Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q3 2025 were $140 million, a 2.3% decrease from $143.4 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to the closure of 11 underperforming Smokey Bones locations and lower same-store sales [16] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $13.1 million, compared to $14.1 million in the year-ago quarter [18] - Net loss attributable to FAT Brands was $58.2 million, or $3.39 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $44.8 million, or $2.74 per diluted share in the prior year quarter [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales performance improved, with a decline narrowed to 3.5% from 4.2% in the second quarter, marking the strongest quarterly performance this year [8] - The casual dining segment showed strong results with same-store sales growth of 3.9% [8] - The company opened 13 new locations during the third quarter and 60 locations year-to-date, with a target of 80 new openings for the year [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The restaurant industry continues to face headwinds, but the company is focused on strategic execution and enhancing shareholder value [7] - The company secured over 190 franchise development agreements year-to-date, contributing to approximately 900 committed locations scheduled to open over the next five to seven years [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is advancing plans for a $75-$100 million equity raise at Twin Peaks to pay down debt and fund new unit development [7] - The strategic pillars include organic expansion, targeted acquisitions, and manufacturing scale-up, particularly in cookie dough and dry mix production [8][9] - The company is focused on strengthening its financial position and capital structure while actively negotiating a debt restructuring with noteholders [7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges in the restaurant industry, describing it as a "restaurant recessionary environment" but noted that the decline is manageable [23] - The company is optimistic about achieving positive cash flow in the coming quarters and reducing debt [7] - Management emphasized the importance of enhancing the guest experience in casual dining to justify pricing amidst rising labor and food costs [25][26] Other Important Information - The company has resolved various legal matters, including the dismissal of charges by the U.S. Department of Justice and the resolution of derivative cases, which are expected to save at least $30 million annually [5][7] - The FAT Brands Foundation has awarded 42 grants and provided over $170,000 in funding this year, promoting employee well-being and community support [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Timing on debt restructuring negotiations - Management is hopeful for a resolution during the current quarter, pending government reopening [19] Question: Status of underperforming Smokey Bones closures - All planned closures have been completed, with some additional closures expected as part of a master lease review [20] Question: Update on Fazoli's refranchising efforts - Material progress has been made, with proposals under evaluation [21] Question: Target for new store openings - The target has been adjusted from 100 to 80 new stores due to slower franchisee openings [21] Question: Details on SG&A reduction - Reductions have come from staff and executive cuts, as well as consolidating operations [22] Question: Same-store sales growth in casual dining - Several brands, including Hurricane Grill & Wings and Ponderosa & Bonanza, are performing well in this category [25] Question: Future opening program for Twin Peaks - Active development is ongoing, with both corporate and franchise locations planned [27]