 673 --- 680 5,000 700 --- 707 --- --- --- 145,429 159,192 $ 6,338 $ 7,787 6,306 $ 15,375 6,497 7,197 6,730 $ 7,437 $ 6,847 $ 8,685 112,711 112,711 $ (1)This is variable interest rate debt and the interest expense assumption was based on projected interest rates ranging from 2.6% to 2.9% over the term of the loan at December 28, 2014. (2)Includes $1.7 million of land to be turned over at the end of the lease term. (3)The Company pays interest on the outstanding line balance in accordance with the terms contained in our Credit Facility (see note 7 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 28, 2014. Additionally, the Company is contractually required to repay the balance at maturity, July 5, 2016. See Notes 7 and 8 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K for details of our contractual obligations. 37 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. Income Taxes In 2014, we had cumulative state net operating loss carry-forwards for tax reporting purposes of approximately $35.8 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 2014 income tax returns in 2015. Recent Accounting Guidance Recently adopted accounting guidance In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This ASU changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in Accounting Standard Codification Subtopic 205-20, and requires a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. There are also additional disclosures required. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. We have chosen early adoption of this standard, effective for fiscal year 2014. This had no material impact on fiscal year 2014 income from continuing operations or net income and no impact on fiscal year 2014 earnings per share. Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-01, “Income Statement— Extraordinary and Unusual Items.” This update eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. ASU 2015- 01 is effective for the first interim period within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The company believes the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 supersedes the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance introduces a five-step model to achieve its core principal of the entity recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance. 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. 38 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 28, 2014 was approximately $11.5 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 manage 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 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 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 28, 2014. In making this assessment, our management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the 2013 Internal Control-Integrated Framework. Our management has concluded that, as of December 28, 2014, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on these criteria. 39 Grant Thorton, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014. That report is included in this annual report on Form 10-K. 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 28, 2014 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect our internal control over financial reporting. ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION None. 40 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, 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 1998 Director Stock Option Plan (the “Director Plan”) and the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). 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 Director Plan. Nonetheless, the Director Plan 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 350,462 shares of our Company’s common stock remained unreserved and available for issuance at December 28, 2014. The Director Plan and the 2005 Plan have each been approved by the Company’s shareholders. The following table sets forth certain information as of December 28, 2014 with respect to the Director Plan and the 2005 Plan. 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) 5,000 238,570 243,570 $ $ $ 10.98 28.04 27.69 --- 350,462 350,462 Plan Category Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders: 1998 Director Stock Option Plan 2005 Stock Incentive Plan(1) TOTAL (1)The number of securities reserved for issuance upon exercise of outstanding awards granted under the 2005 Plan includes 23,070 performance shares, 25,000 restricted share units, and 190,500 stock options. 41 Additional 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. 42 PART IV ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES Documents filed as part of this Form 10-K: Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Consolidated Balance Sheets – December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 Consolidated Statements of Operations – Years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity – Years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012 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 43 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 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2014. 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. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion. In our opinion, 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 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 28, 2014 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. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), and our report dated March 13, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion. /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Minneapolis, MN March 13, 2015 F-0 Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Board of Directors and Shareholders Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. (a Minnesota corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 28, 2014, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control— Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We conducted our audit 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 effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 28, 2014, based on criteria established in the 2013 Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by COSO. We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated financial statements of the Company as of and for the year ended December 28, 2014, and our report dated March 13, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion on those financial statements. /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Minneapolis, MN March 13, 2015 F-1 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS DECEMBER 28, 2014 AND DECEMBER 29, 2013 (in thousands, except per share data) ASSETS December 28, 2014 December 29, 2013 Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents Restricted cash Accounts receivable, net Inventories Deferred tax asset Prepaid expenses and other current assets Assets held for sale Total current assets Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net Other assets: Intangible assets, net Deferred tax asset Other assets $ $ 2,133 $ 648 3,558 2,742 1 1,993 2,500 13,575 49,495 2,949 336 322 66,677 $ LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt and financing lease obligations Accounts payable Accrued compensation and benefits Deferred tax liability 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, 7,137 and 7,274 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 respectively Retained earnings Total shareholders’ equity $ $ 1,031 $ 5,653 3,457 131 3,939 14,211 5,000 3,343 3,150 --- 9,171 34,875 68 31,734 31,802 66,677 $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. F-2 1,293 1,101 3,981 2,915 231 2,536 --- 12,057 59,733 2,997 209 341 75,337 980 6,241 2,812 42 3,600 13,675 11,400 4,023 3,502 920 9,026 42,546 70 32,721 32,791 75,337 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013, AND DECEMBER 30, 2012 (in thousands, except per share data) December 28, December 29, December 30, 2013 2014 2012 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 Net loss on disposal of property Total costs and expenses Income from operations Other expense: Interest expense Interest income Other income (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 $ $ $ $ 131,015 17,196 190 954 149,355 38,666 42,591 36,093 6,081 16,078 4,517 7 430 144,463 $ 136,930 17,104 282 1,116 155,432 41,431 44,335 34,995 6,160 18,903 1,181 646 34 147,685 $ 135,730 17,354 730 1,174 154,988 42,431 44,257 36,505 6,000 18,708 370 474 30 148,775 4,892 7,747 6,213 (894) 2 (4) (896) (997) 7 20 (970) 3,996 6,777 (1,099) (2,010) $ $ $ 2,897 0.40 0.40 7,199 7,226 $ $ $ 4,767 0.65 0.62 7,367 7,648 (1,050) 7 (5) (1,048) 5,165 (805) 4,360 0.58 0.57 7,455 7,650 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 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013, AND DECEMBER 30, 2012 (in thousands) Common Stock Shares Amount Additional Paid-in Capital Retained Earnings Total Balance - January 1, 2012 7,707 $ 77 $ 5,871 $ 28,146 $ 34,094 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 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 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 31 --- 178 (60) (389) --- --- --- Balance - December 29, 2013 7,274 $ Exercise of stock options Tax benefit for equity awards issued Common stock issued, net of cancellations Performance shares surrendered to cover payroll taxes incurred Repurchase of common stock Stock-based compensation Deferred compensation Net income 24 --- (4) (56) (101) --- --- --- --- --- --- --- (3) --- --- --- 70 $ --- (42) 513 383 (641) (4,072) 1,076 1,595 --- --- (114) --- --- --- --- (3,001) --- (1,551) 4,767 (42) 513 383 (641) (7,076) 1,076 44 4,767 $ 32,721 $ 32,791 --- (114) --- 1,153 24 1,177 (1) --- (1) --- --- --- --- (28) --- (1,011) --- --- --- (1) (1,492) (2,610) 220 (26) 2,897 (1,520) (2,611) (791) (26) 2,897 Balance - December 28, 2014 7,137 $ 68 $ --- $ 31,734 $ 31,802 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 28, 2014, DECEMBER 29, 2013, AND DECEMBER 30, 2012 (in thousands) December 28, December 29, December 30, 2013 2014 2012 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 Asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs Inventory reserve Deferred income taxes Deferred rent and net amortization of lease interest assets and liabilities Stock-based compensation Tax benefit for equity awards issued Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisition: $ 2,897 $ 4,767 $ 4,360 6,081 84 430 4,517 --- (728) 940 (817) (1,177) 6,160 69 34 1,181 --- (113) 1,084 1,502 (513) 6,000 21 30 370 72 (265) 912 1,264 (990) Restricted cash Accounts receivable, net Inventories Prepaid expenses and other current assets Deposits Accounts payable Accrued compensation and benefits Other current liabilities Other liabilities Long-term deferred compensation 453 463 (57) 532 (27) (874) (1,271) 1,342 26 (135) 12,679 (412) (179) (182) 264 (12) 2,351 (788) 197 25 165 15,600 (414) (304) (134) (1,043) 47 1,601 (2,383) 518 --- (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 2,074 Cash flows provided by operating activities Cash flows from investing activities: Payments received on notes receivable Proceeds from the sale of restaurant assets and décor Purchases of property, equipment and leasehold improvements Purchases of intangible assets Cash flows used for investing activities Cash flows from financing activities: 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 (Payments) 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 --- 95 (2,885) --- (2,790) 22,400 (28,800) (40) (981) (114) 1,177 (2,691) (9,049) 840 1,293 --- --- (6,584) (229) (6,813) 23,900 (26,100) (58) (946) (42) 513 (6,835) (9,568) (781) 2,074 Cash and cash equivalents, end of year $ 2,133 $ 1,293 $ See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements. 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 28, 2014, there were 189 Famous Dave’s restaurants operating in 34 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and 1 Canadian province, including 50 Company-owned restaurants and 139 franchise-operated restaurants. An additional 56 franchise restaurants were committed to be developed through signed area development agreements as of December 28, 2014. 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, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, 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. We believe we meet the criteria for aggregating our operating segments into a single reporting segment. 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 28, 2014 (fiscal 2014), December 29, 2013 (fiscal 2013), and December 30, 2012 (fiscal 2012) all consisted of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 (fiscal 2015) will consist of 53 weeks. 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 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013. 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. F-6 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Restricted cash and marketing fund – We have a system-wide marketing fund where 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 0.75% of net sales to this fund during fiscal 2014 and 2013. In fiscal 2015, the contribution will increase to 1.0% 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 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, we had approximately $648,000 and $1.1 million in this fund, respectively. 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 $214,000 and $72,000, at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. In fiscal 2014, the increase in the allowance for doubtful accounts was primarily due to delays in collections associated with certain franchises. 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. 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, with the exception of restaurant signage which, is included in furniture, fixtures, and equipment and is depreciated over 10 to 15 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 4) at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013. We annually review the liquor licenses for impairment and in fiscal 2014 and 2013, 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. F-7 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 $165,000, and $210,000 respectively, net of accumulated amortization of $821,000 and $737,000, respectively, as of December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. 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 2014, 2013, and 2012, we capitalized construction overhead costs of approximately $48,000, $138,000, and $203,000, respectively. The decrease is primarily due to no new restaurant openings and two remodel projects taking place in fiscal 2014 compared to 3 remodels in fiscal 2012 as well as two new restaurant openings. In fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, we capitalized interest costs of approximately $7,000, $30,000 and $28,000, respectively. 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 $3.4 million, $3.4 million, and $4.6 million for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, and are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The decrease in advertising costs from fiscal 2012 to fiscal 2013 was primarily due to the discontinuation of a direct mail program. 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 time spent on the implementation of software and are depreciated over 5 years. In fiscal 2014 and 2013, we capitalized software implementation costs of $102,000 and $134,000, respectively. In fiscal 2012, we did not capitalize any software implementation costs. Research and development costs – Research and development costs represent salaries and expenses of personnel engaged in the creation of new menu and promotional offerings, recipe enhancements and documentation activities. Research and development costs were approximately $468,000, $388,000, and $348,000, for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, 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 2014, 2013, 2012, we had pre-opening expenses of approximately $7,000, $646,000, and $474,000 respectively, related to two Company-owned restaurants opened per year in fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012. Also, included in pre-opening expenses is pre-opening rent during the build-out period. The increase in fiscal 2013 compared to fiscal 2012 was primarily due to the opening of two full-service restaurants compared to the opening of one full-service and one counter-service restaurant in fiscal 2012. 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 F-8 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS site is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured as the amount by which the carrying amount of the restaurant site 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 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 $115,000 at December 28, 2014 and $107,000 at December 29, 2013. 