Filed by Bowne Pure Compliance
Table of Contents

 
 
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark one)
þ   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007
or
     
o   TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from       to
Commission File Number 000-51491
Kona Grill, Inc.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
     
Delaware   20-0216690
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)   (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
7150 East Camelback Road, Suite 220
Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
(480) 922-8100

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of principal executive offices)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     
Title of Each Class   Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
     
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   NASDAQ Global Market
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.
Yes o No þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes þ No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. þ
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
             
        Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o   Non-accelerated filer þ   Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).
Yes o No þ
The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, June 30, 2007, was $74,018,193, calculated based on the closing price of the registrant’s common stock as reported by the NASDAQ Global Market. For purposes of this computation, all officers, directors, and 10% beneficial owners of the registrant are deemed to be affiliates. Such determination should not be deemed to be an admission that such officers, directors, or 10% beneficial owners are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant.
As of March 10, 2008, there were 6,608,078 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report.
 
 

 

 


 

KONA GRILL, INC.
Annual Report on Form 10-K
For the Year Ended December 31, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
         
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PART I
 
       
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PART II
 
       
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PART III
 
       
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PART IV
 
       
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    F-1  
 
       
 Exhibit 10.18
 Exhibit 10.19
 Exhibit 21
 Exhibit 23
 Exhibit 31.1
 Exhibit 31.2
 Exhibit 32.1
 Exhibit 32.2
Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained in this report on Form 10-K that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our “expectations,” “anticipation,” “intentions,” “beliefs,” or “strategies” regarding the future. Forward-looking statements relating to our future economic performance, plans and objectives for future operations, and projections of revenue and other financial items are based on our beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to us. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated as a result of a number of factors, including those discussed in Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

 

 


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PART I
Item 1. Business
Overview
Kona Grill restaurants offer freshly prepared food, personalized service, and a contemporary ambiance that create an exceptional, yet affordable dining experience that we believe exceeds many traditional casual dining restaurants with whom we compete. Our high-volume upscale casual restaurants feature a diverse selection of mainstream American dishes as well as a variety of appetizers and entrees with an international influence, including an extensive selection of award-winning sushi. Our menu items also incorporate over 40 signature sauces and dressings that we make from scratch, creating broad based appeal for the lifestyle and taste trends of a diverse group of guests. Our diverse menu offerings are complemented by a full service bar offering a broad assortment of wines, specialty drinks, and beers. Our menu is standardized for all of our restaurants allowing us to deliver consistent, high quality meals.
Our restaurants accommodate a range of approximately 260 to 300 guests and are comprised of multiple dining areas that incorporate modern design elements to create an upscale ambiance that reinforces our high standards of food and service. Our main dining area, full-service bar, outdoor patio, and sushi bar provide a choice of atmospheres and a variety of environments designed to appeal and encourage repeat visits with regular guests. We locate our restaurants in high-activity areas such as retail centers, shopping malls, urban power dining locations, lifestyle centers, and entertainment centers that are situated near commercial office space and residential housing to attract guests throughout the day. Our restaurants are designed to satisfy our guests’ dining preferences during lunch, dinner, and non-peak periods such as late afternoon and late night.
We own and operate 18 upscale casual dining restaurants in 12 states. We opened four restaurants during 2007 to expand our concept in the following markets: Austin, Texas; Troy, Michigan; Stamford, Connecticut; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We plan to open five restaurants during 2008 as we continue to expand our national presence. Scheduled openings in 2008 include the expansion of our presence in the metropolitan Phoenix market with locations in north Phoenix and Gilbert, Arizona as well as expansion into new markets such as West Palm Beach, Florida. We believe our concept has the potential for over 100 restaurants nationwide.
We believe that our vast array of offerings and generous portions combined with an estimated average check per guest during 2007 of approximately $24 offers our guests an attractive price-value proposition. This value proposition, coupled with our multiple daypart model and exceptional service, have created an attractive business model. Furthermore, our restaurant model provides us with considerable growth opportunities to expand the Kona Grill concept nationwide.
Our executive offices are located at 7150 East Camelback Road, Suite 220, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251, and our telephone number is (480) 922-8100. Our website is located at www.konagrill.com. Through our website, we make available free of charge our annual report on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, our current reports on Form 8-K, our proxy statements, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These reports are available as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file these reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We also post on our website the charters of our Audit, Compensation, and Nominating Committees; our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, and Code of Ethics for the CEO and Senior Financial Officers, and any amendments or waivers thereto; and any other corporate governance materials contemplated by SEC or NASDAQ regulations. These documents are also available in print to any stockholder requesting a copy from our corporate secretary at our principal executive offices.
Our History
Our predecessor concept was a sushi restaurant that commenced operations during 1994. As our guests frequently requested additional selection and diversity in our menu offerings, we developed a successor restaurant concept offering innovative menu selections with mainstream appeal that became Kona Grill. We opened the first Kona Grill restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona during 1998. We sold the predecessor restaurant during 2002 to focus our efforts on growing the Kona Grill concept.

 

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Competitive Strengths
We believe that the key strengths of our business include the following:
   
Innovative Menu Selections with Mainstream Appeal. We offer a menu of freshly prepared food that combines a diverse selection of mainstream American selections as well as a variety of appetizers and entrees with an international influence, and award-winning sushi to appeal to a wide range of tastes, preferences, and price points. We prepare our dishes from original recipes with generous portions and creative and appealing presentations that adhere to standards that we believe are much closer to fine dining than typical casual dining. Our more than 40 proprietary sauces and dressings further differentiate our menu items and help create an exceptional meal while allowing our guests to experience new foods and tastes as well as share their everyday favorite choices with others. With an average check during 2007 of approximately $24 per guest ($16.50 per guest, excluding alcoholic beverages) we believe we provide an exceptional price-value proposition that helps create a lasting relationship between Kona Grill and our guests.
 
   
Distinctive Upscale Casual Dining Experience. Our upscale casual dining concept captures some of the best elements of fine dining including a variety of exceptional food, impeccable service, and an extensive wine and drink list, and combines them with more casual qualities, like a broad menu with attractive price points and a choice of environments to fit any dining occasion, enabling us to attract a broad guest demographic. Our innovative menu, personalized service, and contemporary restaurant design blend together to create our upscale casual dining experience. We design our restaurants with a unique layout and utilize modern, eye-catching design elements such as our signature 2,000 gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with bright and colorful exotic fish, plants, and coral. Our multiple dining areas provide our guests with a number of distinct dining environments and atmospheres to satisfy a range of occasions or dining preferences. Our open exhibition-style kitchen and sushi bar further emphasize the quality and freshness of our food that are the cornerstones of our unique upscale casual dining concept.
 
   
Personalized Guest Service. Our commitment to provide prompt, friendly, and efficient service enhances our food, reinforces our upscale ambiance, and helps distinguish us from other traditional casual dining restaurants. We train our service personnel to be cordial, friendly, and knowledgeable about all aspects of the restaurant, especially the menu, which helps us provide personalized guest service that is designed to ensure a pleasurable dining experience and exceed our guests’ expectations. Our kitchen staff completes extensive training to ensure that our dishes are precisely prepared to provide a consistent quality of taste. We believe our focus on high service standards underscores our guest-centric philosophy.
 
   
Multiple Daypart Model. Our appetizers, pizzas, entrees, and sushi offerings provide a flexible selection of items that can be ordered individually or shared by our guests, allowing them to dine with us during traditional lunch and dinner meal periods as well as in between customary dining periods such as in the late afternoon and late night. The lively ambiance of our patio and bar areas provides an energetic social forum for us to attract a younger professional clientele during these non-peak periods, as well as for all of our guests to enjoy before or after they dine with us. Our sushi bar provides another dining venue for our guests while offering a healthier, more adventuresome dining experience. We believe that our ability to attract and satisfy our guests throughout the day distinguishes us from many other casual dining chains and helps us maximize sales and leverage our fixed operating costs.
 
   
Attractive Unit Economics. During 2007, the average unit volume of our restaurants open for at least 12 months was $4.8 million, or $684 per square foot. We believe our high average unit volume helps us attract high-quality employees, leverage our fixed costs, and makes us a desirable tenant for landlords. We expect the average cash investment for our new restaurants to be approximately $2.5 million, net of landlord tenant improvement allowances and excluding preopening expenses. Our restaurant cash flow margin is one of the best in our industry and provides us with strong financial returns on this investment.

 

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Growth Strategy
We believe that there are significant opportunities to grow our sales, expand our concept, and increase our brand awareness throughout the United States. The following sets forth the key elements of our growth strategy.
Pursue Disciplined Restaurant Growth
We adhere to a disciplined site selection process and intend to continue opening Kona Grill restaurants in both new and existing markets that meet our demographic, real estate, and investment criteria. Over the next several years, we plan to open the majority of our restaurants in new markets to continue to build awareness of our concept and to establish Kona Grill as a national upscale casual brand. During 2007, we opened four new restaurants, all of which were located in new markets. Our expansion plans do not involve any franchised restaurant operations.
We plan to pursue locations that will enable us to maximize the use of outdoor patio seating. We believe the location of our restaurants plays a key role in our long-term success and, accordingly, we devote significant time and resources to analyzing each prospective site. We maintain a disciplined and controlled site selection process involving our management team and Board of Directors. Our site selection criteria for new restaurants includes locating our restaurants near high activity areas such as retail centers, shopping malls, urban power dining locations, lifestyle centers, and entertainment centers. In addition, we focus on areas that have above-average income populations, have high customer traffic throughout the day from thriving businesses or retail markets, and are convenient for and appealing to business and leisure travelers.
Our growth strategy for developing new restaurants also includes expansion in existing markets. Operating multiple restaurants in existing markets enables us to leverage our training resources and gain operating efficiencies associated with regional supervision, marketing, purchasing, and hiring. In addition, our ability to hire qualified employees is enhanced in markets where we are well known and we are able to utilize existing associates in new restaurants.
We plan to open five new restaurants during 2008. We have signed leases in West Palm Beach, Florida; Gilbert, Arizona; Phoenix, Arizona; Richmond, Virginia; and Eden Prairie, Minnesota; as well as four executed letters of intent for new restaurant development in 2008 and 2009.
Grow Existing Restaurant Sales
Our goal for existing restaurants is to improve our unit volumes through ongoing local marketing efforts designed to generate awareness and trial of our concept and increase the frequency of guest visits. During 2007, our comparable base restaurants, which include those units open for more than 18 months, generated same-store sales increases of 2.7%.
We intend to continue to evaluate operational initiatives designed to increase sales at our restaurants. For example, we enclosed certain of our patios in cooler climate locations to permit the use of our patio year round and increase restaurant sales. We also design certain of our restaurants with adaptable modules to provide reconfigurable private dining rooms when needed, which will provide us flexibility to book private parties and special events. We believe by emphasizing operating in multiple dayparts, we are able to increase sales and leverage both development and fixed operating costs by operating during a greater number of hours during any given day. In addition, we utilize advertising or marketing programs to promote our restaurants. We believe we can generate additional sales through these programs at a reasonable expense per restaurant.
Leverage Depth of Existing Corporate Infrastructure
We believe that successful execution of our growth strategies will enable Kona Grill to be a leading upscale casual dining restaurant operator in the United States. During 2007, we continued to make investments in our corporate infrastructure by hiring operations, human resources, real estate, information technology, and accounting personnel; implementing information systems; and establishing financial controls to minimize risks associated with our current growth strategy. As we continue to realize the benefits of our growth, we believe that we will be able to leverage our investments in corporate infrastructure and realize benefits from the increasing sales that our company generates.

 

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Unit Economics
On average, we target a 35% net cash-on-cash return for our restaurants once they reach their mature level of operations. Maturation periods vary from restaurant to restaurant, but generally range from two to four years. We target our restaurants to achieve average annual unit volume of $4.5 million following 24 months of operations, or sales per square foot of approximately $660 based on our prototype restaurant of 6,800 square feet. During 2007, the average unit volume of our restaurants open at least 12 months was $4.8 million, or $684 per square foot. The cash-based performance target for our restaurant operations do not consider field supervision and corporate support expenses; exclude non-cash items such as depreciation and amortization and income tax expense; and do not represent a targeted return on our investment in common stock.
Our investment costs for new restaurants vary significantly depending upon the type of lease entered into, the amount of tenant improvement allowance we receive from landlords, and whether we assume responsibility for the construction of the building. We expect the cash investment cost of our prototype restaurant to be approximately $2.5 million, net of landlord tenant improvement allowances between $0.7 million and $1.2 million, and excluding preopening expense of approximately $0.4 million.
We believe our high average unit volume helps us attract high-quality employees, leverages our fixed costs, and makes us a desirable tenant for landlords. We believe that our ability to generate sales throughout the day is a key strength of our concept. The following table depicts the amount and percentage of contribution for each daypart of overall restaurant sales during 2007.
2007 Sales by Daypart
                 
    Sales     Percent  
    (Dollars in thousands)  
Lunch (Open to 3:00 p.m.)
  $ 17,487       24 %
Dinner (5 p.m. to 9 p.m.)
    37,881       52 %
Non-Peak (3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to Close)
    16,890       24 %
 
           
Total All Day
  $ 72,258       100 %
 
           
Menu
The Kona Grill menu offers guests a diverse selection of mainstream American dishes as well as a variety of appetizers and entrees with an international influence, including a broad selection of award-winning sushi. This broad menu is an important factor in our differentiation from the other upscale casual dining competitors. We are well-known for our selection of over 40 signature sauces and dressings. Our sauces and dressings distinguish and compliment our dishes, creating delicious flavor profiles and artistic presentations for our guests. All of our menu items are freshly prepared using high quality ingredients and adhere to food standards that we believe are much closer to fine dining than typical casual dining.
Our menu features a selection of appetizers, soups, salads, pizzas, sandwiches, noodle dishes, signature entrees, and desserts. We round out our menu with over 90 hand-made award-winning sushi choices. Our menu includes socially interactive items that can be eaten individually or easily shared amongst guests such as our Chicken Satay appetizer served with cabbage slaw and a sweet-hoisin dipping sauce and our Garlic Shrimp Pizza with a roasted red pepper pizza sauce. Our signature entrees feature our various sauces and offer guests generous portions that are impressive in presentation and in taste. For example, our most popular entrée is the Macadamia Nut Chicken served with our special shoyu-cream sauce accompanied by wok-tossed vegetables and white cheddar mashed potatoes. Other favorites include our miso sake marinaded Baked Seabass served with shrimp and pork fried rice, Szechwan beans and a coconut-curry vinaigrette and our Pan-Seared Ahi Tuna served over steamed white rice with a sweet-chili sauce accompanied by sautéed baby bok choy.

 

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We are also known for our broad assortment of sushi that includes traditional favorites as well as distinct specialty items such as our Seven-Spice Sashimi Salad made with tuna sashimi, cucumber, smelt roe, and sprouts with motoyaki sauce, or our Jalapeno Yellowtail Sashimi with a slice of jalapeno and cilantro with ponzu sauce. We have designed our sushi menu with a combination of both straight-forward and unintimidating selections such as our California Roll as well as more sophisticated items such as our Spider Roll made with soft shell crab, avocado, and cucumber wrapped in seaweed and soy paper and served with eel sauce. Our menu, coupled with our sushi selections, offers ample choices for health conscious guests, which the National Restaurant Association expects will continue to be a point of focus in the future.
Each of our restaurants has a dedicated kitchen staff member, whom we refer to as our saucier, to oversee the preparation of our more than 40 unique sauces and dressings that are made fresh from scratch on site using only high-quality ingredients and fresh produce. Each sauce is designed according to a proprietary recipe for a specific menu item and includes unique flavors and combinations such as our Honey Cilantro, Pineapple-Chipotle, and Spicy Aioli dipping sauces, and our Onion Soy Vinaigrette dressing. We believe that our distinctive sauces and dressings provide a unique flavor profile, which further distinguishes Kona Grill. Our flavorful sauces and dressings also enhance our guests’ overall dining experience by allowing them to not only experience new tastes but to also share their favorite sauces with others, helping to create customer loyalty and a socially interactive environment.
The versatility of our menu enables us to provide our guests with dishes that can be enjoyed outside of the traditional lunch and dinner meal periods as well as to serve our guests for a variety of dining occasions, including everyday dining, business lunches, social gatherings and special occasions. Furthermore, each restaurant offers a separate children’s menu with selections appealing to our youngest guests.
Menu prices range from $3.95 to $12.50 for appetizers and soups, $5.25 to $11.75 for salads, $7.95 to $31.95 for sandwiches and lunch entrees, $8.95 to $31.95 for dinner entrees, and $4.00 to $32.00 for our sushi selections ranging from a single sushi item up to our assorted 18-piece Sashimi Platter. During 2007, our estimated average guest check was approximately $24.00. Based upon our innovative high-quality recipes, generous portions, and flexible price points we believe we provide our guests exceptional value that allows us to attract a diverse customer base and increase the frequency of dining visits to our upscale casual restaurants.
We provide a uniform menu in all of our restaurants and do not feature daily specials, allowing us to deliver consistent, high-quality food at every location. We review our menu and consider enhancements to existing items or the introduction of new items based on customer feedback, which helps assure that we are meeting the needs of our guests.
Alcoholic beverage sales represented approximately 32% of our total restaurant sales during 2007. Our guests enjoy an extensive selection of approximately 20 domestic and imported bottled and draft beers, over 50 selections of wines by the glass or bottle, and a broad selection of liquors and specialty cocktail drinks.
Decor and Atmosphere
We have created a uniform restaurant layout as well as similar interior and exterior design elements in each of our restaurants. The layout of our restaurants focuses on joined spaces that create multiple distinct dining areas for our guests while also maintaining an open atmosphere that allows our guests to have a panoramic view of the entire restaurant without negatively impacting the specific ambiance or dining occasion they desire.
Our main dining room area offers a combination of booth seating and larger central tables. Our full service bar area and covered outdoor patio offer not only a high-energy, socially interactive area for our guests to enjoy appetizers or sushi while they wait to dine with us, but also serves as a destination for many of our frequent guests who visit us during our late afternoon and late night periods. Our bar area is strategically placed to ensure that families and other groups that may prefer a quieter, more intimate dining experience are not disturbed. Our sushi bar provides yet another dining alternative for singles, couples, and our guests with more sophisticated, health conscious, or adventuresome tastes.

