Annual report pursuant to Section 13 and 15(d)

Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

v3.23.1
Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Jan. 02, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of presentation
Basis of presentation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) and the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) assuming the Company will continue as a going concern. The going concern assumption contemplates the realization of assets and satisfaction of liabilities in the normal course of business. However, during the third quarter of 2022, substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern was raised due to uncertainty surrounding the Company’s ability to comply with its forecasted financial covenants. The going concern uncertainty was cured by the Credit Agreement, as amended on February 24, 2023. See Note 9, “Debt,” for additional disclosure surrounding the amended Credit Agreement.

On November 3, 2021, the Company completed the acquisition of Hot Air, Inc. (the "Anthony's acquisition"), which through its subsidiaries, owns and operates casual dining pizza restaurants under the trade name Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings ("Anthony's"). The results of operations, financial position and cash flows of Anthony's is included in its consolidated financial statements as of the closing date of the acquisition.
Fiscal period On July 28, 2022, the Company's Board of Directors approved the change to a 52-53-week fiscal year ending on the Monday nearest to December 31 of each year in order to improve the alignment of financial and business processes following the acquisition of Anthony’s. With this change, the Company’s fiscal year 2022 ended on January 2, 2023. For the year ended December 31, 2021, the BurgerFi brand operated on a calendar year-end and Anthony's operated on a 52-53 week fiscal year ended on the Monday closest to December 31. Differences arising from the different fiscal year-ends were not deemed material for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications

Certain current year amounts primarily in restaurant level operating expenses, general and administrative expenses and brand development, co-op and advertising expense have been reclassified within the consolidated statements of operations and are not comparable to the year ended December 31, 2021.
Principles of Consolidation Principles of Consolidation The consolidated financial statements present the consolidated financial position, results from operations and cash flows of BurgerFi International, Inc., and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All material balances and transactions between the entities have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingencies at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less as cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents also include approximately $2.4 million and $1.1 million as of January 2, 2023 and December 31, 2021, respectively, of amounts due from commercial credit card companies, such as Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express, which are generally received within a few days of the related transactions. At times, the balances in the cash and cash equivalents accounts may exceed federal insured limits. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insures eligible accounts up to $250,000 per depositor at each financial institution. The Company limits uninsured balances to only large, well-known financial institutions and believes that it is not exposed to significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable, net
Accounts Receivable, net

Accounts receivable consist of amounts due from vendors for rebates on purchases of goods and materials, franchisees for training and royalties and are stated at the amount invoiced. Accounts receivable are stated at the amount management expects to collect from balances outstanding at year end. Management provides for probable uncollectible amounts through a charge to earnings and a credit to allowance for uncollectible accounts based on its assessment of the current status of individual accounts. Balances that are still outstanding after management has used reasonable collection efforts are written off through a charge to the allowance for uncollectible accounts and a credit to accounts receivable. The allowance for uncollectible accounts was approximately $0.2 million at January 2, 2023, and nominal at December 31, 2021.
Inventories
Inventories

Inventories primarily consist of food and beverages. Inventories are accounted for at lower of cost or net realizable value using the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method. Spoilage is expensed as incurred.
Property & Equipment, net
Property & Equipment, net

Property & equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is provided by the straight-line method over an estimated useful life. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the lesser of the estimated useful life of the asset and the term of the related lease. The estimated lives for kitchen equipment and other equipment, computers and office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and vehicles range from five to seven years. Maintenance and repairs which are not considered to extend the useful lives of the assets are charged to operations as incurred. Expenditures for additions and improvements are capitalized. Expenditures for renewals and betterments, which materially extend the useful lives of assets or increase their productivity, are capitalized. The Company capitalizes construction costs during construction of the restaurant and will begin to depreciate them once the restaurant is placed in service. Wage costs directly related to and incurred during a restaurant’s construction period are capitalized. Interest costs incurred during a restaurant’s construction period are capitalized. Upon sale or retirement, the cost of assets and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and any resulting gains or losses are included in operating expense.
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Definite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company assesses the potential impairment of its long-lived assets on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value of the assets or asset group may not be recoverable. Factors considered include, but are not limited to, negative cash flow, significant underperformance relative to historical or projected future operating results, significant changes in the manner in which an asset is being used, an expectation that an asset will be disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life and significant negative industry or economic trends. At any given time, the Company may be monitoring a small number of locations, and future impairment charges could be required if individual restaurant performance does not improve or if the decision is made to close or relocate a restaurant. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured at the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Definite-lived intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis using the following estimated useful lives of the related classes of intangibles: 7 years for franchise agreements, 30 years for trade names, 10 years for the license agreement (adjusted to 22 months at December 31, 2021), and 10 years for the VegeFi product. Right of use assets are amortized based on the expected remaining term of the lease agreement which can range from 5 to 10 years at inception of the lease or renewal term. Refer to leases below for discussion of amortization of right of use assets.