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, such as stock options and restricted stock units, 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 2014 Fiscal Year 2013 2012 $ $ $ $ 2,897 $ 7,199 0.40 $ 2,897 $ 7,199 27 7,226 0.40 $ 4,767 $ 7,367 0.65 $ 4,767 $ 7,367 281 7,648 0.62 $ 4,360 7,455 0.58 4,360 7,455 195 7,650 0.57 F-9 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS There were 118,000 and 15,000 options outstanding as of December 28, 2014 and December 30, 2012, respectively, that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because they were anti-dilutive. All options outstanding as of December 29, 2013 were included in the computation of diluted earnings per share. Stock-based compensation – We recognize compensation cost for share-based awards granted to team members and Board 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 9). 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. During 2014, 190,500 stock options were granted. There were no stock options granted during fiscal years 2013, or 2012. 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 excluded from revenue. We have detailed below our revenue recognition policies for franchise and licensing agreements. Franchise arrangements – Initial franchise fee revenue is recognized when we have performed substantially all of our obligations as franchisor. Franchise royalties are recognized when earned. Our franchise-related revenue is comprised of three separate and distinct earnings processes: area development fees, initial franchise fees and continuing royalty payments. Currently, our domestic area development fee for domestic growth consists of a one-time, non-refundable payment of approximately $10,000 per restaurant in consideration for the services we perform in preparation of executing each area development agreement. For our foreign area development agreements the one time, non-refundable payment is negotiated on a per development basis and is determined based on the costs incurred to sell that development agreement. Substantially all of these services, which include, but are not limited to, conducting market and trade area analysis, 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. Currently, our initial, non-refundable, franchise fee for domestic growth is $45,000 per restaurant, of which approximately $5,000 is recognized immediately when a franchise agreement is signed, reflecting expenses incurred related to the sale. The remaining non-refundable fee 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). Finally, 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. 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 2014, 2013, and 2012 was approximately $878,000, $805,000, and $731,000, respectively. F-10 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 2014, 2013, and 2012 was approximately $76,000, $311,000, and $443,000, respectively. These year over year decreases are a result of fewer franchise-operated restaurant openings as well as the level of assistance we provided during those openings. Recent Accounting Guidance Recently adopted accounting guidance In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-08, “Presentation of Financial Statements and Property, Plant, and Equipment: Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosures of Disposals of Components of an Entity.” This ASU changes the requirements for reporting discontinued operations in Accounting Standard Codification Subtopic 205-20, and requires a disposal of a component of an entity or a group of components of an entity to be reported in discontinued operations only if the disposal represents a strategic shift that has (or will have) a major effect on an entity’s operations and financial results. There are also additional disclosures required. The amendments in this ASU are effective prospectively for fiscal years (and interim reporting periods within those years) beginning after December 15, 2014, with early adoption permitted. We have chosen early adoption of this standard, effective for fiscal year 2014. This had no material impact on fiscal year 2014 income from continuing operations or net income and no impact on fiscal year 2014 earnings per share. Recent accounting guidance not yet adopted In January 2015, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2015-01, “Income Statement— Extraordinary and Unusual Items.” This update eliminates from GAAP the concept of extraordinary items. ASU 2015- 01 is effective for the first interim period within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, with early adoption permitted provided that the guidance is applied from the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. A reporting entity may apply the amendments prospectively or retrospectively to all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company believes the adoption of this ASU will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements. In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2014-09 “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 supersedes the current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The guidance introduces a five-step model to achieve its core principal of the entity recognizing revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to customers at an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016 and early adoption is not permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact of the updated guidance. (2) INVENTORIES Inventories consisted approximately of the following at: (in thousands) Small wares and supplies Food and beverage Retail goods December 28, 2014 December 29, 2013 $ $ 1,474 1,203 65 2,742 $ $ 1,686 1,229 --- 2,915 F-11 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (3) 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 Accumulated depreciation and amortization Property, equipment and leasehold improvements, net (4) INTANGIBLE ASSETS December 28, 2014 December 29, 2013 $ $ 63,407 39,864 1,465 391 (55,632) 49,495 $ $ 70,642 41,240 2,654 512 (55,315) 59,733 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 $47,500. A reconciliation of beginning and ending amounts of intangible assets for the years ended December 29, 2013 and December 28, 2014, respectively, is presented in a table below: (in thousands) Balance at December 29, 2013 Lease interest assets Liquor licenses Remaining estimated useful life (years) Original Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Less Current Portion(1) Non- Current Portion 26.1 $ 1,417 $ (183) $ 1,234 $ (47) $ 1,810 --- 1,810 --- 1,187 1,810 Total $ 3,227 $ (183) $ 3,044 $ (47) $ 2,997 Remaining estimated useful life (years) Original Cost Accumulated Amortization Net Book Value Less Current Portion(2) Non- Current Portion (in thousands) Balance at December 28, 2014 Lease interest assets Liquor licenses 25.1 $ 1,417 $ (230) $ 1,187 $ (48) $ 1,810 --- 1,810 --- 1,139 1,810 Total $ 3,227 $ (230) $ 2,997 $ (48) $ 2,949 (1)The current portion of lease interest assets are recorded in prepaid expenses and other current assets. F-12 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (5) OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Other current liabilities consisted of the following at: (in thousands) Gift cards payable Other liabilities Sales tax payable Deferred franchise fees Income taxes payable Accrued property and equipment purchases (6) OTHER LIABILITIES Other liabilities consisted of the following at: (in thousands) Deferred rent Long term deferred compensation Other liabilities Asset retirement obligations Income taxes payable December 28, 2014 December 29, 2013 $ $ 1,960 844 824 225 36 50 3,939 $ $ 1,855 831 747 115 34 18 3,600 December 28, December 29, 2014 2013 $ $ 8,435 411 159 115 51 9,171 $ $ 7,831 716 347 107 25 9,026 (7) 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 May 9, 2014, 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”). See “Long-Term Debt” below. 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 28, 2014) plus 0.5% or the Wells Fargo prime rate (3.25% at December 28, 2014). 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 28, 2014, was 0.375%. An increase option exercise fee will apply to increased amounts between $30.0 and $50.0 million. Our current weighted average interest rate for the fiscal years ended December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was 2.72% and 3.24%, respectively. F-13 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 4.00 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 $15.0 million in aggregate during any 12 month period beginning in fiscal 2014, and $45.0 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 28, 2014 we had $5.0 million in borrowings under this Facility, $4.0 million of outstanding principal under the Term Loan, and approximately $620,000 in letters of credit for real estate locations. As of December 28, 2014, we were in compliance with all of our covenants. 