 

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Our restaurant interiors utilize a combination of warm earth tones, rich mahogany wood finishes, and oversized silver gilded mirrors. We showcase our signature 2,000 gallon saltwater aquarium stocked with bright and colorful exotic fish, plants, and coral in each of our restaurants and ensure that it can be seen from both our main dining area and our bar area. Our bars are made of granite and compliment our mahogany finishes to enhance our contemporary design. We use a variety of directional lighting, featuring shiitake mushroom-shaped ceiling lights, to deliver a warm glow throughout our restaurants and we adjust our dining atmosphere throughout the day by adjusting the lighting, music, and the choice of television programming in our bar area. Our exhibition-style kitchens are brightly lit to display our kitchen staff at work. Our covered outdoor patio areas seat an average of 60 guests. We utilize state-of-the-art heating technology suspended from our roofs to allow us to maximize the use of our patios throughout most of the year while avoiding obtrusive heating mechanisms that could detract from our upscale ambiance. We have enclosed the patio areas in certain of our colder climate locations allowing guests to utilize the patio area throughout the year.
The exterior of our restaurants typically employ cultured stone and slate to create a highly visible restaurant that features our well lit, Kona Grill sign. We landscape our restaurants where appropriate and vary the exterior design to coordinate with the surrounding area. We use accent lighting on trees and directional lighting on our buildings to further increase the visual appeal of our restaurants.
We believe that our existing restaurant asset base is in excellent condition and we maintain each restaurant’s furniture, fixtures, equipment, and other design elements in accordance with our operating standards.
Food Preparation, Quality Control, and Purchasing
We believe that we have some of the highest food quality standards in the industry. Our systems are designed to protect our food products throughout the preparation process. We provide detailed specifications to suppliers for our food ingredients, products, and supplies. We strive to maintain quality and consistency in our restaurants through careful training and supervision of personnel. Our restaurant general managers receive a minimum of six months of training and kitchen managers receive between three to six months of training, as required, and all receive an operations manual relating to food and beverage preparation and restaurant operations. We also instruct kitchen managers and staff on safety, sanitation, housekeeping, repair and maintenance, product and service specifications, ordering and receiving products, and quality assurance. All of our restaurant managers are compliant with Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, or HACCP. We monitor minimum cook temperature requirements and conduct twice-a-day kitchen and food quality inspections to further assure the safety and quality of all of the items we use in our restaurants.
We are committed to purchasing high-quality ingredients for our restaurants while striving to maintain and improve costs. We use only the freshest ingredients and, as a result, we maintain only modest inventories. We also have a nonexclusive contract with U.S. Foodservice, a national food distributor, to be the primary supplier of our food. We have arrangements with local produce distributors and specialty food suppliers who provide high-quality ingredients and perishable food products. We believe that competitively priced alternative distribution sources are available should those channels be necessary. We source all of our products and supplies with reputable and high-quality providers that are capable of distribution on a national level.
Our goal is to maximize our purchasing efficiencies and obtain the lowest possible prices for our ingredients, products, and supplies, while maintaining the highest quality. Our corporate purchasing manager coordinates our national supply contracts, negotiates prices for our food supply throughout all of our restaurants, monitors quality control and consistency of the food supplied to our restaurants, and oversees delivery of food on a nationwide basis. In order to provide the freshest ingredients and products, and to maximize operating efficiencies between purchase and usage, each restaurant’s kitchen manager determines its daily usage requirements for food ingredients, products, and supplies. The kitchen manager orders accordingly from our approved suppliers and all deliveries are inspected to assure that the items received meet our quality specifications and negotiated prices.

 

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Expansion Strategy and Site Selection
We believe the locations of our restaurants are critical to our long-term success and, accordingly, we devote significant time and resources to analyzing each prospective site. Our restaurant expansion strategy focuses primarily on penetrating new markets in major metropolitan areas throughout the United States, as well as further penetrating existing markets. In general, we prefer to open our restaurants in high-profile sites within specific trade areas with the following considerations:
   
suitable demographic characteristics, including residential and commercial population density and above-average household incomes;
 
   
visibility;
 
   
high traffic patterns;
 
   
general accessibility;
 
   
availability of suitable parking;
 
   
proximity of shopping areas and office parks;
 
   
degree of competition within the trade area; and
 
   
general availability of restaurant-level employees.
These sites generally include high-volume retail centers, regional malls, lifestyle and entertainment centers, and urban power dining locations.
We thoroughly analyze each prospective site before presenting the site to our Real Estate Committee, currently comprised of four members of the Board of Directors and executive management, for review. Prior to committing to a restaurant site and signing a lease, at least three members of our senior management team and our Board of Directors review the prospective site and evaluate the proposed economics of the restaurant based on demographic data and other relevant criteria to assure that the site will meet our return on investment criteria.
We lease all of our restaurant sites under lease terms that vary by restaurant; however, we generally lease space (freestanding or in-line) for 10 to 15 years and negotiate at least two five-year renewal options. Our rent structures vary from lease to lease, but generally provide for the payment of both minimum base rent and contingent rent based on restaurant sales. We are also generally responsible for our proportionate share of common area maintenance, property tax, insurance, and other occupancy-related expenses.
We believe the high sales volumes of our restaurants make us an attractive tenant and provide us with ample opportunities to obtain suitable leasing terms from landlords. As a result of the locations we select, which are often in new retail center or shopping mall developments, our restaurant development timeframes vary according to the landlord’s construction schedule and other factors that are beyond our control. Once the site has been turned over to us, the typical lead-time from commencement of construction to opening is approximately six months.
Restaurant Operations
Executive and Restaurant Management
Our executive management team continually monitors restaurant operations, inspects individual restaurants to assure the quality of products and services and the maintenance of facilities, institutes procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce costs, and provides centralized support systems. Our Chief Operating Officer has primary responsibility for managing our restaurants and participates in analyzing restaurant-level performance and strategic planning. We currently employ three district managers who report directly to our Chief Operating Officer and who are each responsible for overseeing the restaurants in a specific region. The district managers’ responsibilities include supporting the general managers and helping each general manager achieve the sales and cash flow targets for their restaurant. As we expand our operations, we expect to hire additional district managers who will each oversee 8 to 10 restaurants. In addition, our executive team includes an executive chef and executive sushi chef who help educate, coach, and develop kitchen personnel, implement new systems to improve the efficiency of our kitchen operations, and develop new menu offerings.

 

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Our typical restaurant management team consists of a general manager, an assistant general manager, two front-of-the-house managers, a kitchen manager, an assistant kitchen manager, and a sushi kitchen manager. Our restaurants each employ approximately 100 non-management employees, many of whom work part-time. The general manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the restaurant, including the hiring, training, development of personnel, execution of local marketing programs, and operating results. The kitchen managers are responsible for overseeing the preparation of our menu and sushi items; maintaining product quality, and closely monitoring food costs and department labor costs. We also employ a kitchen staff member who is dedicated to the fresh preparation of our sauces and dressings.
Training
In order to maintain quality and consistency in each of our restaurants, we carefully train and supervise restaurant personnel and adhere to high standards related to personnel performance, food and beverage preparation, and maintenance of our restaurants. All of our restaurant personnel participate in both initial and continuing training programs. Each restaurant general manager, front-of-the-house manager and kitchen manager completes a formal training program that is comprised of a mix of classroom and on-the-job instruction. Typical programs for general managers provide at least six months of training that may include a rotation to different restaurants throughout the country. Typical programs for other managers provide 10 weeks of training and may involve work in our other restaurants and cross training of various duties. The training covers all aspects of management philosophy and overall restaurant operations, including supervisory skills, operating and performance standards, accounting procedures, and employee selection and training necessary for top-quality restaurant operations. The training programs also involve intensive understanding and testing of our menu, the ingredients of our various menu items, and other key service protocols. In addition, our hourly staff go through a series of in-depth interactive training for their positions.
We implement these programs by hiring dedicated corporate personnel as well as designate high-performing existing restaurant personnel to assist in training. Our corporate training personnel are involved in training for both new employees hired in anticipation of our new restaurant openings as well as for ongoing training in existing restaurants. When we open a new restaurant, we provide training to restaurant personnel in every position for several weeks prior to opening to assure the smooth and efficient operation of the restaurant from the first day it opens to the public. Prior to opening a new restaurant, certain of our newly-hired restaurant personnel are staffed in existing restaurants to learn the operational aspects of a Kona Grill and to obtain on the job instruction.
Recruitment and Retention
Our future growth and success is highly dependent upon our ability to attract, develop, and retain qualified individuals who are capable of successfully managing our high-volume, upscale casual restaurants. We believe that our unit volume, the image and atmosphere of the Kona Grill concept, and our career advancement and employee benefit programs enable us to attract high quality management and restaurant personnel. We support our restaurant management personnel by offering competitive wages and benefits, including medical insurance and participation in our 401(k) plan with a company match. We motivate and prepare our restaurant personnel by providing them with opportunities for increased responsibility and advancement. Furthermore, our general managers, assistant general managers, and kitchen managers share in a bonus tied to the overall profitability of their restaurant. We believe that our compensation package for our managers and restaurant employees is comparable to those provided by other upscale casual restaurants. We believe our compensation policies help us attract quality personnel and retain them at turnover rates lower than those generally experienced by our competitors.

 

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Information Systems
We believe that our management information systems enable us to increase the speed and accuracy of order-taking and pricing, efficiently schedule labor to better serve guests, monitor labor costs, assist in product purchasing and menu mix management, promptly access financial and operating data, and improve the accuracy and efficiency of store-level information and reporting.
We utilize an integrated information system as well as manual reporting to manage the flow of information within each of our restaurants and between our restaurants and the corporate office. This system includes a customized Aloha point-of-sales (POS) local area network that helps facilitate the operations of the restaurant by recording sales transactions and printing orders in the appropriate locations within the restaurant. Additionally, we utilize the POS system to authorize, batch, and transmit credit card transactions, record employee time clock information, schedule labor, and produce a variety of management reports. Our information system is integrated with our financial reporting system and incorporates a redundancy and back-up emergency operating plan on a temporary basis if the system experiences downtime.
We transmit electronically to the corporate office on a daily basis select information that we capture from the POS system. Our corporate information system enables senior management to monitor operating results with daily and weekly sales analysis, monthly detailed profit statements, and comparisons between actual and budgeted operating results.
We anticipate continually updating both our restaurant information systems and our corporate office information systems on an annual basis. In 2007, we started the implementation of an automated food cost and inventory management system which will allow us to better measure our product yields and product waste in our kitchens. Additionally, we anticipate implementing a kitchen display system to automate the timing of the firing of different food items on the cook line and a table management system to manage wait times, seat availability, and seating flow in our restaurants. We believe our information systems to be secure and scalable as we build our organization.
Advertising and Marketing
During 2007, our marketing and advertising expenditures were $1.3 million, or 1.7% of our restaurant sales. We expect to continue to invest a similar or increased percentage of restaurant sales in marketing efforts in the future, primarily in connection with driving comparable restaurant sales and supporting new restaurant openings. Our ongoing marketing strategy consists of local advertising on radio and in select print mediums, various public relations activities, direct mail, and word-of-mouth recommendations. We believe that word-of-mouth recommendations are a key component in driving guest trial and usage.
We implement a coordinated public relations effort in conjunction with each new restaurant opening. Approximately 60 days before a scheduled restaurant opening, our local public relations firm collaborates with the local media to publicize our restaurant and generate awareness of our brand. This effort is usually supplemented by radio, print advertisements, direct mail campaigns, and other marketing efforts. In addition, we use our website, www.konagrill.com, to help increase our brand awareness as well as gift card sales.
Competition
The restaurant industry is highly competitive. Key competitive factors in the industry include the taste, quality, and price of the food products offered, quality and speed of guest service, brand name identification, attractiveness of facilities, restaurant location, and overall dining experience.
We believe we compete favorably with respect to each of these factors, as follows:
   
We offer a diverse selection of mainstream American dishes as well as a variety of appetizers and entrees with an international influence, including an extensive selection of sushi items;

 

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We strive to maintain quality and consistency in each of our restaurants through the careful training and supervision of restaurant personnel and adherence to high standards related to personnel performance, food and beverage preparation, and maintenance of our restaurants;
 
   
Our innovative menu with attractive price points, personalized service, and contemporary restaurant design with multiple environments blend together to create our upscale casual dining experience and enables us to attract a broad guest demographic.
Although we believe we compete favorably with respect to each of these factors, there are a substantial number of restaurant operations that compete directly and indirectly with us, many of which have significantly greater financial resources, higher revenue, and greater economies of scale. The restaurant business is often affected by changes in consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns; national and regional economic and public safety conditions; demographic trends; weather conditions; the cost and availability of raw materials, labor, and energy; purchasing power; governmental regulations; and local competitive factors. Any change in these or other related factors could adversely affect our restaurant operations. Accordingly, we must constantly evolve and refine the critical elements of our restaurant concepts over time to protect their longer-term competitiveness. Additionally, there is competition for highly qualified restaurant management employees and for attractive locations suitable for upscale, high volume restaurants.
Trademarks
We have registered the service mark “Kona Grill” with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. We believe that our trademarks and other proprietary rights, such as our unique menu offerings and proprietary sauce recipes, have significant value and are important to the marketing of our restaurant concept. We have in the past and expect to continue to protect vigorously our proprietary rights. We cannot predict, however, whether steps taken by us to protect our proprietary rights will be adequate to prevent misappropriation of these rights or the use by others of restaurant features based upon, or otherwise similar to, our concept. It may be difficult for us to prevent others from copying elements of our concept and any litigation to enforce our rights will likely be costly. In addition, other local restaurant companies with names similar to those we use may try to prevent us from using our marks in those locales.
Government Regulation
Each of our restaurants is subject to licensing and regulation by state and local departments and bureaus of alcohol control, health, sanitation, zoning, and fire and to periodic review by the state and municipal authorities for areas in which the restaurants are located. In addition, we are subject to local land use, zoning, building, planning, and traffic ordinances and regulations in the selection and acquisition of suitable sites for developing new restaurants. Delays in obtaining, or denials of, or revocation or temporary suspension of, necessary licenses or approvals could have a material adverse impact on our development of restaurants.
Alcoholic beverage control regulations require each of our restaurants to apply to a state authority and, in certain locations, county and municipal authorities for a license and permit to sell alcoholic beverages on the premises. Typically, licenses must be renewed annually and may be subject to penalties, temporary suspension or revocation for cause at any time. Alcoholic beverage control regulations impact many aspects of the daily operations of our restaurants, including the minimum age of patrons and employees, hours of operation, inventory control and handling, and storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. We have not encountered any material problems relating to alcoholic beverage licenses or permits to date. The failure of a restaurant to obtain or retain its liquor license would adversely affect that restaurant’s operations and profitability.
We are subject to dram shop statutes in most of the states in which we have operations. Those statutes generally provide a person who has been injured by an intoxicated person the right to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to such person. We carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general liability insurance which we believe is consistent with coverage carried by other companies in the restaurant industry of similar size and scope of operations. Even though we carry liquor liability insurance, a judgment against us under a dram-shop statute in excess of our liability coverage could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

 

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Our operations are also subject to federal and state laws governing such matters as wages, working conditions, citizenship requirements, and overtime. Some states have set minimum wage requirements higher than the current federal level. Specifically, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Missouri, and Nevada where we currently operate 10 of our 18 restaurants have a minimum wage that is higher than the federal level. A significant number of hourly personnel at our restaurants are paid at rates related to the federal minimum wage and, accordingly, the next scheduled increase of the federal minimum wage in July 2008 will increase our labor costs. Increases in the minimum wage rate or the cost of workers’ compensation insurance, changes in tip-credit provisions, employee benefit costs (including costs associated with mandated health insurance coverage), or other costs associated with employees could adversely affect our operating results. To our knowledge, we are in compliance in all material respects with all applicable federal, state, and local laws affecting our business.
Employees
As of March 10, 2008, we employed 1,798 persons of whom approximately 34 were corporate management and staff personnel, 139 were restaurant managers or trainees, and 1,625 were employees in nonmanagement restaurant positions. None of our employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement with us. We have never experienced a major work stoppage, strike, or labor dispute. We consider our relations with our employees to be favorable.
Executive Officers
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our executive officers:
             
Name   Age   Position
Marcus E. Jundt
    42     Chairman of the Board, President, and Chief Executive Officer
Jason J. Merritt
    43     Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
Mark S. Robinow
    51     Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary
Marcus E. Jundt has served as our President and Chief Executive Officer since July 2006, as Chairman of the Board since March 2004, and as a director of our company since September 2000. Mr. Jundt serves as Vice Chairman and President of the investment advisory firm of Jundt Associates, Inc. During November 2007, a receiver was appointed to administer the assets of Jundt Associates, Inc. From November 1988 to March 1992, Mr. Jundt served as a research analyst for Victoria Investors covering the technology, health care, financial services, and consumer industries. From July 1987 until October 1988, Mr. Jundt served in various capacities on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange with Cargill Investor Services. Mr. Jundt also serves as a director of Minnetonka Capital Investment and Spineology, both private companies.
Jason J. Merritt has served as our Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer since October 2003 and as our Vice President and Director of Operations since June 1997. Prior to joining our company in 1996, Mr. Merritt had been involved in the development of and held executive or management positions in various restaurant concepts including Sushi On, Inc., Juice Island, Inc., Golden Corral, Inc., and Two Pesos, Inc.
Mark S. Robinow has served as our Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and Secretary since October 2004. Prior to joining our company, Mr. Robinow served as the Chief Financial Officer of Integrated Decisions and Systems, Inc. (IDeaS) from July 2000 until October 2004. Mr. Robinow served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Rainforest Cafe, Inc. from November 1995 until January 2000. Mr. Robinow served as the Chief Financial Officer of Edina Realty, Inc. from 1993 until 1995, and as Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer of Ringer Corporation from 1986 until 1993. Mr. Robinow also served as a senior auditor with Deloitte & Touche from 1980 until 1983.

