Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Summary

Fiesta Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: FRGI) reported first-quarter results for the period ending April 4, 2021. Total revenues decreased by 1.3% to $144.7 million, with Pollo Tropical's comparable sales up 4.3% compared to 2020, while Taco Cabana saw a 4.3% decrease. Despite a net loss of $2.1 million, the company achieved a significant Adjusted EBITDA of $12.9 million, reflecting a 63% increase year-over-year. The impact of Winter Storm Uri was estimated at $1.9 million on Adjusted EBITDA. Management is optimistic about growth initiatives and continued investment in digital platforms.

Positive

• Adjusted EBITDA increased by 63% year-over-year to $12.9 million.
• Pollo Tropical's comparable restaurant sales improved by 4.3% compared to Q1 2020.
• Taco Cabana's Adjusted EBITDA turned positive at $0.7 million compared to a loss in Q1 2020.
• Strong margins maintained at both brands, with Pollo Tropical's restaurant-level margin at 21.4%.

Negative

• Total revenues decreased by 1.3% compared to the same period last year.
• Taco Cabana's comparable restaurant sales decreased by 4.3% compared to Q1 2020.
• Net loss of $2.1 million, although improved from a larger loss in Q1 2020.
• Winter Storm Uri negatively impacted sales and EBITDA by approximately $1.9 million.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: FRGI), parent company of the Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands, today reported results for the 13-week first quarter, which ended on April 4, 2021, and provided a business update related to current operations. The Company uses a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to December 31. Results for the year ended January 3, 2021 included 53 weeks.

Fiesta President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Stockinger said, “Overall we were pleased with our first quarter sales and profit after considering the impact of Winter Storm Uri on February sales, which negatively affected the entire state of Texas for multiple weeks. Both of our brands showed continued positive momentum in sales trends during the first quarter of 2021 compared to the fourth quarter of 2020, which continued in April. Pollo Tropical first quarter 2021 comparable restaurant sales improved to positive 4.3% compared to the first quarter of 2020 and were -3.3% vs. the first quarter of 2019. Taco Cabana first quarter 2021 comparable restaurant sales improved to -4.3% compared to the first quarter of 2020. We estimate that Winter Storm Uri negatively impacted Taco Cabana first quarter comparable restaurant sales by approximately 480 basis points.”

Stockinger added, “In the first quarter we continued optimizing our operating model to adjust to consumer preferences by making it easier for consumers to enjoy our brands across all channels. We made progress over the quarter improving our drive-thru infrastructure and are making ongoing investments in our digital platform such as enhancements to our geofencing capability to improve curbside speed of service and building an enhanced, digital drive thru experience. We expect these initiatives to drive accelerated sales growth as they reach full implementation.”

Stockinger continued, “We continue to maintain strong margins at both brands. First quarter 2021 income from operations was $1.3 million compared to a loss from operations in the first quarter of 2020. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure⁽¹⁾, was $12.9 million or 8.9% of total revenues, which includes the estimated negative impact of Winter Storm Uri of approximately $1.9 million, and increased 63% compared to the first quarter of 2020. We estimate that Winter Storm Uri negatively impacted Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues by approximately 110 basis points. Both brands grew Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure⁽¹⁾, as a percentage of sales to above first quarter 2020 levels. Pollo Tropical grew restaurant-level margin from 18.0% in the first quarter of 2020 to 21.4% in the first quarter of 2021. Taco Cabana grew restaurant-level margin from 8.8% in the first quarter of 2020 to 11.3% in the first quarter of 2021, which includes the estimated negative impact of Winter Storm Uri of approximately 270 basis points.”

Stockinger concluded, “We will continue to concentrate on non-dine-in trade channels to match the evolving changes in customer behavior, and will focus on creating a great guest experience across all channels. Our investments in our digital platform will continue throughout 2021. We are optimistic about the remainder of 2021 and believe that our growth initiatives will continue to build momentum and accelerate sales growth over the balance of the year.”

(1)	See non-GAAP reconciliation table below.