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. Our credit facility consisted of the following at: (in thousands) December 28, December 29, 2014 2013 Credit facility - Wells Fargo - balloon payment of the outstanding balance due July 2016 Less: current maturities Long-term credit facility net of current portion $ $ Required principal payments under our credit facility are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2015 2016 Total Long-Term Debt $ 5,000 --- 5,000 $ 11,400 --- 11,400 --- 5,000 5,000 $ 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 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013 was 2.12% and 2.68%, respectively. The Company is required to make minimum annual amortization payments of 10.0% of the principal balance of the Term Loan. F-14 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 28, December 29, 2014 2013 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 the applicable margin for an interest rate period of one, two, three, or six months; which is determined by the Company and is due July 2016 Less: current maturities Long-term debt net of current maturities Required principal payments on long-term debt are as follows: $ $ 4,023 (680) 3,343 $ $ 4,703 (680) 4,023 (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2015 2016 Total Financing Lease Obligation $ $ 680 3,343 4,023 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 $54,428 (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. Financing lease obligations consisted of the following at: (in thousands) December 28, December 29, 2014 2013 Financing lease – Spirit Financial – monthly installments of $54- $59 – including an interest rate of 9.63%, due in March 2019. Less: current maturities Long-term financing lease net of current maturities $ $ 3,501 (351) 3,150 $ $ 3,802 (300) 3,502 F-15 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Required future minimum payments under our financing leases are as follows: (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Total $ $ 673 679 700 707 1,838 4,597 (8) OPERATING LEASE OBLIGATIONS We have various operating leases for existing and future restaurants and corporate office space with remaining lease terms ranging from 9 months to 33 years, including lease renewal options. Of the total operating leases, 14 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 year 2014 including rent, common area maintenance costs, real estate taxes and percentage rent, were approximately $9.4 million. In fiscal years 2013 and 2012, the total occupancy lease costs were each approximately $9.8 million. Rent expense was approximately $6.1 million, $5.9 million, and $5.7 million, for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. Percentage rent was approximately $6,000, $17,000, and $28,000 for fiscal years 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The Company sublet 2,100 square feet of its corporate office space from December 2009 to August 2013. In 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized $23,000 and $34,000, respectively, of sublease income which partially offset our total rent expense. Future minimum lease payments (including reasonably assured renewal options) existing at December 28, 2014 were: (in thousands) Fiscal Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 Thereafter Total $ $ 6,338 6,306 6,497 6,730 6,847 112,711 145,429 (9) PERFORMANCE SHARES, STOCK OPTIONS, OTHER FORMS OF COMPENSATION, AND COMMON SHARE REPURCHASES Stock-based Compensation We have adopted a 2005 Stock Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), pursuant to which we may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance shares, and other stock and cash awards to eligible participants. We F-16 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS have also adopted a 1998 Director Stock Option Plan that expired on June 19, 2008. Together, the 2005 Stock Incentive Plan and the 1998 Director Stock Option Plan are referred to herein as the “Plans.” Under the 2005 Plan, an aggregate of 350,000 shares of our Company’s common stock remained unreserved and available for issuance at December 28, 2014. We recognized stock-based compensation expense in our consolidated statements of operations for the years ended 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, as follows: (in thousands) Performance Share Programs: 2010 Program(1) 2011 Program(1)(3) 2012 Program(1)(4) 2013 Program(2)(5)(6)(7) Performance Shares and Performance Stock Units Stock Options Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (7) Director Shares(8) December 28, For the Years Ended December 29, December 30, 2014 2013 2012 --- (55) (761) (412) $ (1,228) 371 (73) 47 (883) $ $ $ --- 205 297 582 1,084 --- 405 117 1,606 $ $ 153 343 464 --- 960 --- 210 94 1,264 (1)The 2010, 2011 and 2012 Program's consisted entirely of performance shares. (2)The 2013 Program consisted of performance shares and performance stock units. (3)Includes the recapture of previously recorded stock-based compensation of approximately $55,000 due to the departure of employees for the year ended December 28, 2014. (4)Includes the recapture of previously recorded stock-based compensation of approximately $761,000 due to the departure of employees and the failure to achieve performance targets for the year ended December 28, 2014. (5)Includes the recapture of previously recorded stock-based compensation related to performance shares of approximately $458,000 and performance stock units of approximately $135,000 due to the departure of employees for the year ended December 28, 2014. (6)Includes a mark-to-market adjustment related to performance stock units of approximately $22,000 for the year ended December 28, 2014. (7)Includes the recapture of previously recorded stock-based compensation of approximately $128,000 due to the February 2014 departure of our former CEO for the year ended December 28, 2014. (8)Includes the recapture of previously recorded stock-based compensation of approximately $20,000 due to the February 2014 departure of our former CEO for the year ended December 28, 2014. Performance Shares and Performance Stock Units During the first quarter of fiscal 2014, we issued 86,519 shares upon satisfaction of conditions under the 2011 performance share program, representing the achievement of approximately 86.7% of the target payout for this program. Recipients elected to forfeit 30,518 of those shares to satisfy tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net issuance of 56,001 shares. For fiscal 2011 and 2012, performance under the Company’s performance share programs was measured by comparing actual earnings per share to a target earnings per share amount. For fiscal 2013, performance under the Company’s performance share and performance stock unit programs were measured by using Adjusted EBITDA. For these purposes, “Adjusted EBITDA” was defined as income from operations of the Company, plus depreciation, and amortization, non-cash adjustments (such as asset impairment, lease termination and other closing costs) and other F-17 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS non-cash items as approved by the Company’s Compensation Committee. Adjusted EBITDA was subject to adjustment by the Compensation Committee in its sole discretion for non-cash items. The Compensation Committee did not implement an equity incentive program for fiscal 2014. As a result, no equity incentive program compensation expense was taken during fiscal 2014 in connection with any such program. We recognize compensation cost for performance share awards over the requisite service period (i.e. fixed treatment) based on their fair value, which is the closing stock price at the date of grant. Participants in each performance share program are entitled to receive a number of shares of our common stock (“Performance Shares”) based upon the extent to which we achieve the cumulative total of the earnings per share or Adjusted EBITDA goals established by our Compensation Committee for each fiscal year within a three-year performance period (the “Cumulative EPS Goal” or “Cumulative Adjusted EBITDA Goal”). Receipt of any performance shares is contingent upon us achieving a specified minimum percentage of the Cumulative EPS Goal or Cumulative Adjusted EBITDA Goal (as applicable). We recognize compensation cost for performance stock unit awards over the requisite service period based on their initial fair value, which is the closing stock price at the date of grant. This award is adjusted to fair value based on the closing stock price at the end of each fiscal quarter. Recipients of performance stock unit awards are entitled to receive a cash payout based on a number of our stock units awarded (“Performance