 

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Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks Related to Our Business
We have a limited operating history and a limited number of restaurants upon which to evaluate our company, and you should not rely on our history as an indication of our future results.
We currently operate 18 restaurants, half of which have operated for less than 24 months. Consequently, the results we have achieved to date with a relatively small number of restaurants may not be indicative of those restaurants’ long-term performance or the potential performance of new restaurants. A number of factors historically have affected and are likely to continue to affect our average unit volumes and comparable restaurant sales, including the following:
   
our ability to execute effectively our business strategy;
 
   
our ability to successfully select and secure sites for our Kona Grill concept;
 
   
the operating performance of new and existing restaurants;
 
   
competition in our markets;
 
   
consumer trends; and
 
   
changes in political or economic conditions.
Our average unit volume and same-store sales may not increase at rates achieved over recent periods. Two of our restaurants opened within the last 24 months have average unit volumes significantly below the average unit volume of our comparable restaurant base. Changes in our average unit volumes and comparable restaurant sales could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially.
We have a history of losses and we may never achieve profitability.
We incurred net losses in each of 2003, 2005, 2006, and 2007. We forecast that we will incur net losses for at least the next year, and possibly longer. We expect that our expenses for the foreseeable future will increase in order to continue the preparation and development of additional restaurants and to meet the requirements of being a public company. We may find that these efforts are more expensive than we currently anticipate or that our expansion efforts do not result in proportionate increases in our sales, which would further increase our losses. We cannot predict whether we will be able to achieve profitability in the future.
Our future operating results may fluctuate significantly due to our limited number of existing restaurants and the expenses required to open new restaurants.
We currently operate 18 restaurants, four of which opened during 2007, and we expect to open five restaurants in 2008. The capital resources required to develop each new restaurant are significant. We estimate that the cost of opening a new Kona Grill restaurant currently ranges from $3.2 million to $3.7 million, exclusive of landlord tenant improvement allowances and preopening expenses and assuming that we do not purchase the underlying real estate. Actual costs may vary significantly depending upon a variety of factors, including the site and size of the restaurant and conditions in the local real estate and employment markets. The combination of our relatively small number of existing restaurants, the significant investment associated with each new restaurant, and the average unit volumes of our new restaurants may cause our results of operations to fluctuate significantly, and poor operating results at any one restaurant or a delay or cancellation in the planned opening of a restaurant could materially affect our company, making the investment risks related to any one location much larger than those associated with most other restaurant chains.

 

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Our growth may strain our infrastructure and resources, which could slow our development of new restaurants and adversely affect our ability to manage our existing restaurants.
We plan to open five restaurants in 2008 which would result in 28% unit growth. This expansion and our future growth will increase demands on our management team, restaurant management systems and resources, financial controls, and information systems. These increased demands may adversely affect our ability to manage our existing restaurants. If we fail to continue to improve our infrastructure or to manage other factors necessary for us to meet our expansion objectives, our operating results could be adversely affected.
Our ability to open new restaurants on schedule in accordance with our projected growth rate may be adversely affected by delays or problems associated with securing suitable restaurant locations and leases and by other factors, some of which are beyond our control and the timing of which is difficult to forecast accurately.
A critical factor in our future success is our ability to expand our restaurant operations. In order to achieve the projected number of restaurant openings each year, we must identify suitable restaurant locations and successfully negotiate and finalize the terms of restaurant leases at a number of these locations. Due in part to the unique nature of each proposed restaurant location, we cannot predict the timing or ultimate success of our site selection process. Delays encountered in negotiating, or our inability to finalize to our satisfaction, the terms of a restaurant lease may delay our unit growth rate and cause a significant variance from our projected growth rate. Our ability to open new restaurants on schedule depends upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:
   
the availability and cost of suitable restaurant locations for development and our ability to compete successfully for those locations;
 
   
the timing of delivery of leased premises from our landlords so we can commence our build-out construction activities;
 
   
construction and development costs;
 
   
labor shortages or disputes experienced by our landlords or outside contractors;
 
   
unforeseen engineering or environmental problems with the leased premises;
 
   
our ability to secure governmental approvals and permits, including liquor licenses, construction permits, and occupancy permits;
 
   
weather conditions or natural disasters; and
 
   
general economic conditions.
Unexpected expenses and low market acceptance of our restaurant concept could adversely affect the profitability of restaurants that we open in new markets.
As part of our expansion strategy, we plan to open restaurants in markets in which we have no prior operating experience and in which our brand may not be well known. These new markets may have different competitive conditions, consumer tastes, and discretionary spending patterns than restaurants in our existing markets. As a result, we may incur costs related to the opening, operation, and promotion of these new restaurants that are greater than those incurred in existing markets. As a result of these factors, sales at restaurants opening in new markets may take longer to achieve average unit volumes comparable with our existing restaurants, if at all, which would adversely affect the profitability of those new restaurants.

 

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Our restaurants are subject to natural disasters and other events which are beyond our control and for which we may not be able to obtain insurance at reasonable rates.
We endeavor to insure our restaurants against wind, flood, and other disasters, but we may not be able to obtain insurance for these types of events for all of our restaurants at reasonable rates. A devastating natural disaster or other event in the vicinity of one of our restaurants could result in substantial losses and have a material adverse affect on our results of operations.
Our expansion in existing markets may cause sales in some of our existing restaurants to decline.
Our growth strategy includes opening new restaurants in our existing markets. We may be unable to attract enough guests to our new restaurants for them to operate profitably. In addition, guests to our new restaurants may be former guests of one of our existing restaurants in that market, which may reduce guest visits and sales at those existing restaurants, adversely affecting our results of operations.
If our distributors or suppliers do not provide food and beverages to us in a timely fashion, we may experience short-term supply shortages and increased food and beverage costs.
We currently depend on U.S. Foodservice, a national food distribution service company, and other regional distributors to provide food and beverage products to all of our restaurants. If U.S. Foodservice or other distributors or suppliers cease doing business with us, we could experience short-term supply shortages in some or all of our restaurants and could be required to purchase food and beverage products at higher prices until we are able to secure an alternative supply source. In addition, any delay in replacing our suppliers or distributors on acceptable terms could, in extreme cases, require us to remove temporarily items from the menus of one or more of our restaurants, which also could adversely affect our business.
Our failure to protect our trademarks, service marks, or trade secrets could negatively affect our competitive position and the value of the Kona Grill brand.
Our business prospects depend in part on our ability to develop favorable consumer recognition of the Kona Grill name. Although Kona Grill is a federally registered trademark, our trademarks and service marks could be imitated in ways that we cannot prevent. Alternatively, third parties may attempt to cause us to change our name or not operate in a certain geographic region if our name is confusingly similar to their name. In addition, we rely on trade secrets, proprietary know-how, concepts, and recipes. Our methods of protecting this information may not be adequate. Moreover, we may face claims of misappropriation or infringement of third parties’ rights that could interfere with our use of this information. Defending these claims may be costly and, if unsuccessful, may prevent us from continuing to use this proprietary information in the future, and may result in a judgment or monetary damages. We do not maintain confidentiality and non-competition agreements with all of our executives, key personnel, or suppliers. If competitors independently develop or otherwise obtain access to our trade secrets, proprietary know-how, or recipes, the appeal of our restaurants could be reduced and our business could be harmed.
We may require additional capital in the future as a result of changes in our restaurant operations or growth plans, and our inability to raise such capital could harm our operations and restrict our growth.
Changes in our restaurant operations, acceleration of our restaurant expansion plans, lower than anticipated restaurant sales, increased food or labor costs, increased property expenses, or other events, including those described in this report, may cause us to seek additional debt or equity financing on an accelerated basis. Financing may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all, and our failure to raise capital when needed could negatively impact our restaurant growth plans as well as our financial condition and results of operations. Additional equity financing, if available, will be dilutive to the holders of our common stock. Debt financing may involve significant cash payment obligations, covenants, and financial ratios that may restrict our ability to operate and grow our business, and would cause us to incur additional interest expense and financing costs.

 

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Risks Related to the Restaurant Industry
Negative publicity surrounding our restaurants or the consumption of beef, seafood, poultry, or produce generally, or shifts in consumer tastes, could negatively impact the popularity of our restaurants, our sales, and our results of operations.
The popularity of our restaurants in general, and our menu offerings in particular, are key factors to the success of our operations. Negative publicity resulting from poor food quality, illness, injury, or other health concerns, whether related to one of our restaurants or to the beef, seafood, poultry, or produce industries in general (such as negative publicity concerning the accumulation of carcinogens in seafood, e-coli, Hepatitis A, mercury poisoning and other food-borne illnesses), or operating problems related to one or more of our restaurants, could make our brand and menu offerings less appealing to consumers. In addition, other shifts in consumer preferences away from the kinds of food we offer, whether because of dietary or other health concerns or otherwise, would make our restaurants less appealing and adversely affect our sales and results of operations. If our restaurants are unable to compete successfully with other restaurants in new and existing markets, our results of operations will be harmed and we will not achieve profitability.
Increases in the prices of, or reductions in the availability of, seafood, poultry, beef, or produce could reduce our operating margins and adversely affect our operating results.
Our profitability depends, in part, on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in seafood, poultry, beef, or produce costs. The supply and price of these items is more volatile than other types of food. The type, variety, quality, and price of seafood, poultry, beef, and produce is subject to factors beyond our control, including adverse weather conditions, transportation costs, governmental regulation, availability, and seasonality, each of which may affect our food costs or cause a disruption in our supply. We currently do not purchase seafood, poultry, beef, or produce pursuant to long-term contracts or use financial management strategies to reduce our exposure to price fluctuations. Changes in the price or availability of certain types of seafood, poultry, beef, or produce could affect our ability to offer a broad menu and price offering to our guests and could reduce our operating margins and adversely affect our results of operations.
A decline in visitors to any of the retail centers, shopping malls, or entertainment centers where our restaurants are located could negatively affect our restaurant sales.
Our restaurants are primarily located in high-activity areas such as retail centers, shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and entertainment centers. We depend on high visitor rates at these centers to attract guests to our restaurants. If visitor rates to these centers decline due to economic or political conditions, anchor tenants closing in retail centers or shopping malls in which we operate, changes in consumer preferences or shopping patterns, higher frequency of online shopping, changes in discretionary consumer spending, increasing gasoline prices, or otherwise, our unit volumes could decline and adversely affect our results of operations.
Regulations affecting the operation of our restaurants could increase operating costs, restrict our growth, or require us to suspend operations.
Each of our restaurants must obtain licenses from regulatory authorities allowing it to sell liquor, beer, and wine, and each restaurant must obtain a food service license from local health authorities. Each restaurant’s liquor license must be renewed annually and may be revoked or suspended at any time for cause, including violation by us or our employees of any laws and regulations relating to the minimum drinking age, over serving, advertising, wholesale purchasing, and inventory control. Each restaurant is also subject to local health inspections. Failure to pass one or multiple inspections may result in temporary or permanent suspension of operations and could significantly impact our reputation. In certain states, including states where we have existing restaurants or where we plan to open restaurants in the near term, the number of liquor licenses available is limited and licenses are traded at market prices. Liquor, beer, and wine sales comprise a significant portion of our sales, representing approximately 32% of our sales during 2007. Therefore, if we are unable to maintain our existing licenses, or if we choose to open a restaurant in those states, the cost of a new license could be significant. Obtaining and maintaining licenses is an important component of each of our restaurant’s operations, and the failure to obtain or maintain food and liquor licenses and other required licenses, permits, and approvals would adversely impact our restaurants and our growth strategy.

 

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In addition, the Federal Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations and employment. Although our restaurants are designed to be accessible to the disabled, we could be required to reconfigure our restaurants to provide service to, or make reasonable accommodations for, disabled persons.
Litigation concerning our food quality, our employment practices, liquor liability, and other issues could result in significant expenses to us and could divert resources from our operations.
Like other restaurants, we may receive complaints or litigation from, and potential liability to, our guests involving food-borne illness or injury or other operational issues. We may also be subject to complaints or allegations from, and potential liability to, our former, existing, or prospective employees involving our restaurant employment practices and procedures. In addition, we are subject to state “dram shop” laws and regulations, which generally provide that a person injured by an intoxicated person may seek to recover damages from an establishment that wrongfully served alcoholic beverages to such person. Recent litigation against restaurant chains has resulted in significant judgments, including punitive damages, under “dram shop” statutes. While we carry liquor liability coverage as part of our existing comprehensive general liability insurance, we may still be subject to a judgment in excess of our insurance coverage and we may not be able to obtain or continue to maintain such insurance coverage at reasonable costs, if at all. Regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are liable, our sales may be adversely affected by publicity resulting from such claims. Such claims may also be expensive to defend and may divert time and money away from our operations and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.
Labor shortages or increases in labor costs could slow our growth or adversely affect our results of operations.
Our success depends in part on our ability to attract, motivate, and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including restaurant general managers and kitchen managers, necessary to continue our operations and keep pace with our growth. This ability is especially critical to our company because of our relatively small number of existing restaurants and our current development plans. If we are unable to identify, and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees, we will be unable to open and operate the new locations called for by our development plans.
Competition for qualified restaurant employees in our current or prospective markets could require us to pay higher wages and benefits, which could result in higher labor costs. In addition, we have a substantial number of hourly employees who are paid the federal or state minimum wage and who rely on tips for a significant portion of their income. Government-mandated increases in minimum wages, overtime pay, mandated health benefits, or increased tax reporting and tax payment requirements for employees who receive gratuities, or a reduction in the number of states that allow tips to be credited toward minimum wage requirements, could increase our labor costs. We may be unable to increase our prices in order to pass these increased costs on to our guests, in which case our operating margins would be adversely affected.
If general economic and political conditions deteriorate, consumer spending may decline, which would adversely affect our sales and results of operations.
The restaurant industry is vulnerable to changes in economic and political conditions. In particular, future terrorist attacks and military and governmental responses and the prospect of future wars may exacerbate negative changes to economic conditions. When economic or political conditions deteriorate, our guests may reduce their level of discretionary spending. We believe that a decrease in discretionary spending could impact the frequency with which our guests choose to dine out or the amount they spend on meals while dining out, thereby adversely affecting our sales and results of operations. Additionally, a decrease in discretionary spending could adversely affect our ability to price our menu items at favorable levels, adversely affecting our sales and results of operations.

 

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Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock
The market price for our common stock may be volatile.
There was no public market for our common stock prior to our initial public offering in August 2005, and an active and liquid public market for our common stock may not develop or be sustained. This risk is particularly applicable to our common stock because of the thinly traded public market for our common stock. Many factors could cause the market price of our common stock to rise and fall, including but not limited to the following:
   
our or our competitors’ growth rates in the casual dining segment of the restaurant industry;
 
   
our or our competitors’ introduction of new restaurant locations, menu items, concepts, or pricing policies;
 
   
recruitment or departure of key restaurant operations or management personnel;
 
   
changes in the estimates of our operating performance or changes in recommendations by any securities analysts that follow our stock;
 
   
announcements of investigations or regulatory scrutiny of our restaurant operations or lawsuits filed against us; and
 
   
changes in our accounting principles or accounting estimates.
Due to the volatility of our stock price, we also may become the target of securities litigation in the future. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources from our business as well as depress the price of our common stock.
Our current principal stockholders own a large percentage of our voting stock, which allows them to control substantially all matters requiring stockholder approval.
Investors affiliated with our Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Marcus Jundt, together beneficially own approximately 24% of our outstanding common stock. In addition, three of our directors (including Mr. Jundt) are affiliated with Mr. Jundt. As a result, Mr. Jundt has significant influence over our decision to enter into any corporate transaction and may have the ability to prevent any transaction that requires the approval of stockholders, regardless of whether or not our other stockholders believe that such transaction is in their own best interests. Such concentration of voting power could have the effect of delaying, deterring, or preventing a change of control or other business combination, which could in turn have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over the then-prevailing market price for their shares of common stock.
The large number of shares eligible for public sale and registered for resale could depress the market price of our common stock.
The market price for our common stock could decline as a result of sales of a large number of shares of our common stock in the market, and the perception that these sales could occur may depress the market price. As of December 31, 2007, we had outstanding 6,608,078 shares of common stock, all of which shares are either freely tradable or otherwise eligible for sale under Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. In addition, we have 1,500,000 shares reserved for future issuance under our stock option and employee stock purchase plans, of which approximately 260,000 shares have been issued. We have filed registration statements under the securities laws to register the common stock to be issued under these plans. As a result, shares issued under these plans will be freely tradable without restriction unless acquired by affiliates of our company, who will be subject to the volume and other limitations of Rule 144.

 

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We have also filed a registration statement covering the resale of 950,000 shares held by investors in our private placement transaction during November 2007 and one other stockholder. We have agreed to keep this registration effective for a period of time following the private transaction. As a result, the existence of the registration statement may have a depressive effect on the market price of our common stock.
We have incurred increased costs as a result of being a public company, which may divert management attention from our business and impair our financial results.
As a public company, we have incurred significant legal, accounting, and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. In addition, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules subsequently implemented by the Securities and Exchange Commission and NASDAQ, have required changes in corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect these new rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some activities more time-consuming and costly. These new rules and regulations have made it more expensive for us to obtain directors’ and officers’ liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. As a result, it may be more difficult for us to attract and retain qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules, and we cannot predict or estimate the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.
Failure to maintain effective internal controls in accordance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act could have a material adverse effect on our ability to produce accurate financial statements and on our stock price.
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2007, we have furnished a report by our management on internal control over financial reporting. We have not been subject to these requirements in the past. To achieve compliance with Section 404, we engaged in a process to document and evaluate our internal control over financial reporting which was both challenging and time-consuming.
Subject to proposed changes by the SEC, our independent auditors will be required to issue a report on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting for the year ended December 31, 2008. Despite our efforts, we can provide no assurance as to our, or our independent auditors’, conclusions with respect to the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 in the future. There is a risk that neither we nor our independent auditors will be able to conclude within the prescribed timeframe that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective as required by Section 404. This could result in an adverse reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.
Provisions in our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, and Delaware law could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, discourage a takeover, and adversely affect existing stockholders.
Our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, and the Delaware General Corporation Law contain provisions that may have the effect of making more difficult, delaying, or deterring attempts by others to obtain control of our company, even when these attempts may be in the best interests of stockholders. These include provisions on our maintaining a classified Board of Directors and limiting the stockholders’ powers to remove directors or take action by written consent instead of at a stockholders’ meeting. Our certificate of incorporation also authorizes our board of directors, without stockholder approval, to issue one or more series of preferred stock, which could have voting and conversion rights that adversely affect or dilute the voting power of the holders of common stock. Delaware law also imposes conditions on the voting of “control shares” and on certain business combination transactions with “interested stockholders.”
These provisions and others that could be adopted in the future could deter unsolicited takeovers or delay or prevent changes in our control or management, including transactions in which stockholders might otherwise receive a premium for their shares over then current market prices. These provisions may also limit the ability of stockholders to approve transactions that they may deem to be in their best interests.