First Quarter 2021 Financial Summary

• Total revenues decreased 1.3% to $144.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 from $146.7 million in the first quarter of 2020;
• Comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical increased 4.3%. Compared to the same fiscal period in 2019, comparable restaurant sales for Pollo Tropical decreased 3.3%;
• Comparable restaurant sales at Taco Cabana decreased 4.3%. Compared to the same fiscal period in 2019, comparable restaurant sales for Taco Cabana decreased 17.1%;
• A net loss of $(2.1) million, or $(0.08) per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2021, compared to a net loss of $(7.3) million, or ($0.29) per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2020;
• Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP financial measure) of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2021, compared to adjusted net loss of $(2.9) million, or $(0.11) per diluted share, in the first quarter of 2020 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below);
• Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical of $12.2 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $8.8 million in the first quarter of 2020;
• Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for Pollo Tropical of $18.8 million, or 21.4% of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $15.4 million, or 18.0% of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, in the first quarter of 2020 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below);
• Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana of $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $(0.9) million in the first quarter of 2020;
• Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for Taco Cabana of $6.4 million, or 11.3% of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $5.3 million, or 8.8% of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, in the first quarter of 2020 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below). The negative impact of Winter Storm Uri on Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is estimated at approximately $1.9 million, or 2.7% of Taco Cabana restaurant sales;
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) of $12.9 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $7.9 million in the first quarter of 2020 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below). First quarter 2021 results include the estimated negative impact of Winter Storm Uri of approximately $1.9 million, as well as COVID-related costs of $0.5 million including COVID testing and quarantine pay; and
• Provision for income taxes in the first quarter of 2021 includes a one-time $1.5 million out-of-period adjustment related to tax depreciation on certain assets placed into service several years prior to the formation of Fiesta in 2011. The adjustment was made after performing a review to identify affected assets. The impact on the provision for income taxes is primarily related to the valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets as well as the effect of the change in the federal corporate income tax rate in 2017 on our deferred tax assets and liabilities.

First Quarter 2021 Comparable Restaurant Sales

	Fourth Quarter 2020	Fiscal January	Fiscal February	Fiscal March	First Quarter 2021	Fiscal April
Pollo Tropical
2021 vs. 2020	-8.2%	-3.9%	-5.7%	28.9%	4.3%	94.4%
2021 vs. 2019		-3.1%	-5.4%	-1.7%	-3.3%	-1.4%
Taco Cabana
2021 vs. 2020	-10.0%	-6.7%	-25.1%	22.0%	-4.3%	26.5%
2021 vs. 2019		-15.4%	-31.5%	-5.0%	-17.1%	-6.5%

• The fourth quarter ended January 3, 2021, contained 14 weeks. Fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales exclude the extra week in fiscal fourth quarter 2020 and are reported on a 13-week basis.
• As a result of the 53^rd week in fiscal 2020, our 2021 fiscal year began one week later than our 2020 fiscal year. Changes in comparable restaurant sales are impacted by the shift in weeks as the thirteen weeks ended April 4, 2021, are not directly comparable on a calendar basis to the thirteen weeks ended March 29, 2020.
• First quarter 2021 comparable restaurant sales at Taco Cabana were negatively impacted by Winter Storm Uri in 2021 by approximately 480 basis points. Taco Cabana Cinco de Mayo holiday sales per unit in May were at the second highest level in ten years and above both holiday sales levels in 2020 and 2019.

Cash and Liquidity

• At the end of the first quarter of 2021, we had $59.0 million in cash, $3.8 million in restricted cash and $73.3 million in outstanding debt, which includes $71.5 million of term loan borrowings under our new senior credit facility and $1.8 million in finance lease obligations. Our outstanding term loan borrowings under our new senior credit facility are net of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount totaling $3.3 million.
• In the first quarter our cash balance grew from the fourth quarter balance of $50.0 million at January 3, 2021 to $59.0 million. Net debt, a non-GAAP financial measure⁽²⁾, decreased from $23.3 million at the end of the fourth quarter on January 3, 2021 to $14.2 million at the end of the first quarter on April 4, 2021.
• We sold two properties in sale-leaseback transactions for total proceeds of $3.1 million and net gains of $0.3 million in the first quarter of 2021.

