Edgar Filing: ARK RESTAURANTS CORP

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 AND 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017
or,
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 13 AND 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File No. 1-09453

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)

New York		13-3156768
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)

85 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY	10003
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 206-8800

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 $.01 per share		The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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 x

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 x

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 x No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulations S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x 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 amendments to this Form 10-K. o

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 the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer o	Accelerated filer o

Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller Reporting Company x

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o No x

As of April 1, 2017, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of voting and non-voting stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant was $49,087,335.

At December 18, 2017, there were outstanding 3,434,181 shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $.01 par value.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

(1) In accordance with General Instruction G (3) of Form 10-K, certain information required by Part III hereof will either be incorporated into this Form 10-K by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the registrant’s 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders filed within 120 days of September 30, 2017 or will be included in an amendment to this Form 10-K filed within 120 days of September 30, 2017.

PART I

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

On one or more occasions, we may make statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K regarding our assumptions, projections, expectations, targets, intentions or beliefs about future events. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, included or incorporated by reference herein relating to management’s current expectations of future financial performance, continued growth and changes in economic conditions or capital markets are 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.

Words or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “predicts,” “projects,” “targets,” “will likely result,” “hopes,” “will continue” or similar expressions identify forward looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed. We caution that while we make such statements in good faith and we believe such statements are based on reasonable assumptions, including without limitation, management’s examination of historical operating trends, data contained in records and other data available from third parties, we cannot assure you that our projections will be achieved. Factors that may cause such differences include: economic conditions generally and in each of the markets in which we are located, the amount of sales contributed by new and existing restaurants, labor costs for our personnel, fluctuations in the cost of food products, adverse weather conditions, changes in consumer preferences and the level of competition from existing or new competitors.

We have attempted to identify, in context, certain of the factors that we believe may cause actual future experience and results to differ materially from our current expectation regarding the relevant matter or subject area. In addition to the items specifically discussed above, our business, results of operations and financial position and your investment in our common stock are subject to the risks and uncertainties described in “Item 1A Risk Factors” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

From time to time, oral or written forward-looking statements are also included in our reports on Forms 10-K, 10-K/A, 10-Q, 10-Q/A and 8-K, our Schedule 14A, our press releases and other materials released to the public. Although we believe that at the time made, the expectations reflected in all of these forward-looking statements are and will be reasonable; any or all of the forward-looking statements in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, our reports on Forms 10-Q, 10-Q/A and 8-K, our Schedule 14A and any other public statements that are made by us may prove to be incorrect. This may occur as a result of inaccurate assumptions or as a consequence of known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors discussed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, certain of which are beyond our control, will be important in determining our future performance. Consequently, actual results may differ materially from those that might be anticipated from forward-looking statements. In light of these and other uncertainties, you should not regard the inclusion of a forward-looking statement in this Annual Report on Form 10-K or other public communications that we might make as a representation by us that our plans and objectives will be achieved, and you should not place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. However, your attention is directed to any further disclosures made on related subjects in our subsequent periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Forms 10-Q and 8-K and Schedule 14A.

Unless the context requires otherwise, references to “we,” “us,” “our,” “ARKR” and the “Company” refer specifically to Ark Restaurants Corp. and its subsidiaries, partnerships, variable interest entities and predecessor entities.

Item 1.

Business

Overview

We are a New York corporation formed in 1983. As of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, we owned and/or operated 20 restaurants and bars, 19 fast food concepts and catering operations through our subsidiaries. Initially our facilities were located only in New York City. As of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, five of our restaurant and bar facilities are located in New York City, two are located in Washington, D.C., five are located in Las Vegas, Nevada, three are located in Atlantic City, New Jersey, one is located in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Massachusetts, two are located on the east coast of Florida and two are located on the gulf coast of Alabama.

In addition to the shift from a Manhattan-based operation to a multi-city operation, the nature of the facilities operated by us has shifted from smaller, neighborhood restaurants to larger, destination properties intended to benefit from high patron traffic attributable to the uniqueness of the location. Most of our properties which have been opened in recent years are of the latter description. As of the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017, these include the operations at the 12 fast food facilities in Tampa, Florida and Hollywood, Florida (2004); the Gallagher’s Steakhouse and Gallagher’s Burger Bar in the Resorts Atlantic City Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey (2005); Durgin Park Restaurant and the Black Horse Tavern in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace in Boston, Massachusetts (2007); Yolos at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada (2007); Robert at the Museum of Arts & Design at Columbus Circle in Manhattan (2010); Broadway Burger Bar and Grill at the New York New York Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada (2011); Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine in Manhattan (2012); Broadway Burger Bar and Grill in the Quarter at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey (2013), The Rustic Inn in Dania Beach, Florida (2014), Shuckers in Jensen Beach, Florida (2016) and two Original Oyster Houses, one in Gulf Shores, Alabama and one in Spanish Fort, Alabama (2017).

The names and themes of each of our restaurants are different except for our two Gallagher’s Steakhouse restaurants, two Broadway Burger Bar and Grill restaurants, and two Original Oyster House restaurants. The menus in our restaurants are extensive, offering a wide variety of high-quality foods at generally moderate prices. The atmosphere at many of the restaurants is lively and extremely casual. Most of the restaurants have separate bar areas, are open seven days a week and most serve lunch as well as dinner. A majority of our net sales are derived from dinner as opposed to lunch service.

While decor differs from restaurant to restaurant, interiors are marked by distinctive architectural and design elements which often incorporate dramatic interior open spaces and extensive glass exteriors. The wall treatments, lighting and decorations are typically vivid, unusual and, in some cases, highly theatrical.

The following table sets forth the restaurant properties we lease, own and operate as of September 30, 2017:

Name	Location	Year Opened(1)		Restaurant Size (Square Feet)		Seating Capacity(2) Indoor- (Outdoor)			Lease Expiration(3)

Sequoia	Washington Harbour Washington, D.C.		1990		26,000		600	(400)		2032

Bryant Park Grill & Café(4)	Bryant Park New York, New York		1995		25,000		180	(820)		2025

America(5)	New York-New York Hotel and Casino Las Vegas, Nevada		1997		20,000		450			2023

Gallagher’s Steakhouse(5)	New York-New York Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada		1997		5,500		260			2023

Gonzalez y Gonzalez(5)	New York-New York Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada		1997		2,000		120			2021

Village Eateries (5)(6)	New York-New York Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, Nevada		1997		6,300		400	(*)		2021

Robert	Museum of Arts & Design New York, New York		2009		5,530		150			2035

Thunder Grill	Union Station Washington, D.C.		1999		10,000		500			2019

Gallagher’s Steakhouse	Resorts Atlantic City Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey		2005		6,280		196			2020

Gallagher’s Burger Bar	Resorts Atlantic City Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey		2005		2,270		114			2020

Name	Location	Year Opened(1)		Restaurant Size (Square Feet)		Seating Capacity(2) Indoor- (Outdoor)			Lease Expiration(3)

Durgin Park Restaurant and the Black Horse Tavern	Faneuil Hall Marketplace Boston, Massachusetts		2007		18,500		575			2032

Yolos	Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino Las Vegas, Nevada		2007		4,100		206			2026

Clyde Frazier’s Wine and Dine	Tenth Avenue (between 37^th and 38^th Streets) New York, New York		2012		10,000		250			2032

Broadway Burger Bar and Grill	Tropicana Hotel and Casino Atlantic City, New Jersey		2013		6,825		225			2033

The Rustic Inn	Dania Beach, Florida		2014		16,150		575	(75)		Owned

Southwest Porch (7)	Bryant Park New York, New York		2015		2,240		0	(160)		2025

Shuckers	Jensen Beach, Florida		2016		7,310		220	(170)		Owned

The Original Oyster House	Gulf Shores, Alabama		2017		9,230		300			Owned

The Original Oyster House	Spanish Fort, Alabama		2017		10,500		420			Owned

(1)	Restaurants are, from time to time, renovated, renamed and/or converted from or to managed or owned facilities. “Year Opened” refers to the year in which we, or an affiliated predecessor of us, first opened, acquired or began managing a restaurant at the applicable location, notwithstanding that the restaurant may have been renovated, renamed and/or converted from or to a managed or owned facility since that date.

(2)	Seating capacity refers to the seating capacity of the indoor part of a restaurant available for dining in all seasons and weather conditions. Outdoor seating capacity, if applicable, is set forth in parentheses and refers to the seating capacity of terraces and sidewalk cafes which are available for dining only in the warm seasons and then only inclement weather.

(3)	Assumes the exercise of all of our available lease renewal options.

(4)	The lease governing a substantial portion of the outside seating area of this restaurant expires on April 30, 2019.

(5)	Under the America lease, the sales goal is $6.0 million. Under the Gallagher’s Steakhouse lease the sales goal is $3.0 million. Under the lease for Gonzalez y Gonzalez and the Village Eateries, the combined sales goal is $10.0 million. Each of the restaurants is currently operating at a level in excess of the minimum sales level required to exercise the renewal option for each respective restaurant.

(6)	We operate six small food court restaurants and one full-service restaurant in the Village Eateries food court at the New York-New York Hotel & Casino. We also operate that hotel’s room service, banquet facilities and employee cafeteria.

(7)	This location is for a kiosk located at Bryant Park, New York, NY and all seating is outdoors.

(*)	Represents common area seating.

The following table sets forth our less than wholly-owned properties that are managed by us, which have been consolidated as of September 30, 2017 – see Notes 1 and 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements:

Name	Location	Year Opened(1)		Restaurant Size (Square Feet)		Seating Capacity(2) Indoor- (Outdoor)			Lease Expiration(3)

El Rio Grande (4)(5)	Third Avenue (between 38^th and 39^th Streets) New York, New York		1987		4,000		160			2024

Tampa Food Court(6)(7)	Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Tampa, Florida		2004		4,000		250	(*)		2029

Hollywood Food Court(6)(7)	Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood, Florida		2004		5,000		250	(*)		2029

Lucky Seven(6)	Foxwoods Resort Casino Ledyard, Connecticut		2006		4,825		4,000	(**)		2026

(1)	Restaurants are, from time to time, renovated, renamed and/or converted from or to managed or owned facilities. “Year Opened” refers to the year in which we, or an affiliated predecessor of us, first opened, acquired or began managing a restaurant at the applicable location, notwithstanding that the restaurant may have been renovated, renamed and/or converted from or to a managed or owned facility since that date.

(2)	Seating capacity refers to the seating capacity of the indoor part of a restaurant available for dining in all seasons and weather conditions. Outdoor seating capacity, if applicable, is set forth in parentheses and refers to the seating capacity of terraces and sidewalk cafes which are available for dining only in the warm seasons and then only inclement weather.

(3)	Assumes the exercise of all our available lease renewal options.

(4)	Management fees earned, which have been eliminated in consolidation, are based on a percentage of cash flow of the restaurant.

(5)	We own a 19.2% interest in the partnership that owns El Rio Grande.

(6)	Management fees earned, which have been eliminated in consolidation, are based on a percentage of gross sales of the restaurant.

(7)	We own a 64.4% interest in the partnership that owns the Tampa and Hollywood Food Courts.

(*)	Represents common area seating.

(**)	Represents number of seats in the Bingo Hall.

Leases

We are currently not committed to any significant projects; however, we may take advantage of opportunities we consider to be favorable, when they occur, depending upon the availability of financing and other factors.

Restaurant Expansion

On October 22, 2015, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ark Shuckers, LLC and Ark Shuckers Real Estate, LLC, acquired the assets of Shuckers Inc., a restaurant and bar located at the Island Beach Resort in Jensen Beach, FL, and six condominium units (four of which house the restaurant and bar operations). In addition, Ark Island Beach Resort LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired Island Beach Resort Inc., a management company that administers a rental pool of certain condominium units under lease. The total purchase price was $5,717,000. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan in the amount of $5,000,000 and cash from operations.

On November 30, 2016, the Company, through newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiaries, acquired the assets of the Original Oyster House, Inc., a restaurant and bar located in the City of Gulf Shores, Baldwin County, Alabama and the related real estate and an adjacent retail shopping plaza and the Original Oyster House II, Inc., a restaurant and bar located in the City of Spanish Fort, Baldwin County, Alabama and the related real estate. The total purchase price was for $10,750,000 plus inventory of approximately $293,000. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan from the Company’s existing lender in the amount of $8,000,000 and cash from operations.

The opening of a new restaurant is invariably accompanied by substantial pre-opening expenses and early operating losses associated with the training of personnel, excess kitchen costs, costs of supervision and other expenses during the pre-opening period and during a post-opening “shake out” period until operations can be considered to be functioning normally. The amount of such pre-opening expenses and early operating losses can generally be expected to depend upon the size and complexity of the facility being opened.