 

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Since we do not expect to pay any dividends for the foreseeable future, holders of our common stock may be forced to sell their stock in order to obtain a return on their investment.
We do not anticipate that we will pay any dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future. Instead, we plan to reinvest any earnings to finance our restaurant operations and growth plans. Accordingly, stockholders must rely on sales of their common stock after price appreciation, which may never occur, as the only way to realize any return on their investment. As a result, investors seeking cash dividends should not purchase our common stock.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
Not applicable.
Item 2. Properties
We currently operate 18 restaurants in 12 states. Each of our restaurants and our corporate offices are located in a leased facility. As of December 31, 2007, our restaurant leases had expiration dates ranging from 2008 to 2023, typically with options to renew for at least a five-year period. We do not anticipate any difficulties renewing existing leases as they expire. The following table sets forth our restaurant locations.
                                 
            Year     Square     Number of  
State   City   Location   Opened     Footage     Seats (l)  
Arizona
  Scottsdale   Scottsdale Fashion Square     1998       5,964       274  
Arizona
  Chandler   Chandler Fashion Center     2001       7,389       326  
Missouri
  Kansas City   Country Club Plaza     2002       7,455       222  
Nevada
  Las Vegas   Boca Park Fashion Village     2003       7,380       295  
Colorado
  Denver   Cherry Creek Mall     2004       5,920       243  
Nebraska
  Omaha   Village Pointe     2004       7,415       304  
Indiana
  Carmel   Clay Terrace     2004       7,433       295  
Texas
  Sugar Land   First Colony Mall     2005       7,127       285  
Texas
  San Antonio   The Shops at La Cantera     2005       7,200       256  
Texas
  Dallas   North Park Mall     2006       6,872       299  
Illinois
  Lincolnshire   Lincolnshire Commons     2006       7,020       305  
Texas
  Houston   Houston Galleria     2006       7,459       315  
Illinois
  Oak Brook   Oak Brook Promenade     2006       6,999       298  
Florida
  Naples   Coastland Center     2006       7,040       276  
Texas
  Austin   The Domain     2007       6,890       298  
Michigan
  Troy   Big Beaver Road     2007       7,000       280  
Connecticut
  Stamford   Stamford Town Center     2007       7,654       305  
Louisiana
  Baton Rouge   Perkins Rowe     2007       6,900       260  
 
(1)  
Number of seats includes dining room, patio seating, sushi bar, bar, and private dining room (where applicable).
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
We are involved in various legal proceedings arising out of our operations in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that such proceedings, even if determined adversely, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, or results of operations.
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
No matter was submitted to a vote of our stockholders during the fourth quarter of 2007.

 

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PART II
   
Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information
Our common stock has traded on the NASDAQ Global Market under the symbol KONA since our initial public offering on August 16, 2005. The following table sets forth high and low sale prices of the common stock for each calendar quarter indicated as reported on the NASDAQ Global Market.
                 
    High     Low  
2007
               
First quarter
  $ 21.38     $ 15.05  
Second quarter
  $ 20.30     $ 14.85  
Third quarter
  $ 20.00     $ 15.50  
Fourth quarter
  $ 19.05     $ 12.65  
 
               
2006
               
First quarter
  $ 11.28     $ 8.25  
Second quarter
  $ 13.10     $ 10.20  
Third quarter
  $ 15.44     $ 11.85  
Fourth quarter
  $ 20.57     $ 14.53  
On March 10, 2008, the closing sale price of our common stock was $8.56 per share. On March 10, 2008, there were approximately 42 record holders of our common stock.
Private Placement – November 2007
On November 1, 2007, we entered into a Securities Purchase Agreement with certain accredited, institutional investors whereby we issued 650,000 shares of our common stock at $16.25 per share. Cowen and Company, LLC served as the placement agent in the private placement, for which it received commissions of approximately $0.5 million. We received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $10.0 million, after deducting placement agent fees and other offering expenses. We plan to use the net proceeds from the private offering to fund new restaurant development and for general corporate purposes. During November 2007, we registered for resale the shares of common stock purchased under this agreement. We issued the securities described above to the investors in reliance upon Section 4(2) of the Securities Act of 1933 as a transaction by an issuer not involving a public offering.  Each of the share certificates issued in the transaction bears a restrictive legend permitting the transfer only in compliance with applicable securities laws. The investors in the private placement represented to us their intention to acquire the securities for investment purposes only and not with a view to or for sale in connection with any distribution thereof.  All investors had adequate access, through reports filed  with the SEC or through other access to information provided by us, to information about our company.
Dividend Policy
We have not paid any dividends to holders of our common stock since our initial public offering and do not anticipate that we will pay any dividends to holders of our common stock in the foreseeable future, but instead we currently plan to retain any earnings to finance the growth of our business. Payments of any cash dividends in the future, however, is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, results of operations, and capital and legal requirements as well as other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

 

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The following selected consolidated financial data has been derived from audited financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
                                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005     2004     2003  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
                                       
Restaurant sales
  $ 72,258     $ 50,693     $ 36,828     $ 25,050     $ 16,608  
Costs and expenses:
                                       
Cost of sales
    20,465       14,442       10,550       7,371       4,952  
Labor
    22,855       15,777       11,123       7,502       5,105  
Occupancy
    4,671       3,393       2,466       1,748       1,212  
Restaurant operating expenses
    10,071       6,931       4,698       3,372       2,304  
General and administrative
    7,294       7,155       4,783       2,217       2,058  
Preopening expense
    1,962       2,378       634       880       241  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,791       3,943       2,333       1,269       823  
 
                             
Total costs and expenses
    73,109       54,019       36,587       24,359       16,695  
 
                             
(Loss) income from operations
    (851 )     (3,326 )     241       691       (87 )
Nonoperating expenses:
                                       
Interest income
    617       936       300       15       3  
Interest expense
    (85 )     (294 )     (841 )     (375 )     (263 )
 
                             
(Loss) income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes
    (319 )     (2,684 )     (300 )     33l       (347 )
Provision for income taxes
    350       60       83       55        
 
                             
(Loss) income from continuing operations
    (669 )     (2,744 )     (383 )     276       (347 )
Loss from discontinued operations (1)
                            (319 )
 
                             
Net (loss) income
  $ (669 )   $ (2,744 )   $ (383 )   $ 276     $ (666 )
 
                             
Net (loss) income per share — Basic:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.13 )   $ 0.19     $    (0.24 )
Discontinued operations
                      —               (0.22 )
 
                             
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.13 )   $ 0.19     $     (0.46 )
 
                             
Net (loss) income per share — Diluted:
                                       
Continuing operations
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.13 )   $ 0.17     $     (0.24 )
Discontinued operations
                                   (0.22 )
 
                             
Net (loss) income
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.13 )   $ 0.17     $     (0.46 )
 
                             
Weighted average shares used in computation:
                                       
Basic
    5,982       5,791       3,044       1,460             1,437  
 
                             
Diluted
    5,982       5,791       3,044       2,815             1,437  
 
                             
 
                                       
Balance Sheet Data (end of period):
                                       
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,991     $ 1,934     $ 4,466     $ 3,098     $ 3,107  
Investments
    14,188       14,249       24,200              
Working capital (deficit)
    13,656       9,142       24,672       (261 )     (218 )
Total assets
    69,474       58,796       52,418       22,413       12,697  
Long-term notes payable, including current maturities
    2,700       3,313       4,042       6,236       2,652  
Total stockholders’ equity
    46,431       35,822       37,311       6,131       5,425  
 
(1)  
Represents results of operations and loss on sale of restaurant concepts other than Kona Grill.

 

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes contained elsewhere in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. Our actual results may differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including those set forth under Item 1A, “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in this report.
Overview
We currently own and operate 18 restaurants located in 12 states. We offer freshly prepared food, personalized service, and a contemporary ambiance that create a satisfying yet affordable dining experience that we believe exceeds many traditional casual dining restaurants with whom we compete. Our high-volume upscale casual restaurants feature a diverse selection of mainstream American dishes as well as a variety of appetizers and entrees with an international influence, including an extensive selection of sushi items. Our menu items are freshly prepared and incorporate over 40 signature sauces and dressings that we make from scratch, creating broad-based appeal for the lifestyle and taste trends of a diverse group of guests. Our menu is standardized for all of our restaurants allowing us to deliver consistent quality meals. We believe that our offerings and generous portions, combined with an average check during 2007 of approximately $24 per guest, offers our guests an attractive price-value proposition.
We continue to follow a disciplined growth plan focused largely on expanding our presence in new markets. Over the last two years, we have funded our development of new restaurants primarily from the proceeds of our initial public offering, our private offering of common stock completed during November 2007, and cash flows from operations. We opened four restaurants during 2007 in Austin, Texas; Troy, Michigan; Stamford, Connecticut; and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. We plan to open an additional five restaurants during 2008, which will expand our presence in both new and existing markets. We target our restaurants to achieve an average annual unit volume of $4.5 million following 24 months of operations. We believe our typical new restaurants experience gradually increasing unit volumes as guests begin to discover our concept and we begin to generate market awareness. Our restaurants are also subject to seasonal fluctuations. Sales in most of our restaurants typically are higher during the spring and summer months and winter holiday season.
We experience various trends in our operating cost structure. Cost of sales, labor, occupancy, and other operating expenses for our restaurants open at least 12 months generally trend consistent with restaurant sales, and we analyze those costs as a percentage of restaurant sales. We anticipate that our new restaurants will take approximately six months to achieve operating efficiencies as a result of challenges typically associated with new restaurants, including lack of market recognition and the need to hire and sufficiently train employees, as well as other factors. We expect cost of sales and labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales to be higher when we open a new restaurant, but decrease as a percentage of restaurant sales as the restaurant matures and as the restaurant management and employees become more efficient operating that unit. As a result, the volume and timing of newly opened restaurants has had, and is expected to continue to have, an impact on costs of sales, labor, occupancy, restaurant operating expenses, and preopening expenses. The majority of our general and administrative costs are fixed costs. We expect our general and administrative spending to increase as we add corporate personnel and infrastructure to support our growth and comply with the requirements associated with being a public company. However, we expect our general and administrative costs to decrease as a percentage of restaurant sales as we leverage these investments and realize the benefits of higher sales volumes.

 

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Key Measures We Use to Evaluate Our Company
Key measures we use to evaluate and assess our business include the following:
Number of Restaurant Openings. Number of restaurant openings reflects the number of restaurants opened during a particular reporting period.
Same-Store Sales Growth. Same-store sales growth reflects the periodic change in restaurant sales for the comparable restaurant base. In calculating same-store sales growth, we include a restaurant in the comparable restaurant base after it has been in operation for more than 18 months. Same-store sales growth can be generated by an increase in guest traffic counts or by increases in the per person average check amount. Menu price changes and the mix of menu items sold can affect the per person average check amount.
Average Weekly Sales. Average weekly sales represents the average of restaurant sales measured over consecutive Monday through Sunday time periods.
Average Unit Volume. Average unit volume represents the average restaurant sales for all of our restaurants open for at least 12 months before the beginning of the period measured.
Sales Per Square Foot. Sales per square foot represents the restaurant sales for our restaurants open for at least 12 months, divided by the total square feet for such restaurants.
Restaurant Operating Profit. Restaurant operating profit is defined as restaurant sales minus cost of sales, labor, occupancy, and restaurant operating expenses. Restaurant operating profit does not include general and administrative expenses, depreciation and amortization, and preopening expenses. We believe restaurant operating profit is an important component of financial results because it is a widely used metric within the restaurant industry to evaluate restaurant-level productivity, efficiency, and performance. We use restaurant operating profit as a percentage of restaurant sales as a key metric to evaluate our restaurants’ financial performance compared with our competitors.
Key Financial Definitions
Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales include gross food and beverage sales, net of promotions and discounts.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales consists of food and beverage costs.
Labor. Labor includes all direct and indirect labor costs incurred in operations.
Occupancy. Occupancy includes all rent payments associated with the leasing of real estate, including base, percentage and straight-line rent, property taxes, and common area maintenance expense. We record tenant improvement allowances as a reduction of occupancy expense over the initial term of the lease.
Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses consist of all other restaurant-level operating costs, the major components of which are utilities, credit card fees, advertising, supplies, marketing, repair and maintenance, and other expenses. Other operating expenses contain both variable and fixed components.
General and Administrative. General and administrative includes all corporate and administrative functions that support operations and provide infrastructure to facilitate our future growth. Components of this category include management and staff salaries, bonuses, stock-based compensation and related employee benefits, travel, information systems, human resources, training, corporate rent, professional and consulting fees, and corporate insurance costs.
Preopening Expense. Preopening expense consists of costs incurred prior to opening a new restaurant and is comprised principally of manager salaries and relocation, payroll and related training costs for new employees, including practice and rehearsal of service activities, and rent expense incurred from the date we obtain possession of the property until opening. We expense restaurant preopening expenses as incurred, and we expect preopening expenses to be similar for each new restaurant opening, which typically commence six months prior to a restaurant opening.

 

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Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense consists of the depreciation of property and equipment and gains and losses on disposal of assets.
Interest Income. Interest income consists of interest earned on our cash and investments.
Interest Expense. Interest expense includes the cost of servicing our debt obligations, net of capitalized interest.
Financial Performance Overview
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our financial performance for 2007, 2006, and 2005.
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
Restaurant sales growth
    42.5 %     37.7 %     47.0 %
Same-store sales growth (1)
    2.7 %     4.0 %     4.2 %
Average unit volume (in thousands)(2)
  $ 4,808     $ 4,768     $ 4,923  
Sales per square foot (2)
  $ 684     $ 678     $ 704  
Restaurant operating profit (in thousands) (3)
  $ 14,196     $ 10,150     $ 7,991  
Restaurant operating profit as a percentage of sales (3)
    19.6 %     20.0 %     21.7 %
 
(1)  
Same-store sales growth reflects the periodic change in restaurant sales for the comparable restaurant base. In calculating same-store sales growth, we include a restaurant in the comparable restaurant base after it has been in operation for more than 18 months.
 
(2)  
Includes only those restaurants open for at least 12 months.
 
(3)  
Restaurant operating profit is not a financial measurement determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and should not be considered in isolation or as an alternative to income (loss) from operations. Restaurant operating profit may not be comparable to the same or similarly titled measures computed by other companies. The table below sets forth our calculation of restaurant operating profit and reconciliation to income (loss) from operations, the most comparable GAAP measure.
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands)  
Restaurant sales
  $ 72,258     $ 50,693     $ 36,828  
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales
    20,465       14,442       10,550  
Labor
    22,855       15,777       11,123  
Occupancy
    4,671       3,393       2,466  
Restaurant operating expenses
    10,071       6,931       4,698  
 
                 
Restaurant operating profit
    14,196       10,150       7,991  
 
                 
Deduct – other costs and expenses
                       
General and administrative
    7,294       7,155       4,783  
Preopening expense
    1,962       2,378       634  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,791       3,943       2,333  
 
                 
(Loss) income from operations
  $ (851 )   $ (3,326 )   $ 241  
 
                 

 

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    Percentage of Restaurant Sales  
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
                       
Restaurant sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales
    28.3       28.5       28.6  
Labor
    31.6       31.1       30.2  
Occupancy
    6.5       6.7       6.7  
Restaurant operating expenses
    13.9       13.7       12.8  
 
                 
Restaurant operating profit
    19.6       20.0       21.7  
 
                 
Deduct – other costs and expenses
                       
General and administrative
    10.1       14.1       13.0  
Preopening expense
    2.7       4.7       1.7  
Depreciation and amortization
    8.0       7.8       6.3  
 
                 
(Loss) income from operations
    (1.2 )%     (6.6 )%     0.7 %
 
                 
Certain percentage amounts do not sum to total due to rounding.
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
Store Growth Activity
                       
Beginning Restaurants
    14       9       7  
Openings
    4       5       2  
Closings
                 
 
                 
Total
    18       14       9  
 
                 

 

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Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage of restaurant sales of certain items in our financial statements.
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
                       
Restaurant sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales
    28.3       28.5       28.6  
Labor
    31.6       31.1       30.2  
Occupancy
    6.5       6.7       6.7  
Restaurant operating expenses
    13.9       13.7       12.8  
General and administrative
    10.1       14.1       13.0  
Preopening expense
    2.7       4.7       1.7  
Depreciation and amortization
    8.0       7.8       6.3  
 
                 
Total costs and expenses
    101.2       106.6       99.3  
 
                 
(Loss) income from operations
    (1.2 )     (6.6 )     0.7  
Nonoperating expenses:
                       
Interest income
    0.9       1.8       0.8  
Interest expense
    (0.1 )     (0.5 )     (2.3 )
 
                 
Loss before provision for income taxes
    (0.4 )     (5.3 )     (0.8 )
Provision for income taxes
    0.5       0.1       0.2  
 
                 
Net loss
    (0.9 )%     (5.4 )%     (1.0 )%
 
                 
Certain percentage amounts may not sum to total due to rounding.
Year Ended December 31, 2007 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2006
Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased by $21.6 million, or 42.5% to $72.3 million during 2007 from $50.7 million during 2006 primarily as a result of $20.3 million in additional revenue associated with the opening of nine restaurants since April 2006, and a $1.2 million or 2.7% increase in same-store sales. The increase in comparable restaurant sales benefited from an effective menu price increase of approximately 3.8%.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales increased by over $6.0 million or 41.7%, to $20.5 million during 2007 from $14.4 million during 2006. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased 0.2% to 28.3% in 2007 from 28.5% during 2006. Cost of sales in 2007 was positively affected by lower seafood costs and a 6.1% reduction in the number of operating weeks contributed by restaurants open less than six months resulting from the timing of new restaurant openings. Cost of sales are typically higher during the first six months of operations for our new restaurants versus our mature restaurants as management teams become accustomed to predicting, managing, and servicing the sales volumes we expect at our restaurants.
Additionally, beginning in the second half of 2007, we started the implementation of a new automated food cost and inventory management system in our restaurants. The initiative is scheduled to be completed in July of 2008 and is expected to result in more efficient management of our food costs.
Labor. Labor costs for our restaurants increased by $7.1 million, or 44.9% to $22.9 million during 2007 from $15.8 million during 2006. Labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased 0.5% to 31.6% during 2007 from 31.1% during 2006. This increase was primarily due to higher average wages to attract and retain qualified restaurant managers and the impact of federal and state minimum wage increases that were implemented during 2007.

