Company Overview - FAT Brands Inc. is the parent company of Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, and 16 other restaurant concepts, focusing on expanding its footprint across North Carolina with a new co-branded location in Sanford, NC [2][3] - The company currently owns 18 restaurant brands and operates over 2,300 units worldwide, indicating a strong presence in the fast casual and quick-service dining sectors [6] Brand Highlights - Great American Cookies has been known for its Original Cookie Cake and famous chocolate chip cookie recipe since 1977, offering a variety of baked goods including brownies and Double Doozies [3][7] - Marble Slab Creamery has been an innovator in the ice cream industry for over 40 years, known for its frozen slab technique and offering homemade, small-batch ice cream with free mix-ins [4][8] New Location Details - The new co-branded restaurant is located at 3268 US Hwy 87 South, Sanford, NC 27330, and operates Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. [4]

Core Insights - Great American Cookies has partnered with Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC) to launch as a delivery-only brand, expanding its reach through over 400 Chuck E. Cheese locations nationwide by the end of August 2025 [1][2][5] - The partnership aims to leverage VDC's technology and Chuck E. Cheese's operational capabilities to increase the number of locations to nearly 900 by the end of 2025 [1][3] - Great American Cookies will offer a variety of cookie flavors and plans to introduce seasonal items, enhancing its product offerings in the virtual dining space [4][5] Company Overview - FAT Brands Inc. is the parent company of Great American Cookies and operates 18 restaurant brands, with over 2,300 units worldwide [6][7] - Great American Cookies was founded in 1977 and specializes in freshly baked cookies and cookie cakes, with a commitment to delivering quality desserts [8] - Virtual Dining Concepts focuses on creating virtual restaurant brands to enhance revenue for independent kitchens, utilizing a delivery-only model [9] Strategic Partnership Details - The collaboration with VDC allows Great American Cookies to tap into the growing virtual dining market, enhancing its revenue streams through third-party delivery platforms like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub [5][9] - Future plans include expanding cookie availability in Fun Centers and exploring cross-brand menu collaborations with Chuck E. Cheese [3][5]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues for Q2 2025 were $146.8 million, a 3.4% decrease from $152 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to the closure of underperforming locations and lower same-store sales [25] - General and administrative expenses increased to $44.4 million from $29.6 million, largely due to non-cash share-based compensation related to the public listing of Twin Hospitality Group [25] - Net loss attributable to FAT Brands was $54.2 million or $3.17 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $39.4 million or $2.43 per diluted share in the prior year quarter [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The closure of five underperforming Smoky Bones locations impacted revenue, while new Twin Peaks Lodges partially offset this decline [25] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter remained flat at $15.7 million, comparable to the previous year [26] - The snacks segment, including Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery, showed consistent strength, with digital sales for Great American Cookies increasing to 25% of total sales [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic system-wide sales outperformed international sales, although there were positive signs internationally, particularly for Fatburger locations in Canada [12][13] - The company operates approximately 2,300 locations across 49 states and 35 countries, with 80% in domestic markets and 20% internationally [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The growth strategy is anchored by three pillars: organic expansion, targeted acquisitions, and increasing manufacturing capacity, particularly in cookie dough production [14] - The company plans to open 100 new locations in 2025, with a robust development pipeline of approximately 1,000 locations committed by franchisees over the next five to seven years [15] - The company is also focusing on enhancing the guest experience through innovation and menu development, as well as revitalizing existing locations through a Store Refresh program [18][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future following the resolution of legal issues, which will save approximately $30 million annually in litigation costs [11][26] - There are encouraging signs of improved consumer confidence, particularly in the snack brands, while QSR brands face challenges [34][54] - The company is working towards achieving cash flow positive status in the coming quarters while continuing strategic deleveraging efforts [12][41] Other Important Information - The company has reached a settlement in the Delaware derivative cases, which is subject to court approval [6] - The Georgia production facility generated $10.3 million in sales with a 37% margin, currently operating at 45% capacity, indicating significant growth potential [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on SEC civil action following DOJ announcement - Management is hopeful the SEC investigation will also conclude favorably following the DOJ case, and they have filed for recovery of legal fees through insurance [29][30] Question: Increase in G&A costs and future expectations - The increase in G&A costs is a one-time event related to the Twin Peaks spin-off, and costs are expected to decrease moving forward [30][31] Question: Timing for the rollout of the new manufacturing contract - The new manufacturing contract is currently in production and is expected to be fully rolled out within the next 30 to 60 days [32][33] Question: Observations on restaurant industry traffic - Different brand categories are experiencing varied performance, with snack brands performing well while QSR brands face challenges [34] Question: Current liquidity situation - The company has retained notes valued between $130 million and $150 million for liquidity, and is focused on identifying further savings across all brands [41][42]