The Company reviews definite-lived intangible assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the intangible asset may not be recoverable.
The Company recorded an impairment charge of approximately $6.9 million during the year ended January 2, 2023, of which $3.1 million related to property & equipment and $3.8 million related to right-of-use assets included in asset impairment on our consolidated statements of operations. For the year ended December 31, 2021 the Company recorded an impairment charge of $8.3 million, of which $7.7 million related to licensing agreements and $0.6 million related to property & equipment included within goodwill and intangible asset impairment on the consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, as a result of impairment of the Company's licensing agreements at December 31, 2021, the Company reevaluated the useful life of 10 years and determined that such useful life be adjusted to 22 months through October 2023.
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

The Company accounts for goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in accordance with FASB ASC No. 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). ASC 350 requires goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets to be reviewed for impairment annually, or more frequently if circumstances indicate a possible impairment. The Company evaluates goodwill at the end of the fourth quarter or more frequently if management believes indicators of impairment exist. Such indicators could include but are not limited to (1) changes in the Company’s business plans, (2) changing economic conditions including a potential decrease in the Company’s stock price and market capitalization, (3) a significant adverse change in legal factors or in business climate, (4) unanticipated competition, or (5) an adverse action or assessment by a regulator.

In evaluating goodwill, the Company first assesses qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If management concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, management conducts a quantitative goodwill impairment test. This impairment test involves comparing the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying value (including goodwill). The Company estimates the fair values of its reporting unit using a combination of the income, or discounted cash flows approach and the market approach, which utilizes comparable companies’ data. If the estimated fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, a goodwill impairment exists for the reporting unit and an impairment loss is recorded.

Based on the results of the Company’s interim and annual goodwill impairment tests, it determined it was more likely than not that goodwill was impaired at the Anthony's and the BurgerFi reporting units. Accordingly, the Company recorded goodwill impairment charges of approximately $66.6 million during the year ended January 2, 2023. Refer to Note 5, “Impairment,” for additional information.

The estimated fair value of goodwill is subject to change as a result of many factors including, among others, any changes in the Company’s business plans, changing economic conditions, a potential decrease in its stock price and market capitalization, and the competitive environment. Should actual cash flows and the Company’s future estimates vary adversely from those estimates used, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in future years.
Deferred Financing Costs Deferred Financing CostsDeferred financing costs relate to the Company’s debt instruments, the short and long-term portions of which are reflected as deductions from the carrying amounts of the related debt instrument, including the Company’s Credit Agreement. Deferred financing costs are amortized over the terms of the related debt instruments using the effective interest method. For the years ended January 2, 2023 and December 31, 2021, the Company deferred $0.9 million and $1.0 million, respectively of financing costs in connection with its Credit Agreement. Amortization expense associated with deferred financing costs, which is included within interest expense, net, totaled $0.5 million for the year ended January 2, 2023 and $0.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2021.
Share-Based Compensation
Share-Based Compensation