Stock Unit”) to the extent we achieve the Cumulative Adjusted EBITDA Goal, and the market value of our common stock. At December 28, 2014, the following performance share programs were in progress: Award Date 1/2/2012 1/8/2013 Program 2012 Program 2013 Program(6) Target No. of Performance Shares and Performance Stock Units (Originally Granted)(1) 28,700 25,300 Estimated Payout of Performance Shares and Performance Stock Units (at December 28, 2014)(2) ---(3) 22,770(4) Minimum Cumulative Earnings Goal * * Maximum Payout (as a percent of target number) 110.0%(5) 100.0%(7) *Varies (1)Assumes achievement of 100% of the applicable Cumulative EPS Goal or Adjusted EBITDA Goal. (2)Net of employee forfeitures. (3)No payout will occur as the applicable Cumulative EPS Goal was not attained. (4)Assumes an estimated payout equal to 90% of the applicable Cumulative Adjusted EBITDA Goal. (5)The participants’ rights to receive Performance Shares are contingent on the Company achieving cumulative earnings per share for fiscal 2012-2014 that are equal to at least the sum of the amounts achieved by the Company during fiscal 2011-2013 (as adjusted by the Compensation Committee, if applicable). If the Company achieves this minimum 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. (6)This program consists of 23,070 performance shares and 2,230 performance stock units originally granted and an estimated payout of 20,763 performance shares and 2,007 performance stock units. (7)The participants’ rights to receive Performance Shares or Performance Stock Units are contingent on the Company achieving Cumulative Adjusted EBITDA for fiscal 2013-2015 that are equal to at least the sum of the amounts achieved by the Company during fiscal 2012-2014 (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 and Performance Stock Units equal to the percentage of the Adjusted EBITDA Goal achieved by the Company, up to 100%. F-18 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 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively, as follows: (in thousands) Stock-based compensation(1)(2)(3)(4)(5) Stock option compensation(6)(7)(8) Cash compensation 2014 Fiscal Years 2013 2012 $ $ 47 155 358 $ 117 - 435 94 - 395 Total Board of Directors' compensation $ 560 $ 552 $ 489 (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. As of December 28, 2014, the awards had vested with respect to all of Ms. Kro's and Mr. Doolin's shares, with the exception of 5,000 of Mr. Doolin's that were canceled upon his resignation from the Board of Directors. As a result, the year ended December 28, 2014 includes the recapture of previously recorded stock-based compensation of approximately $15,000. (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 $154,000. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2013, Mr. Gilbert resigned from the Board of Directors and all unvested restricted shares have been forfeited and returned to the company. (3)On April 30, 2013, a one-time 13,575 share restricted stock award was granted to Patrick Walsh, upon joining the Board of Directors. The grant to Mr. Walsh had a grant date fair value of $150,000 and will vest ratably over a period of five years which began on the commencement date of his board service. (4)On November 27, 2013, a one-time 7,640 share restricted stock award was granted to Adam Wright, upon joining the Board of Directors. The grant to Mr. Wright had a grant date fair value of $150,000 and will vest ratably over a period of five years which began on the commencement date of his board service. (5)Includes the recapture of previously recorded stock-based compensation of approximately $20,000 due to the forfeiture of unvested restricted stock upon the February 2014 resignation of our former CEO, which restricted stock had been awarded as director compensation (6)On January 10, 2014, a one-time 20,000 stock option award was granted to Edward H. Rensi upon joining the Board of Directors. The grant to Mr. Rensi vests in five equal installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date. (7)On May 22, 2014, one-time 20,000 stock option awards were granted to each of Brett D. Heffes and Jonathon Lennon upon their joining the Board of Directors. The grants to Mr. Heffes and Mr. Lennon vest in five equal annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date and expire ten years from the same date. (8)On July 28, 2014, a one-time 27,500 stock option award was granted to David J. Mastrocola upon joining the Board of Directors. The grant to Mr. Mastrocola vests in five equal installments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant date. Stock Options On February 10, 2014, Edward H. Rensi was named Interim Chief Executive Officer by the Company’s Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement governing Mr. Rensi’s employment, the Company granted him 25,000 stock options. These options vest in two equal installments of 12,500 shares of February 10, 2014 and February 10, 2015 and expire five years from the grant date. The compensation expense for this grant will be recognized under general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations through the applicable service period. On May 22, 2014, Edward H. Rensi was named Chief Executive Officer. On June 2, 2014, Richard A. Pawlowski was named Chief Financial Officer by the Company’s Board of Directors. Pursuant to the agreement governing Mr. Pawlowski’s employment, the Company granted 78,000 stock options. These options will vest in equal annual installments over a period of three years and expire five years from the grant date. The compensation expense for this grant will be recognized under general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations through the applicable service period. F-19 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 1, 2012 Exercised(1) Canceled or expired Options outstanding at December 30, 2012 Exercised(2) Options outstanding at December 29, 2013 Granted Exercised(3) Canceled or expired Options outstanding at December 28, 2014 Options Exercisable at December 30, 2012 Options Exercisable at December 29, 2013 Options Exercisable at December 28, 2014 Number of Options Weighted Average Exercise Price 193 (80) (11) 102 (54) 48 191 (43) --- 196 $ $ 102 $ 48 18 $ $ 6.68 5.97 10.98 6.80 5.92 7.77 28.11 7.40 - 27.67 6.80 7.77 17.39 (1)In 2012, option holders elected to forfeit approximately 47,000 shares to satisfy the strike price and tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net issuance of approximately 33,000 shares. (2)In 2013, option holders elected to forfeit approximately 23,000 shares to satisfy the strike price and tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net issuance of approximately 31,000 shares. (3)In 2014, option holders elected to forfeit approximately 18,000 shares to satisfy the strike price and tax withholding obligations, resulting in a net issuance of approximately 25,000 shares. The following are weighted-average values and assumptions for valuing grants made during fiscal 2014: Weighted-average fair value of options granted during the year Expected life (in years) Expected stock volatility Risk-free interest rate $ 10.42 4.8 41.9 % 1.4 % The Company determines fair value of its stock option awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The expected term of the awards was determined utilizing the "simplified method" outlined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 that utilizes the following formula: (vesting term + original contract term)/2. Due to a lack of recent historical share option exercise experience, the Company has used a simplified method for estimating the expected life, as outlined in Accounting Standards Codification 718, calculated as follows: expected term= ((vesting term + original contractual term) / 2). Expected stock volatility was determined based upon historical volatility for periods preceding the measurement date. The risk-free rate was based upon the yield curve in effect at the time the options contracts were granted, using U.S. maturities over the expected life of the option. As of December 28, 2014, there was $1.6 million of total unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option arrangements granted under the Company's stock option plan. The cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.7 years. F-20 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 28, 2014: (number outstanding and number exercisable in thousands) Options Outstanding and Exercisable Exercise prices Number outstanding Weighted- average remaining contractual life in years Weighted- average exercise price $ 10.98 - $ 32.10 196 6.5 $ 27.67 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 2014 was approximately $756,000. As of December 28, 2014, the aggregate intrinsic value of options outstanding and exercisable was approximately $538,000. 