Core Viewpoint - The Justice Department has dropped all charges against Fat Brands and its chair Andy Wiederhorn, allowing the company to focus on growth and success moving forward [1][3]. Legal Proceedings - In May 2024, Fat Brands and Wiederhorn were indicted on charges including wire fraud and tax evasion, related to a loan scheme that allegedly netted Wiederhorn $47 million [1]. - Federal prosecutors have filed to dismiss all charges against Wiederhorn and two others, maintaining that Wiederhorn has consistently claimed his innocence since the indictment [2]. - The DOJ also requested the dismissal of separate criminal charges against Wiederhorn for being a federal felon in possession of a handgun and ammunition [4]. Company Background - Wiederhorn stepped down as CEO of Fat Brands in 2023 amid an SEC investigation related to the same conduct that led to the DOJ charges [3]. - Fat Brands owns several well-known restaurant brands, including Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, and Great American Cookies [2]. Market Reaction - Following the news of the charges being dropped, shares of Fat Brands increased by 7%, with the company's market capitalization reported to be less than $43 million [6]. Political Context - The DOJ's decision comes after a shakeup in the agency following President Donald Trump's second term, which included the dismissal of the assistant U.S. attorney leading the prosecution against Wiederhorn [5]. - Notably, Fat Brands had previously donated $100,000 to Trump's inauguration fund [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q1 2025 was $142 million, a 6.5% decrease from $152 million in the same period last year [11][28] - Adjusted EBITDA was $11.1 million compared to $18.2 million in the previous year [12][30] - Net loss attributable to FAT Brands was $46 million or $2.73 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $38.3 million or $2.37 per share in the prior year [29] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - System-wide sales were $571.1 million, down 1.8% compared to the previous year's quarter [12] - Casual Dining segment saw same store sales increase approximately 1.6%, driven by Buffalo's Cafe and Ponderosa and Bonanza locations [13] - Factory revenue decreased by about 7% [50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic system-wide sales outperformed international sales, although there was a rebound in international locations towards the end of Q1 [12] - Digital sales at Roundtable Pizza increased by 5% sequentially from Q4 2024 to Q1 2025 [15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its brand presence with over 1,000 new locations in the pipeline and evaluating strategic acquisitions [13][16] - A remodeling initiative aims to refresh 5% of all stores in 2025, increasing to 10% in 2026 [17] - The company is enhancing production capabilities at its Georgia facility, targeting increased utilization from 40-45% to 60-70% [24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer confidence is mixed, with consumers being apprehensive and focused on value [38] - The company is committed to debt reduction and leveraging growth opportunities, with a focus on maximizing shareholder value [27] - Management expressed confidence in achieving full annual equity target raises despite current market volatility [10][42] Other Important Information - The company has temporarily paused FAT's common dividend and started accruing the FAT Series B preferred dividend [10] - The spin-off of Twin Hospitality Group Inc. was completed, allowing shareholders to invest directly in Twin Peaks growth [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of cookie facility utilization increase - Management aims to increase the facility's revenue from $15 million to $25 million annually with improved contracts [32][36] Question: Consumer focus on value - Management indicated that consumers are looking for great food and experiences to justify prices, and this trend is expected to continue [39][40] Question: Delay in equity raise post-Twin Peaks IPO - Management stated that there are no immediate pressures, and they are waiting for market conditions to improve [41][42] Question: Year-over-year impact of Smoky Bones - Management estimated a couple million dollars negative impact from Smoky Bones on adjusted EBITDA [66] Question: Timeline for new CEO search - The executive search for a new CEO is progressing well, with several excellent candidates [72] Question: Incremental adjusted EBITDA from new stores and factory - Management expects the additional $15 million in adjusted EBITDA to materialize over the next couple of years [73]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q4 2024 decreased by 8.4% to $145.3 million compared to $158.6 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to one less operating week in the current quarter [15][43] - System-wide sales were $580.2 million for the quarter, representing a 7.4% decrease from the previous year, again impacted by the fewer operating weeks [15][43] - The net loss for Q4 2024 was $67.4 million, or $4.06 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $26.2 million, or $1.68 per share in the prior year [47] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $14.4 million, down from $27 million in the year-ago quarter [48] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 92 new restaurants in 2024 and plans to open over 100 in 2025, with 17 units already opened year-to-date [18][19] - The company is focusing on organic growth across its existing brand portfolio, with a pipeline of over 1,000 additional locations signed [20] - Co-branding initiatives have been successful, with Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery growing to over 160 co-branded locations since 2014 [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International locations for Johnny Rockets now represent over 55% of the brand's global footprint, with 11 new international locations opened in 2024 [23] - The company continues to expand in key international markets, with over 40 locations in Brazil and nearly 25 in Mexico [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three core strategic initiatives: generating organic growth, evaluating strategic acquisitions, and expanding manufacturing capabilities [17] - The spin-off of Twin Hospitality Group is seen as a major milestone, enhancing transparency and providing additional growth opportunities for shareholders [7][8] - The company aims to reduce debt by $75 million or more in 2025, with a commitment to not pay a FAT common dividend until a minimum of $25 million is paid [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about 2025, highlighting strong consumer demand and a robust development pipeline [20][38] - The company noted challenges in the QSR sector, particularly with Fazoli's, but also mentioned positive trends in other brands like Round Table Pizza [75] - Management is focused on deleveraging the balance sheet while executing on organic growth opportunities [38][80] Other Important Information - The company recognized a non-cash goodwill and other intangible asset impairment of $30.6 million in Q4 2024 due to declining restaurant performance [46] - The FAT Brands Foundation increased its giving by 36% in 2024, providing approximately $325,000 in grants [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the Smokey Bones impairment loss - Management confirmed that the operating loss from closed restaurants affected results, quantified at about $2.6 million for the full year [50][53] Question: Update on litigation costs - Management expressed hope that most litigation would be resolved in the current year, potentially reducing future legal expenses [54][56] Question: Liquidity status - Management reported approximately $150 million in available-for-sale securities and an ATM on file for liquidity needs [58][59] Question: Performance of different brands - Management noted that Fazoli's faced challenges, while Round Table Pizza and cookie brands showed positive performance [75] Question: M&A pipeline post-election - Management indicated ongoing interest in strategic acquisitions but emphasized a focus on deleveraging rather than increasing leverage [78][80]