The Company has granted share-based compensation awards to certain employees under the 2020 Omnibus Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Company measures the cost of employee services received in exchange for an equity award, which may include grants of employee stock options and restricted stock units, based on the fair value of the award at the date of grant. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense over the requisite service period unless the awards are subject to performance conditions, in which case the Company recognizes compensation expense over the requisite service period to the extent performance conditions are considered probable. Forfeitures are recognized as they occur. The Company will determine the grant date fair value of stock options using a Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model (the “Black-Scholes Model”). The grant date fair value of restricted stock unit awards (“RSU Awards”) and performance-based awards are determined using the fair market value of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant, as set forth in the applicable plan document, unless the awards are subject to market conditions, in which case the Monte Carlo simulation model is used. The Monte Carlo simulation model utilizes multiple input variables to estimate the probability that market conditions will be achieved.
Warrant Liability
Warrant Liability

The Company has certain warrants which include provisions that affect the settlement amount. Such variables are outside of those used to determine the fair value of a fixed-for-fixed instrument, and as such, the warrants are accounted for as liabilities in accordance with ASC 815-40, Derivatives and Hedging, with changes in fair value included in the consolidated statement of operations.
Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements

Fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. A three-level fair value hierarchy is required to prioritize the inputs used to measure fair value. The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described as follows:

Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2 – Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Net (Loss) Income per Common Share
Net Loss per Common Share

Net loss per common share is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. The Company has considered the effect of (1) warrants outstanding to purchase 15,063,800 shares of common stock, (2) 75,000 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 75,000 shares of common stock in the unit purchase option, (3) 1,495,600 shares of restricted stock unit grants in the calculation of income per share, and (4) the impact of any dividends associated with its redeemable preferred stock and they have not been included in the calculation of net loss per common share as it would be anti-dilutive.
Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income Per Common Share
Reconciliation of Net Loss per Common Share

Basic and diluted net loss per common share is calculated as follows:
(in thousands, except for per share data) Year Ended January 2, 2023 Year Ended December 31, 2021
Numerator:
Net loss available to common shareholders $ (103,432) $ (121,494)
Reversal of gain on change in value of warrant liability $ —  $ (12,619)
Net loss available to common shareholders - diluted $ (103,432) $ (134,113)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding 22,173,694  18,408,247 
Effect of dilutive securities
Warrants —  211,854 
UPOs —  4,346 
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding 22,173,694  18,624,447 
Basic net loss per common share $ (4.66) $ (6.60)
Diluted net loss per common share $ (4.66) $ (7.20)
For the year ended December 31, 2021, there were dilutive warrants and UPOs during the interim period, as such the reversal of the change in value of warrant liability is included for that period only to calculate the net loss available to common shareholders - diluted. The diluted weighted shares outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2021 represent the average dilutive warrant and UPOs share equivalents for the year ended December 31, 2021 including the impact of the dilutive warrants and UPOs share equivalents during the interim period for which the warrant and UPOs were dilutive.
Concentration of Risk
Concentration of Risk

Management believes there is no concentration of risk with any single franchisee or small group of franchisees whose failure or nonperformance would materially affect the Company’s results of operations. The Company had no customers which accounted for 10% or more of consolidated revenue for the year ended January 2, 2023, or for the year ended December 31, 2021. As of January 2, 2023, the Company had two main in-line distributors of food, packaging and beverage products that provided approximately 80% of the Company's restaurants purchasing of those products in the U.S. We believe that the Company’s vulnerability to risk concentrations related to significant vendors and sources of its raw materials is mitigated as it believes that there are other vendors who would be able to service its requirements. However, if a disruption of service from any of its main in-line distributors was to occur, the Company could experience short-term increases in its costs while distribution channels were adjusted.

The Company's restaurants are principally located throughout the United States. The Company has corporate-owned and franchised locations in 23 states, with the largest number in Florida. We believe the risk of geographic concentration is not significant. The Company could be adversely affected by changing consumer preferences resulting from concerns over nutritional or safety aspects of ingredients it sells or the effects of food safety events or disease outbreaks.