First Quarter 2021 Brand Results

Total Pollo Tropical restaurant sales increased 2.5% to $87.8 million in the first quarter of 2021 compared to $85.7 million in the first quarter of 2020 primarily due to a comparable restaurant sales increase of 4.3%, partially offset by restaurant closures. Pollo Tropical dine-in and counter take out comparable restaurant sales decreased 39% from the first quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2021 due primarily to the negative impact of the pandemic on dine-in traffic and closures of our dining rooms during a portion of the first quarter of 2021. The decrease in dine in channel sales was offset by off-premise channel growth. First quarter drive-thru comparable restaurant sales increased 29% compared to the first quarter of 2020, while first quarter delivery comparable restaurant sales more than doubled compared to the first quarter of 2020. The increase in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a net impact of product/channel mix and pricing of 13.4%, which was partially offset by a decrease in comparable restaurant transactions of 9.1%. The increase in product/channel mix and pricing was driven primarily by increases in delivery, online and drive-thru average check and sales channel penetration, and menu price increases of 1.2%.

(2)

We define net debt as long-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt, as reported in our balance sheet less unrestricted cash as reported in our balance sheet, which were $73.3 million and $59.0 million, respectively, as of April 4, 2021 and $73.3 million and $50.0 million, respectively, as of January 3, 2021. Net debt is a non-GAAP measures which we believe assist investors in understanding of our management of our overall liquidity and financial flexibility.

		Comparable Restaurant Sales Mix by Channel - Pollo Tropical
Channel		First Quarter 2021(1)				% of Total			First Quarter 2020				% of Total			First Quarter 2019				% of Total
($ in thousands)
Counter(2)		$	22,742			26	%		$	37,460			45	%		$	44,044			49	%
Drive-thru		51,924				60	%		40,186				48	%		42,929				48	%
Delivery		8,818				10	%		3,263				4	%		786				1	%
Online		2,902				3	%		1,680				2	%		1,011				1	%
Catering		668				1	%		907				1	%		544				1	%
Total		$	87,054			100	%		$	83,496			100	%		$	89,314			100	%
(1) First quarter 2021 comparable restaurant sales based on the comparable first quarter 2020 restaurants.
(2) Counter sales include dine-in and counter take out sales.

Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical increased to $12.2 million in the first quarter of 2021 from $8.8 million in the first quarter of 2020, an increase of 38.9%. The increase was primarily due to the impact of higher restaurant sales, improved cost of sales margins, lower restaurant wages and related expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales, and lower advertising expenses, partially offset by higher delivery fee expense. Pollo Tropical incurred incremental costs related to COVID-19 of $0.3 million for the quarter including quarantine pay and costs related to COVID testing. Restaurant wages and related expenses decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales, primarily driven by efficiency initiatives and labor shortages. Driven by operating model optimization and cost management efforts, first quarter Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues increased from 10.2% in 2020 to 13.8% in 2021. Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales continues to be strong, with first quarter Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales of 21.4% in 2021 compared to 18.0% in 2020 and 23.3% in 2019.

Taco Cabana restaurant sales decreased 6.7% to $56.3 million in the first quarter of 2021 from $60.4 million in the first quarter of 2020 due primarily to a comparable restaurant sales decrease of 4.3%, including the estimated negative impact of Winter Storm Uri of approximately 4.8%, and a decrease in sales related to closed restaurants. Taco Cabana dine-in and counter take out comparable restaurant sales decreased 64% from the first quarter of 2020 to the first quarter of 2021 due to the negative impact of the pandemic on dine-in traffic and closures of our dining rooms during a portion of the first quarter. The decrease in dine-in channel sales was partially offset by significant off-premise channel growth. First quarter drive-thru comparable restaurant sales increased 22% compared to the first quarter of 2020, while first quarter delivery comparable restaurant sales more than doubled compared to the first quarter of 2020. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a decrease in comparable restaurant transactions of 15.9% and an increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing of 11.6%. The increase in product/channel mix and pricing was driven primarily by increases in drive-thru and delivery sales channel penetration, growth in average check for drive-thru versus last year due in part to an increase in transactions that include alcohol, and menu price increases of 2.1%.