Our restaurants generally do not achieve substantial increases in revenue from year to year, which we consider to be typical of the restaurant industry. To achieve significant increases in revenue or to replace revenue of restaurants that lose customer favor or which close because of lease expirations or other reasons, we would have to open additional restaurant facilities or expand existing restaurants. There can be no assurance that a restaurant will be successful after it is opened, particularly since in many instances we do not operate our new restaurants under a trade name currently used by us, thereby requiring new restaurants to establish their own identity.

Investment in New Meadowlands Racetrack

On March 12, 2013, the Company made a $4,200,000 investment in the New Meadowlands Racetrack LLC (“NMR”) through its purchase of a membership interest in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, an existing member of NMR. On November 19, 2013, the Company invested an additional $464,000 in NMR through a purchase of an additional membership interest in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC resulting in a total ownership of 11.6% of Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, and an effective ownership interest in NMR of 7.4%, subject to dilution. In 2015, the Company invested an additional $222,000 in NMR with no change in ownership. In February 2017 the Company funded its proportionate share ($222,000) of a $3,000,000 capital call bringing its total investment to $5,108,000 with no change in ownership.

In addition to the Company’s ownership interest in NMR, if casino gaming is approved at the Meadowlands and NMR is granted the right to conduct said gaming, the Company shall be granted the exclusive right to operate the food and beverage concessions in the gaming facility with the exception of one restaurant. The voter referendum for casino gaming in Northern New Jersey was defeated in November 2016. State law prohibits the issue from being put on the ballot before voters for the following two years.

In conjunction with this investment, the Company, through a 98% owned subsidiary, Ark Meadowlands LLC (“AM VIE”), also entered into a long-term agreement with NMR for the exclusive right to operate food and beverage concessions serving the new raceway facilities (the “Racing F&B Concessions”) located in the new raceway grandstand constructed at the Meadowlands Racetrack in northern New Jersey. Under the agreement, NMR is responsible to pay for the costs and expenses incurred in the operation of the Racing F&B Concessions, and all revenues and profits thereof inure to the benefit of NMR. AM VIE receives an annual fee equal to 5% of the net profits received by NMR from the Racing F&B Concessions during each calendar year.

Recent Restaurant Dispositions and Charges

Lease Expirations – On November 30, 2015, the Company’s lease at the V-Bar located at the Venetian Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV expired. The closure of this property did not result in a material charge.

The Company was advised by the landlord that it would have to vacate the Center Café property located at Union Station in Washington, DC which was on a month-to-month lease. The closure of this property occurred in February 2016 and did not result in a material charge.

The Company was advised by the landlord that it would have to vacate The Grill at Two Trees property at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Ledyard, CT, which had a no rent lease. The closure of this property occurred on January 1, 2017 and did not result in a material charge.

Other – On November 18, 2016, Ark Jupiter RI, LLC (“Ark Jupiter”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a ROFR Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “ROFR”) with SCFRC-HWG, LLC, the landlord (the “Seller”) to purchase the land and building in which the Company operates its Rustic Inn location in Jupiter, Florida. The Seller had entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with a third party to sell the premises; however, Ark Jupiter’s lease provided the Company with a right of first refusal to

purchase the property. Ark Jupiter exercised the ROFR on October 4, 2016 and made a ten (10%) percent deposit on the purchase price of approximately Five Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,200,000). Concurrent with the execution of the ROFR, Ark Jupiter entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with 1065 A1A, LLC to sell this same property for Eight Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($8,250,000). In connection with the sale, Ark Jupiter and 1065 A1A, LLC entered into a temporary lease and sub-lease arrangement which expired on July 18, 2017. The Company vacated the space in June. In connection with these transactions the Company recognized a gain in the amount of $1,637,000.

The Company transferred its lease and the related assets of Canyon Road located in New York, NY to a former employee. In connection with this transfer, the Company recognized an impairment loss included in depreciation and amortization expense in the amount of $75,000.

Restaurant Management

Each restaurant is managed by its own manager and has its own chef. Food products and other supplies are purchased primarily from various unaffiliated suppliers, in most cases by our headquarter’s personnel. Each of our restaurants has two or more assistant managers and sous chefs (assistant chefs). Financial and management control is maintained at the corporate level through the use of automated systems that include centralized accounting and reporting.

Purchasing and Distribution

We strive to obtain quality menu ingredients, raw materials and other supplies and services for our operations from reliable sources at competitive prices. Substantially all menu items are prepared on each restaurant’s premises daily from scratch, using fresh ingredients. Each restaurant’s management determines the quantities of food and supplies required and then orders the items from local, regional and national suppliers on terms negotiated by our centralized purchasing staff. Restaurant-level inventories are maintained at a minimum dollar-value level in relation to sales due to the relatively rapid turnover of the perishable produce, poultry, meat, fish and dairy commodities that are used in operations.

We attempt to negotiate short-term and long-term supply agreements depending on market conditions and expected demand. However, we do not contract for long periods of time for our fresh commodities such as produce, poultry, meat, fish and dairy items and, consequently, such commodities can be subject to unforeseen supply and cost fluctuations. Independent foodservice distributors deliver most food and supply items daily to restaurants. The financial impact of the termination of any such supply agreements would not have a material adverse effect on our financial position.

Employees

At December 18, 2017, we employed 2,034 persons (including employees at managed facilities), 1,322 of whom were full-time employees, and 712 of whom were part-time employees; 52 of whom were headquarters personnel, 92 of whom were restaurant management personnel, 1,369 of whom were kitchen personnel and 521 of whom were restaurant service personnel. A number of our restaurant service personnel are employed on a part-time basis. Changes in minimum wage levels may adversely affect our labor costs and the restaurant industry generally because a large percentage of restaurant personnel are paid at or slightly above the minimum wage. Our employees are not covered by any collective bargaining agreements.

Government Regulation

We are subject to various federal, state and local laws affecting our business. Each restaurant is subject to licensing and regulation by a number of governmental authorities that may include alcoholic beverage control, health, sanitation, environmental, zoning and public safety agencies in the state or municipality in which the restaurant is located. Difficulties in obtaining or failures to obtain the required licenses or approvals could delay or prevent the development and openings of new restaurants, or could disrupt the operations of existing 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 licenses and permits 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 ages of patrons and employees consuming or serving such beverages; employee alcoholic beverages training and certification requirements; hours of operation; advertising; wholesale purchasing and inventory control of such beverages; seating of minors and the service of food within our bar areas; and the storage and dispensing of alcoholic beverages. State and local authorities in many jurisdictions routinely monitor compliance with alcoholic beverage laws. The failure to receive or retain, or a delay in obtaining, a liquor license for a particular restaurant could adversely affect our ability to obtain such licenses in jurisdictions where the failure to receive or retain, or a delay in obtaining, a liquor license occurred.

We are subject to “dram-shop” statutes in most of the states in which we have operations, which generally provide a person 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. A settlement or judgment against us under a “dram-shop” statute in excess of liability coverage could have a material adverse effect on our operations.

Various federal and state labor laws govern our operations and our relationship with employees, including such matters as minimum wages, breaks, overtime, fringe benefits, safety, working conditions and citizenship requirements. We are also subject to the regulations of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. If our employees do not meet federal citizenship or residency requirements, their deportation could lead to a disruption in our work force. Significant government-imposed increases in minimum wages, paid leaves of absence and mandated health benefits, or increased tax reporting, assessment or payment requirements related to employees who receive gratuities could be detrimental to our profitability.

Our facilities must comply with the applicable requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”) and related state statutes. The ADA prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability with respect to public accommodations and employment. Under the ADA and related state laws, when constructing new restaurants or undertaking significant remodeling of existing restaurants, we must make them more readily accessible to disabled persons.

The New York State Liquor Authority must approve any transaction in which a shareholder of the licensee increases his holdings to 10% or more of the outstanding capital stock of the licensee and any transaction involving 10% or more of the outstanding capital stock of the licensee.

Seasonal Nature of Business

Our business is highly seasonal. The second quarter of our fiscal year, consisting of the non-holiday portion of the cold weather season in New York and Washington (January, February and March), is the poorest performing quarter. We achieve our best results during the warm weather, attributable to our

extensive outdoor dining availability, particularly at Bryant Park in New York and Sequoia in Washington, D.C. (our largest restaurants) and our outdoor cafes. However, even during summer months these facilities can be adversely affected by unusually cool or rainy weather conditions. Our facilities in Las Vegas generally operate on a more consistent basis throughout the year.

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

The following are the most significant risk factors applicable to us:

RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS

We are dependent upon key personnel and may not be able to attract qualified personnel in the future.

We are dependent upon the continued services of Michael Weinstein, our Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, and a number of key management and other team members who have significant influence over the Company’s business strategy and managerial decisions. The Company does not have an employment agreement with Mr. Weinstein. The loss of Mr. Weinstein’s services or other key personnel, or limitations on their involvement with the Company, could have a material adverse effect on our business or operating results. We do not maintain key person life insurance on any officers of the Company.

Failure of our existing or new restaurants to achieve expected results could have a negative impact on our revenues and performance results.

Performance results currently achieved by our restaurants may not be indicative of longer term performance or the potential market acceptance of restaurants in new locations. We cannot be assured that new restaurants that we open will have similar operating results as existing restaurants. New restaurants take several months or longer to reach expected operating levels due to inefficiencies typically associated with new restaurants, including lack of market awareness, inability to hire sufficient staff and other factors. The failure of our existing or new restaurants to perform as predicted could negatively impact our revenues and results of operations.

Our unfamiliarity with new markets may present risks, which could have a material adverse effect on our future growth and profitability.

Due to higher operating costs caused by temporary inefficiencies typically associated with expanding into new regions and opening new restaurants, such as lack of market awareness and acceptance and limited availability of experienced staff, continued expansion may result in an increase in our operating costs. New markets may have different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns than our existing markets, which may cause our restaurants in these new markets to be less successful than our restaurants in our existing markets. We cannot assure you that restaurants in new markets will be successful.

Factors beyond our control could adversely affect our ability to open new restaurants efficiently, which could cause our operations and financial condition to suffer. These factors include, but are not limited to:

	--	Selection and availability of suitable restaurant sites;

	--	Negotiation of acceptable lease or purchase terms for such sites;

	--	Negotiation of reasonable construction contracts and adequate supervision of construction;

	--	Our ability to secure required governmental permits and approvals for both construction and operation;

	--	Availability of adequate capital;

	--	General economic conditions; and

	--	Adverse weather conditions.

We may not be successful in addressing these factors, which could adversely affect our ability to open new restaurants on a timely basis, or at all. Delays in opening or failures to open new restaurants could cause our business, results of operations and financial condition to suffer.

Increases in the minimum wage may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Many of our employees are subject to various minimum wage requirements. Many of our restaurants are located in states where the minimum wage was recently increased and in other states in which increases are scheduled or are being considered. In addition, increases in the minimum wage to $15 per hour may result in further increases in wages to all restaurant workers. Accordingly, there likely will be additional increases implemented in jurisdictions in which we operate or seek to operate. These minimum wage increases may cause us to raise our prices which, in turn, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Mandatory paid leave and unpaid leave may have a material adverse effect on our business and financial results.

Starting January 1, 2018, most workers will be able to take up to eight (8) weeks (increasing in New York and other areas to twelve (12) weeks in 2021) of job provided paid leave for childbirth, care for a seriously ill family member or needs related to a family member’s military deployment. These additional expenses may cause us to raise our prices. In certain geographic areas which cannot absorb such increases, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition; results of operations and/or cash flows.

Ark provides unpaid leave for employees for covered family and medical reasons, including childbirth, to the extent required by the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1933, as amended, and applicable state laws. To the extent we need to hire additional employees or pay overtime for such employees on leave, this would be an added expense which could adversely affect our results of operations.

Our ability to compete with non-tipping restaurants may be adversely affected.

Certain restaurants in areas in which we operate have eliminated tipping and more restaurants may decide to follow suit. We have not implemented such a policy and cannot estimate the effect such change may

have on our operations. In the event we are forced to compete and raise our prices to provide for gratuities, this may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial conditions, results of operations or cash flows.

Disruptions in the overall economy may adversely impact our business.

Our ability to generate revenue depends significantly on discretionary consumer spending. Any weakness in discretionary consumer spending could have a material adverse effect on our revenues, results of operations and financial condition.

The restaurant industry has been affected by economic factors, including the deterioration of national, regional and local economic conditions, high unemployment levels, and shifts in consumer spending patterns. Disruptions in the overall economy have reduced, and may continue to reduce, consumer confidence in the economy, negatively affecting consumer restaurant spending, which could be harmful to our financial position and results of operations. As a result, decreased cash flow generated from our business may adversely affect our financial position and our ability to fund our operations.

Future changes in financial accounting standards may cause adverse unexpected operating results and affect our reported results of operations.

Changes in accounting standards can have a significant effect on our reported results and may affect our reporting of transactions completed before the change is effective. New pronouncements and varying interpretations of pronouncements have occurred and may occur in the future. See Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements related to recently adopted accounting standards.

Changes to existing rules or differing interpretations with respect to our current practices may adversely affect our reported financial results.

Our profitability is dependent in large measure on food, beverage and supply costs which are not within our control.