 

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Occupancy. Occupancy expense increased by $1.3 million, or 37.6% to $4.7 million during 2007 from $3.4 million during 2006. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased 0.2% to 6.5% in 2007 from 6.7% in 2006. The decrease reflects increased leverage of these costs from higher sales volume.
Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses increased by $3.1 million, or 45.3% to $10.1 million during 2007 from $6.9 million during 2006. Restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased 0.2% to 13.9% during 2007 from 13.7% during 2006, primarily as a result of increased expenditures for advertising and marketing initiatives and higher repair and maintenance expenses as a percentage of sales.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 1.9% to $7.3 million during 2007 from $7.2 million during 2006. The $0.1 million increase was primarily attributable to planned investments in corporate personnel to support our growth, in addition to the write-off of costs for architectural drawings and certain contractor costs. These costs were partially offset by a decrease of $0.4 million in stock-based compensation expense and $0.4 million of separation costs incurred in 2006 related to the retirement of our former president and chief executive officer. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales were 10.1% during 2007 compared to 14.1% during 2006.
Preopening Expense. Preopening expense decreased by $0.4 million, or 17.5% to $2.0 million during 2007 from $2.4 million during 2006. The decrease in preopening expense is primarily attributed to the opening of four restaurants during 2007 as compared to five restaurants during 2006. Our preopening costs will fluctuate from period to period depending upon the number of restaurants opened, the timing of new restaurant openings, the location of the restaurants, the rental costs of the restaurants, and the complexity of the staff hiring and training process.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $1.9 million, or 46.9% to $5.8 million during 2007 from $3.9 million during 2006. The increase was primarily the result of the additional depreciation and amortization on four restaurants opened during 2007 and a full year of depreciation and amortization on five restaurants that opened during 2006. Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of restaurant sales increased 0.2% to 8.0% during 2007 from 7.8% during 2006. The percentage increase is primarily due to higher average capital expenditures for two restaurants opened in the Chicago market during 2006.
Interest Income. Interest income decreased by $0.3 million to $0.6 million during 2007 from $0.9 million during 2006 primarily due to lower average investment balances as a result of the sale of investments to fund new restaurant development.
Interest Expense. Interest expense decreased by $0.2 million to $0.1 million in 2007 compared to $0.3 million during the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to higher capitalized interest incurred in the construction of our new restaurants and lower average debt balances.
Provision for Income Taxes. Our provision for income taxes increased by $0.3 million to $0.4 million during 2007 compared to $0.1 million during 2006. During 2007, we incurred $0.4 million of federal and state tax expense, including a non-cash charge of $0.2 million related to stock options exercised during 2007 which required the recording of additional tax expense under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard No. 123R, Share-Based Payment. During 2006, we did not incur a federal income tax liability and recorded state income taxes of $0.1 million for states in which no state net operating loss carryforwards exist.

 

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Year Ended December 31, 2006 Compared with Year Ended December 31, 2005
Restaurant Sales. Restaurant sales increased by $13.9 million, or 37.7%, to $50.7 million during 2006 from $36.8 million during 2005 primarily as a result of a $12.6 million increase associated with the opening of two restaurants during the second half of 2005 and five restaurants during 2006, and a $1.3 million increase related to a 4.0% increase in same-store sales. The comparable restaurant sales also benefited from an effective menu price increase of approximately 2.3% in addition to an increase in customer traffic.
Cost of Sales. Cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased to 28.5% during 2006 from 28.6% during 2005. The slight reduction in cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales was primarily the result of economies of scale in the purchasing of food and beverage products as well as more favorable meat pricing. Additionally, in our new restaurants, cost of sales will typically be higher during the first six months of operations versus our mature restaurants, as management teams become accustomed to predicting, managing and servicing sales volumes we expect at our restaurants.
Labor. Labor expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 31.1% during 2006 from 30.2% during 2005. This increase was primarily due to higher average wages to attract and retain qualified restaurant managers and the impact of opening five new restaurants during 2006 as compared to two new restaurants during 2005 as our new restaurants generally experience higher labor costs for approximately six months after opening as the restaurant management and employees become more efficient operating that unit.
Occupancy. Occupancy expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales remained flat at 6.7% during both 2006 and 2005.
Restaurant Operating Expenses. Restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales increased 0.9% to 13.7% during 2006 from 12.8% during 2005, primarily as a result of increased expenditures for advertising and marketing initiatives, higher costs for utilities and additional staff training costs.
General and Administrative. General and administrative expenses increased by $2.4 million to $7.2 million during 2006 from $4.8 million during 2005. The $2.4 million increase was primarily attributable to $1.2 million related to the planned addition of corporate personnel and infrastructure to support our growth strategy and a full year of reporting and compliance costs associated with being a public company, a net increase of $0.8 million in stock-based compensation expense attributed to the expensing of stock options, and $0.4 million of separation costs related to the retirement of our former president and chief executive officer. General and administrative expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales were 14.1% during 2006 compared to 13.0% during 2005.
Preopening Expense. Preopening expense increased $1.8 million to $2.4 million during 2006 from $0.6 million during 2005. The increase in preopening expense primarily relates to the opening of five restaurants during 2006 as compared to two restaurants during 2005, in addition to $0.3 million of preopening expense for restaurants scheduled to open in the first half of 2007. Preopening expense in 2006 also includes $0.5 million of rent expense required to be expensed under FSP FAS No. 13-1, Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period. Prior to 2006, rental costs incurred during a construction period were capitalized and amortized over the initial term of the lease agreement.
Depreciation and Amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.6 million to $3.9 million during 2006 from $2.3 million during the prior year. The increase was primarily the result of the additional depreciation and amortization on five restaurants opened in 2006 and two restaurants opened during the third quarter of 2005, as well as accelerated depreciation related to the retrofit of our existing restaurants with a new point of sale system. Depreciation and amortization expense as a percentage of restaurant sales increased 1.5% to 7.8% during 2006 from 6.3% during 2005. The percentage increase is primarily due to higher average capital expenditures for two restaurants opened in the Chicago market during 2006 and lower than average sales volumes at our Sugar Land, Texas restaurant as well as the accelerated depreciation related to the point of sale system discussed above.
Interest Income. Interest income of $0.9 million during 2006 increased $0.6 million from 2005 primarily due to interest income earned from the investment of proceeds from our initial public offering completed in August 2005.

 

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Interest Expense. Interest expense was $0.3 million during 2006 compared to $0.8 million during the prior year. The decrease is primarily due to a $0.3 million non-cash charge to interest expense recorded during 2005 from the conversion of our convertible subordinated promissory note, in addition to a reduction of interest expense on this note that was converted into common stock prior to our initial public offering.
Provision for Income Taxes. Our provision for income taxes was $60,000 during 2006 compared to $83,000 during 2005. During 2006, we did not incur a federal income tax liability and during 2005, we recorded a federal income tax liability of $16,000 related to federal alternative minimum taxes. During 2006 and 2005, we recorded state income taxes of $60,000 and $67,000, respectively, for states in which no state net operating loss carryforwards exist. At December 31, 2006, we had federal net operating loss carryforwards of $1,761,000 available to offset future taxable income, subject to certain limitations.
Potential Fluctuations in Quarterly Results and Seasonality
Our quarterly operating results may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including the following:
   
timing of new restaurant openings and related expenses;
 
   
restaurant operating costs and preopening costs for our newly-opened restaurants, which are often materially greater during the first several months of operation than thereafter;
 
   
labor availability and costs for hourly and management personnel;
 
   
profitability of our restaurants, especially in new markets;
 
   
increases and decreases in comparable restaurant sales;
 
   
impairment of long-lived assets and any loss on restaurant closures;
 
   
changes in borrowings and interest rates;
 
   
general economic conditions;
 
   
weather conditions or natural disasters;
 
   
timing of certain holidays;
 
   
new or revised regulatory requirements and accounting pronouncements;
 
   
changes in consumer preferences and competitive conditions; and
 
   
fluctuations in commodity prices.
Our business is also subject to seasonal fluctuations. Historically, sales in most of our restaurants have been higher during the spring and summer months and winter holiday season. Consequently, our quarterly and annual operating results and comparable restaurant sales may fluctuate significantly as a result of seasonality and the factors discussed above. Accordingly, results for any one quarter are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for any other quarter or for any year and comparable restaurant sales for any particular future period may decrease. In the future, operating results may fall below the expectations of our investors. In that event, the price of our common stock would likely decrease.

 

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Quarterly Results of Operations
The following table presents unaudited consolidated statements of operations data for each of the eight quarters in the period ended December 31, 2007. We believe that all necessary adjustments have been included to present fairly the quarterly information when read in conjunction with our annual financial statements and related notes. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent quarter.
                                                                 
    Quarter Ended  
    2007     2006  
    March 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31     March 31     June 30     Sept. 30     Dec. 31  
                    (In thousands, except per share data)                  
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data:
                                                               
Restaurant sales
  $ 15,666     $ 19,322     $ 19,210     $ 18,060     $ 10,194     $ 11,877     $ 13,812     $ 14,810  
Costs and expenses:
                                                               
Cost of sales
    4,546       5,487       5,346       5,086       2,895       3,299       3,962       4,286  
Labor
    5,075       5,970       5,875       5,935       3,153       3,578       4,311       4,735  
Occupancy
    1,058       1,205       1,204       1,204       706       812       905       970  
Restaurant operating expenses
    2,134       2,742       2,646       2,549       1,446       1,480       1,909       2,096  
General and administrative
    1,769       1,832       1,885       1,808       2,014       1,625       1,713       1,803  
Preopening expense
    488       350       367       757       291       689       491       907  
Depreciation and amortization
    1,289       1,477       1,486       1,539       730       823       1,157       1,233  
 
                                               
Total costs and expenses
    16,359       19,063       18,809       18,878       11,235       12,306       14,448       16,030  
 
                                               
(Loss) income from operations
    (693 )     259       401       (818 )     (1,041 )     (429 )     (636 )     (1,220 )
Nonoperating expenses:
                                                               
Interest income
    160       131       140       186       237       246       240       213  
Interest expense
          (42 )     (37 )     (6 )     (79 )     (75 )     (72 )     (68 )
 
                                               
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes
    (533 )     348       504       (638 )     (883 )     (258 )     (468 )     (1,075 )
Provision for income taxes
    10       35       60       245       5       45             10  
 
                                               
Net (loss) income
  $ (543 )   $ 313     $ 444     $ (883 )   $ (888 )   $ (303 )   $ (468 )   $ (1,085 )
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Net (loss) income per share:
                                                               
Basic
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05     $ 0.08     $ (0.14 )   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.19 )
 
                                               
Diluted
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05     $ 0.07     $ (0.14 )   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.19 )
 
                                               
Weighted average shares used in computation:
                                                               
Basic
    5,854       5,866       5,891       6,319       5,731       5,793       5,805       5,834  
 
                                               
Diluted
    5,854       6,233       6,238       6,319       5,731       5,793       5,805       5,834  
 
                                               
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary capital requirements are for new restaurant development. During the last two years, we have funded our development of new restaurants primarily from the proceeds of our initial public offering, cash flows from operations, and the sale of equity securities in a private placement transaction. We intend to continue developing new restaurants in markets where we believe our concept will have broad appeal and attractive restaurant-level economics. Similar to many restaurant chains, we utilize operating lease arrangements for all of our restaurant locations. We believe that our operating lease arrangements provide appropriate leverage for our capital structure in a financially efficient manner. We are typically required to expend cash to perform site-related work and to construct and equip our restaurants. The average investment cost for our restaurants depends upon the type of lease entered into, the amount of tenant improvement allowance we receive from landlords, and whether we assume responsibility for the construction of the building. We expect the cash investment cost of our prototype restaurant to be approximately $2.5 million, net of landlord tenant improvement allowances between $0.7 million and $1.2 million, and excluding preopening expenses of approximately $0.4 million. We expect these costs will vary from one market to another based on real estate values, zoning regulations, labor markets and other variables. We also require capital resources to maintain our existing base of restaurants and to further expand and strengthen the capabilities of our corporate and information technology infrastructures.

 

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Our future cash requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including the pace of expansion, real estate markets, site locations, and the type of leases entered into. During November 2007, we completed the sale of 650,000 shares of common stock to accredited institutional investors in a private placement transaction. We filed a registration statement covering the resale of the shares of common stock sold in the private placement. We received net proceeds of approximately $10.0 million which we intend to use to fund new restaurant development and for general corporate purposes. Based upon our current growth plan, we believe that our current cash flow and our cash and investment balance coupled with our anticipated cash flow generated from operations and the proceeds from our recently completed private placement will provide sufficient funds to satisfy our working capital and capital expenditure requirements into 2009. In the event that additional capital is required, we may seek to raise such capital through public or private equity or debt financing. Future capital funding transactions may result in dilution to current shareholders. We cannot ensure that such capital will be available on favorable terms, if at all.
Equipment Loans
As of December 31, 2007, we had five equipment term loans with lenders, each collateralized by restaurant equipment. The outstanding principal balance under these loans aggregated $2.7 million. The loans bear interest at rates ranging from 7.0% to 8.5% and require monthly principal and interest payments aggregating approximately $71,000. The loans mature between June 2010 and June 2012. The loans also require us to maintain certain financial covenants calculated at the end of each calendar year, and we were in compliance with all such financial covenants as of December 31, 2007.
Cash Flows
The following table summarizes our primary sources and uses of cash during the periods presented.
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands)  
Net cash provided by (used in):
                       
Operating activities
  $ 5,701     $ 8,666     $ 5,288  
Investing activities
    (12,781 )     (10,758 )     (32,702 )
Financing activities
    10,137       (440 )     28,782  
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
  $ 3,057     $ (2,532 )   $ 1,368  
 
                 
Operating Activities. During 2007, net cash provided by operating activities was $5.7 million and exceeded our net loss by $6.4 million due principally to the effect of depreciation and amortization, an increase in the deferred rent liability and the effect of non-cash stock-based compensation. Net cash provided by operating activities decreased $3.0 million from $8.7 million during 2006 to $5.7 million during 2007 principally due to a $3.1 million change resulting from the timing of vendor payments and a $3.0 million difference in deferred rent partially offset by a reduction in our net loss by $2.1 million. During 2006, net cash provided by operating activities was $8.7 million principally due to the amortization of deferred rent, depreciation and amortization, an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, and non-cash stock-based compensation, partially offset by our net loss of $2.7 million, an increase in receivables primarily relating to tenant improvement allowances and an increase in other current assets. During 2005, net cash provided by operating activities was $5.3 million primarily due to depreciation and amortization, amortization of deferred rent, collections of tenant improvement allowances, and non-cash compensation expenses, partially offset by our net loss of $0.4 million and payments of accounts payable.
Investing activities. We fund the development and construction of our new restaurants primarily with cash and short-term investments. Net cash used in investing activities was $12.8 million during 2007 which consisted primarily of $12.8 million in expenditures for leasehold improvements and restaurant equipment principally to construct new restaurants. Net cash used in investing activities was $10.8 million during 2006, reflecting $20.8 million for the funding of construction in progress and the purchase of property and equipment, the majority of which related to our five restaurant openings in 2006 and planned restaurant openings in 2007. Investing activities during 2006 also include net proceeds of $10.0 million from the sale of investments to fund this construction. Net cash used in investing activities was $32.7 million during 2005 of which $24.2 million was used to purchase investments and $8.5 million primarily relates to expenditures for our two restaurants opened in 2005.

 

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Financing Activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was approximately $10.1 million during 2007 consisting primarily of $10.0 million in net proceeds from the sale of common stock in a private placement transaction, $0.6 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock as a result of the exercise of stock options and warrants, as well as shares purchased under our employee stock purchase plan, partially offset by $0.6 million of principal payments on equipment loans. Net cash used in financing activities was $0.4 million during 2006 principally consisting of $0.7 million of principal payments on our equipments loans, partially offset by $0.3 million in proceeds from the issuance of common stock from the exercise of stock options and stock issued under our employee stock purchase plan. Net cash provided by financing activities was $28.8 million during 2005 consisting primarily of $28.1 million net proceeds from our initial public offering and $1.1 million proceeds from equipment loans less $0.6 million of related principal payments.
Aggregate Contractual Obligations
The following table sets forth our contractual commitments as of December 31, 2007 (in thousands).
                                         
    Payments Due by Period  
                                    More  
            Less than                     than 5  
    Total     1 year     1-3 years     3-5 years     years  
Long-term notes payable, including current portion
  $ 2,700     $ 663     $ 1,401     $ 636     $  
Operating leases
    61,235       5,295       11,924       12,114       31,902  
 
                             
Total
  $ 63,935     $ 5,958     $ 13,325     $ 12,750     $ 31,902  
 
                             
The table above does not include obligations related to lease renewal option periods even if it is reasonably assured that we will exercise the related option. In addition, the table above does not reflect unrecognized tax benefits of $167,000, the timing of which is uncertain. Refer to Note 9 of the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional discussion on unrecognized tax benefits. We have evaluated and determined that we do not have any purchase obligations as defined in the SEC Final Rule No. 67, Disclosure in Management’s Discussion and Analysis about Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Aggregate Contractual Obligations.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We had no off-balance sheet guarantees or off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2007.
Critical Accounting Policies
Critical accounting policies are those that we believe are most important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and also require our most difficult, subjective, or complex judgments. Judgments or uncertainties regarding the application of these policies may result in materially different amounts being reported under various conditions or using different assumptions. We consider the following policies to be the most critical in understanding the judgment that is involved in preparing our consolidated financial statements.
Property and Equipment
We record all property and equipment at cost less accumulated depreciation and we select useful lives that reflect the actual economic lives of the underlying assets. We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the related lease term. We calculate depreciation using the straight-line method for financial statement purposes. We capitalize improvements and expense repairs and maintenance costs as incurred. We are often required to exercise judgment in our decision whether to capitalize an asset or expense an expenditure that is for maintenance and repairs. Our judgments may produce materially different amounts of repair and maintenance or depreciation expense if different assumptions were used.

