(1) Organization and Other Matters

(2) Revenue

We primarily earn revenue at a point in time for sandwich shop sales which can occur in person at the shop, over our online or app platforms, or through a third-party platform. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenues and the obligation is included in accrued liabilities until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. We have other revenue generating activities outlined below.

Franchise Revenue

We earn an initial franchise fee, a franchise development agreement fee and ongoing royalty fees under our franchise agreements. Initial franchise fees are considered highly dependent upon and interrelated with the franchise right granted in the franchise agreement. As such, these franchise fees are recognized over the contractual term of the franchise agreement. We record a contract liability for the unearned portion of the initial franchise fees. Franchise development agreement fees represent the exclusivity rights for a geographical area paid by a third party to develop Potbelly shops for a certain period of time. Franchise development agreement fee payments received by us are recorded as deferred revenue in the consolidated balance sheet and amortized over the life of the franchise development agreement. Royalty fees are based on a percentage of sales and are recorded as revenue as the fees are earned and become receivable from the franchisee.

Gift Card Redemptions / Breakage Revenue

We sell gift cards to customers, record the sale as a contract liability and recognize the associated revenue as the gift card is redeemed. A portion of these gift cards are not redeemed by the customer, which is recognized by us as revenue as a percentage of customers gift card redemptions. The expected breakage amount recognized is determined by a historical data analysis on gift card redemption patterns.

We recognized gift card breakage income of $0.1 million and $0.1 million for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, and March 29, 2020, respectively, which is recorded within net sandwich shop sales in our condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Loyalty Program

During the second quarter of 2020, we implemented a new customer loyalty program for customers using the Potbelly Perks application at the point of sale. The customer will typically earn 10 points for every dollar spent in addition to any active promotions, and the customer will earn a free entrée after earning 1,000 points. We defer revenue associated with the estimated selling price of points earned by Potbelly Perks members towards free entrées as each point is earned, and a corresponding liability is established in deferred revenue. The deferral is based on the estimated value of the product for which the reward is expected to be redeemed, net of estimated unredeemed points. Once a customer earns a free entrée, that entrée reward will expire after 30 days. Any point in a customer’s account that does not go toward earning a full entrée will expire a year after the point is earned. When points are redeemed, we recognize revenue for the redeemed product and reduces deferred revenue.

(3) Fair Value Measurement

The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and all other current liabilities approximate fair values due to the short maturities of these balances.

We assess potential impairments to our long-lived assets, which includes property and equipment and lease right-of-use assets, on a quarterly basis or whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Shop-level assets and right-of-use assets are grouped at the individual shop-level for the purpose of the impairment assessment. Recoverability of an asset group is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset group to its estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to be generated by the asset group. If the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds its estimated undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment charge is recognized as the amount by which the carrying amount of the asset group exceeds the fair value of the asset group. The fair value of the shop assets is determined using the discounted future cash flow method of anticipated cash flows through the shop’s lease-end date using fair value measurement inputs classified as Level 3. The fair value of right-of-use assets is estimated using market comparative information for similar properties. Level 3 inputs are derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs or significant value drivers are unobservable. After performing a periodic review of our shops during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, it was determined that indicators of impairment were present for certain shops as a result of continued underperformance. We performed an impairment analysis related to these shops and recorded an impairment charge of $148 thousand for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021. The ultimate severity and longevity of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown, and therefore, it is possible that impairments could be identified in future periods, and such amounts could be material.

The book value of the long-term debt under the Credit Agreement, subsequently amended most recently as of February 26, 2021 and further discussed in Note 7, is considered to approximate its fair value as of March 28, 2020 as the interest rates are considered in line with current market rates.

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

Assets recognized or disclosed at fair value on the consolidated financial statements on a nonrecurring basis include items such as leasehold improvements, property and equipment, operating lease assets, goodwill, and other intangible assets. These assets are measured at fair value if determined to be impaired.

During the first quarter of 2021, we amended the lease for our corporate Support Center office in Chicago to relocate to a different office space within the same building. As a result of this relocation, the leasehold improvements of the original office space were disposed, resulting in a loss on disposal of $2.5 million based on the remaining net book value of those assets.