		Comparable Restaurant Sales Mix by Channel - Taco Cabana
Channel		First Quarter 2021(1)				% of Total			First Quarter 2020				% of Total			First Quarter 2019				% of Total
($ in thousands)
Counter(2)		$	7,234			13	%		$	20,134			34	%		$	27,527			41	%
Drive-thru		42,800				77	%		35,100				60	%		37,765				57	%
Delivery		4,087				7	%		1,604				3	%		346				1	%
Online		1,347				2	%		1,259				2	%		1,086				1	%
Catering		506				1	%		409				1	%		—				—	%
Total		$	55,974			100	%		$	58,506			100	%		$	66,724			100	%
(1) First quarter 2021 comparable restaurant sales based on the comparable first quarter 2020 restaurants.
(2) Counter sales include dine-in and counter take out sales.

Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana increased to $0.7 million in the first quarter of 2021 from $(0.9) million in the first quarter of 2020. The increase was primarily due to lower cost of sales and labor costs as a percentage of restaurant sales, lower advertising costs and general and administrative expenses, and the impact of the closure of unprofitable restaurants in the first quarter of 2020, partially offset by lower restaurant sales, including the impact of Winter Storm Uri, and higher delivery fee expense. We estimate that Winter Storm Uri negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana by approximately $1.9 million. Taco Cabana incurred incremental costs related to COVID-19 of $0.2 million for the quarter including quarantine pay and costs related to COVID testing. Restaurant wages and related expenses decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales, primarily driven by efficiency initiatives and labor shortages. Driven by operating model optimization and cost management efforts, first quarter Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues increased from (1.5)% in 2020 to 1.2% in 2021 and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales increased from 8.8% in 2020 to 11.3%, which includes the estimated negative impact of Winter Storm Uri of approximately 2.7%, in 2021. First quarter Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues decreased compared to 3.9% in 2019 and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales decreased compared to 12.8% in 2019 for Taco Cabana.

Winter Storm Uri

Due to the severe winter storm that impacted Texas from February 14, 2021 through February 21, 2021, Taco Cabana February revenue and profit were negatively impacted compared to 2020 results. All units were closed for a number of days during that period, with significant reductions in traffic due to poor road conditions. We estimate Winter Storm Uri negatively impacted first quarter 2021 Taco Cabana comparable restaurant sales by approximately 4.8% and Adjusted EBITDA by $1.9 million. Approximately 125 units were impacted at some level by the storm including issues ranging from minor repairs to pipe, water and equipment damages. Taco Cabana is in the process of filing insurance claims for costs related to the winter storm.

Restaurant Portfolio

As of April 4, 2021, there were 138 Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants, 143 Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants, 29 franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Panama, Guyana, Ecuador and the Bahamas, and six franchised Taco Cabana restaurants in the U.S.