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 $1.5 million. Subsequent to the end of fiscal 2013, Mr. Gilbert resigned as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and all unvested restricted shares have been forfeited and returned to the Company. 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. His employment with the Company was terminated effective March 31, 2014. 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 vested in three equal installments on the three, four and five year anniversaries of the grant. Upon the termination of his employment the restricted stock units became issued and outstanding shares six months following his separation from service. The compensation expense for this grant was recognized in equal quarterly installments as general and administrative expense in our consolidated statements of operations through the applicable service period which was completed 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 was subject to the same terms and conditions as Mr. O’Donnell’s grant. Ms. Purcel’s employment with the Company terminated effective July 1, 2014. Employees forfeited 24,685 shares of restricted stock units during fiscal 2014, at a price of $26.59 per share, to cover withholding taxes that were due from the employees at the time that the applicable forfeiture restrictions lapsed. F-21 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Common Share Repurchases 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 had 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. During the year ended December 28, 2014, we repurchased 101,466 shares under this program for approximately $2.6 million at an average market price per share of $25.72, excluding commissions. Since the program was adopted in May 2012, we have repurchased 804,101 shares for approximately $12.9 million at an average market price per share of $16.05, excluding commissions. Employee Stock Purchase Plan Prior to fiscal 2014, the Company maintained an Employee Stock Purchase Plan, which gave eligible team members the option to purchase Common Stock (total purchases in a year could 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 years ended December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, there were approximately 2,793 shares and 4,725 shares purchased, respectively, with a weighted average fair value of $14.22 and $10.51 per share, respectively. For the fiscal years ended December 29, 2013 and December 30, 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. The Company chose to eliminate this program in fiscal 2014. (10) 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 2014, 2013, and 2012 we matched 25.0%, of the employee’s contribution up to 4.0% of their earnings. Team member contributions were approximately $518,000, $522,000, and $541,000, for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. The employer match was $87,000, $131,000, and $89,000 for fiscal 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively. There were no discretionary contributions to the plan in fiscal years 2014, 2013 or 2012. 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 2014, 2013, and 2012, we matched 25.0% 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. F-22 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 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 28, 2014, December 29, 2013 and December 30, 2012, eligible participants contributed approximately $99,000, $129,000 and $144,000 to the Plan and the Company provided matching funds and interest of approximately $58,000, $75,000 and $76,000, net of distributions of approximately $418,000, $187,000 and $65,000, respectively. The distributions were due to executive departures and required distributions in accordance with our Plan. The outstanding deferred compensation balance at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, was approximately $633,000 and $895,000 respectively. (11) INCOME TAXES The following table summarizes the income tax expense for the last three fiscal years: (in thousands) Current: Federal State Foreign Deferred: Federal State Total income tax expense 2014 Fiscal Year 2013 2012 $ $ (1,381) (334) (112) (1,827) 717 11 728 (1,099) $ $ (1,560) (475) (88) (2,123) 90 23 113 (2,010) $ $ (681) (375) (14) (1,070) 268 (3) 265 (805) 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. F-23 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of gross unrecognized tax benefits for the years ended December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013, and December 30, 2012, respectively, is presented in the table below: (in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2012 Increases attributable to tax positions taken during prior periods Decreases due to lapses of statutes of limitations Balance at December 30, 2012 Increases attributable to tax positions taken during prior periods Decreases attributable to tax positions taken during prior periods Increases attributable to tax positions taken during the current period Balance at December 29, 2013 Increases attributable to tax positions taken during prior periods Audit Settlements Decreases due to lapses of statutes of limitations Balance at December 28, 2014 $ $ 7 21 (7) 21 26 (4) 2 45 69 (19) (14) 81 At December 28, 2014, December 29, 2013, and December 30, 2012, there are $81,000, $45,000, and $21,000 of unrecognized tax benefits that if recognized would affect the annual effective tax rate. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. During fiscal 2014 and 2013, we recognized a (benefit) expense related to additional interest and penalties of $(7,000) and $3,000, respectively. Excluded from the above reconciliation were $7,000, $14,000 and $11,000, of accrued interest and penalties, net of tax benefit, for fiscal 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state jurisdictions. The preparation of these income tax returns requires the Company to interpret and apply relevant federal and state income tax laws. It is common for federal and state taxing authorities to periodically examine filed tax returns. During these examinations, it is possible for taxing authorities to interpret facts or tax law differently than the Company. As a result, the Company may be required to adjust tax liabilities affecting its effective tax rate. Federal income tax exams have been completed through the 2010 taxable year. Tax years 2011 and forward remain subject to federal examination. Generally, all state examination periods are closed through the 2009 taxable year. It is possible that the liability associated with the unrecognized tax benefits will increase or decrease within the next 12 months. These changes may be the result of new audits or the expiration of statutes of limitations and could range up to $34,000 based on current estimates. 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 2014 and 2013, 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. At December 28, 2014, it is more likely than not that all deferred tax assets attributable to temporary differences taken on federal and consolidated state income tax returns will be realized based on our consolidated taxable income for fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2013 as well as the expectation that our Company will generate the necessary taxable income in future years. However, there is a portion of deferred tax assets attributable to temporary differences F-24 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS taken on stand-alone state returns and stand-alone state net operating losses and credit carry forwards that are unlikely to be realized due to insufficient future earnings. For these deferred tax assets, the Company has created a valuation allowance listed in the table below. The 2014 net change in valuation allowance is an increase to the valuation allowance in the amount of $170,000. (in thousands) Deferred tax asset: Deferred rent State net operating loss carry-forwards Financing lease obligation Stock compensation Tax credit carryover Deferred revenue Accrued and deferred compensation Accrued expenses Inventories Lease reserve Intangible property basis difference Total deferred tax asset Deferred tax liability: Property and equipment basis difference Inventories Prepaid expenses Accrued expenses Total deferred tax liability Net deferred tax assets Valuation allowance December 28, 2014 December 29, 2013 $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 3,352 1,607 