 

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We periodically perform asset impairment analysis of property and equipment related to our restaurant locations. We perform these tests when we experience a “triggering” event such as a major change in a location’s operating environment, or other event that might impact our ability to recover our asset investment. This process requires the use of estimates and assumptions which are subject to a high degree of judgment. If these assumptions change in the future, we may be required to record impairment charges for these assets. Also, we have a policy of reviewing the financial operations of our restaurant locations on at least a quarterly basis. Locations that do not meet expectations are identified and monitored closely throughout the year, including the review of actual results and analyzing of budgets for the ensuing year. If we deem that a location’s results will continue to be below expectations, we will analyze alternatives for its continued operation. At that time, we will perform an asset impairment test. If we determine that the asset’s carrying value exceeds the future undiscounted cash flows, we will record an impairment charge to reduce the asset to its fair value. Calculation of fair value requires significant estimates and judgments which could vary significantly based on our assumptions. Upon an event such as a formal decision for abandonment (restaurant closure), we may record additional impairment charges. Any carryover basis of assets will be depreciated over the respective remaining useful lives.
Leasing Activities
We lease all of our restaurant properties. At the inception of the lease, we evaluate each property and classify the lease as an operating or capital lease in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 13, Accounting for Leases. We exercise significant judgment in determining the estimated fair value of the restaurant as well as the discount rate used to discount the minimum future lease payments. The term used for this evaluation includes renewal option periods only in instances in which the exercise of the renewal option can reasonably be assured and failure to exercise such option would result in an economic penalty. All of our restaurant leases are classified as operating leases.
Our lease term used for straight-line rent expense is calculated from the date we take possession of the leased premises through the lease termination date. There is potential for variability in our “rent holiday” period which typically begins on the possession date and ends on the store open date. Factors that may affect the length of the rent holiday period generally include construction related delays. Extension of the rent holiday period due to delays in restaurant opening will result in greater rent expensed during the rent holiday period.
We record contingent rent expense based on a percentage of restaurant sales, which exceeds minimum base rent, over the periods the liability is incurred. The contingent rent expense is recorded prior to achievement of specified sales levels if achievement of such amounts is considered probable and estimable.
Income Taxes
We provide for income taxes based on our estimate of federal and state tax liabilities using the recognition threshold and measurement attribute provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). These estimates consider, among other items, effective rates for state and local income taxes, allowable tax credits for items such as taxes paid on reported tip income, estimates related to depreciation and amortization expense allowable for tax purposes, and the tax deductibility of certain other items. Our estimates are based on the information available to us at the time we prepare the income tax provisions. We generally file our annual income tax returns several months after our fiscal year end. Income tax returns are subject to audit by federal, state, and local governments, generally years after the returns are filed. These returns could be subject to material adjustments or differing interpretations of the tax laws.
Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future income tax consequences of carryforwards and temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. Valuation allowances are established for deferred tax assets that are deemed more likely than not to be realized in the near term. We must assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we establish valuation allowances to offset any deferred tax asset recorded. The valuation allowance is based on our estimates of future taxable income in each jurisdiction in which we operate, tax planning strategies, and the period over which our deferred tax assets will be recoverable. In the event that actual results differ from these estimates, we may be unable to implement certain tax planning strategies or adjust these estimates in future periods. As we update our estimates, we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance which could have a material negative impact on our results of operations or financial position, or we could reduce our valuation allowances which would have a favorable impact on our results of operations or financial position.

 

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Stock-Based Compensation
We account for stock-based compensation in accordance with the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS No. 123 (revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”). The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is affected by assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to the actual and projected employee and director stock option exercise behavior. The use of an option pricing model also requires the use of a number of complex assumptions including expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected dividends, and expected term. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of a peer group of companies over the expected life of the option as we do not have enough history trading as a public company to calculate our own stock price volatility. We utilize historical data to estimate option exercise and employee termination behavior within the valuation model. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option. SFAS 123R also requires us to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise these estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We estimate forfeitures based on our expectation of future experience while considering our historical experience. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized on the consolidated statements of earnings. We are also required to establish deferred tax assets for expense relating to options that would be expected to generate a tax deduction under their original terms. The recoverability of such assets are dependent upon the actual deduction that may be available at exercise and can further be impaired by either the expiration of the option or an overall valuation reserve on deferred tax assets.
We believe the estimates and assumptions related to these critical accounting policies are appropriate under the circumstances; however, should future events or occurrences result in unanticipated consequences, there could be a material impact on our future financial condition or results of operations.
Impact of Recently Issued Standards
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard expands required disclosures about the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurement. SFAS 157, as originally issued, was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. However, on December 14, 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-b, which deferred the effective date of SFAS 157 for one year, as it relates to nonfinancial assets and liabilities. We will adopt SFAS No. 157 as it relates to financial assets and liabilities beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk
Investments
We are exposed to market risk primarily from fluctuations in interest rates on our short-term investments. These investments are classified as available-for-sale securities and are not held for trading or other speculative purposes. We held approximately $14.2 million in available-for-sale securities as of December 31, 2007. Changes in interest rates affect the investment income we earn on our investments and, therefore, impact our cash flows and results of operations. For 2007, the average interest rate earned on our investments was approximately 5.4%. A hypothetical 100 basis point decline in the interest rate earned on our investments would decrease our interest income by approximately $0.1 million.
Included in our investments as of December 31, 2007, are $8.7 million in AAA rated auction rate securities which are backed by student loans, the majority of which are guaranteed by the federal government under the Federal Family Education Loans Program. In addition to the federal government guarantee on such student loans, many of the securities also have separate insurance policies guaranteeing both the principal and accrued interest. Auction rate securities are structured to provide liquidity through an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined calendar intervals, generally every 28 days. This mechanism allows existing investors to either rollover their holdings, whereby they will continue to own their respective securities, or liquidate their holdings by selling such securities at par. However, as has been recently reported in the financial press, recent uncertainties in the credit market have adversely affected the auction market for these types of securities. As a result of the current conditions in the credit markets, auctions for $6.6 million of the total $8.7 million in auction rate securities held as of December 31, 2007 were unsuccessful in February and March of 2008. The failure of auctions is broad based and not limited to those securities held by us. The auction rate securities continue to pay interest at rates that are generally higher than the current market rate, and there has been no change in the rating of these securities to date.
Typically the fair value of auction rate securities approximates par value due to the frequent resets through the auction rate process. However, the liquidity and fair value of these investments may be impacted primarily by the uncertainty of the credit markets and exposure to the financial condition of bond insurance companies. As a result of the unsuccessful auctions, these securities are currently illiquid and furthermore, we cannot predict how long they will remain illiquid. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the market for these securities to determine if impairment of the carrying value of the securities has occurred due to illiquidity or for other reasons. If the credit ratings of the security issuers deteriorate or if normal market conditions do not improve in the near future, we may be required to recognize an impairment charge against earnings and/or reflect these securities as long-term investments on our balance sheet for the period ending March 31, 2008 or thereafter.
Primary Market Risk Exposures
Our primary market risk exposures are in the areas of commodity costs, labor costs, and construction costs. Many of the food products purchased by us are affected by changes in weather, production, availability, seasonality, and other factors outside our control. In addition, we believe that almost all of our food and supplies are available from several sources, which helps to control food commodity risks. We also believe that we have the ability to increase certain menu prices in response to food commodity price increases. Our labor costs are impacted by increases in the minimum wage rate as many of our employees are paid labor rates related to federal and state minimum wage laws. We have exposure to rising construction costs, which may impact our actual cost to develop new restaurants. Although the cost of restaurant construction will not impact significantly the operating results of the restaurant, it would impact the return on investment for such restaurant.
Inflation
The primary inflationary factors affecting our operations are food, labor, and construction costs. A large number of our restaurant personnel are paid at rates based on the applicable minimum wage, and increases in the minimum wage directly affect our labor costs. Many of our leases require us to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance, and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary increases. We believe inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years.

 

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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Reference is made to the financial statements, the notes thereto, and the report thereon, commencing on page F-1 of this report, which financial statement, notes, and report are incorporated herein by reference.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Not applicable.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have evaluated, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of December 31, 2007. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have each concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that we record, process, summarize, and report information required to be disclosed by us in our reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act within the time periods specified by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms. During the fiscal year covered by this report, there have not been any changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. As defined in the securities laws, internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officer and effected by our Board of Directors, management, and other personnel, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that in reasonable detail accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of our assets; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that our receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors; and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of our assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements.
Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2007 based on the criteria in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based upon this evaluation, we concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2007.
The annual report on internal control over financial reporting does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has not been any change in our internal control over financial reporting during our fourth fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Item 9B. Other Information
Not applicable.

 

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PART III
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
The information required by this Item relating to our directors is incorporated herein by reference to the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The information required by this Item relating to our executive officers is included in Part I, Item 1 “Business – Executive Officers.”
Item 11. Executive Compensation
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information contained in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 12.  
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information contained in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information contained in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services
The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference to the information contained in the definitive Proxy Statement to be filed pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act for our 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

 

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PART IV
Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
  (a)  
The following documents are filed as a part of the report:
  (1)  
Financial Statements
 
     
Financial Statements are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements on page F-1 of this report.
 
  (2)  
Financial Statement Schedules
 
     
No financial statement schedules are included because such schedules are not applicable, are not required, or because required information is included in the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.
 
  (3)  
Exhibits
         
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
  3.1    
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant (2)
  3.3    
Amended and Restated Bylaws of Kona Grill, Inc., as of October 30, 2007 (8)
  4.1    
Form of Common Stock Certificate (3)
  4.2    
Kona Grill, Inc. Stockholders’ Agreement, dated August 29, 2003 (3)
  4.3    
Kona Grill, Inc. Series A Investor Rights Agreement, dated August 29, 2003 (3)
  4.4    
Amendment No. 1 to Kona Grill, Inc. Series A Investor Rights Agreement, dated May 31, 2005 (3)
  10.3    
Employment Agreement, effective October 1, 2003, between the Company and Jason J. Merritt (1)
  10.4    
Employment Letter Agreement, effective October 15, 2004, between the Company and Mark S. Robinow (1)
  10.6 (a)  
Loan Agreement, dated May 19, 2003, between GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation and Kona Grill Kansas City, Inc. (1)
  10.6 (b)  
Promissory Note, dated May 19, 2003, issued by Kona Grill Kansas City, Inc. in favor of GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation (1)
  10.7 (a)  
Loan Agreement, dated April 30, 2004, between GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation and Kona Grill Las Vegas, Inc. (1)
  10.7 (b)  
Promissory Note, dated April 30, 2004, issued by Kona Grill Las Vegas, Inc. in favor of GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation (1)
  10.8 (a)  
Form of Equipment Loan and Security Agreement (i) dated as of September 2, 2004, between Kona Grill Denver, Inc. and GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation; (ii) dated as of December 31, 2004, between Kona Grill Omaha, Inc. and GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation; and (iii) dated January 21, 2005 between Kona Grill Indiana, Inc. and GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation (1)
  10.8 (b)  
Form of Equipment Promissory Note, each in favor of GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation (i) dated as of April 22, 2005, issued by Kona Grill Omaha, Inc.; and (ii) dated as of May 20, 2005, issued by Kona Grill Indiana, Inc. (1)
  10.8 (c)  
Equipment Promissory Note, dated September 17, 2004, issued by Kona Grill Denver, Inc. in favor of GE Capital Franchise Finance Corporation (1)
  10.10    
Kona Grill, Inc. 2002 Stock Plan (as of November 13, 2002) (1)
  10.11    
Kona Grill, Inc. 2005 Stock Award Plan (2)
  10.12    
Kona Grill, Inc. 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (amended as of August 15, 2005) (5)
  10.13    
Supply Agreement, dated May 13, 2002, between Kona Grill Inc. and U.S. Foodservice (2)
  10.14    
Separation Agreement, dated as of January 31, 2006, between the Company and C. Donald Dempsey (4)
  10.15    
Form of Stock Option Agreement (2005 Stock Award Plan) (6)
  10.16    
Employment Agreement, dated as of September 26, 2006, between the Company and Marcus E. Jundt (7)

 

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Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
  10.17    
Securities Purchase Agreement, dated November 1, 2007, among Kona Grill, Inc. and the investor parties thereto. (9)
  10.18    
Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated February 4, 2008, in favor of Richard J. Hauser
  10.19    
Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated February 4, 2008, in favor of Marcus E. Jundt
  21    
List of Subsidiaries
  23    
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
  31.1    
Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  31.2    
Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
  32.1    
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
  32.2    
Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
(1)  
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-125506), as filed with the Commission on June 3, 2005.
 
(2)  
Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 1 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-125506), as filed on July 8, 2005.
 
(3)  
Incorporated by reference to Amendment No. 2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-125506), as filed on July 21, 2005.
 
(4)  
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on February 3, 2006.
 
(5)  
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (Registration No. 333-127593), as filed with the Commission on August 16, 2005.
 
(6)  
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2006, as filed with the Commission on May 8, 2006
 
(7)  
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K, as filed on September 28, 2006.
 
(8)  
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 5, 2007
 
(9)  
Incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Form 8-K filed on November 6, 2007

 

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Signatures
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
         
  Kona Grill, Inc.
 
 
  /s/ Marcus E. Jundt    
  Marcus E. Jundt   
  Chairman of the Board, President, and
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
 
Date: March 11, 2008
Pursuant to the requirements of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacity and on the dates indicated.
         
Signature   Capacity   Date
 
       
/s/ Marcus E. Jundt
 
Marcus E. Jundt
  Chairman of the Board, President, and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  March 11, 2008
 
       
/s/ Mark S. Robinow
 
Mark S. Robinow
  Executive Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, and Secretary
(Principal Accounting and
Financial Officer)
  March 11, 2008
 
       
/s/ Kent D. Carlson
 
Kent D. Carlson
  Director   March 11, 2008
 
       
/s/ Richard J. Hauser
 
Richard J. Hauser
  Director   March 11, 2008
 
       
/s/ Douglas G. Hipskind
 
Douglas G. Hipskind
  Director   March 11, 2008
 
       
/s/ W. Kirk Patterson
 
W. Kirk Patterson
  Director   March 11, 2008
 
       
/s/ Anthony L. Winczewski
 
Anthony L. Winczewski
  Director   March 11, 2008
 
       
/s/ Mark Zesbaugh
 
Mark Zesbaugh
  Director   March 11, 2008

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
     
    Page
  F-2
 
  F-3
 
  F-4
 
  F-5
 
  F-6
 
  F-7

 

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Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors and Stockholders of Kona Grill, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kona Grill, Inc. as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Kona Grill, Inc. at December 31, 2007 and 2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2007, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, Kona Grill, Inc. changed its method of accounting on January 1, 2007 for income taxes in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109. As also discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, Kona Grill, Inc. changed its method of accounting on January 1, 2006 for Share-Based Payments in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004) and for rental costs incurred during the construction period in accordance with FASB Staff Position 13-1.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
March 11, 2008

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share data)
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
 
ASSETS
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 4,991     $ 1,934  
Investments
    14,188       14,249  
Receivables
    1,096       949  
Other current assets
    1,393       741  
 
           
Total current assets
    21,668       17,873  
Other assets
    495       407  
Property and equipment, net
    47,311       40,516  
 
           
Total assets
  $ 69,474     $ 58,796  
 
           
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities:
               
Accounts payable
  $ 3,324     $ 4,616  
Accrued expenses
    4,025       3,502  
Current portion of notes payable
    663       613  
 
           
Total current liabilities
    8,012       8,731  
Notes payable
    2,037       2,700  
Deferred rent
    12,994       11,543  
 
           
Total liabilities
    23,043       22,974  
 
           
 
               
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
               
 
               
Stockholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000,000 shares authorized, none issued at December 31, 2007 and 2006
           
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 15,000,000 shares authorized, 6,608,078 and 5,847,593 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively
    66       58  
Additional paid-in capital
    53,071       41,722  
Accumulated deficit
    (6,706 )     (5,957 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
          (1 )
 
           
Total stockholders’ equity
    46,431       35,822  
 
           
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 69,474     $ 58,796  
 
           
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share data)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
 
Restaurant sales
  $ 72,258     $ 50,693     $ 36,828  
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of sales
    20,465       14,442       10,550  
Labor
    22,855       15,777       11,123  
Occupancy
    4,671       3,393       2,466  
Restaurant operating expenses
    10,071       6,931       4,698  
General and administrative
    7,294       7,155       4,783  
Preopening expense
    1,962       2,378       634  
Depreciation and amortization
    5,791       3,943       2,333  
 
                 
Total costs and expenses
    73,109       54,019       36,587  
 
                 
(Loss) income from operations
    (851 )     (3,326 )     241  
Nonoperating expenses:
                       
Interest income
    617       936       300  
Interest expense
    (85 )     (294 )     (841 )
 
                 
Loss before provision for income taxes
    (319 )     (2,684 )     (300 )
Provision for income taxes
    350       60       83  
 
                 
Net loss
  $ (669 )   $ (2,744 )   $ (383 )
 