Investor Conference Call Today

We will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET today. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-631-891-4304. A replay will be available after the call until Thursday, May 20, 2021 and can be accessed by dialing 1-412-317-6671. The passcode is 10014361. The conference call will also be webcast live and archived on the corporate website at www.frgi.com, under the Investor Relations section. A replay of the webcast will be available through the corporate website shortly after the call has concluded.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises the Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release and in our public disclosures, whether written, oral or otherwise made, relating to future events or future performance, including any discussion, express or implied regarding our anticipated growth, plans, objectives and the impact of our initiatives, our investments in strategic and sales building initiatives, including those relating to operations improvements, digital infrastructure supporting ordering and online sales, catering and third-party delivery and drive thru improvements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and our initiatives designed to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic on future sales, margins, earnings and liquidity, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "positioned," "target," "continue," "expects," "look to," "intends" and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or the affirmative, that are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our actual results and timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements and the internal projections and beliefs upon which we base our expectations included in this release are made only as of the date of this release and may change. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE MONTHS ENDED APRIL 4, 2021 AND MARCH 29, 2020
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended (a)
		April 4, 2021				March 29, 2020
Revenues:
Restaurant sales		$	144,164			$	146,086
Franchise royalty revenues and fees		575				613
Total revenues		144,739				146,699
Costs and expenses:
Cost of sales		43,086				46,276
Restaurant wages and related expenses (b)		38,044				40,495
Restaurant rent expense		11,633				11,339
Other restaurant operating expenses		22,296				21,511
Advertising expense		3,988				5,783
General and administrative expenses (b)(c)		14,568				14,384
Depreciation and amortization		8,926				9,430
Pre-opening costs		—				69
Impairment and other lease charges (d)		(122		)		4,233
Closed restaurant rent, net of sublease income (e)		1,091				1,632
Other expense (income), net (f)		(38		)		908
Total operating expenses		143,472				156,060
Income (loss) from operations		1,267				(9,361		)
Interest expense		2,023				961
Income (loss) before income taxes		(756		)		(10,322		)
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes (g)		1,333				(3,005		)
Net income (loss)		$	(2,089	)		$	(7,317	)
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Basic		$	(0.08	)		$	(0.29	)
Diluted		(0.08		)		(0.29		)
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
Basic		25,324,213				25,519,247
Diluted		25,324,213				25,519,247

(a)	The Company uses a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. The three-month periods ended April 4, 2021 and March 29, 2020 each included 13 weeks.
(b)	Restaurant wages and related expenses include stock-based compensation of $42 and $36 for the three months ended April 4, 2021 and March 29, 2020, respectively. General and administrative expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $1,121 and $776 for the three months ended April 4, 2021 and March 29, 2020, respectively.
(c)	See note (f) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."
(d)	See note (c) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."
(e)	See note (d) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."
(f)	See note (e) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."
(g)	See notes (a) and (b) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
		April 4, 2021				January 3, 2021
Assets
Cash		$	59,016			$	50,035
Other current assets		26,823				33,991
Property and equipment, net		153,066				161,081
Operating lease right-of-use assets		257,964				261,304
Goodwill		56,307				56,307
Other assets		7,787				6,025
Total assets		$	560,963			$	568,743
Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity
Current liabilities		$	62,198			$	64,909
Long-term debt, net of current portion		72,238				72,328
Operating lease liabilities		264,487				268,086
Deferred tax liabilities		3,744				4,109
Other non-current liabilities		11,441				11,530
Total liabilities		414,108				420,962
Stockholders' equity		146,855				147,781
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	560,963			$	568,743

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial and other data for the periods indicated
(In thousands, except percentages):
		(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		April 4, 2021				March 29, 2020
Segment revenues:
Pollo Tropical		$	88,215			$	86,125
Taco Cabana		56,524				60,574
Total revenues		$	144,739			$	146,699
Change in comparable restaurant sales (a):
Pollo Tropical		4.3		%		(7.3		)%
Taco Cabana		(4.3		)%		(13.5		)%
Average sales per Company-owned restaurant:
Pollo Tropical
Comparable restaurants (b)		$	642			$	614
New restaurants (c)		342				469
Total Company-owned (d)		637				607
Taco Cabana
Comparable restaurants (b)		$	394			$	410
New restaurants (c)		351				333
Total Company-owned (d)		394				406
Income (loss) before income taxes:
Pollo Tropical		$	4,935			$	(1,827	)
Taco Cabana		(5,691		)		(8,495		)
Adjusted EBITDA:
Pollo Tropical		$	12,192			$	8,780
Taco Cabana		670				(907		)
Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (e):
Pollo Tropical		$	18,780			$	15,434
Taco Cabana		6,379				5,284