1,300 303 330 381 236 211 11 48 5 7,784 (4,959) (614) (311) (55) (5,939) 1,845 (1,639) 3,110 1,458 1,414 1,237 333 302 208 124 42 40 25 8,293 (6,174) (666) (506) --- (7,346) 947 (1,469) Total net deferred tax asset (liability) $ 206 $ (522) In 2014, we had cumulative net operating loss carry-forwards for tax reporting purposes of approximately $35.8 million for state purposes, which if not used, will begin to expire in fiscal 2020. We made federal income tax payments, net of federal refunds, of $369,000, $577,000, and $1.1 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. State and foreign income taxes paid by the Company, net of refunds, totaled $231,000, $522,000, and $461,000 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. F-25 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Reconciliation between the statutory rate and the effective tax rate is as follows: Fiscal Year Federal statutory tax rate State taxes, net of valuation allowance and federal benefit Foreign taxes Tax effect of permanent differences – Meals and Entertainment Tax effect of permanent differences – Tip Credit Tax effect of permanent differences – Other Tax effect of general business credits Tax effect of foreign tax credit Uncertain tax positions Other Effective tax rate(1) 2014 2013 2012 34.0 % 34.0 % 34.0 % 5.0 2.8 1.1 7.0 (1.2) (20.5 ) (2.8) 1.7 0.4 27.5 % 4.2 1.3 0.6 4.3 (0.4) (12.9 ) (1.3) 0.4 (0.5) 29.7 % 4.0 0.3 0.9 5.7 (1.1) (16.9) (0.3) 0.2 (11.2) 15.6 % (1)The decrease in the effective income tax rate in 2012 was primarily attributable to an increase in the impact of employment tax credits on employee reported tips 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. The effective rate then increased from 2012 to 2013 as the effect from the amendments was only applicable in fiscal 2012. (12) SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOWS INFORMATION (in thousands) Cash paid for interest, net of capitalized interest Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds 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 $ $ $ $ For the Fiscal Year Ended 2014 2013 2012 790 600 $ $ 947 1,099 $ $ 959 1,559 1,520 $ $ (32) 641 $ $ 134 1,189 (111) F-26 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (13) SELECTED QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED) The following represents selected quarterly financial information for fiscal years 2014 and 2013 (in thousands except per-share data). First Quarter Second Quarter Third Quarter Fourth Quarter 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 2014 2013 $ 35,662 $ 36,600 $ 41,937 $ 43,576 $ 37,676 $ 39,535 $ 34,080 $ 35,721 $ $ $ 1,041 516 $ $ 348 62 $ $ 4,481 2,851 $ $ 3,237 2,096 $ $ 3,127 2,023 $ $ 1,216 737 $ $ (3,757) (2,493) $ $ 2,946 1,872 0.08 $ 0.01 $ 0.39 $ 0.28 $ 0.28 $ 0.10 $ (0.35) $ 0.26 $ 0.08 $ 0.01 $ 0.39 $ 0.27 $ 0.28 $ 0.10 $ (0.35) $ 0.25 Revenue Income (loss) from operations Net income (loss) Basic net income (loss) per common share Diluted net income (loss) per common share (14) 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. (15) 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 costs for fiscal 2014, fiscal 2013, and fiscal 2012. These costs are included in asset impairment and estimated lease termination and other closing costs in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Richmond, VA Area Restaurant Closures On December 29, 2014, the Registrant announced the closure of its three underperforming company-owned restaurants located in and around Richmond, Virginia. It is anticipated these sites will be sold during fiscal 2015. The associated impairment charges primarily related to the write-off of the book value of the related property, plant and equipment, net of estimated proceeds from the sale of these assets (primarily derived from the sale of real property). The remaining assets have been valued at the estimated proceeds from the sale and are recorded as Assets held for sale in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Loss before taxes associated with these operations for the year ended December 28, 2014 totaled approximately $187,000. F-27 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2014 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Reason Amount Richmond, VA area restaurants Asset impairment(1) May's Landing, NJ Asset impairment(1) Two Minneapolis, MN area restaurants Asset impairment(1) Décor Asset impairment(2) Des Moines, IA Asset impairment(1) Salisbury, MD Restaurant closing costs(3) Décor Warehouse Lease termination costs(4) Richmond, VA area restaurants Restaurant closing costs(5) Salisbury, MD Lease termination costs(6) Total for 2014 $ $ 2,285 766 544 342 226 187 94 54 19 4,517 (1)Based on the Company's assessment of expected cash flows, an asset impairment charge was recorded for these restaurants. The remaining asset balances can be recovered through sale or transferred to other restaurants. (2)Change in strategy regarding décor resulted in the impairment of the décor located in the company's restaurants. (3)Write-off of obsolete restaurant equipment. (4)Lease termination costs associated with closure of the décor warehouse. (5)Costs associated with anticipated future closures. (6)Lease termination costs associated with closure of the restaurant, net of deferred rent credits. 2013 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurants Salisbury, MD Oakton, VA Gaithersburg, MD Total for 2013 Reason Asset impairment(1) Lease termination fee(2) Costs for closed restaurants(3) Amount 943 200 38 1,181 $ $ (1)Based on the Company's assessment of expected cash flows, an asset impairment charge was recorded for this restaurant. The remaining balance can be transferred to other restaurants. (2)Lease costs associated with terminating lease for this restaurant. (3)The Company incurred various costs for this restaurant which closed at the end of its natural lease term. F-28 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 2012 Asset Impairment and Estimated Lease Termination and Other Closing Costs (in thousands): Restaurant 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. Below reflects the change in our reserve for lease termination costs for fiscal 2014 and 2013: 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 --- --- --- $ --- --- 116.0 (100.0) $ 16.0 (in thousands) Year ended December 29, 2013 Year ended December 28, 2014 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. (16) FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The fair value measurement framework establishes a three-tier hierarchy. The three levels, in order of priority, are as follows: Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Level 1 measurements are determined by observable inputs which include data sources and market prices available and visible outside of the entity. Level 2: Observable inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 3: Inputs that are used to estimate the fair value of the asset or liability. Level 3 measurements are determined by unobservable inputs, which include data and analyses developed within the entity to assess the fair value. F-29 FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS Transfers in and out of levels will be based on our judgment of the availability of unadjusted quoted prices in active markets, other observable inputs, and non-observable inputs. The following table (in thousands) summarizes the assets held for sale and the performance stock units measured at fair value in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 28, 2014: Balance at December 29, 2013 Liabilities Performance Stock Units $ 104 $ --- $ --- $ 104 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Balance at December 28, 2014 Assets Assets Held for Sale Property and Equipment, net Liabilities Performance Stock Units $ $ $ --- $ --- $ --- $ --- $ 2,500 $ 648 $ 2,500 648 38 $ --- $ --- $ 38 Assets Held for Sale recorded at fair value were valued based upon a Real Estate Broker's Estimate of Value for the properties. Property and Equipment, net, recorded at fair value were valued based upon either a Real Estate Broker's Estimate of Value or estimated discounted future cashflows. These assets have been adjusted to net realizable value based upon the decision to dispose of the property. The performance stock units are measured on a recurring basis and classified as other long-term liabilities on our balance sheet. (17) RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS Company Director Adam Wright’s brother, Michael B. Wright, owns and controls Famous Products, Inc., a corporation that licenses a line of retail products from the Company, including sauces, rubs, marinades