(4) Loss Per Share

Basic and diluted income per common share attributable to common stockholders are calculated using the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted income per common share attributable to common stockholders is computed by dividing the income allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of fully diluted common shares outstanding. In periods of a net loss, no potential common shares are included in diluted shares outstanding as the effect is anti-dilutive. For the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, we had a loss per share, and therefore potentially dilutive shares were excluded from the calculation.

(5) Income Taxes

The interim tax provision is determined using an estimated annual effective tax rate and is adjusted for discrete taxable events that occur during the quarter. We regularly assess the need for a valuation allowance related to our deferred tax assets, which includes consideration of both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of such deferred tax assets to determine, based on the weight of the available evidence, whether it is more-likely-than-not that some or all of our deferred tax assets will not be realized. In our assessment, we consider recent financial operating results, projected future taxable income, the reversal of existing taxable differences, and tax planning strategies. We recorded a full valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets during the first quarter of 2019, resulting in a non-cash charge to income tax expense of $13.6 million. We continue to maintain a valuation allowance against all of our deferred tax assets as of March 28, 2021. We did not provide for an income tax benefit on our pre-tax loss for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021 and March 29, 2020. We assess the likelihood of the realization of our deferred tax assets each quarter and the valuation allowance is adjusted accordingly.

On March 27, 2020, the CARES Act was enacted into law. The CARES Act is a tax and spending package intended to provide economic relief to address the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act includes several significant business tax provisions that, among other things, would eliminate the taxable income limit for certain NOLs and allow businesses to carry back NOLs arising in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to the five prior tax years, accelerate refunds of previously generated corporate AMT credits, loosen the business interest limitation under section 163(j), and fix the qualified improvement property regulations in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. As a result of the CARES Act, we estimated that we will be able to obtain a tax refund of $6.7 million from the carryback of NOLs and a refund of prior AMT credits. We received the entire amount of the refund during fiscal year 2020. We recognized $3.7 million of this income tax benefit during the first quarter of 2020.

(6) Leases

We determine if a contract contains a lease at inception. We lease retail shops, warehouse and office space under operating leases. For leases with renewal periods at our option, we determine the expected lease period based on whether the renewal of any options are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease.

Operating lease assets and liabilities are recognized at the lease commencement date. Operating lease liabilities represent the present value of lease payments not yet paid. Operating lease assets represent our right to use an underlying asset and are based upon the operating lease liabilities adjusted for prepayments or accrued lease payments, initial direct costs, lease incentives, and impairment of operating lease assets. To determine the present value of lease payments not yet paid, we estimate incremental secured borrowing rates corresponding to the maturities of the leases. We estimate this rate based on prevailing financial market conditions, comparable company and credit analysis, and management judgment.

We recognize expense for these leases on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Additionally, tenant incentives used to fund leasehold improvements are recognized when earned and reduce our right-of-use asset related to the lease. These are amortized through the right-of-use asset as reductions of expense over the lease term.

Beginning in fiscal year 2020, as a result of COVID-19, we held discussions with landlords regarding restructuring of our leases in light of various contractual and legal defenses and have subsequently entered into a total of 339 amendments with our respective landlords as of March 28, 2021. Under these amendments, certain rent payments have been abated, deferred or modified without penalty for various periods, generally covering two to four months of rent payments. During the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, we received concessions from certain landlords in the form of rent deferrals and abatements which were not substantial, and we have elected to not account for these rent concessions as lease modifications.

During the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, we terminated 2 leases. We incurred $0.2 million in lease termination fees related to these leases for the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021. Upon termination of leases during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, we derecognized ROU assets of $0.6 million and lease liabilities of $0.7 million that resulted in a net gain of $0.1 million that is recorded in impairment, loss on disposal of property and equipment and shop closures.

During the first quarter of 2021, we amended the lease for our corporate Support Center office in Chicago to relocate to a different office space within the same building. We accounted for this amendment as a lease modification which resulted in a decrease in the related right-of-use asset and lease liability of $2.7 million.