(a)	Restaurants are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been open for 18 months or longer. Restaurants are excluded from comparable restaurant sales for any fiscal month in which the restaurant was closed for more than five days. Comparable restaurant sales are compared to the same period in the prior year.
(b)	Comparable restaurants are restaurants that have been open for 18 months or longer. Average sales for comparable Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing comparable restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of comparable restaurants for the applicable segment for such period.
(c)	New restaurants are restaurants that have been open for less than 18 months. Average sales for new Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing new restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of new restaurants for the applicable segment for such period.
(d)	Average sales for total Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of open restaurants for the applicable segment for such period.
(e)	Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see the reconciliation from net income (loss) to Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA in the table titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental data for the periods indicated:
		Three Months Ended
		April 4, 2021			March 29, 2020
Company-owned restaurant openings:
Pollo Tropical		—			—
Taco Cabana		—			1
Total new restaurant openings		—			1
Company-owned restaurant closings:
Pollo Tropical		—			(1	)
Taco Cabana		—			(19	)
Net change in restaurants		—			(19	)
Number of Company-owned restaurants:
Pollo Tropical		138			141
Taco Cabana		143			146
Total Company-owned restaurants		281			287
Number of franchised restaurants:
Pollo Tropical		29			33
Taco Cabana		6			8
Total franchised restaurants		35			41
Total number of restaurants:
Pollo Tropical		167			174
Taco Cabana		149			154
Total restaurants		316			328

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial and other data for the periods indicated
(In thousands, except percentages):
		Three Months Ended
		April 4, 2021						March 29, 2020
Pollo Tropical:					(a)						(a)
Restaurant sales		$	87,840					$	85,721
Cost of sales		27,301			31.1	%		27,731			32.4	%
Restaurant wages and related expenses		20,339			23.2	%		21,037			24.5	%
Restaurant rent expense		5,877			6.7	%		5,640			6.6	%
Other restaurant operating expenses		13,184			15.0	%		12,386			14.4	%
Advertising expense		2,375			2.7	%		3,504			4.1	%
Depreciation and amortization		4,938			5.6	%		5,278			6.2	%
Impairment and other lease charges		110			0.1	%		3,696			4.3	%
Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income		240			0.3	%		602			0.7	%
Taco Cabana:
Restaurant sales		$	56,324					$	60,365
Cost of sales		15,785			28.0	%		18,545			30.7	%
Restaurant wages and related expenses		17,705			31.4	%		19,458			32.2	%
Restaurant rent expense		5,756			10.2	%		5,699			9.4	%
Other restaurant operating expenses		9,112			16.2	%		9,125			15.1	%
Advertising expense		1,613			2.9	%		2,279			3.8	%
Depreciation and amortization		3,988			7.1	%		4,152			6.9	%
Pre-opening costs		—			—	%		69			0.1	%
Impairment and other lease charges		(232		)	(0.4	)%		537			0.9	%
Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income		851			1.5	%		1,030			1.7	%

(a)	Percent of restaurant sales for the applicable segment.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Non-GAAP Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial data for the periods indicated
(In thousands):

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) attributable to the applicable operating segments before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, goodwill impairment, closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income, stock-based compensation expense, other expense (income), net, and certain significant items for each segment that are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants as set forth in the reconciliation table below. Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments includes an allocation of general and administrative expenses associated with administrative support for executive management, information systems and certain finance, legal, supply chain, human resources, construction and other administrative functions. Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Adjusted EBITDA excluding franchise royalty revenues and fees, pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses (including corporate-level general and administrative expenses).

Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments is the primary measure of segment profit or loss used by our chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources to our segments and assessing their performance. In addition, management believes that Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP and our reconciliation of net income (loss) to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period changes, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business, and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered as alternatives to net income or cash flow from operating activities as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.