                 
 
                       
Net loss per share:
                       
Basic
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.13 )
 
                 
Diluted
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.13 )
 
                 
Weighted average shares used in computation:
                       
Basic
    5,982       5,791       3,044  
 
                 
Diluted
    5,982       5,791       3,044  
 
                 
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(In thousands)
                                                                 
    Series A                                     Accumulated        
    Convertible                     Additional             Other        
    Preferred Stock     Common Stock     Paid-in     Accumulated     Comprehensive        
    Shares     Amount     Shares     Amount     Capital     Deficit     Income/(Loss)     Total  
Balances at December 31, 2004
    4,167     $ 42       1,463     $ 15     $ 8,904     $ (2,830 )   $     $ 6,131  
Conversion of convertible subordinated promissory note to common stock
                 500       5       2,995                   3,000  
Conversion of Series A convertible preferred stock to common stock
    (4,167 )     (42 )      833       8       34                    
Issuance of common stock upon initial public offering, net of $3,562 of offering expenses
                2,875       29       28,034                   28,063  
Issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and exercise of stock options and warrants
                35              256                    256  
Issuance and accelerated vesting of stock options as compensation
                             244                    244  
Net loss
                                  (383 )           (383 )
 
                                               
Balances at December 31, 2005
                5,706       57       40,467       (3,213 )           37,311  
Stock-based compensation expense
                            967                   967  
Issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and exercise of stock options and warrants
                 142       1        288                   289  
Net loss
                                  (2,744 )           (2,744 )
Unrealized holding loss, net
                                        (1 )     (1 )
 
                                                             
Comprehensive loss
                                                            (2,745 )
 
                                               
Balances at December 31, 2006
                5,848       58       41,722       (5,957 )     (1 )     35,822  
Cumulative effect adjustment upon adoption of FIN 48
                            15       (80 )           (65 )
Tax benefit from stock option exercises
                            145                   145  
Stock-based compensation expense
                            607                   607  
Issuance of common stock, net of $594 of offering expenses
                650       7       9,962                   9,969  
Issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and exercise of stock options and warrants
                110       1       620                   621  
Net loss
                                  (669 )           (669 )
Unrealized holding gain, net
                                        1       1  
 
                                                             
Comprehensive loss
                                                            (668 )
 
                                               
Balances at December 31, 2007
        $       6,608     $ 66     $ 53,071     $ (6,706 )   $     $ 46,431  
 
                                               
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
Operating activities
                       
Net loss
  $ (669 )   $ (2,744 )   $ (383 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:
                       
Depreciation and amortization
    5,791       3,943       2,333  
Compensation expense for issuance of stock options and accelerated vesting of stock options
    607       967       244  
Excess tax benefit related to stock option exercises
    (160 )            
Amortization of debt discount
                343  
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Receivables
    (147 )     (852 )     1,247  
Other current assets
    (652 )     (177 )     (119 )
Accounts payable
    (1,123 )     1,950       (583 )
Accrued expenses
    603       1,175       560  
Deferred rent
    1,451       4,404       1,646  
 
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    5,701       8,666       5,288  
Investing activities
                       
Purchase of property and equipment
    (12,755 )     (20,775 )     (8,513 )
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    (88 )     67       11  
Net purchases and sales of short-term investments
    62       9,950       (24,200 )
 
                 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (12,781 )     (10,758 )     (32,702 )
Financing activities
                       
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable
                1,094  
Repayments of notes payable
    (613 )     (729 )     (631 )
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net of issuance costs
    9,969             28,063  
Proceeds from issuance of common stock under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan and exercise of stock options and warrants
    621       289       256  
Excess tax benefit related to stock option exercises
    160              
 
                 
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
    10,137       (440 )     28,782  
 
                 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    3,057       (2,532 )     1,368  
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year
    1,934       4,466       3,098  
 
                 
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year
  $ 4,991     $ 1,934     $ 4,466  
 
                 
 
                       
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information
                       
Cash paid for interest
  $ 85     $ 294     $ 498  
Noncash investing and financing activities
                       
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable related to property and equipment additions
  $ (169 )   $ 1,067     $ 3,000  
Beneficial conversion feature and detachable warrants on convertible note
  $     $     $ (604 )
See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2007
1. Organization and Description of Business
Kona Grill, Inc. (referred to herein as the “Company” or “we,” “us,” and “our”) owns and operates upscale casual dining restaurants under the name “Kona Grill.” Our restaurants feature a diverse selection of mainstream American dishes and award-winning sushi that are prepared fresh daily. We currently own and operate 18 restaurants in 12 states throughout the United States.
2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts and operations of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, money market funds, and highly liquid short-term fixed income securities with a remaining maturity of 90 days or less when acquired. Amounts receivable from credit card processors are also considered cash equivalents because they are both short-term and highly liquid in nature and are typically converted to cash within one business day of the sales transaction. Under the Company’s asset classification practices, when there is no legal right of offset against cash balances in a specific financial institution, uncleared checks are classified as accounts payable. Uncleared checks totaling approximately $1,013,000 and $640,000 were included in accounts payable as of December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Investments
Investments consist primarily of auction rate municipal securities, corporate debt securities, and government bonds that are highly liquid in nature and represent the investment of cash that is available for current operations. We generally invest in high quality securities that are rated “AAA.” We classify our investments based on the intended holding period and currently classify all of our investments as available-for-sale securities. Available-for-sale securities are carried at estimated fair value, based on available market information, with unrealized gains and losses, if any, reported as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Although original maturities of our auction rate securities are longer than one year, we generally have the right to sell these securities at any time subject to the availability of buyers.
Included in our investments as of December 31, 2007, are $8.7 million in AAA rated auction rate securities which are backed by student loans, the majority of which are guaranteed by the federal government under the Federal Family Education Loans Program. In addition to the federal government guarantee on such student loans, many of the securities also have separate insurance policies guaranteeing both the principal and accrued interest. Auction rate securities are structured to provide liquidity through an auction process that resets the applicable interest rate at pre-determined calendar intervals, generally every 28 days. This mechanism allows existing investors to either rollover their holdings, whereby they will continue to own their respective securities, or liquidate their holdings by selling such securities at par. However, as has been recently reported in the financial press, recent uncertainties in the credit market have adversely affected the auction market for these types of securities. As a result of the current conditions in the credit markets, auctions for $6.6 million of the total $8.7 million in auction rate securities held as of December 31, 2007 were unsuccessful in February and March of 2008. The failure of auctions is broad based and not limited to those securities held by us. The auction rate securities continue to pay interest at rates that are generally higher than the current market rate, and there has been no change in the rating of these securities to date.

 

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Table of Contents

KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Typically the fair value of auction rate securities approximates par value due to the frequent resets through the auction rate process. However, the liquidity and fair value of these investments may be impacted primarily by the uncertainty of the credit markets and exposure to the financial condition of bond insurance companies. As a result of the unsuccessful auctions, these securities are currently illiquid and furthermore, we cannot predict how long they will remain illiquid. We will continue to monitor and evaluate the market for these securities to determine if impairment of the carrying value of the securities has occurred due to illiquidity or for other reasons. If the credit ratings of the security issuers deteriorate or if normal market conditions do not improve in the near future, we may be required to recognize an impairment charge against earnings and/or reflect these securities as long-term investments on our balance sheet for the period ending March 31, 2008 or thereafter.
Inventories
Inventories consist of food and beverages and are stated at the lower of cost or market using the first-in, first-out method. Inventories are included in other current assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Property and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. We capitalize all direct costs on the construction of leasehold improvements and capitalize interest during the construction and development period. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the related lease term that includes reasonably assured lease renewals as determined on the date of the acquisition of the leasehold improvement. Improvements that materially extend the life of an asset are capitalized while repair and maintenance costs are expensed as incurred.
Depreciation and amortization are recorded on a straight-line basis over the following estimated useful lives:
         
Furniture and fixtures
  7 years
Computers and electronic equipment
  3 years
Leasehold improvements
  Shorter of the useful life or the lease term
We evaluate property and equipment for impairment whenever events or changes in restaurant operating results indicate that the carrying value of those assets may not be recoverable. The assessment of impairment is performed on a restaurant-by-restaurant basis. If indicators of impairment are present and if we determine that the carrying value of the restaurant assets exceeds the projected future undiscounted cash flows, an impairment charge would be recorded to reduce the carrying value of the restaurant assets to its fair value. We have not recorded any impairment charges with respect to our property and equipment.
Leases
We lease our restaurant locations under operating lease agreements with initial terms of approximately 10 to 15 years. Most of these agreements require minimum annual rent payments plus contingent rent payments based on a percentage of restaurant sales which exceed the minimum base rent. Contingent rent payments, to the extent they exceed minimum payments, are accrued over the periods in which the liability is incurred. Rent expense associated with these contingent payments is recorded prior to the achievement of specified sales levels if exceeding such amount is considered probable and is estimable. The lease agreements typically also require scheduled increases to minimum annual rent payments. For leases that contain rent escalations, we record the total rent payable over the initial lease term, starting on the date we gain possession of the property, (including the construction period) on a straight-line basis over the life of the initial lease term. Any difference between minimum rent and straight-line rent is recorded as deferred rent. Deferred rent also includes tenant improvement allowances which are amortized as a reduction of rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial term of the lease.

 

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Table of Contents

KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
For leases that commenced subsequent to January 1, 2006, straight-line rent expense incurred from the date of possession to the restaurant opening date is recorded as preopening expense in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Staff Position No. 13-1, Accounting for Rental Costs Incurred During a Construction Period. For leases that commenced prior to January 1, 2006, rent expense incurred from the date of possession through the completion of construction was capitalized and included in property and equipment and amortized over the initial life of the lease.
Revenue Recognition
Revenues from food, beverage, and alcohol sales are recognized when payment is tendered at the point of sale. Revenues from gift card sales are recognized upon redemption. Prior to redemption, the outstanding balances of all gift cards are included in accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Sales Taxes
Revenues are presented net of sales taxes. The obligation is included in accrued expenses until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities.
Advertising Costs
Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Advertising expense for 2007, 2006, and 2005 was $1,260,000, $739,000 and $467,000, respectively, and is included in restaurant operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.
Preopening Expense
Costs directly related to the opening of new restaurants, including employee relocation, travel, employee payroll and related training costs, and rent expense subsequent to the date we take possession of the property through the restaurant opening, are expensed as incurred.
Stock-Based Compensation
We maintain stock option plans which provide for discretionary grants of incentive stock options, non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, and other types of awards to employees, consultants, and non-employee directors. We account for stock-based compensation utilizing the fair value recognition provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (“SFAS”) No. 123R, Share-Based Payment (“SFAS 123R”). We recognize compensation cost for awards with service only conditions using a graded vesting schedule on a straight line basis over the requisite service period for the entire award.
Prior to January 1, 2006, we accounted for our stock-based compensation in accordance with Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related interpretations and adopted the disclosure-only provisions of SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation. In accordance with APB Opinion No. 25, no stock-based compensation expense was recognized in 2005 for grants of stock options to employees because we granted stock options with an exercise price equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of grant. We recognized share-based compensation expense of $198,000 during 2005 as a result of the accelerated vesting of all outstanding unvested stock options.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The following table illustrates the effect on net loss and net loss per share had compensation cost been recognized based upon the estimated fair value on the grant date of stock options in accordance with SFAS No. 123 for the year ended December 31, 2005 (in thousands, except per share data):
         
    Year Ended  
    December 31,  
    2005  
Net loss, as reported
  $ (383 )
Add: Stock-based compensation expense included in reported earnings, net of related tax effect(a)
    198  
Deduct: Total stock-based compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effect(a)
    (387 )
 
     
Pro forma net loss
  $ (572 )
 
     
 
       
Net loss per share:
       
Basic, as reported
  $ (0.13 )
 
     
Basic, pro forma
  $ (0.19 )
 
     
Diluted, as reported
  $ (0.13 )
 
     
Diluted, pro forma
  $ (0.19 )
 
     
 
(a)  
Income taxes have been offset by a valuation allowance. See Note 9 of Notes to Consolidated financial Statements.
Effective January 1, 2006, we adopted the fair value recognition provisions of SFAS 123R, using the modified prospective transition method. Under this transition method, compensation cost recognized in the years ended December 31, 2007 and 2006 includes compensation cost for all share-based payments granted subsequent to January 1, 2006, based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with SFAS 123R. All options granted prior to January 1, 2006 were fully vested. The adoption of SFAS 123R increased our 2007 and 2006 reported operating loss, loss before income taxes and net loss by $607,000 and $967,000, respectively, and increased basic and diluted net loss per share by $0.10 and $0.17, respectively.
Income Taxes
We utilize the liability method of accounting for income taxes. Under the liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed at each balance sheet date for temporary differences between the consolidated financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities that will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future based on tax rates in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to affect taxable income. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that will more likely than not be realized.
Effective January 1, 2007, we adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109 (“FIN 48”). FIN 48 provides detailed guidance for the financial statement recognition, measurement, and disclosure of uncertain tax positions recognized in an enterprise’s financial statements in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized upon the adoption of FIN 48 and in subsequent periods. The cumulative effect of applying the provisions of FIN 48 has been reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of our accumulated deficit as of January 1, 2007. We recognize potential accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within operations as income tax expense.
Net Loss Per Share
Basic net loss is computed by dividing net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net loss per share excludes the dilutive effect of potential stock option and warrant exercises, which are calculated using the treasury stock method, as these shares are anti-dilutive.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
    (In thousands, except per share data)  
Numerator:
                       
Net loss
  $ (669 )   $ (2,744 )   $ (383 )
 
                 
Denominator:
                       
Weighted average shares — basic
    5,982       5,791       3,044  
Effect of dilutive stock options and warrants
                 
 
                 
Weighted average shares — diluted
    5,982       5,791       3,044  
 
                 
Net loss per share:
                       
Basic
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.13 )
 
                 
Diluted
  $ (0.11 )   $ (0.47 )   $ (0.13 )
 
                 
For the years ended December 31, 2007, 2006, and 2005, there were approximately 855,000, 867,000, and 726,000 stock options and warrants outstanding, respectively, that were not included in the dilutive earnings per share calculation because the effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Comprehensive Loss
Comprehensive loss is defined as the aggregate change in stockholders’ equity, excluding changes in ownership interests. Comprehensive loss reported in the accompanying consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity consists of net loss and unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, investments, receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximates fair value because of the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair value of long-term debt is determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments and approximates the carrying value of such debt.
Concentration of Credit Risk
Financial instruments that potentially subject us to a concentration of credit risk principally consist of cash and cash equivalents, investments and accounts receivable. Concentration of credit risk is limited by diversifying cash deposits among a variety of high credit-quality issuers. At times, cash and cash equivalent balances may be in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. Concentration of credit risk for our investments is limited by diversifying investments among a variety of high credit-quality issuers. We consider our concentration of credit risk with respect to receivables to be limited as the balance is primarily comprised of tenant improvement allowances from landlords.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 provides guidance for using fair value to measure assets and liabilities. The standard expands required disclosures about the extent to which companies measure assets and liabilities at fair value, the information used to measure fair value, and the effect of fair value measurements on earnings. SFAS 157 applies under other accounting pronouncements that require or permit fair value measurements, the FASB having previously concluded in those accounting pronouncements that fair value is the relevant measurement attribute. Accordingly, SFAS 157 does not require any new fair value measurement. SFAS 157, as originally issued, was effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. However, on December 14, 2007, the FASB issued FASB Staff Position FAS 157-b, which deferred the effective date of SFAS 157 for one year, as it relates to nonfinancial assets and liabilities. We will adopt SFAS No. 157 as it relates to financial assets and liabilities beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2008 and do not expect the adoption to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
3. Investments
The following is a summary of available-for-sale securities (in thousands):
                         
            Gross        
    Adjusted     Unrealized     Estimated  
    Cost     Losses     Fair Value  
December 31, 2007
                       
Auction rate municipal securities
  $ 8,650     $     $ 8,650  
Corporate debt securities
    5,538             5,538  
 
                 
Total investments
  $ 14,188     $     $ 14,188  
 
                 
 
                       
December 31, 2006
                       
Auction rate municipal securities
  $ 10,600     $     $ 10,600  
Government bonds
    3,000       (1 )     2,999  
Corporate debt securities
    650             650  
 
                 
Total investments
  $ 14,250     $ (1 )   $ 14,249  
 
                 
The original maturity date for our government bonds and corporate securities is one year or less. Although original maturities of our auction rate securities are generally longer than one year, we have the right to sell these securities at any time subject to the availability of buyers. The original maturity dates for these investments ranged from 2029 to 2046 at December 31, 2007.
4. Receivables
Receivables consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
Landlord tenant improvement allowances
  $ 1,048     $ 852  
Other
    48       97  
 
           
Total receivables
  $ 1,096     $ 949  
 
           
No allowance for doubtful accounts has been recorded as collection of tenant improvement allowances and other receivables is considered probable.
5. Property and Equipment
Property and equipment consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
Leasehold improvements
  $ 46,251     $ 34,169  
Equipment
    12,042       8,732  
Furniture and fixtures
    3,238       2,565  
 
           
 
    61,531       45,466  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    (15,091 )     (9,300 )
 
           
 
    46,440       36,166  
Construction in progress
    871       4,350  
 
           
Total property and equipment, net
  $ 47,311     $ 40,516  
 
           

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
6. Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
Accrued payroll
  $ 1,358     $ 1,471  
Business and income taxes
    629       297  
Gift cards
    533       372  
Sales taxes
    517       485  
Accrued rent
    227       166  
Other
    761       711  
 