The Company is subject to credit risk through its accounts receivable consisting primarily of amounts due from vendors for rebates, franchisees for royalties and franchise fees. This concentration of credit risk is mitigated, in part, by the number of franchisees and the short-term nature of the franchise receivables.
Revenue Recognition
Revenue Recognition

Revenue consists of restaurant sales and franchise licensing revenue.
Restaurant Revenue

Revenue from restaurant sales is presented net of discounts and recognized when food, beverage and retail products are sold. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from restaurant sales and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Revenue from restaurant sales is generally paid at the time of sale. Credit cards and delivery service partners sales are generally collected shortly after the sale occurs.

The revenue from gift cards is included in unearned revenue when purchased by the customer and revenue is recognized when the gift cards are redeemed. Unearned revenues include liabilities established for the value of the gift cards when sold and are included in other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The Company estimates the amount of gift cards for which the likelihood of redemption is remote, referred to as “breakage,” using historical gift card redemption patterns. The estimated breakage is recognized over the expected period of redemption as the remaining gift card values are redeemed and is immaterial. If actual redemption patterns vary from these estimates, actual gift card breakage income may differ from the amounts recorded. Estimates of the redemption period and breakage rate applied are updated periodically.

The Company contracts with delivery service partners for delivery of goods and services to customers. The Company has determined that the delivery service partners are agents, and the Company is the principal. Therefore, restaurant sales through delivery services are recognized at gross sales and delivery service commission is recorded as expense.

Franchise Revenue

The franchise agreements require the franchisee to pay an initial, non-refundable fee and continuing fees based upon a percentage of sales. Generally, payment for the initial franchise fee is received upon execution of the franchise agreement. Owners can make a deposit equal to 50% of the total franchise fee to reserve the right to open additional locations. The remaining balance of the franchise fee is due upon signing by the franchisee of the applicable location’s lease or mortgage. Franchise deposits received in advance for locations not expected to open within one year are classified as long-term liabilities, while franchise deposits received in advance for locations expected to open within one year are classified as short-term liabilities.

Generally, the licenses granted to develop, open and operate each BurgerFi franchise in a specified territory are the predominant performance obligations transferred to the licensee in the Company’s contracts, and represent symbolic intellectual property. Certain initial services such as training, site selection and lease review are considered distinct services that are recognized at a point in time when the performance obligations have been provided, generally when the BurgerFi franchise has been opened. We determine the transaction price for each contract and allocate it to the distinct services based on the costs to provide the service and a profit margin. On an annual basis, the Company performs a review to reevaluate the amount of this initial franchise fee revenue that is recognized.

The remainder of the transaction price is recognized over the remaining term of the franchise agreement once the BurgerFi restaurant has been opened. Because the Company transfers licenses to access its intellectual property during a contractual term, revenue is recognized on a straight-line basis over the license term.

Franchise agreements and deposit agreements outline a schedule for store openings. Failure to meet the schedule can result in forfeiture of deposits made. Forfeiture of deposits is recognized as terminated franchise fee revenue once contracts have been terminated for failure to comply. All terminations are communicated to the franchisee in writing using formal termination letters. Additionally, a franchise store that is already open may terminate before its lease term has ended, in which case the remainder of the transaction price is recognized as terminated franchise fee revenue.
Revenue from sales-based royalties (i.e. royalty and other fees, brand development and advertising co-op royalty) is recognized as the related sales occur. The sales-based royalties are invoiced and collected from the franchisees on a weekly basis. Rebates from vendors received on franchisee’s sales are also recognized as revenue from sales-based royalties.
Presentation of Sales Taxes
Presentation of Sales Taxes

The Company collects sales tax from customers and remits the entire amount to the respective states. The Company’s accounting policy is to exclude the tax collected and remitted from revenue and cost of sales. Sales tax payable amounted to approximately $1.0 million and $1.1 million at January 2, 2023 and December 31, 2021, respectively, and is presented in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Advertising Expenses
Advertising Expenses