Three Months Ended		Pollo Tropical				Taco Cabana				Consolidated
April 4, 2021:
Net loss										$	(2,089	)
Provision for income taxes										1,333
Income (loss) before taxes		$	4,935			$	(5,691	)		$	(756	)
Add:
Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization		4,938				3,988				8,926
Impairment and other lease charges		110				(232		)		(122		)
Interest expense		970				1,053				2,023
Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income		240				851				1,091
Other expense (income), net		66				(104		)		(38		)
Stock-based compensation expense in restaurant wages		16				26				42
Total non-general and administrative expense adjustments		6,340				5,582				11,922
General and administrative expense adjustments:
Stock-based compensation expense		601				520				1,121
Digital and brand repositioning costs		316				259				575
Total general and administrative expense adjustments		917				779				1,696
Adjusted EBITDA(a)		$	12,192			$	670			$	12,862
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues(a)		13.8		%		1.2		%		8.9		%
Restaurant-level adjustments:
Add: Other general and administrative expense(b)		6,963				5,909				12,872
Less: Franchise royalty revenue and fees		375				200				575
Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA(a)		$	18,780			$	6,379			$	25,159
Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales(a)		21.4		%		11.3		%		17.5		%
March 29, 2020:
Net loss										$	(7,317	)
Benefit from income taxes										(3,005		)
Loss before taxes		$	(1,827	)		$	(8,495	)		$	(10,322	)
Add:
Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
Depreciation and amortization		5,278				4,152				9,430
Impairment and other lease charges		3,696				537				4,233
Interest expense		483				478				961
Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income		602				1,030				1,632
Other expense (income), net		107				801				908
Stock-based compensation expense in restaurant wages		11				25				36
Total non-general and administrative expense adjustments		10,177				7,023				17,200
General and administrative expense adjustments:
Stock-based compensation expense		310				466				776
Digital and brand repositioning costs		120				99				219
Total general and administrative expense adjustments		430				565				995
Adjusted EBITDA		$	8,780			$	(907	)		$	7,873
Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues		10.2		%		(1.5		)%		5.4		%
Restaurant-level adjustments:
Add: Pre-opening costs		—				69				69
Add: Other general and administrative expense(b)		7,058				6,331				13,389
Less: Franchise royalty revenue and fees		404				209				613
Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA		$	15,434			$	5,284			$	20,718
Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales		18.0		%		8.8		%		14.2		%

(a)

We estimate that Winter Storm Uri negatively impacted Taco Cabana and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Taco Cabana and Consolidated Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA by approximately $1.9 million in the three months ended April 4, 2021. We estimate that Winter Storm Uri negatively impacted Taco Cabana Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues and Taco Cabana Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales by approximately 3.2% and 2.7%, respectively, and Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues and Consolidated Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales by approximately 1.1% and 1.0%, respectively, in the three months ended April 4, 2021.

(b)

Excludes general and administrative adjustments above.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Non-GAAP Information
The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial data for the periods indicated
(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):

Adjusted net income and related adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income is defined as net income (loss) before impairment and other lease charges, goodwill impairment, closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income, other expense (income), net, board and shareholder matter costs, restructuring costs and retention bonuses, certain legal settlements and related costs and other significant items that are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants. Management believes that adjusted net income and related adjusted earnings per diluted share, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period growth, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business, and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly should not be considered as alternatives to net income or net income per share as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.

		(Unaudited)
		Three Months Ended
		April 4, 2021																March 29, 2020
		Income (Loss) Before Income Taxes				Provision For Income Taxes (a)				Net Income (Loss)				Diluted EPS				Loss Before Income Taxes				Benefit From Income Taxes (a)				Net Loss				Diluted EPS
Reported - GAAP		$	(756	)		$	1,333			$	(2,089	)		$	(0.08	)		$	(10,322	)		$	(3,005	)		$	(7,317	)		$	(0.29	)
Adjustments:
Non-general and administrative expense adjustments:
Income tax due to tax law change (a)		—				(563		)		563				0.02				—				1,603				(1,603		)		(0.06		)
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (b)		—				(555		)		555				0.02				—				(703		)		703				0.03
Impairment and other lease charges (c)		(122		)		(29		)		(93		)		—				4,233				1,012				3,221				0.13
Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income (d)		1,091				261				830				0.03				1,632				390				1,242				0.05
Other expense (income), net (e)		(38		)		(9		)		(29		)		—				908				217				691				0.03
Total non-general and administrative expense		931				(895		)		1,826				0.07				6,773				2,519				4,254				0.17
General and administrative expense adjustments:
Digital and brand repositioning costs (f)		575				137				438				0.02				219				52				167				0.01
Total general and administrative expense		575				137				438				0.02				219				52				167				0.01
Adjusted - Non-GAAP		$	750			$	575			$	175			$	0.01			$	(3,330	)		$	(434	)		$	(2,896	)		$	(0.11	)

