Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenues decreased to $65.9 million from $72.3 million, a decline of $6.4 million primarily due to the divestiture of underperforming locations and adverse weather conditions [9][10] - Net income attributable to common shareholders increased to $3.2 million from $800,000, a difference of $2.5 million [10] - GAAP EPS rose to $0.36 per share from $0.08 per share, while non-GAAP EPS decreased to $0.65 from $0.90 [12] - Free cash flow was $6.9 million compared to $8.8 million, reflecting reduced operating margins due to lower sales [12] - Adjusted EBITDA fell to $14.2 million from $17.2 million [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nightclub revenues totaled $57.5 million, a decline of 3.1% year over year, with a 3.5% drop in same-store sales [13] - Bombshell's revenue decreased to $8.2 million, a significant drop of 35.6% year over year, impacted by the divestiture of five locations and adverse weather [16] - Operating income for nightclubs improved to $14.6 million from $11 million, with a margin increase to 25.4% from 18.6% [14] - Bombshell's segment reported an operating loss of $227,000 compared to a profit of $699,000 in the previous year [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced closures and reduced business due to severe weather, particularly in Dallas and Houston, affecting sales during January and February [9][10] - The company noted that warmer temperatures in March led to improved sales trends [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a five-year capital allocation plan, with 40% of free cash flow allocated to club acquisitions and 60% to share buybacks, debt reduction, and dividends [22] - The goal is to acquire clubs averaging $6 million of adjusted EBITDA per year, targeting three to five times adjusted EBITDA for acquisitions [24] - The company aims to improve existing Bombshell locations, targeting 15% operating margins and a return to same-store sales growth [25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future performance as warmer weather is expected to boost sales, and they anticipate a rebound in sales from new locations [20][21] - The management acknowledged challenges in the restaurant industry but remains hopeful for recovery as economic uncertainties diminish [85][92] - The company is actively working on improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs in the Bombshell segment [73] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 56,875 common shares for $2.9 million, ending the quarter with approximately 8.8 million shares outstanding [8] - The company has sold its Aurora, Colorado property and is listing other properties for sale in Austin and Huntsville [27][78] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the average rate of return for seller financing? - Management indicated that the average rate is about 6% to 7% in the current market [30] Question: How has the approach to negotiations changed compared to previous years? - Management noted that sellers are now using a combination of average numbers rather than relying on high 2022 figures, reflecting the industry's downturn [34] Question: What operational changes were made at the new Flight Club in Detroit? - Management highlighted improvements in guest treatment and operational systems, which have positively impacted performance [50][52] Question: Can you clarify the insurance accrual and its impact on EBITDA? - The insurance accrual for the quarter was $1.3 million, and it is a non-cash charge [60] Question: How much EBITDA was lost due to weather in the first quarter? - Management estimated a loss of approximately $5.6 million in sales and around $3 million in EBITDA due to adverse weather conditions [68] Question: What is the current status of the M&A pipeline? - Management confirmed that while South Carolina did not contribute in the last quarter, Detroit is performing well and expected to meet projected run rates [72] Question: How is the company addressing the challenges in the Bombshell segment? - Management is focused on improving existing locations and is open to divesting underperforming assets if suitable offers arise [81]