Our profitability is dependent in large measure on our ability to anticipate and react to changes in food, beverage and supply costs. Various factors beyond our control, including climate changes and government regulations, may affect food and beverage costs. Specifically, our dependence on frequent, timely deliveries of fresh beef, poultry, seafood and produce subjects us to the risks of possible shortages or interruptions in supply caused by adverse weather, food contamination and related recalls or other conditions, which could adversely affect the availability and cost of any such items. We cannot assure you that we will be able to anticipate or react to increasing food and supply costs in the future. The failure to react to these increases could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Rising insurance costs could negatively impact profitability.

The cost of insurance (workers compensation insurance, general liability insurance, property insurance, health insurance and directors and officers liability insurance) has risen significantly over the past few years and is expected to continue to increase. These increases, as well as potential state legislation requirements for employers to provide health insurance to employees, could have a negative impact on our profitability if we are not able to negate the effect of such increases with plan modifications and cost control measures or by continuing to improve our operating efficiencies.

Adverse weather conditions and natural disasters could adversely affect our restaurant sales.

Adverse weather conditions can impact guest traffic at our restaurants, cause the temporary underutilization of outdoor patio seating and, in more severe cases such as hurricanes, tornadoes or other natural disasters, cause temporary closures, sometimes for prolonged periods, which would negatively impact our restaurant sales. Our restaurants have previously been adversely affected by the flooding caused from Hurricane Sandy as well as other adverse weather conditions. Several of our newest restaurants are located on the East Coast of Florida and on the Gulf Coast of Alabama in low lying areas prone to flooding. Changes in weather could result in construction delays, interruptions to the availability of utilities, and shortages or interruptions in the supply of food items and other supplies, which could increase our costs. Some climatologists predict that the long-term effects of climate change and global warming may result in more severe, volatile weather or extended droughts, which could increase the frequency and duration of weather impacts on our operations.

Compliance with existing and new regulations of corporate governance and public disclosure may result in additional expenses.

Compliance with changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure, including the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd-Frank Act, new SEC regulations and NASDAQ Stock Market rules, has required an increased amount of management attention and external resources. We are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and public disclosure. This investment, required to comply with these changing regulations, may result in increased general and administrative expenses and a diversion of management time and attention from revenue-generating activities to compliance activities.

Intense competition in the restaurant industry could prevent us from increasing or sustaining our revenues and profitability.

The restaurant industry is intensely competitive with respect to food quality, price-value relationships, ambiance, service and location, and many restaurants compete with us at each of our locations. There are a number of well-established competitors with substantially greater financial, marketing, personnel and other resources than ours, and many of our competitors are well established in the markets where we have restaurants, or in which we intend to locate restaurants. Additionally, other companies may develop restaurants that operate with similar concepts.

Any inability to successfully compete with the other restaurants in our markets will prevent us from increasing or sustaining our revenues and profitability and result in a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. We may also need to modify or refine elements of our restaurant system to evolve our concepts in order to compete with popular new restaurant formats or concepts that may develop in the future. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in implementing these modifications or that these modifications will not reduce our profitability.

Many of our operations are located in casinos and our success is dependent on the success of those casinos.

The success of the business of our restaurants located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Tampa and Hollywood, Florida, and Ledyard, Connecticut is substantially dependent on the success of the casinos in which the Company operates in these locations to attract customers for themselves and for our restaurants. In particular, casinos in Atlantic City have experienced a significant decline in revenues in recent years as a result of the economic downturn, Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and the fact that numerous casinos have opened in other locations in the Eastern United States. Five of the twelve casinos in Atlantic

City have closed. Although the Company did not operate any restaurants in the casinos that closed and the Company’s restaurants in Atlantic City actually experienced an increase in sales of approximately 7.9% from fiscal 2016 to fiscal 2017, the downturn affecting Atlantic City casinos and tourism in general could have a material adverse effect on our restaurants in the city.

As more states approve casino gambling, our business in casinos in existing geographic regions may continue to decline. The successful operation of the casinos in these locations is subject to various risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to:

	--	The risk associated with governmental approvals of gaming;

	--	The risk of a change in laws regulating gaming operations;

	--	Operating in a limited market;

	--	Competitive risks relating to casino operations; and

	--	Risks of terrorism and war.

There can be no assurance casino gambling will ever be approved at New Meadowlands Racetrack.

The Company has invested an aggregate of $5,108,000 in the New Meadowlands Racetrack (“NMR”) through its investment in Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, an existing member of NMR to which it has also loaned $1,700,000. The Company has the exclusive right to operate the food and beverage concessions in a casino at NMR if casino gambling is approved. A November 2016 referendum to approve two new casinos in Northern New Jersey was defeated. The issue cannot be voted upon for the following two years, but it is unlikely to be on the ballot in November 2018 if ever. As a result, the Company expects it will be subject to additional capital calls in the future that it can either participate in or have its interest diluted. There can be no assurance that a casino will be approved at NMR with Meadowlands Newmark LLC being granted the right to conduct gambling at such a casino at any time in the future.

The restaurant industry is affected by changes in consumer preferences and discretionary spending patterns that could result in a reduction in our revenues.

We continuously need to monitor and to modify our restaurants’ menus, for changes in consumer preferences. These changes may cause us to lose customers, who are less satisfied with such modified menu, and we may not be able to attract a new customer base to generate the necessary revenues to maintain our income from restaurant operations. A change in our menus may also result in us having different competitors. We may not be able to successfully compete against established competitors in the general restaurant market. Our success also depends on various factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, including economic conditions, disposable consumer income and consumer confidence. Adverse changes in these factors could reduce our customer base and spending patterns, either of which could reduce our revenues and results of operations.

Our geographic concentrations could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We currently operate in eight regions, New York City, Washington, D.C., Las Vegas, Nevada, Florida, Atlantic City, New Jersey, Ledyard, Connecticut, Gulf Shores, Alabama and Boston, Massachusetts. As a result, we are particularly susceptible to adverse trends and economic conditions in these markets, including its labor market, which could have a negative impact on our profitability as a whole. In addition, given our geographic concentration, negative publicity regarding any of our restaurants could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition, as could

other regional occurrences such as acts of terrorism, local strikes, natural disasters or changes in laws or regulations.

Our operating results may fluctuate significantly due to seasonality and other factors beyond our control.

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, which may vary greatly depending upon the region of the United States in which a particular restaurant is located. In addition to seasonality, our quarterly and annual operating results and comparable unit sales may fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to:

	--	The amount of sales contributed by new and existing restaurants;

	--	The timing of new openings and closings;

	--	Increases in the cost of key food or beverage products;

	--	Labor costs for our personnel;

	--	Our ability to achieve and sustain profitability on a quarterly or annual basis;

	--	Adverse weather;

	--	Consumer confidence and changes in consumer preferences;

	--	Health concerns, including adverse publicity concerning food-related illnesses;

	--	The level of competition from existing or new competitors;

	--	Economic conditions generally and in each of the markets in which we are located; and

	--	Acceptance of a new or modified concept in each of the new markets in which we could be located.

These fluctuations make it difficult for us to predict and address in a timely manner factors that may have a negative impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Our expansion may strain our infrastructure, which could slow restaurant development.

The Company has recently expanded its operations in the States of Florida and Alabama, where we have not previously done business. This and any further expansion may place a strain on our management systems, financial controls, and information systems. To manage growth effectively, we must maintain the high level of quality and service at our existing and future restaurants. We must also continue to enhance our operational, information, financial and management systems and locate, hire, train and retain qualified personnel, particularly restaurant managers. We cannot predict whether we will be able to respond on a timely basis to all of the changing demands that any expansion will impose on management and those systems and controls. If we are not able to effectively manage any one or more of these or other aspects of expansion, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

Our inability to retain key personnel could negatively impact our business.

Our success will continue to be highly dependent on our key operating officers and employees. We must continue to attract, retain and motivate a sufficient number of qualified management and operating personnel, including general managers and chefs. The ability of these key personnel to maintain consistency in the quality and atmosphere of our restaurants is a critical factor in our success. Any failure to do so may harm our reputation and result in a loss of business.

We could face labor shortages, increased labor costs and other adverse effects of varying labor conditions.

The development and success of our restaurants depend, in large part, on the efforts, abilities, experience and reputations of the general managers and chefs at such restaurants. In addition, our success depends, in part, upon our ability to attract, motivate and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including restaurant managers, kitchen staff and wait staff. Qualified individuals needed to fill these positions are in short supply and the inability to recruit and retain such individuals may delay the planned openings of new restaurants or result in high employee turnover in existing restaurants. A significant delay in finding qualified employees or high turnover of existing employees could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Also, competition for qualified employees could require us to pay higher wages to attract sufficient qualified employees, which could result in higher, labor costs. In addition, increases in the minimum hourly wage, employment tax rates and levies, related benefits costs, including health insurance, and similar matters over which we have no control may increase our operating costs.

Unanticipated costs or delays in the development or construction of future restaurants could prevent our timely and cost-effective opening of new restaurants.

We depend on contractors and real estate developers to construct our restaurants. Many factors may adversely affect the cost and time associated with the development and construction of our restaurants, including, but not limited to:

	--	Labor disputes;

	--	Shortages of materials or skilled labor;

	--	Adverse weather conditions;

	--	Unforeseen engineering problems;

	--	Environmental problems;

	--	Construction or zoning problems;

	--	Local government regulations;

	--	Modifications in design; and

	--	Other unanticipated increases in costs.

Any of these factors could give rise to delays or cost overruns, which may prevent us from developing additional restaurants within our anticipated budgets or time periods or at all. Any such failure could cause our business, results of operations and financial condition to suffer.

We may not be able to obtain and maintain necessary federal, state and local permits which could delay or prevent the opening of future restaurants.

Our business is subject to extensive federal, state and local government regulations, including regulations relating to:

	--	Alcoholic beverage control;

	--	The purchase, preparation and sale of food;

	--	Public health and safety;

	--	Sanitation, building, zoning and fire codes; and

	--	Employment and related tax matters.

All of these regulations impact not only our current operations, but also our ability to open future restaurants. We will be required to comply with applicable state and local regulations in new locations into which we expand. Any difficulties, delays or failures in obtaining licenses, permits or approvals in such new locations could delay or prevent the opening of a restaurant in a particular area or reduce operations at an existing location, either of which could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are dependent on information technology and any material failure in the operation or security of that technology or our ability to execute a comprehensive business continuity plan could impair our ability to efficiently operate our business.

We rely on information systems across our operations, including, for example, point-of-sale processing in our restaurants, management of our supply chain, collection of cash, payment of obligations and various other processes and procedures. Our ability to efficiently manage our business depends significantly on the reliability and capacity of these systems. The failure of these systems to operate effectively, problems with maintenance, upgrading or transitioning to replacement systems, or a breach in security of these systems could cause delays in customer service and reduce efficiency in our operations. A security breach or cyber-attack could include theft of credit card data or other personal information as well as our intellectual property. Significant capital investments might be required to remediate any problems.

Additionally, our corporate systems and processes and corporate support for our restaurant operations are handled primarily at our corporate office in New York. We have disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans in place to address most events of a crisis nature and back up and off-site locations for recovery of electronic and other forms of data and information. However, if we are unable to fully implement our disaster recovery plans, we may experience delays in recovery of data, inability to perform vital corporate functions, tardiness in required reporting and compliance, failures to adequately support restaurant operations and other breakdowns in normal communication and operating procedures that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operation and exposure to administrative and other legal claims.

Failure to protect the integrity and security of individually identifiable data of our guests and employees and confidential and proprietary information of the Company could damage our reputation and expose us to loss of revenues and litigation.

We receive and maintain certain personal information about our guests and employees in our information technology systems, such as point-of-sale, web and mobile platforms. Additionally our systems contain proprietary and confidential information related to our business. Use of this information is regulated at the federal and state levels, as well as by certain third party contracts. If our or our business associates’ information systems are compromised as a result of a cyber-attack or other external or internal method, or we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, it could result in a violation of the laws and regulations, and an adverse and material impact on our reputation, operations, results of operations and financial condition. Such security breaches could also result in litigation or governmental investigation against us or the imposition of penalties. These impacts could also occur if we are perceived either to have had an attack, failure or to have failed to properly respond to an incident. Like many other retail companies, we experience frequent attempts to compromise our systems but none have resulted in a material breach. As privacy and information security laws and regulations change or cyber risks evolve pertaining to data, we may incur additional costs in technology, third party services and personnel to

remain in compliance and maintain systems designed to anticipate and prevent cyber-attacks. Our security frameworks prevent breaches of our systems and data loss, but these measures cannot provide assurance that we will be successful in preventing such breaches or data loss.

The restaurant industry is affected by litigation and publicity concerning food quality, health and other issues, which can cause guests to avoid our restaurants and result in liabilities.

