Leading Dessert Brands Arrive in Raleigh Area LOS ANGELES, Aug. 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, and 16 other restaurant concepts, has announced the opening of a new co-branded Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery in Sanford, NC. The new restaurant brings both brands to the Raleigh area, expanding their footprint across North Carolina. “Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery have had a ...

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]

Company Overview - FAT Brands Inc. is a leading global franchising company that owns and operates 18 restaurant brands including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, and Twin Peaks [3] - The company has approximately 2,300 units worldwide, focusing on fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts [3] Upcoming Event - Andy Wiederhorn, Chairman, and Ken Kuick, Co-CEO and CFO of FAT Brands, will present at Noble Capital Markets' Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference on June 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern Standard Time [1] - Registered, qualified investor attendees will have the opportunity for scheduled 1x1 meetings with the company [1] Event Accessibility - Attendees can register for the live presentation at no cost [2] - A video webcast of the presentation will be available on the company's website and on Channelchek for 90 days following the event [2]

Core Insights - FAT Brands reported a total revenue of $142.0 million for the fiscal first quarter of 2025, a decrease of $9.9 million or 6.5% compared to $152.0 million in the same quarter last year, primarily due to lower same-store sales and the closure of one Smokey Bones location [5][7] - The company opened 23 new locations in the first quarter, representing a 37% increase from the previous year, and is on track to open over 100 new restaurants in 2025 [2][7] - The net loss for the first quarter was $46.0 million, or $2.73 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $38.3 million, or $2.37 per diluted share, in the same quarter of 2024 [7][9] Financial Performance - System-wide sales declined by 1.8%, and same-store sales decreased by 3.4% in the first quarter of 2025 [7] - EBITDA for the quarter was $2.1 million, down from $9.4 million in the fiscal first quarter of 2024, while adjusted EBITDA was $11.1 million compared to $18.2 million in the prior year [7][26] - General and administrative expenses increased by $3.0 million, or 10.1%, to $33.0 million, primarily due to increased professional fees related to pending litigation [8] Strategic Developments - The successful spin-off of Twin Hospitality Group Inc. resulted in a $50 million dividend to shareholders, while the company retains ownership of remaining shares [2] - The company is advancing its strategy to return to a nearly 100% franchised model, with plans to refranchise 57 company-operated Fazoli's restaurants [2] - FAT Brands is expanding internationally, having secured agreements to open 40 locations in France, including Fatburger and Buffalo's Cafe concepts [2]

Company Leadership Transition - FAT Brands Inc. has appointed Taylor Wiederhorn as Co-Chief Executive Officer, effective April 29, 2025, while Rob Rosen transitions to a consulting role focused on debt and capital markets [1][2] - Ken Kuick will continue to serve as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer alongside Wiederhorn [1] Background of New Co-CEO - Taylor Wiederhorn has served as Chief Development Officer for the past eight years, overseeing the sale of thousands of new franchise locations across the company's portfolio [2] - In 2023, Wiederhorn assumed the role of brand CEO for 15 of FAT Brands' concepts, indicating a strong background in brand management and development [2] Company Overview - FAT Brands is a leading global franchising company that owns 18 restaurant brands, including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, and Johnny Rockets, and operates over 2,300 units worldwide [3] - The company focuses on acquiring, marketing, and developing various dining concepts, ranging from fast casual to polished casual dining [3]

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]