(a)	The provision for (benefit from) income taxes related to the adjustments was calculated using the Company's combined federal statutory and estimated state rate of 23.9% for the periods ending April 4, 2021 and March 29, 2020. In the three months ended April 4, 2021, we recorded an out-of-period adjustment totaling $1.5 million related to tax depreciation on certain assets placed into service several years prior to the formation of Fiesta in 2011, of which $0.6 million is attributable to a change in tax rates as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into law. The CARES Act includes provisions that allow net operating losses in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back for up to five years and eliminates the 80% taxable income limitation on net operating loss deductions for 2018 through 2020. The CARES Act also includes technical amendments that are retroactive to 2018 which permit certain assets to be classified as qualified improvement property and expensed immediately. These changes allowed us to record an incremental benefit of $1.8 million in the three months ended March 29, 2020, which represents the impact of carrying net operating losses from 2018 and 2019 back to years with a higher federal corporate income tax rate.
(b)	For the three months ended April 4, 2021, we recorded adjustments totaling $0.6 million to our valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets primarily related to changes in our deferred income tax assets and the expected timing of the reversal of these temporary differences, which included a $0.9 million increase in our valuation allowance as a result of changes in our net deferred tax liabilities related to the out-of-period adjustment. We recorded an additional $0.7 million valuation allowance for the three months ended March 29, 2020, against deferred income tax assets where it was determined to be more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will not be realized through the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities.
(c)	Impairment and other lease charges for the three months ended April 4, 2021, consist of impairment charges of $0.1 million and other lease charges, net, of $(0.2) million. For the three months ended April 4, 2021, impairment charges related primarily to equipment from previously impaired and closed restaurants. For the three months ended April 4, 2021, other lease charges relate to gains from lease terminations.
	Impairment and other lease charges for the three months ended March 29, 2020, consist of impairment charges of $4.2 million and primarily relate to assets for two underperforming Taco Cabana restaurants that we continued to operate and three underperforming Pollo Tropical restaurants, two of which we closed in the third quarter of 2020.
(d)	Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income for the three months ended April 4, 2021, primarily consists of closed restaurant lease costs of $2.8 million partially offset by sublease income of $(1.7) million. Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income for the three months ended March 29, 2020, primarily consists of closed restaurant lease costs of $2.9 million partially offset by sublease income of $(1.2) million.
(e)	Other expense (income), net for the three months ended April 4, 2021, primarily consists of total gains of $(0.3) million on the sale-leaseback of two restaurant properties, partially offset by costs for the removal, transfer, and storage of equipment from closed restaurants and other closed restaurant related costs of $0.2 million. Other expense, net for the three months ended March 29, 2020, primarily consists of costs for the removal, transfer, and storage of equipment from closed restaurants and other closure related costs of $0.9 million.
(f)	Digital and brand repositioning costs for the three months ended April 4, 2021 and March 29, 2020, include consulting costs related to repositioning the digital experience for our customers.

 

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FAQ

What were Fiesta Restaurant Group's earnings for Q1 2021?

Fiesta Restaurant Group reported a net loss of $2.1 million for Q1 2021, with total revenues of $144.7 million.

How did Pollo Tropical perform in Q1 2021?

Pollo Tropical saw a 4.3% increase in comparable restaurant sales compared to Q1 2020.

What was the impact of Winter Storm Uri on Fiesta Restaurant Group?

Winter Storm Uri negatively impacted the company's EBITDA by approximately $1.9 million.

What is Fiesta Restaurant Group's stock symbol?

The stock symbol for Fiesta Restaurant Group is FRGI.

How did Taco Cabana perform in Q1 2021?

Taco Cabana's comparable restaurant sales decreased by 4.3% compared to Q1 2020, but it achieved a positive Adjusted EBITDA of $0.7 million.