Health concerns, including adverse publicity concerning food-related illness, although not specifically related to our restaurants, could cause guests to avoid restaurants in general, which would have a negative impact on our sales. We may also be the subject of complaints or litigation from guests alleging food-related illness, injuries suffered on the premises or other food quality, health or operational concerns. A lawsuit or claim could result in an adverse decision against us that could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We may also be subject to litigation which, regardless of the outcome, could result in adverse publicity. Adverse publicity resulting from such allegations may materially adversely affect us and our restaurants, regardless of whether such allegations are true or whether we are ultimately held liable. Such litigation, adverse publicity or damages could have a material adverse effect on our competitive position, business, results of operations and financial condition and results of operations.

Violations of the Company’s prohibition on harassment, sexual or otherwise, could result in liabilities and/or litigation.

We prohibit harassment or discrimination in the workplace, in sexual on in any other form. This policy applies to all aspects of employment. Notwithstanding our taking disciplinary action against alleged violations, we may encounter additional costs from claims made and/or legal proceedings brought against the Company.

Uncertain Effect of Tax Reform Bills on an Investment in the Company.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Act”) is expected to have a favorable impact on the Company’s effective tax rate and net income as reported under generally accepted accounting principles both in the first fiscal quarter of 2018 and subsequent reporting periods to which the Act is effective. However, the Company is assessing the impact of the Act and there can be no assurances that it will have a favorable impact. Investors should consult with their tax advisors with respect to the effect of the Act and any other regulatory or administrative developments and proposals and their potential effect on your investment in the Company.

RISKS RELATED TO OUR COMMON STOCK

The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly.

The price at which our common stock trades may fluctuate significantly. A large number of shares of our common stock is concentrated in the hands of a small number of individuals and institutional investors and is thinly traded. An attempt to sell by a large holder could adversely affect the price of our stock.

The stock market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations. The trading price of our common stock could be subject to wide fluctuations in response to a number of factors, including, but not limited to:

	--	Fluctuations in quarterly or annual results of operations;

	--	Changes in published earnings estimates by analysts and whether our actual earnings meet or exceed such estimates;

	--	Additions or departures of key personnel;

	--	Our ability to execute our business plan and open new restaurants;

	--	Changes in the restaurant industry;

	--	Competitive pricing pressures;

	--	Regulatory developments; and

	--	Changes in overall stock market conditions, including the stock prices of other restaurant companies.

In addition, our principal stockholders’ ownership may discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempt to obtain control of the Company, which, in time, could reduce our stock price or prevent our stockholders from realizing a premium over our stock price.

In the past, companies that have experienced extreme fluctuations in the market price of their stock have been the subject of securities class action litigation. If we were to be subject to such litigation, it could result in substantial costs and a diversion of our management’s attention and resources, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Ownership of a substantial majority of our outstanding common stock by a limited number of stockholders will limit your ability to influence corporate matters.

A substantial majority of our capital stock is held by a limited number of stockholders. Almost 50% of our common stock is beneficially owned by officers and directors of the Company. Accordingly, management and a few other stockholders have a strong influence on major decisions of corporate policy, and the outcome of any major transaction or other matters submitted to our stockholders, including, but not limited to, potential mergers, acquisitions and/or sale of substantially all assets or other corporate transactions, and amendments to our Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation. Stockholders other than these principal stockholders are therefore likely to have little influence on decisions regarding such matters.

Provisions in our charter documents and New York law could discourage or prevent a takeover, even if an acquisition would be beneficial to our stockholders.

Provisions of our certificate of incorporation and by-laws, as well as provisions of New York law, could make it more difficult for a third party to acquire us, even if doing so would be beneficial to our stockholders. These provisions include:

	--	The New York anti-takeover statute prevents any shareholder who acquires more than 20% of the Company’s capital stock from acquiring control of the Company for a five-year period, unless approved by the Board.

	--	prohibiting cumulative voting in the election of directors, which would otherwise allow less than a majority of stockholders to elect direct candidates; and

	--	advance notice provisions in connection with stockholder proposals that may prevent or hinder any attempt by our stockholders to bring business to be considered by our stockholders at a meeting or replace our board of directors.

Item 1B.

Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2.

Properties

Our restaurant facilities and our executive offices, with the exception of The Rustic Inn in Dania Beach, Florida, Shuckers in Jensen Beach, Florida and the two Original Oyster House properties in Alabama, are occupied under leases. Most of our restaurant leases provide for the payment of base rents plus real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses and, in certain instances, for the payment of a percentage of our sales at such facility. As of September 30, 2017, these leases (including leases for managed restaurants) have terms (including any available renewal options) expiring as follows:

Fiscal Year Lease Terms Expire		Number of Facilities

2018-2022		7
2023-2027		6
2028-2032		6
2033-2037		3

Our executive, administrative and clerical offices are located in approximately 8,500 square feet of office space at 85 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York. Our lease for this office space expires in 2025.

For information concerning our future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases, see Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information concerning our leases.

Item 3.

Legal Proceedings

In the ordinary course of our business, we are a party to various lawsuits arising from accidents at our restaurants and workers’ compensation claims, which are generally handled by our insurance carriers.

Our employment of management personnel, waiters, waitresses and kitchen staff at a number of different restaurants has resulted in the institution, from time to time, of litigation alleging violation by us of employment discrimination laws. We do not believe that any of such suits will have a materially adverse effect upon us, our financial condition or operations.

Item 4.

Mine Safety Disclosures

Not Applicable.

PART II

Item 5.

Market For The Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Market for Our Common Stock

Our Common Stock, $.01 par value, is traded in the over-the-counter market on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “ARKR.” The high and low sale prices for our Common Stock from October 3, 2015 through September 30, 2017 are as follows:

Calendar 2015	Low		High

Fourth Quarter	$	22.13	$	24.45

Calendar 2016

First Quarter		20.01		22.95
Second Quarter		20.00		23.70
Third Quarter		22.18		24.10
Fourth Quarter		20.10		24.25

Calendar 2017

First Quarter		22.65		26.35
Second Quarter		24.02		25.99
Third Quarter		22.00		24.75

As of December 18, 2017, there were 31 holders of record of our common stock and approximately an additional 1,650 beneficial owners.

Dividend Policy

On December 7, 2015, March 1, 2016, June 2, 2016, September 7, 2016, December 7, 2016, March 1, 2017, June 5, 2017 and September 6, 2017 our Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.25 per share. We intend to continue to pay such quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future; however, the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of our Board of Directors and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors.

Purchases of Equity Securities by Issuer and Affiliated Purchases

There were no purchases made during the fourth quarter of the issuer’s fiscal year.

Securities Authorized for Issuance under Equity Compensation Plans

action terminated the 400 authorized but unissued options under the 2004 Plan, but it did not affect any of the options previously issued under the 2004 Plan. Options granted under the 2004 Plan are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted. The options expire ten years after the date of grant. Options granted under the 2010 Plan are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted. The options expire ten years after the date of grant.

On April 5, 2016, the shareholders of the Company approved the 2016 Stock Option Plan and the Section 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan. Under the 2016 Stock Option Plan, 500,000 options were authorized for future grant and are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted. The options expire ten years after the date of grant. Under the Section 162(m) Cash Bonus Plan, compensation paid in excess of $1,000,000 to any employee who is the chief executive officer, or one of the three highest paid executive officers on the last day of that tax year (other than the chief executive officer or the chief financial officer) will meet certain “performance-based” requirements of Section 162(m) and the related IRS regulations in order for it to be tax deductible.

No options were granted during the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 under any of the above plans.

During the year ended September 30, 2017, options to purchase 90,000 shares of common stock at a weighted average exercise price of $32.15 per share expired unexercised.

The following is a summary of the securities issued and authorized for issuance under our Stock Option Plans at September 30, 2017:

Plan Category	(a) Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		(b) Weighted - average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights		(c) Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a))
Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders		421,800	$	17.86		500,000
Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders¹		None		N/A		None
Total		421,800	$	17.86		500,000

Of the 421,800 options outstanding on September 30, 2017, 243,000 were held by the Company’s officers and directors.

(1)	The Company has no equity compensation plan that was not approved by shareholders.

Stock Performance Graph

The graph set forth below compares the yearly percentage change in cumulative total shareholder return on the Company’s Common Stock for the five-year period commencing September 29, 2012 and ending September 30, 2017 against the cumulative total return on the NASDAQ Market Index and a peer group comprised of those public companies whose business activities fall within the same standard industrial classification code as the Company. This graph assumes a $100 investment in the Company’s Common

Stock and in each index on September 29, 2012 and that all dividends paid by companies included in each index were reinvested.

	Cumulative Total Return
	9/29/12		9/28/13		9/27/14		10/3/15		9/30/16		9/30/17

Ark Restaurants Corp.	$	100.00	$	135.30	$	146.47	$	156.53	$	159.88	$	180.90
NASDAQ Composite		100.00		123.38		148.79		169.02		178.82		220.25
SIC Code 5812 - Eating & Drinking Places		100.00		122.20		127.45		154.56		160.18		186.29

Item 6.

Selected Consolidated Financial Data

Not applicable.

Item 7.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Overview

As of September 30, 2017, the Company owned and operated 20 restaurants and bars, 19 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and service, class of customer and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reporting segment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance. The Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended September 30, 2017 includes revenues and operating income of approximately $11,804,000 and $1,243,000, respectively, related to the Oyster House properties on the gulf coast of Alabama, which were acquired on November 30, 2016. The Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended October 1, 2016 includes revenues and operating income of approximately $4,763,000 and $523,000, respectively, related to Shuckers in Jensen Beach, FL, which was acquired on October 22, 2015.

Accounting Period

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30. We report fiscal years under a 52/53-week format. This reporting method is used by many companies in the hospitality industry and is meant to improve year-to-year comparisons of operating results. Under this method, certain years will contain 53 weeks. The fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 included 52 weeks.

Seasonality

The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionally with sales. The first and second fiscal quarters, which include the winter months, usually reflect lower customer traffic than in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. However, sales in the third and fourth fiscal quarters can be adversely affected by inclement weather due to the significant amount of outdoor seating at the Company’s restaurants.

Results of Operations

The Company’s operating income of $7,008,000 for the year ended September 30, 2017 decreased 10.4% compared to operating income of $7,824,000 for the year ended October 1, 2016. This decrease resulted primarily from: (i) increased losses in the amount of $3,915,000 related to Sequoia in Washington, DC which was closed for renovation from January 4, 2017 through June 23, 2017, (ii) the reversal in the prior year ended October 1, 2016 of commercial rent tax liabilities in the amount of $945,000, (iii) the correction of an immaterial error in the prior year ended October 1, 2016 related to an overstatement of a rent liability in the amount of $261,000, and (iv) professional fees incurred in connection with our acquisition of the Oyster House properties, partially offset by: (a) operating income of $1,243,000 related to The Oyster House properties in Gulf Shores, Alabama (which were acquired on November 30, 2016), (b) the recognition of a gain in the amount of $1,637,000 in connection with the sale of the real estate underlying our Rustic Inn, Jupiter, FL property, and (c) overall better performance at most of our other properties.

The following table summarizes the significant components of the Company’s operating results for the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively:

	Year Ended				Variance
	September 30, 2017		October 1, 2016		$			%
	(in thousands)
REVENUES:
Food and beverage sales	$	151,196	$	148,479	$	2,717			1.8	%
Other revenue		2,681		2,103		578			27.5	%
Total revenues		153,877		150,582		3,295			2.2	%
COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Food and beverage cost of sales		41,597		39,545		2,052			5.2	%
Payroll expenses		53,074		50,718		2,356			4.6	%
Occupancy expenses		17,100		16,515		585			3.5	%
Other operating costs and expenses		20,690		19,719		971			4.9	%
General and administrative expenses		11,504		11,708		(204	)		-1.7	%
Depreciation and amortization		4,541		4,553		(12	)		-0.3	%
Total costs and expenses		148,506		142,758		5,748			4.0	%
RESTAURANT OPERATING INCOME		5,371		7,824		(2,453	)		-31.4	%
Gain on sale of Rustic Inn, Jupiter		1,637		—		1,637			N/A
OPERATING INCOME	$	7,008	$	7,824	$	(816	)		-10.4	%

Revenues

During the Company’s year ended September 30, 2017 (“fiscal 2017”), revenues increased 2.2% compared to the year ended October 1, 2016 (“fiscal 2016”). This increase resulted primarily from: (i) revenues related to The Oyster House properties in Gulf Shores, Alabama (which were acquired on November 30, 2016) and (ii) the same-store sales impacts discussed below, offset by the closure for renovation of Sequoia in Washington, DC on January 4, 2017 and the permanent closures of Center Café in Washington, DC and the V Bar in Las Vegas as a result of lease expirations.