           
Total accrued expenses
  $ 4,025     $ 3,502  
 
           
7. Notes Payable
Notes payable consisted of the following:
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
    (In thousands)  
$1,000,000 equipment loan, collateralized by certain restaurant assets of the Company, payable in monthly installments of $15,521 including interest at 7.87 percent, until October 2011, at which time all remaining principal and interest is due and payable
  $ 615     $ 747  
$1,000,000 equipment loan, collateralized by certain restaurant assets of the Company, payable in monthly installments of $15,526 including interest at 7.88 percent, until May 2011, at which time all remaining principal and interest is due and payable
    556       693  
$993,544 equipment loan, collateralized by certain restaurant assets of the Company, payable in monthly installments of $15,015 including interest at 7.04 percent, until June 2010, at which time all remaining principal and interest is due and payable
    412       557  
$600,000 equipment loan, collateralized by certain restaurant assets of the Company, payable in monthly installments of $9,508 including interest at 8.52 percent, until May 2012, at which time all remaining principal and interest is due and payable
    419       494  
$995,000 equipment loan, collateralized by certain restaurant assets of the Company, payable in monthly installments of $15,687 including interest at 8.36 percent, until June 2012, at which time all remaining principal and interest is due and payable
    698       822  
 
           
 
    2,700       3,313  
Less current portion
    (663 )     (613 )
 
           
Total notes payable
  $ 2,037     $ 2,700  
 
           
Future maturities of notes payable at December 31, 2007 are as follows (in thousands):
         
2008
  $ 663  
2009
    717  
2010
    684  
2011
    504  
2012
    132  
 
     
Total debt
  $ 2,700  
 
     

 

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Table of Contents

KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
During 2007, 2006 and 2005, we incurred gross interest expense of $242,000, $294,000, and $841,000, respectively. We capitalized $157,000 of interest costs during 2007. Interest incurred in 2005 includes $343,000 of non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of debt discount discussed in Note 8 below.
8. Convertible Subordinated Promissory Note
In July 2004, we entered into a $3.0 million convertible subordinated promissory note and warrant purchase agreement with an entity controlled by two directors and principal stockholders of the Company. The note was scheduled to mature on July 25, 2007 and required monthly payments of interest only at an annual rate of 10 percent. During August 2005, the promissory note was converted into shares of the Company’s Series B convertible preferred stock and immediately into 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with our initial public offering.
In addition, the holder received a warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for $5.00 per share. The warrant expires on the earlier of July 30, 2009 or a qualified public offering of the Company’s common stock of which the gross proceeds are at least $25.0 million at a per share price of not less than $35.00. In connection with the issuance of the warrant and beneficial conversion feature, we recorded a discount to the convertible promissory note and a corresponding increase in stockholders’ equity of $400,000, of which $200,000 was allocated to the beneficial conversion feature of the convertible promissory note and $200,000 to the warrant. The value of the warrant and beneficial conversion feature were derived through application of the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We amortized the debt discount to interest expense in the amount of $343,000 for 2005.
9. Income Taxes
The provision for income taxes consisted of the following (in thousands):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
Current:
                       
Federal(1)
  $ 150     $     $ 16  
State(1)
    200       60       67  
 
                 
 
    350       60       83  
 
                       
Deferred:
                       
Federal
                 
State
                 
 
                 
 
                 
 
                 
Total
  $ 350     $ 60     $ 83  
 
                 
 
(1)  
Excludes federal and state tax benefits resulting from the exercise of stock options, which were credited directly to “Additional paid-in capital.”

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Income tax expense differed from amounts computed by applying the federal statutory rate to loss from operations before provision for income taxes as follows (in thousands):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
Income tax benefit at federal statutory rate
  $ (109 )   $ (908 )   $ (101 )
State income taxes, net of federal benefit
    83       40       45  
Nondeductible expenses
    316       195       220  
Non taxable interest income
    (2 )     (116 )     (74 )
Business tax credit
    (863 )     (492 )     (424 )
Other
    72       (78 )     16  
Change in valuation reserve
    853       1,419       401  
 
                 
Total
  $ 350     $ 60     $ 83  
 
                 
The temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows (in thousands):
                 
    December 31,  
    2007     2006  
Deferred tax assets (liabilities):
               
Net operating loss carryforward
  $ 120     $ 301  
Deferred rent
    4,854       4,385  
Business tax credits
    1,881       1,438  
Organizational and preopening costs
    306       444  
Stock-based compensation
    503       360  
Accrued expenses
          22  
Property and equipment
    (4,183 )     (3,984 )
Accelerated tax depreciation
    310       1  
Other
    87       58  
 
           
Net deferred tax assets
    3,878       3,025  
Valuation allowance
    (3,878 )     (3,025 )
 
           
Total
  $     $  
 
           
The valuation allowance increased by approximately $853,000 and $1,419,000 at December 31, 2007 and 2006, respectively. In assessing the realization of deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. We consider the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, and tax planning strategies in making this assessment. Based on historical operating losses, we have elected to maintain a full valuation allowance until realization of deferred tax assets is more likely than not.
At December 31, 2007, we have approximately $2,060,000 in state net operating loss carryforwards, which begin expiring in 2011. All available federal net operating carryforwards were utilized as of December 31, 2007.
In May 2006, Texas changed the franchise tax calculation for tax returns due on or after January 1, 2008 for 2007 business activity. The cumulative effect of the change did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. As a result of the change, Texas net operating loss carryforwards for prior years were converted to a business tax credit of approximately $10,000 that is being used ratably over the next ten years. In 2007, we incurred $40,000 of income tax expense under this tax calculation.
We also have federal business tax credit carryforwards of approximately $1,881,000 which begin expiring in 2021. These credits are also potentially subject to annual limitations due to ownership change rules under the Internal Revenue Code and similar state provisions.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
As disclosed in Note 2, we adopted the provisions of FIN 48 as of January 1, 2007. As of December 31, 2007, we had $167,000 of unrecognized tax benefits. Future changes in the unrecognized tax benefits are not expected to have a material impact on the effective tax rate, nor do we expect that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits will significantly increase or decrease in the next 12 months. The following table summarizes the activity related to our unrecognized tax benefits (in thousands):
         
Balance at January 1, 2007
  $ 80  
Increases related to current year tax positions
    35  
Increases attributable to tax positions taken during the prior period
    52  
Expiration of the statue of limitations for the assessment of taxes
     
Settlements with taxing authorities
     
 
     
Balance at December 31, 2007
  $ 167  
 
     
We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. For the year ended December 31, 2007, provision for income taxes includes $14,000 in interest and penalties on unrecognized tax benefits. We had $18,000 accrued for the payment of interest and penalties at December 31, 2007.
We are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as income tax of multiple state jurisdictions. Federal income tax returns for 2004 through 2007 remain open to examination, while state and local income tax returns for 2003 through 2007 remain open to examination.
10. Stockholders’ Equity
Preferred Stock
We are authorized to issue 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock with a par value of $0.01. There were no shares of preferred stock that were issued or outstanding at December 31, 2007 or 2006.
Common Stock
On November 6, 2007, we sold 650,000 shares of common stock at a purchase price of $16.25 per share in a private placement to accredited institutional investors. We received net proceeds of $10.0 million (net of approximately $0.6 million in related fees and expenses). These proceeds are currently being utilized to fund new restaurant development and for general corporate purposes.
Conversion of Series Preferred A and Series Preferred B to Common Stock
During August 2003, we issued to seven investors 4,166,666, shares of our Series A convertible preferred stock at a price of $1.20 per share, which included the sale of 3,333,332 shares for $4.0 million and conversion of $1.0 million principal amount of notes issued during May 2002 into 833,334 shares. Our Chairman of the Board, was the lead investor in this financing and purchased from the Company 3,083,332 of such shares for an aggregate investment of $3.7 million. In addition, an entity affiliated with the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer, purchased from the Company 833,334 of such shares for an aggregate investment of $1.0 million. In connection with our initial public offering, we issued 833,331 shares of common stock upon the voluntary conversion by the holders of our outstanding shares of Series A preferred stock.
As discussed in Note 8, in July 2004, we entered into a $3.0 million convertible subordinated promissory note and warrant purchase agreement with an entity controlled by two directors and principal stockholders of the Company. During August 2005, we issued immediately prior to the closing of our initial public offering 2,500,000 shares of Series B preferred stock upon the voluntary conversion by the holder of the principal amount outstanding under the promissory note and these shares were immediately converted into 500,000 shares of common stock.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
11. Stock-Based Compensation
Stock Options
We maintain stock award plans which provide for discretionary grants of incentive and nonstatutory stock options, restricted stock, and other types of awards to our employees, consultants, and non-employee directors. A total of 1,075,000 shares of common stock have been reserved for issuance under our plans of which 189,238 shares were available to be granted as of December 31, 2007. Stock options issued under these plans are granted with an exercise price at or above the fair market value of the underlying common stock on the date of grant and generally expire five or ten years from the date of grant. Employee stock options granted during 2007 generally vest 25 percent each year over a four-year period, while annual recurring awards for non-employee director options vest 25 percent each quarter over a one-year period.
The fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model and is affected by assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the actual and projected employee stock option exercise behavior. The use of an option pricing model also requires the use of a number of complex assumptions including expected volatility, risk-free interest rate, expected dividends, and expected term. Expected volatility is based on the historical volatility of a peer group of companies over the expected life of the option as we do not have enough history trading as a public company to calculate our own stock price volatility. The expected term of the options represents the estimated period of time until exercise and is based on historical experience of similar awards, giving consideration to the contractual terms, vesting schedules and expectations of future employee behavior. The risk-free interest rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant for the expected term of the option. We have not paid dividends in the past and do not plan to pay any dividends in the near future. SFAS 123R also requires us to estimate forfeitures at the time of grant and revise these estimates, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. We estimate forfeitures based on our expectation of future experience while considering our historical experience. The fair value of stock options granted was estimated at the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:
                         
    2007     2006     2005  
Expected volatility
    33.8 %     38.6 %     0.0 %
Risk-free interest rate
    4.8 %     4.7 %     4.4 %
Dividend yield
    0.0 %     0.0 %     0.0 %
Expected life (in years)
    3.8       4.4       5.0  
Weighted average fair value per option granted
  $ 6.19     $ 4.88     $ 1.16  
Activity during 2007, 2006, and 2005 under our stock award plans was as follows:
                                 
    Shares     Weighted     Weighted Average        
    Under     Average     Remaining     Aggregate  
    Option     Exercise Price     Contractual Term     Intrinsic Value  
Outstanding options at December 31, 2004
    383,479     $ 5.49                  
Granted
    110,600       6.07                  
Forfeited
    (6,200 )     6.19                  
Exercised
    (12,000 )     7.50                  
 
                             
Outstanding options at December 31, 2005
    475,879       5.56                  
Granted
    398,000       13.72                  
Forfeited
    (103,514 )     5.57                  
Exercised
    (138,776 )     5.80                  
 
                             
Outstanding options at December 31, 2006
    631,589       10.65                  
Granted
    146,750       18.79                  
Forfeited
    (43,553 )     15.82                  
Exercised
    (79,347 )     6.84                  
 
                             
Outstanding options at December 31, 2007
    655,439     $ 12.59     4.42 years     $ 2,279,000  
 
                       
Exercisable at December 31, 2007
    452,251     $ 10.53     4.60 years     $ 2,154,000  
 
                       

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The intrinsic value of options exercised during 2007, 2006, and 2005, was approximately $764,000, $825,000, and $39,000, respectively. The total fair value of shares vested during 2007, 2006, and 2005 was approximately $629,000, $820,000, and $424,000, respectively. As of December 31, 2007, there was approximately $854,000 of total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 2.54 years.
Information regarding options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2007 is as follows:
                                         
    Options Outstanding     Options Exercisable    
            Weighted Average     Weighted             Weighted  
            Remaining     Average             Average  
Range of           Contractual     Exercise             Exercise  
Exercise Prices   Shares     Life (years)     Price     Shares     Price  
$5.00 – $6.00
    168,189       6.32     $ 5.50       168,189     $ 5.50  
$7.50 – $8.35
    79,500       3.36       8.14       59,500       8.06  
$12.64 – $16.40
    220,000       3.52       14.35       170,000       13.75  
$17.51 – $19.49
    187,750       4.23       18.75       54,562       18.70  
 
                                   
 
    655,439       4.42       12.59       452,251       10.53  
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
During 2005, our Board of Directors and stockholders approved the 2005 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”) and reserved 425,000 shares of common stock for issuance thereunder. The ESPP permits eligible employees to purchase common stock at a discount through payroll deductions up to 15 percent of employees’ eligible earnings during the offering period. Each offering period has a maximum term of up to 27 months. For purchases made during 2005, the price at which stock was purchased under the ESPP was equal to the lesser of 85 percent of the fair market value of common stock on the first day of the offering period or 85 percent of the fair market value of common stock on the last day of the offering period. Subsequent to December 31, 2005, the purchase price per share at which shares of common stock are sold in an offering under the ESPP is equal to 95 percent of the fair market value of common stock on the last day of the applicable offering period. During 2007, 2006, and 2005, 5,183 shares, 5,547 shares and 17,610 shares, respectively, were purchased under the ESPP.
Warrants
We issued warrants to purchase 50,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $6.00 per share in connection with the issuance of a convertible note in 2002. These warrants are exercisable through May 2009. During 2006, warrants with respect to 15,000 shares were exercised using a net settlement feature contained in the warrant which resulted in 10,415 shares of common stock being issued. During 2007, the remaining 35,000 shares were exercised either in cash or using a net settlement feature contained in the warrant which resulted in the issuance of 25,955 shares of common stock.
In July 2004, we issued a warrant to purchase 200,000 shares of our common stock for $5.00 per share in connection with the execution of a $3.0 million convertible subordinated promissory note agreement. We recorded the value of the warrant at $200,000. In lieu of exercising the warrant for cash, the holder may elect to receive shares equal to the intrinsic value of the warrant. The warrant expires on the earlier of July 30, 2009 or a qualified public offering of the Company’s common stock as defined by the warrant agreement (see Note 8).
We issued warrants to purchase 8,900 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $5.50 per share to placement agents in connection with the Company’s private placement of common stock in 1998. These warrants were exercisable through September 2005. During 2005, warrants with respect to 5,280 shares were exercised. The remainder of the warrants expired in September 2005.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
12. Employee Benefit Plan
During 2006, we established a voluntary defined contribution plan covering eligible employees as defined in the plan documents. Participating employees may elect to defer the receipt of a portion of their compensation, subject to applicable laws, and contribute such amount to one or more investment options. We currently match in cash a certain percentage of the employee contributions to the plan and also pay for related administrative expenses. Matching contributions made during 2007 and 2006 were approximately $107,000 and $34,000, respectively.
13. Commitments and Contingencies
We lease restaurant and office facilities and certain real property under operating leases having terms expiring from 2008 to 2023. The restaurant leases primarily have renewal clauses of five years exercisable at the option of the Company and rent escalation clauses stipulating specific rent increases. We record deferred rent to recognize rent evenly over the initial lease term. Certain of these leases require the payment of contingent rentals based on a percentage of gross revenues above specified minimum amounts as defined in the respective lease agreement. The leases typically require us to pay our proportionate share of common area maintenance, property tax, insurance, and other occupancy-related costs.
Rent expense on all operating leases was as follows (in thousands):
                         
    Year Ended December 31,  
    2007     2006     2005  
Straight-line minimum base rent
  $ 4,371     $ 3,133       2,253  
Contingent rent
    376       280       237  
 
                 
Total rent
  $ 4,747     $ 3,413     $ 2,490  
 
                 
At December 31, 2007, we had entered into lease agreements for certain restaurant facilities currently under construction or yet to be constructed. The following table does not include obligations related to renewal option periods even if it is reasonably assured that we will exercise the related option. Future minimum lease payments under operating leases at December 31, 2007, were as follows (in thousands):
         
2008
  $ 5,295  
2009
    5,916  
2010
    6,008  
2011
    6,076  
2012
    6,038  
Thereafter
    31,902  
 
     
Total minimum lease payments
  $ 61,235  
 
     
14. Litigation
We are engaged in various legal actions, which arise in the ordinary course of our business. Although there can be no assurance as to the ultimate disposition of these matters, it is the opinion of our management, based upon the information available at this time, that the expected outcome of these matters, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the results of operations or financial condition of the Company.

 

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KONA GRILL, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
15. Related Party Transactions
In July 2004, we entered into the convertible subordinated promissory note and warrant purchase agreement discussed in Note 8 with an entity controlled by two directors and principal stockholders of the Company. For 2005, we recorded interest expense of approximately $530,000 associated with the note and warrant, including amortization related to the debt discount. During August 2005, the promissory note was converted into shares of the Company’s Series B preferred stock and immediately into 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock in connection with our initial public offering.
16. Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)
The following table presents certain unaudited consolidated financial data for each of the four quarters in 2007 and 2006. We believe that all necessary adjustments have been included to present fairly the quarterly information when read in conjunction with our annual financial statements and related notes. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results for any subsequent quarter. Amounts are shown in thousands, except per share data.
                                                                 
    2007     2006  
    First     Second     Third     Fourth     First     Second     Third     Fourth  
    Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter     Quarter  
Restaurant sales
  $ 15,666     $ 19,322     $ 19,210     $ 18,060     $ 10,194     $ 11,877     $ 13,812     $ 14,810  
(Loss) income from operations
    (693 )     259       401       (818 )     (1,041 )     (429 )     (636 )     (1,220 )
Net (loss) income
    (543 )     313       444       (883 )     (888 )     (303 )     (468 )     (1,085 )
Net (loss) income per share:
                                                               
Basic
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05     $ 0.08     $ (0.14 )   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.19 )
 
                                               
Diluted
  $ (0.09 )   $ 0.05     $ 0.07     $ (0.14 )   $ (0.16 )   $ (0.05 )   $ (0.08 )   $ (0.19 )
 
                                               
 
                                                               
Weighted average shares used in computation:
                                                               
Basic
    5,854       5,866       5,891       6,319       5,731       5,793       5,805       5,834  
 
                                               
Diluted
    5,854       6,233       6,238       6,319       5,731       5,793       5,805       5,834  
 
                                               

 

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Exhibit Index
     
Exhibit    
Number   Exhibit
 
   
10.18
  Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated February 4, 2008, in favor of Richard J. Hauser
10.19
  Common Stock Purchase Warrant, dated February 4, 2008, in favor of Marcus E. Jundt
21
  List of Subsidiaries
23
  Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
31.1
  Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
31.2
  Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) and Rule 15d-14(a), promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
32.1
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
32.2
  Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.