and seasonings, pursuant to a licensing agreement with a current term that expires in April 2015 and is subject to renewal options of five years, contingent upon the licensee’s attainment of identified minimum product sales levels. The Company received licensing revenue from Famous Products, Inc. under the agreement of approximately $878,000 for fiscal year 2014 and $805,000 for fiscal 2013. Approximately $189,000 and $146,000 associated with this revenue is included in accounts receivable at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. Michael B. Wright also owns DTSG, Inc., a corporation that owns or controls five franchised Famous Dave’s restaurants. DTSG, Inc. paid an aggregate of approximately $710,000 in franchise royalties and contributions to the Company’s system-wide Public Relations and Marketing Development Fund for fiscal year 2014 and approximately $640,000 for fiscal year 2013. Approximately $73,000 and $61,000 associated with these royalties is included in accounts receivable at December 28, 2014 and December 29, 2013, respectively. F-30 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 Balance at End of Period Deductions Credits to Costs and Expenses and Other Accounts Year ended December 30, 2012: Allowance for doubtful accounts Reserve for lease termination costs Reserve for corporate severance Year ended December 29, 2013: Allowance for doubtful accounts Reserve for corporate severance Year ended December 28, 2014: Allowance for doubtful accounts Reserve for lease termination costs Reserve for corporate severance $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ 17.6 --- --- $ $ $ 306.7 85.7 133.0 $ $ $ (88.0) (85.7) (12.8) $ $ $ 236.3 --- 120.2 236.3 120.2 $ $ 7.3 348.1 $ $ (171.1) (385.0) $ $ 72.5 83.3 72.5 --- 83.3 $ $ $ 274.1 116.0 931.1 $ $ $ (132.2) (100.0) (653.8) $ $ $ 214.4 16.0 360.6 F-31 Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized. SIGNATURES FAMOUS DAVE’S OF AMERICA, INC. (“Registrant”) Dated: March 13, 2015 By: /s/ Edward H. Rensi __ Edward H. Rensi Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer) By: /s/ Richard A. Pawlowski Richard A. Pawlowski Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) By: /s/ John P. Beckman John P. Beckman Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer) Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed on March 13, 2015 by the following persons on behalf of the registrant, in the capacities indicated. Signature Title /s/ Edward H. Rensi Edward H. Rensi /s/ Brett Heffes Brett Heffes /s/ Jonathan Lennon Jonathan Lennon /s/ David Mastrocola David Mastrocola /s/ Patrick Walsh Patrick Walsh /s/ Adam Wright Adam Wright Chief Executive Officer and Director 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 10.14 10.15 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, as amended on December 18, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to Form 10-K filed March 14, 2014. 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 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) incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to Form 10-K filed March 15th, 2013 Form of Director Restricted Stock Agreement Granted Under the Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan Form of Director Stock Option Agreement Granted Under the Amended and Restated 2005 Stock Incentive Plan 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, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to Form 10-K filed March 14, 2013 Fourth Amendment to the Second and Amended Restated Credit Agreement, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 10-Q filed May 9, 2014 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 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 Exhibit No. EXHIBITS Description 10.16 10.17 10.18 10.19 10.20 10.21 10.22 10.23 10.24 21.0 23.1 31.1 31.2 32.1 32.2 101.INS 101.SCH 101.CAL 101.LAB 101.PRE 101.DEF 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 Nomination Agreement dated November 27, 2013 by and among the persons and entities listed on Schedule A thereto, Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., and Adam Wright, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K filed November 27, 2013 First Amendment to the Nomination Agreement dated January 10, 2014 by and among the persons and entities listed on Schedule A thereto, Famous Dave’s of America, Inc., and Adam Wright, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to Form 10-K filed March 14, 2014 Employment Letter dated February 10, 2014 between Famous Dave' of America, Inc. and Edward H. Rensi, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to Form 10-K filed March 14, 2014 Stock Option Agreement dated February 10, 2014 between Famous Dave's of America, Inc. and Edward H. Rensi, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.36 to Form 10-K filed March 14, 2014 Employment Letter dated May 19, 2014 between Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. and Richard A. Pawlowski Stock Option Agreement dated June 2, 2014 between Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. and Richard A. Pawlowski Stock Option Agreement dated January 15, 2015 between Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. and Edward H. Rensi 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 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 reports dated March 13, 2015, with respect to the consolidated financial statements, schedule and internal control over financial reporting included in the Annual Report of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. on Form 10- K for the year ended December 28, 2014. We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of said reports in the Registration Statements of Famous Dave’s of America, Inc. on Forms S-3 (File No. 333-86358, File No. 333-73504, File No. 333-65428, File No. 333-54562, File No. 333-48492, and File No. 333-95311) and on Forms S-8 (File No. 333-176278, File No. 333-124985, File No. 333-88932, File No. 333-88930, File No. 333-88928, File No. 333-49965, File No. 333-49939, and File No. 333-16299). /s/ Grant Thornton LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota March 13, 2015 I, Edward H. Rensi, 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 13, 2015 By: /s/ Edward H. Rensi Edward H. Rensi Chief Executive Officer I, Richard A. Pawlowski, 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 13, 2015 By: /s/ Richard A. Pawlowski Richard A. Pawlowski Chief Financial Officer 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 28, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Edward H. Rensi, 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 13, 2015 By: /s/ Edward H. Rensi Edward H. Rensi 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 28, 2014, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Richard A. Pawlowski, 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 13, 2015 By: /s/ Richard A. Pawlowski Richard A. Pawlowski Chief Financial Officer BOARD OF DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE TEAM AND SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS EXECUTIVE TEAM SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION David J. Mastrocola Chairman of the Board and Member of Audit Committee Brett D. Heﬀ es Chairperson of Audit Committee and Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee Jonathan P. Lennon Member of Compensation Committee, Member of Corporate Governance & Nominating Committee Edward H. Rensi Chief Executive Oﬃ cer Patrick D. Walsh Chairperson of Compensation Committee and Member of Audit Committee Adam J. Wright Chairperson of Corporate Governance & Nominating and Member of Com- pensation Committee Edward H. Rensi Chief Executive Oﬃ cer Richard A. Pawlowski Chief Financial Oﬃ cer Jeﬀ S. Abramson Vice President, Purchasing, Décor, Construction and Logistics John P. Beckman Vice President, Chief Accounting Oﬃ cer CHAIRMAN EMERITUS David W. Anderson Founder and Chairman Emeritus Investor/Analyst Contact Richard A. Pawlowski 952-294-1300 Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm Grant Thornton LLP Minneapolis, Minnesota Legal Counsel Maslon, 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 (CDT) on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at the Company’s headquarters RESTAURANT LOCATIONS • 50 COMPANY RESTAURANTS • 136 FRANCHISE RESTAURANTS PUERTO RICO As of March 2015, Famous Dave’s had a total of 185 company-owned and franchise-operated restaurants in 34 states, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and Canada. 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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