Food and Beverage Same-Store Sales

On a Company-wide basis, same store food and beverage sales decreased 3.3% for the year ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the year ended October 1, 2016 as follows:

	Year Ended				Variance
	September 30, 2017		October 1, 2016		$			%
	(in thousands)

Las Vegas	$	45,852	$	44,130	$	1,722			3.9	%
New York		39,734		40,176		(442	)		-1.1	%
Washington, DC		7,982		13,066		(5,084	)		-38.9	%
Atlantic City, NJ		7,536		6,984		552			7.9	%
Boston		3,235		3,597		(362	)		-10.1	%
Connecticut		2,156		2,220		(64	)		-2.9	%
Florida		26,467		27,331		(864	)		-3.2	%
Same store sales		132,962		137,504	$	(4,542	)		-3.3	%
Other		18,234		10,975
Food and beverage sales	$	151,196	$	148,479

Same-store sales in Las Vegas increased 3.9% primarily as a result of increased traffic near the properties where we operate our restaurant in connection with the opening of the T-Mobile Arena nearby. Same-store sales in New York decreased 1.1%, primarily as a result of poor weather conditions during the months in which our properties with outdoor seating areas are open. Same-store sales in Washington, DC, which excludes Center Café which closed in February 2016, decreased 38.9% as a result of the closure of Sequoia on January 4, 2017 for renovation. Same-store sales in Atlantic City increased 7.9% primarily due to increased traffic at the properties in which we operate our restaurants as other hotels closed. Same-store sales in Boston decreased 10.1% primarily as a result of decreased traffic at Faneuil Hall Marketplace where our property is located. Same-store sales in Connecticut decreased 2.9% due to declining traffic at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino where our properties are located. Same-store sales in Florida decreased 3.2% reflecting decreased traffic at The Rustic Inn in Dania Beach, FL in the first three quarters of fiscal 2017 which seemed to stabilize in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 due to a road construction project started in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 by the local municipality. Other food and beverage sales consist of sales related to new restaurants opened or acquired during the applicable period (e.g., The Oyster House properties), sales related to properties that were closed during the periods due to lease expiration and other closures and other catering sales.

Other Revenue

The increase in Other Revenue for fiscal 2017 as compared to fiscal 2016 is primarily due to an increase in purchase service fees. Included in Other Revenues are purchase service fees which represent commissions earned by a subsidiary of the Company for providing purchasing services to other restaurant groups, as well as license fees, property management fees and other rentals.

Costs and Expenses

Costs and expenses for the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 were as follows (in thousands):

	Year Ended September 30,		% to Total			Year Ended October 1,		% to Total			Increase (Decrease)
	2017		Revenues			2016		Revenues			$			%

Food and beverage cost of sales	$	41,597		27.0	%	$	39,545		26.3	%	$	2,052			5.2	%
Payroll expenses		53,074		34.5	%		50,718		33.7	%		2,356			4.6	%
Occupancy expenses		17,100		11.1	%		16,515		11.0	%		585			3.5	%
Other operating costs and expenses		20,690		13.4	%		19,719		13.1	%		971			4.9	%
General and administrative expenses		11,504		7.5	%		11,708		7.8	%		(204	)		-1.7	%
Depreciation and amortization		4,541		3.0	%		4,553		3.0	%		(12	)		-0.3	%
	$	148,506				$	142,758				$	5,748

The increase in food and beverage costs as a percentage of total revenues for the year ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same period of last year are primarily the result of higher food costs as a percentage of sales associated with The Oyster House properties, which were acquired on November 30, 2016, seafood restaurants which, consistent with the industry, operate at a higher food cost structure.

Payroll expenses as a percentage of total revenues for the year ended September 30, 2017 increased slightly as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result of pre-opening and training costs related to the reopening of Sequoia.

Occupancy expenses as a percentage of total revenues, excluding the impact in the year ended October 1, 2016 of the reversal of commercial rent tax liabilities in the amount of $945,000 and the correction of an immaterial error related to an overstatement of a rent liability in the amount of $261,000, decreased as compared to the same period of last year as a result of higher sales at properties where rents are relatively fixed or where the Company owns the premises at which the property operates (The Rustic Inn in Dania Beach, FL, Shuckers in Jensen Beach, FL and The Oyster House properties in Gulf Shores, Alabama) partially offset by rent increases at our other properties.

Other operating costs and expenses as a percentage of total revenues for fiscal 2017 increased slightly as compared to fiscal 2016 as a result of fixed costs at properties where sales declined.

General and administrative expenses (which relate solely to the corporate office in New York City) as a percentage of total revenues for fiscal 2017 decreased as compared to the same period of last year primarily as a result of lower headcount, partially offset by transaction costs of approximately $187,000 incurred in connection with the purchase of the Oyster House properties.

Income Taxes

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and liabilities for uncertain tax positions reflect management’s best estimate of current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income tax in numerous state taxing jurisdictions. Significant judgement and estimates are required in the determination of consolidated income tax expense. The provision for income taxes reflects federal income taxes calculated on a consolidated basis and state and local income taxes which are calculated on

a separate entity basis. Most of the restaurants we own or manage are owned or managed by a separate legal entity.

For state and local income tax purposes, certain losses incurred by a subsidiary may only be used to offset that subsidiary’s income, with the exception of the restaurants operating in the District of Columbia. Accordingly, our overall effective tax rate has varied depending on the level of income and losses incurred at individual subsidiaries.

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax bases of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the financial statements, which will result in taxable or deductible amounts in the future. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets in the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax-planning strategies, and results of recent operations. The assumptions about future taxable income require the use of significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses.

Our overall effective tax rate in the future will be affected by factors such as income earned by our VIEs, generation of FICA TIP credits and the mix of geographical income for state tax purposes as Nevada does not impose an income tax.

The Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993 provides tax credits to us for FICA taxes paid on tip income of restaurant service personnel. The net benefit to us was $831,000 and $854,000 in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts was enacted into law. The new tax legislation contains several key tax provisions including the reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018 as well as a variety of other changes including the limitation of the tax deductibility of interest expense, acceleration of expensing of certain business assets and reductions in the amount of executive pay that could qualify as a tax deduction. ASC 740 requires us to recognize the effect of the tax law changes in the period of enactment. However, the SEC staff issued SAB 118 which will allow us to record provisional amounts during a measurement period which is similar to the measurement period used when accounting for business combinations. We will continue to assess the impact of the recently enacted tax law on our business and our consolidated financial statements.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary source of capital has been cash provided by operations and, in recent years, bank and other borrowings to finance specific transactions, acquisitions and large remodeling projects. We utilize cash generated from operations to fund the cost of developing and opening new restaurants and smaller remodeling projects of existing restaurants we own.

Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2017 increased to $10,350,000 as compared to $7,613,000 provided by operations in fiscal 2016. This increase was attributable to changes in net working capital primarily related to accounts receivable, prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes and accounts payable and accrued expenses.

Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2017 was $14,641,000 and resulted primarily from purchases of fixed assets at existing restaurants, costs associated with the renovation of Sequoia and the cash portion of the purchase of The Oyster House properties in the amount of $3,043,000, partially offset by the net proceeds in the amount of $2,474,000 from the sale of The Rustic Inn in Jupiter, Florida

Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2016 was $3,045,000 and resulted primarily from purchases of fixed assets at existing restaurants, an additional $200,000 loan made to Meadowlands Newmark, LLC and the cash portion of the purchase of Shuckers in the amount of $717,000.

Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2017 of $1,542,000, resulted primarily from the payment of dividends, principal payments on notes payable and distributions to non-controlling interests, offset by borrowings under the credit facility.

Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2016 of $7,064,000 resulted primarily from the payment of dividends, principal payments on notes payable and distributions to non-controlling interests.

The Company had a working capital deficiency of $16,072,000 at September 30, 2017 as compared to $658,000 at October 1, 2016. Such increase is primarily the result of our purchase of The Oyster House properties in November 2016 and costs associated with the renovation of our Sequoia property in Washington, DC. We believe that our existing cash balances, current banking facilities and cash provided by operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements at least through the next 12 months from the filing date. In addition, the Company is in the process of increasing the amounts available under the existing credit facility and refinancing outstanding borrowings over longer repayment periods. Such refinancing is expected to be completed in the second fiscal quarter of 2018.

On January 3, 2017, April 3, 2017, July 5, 2017 and October 4, 2017, the Company paid quarterly cash dividends in the amount of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock. The Company intends to continue to pay such quarterly cash dividend for the foreseeable future; however, the payment of future dividends is at the discretion of the Company’s Board of Directors and is based on future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in U.S. taxation and other relevant factors.

Restaurant Expansion

On October 22, 2015, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ark Shuckers, LLC and Ark Shuckers Real Estate, LLC, acquired the assets of Shuckers Inc. (“Shuckers”), a restaurant and bar located at the Island Beach Resort in Jensen Beach, FL, and six condominium units (four of which house the restaurant and bar operations). In addition, Ark Island Beach Resort LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired Island Beach Resort Inc., a management company that administers a rental pool of certain condominium units under lease. The total purchase price was $5,717,000. The acquisition was accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan in the amount of $5,000,000 and cash from operations.

On November 30, 2016, the Company, through newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiaries, acquired the assets of the Original Oyster House, Inc., a restaurant and bar located in the City of Gulf Shores, Baldwin County, Alabama and the related real estate and an adjacent retail shopping plaza and the Original Oyster House II, Inc., a restaurant and bar located in the City of Spanish Fort, Baldwin County, Alabama and the related real estate. The total purchase price was for $10,750,000 plus inventory of approximately $293,000. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan from the Company’s existing lender in the amount of $8,000,000 and cash from operations.

early operating losses can generally be expected to depend upon the size and complexity of the facility being opened.

We may take advantage of other opportunities we consider to be favorable, when they occur, depending upon the availability of financing and other factors.

Investment in and Receivable from New Meadowlands Racetrack

Recent Restaurant Dispositions and Charges

The Company was advised by the landlord that it would have to vacate The Grill at Two Trees property at the Foxwoods Resort and Casino in Ledyard, CT, which had a no rent lease. The closure of this property occurred on January 1, 2017 and did not result in a material charge.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our significant accounting policies are more fully described in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements. While all of these significant accounting policies impact our financial condition and results of operations, we view certain of these policies as critical. Policies determined to be critical are those policies that have the most significant impact on our consolidated financial statements and require management to use a greater degree of judgment and estimates. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

We believe that given current facts and circumstances, it is unlikely that applying any other reasonable judgments or estimate methodologies would cause a material effect on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows for the periods presented in this report.

Below are listed certain policies that management believes are critical:

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The accounting estimates that require our most difficult and subjective judgments include allowances for potential bad debts on receivables, the useful lives and recoverability of our assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments and share-based compensation, the realizable value of our tax assets and other matters. Because of the uncertainty in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates.

Long-Lived Assets

Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, we perform an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including estimated future sales growth and estimated profit margins are included in this analysis.

anticipated future economic outlook in their respective markets. In such instances, we may impair assets to reduce their carrying values to fair values. Estimated fair values of impaired properties are based on comparable valuations, cash flows and/or management judgment.

Recoverability of Investment in New Meadowlands Racetrack (“NMR”)

The carrying value of our Investment in Meadowlands Newmark LLC, which has a 63.7% ownership in NMR, is determined using the cost method. In accordance with the cost method, our initial investment is recorded at cost and we record dividend income when applicable, if dividends are declared. We review our Investment in NMR each reporting period to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on its fair value, such as the defeat of the referendum for casino gaming in Northern New Jersey in November 2016.

As a result, we performed an assessment of the recoverability of our indirect Investment in NMR as of September 30, 2017 which involved critical accounting estimates. These estimates require significant management judgment, include inherent uncertainties and are often interdependent; therefore, they do not change in isolation. Factors that management estimated include, among others, the probability of gambling being approved in Northern New Jersey which is the most heavily weighted assumption and NMR obtaining a license to operate a casino, revenue levels, cost of capital, marketing spending, tax rates and capital spending.

In performing this assessment, we estimate the fair value of our Investment in NMR using our best estimate of these assumptions which we believe would be consistent with what a hypothetical marketplace participant would use. The variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events and our inability as a minority shareholder to control certain outcomes and thus our accounting estimates may change from period to period. If other assumptions and estimates had been used when these tests were performed, impairment charges could have resulted.

As mentioned above, these factors do not change in isolation and, therefore, we do not believe it is practicable or meaningful to present the impact of changing a single factor. Furthermore, if management uses different assumptions or if different conditions occur in future periods, future impairment charges could result.

Leases

We recognize rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, including option periods as described below. Within the provisions of certain leases there are escalations in payments over the base lease term, as well as renewal periods. The effects of the escalations have been reflected in rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, which includes option periods when it is deemed to be reasonably assured that we would incur an economic penalty for not exercising the option. Percentage rent expense is generally based upon sales levels and is expensed as incurred. Certain leases include both base rent and percentage rent. We record rent expense on these leases based upon reasonably assured sales levels. The consolidated financial statements reflect the same lease terms for amortizing leasehold improvements as were used in calculating straight-line rent expense for each restaurant. Our judgments may produce materially different amounts of amortization and rent expense than would be reported if different lease terms were used.