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for the years ended January 2, 2023 and December 31, 2021 was $2.4 million and $0.9 million, respectively and are included in other operating expenses for specific store related advertising costs and brand development, co-op and advertising expense on the consolidated statements of operations. Anthony’s includes nine weeks of advertising costs in 2021 and a full year in 2022 as a result of the acquisition on November 3, 2021.
Brand Development Fund Brand Development Royalties and ExpensesThe Company’s franchise agreements provide for franchisee contributions of a percentage of gross restaurant sales, which are recognized as royalty income. Amounts collected are required to be used for advertising and related costs, including reasonable costs of administration.
Advertising Co-Op Fund Advertising Co-Op Royalties and ExpensesThe Company's South Florida franchises contribute a percentage of gross restaurant sales, which are recognized as royalty income. Amounts collected are required to be used for local advertising and related costs, including reasonable costs of administering the advertising program.
Pre-opening Costs
Pre-opening Costs

The Company follows ASC Topic 720-15, “Start-up Costs,” which provides guidance on the financial reporting of start-up costs and organization costs. In accordance with this ASC Topic, costs of pre-opening activities and organization costs are expensed as incurred. Pre-opening costs include all expenses incurred by a restaurant prior to the restaurant's opening for business. These pre-opening costs include costs to relocate and reimburse restaurant management staff members, costs to recruit and train hourly restaurant staff members, wages, travel, and lodging costs for the Company’s training team and other support staff members, as well as rent expense. Pre-opening costs can fluctuate significantly from period to period based on the number and timing of restaurant openings and the specific pre-opening costs incurred for each restaurant.
Leases
Leases

The Company currently leases all of its corporate-owned restaurants, corporate offices, and certain equipment. The Company’s leases are accounted for under the requirements of ASC Topic 842, “Leases”, effective January 1, 2022.

Upon the possession of a leased asset, the Company determines its classification as an operating or finance lease. The Company's real estate leases are classified as operating leases, and the Company's equipment leases are classified as finance leases. Generally, the real estate leases have initial terms averaging 10 years and typically include two five-year renewal options. Renewal options are generally not recognized as part of the initial right-of-use assets and lease liabilities as it is not reasonably certain at commencement date that the Company would exercise the options to extend the lease. The real estate leases typically provide for fixed minimum rent payments or variable rent payments based on a percentage of monthly sales or annual changes to the Consumer Price Index. Fixed minimum rent payments are recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term from the date the Company takes possession of the leased property. Lease expense incurred before a corporate-owned store opens is recorded in pre-opening costs in the consolidated statements of operations. Once a corporate-owned store opens, the straight-line lease expense is recorded in occupancy and related expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. Many of the leases also require the Company to pay real estate taxes, common area maintenance costs and other occupancy costs which are included in occupancy and related expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company from time to time enters into sublease agreements as lessor which are immaterial for the years ended January 2, 2023 and December 31, 2021. See Note 10, “Leases,” for further discussion.
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the asset and liability method. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized whenever there are (1) future tax effects from temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and (2) operating loss, capital loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to the years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or settled.

Deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent the Company believes these assets will more likely than not be realized. In evaluating the realizability of deferred tax assets, the Company considers all available positive and negative evidence, including the interaction and the timing of future reversals of existing temporary differences, projected future taxable income, recent operating results and tax-planning strategies. When considered necessary, a valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amount of the deferred tax assets to their anticipated realizable value.

The Company measures income tax uncertainties in accordance with a two-step process of evaluating a tax position. We first determine if it is more likely than not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination based on the technical merits of the position. A tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is then measured, for purposes of financial statement recognition, as the largest amount that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon effective settlement. We had $0.2 million and $0.7 million unrecognized tax benefits at January 2, 2023 and December 31, 2021, respectively.

The Company accrues interest related to uncertain tax positions in “Interest expense” and penalties in “General and administrative expenses.” At January 2, 2023 and December 31, 2021, there were no amounts accrued for interest or for penalties.
The statute of limitations for the Company’s state tax returns varies, but generally the Company’s federal and state income tax returns from its 2019 fiscal year forward remain subject to examination.
New Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Pronouncements

In October 2021, the FASB issued guidance which requires entities to recognize contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. As a public company, this standard was effective for the Company’s fiscal year beginning after January 3, 2023, including interim periods and will be applied prospectively to business combinations. It is not possible to determine the future impact of the application of this standard to future transactions.