(7) Debt and Credit Facilities

(8) Restructuring

On November 3, 2020, as part of our COVID-related cost reduction efforts and to better align our general and administrative expenses with future strategy, we made the determination to reorganize and restructure our corporate team. We expect that this restructuring plan will result in annual general and administrative expense savings of $3.5 to $4.0 million. This was accomplished through corporate expense optimization, consolidating our shop support services, and through other expense and staff reductions. As a result, we reduced corporate employment levels by approximately 35 employees in the fourth quarter of 2020. We substantially completed our planned restructuring actions during 2020, but we will continue to evaluate our cost structure and seek opportunities for further efficiencies and cost savings as part of our ongoing strategy. As such, we may incur additional restructuring related charges or adjustments to previously recorded charges in the future, however, we are unable to estimate the amount of charges at this time.

(9) Capital Stock

On May 8, 2018, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program for up to $65.0 million of our outstanding common stock. The program permits us, from time to time, to purchase shares in the open market (including in pre-arranged stock trading plans in accordance with the guidelines specified in Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or in privately negotiated transactions. The number of common shares actually repurchased, and the timing and price of repurchases, will depend upon market conditions, SEC requirements and other factors. Purchases may be started or stopped at any time without prior notice depending on market conditions and other factors. For the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, we did not repurchase any shares of its common stock. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, we do not have plans to repurchase any common stock under our stock repurchase program at this time.

(10) Stock-Based Compensation

Stock options

We have awarded stock options to certain employees and certain non-employee members on our Board of Directors. The grants generally vest over a four-year period. The fair value of stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. There were no stock options granted during the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021.

Stock-based compensation related to stock options is measured at the grant date based on the calculated fair value of the award, and is recognized as expense over the requisite employee service period, which is generally the vesting period of the grant with a corresponding increase to additional paid-in capital. For the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options of $0.1 million. For the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2020, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to stock options of $0.2 million. As of March 28, 2021, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for stock options was $0.1 million, which will be recognized through fiscal year 2022. We record stock-based compensation expense within general and administrative expenses in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Restricted stock units

We award restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain employees and certain non-employee members on our Board of Directors. The Board of Director grants have a vesting schedule of 50% on the first anniversary of the grant date and 50% on the second anniversary of the grant date. The employee grants vest in one-third increments over a three-year period. For the 13 weeks ended March 28, 2021, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs of $0.1 million. For the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2020, we recognized stock-based compensation expense related to RSUs of $0.3 million. As of March 28, 2021, unrecognized stock-based compensation expense for RSUs was $1.9 million, which will be recognized though fiscal year 2023.

Performance stock units

We award performance share units (“PSUs”) to certain of its employees. The PSUs have certain vesting conditions based upon our financial performance or our stock price.

(11) Commitments and Contingencies

We are subject to legal proceedings, claims and liabilities, such as employment-related claims and slip and fall cases, which arise in the ordinary course of business and are generally covered by insurance. In the opinion of management, the amount of ultimate liability with respect to those actions should not have a material adverse impact on our financial position or results of operations and cash flows.

(12) Related Party Transactions

In connection with our sale of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock in February 2021 in a private placement, certain of our stockholders that owned greater than 5% of our outstanding shares prior to the closing of the private placement purchased shares of common stock and warrants to purchase common stock on the same terms as the other shares and warrants that were offered and sold in the offering. The purchasers included the following stockholders, none of which owned more than 8.5% of our outstanding common stock prior to the closing of the private placement: 201,514 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 80,605 shares of common stock were purchased by 180 Degree Capital Corp., for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.0 million and 164,875 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 65,950 shares of common stock were purchased by B&W Pension Trust (of which 180 Degree Capital Corp. is the investment advisor and may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of such shares), for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $0.8 million; 223,904 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 89,561 shares of common stock were purchased by Agman Investments LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.1 million; 366,389 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 146,555 shares of common stock were purchased by funds controlled by Ancora Holdings Inc., for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $1.8 million; 193,372 shares of common stock and warrants to purchase 77,348 shares of common stock were purchased by Chain of Lakes Investment Fund, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $0.9 million; and 407,099 shares of common stock were purchased by Intrinsic Investment Holdings, LLC, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $2.0 million.