Deferred Income Tax Valuation Allowance

We provide such allowance due to uncertainty that some of the deferred tax amounts may not be realized. Certain items, such as state and local tax loss carryforwards, are dependent on future earnings or the availability of tax strategies. Future results could require an increase or decrease in the valuation allowance and a resulting adjustment to income in such period.

Goodwill and Trademarks

Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Trademarks are considered to have an indefinite life. Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis at least once annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than its fair value. At September 30, 2017, the Company performed a qualitative assessment of factors to determine whether further impairment testing is required. Based on the results of the work performed, the Company has concluded that no impairment loss was warranted at September 30, 2017. Qualitative factors considered in this assessment include industry and market considerations, overall financial performance and other relevant events, management expertise and stability at key positions. Additional impairment analyses at future dates may be performed to determine if indicators of impairment are present, and if so, such amount will be determined and the associated charge will be recorded to the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes it as expense over the applicable vesting period using the straight-line method. Excess income tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense that must be recognized directly in equity are considered financing rather than operating cash flow activities.

The fair value of each of the Company’s stock options is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses assumptions that relate to the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock, the expected dividend yield of our stock, the expected life of the options and the risk free interest rate. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of employee stock options.

Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Standards

See Note 1 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recent accounting pronouncements, including those adopted in fiscal 2017 and the expected dates of adoption and the anticipated impact on the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recent Developments

See Note 15 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of recent developments that have occurred subsequent to September 30, 2017.

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Not applicable.

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Our Consolidated Financial Statements are included in this report immediately following Part IV.

Item 9.

Changes in and Disagreements With
Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures.

As of September 30, 2017 (the end of the period covered by this report), management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, at the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective and provided reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in our periodic SEC filings is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. However, in evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of such possible controls and procedures.

Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting.

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as such term is defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f), and for performing an assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, our principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, 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. Our internal control over financial reporting 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 assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations; 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. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management performed an assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of September 30, 2017 based upon the criteria set forth in Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the 2013 Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on our assessment, management determined that our internal control over financial reporting was effective as of September 30, 2017.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting as management’s report was not subject to attestation by our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to the permanent exemption of the SEC that permits us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in our internal control over financing reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B.

Other Information

None.

PART III

Item 10.

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information relating to our directors and executive officers is incorporated by reference to the definitive proxy statement for our 2017 annual meeting of stockholders to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) pursuant to Regulation 14A no later than 120 days after the end of the fiscal year covered by this form (the “Proxy Statement”). Information relating to compliance with Section 16(a) of the Exchange Act is incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement.

Code of Ethics

We have adopted a code of ethics that applies to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer, principal accounting officer or controller, and persons performing similar functions. We will provide any person without charge, upon request, a copy of such code of ethics by mailing the request to us at 85 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10003, Attention: Robert Stewart.

Item 11.

Executive Compensation

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

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 Proxy Statement.

Item 13.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

Item 14.

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

The information required by this item is incorporated herein by reference to the Proxy Statement.

PART IV

Item 15.

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)	(1)	Financial Statements:	Page

		Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-1

		Consolidated Balance Sheets -- at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016	F-2

		Consolidated Statements of Income – years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016	F-3

		Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity -- years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016	F-4

		Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows -- years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016	F-5

		Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-6

	(2)	Financial Statement Schedules

		None.

	(3)	Exhibits:

		The exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and filed herewith are listed in the Exhibit List immediately preceding the exhibits.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

Ark Restaurants Corp.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ark Restaurants Corp. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, and the related consolidated statements of income, changes in equity and cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended September 30, 2017. Ark Restaurants Corp. and Subsidiaries’ management is responsible for these consolidated financial statements. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. Our audit 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, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Ark Restaurants Corp. and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the two-year period ended September 30, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ CohnReznick LLP

Jericho, New York

December 29, 2017

F-1

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

	September 30, 2017		October 1, 2016

ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents (includes $363 at September 30, 2017 and $889 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)	$	1,406	$	7,239
Accounts receivable (includes $716 at September 30, 2017 and $429 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)		3,353		3,750
Employee receivables		399		453
Inventories (includes $22 at September 30, 2017 and $23 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)		1,992		1,892
Prepaid and refundable income taxes (includes $226 at September 30, 2017 and $178 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)		945		178
Prepaid expenses and other current assets (includes $63 at September 30, 2017 and $50 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)		1,988		2,484
Total current assets		10,083		15,996
FIXED ASSETS - Net (includes $6 at September 30, 2017 and $22 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)		45,215		29,546
INTANGIBLE ASSETS - Net		409		526
GOODWILL		9,880		7,895
TRADEMARKS		3,331		1,611
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES		1,491		3,416
INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK		6,979		6,701
OTHER ASSETS (includes $71 at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)		2,679		2,564
TOTAL ASSETS	$	80,067	$	68,255

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable - trade (includes $116 at September 30, 2017 and $114 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)	$	4,750	$	2,876
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (includes $260 at September 30, 2017 and $238 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)		10,176		10,555
Accrued income taxes		—		606
Dividend payable		857		—
Borrowings under credit facility		6,198		—
Current portion of notes payable		4,174		2,617
Total current liabilities		26,155		16,654
OPERATING LEASE DEFERRED CREDIT (includes $51 at September 30, 2017 and $73 at October 1, 2016 related to VIEs)		3,648		3,576
NOTES PAYABLE, LESS CURRENT PORTION, net of deferred financing costs		7,824		5,321
TOTAL LIABILITIES		37,627		25,551

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
EQUITY:
Common stock, par value $.01 per share - authorized, 10,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 3,428 shares at September 30, 2017 and 3,423 shares at October 1, 2016		34		34
Additional paid-in capital		12,639		12,942
Retained earnings		27,771		27,158
Total Ark Restaurants Corp. shareholders’ equity		40,444		40,134
NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS		1,996		2,570
TOTAL EQUITY		42,440		42,704
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND EQUITY	$	80,067	$	68,255

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-2

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

	Year Ended
	September 30, 2017			October 1, 2016

REVENUES:
Food and beverage sales	$	151,196		$	148,479
Other revenue		2,681			2,103
Total revenues		153,877			150,582

COSTS AND EXPENSES:
Food and beverage cost of sales		41,597			39,545
Payroll expenses		53,074			50,718
Occupancy expenses		17,100			16,515
Other operating costs and expenses		20,690			19,719
General and administrative expenses		11,504			11,708
Depreciation and amortization		4,541			4,553
Total costs and expenses		148,506			142,758
RESTAURANT OPERATING INCOME		5,371			7,824
Gain on sale of Ark Jupiter RI, LLC		1,637			—
OPERATING INCOME		7,008			7,824
OTHER (INCOME) EXPENSE:
Interest expense		753			416
Interest income		(170	)		(180	)
Total other (income) expense, net		583			236
INCOME BEFORE PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES		6,425			7,588
Provision for income taxes		1,668			2,098
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME		4,757			5,490
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests		(718	)		(1,460	)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.	$	4,039		$	4,030

NET INCOME PER ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. COMMON SHARE:
Basic	$	1.18		$	1.18
Diluted	$	1.14		$	1.15

WEIGHTED AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Basic		3,424			3,418
Diluted		3,531			3,507

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-3

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

FOR THE YEARS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2017 AND OCTOBER 1, 2016

(In Thousands, Except Per Share Amounts)

	Common Stock						Additional Paid-In			Retained						Total Ark Restaurants Corp. Shareholders’			Non-controlling			Total
	Shares			Amount			Capital			Earnings			Treasury Stock			Equity			Interests			Equity

BALANCE - October 3, 2015		4,774		$	48		$	25,682		$	26,548		$	(13,220	)	$	39,058		$	2,173		$	41,231

Net income		—			—			—			4,030			—			4,030			1,460			5,490
Exercise of stock options		5			—			83			—			—			83			—			83
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options		—			—			11			—			—			11			—			11
Stock-based compensation		—			—			286			—			—			286			—			286
Change in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		—			—			86			—			—			86			—			86
Retirement of treasury shares		(1,356	)		(14	)		(13,206	)		—			13,220			—			—			—
Distributions to non-controlling interests		—			—			—			—			—			—			(1,063	)		(1,063	)
Dividends paid - $1.00 per share		—			—			—			(3,420	)		—			(3,420	)		—			(3,420	)

BALANCE - October 1, 2016		3,423			34			12,942			27,158			—			40,134			2,570			42,704

Net income		—			—			—			4,039			—			4,039			718			4,757
Exercise of stock options		5			—			72			—			—			72			—			72
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options		—			—			14			—			—			14			—			14
Change in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation		—			—			(389	)		—			—			(389	)		—			(389	)
Distributions to non-controlling interests		—			—			—			—			—			—			(1,292	)		(1,292	)
Dividends paid and accrued - $1.00 per share		—			—			—			(3,426	)		—			(3,426	)		—			(3,426	)

BALANCE - September 30, 2017		3,428		$	34		$	12,639		$	27,771		$	—		$	40,444		$	1,996		$	42,440

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-4

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In Thousands)

	Year Ended
	September 30, 2017			October 1, 2016

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Consolidated net income	$	4,757		$	5,490
Adjustments to reconcile consolidated net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Loss on closure of restaurants		120			16
Gain on sale of Ark Jupiter RI, LLC		(1,637	)		—
Loss on disposal of assets		283			—
Deferred income taxes		1,550			1,134
Stock-based compensation		—			286
Accrued interest on note receivable from NMR		(56	)		—
Depreciation and amortization		4,132			4,553
Amortization of deferred financing costs		46			43
Operating lease deferred credit		72			(220	)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable		397			(529	)
Inventories		193			131
Prepaid, refundable and accrued income taxes		(1,373	)		(1,886	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		546			(191	)
Other assets		(175	)		(865	)
Accounts payable - trade		1,874			(331	)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		(379	)		(18	)
Net cash provided by operating activities		10,350			7,613

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of fixed assets		(13,904	)		(2,160	)
Loans and advances made to employees		(121	)		(198	)
Payments received on employee receivables		175			230
Proceeds from the sale of Ark Jupiter RI, LLC		2,474			—
Purchase of the Oyster House		(3,043	)		—
Additional investment in Meadowlands Newmark LLC		(222	)		—
Loan made to Meadowlands Newmark LLC		—			(200	)
Purchase of Shuckers		—			(717	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(14,641	)		(3,045	)

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Principal payments on notes payable		(3,951	)		(2,533	)
Borrowings under credit facility		6,198			—
Payment of debt financing costs		—			(131	)
Dividends paid		(2,569	)		(3,420	)
Proceeds from issuance of stock upon exercise of stock options		72			83
Distributions to non-controlling interests		(1,292	)		(1,063	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(1,542	)		(7,064	)
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS		(5,833	)		(2,496	)
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of year		7,239			9,735
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of year	$	1,406		$	7,239

SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	707		$	416
Income taxes	$	1,490		$	2,850
Non-cash financing activities:
Note payable in connection with the purchase of the Oyster House	$	8,000		$	—
Change in excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation	$	(389	)	$	86
Accrued dividend	$	857		$	—
Note payable in connection with the purchase of Shuckers	$	—		$	5,000
Retirement of 1,356 treasury shares	$	—		$	13,220

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

F-5

ARK RESTAURANTS CORP. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1.	BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

As of September 30, 2017, Ark Restaurants Corp. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) owned and operated 20 restaurants and bars, 19 fast food concepts and catering operations, exclusively in the United States, that have similar economic characteristics, nature of products and service, class of customers and distribution methods. The Company believes it meets the criteria for aggregating its operating segments into a single reporting segment in accordance with applicable accounting guidance.

The Company operates five restaurants in New York City, two in Washington, D.C., five in Las Vegas, Nevada, three in Atlantic City, New Jersey, one in Boston, Massachusetts, two in Florida and two on the gulf coast of Alabama. The Las Vegas operations include four restaurants within the New York-New York Hotel & Casino Resort and operation of the hotel’s room service, banquet facilities, employee dining room and six food court concepts and one restaurant within the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. In Atlantic City, New Jersey, the Company operates a restaurant and a bar in the Resorts Atlantic City Hotel and Casino and a restaurant and bar at the Tropicana Hotel and Casino. The operation at the Foxwoods Resort Casino consists of one fast food concept. In Boston, Massachusetts, the Company operates a restaurant in the Faneuil Hall Marketplace. The Florida operations include the Rustic Inn in Dania Beach, Florida and Shuckers in Jensen Beach, Florida and the operation of five fast food facilities in Tampa, Florida and seven fast food facilities in Hollywood, Florida, each at a Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. In Alabama, the Company operates two Original Oyster Houses, one in Gulf Shores, Alabama and one in Spanish Fort, Alabama.

Basis of Presentation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company’s reporting currency is the United States dollar.

The Company had a working capital deficiency of $16,072,000 at September 30, 2017 primarily as a result of our purchase of The Oyster House properties in November 2016 and costs associated with the renovation of our Sequoia property in Washington, DC. We believe that our existing cash balances, current banking facilities and cash provided by operations will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital spending requirements at least through December 31, 2018. In addition, the Company is in the process of increasing the amounts available under its existing credit facility and refinancing outstanding borrowings over longer repayment periods. Such refinancing is expected to be completed in 2018.

Accounting Period — The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30. The fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 included 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The accounting estimates that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments include allowances for potential bad debts on receivables, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments and share-based compensation, the realizable value of its tax assets and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Because of the uncertainty in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates.

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ark Restaurants Corp. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities in which it has a controlling interest. Also included in the consolidated financial statements are certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

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Non-Controlling Interests — Non-controlling interests represent capital contributions, income and loss attributable to the shareholders of less than wholly-owned and consolidated entities.

Seasonality — The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionally with sales. The first and second fiscal quarters, which include the winter months, usually reflect lower customer traffic than in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. However, sales in the third and fourth fiscal quarters can be adversely affected by inclement weather due to the significant amount of outdoor seating at the Company’s restaurants.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values of notes receivable and payable are determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments as of the balance sheet date and approximate the carrying value of such debt instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks and highly liquid investments generally with original maturities of three months or less. Outstanding checks in excess of account balances, typically vendor payments, payroll and other contractual obligations disbursed after the last day of a reporting period are reported as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company reduces credit risk by placing its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions with high credit ratings. At times, such amounts may exceed Federally insured limits. Accounts receivable are primarily comprised of normal business receivables such as credit card receivables that are paid off in a short period of time and amounts due from the hotel operators where the Company has a location, and are recorded when the products or services have been delivered. The Company reviews the collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis, and provides for an allowance when it considers the entity unable to meet its obligation. The concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally limited due to the short payment terms extended by the Company and the number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base.

As of September 30, 2017 the Company had accounts receivable balances due from two hotel operators totaling 39% of total accounts receivable. As of October 1, 2016, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from two hotel operators totaling 51% of total accounts receivable.

For the year ended September 30, 2017 the Company made purchases from one vendor that accounted for 10% of total purchases. For the year ended October 1, 2016, the Company did not make purchases from any one vendor that accounted for 10% or greater of total purchases.

Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market, and consist of food and beverages, merchandise for sale and other supplies.

Fixed Assets — Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated lives range from three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment and up to 40 years for buildings and related improvements. Amortization of improvements to leased properties is computed using the straight-line method based upon the initial term of the applicable lease or the estimated useful life of the improvements, whichever is less, and ranges from 5 to 30 years. For leases with renewal periods at the Company’s option, if failure to exercise a renewal option imposes an economic penalty to the Company, management may determine at the inception of the lease that renewal is reasonably assured and include the renewal option period in the determination of appropriate estimated useful lives. Routine expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement or disposition of fixed assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the Consolidated Balance Sheets and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

The Company includes in construction in progress improvements to restaurants that are under construction or are undergoing substantial improvements. Once the projects have been completed, the Company begins depreciating and amortizing the assets. Start-up costs incurred during the construction period of restaurants, including rental of premises, training and payroll, are expensed as incurred.

F-7

Intangible Assets — Intangible assets consist principally of purchased leasehold rights, operating rights and covenants not to compete. Costs associated with acquiring leases and subleases, principally purchased leasehold rights, and operating rights have been capitalized and are being amortized on the straight-line method based upon the initial terms of the applicable lease agreements. Covenants not to compete arising from restaurant acquisitions are amortized over the contractual period, typically five years.

Long-lived Assets — Long-lived assets, such as property, plant and equipment, and purchased intangibles subject to amortization, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including estimated future sales growth and estimated profit margins are included in this analysis. See Notes 4 and 10 for information regarding impairment charges for the year ended September 30, 2017. No impairment charges were necessary for the year ended October 1, 2016.

Goodwill and Trademarks — Goodwill is recorded when the purchase price paid for an acquisition exceeds the estimated fair value of the net identified tangible and intangible assets acquired. Trademarks are considered to have an indefinite life. Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis at least once annually or more frequently upon the occurrence of an event or when circumstances indicate that a reporting unit’s carrying amount is greater than its fair value. At September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, the Company performed qualitative assessments of factors to determine whether further impairment testing is required. Based on the results of the work performed, the Company has concluded that no impairment loss was warranted at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016. Qualitative factors considered in this assessment include industry and market considerations, overall financial performance and other relevant events, management expertise and stability at key positions. Additional impairment analyses at future dates may be performed to determine if indicators of impairment are present, and if so, such amount will be determined and the associated charge will be recorded to the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Investments – Each reporting period, the Company reviews its investments in equity and debt securities, except for those classified as trading, to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on the fair value of such investment. When such events or changes occur, the Company evaluates the fair value compared to cost basis in the investment. For investments in non-publicly traded companies, management’s assessment of fair value is based on valuation methodologies including discounted cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds, and appraisals, as appropriate. The Company considers the assumptions that it believes hypothetical marketplace participants would use in evaluating estimated future cash flows when employing the discounted cash flow or estimates of sales proceeds valuation methodologies.

In the event the fair value of an investment declines below the Company’s cost basis, management is required to determine if the decline in fair value is other than temporary. If management determines the decline is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded. Management’s assessment as to the nature of a decline in fair value is based on, among other things, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than the cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

Leases — The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, including option periods as described below. Within the provisions of certain leases there are escalations in payments over the base lease term, as well as renewal periods. The effects of the escalations have been reflected in rent expense on a straight-line basis over the expected lease term, which includes option periods when it is deemed to be reasonably assured that the Company would incur an economic penalty for not exercising the option. Tenant allowances are included in the straight-line calculations and are being deferred over the lease term and reflected as a reduction in rent expense. Percentage rent expense is generally based upon sales levels and is expensed as incurred. Certain leases include both base rent and percentage rent. The Company records rent expense on these leases based upon reasonably assured sales levels. The consolidated financial statements reflect the same lease terms for amortizing leasehold improvements as were used in calculating straight-line rent expense for each restaurant. The judgments of the Company may produce materially different amounts of amortization and rent expense than would be reported if different lease terms were used.

F-8

Reclassification — Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior year’s financial statements to enhance comparability with the current year’s presentation of prepaid and refundable income taxes, as well as other income. As a result, comparative figures have been adjusted to conform to the current year’s presentation.

Revenue Recognition — Company-owned restaurant sales are comprised almost entirely of food and beverage sales. The Company records revenue at the time of the purchase of products by customers. Included in Other Revenues are purchase service fees which represent commissions earned by a subsidiary of the Company for providing purchasing services to other restaurant groups, as well as license fees, property management fees and other rentals.

The Company offers customers the opportunity to purchase gift certificates. At the time of purchase by the customer, the Company records a gift certificate liability for the face value of the certificate purchased. The Company recognizes the revenue and reduces the gift certificate liability when the certificate is redeemed. The Company does not reduce its recorded liability for potential non-use of purchased gift cards. As of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, the total liability for gift cards in the amounts of $158,106 and $161,487, respectively, are included in Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Additionally, the Company presents sales tax on a net basis in its consolidated financial statements.

Occupancy Expenses — Occupancy expenses include rent, rent taxes, real estate taxes, insurance and utility costs.

Defined Contribution Plan — The Company offers a defined contribution savings plan (the “Plan”) to all of its full-time employees. Eligible employees may contribute pre-tax amounts to the Plan subject to the Internal Revenue Code limitations. Company contributions to the Plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. During the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, the Company did not make any contributions to the Plan.

Income Taxes — Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company has recorded a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions are evaluated and adjusted as appropriate, while taking into account the progress of audits of various taxing jurisdictions.

Non-controlling interests relating to the income or loss of consolidated partnerships includes no provision for income taxes as any tax liability related thereto is the responsibility of the individual minority investors.

Income Per Share of Common Stock — Basic net income per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share reflects the additional dilutive effect of potentially dilutive shares (principally those arising from the assumed exercise of stock options). The dilutive effect of stock options is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, if the average market price of a share of common stock increases above the option’s exercise price, the proceeds that would be assumed to be realized from the exercise of the option would be used to acquire outstanding shares of common stock. The dilutive effect of awards is directly correlated with the fair value of the shares of common stock.

Stock-based Compensation — The Company measures stock-based compensation cost at the grant date based on the fair value of the award and recognizes it as expense over the applicable vesting period using the straight-line method. Upon exercise of options, excess income tax benefits related to share-based compensation expense that must be recognized directly in equity are considered financing rather than operating cash flow activities. The

F-9

Company did not grant any options during the fiscal years 2017 and 2016. The Company issues new shares upon the exercise of employee stock options.

The fair value of each of the Company’s stock options is estimated on the date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model that uses assumptions that relate to the expected volatility of the Company’s common stock, the expected dividend yield of the Company’s stock, the expected life of the options and the risk free interest rate.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In June 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued guidance which clarifies the recognition of stock-based compensation over the required service period, if it is probable that the performance condition will be achieved. This guidance was effective for the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2015, the FASB issued guidance simplifying the income statement presentation by eliminating the concept of extraordinary items. Extraordinary items are events and transactions that are distinguished by their unusual nature and by the infrequency of their occurrence. Eliminating the extraordinary classification simplifies income statement presentation by altogether removing the concept of extraordinary items from consideration. The amendments were effective for the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In February 2015, the FASB amended the consolidation standards for reporting entities that are required to evaluate whether they should consolidate certain legal entities. Under the new guidance, all legal entities are subject to reevaluation under the revised consolidation model. Specifically, the guidance (i) modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities (VIEs) or voting interest entities; (ii) eliminates the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership; (iii) affects the consolidation analysis of reporting entities that are involved with VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships; and (iv) provides a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act for registered money market funds. The amendments were effective for the Company’s fiscal year ended September 30, 2017 and did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted — In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The guidance provides a comprehensive new revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance also requires additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts. This update is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, which is when we plan to adopt these provisions. This update permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method, however we have not yet selected a transition method. Upon initial evaluation, we do not believe this guidance will impact our recognition of revenue from company-owned restaurants, which is our primary source of revenue. We are continuing to evaluate the effect this guidance will have on other, less significant revenue sources, including catering revenues.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The guidance requires an entity to measure inventory at the lower of cost or net realizable value, which is the estimated selling prices in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation, rather than the lower of cost or market in the previous guidance. This amendment applies to inventory that is measured using first-in, first-out (FIFO). This amendment is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. A reporting entity should apply the amendments prospectively with earlier application permitted as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

In January 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments-Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The guidance will require equity investments in unconsolidated entities (other than those accounted for using the equity method of accounting) to be measured at fair value with

F-10

changes in fair value recognized in net income. The amendments in this update will also simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, eliminate the requirement for public business entities to disclose the method and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet and require these entities to use the exit price notion when measuring fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes. This guidance also changes the presentation and disclosure requirements for financial instruments as well as clarifying the guidance related to valuation allowance assessments when recognizing deferred tax assets resulting from unrealized losses on available-for-sale debt securities. The amendments in this guidance are effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2019. Early adoption is permitted for financial statements of fiscal years and interim periods that have not been issued. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases. This update requires a lessee to recognize on the balance sheet a liability to make lease payments and a corresponding right-of-use asset. The guidance also requires certain qualitative and quantitative disclosures about the amount, timing and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. This update is effective for the Company in the first quarter of fiscal 2020, which is when we plan to adopt these provisions. We plan to elect the available practical expedients on adoption and we expect our balance sheet presentation to be materially impacted upon adoption due to the recognition of right-of-use assets and lease liabilities for operating leases. We are continuing to evaluate the effect this guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation – Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting. This ASU is intended to simplify the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update provides clarification regarding how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified in the statement of cash flows and addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing the existing diversity in practice. This update is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2017, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2019 using a retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-16, Income Taxes: Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other than Inventory. The amendments in this guidance address the income tax consequences of intra-entity transfers of assets other than inventory. Current guidance prohibits the recognition of current and deferred income taxes for an intra-entity asset transfer until the asset has been sold to an outside party. In addition, interpretations of this guidance have developed in practice over the years for transfers of certain intangible and tangible assets. The amendments in the update will require recognition of current and deferred income taxes resulting from an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. This update is effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, which is when we plan to adopt these provisions using a modified retrospective approach. We do not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-17, Consolidation: Interests Held through Related Parties That Are Under Common Control. The amendments in this guidance change how a reporting entity that is the single decision maker of a variable interest entity should treat indirect interests in the entity held through related parties that are under common control with the reporting entity when determining whether it is the primary beneficiary of that variable interest entity. The amendments in this update are effective for financial statements issued for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, which will require us to adopt these provisions in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

F-11

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations: Clarifying the Definition of a Business. This update provides that when substantially all the fair value of the assets acquired is concentrated in a single identifiable asset or a group of similar identifiable assets, the set is not a business. This update will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other: Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The update simplifies how an entity is required to test goodwill for impairment by eliminating Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. Step 2 measures a goodwill impairment loss by comparing the implied fair value of a reporting unit’s goodwill with the carrying amount. The new rules will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2021. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact adoption of this guidance on its consolidated financial statements.

2.	CONSOLIDATION OF VARIABLE INTEREST ENTITIES

The Company consolidates any variable interest entities in which it holds a variable interest and is the primary beneficiary. Generally, a variable interest entity, or VIE, is an entity with one or more of the following characteristics: (a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support; (b) as a group the holders of the equity investment at risk lack (i) the ability to make decisions about an entity’s activities through voting or similar rights, (ii) the obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, or (iii) the right to receive the expected residual returns of the entity; or (c) the equity investors have voting rights that are not proportional to their economic interests and substantially all of the entity’s activities either involve, or are conducted on behalf of, an investor that has disproportionately few voting rights. The primary beneficiary of a VIE is generally the entity that has (a) the power to direct the activities of the VIE that most significantly impact the VIE’s economic performance, and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company has determined that it is the primary beneficiary of three VIEs and, accordingly, consolidates the financial results of these entities. Following are the required disclosures associated with the Company’s consolidated VIEs:

	September 30, 2017		October 1, 2016
	(in thousands)

Cash and cash equivalents	$	363	$	889
Accounts receivable		716		429
Inventories		22		23
Prepaid and refundable income taxes		226		178
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		63		50
Due from Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates (1)		185		—
Fixed assets - net		6		22
Other assets		71		71
Total assets	$	1,652	$	1,662

Accounts payable - trade	$	116	$	114
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		260		238
Due to Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates (1)		—		173
Operating lease deferred credit		51		73
Total liabilities		427		598
Equity of variable interest entities		1,225		1,064
Total liabilities and equity	$	1,652	$	1,662

(1)

Amounts due from Ark Restaurants Corp. and affiliates are eliminated upon consolidation.

The liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on the Company’s general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs.

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Conversely, assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against the Company’s general assets.

3.	RECENT RESTAURANT EXPANSION

On October 22, 2015, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Ark Shuckers, LLC and Ark Shuckers Real Estate, LLC, acquired the assets of Shuckers Inc. (“Shuckers”), a restaurant and bar located at the Island Beach Resort in Jensen Beach, FL, and six condominium units (four of which house the restaurant and bar operations). In addition, Ark Island Beach Resort LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, acquired Island Beach Resort Inc., a management company that administers a rental pool of certain condominium units under lease. The total purchase price was $5,717,000. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan in the amount of $5,000,000 and cash from operations. The fair values of the assets acquired were allocated as follows:

Inventory	$	67,000
Commercial condominium units		3,584,800
Residential condominium units		263,000
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		240,000
Trademarks		390,000
Customer list		90,000
Goodwill		1,082,200

	$	5,717,000

The Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended October 1, 2016 includes revenues and operating income of approximately $4,763,000 and $523,000, respectively, related to Shuckers. Transaction costs incurred in the amount of approximately $170,000 are included in general and administrative expenses in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended October 1, 2016. The Company expects the Goodwill and indefinite life Trademarks to be deductible for tax purposes.

On November 30, 2016, the Company, through newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiaries, acquired the assets of the Original Oyster House, Inc., a restaurant and bar located in the City of Gulf Shores, Baldwin County, Alabama and the related real estate and an adjacent retail shopping plaza and the Original Oyster House II, Inc., a restaurant and bar located in the City of Spanish Fort, Baldwin County, Alabama and the related real estate. The total purchase price was for $10,750,000 plus inventory of approximately $293,000. The acquisition is accounted for as a business combination and was financed with a bank loan from the Company’s existing lender in the amount of $8,000,000 and cash from operations. The fair values of the assets acquired, none of which are amortizable, were allocated as follows (amounts in thousands):

Inventory	$	293
Land and buildings		6,650
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		395
Trademarks		1,720
Goodwill		1,985

	$	11,043

The Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended September 30, 2017 includes revenues and income of approximately $5,322,000 and $11,804,000 and $684,000 and $1,243,000, respectively, related to the Shuckers and Oyster House properties. The years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 include revenues and income (loss) of approximately $4,409,000 and ($2,759,000) and $10,078,000 and $1,156,000, respectively, related to Sequoia which was closed from January 4, 2017 through June 23, 2017. The unaudited pro forma financial information set forth below is based upon the Company’s historical Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 and includes the results of operations for Shuckers

F-13

and the Oyster House properties for the periods prior to acquisition. The unaudited pro forma financial information is presented for informational purposes only and may not be indicative of what actual results of operations would have been had the acquisition of Shuckers and the Oyster House properties occurred on the dates indicated, nor does it purport to represent the results of operations for future periods.

	Year Ended
	September 30, 2017		October 1, 2016
	(unaudited)		(unaudited)

Total revenues	$	155,690	$	164,402
Net income	$	4,246	$	6,643
Net income per share - basic	$	1.24	$	1.94
Net income per share - diluted	$	1.20	$	1.89

Basic		3,424		3,418
Diluted		3,531		3,507

4.	RECENT RESTAURANT DISPOSITIONS

Lease Expirations – On November 30, 2015, the Company’s lease at the V-Bar located at the Venetian Casino Resort in Las Vegas, NV expired. The closure of this property did not result in a material charge.

Other – On November 18, 2016, Ark Jupiter RI, LLC (“Ark Jupiter”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a ROFR Purchase and Sale Agreement (the “ROFR”) with SCFRC-HWG, LLC, the landlord (the “Seller”) to purchase the land and building in which the Company operated its Rustic Inn location in Jupiter, Florida. The Seller had entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with a third party to sell the premises; however, Ark Jupiter’s lease provided the Company with a right of first refusal to purchase the property. Ark Jupiter exercised the ROFR on October 4, 2016 and made a ten (10%) percent deposit on the purchase price of approximately Five Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($5,200,000). Concurrent with the execution of the ROFR, Ark Jupiter entered into a Purchase and Sale Agreement with 1065 A1A, LLC to sell this same property for Eight Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($8,250,000). In connection with the sale, Ark Jupiter and 1065 A1A, LLC entered into a temporary lease and sub-lease arrangement which expired on July 18, 2017. The Company vacated the space in June 2017. In connection with these transactions the Company recognized a gain in the amount of $1,637,000 during the year ended September 30, 2017.

5.	INVESTMENT IN AND RECEIVABLE FROM NEW MEADOWLANDS RACETRACK

F-14

total ownership of 11.6% of Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, and an effective ownership interest in NMR of 7.4%, subject to dilution. In 2015, the Company invested an additional $222,000 in NMR and on February 7, 2017, the Company invested an additional $222,000 in NMR, both as a result of capital calls, bringing its total investment to $5,108,000 with no change in ownership. This investment has been accounted for based on the cost method.

In addition to the Company’s ownership interest in NMR through Meadowlands Newmark, LLC, if casino gaming is approved at the Meadowlands and NMR is granted the right to conduct said gaming, neither of which can be assured, the Company shall be granted the exclusive right to operate the food and beverage concessions in the gaming facility with the exception of one restaurant.

In conjunction with this investment, the Company, through a 97% owned subsidiary, Ark Meadowlands LLC (“AM VIE”), also entered into a long-term agreement with NMR for the exclusive right to operate food and beverage concessions serving the new raceway facilities (the “Racing F&B Concessions”) located in the new raceway grandstand constructed at the Meadowlands Racetrack in northern New Jersey. Under the agreement, NMR is responsible to pay for the costs and expenses incurred in the operation of the Racing F&B Concessions, and all revenues and profits thereof inure to the benefit of NMR. AM VIE receives an annual fee equal to 5% of the net profits received by NMR from the Racing F&B Concessions during each calendar year. At October 1, 2016, it was determined that AM VIE is a variable interest entity. However, based on qualitative consideration of the contracts with AM VIE, the operating structure of AM VIE, the Company’s role with AM VIE, and that the Company is not obligated to absorb any expected losses of AM VIE, the Company has concluded that it is not the primary beneficiary and not required to consolidate the operations of AM VIE.

The Company’s maximum exposure to loss as a result of its involvement with AM VIE is limited to a receivable from AM VIE’s primary beneficiary (NMR, a related party) which aggregated approximately $9,000 and $164,000 at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively, and are included in Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On April 25, 2014, the Company loaned $1,500,000 to Meadowlands Newmark, LLC. The note bears interest at 3%, compounded monthly and added to the principal, and is due in its entirety on January 31, 2024. The note may be prepaid, in whole or in part, at any time without penalty or premium. On July 13, 2016, the Company made an additional loan to Meadowlands Newmark, LLC in the amount of $200,000. Such amount is subject to the same terms and conditions as the original loan as discussed above. The principal and accrued interest related to this note in the amounts of $1,871,144 and $1,814,659, are included in Investment In and Receivable From New Meadowlands Racetrack in the Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively.

In accordance with the cost method, our initial investment is recorded at cost and we record dividend income when applicable, if dividends are declared. We review our Investment in NMR each reporting period to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on its fair value, such as the defeat of the referendum for casino gaming in Northern New Jersey in November 2016. State law prohibits the issue from being put on the ballot before voters for the following two years. As a result, we performed an assessment of the recoverability of our indirect Investment in NMR as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, which included estimates requiring significant management judgment, include inherent uncertainties and are often interdependent; therefore, they do not change in isolation. Factors that management estimated include, among others, the probability of gambling being approved in Northern NJ which is the most heavily weighted assumption and NMR obtaining a license to operate a casino, revenue levels, cost of capital, marketing spending, tax rates and capital spending.

In performing this assessment, we estimated the fair value of our Investment in NMR using our best estimate of these assumptions which we believe would be consistent with what a hypothetical marketplace participant would use. The variability of these factors depends on a number of conditions, including uncertainty about future events and our inability as a minority shareholder to control certain outcomes and thus our accounting estimates may change from period to period. If other assumptions and estimates had been used when these tests were performed,

F-15

impairment charges could have resulted. As a result of the above, no impairment was deemed necessary as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016.

FIXED ASSETS

Fixed assets consist of the following:

	September 30, 2017		October 1, 2016
	(In thousands)

Land and building	$	17,164	$	9,002
Leasehold improvements		50,127		43,402
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		35,978		36,062
Construction in progress		980		482
		104,249		88,948
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		59,034		59,402

	$	45,215	$	29,546

Depreciation and amortization expense related to fixed assets for the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 was $4,096,000 and $4,490,000, respectively.

Management continually evaluates unfavorable cash flows, if any, related to underperforming restaurants. Periodically it is concluded that certain properties have become impaired based on their existing and anticipated future economic outlook in their respective markets. In such instances, we may impair assets to reduce their carrying values to fair values. Estimated fair values of impaired properties are based on comparable valuations, cash flows and/or management judgment. Included in 2017 are impairment charges of $75,000 related to Canyon Road (see Note 4), $45,000 related to Branches, which is included in other operating costs and expenses, and $283,000 related to Sequoia (see Note 10).

INTANGIBLE ASSETS, GOODWILL AND TRADEMARKS

Intangible assets consist of the following:

	September 30, 2017		October 1, 2016
	(In thousands)

Purchased leasehold rights (a)	$	2,395	$	2,737
Noncompete agreements and other		253		303
		2,648		3,040

Less accumulated amortization		2,239		2,514

Total intangible assets	$	409	$	526

(a)

Purchased leasehold rights arose from acquiring leases and subleases of various restaurants.

Amortization expense related to intangible assets for the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 was $42,000 and $63,000, respectively. Amortization expense for each of the next five years is expected to be $38,000.

Goodwill is the excess of cost over fair market value of tangible and intangible net assets acquired. Goodwill is not presently amortized but tested for impairment annually or when the facts or circumstances indicate a possible impairment of goodwill as a result of a continual decline in performance or as a result of fundamental changes in a market. Trademarks, which have indefinite lives, are not currently amortized and are tested for impairment annually or when facts or circumstances indicate a possible impairment as a result of a continual decline in performance or as a result of fundamental changes in a market.

The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill and trademarks for the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 are as follows:

	Goodwill		Trademarks
	(In thousands)

Balance as of October 3, 2015	$	6,813	$	1,221
Acquired during the year		1,082		390
Impairment losses		-		-
Balance as of October 1, 2016		7,895		1,611
Acquired during the year		1,985		1,720
Impairment losses		-		-
Balance as of September 30, 2017	$	9,880	$	3,331

F-16

ACCRUED EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following:

	September 30, 2017		October 1, 2016
	(In thousands)

Sales tax payable	$	813	$	942
Accrued wages and payroll related costs		2,475		2,495
Customer advance deposits		4,186		4,077
Accrued occupancy and other operating expenses		2,702		3,041

	$	10,176	$	10,555

Two subsidiaries of the Company (“the Ark Subsidiaries”), which operate food courts on Federally protected Indian land, had been involved in litigation with the state in which they operate, whereby the state attempted to collect commercial rent tax from the Ark Subsidiaries. The Company had continued to accrue such taxes as the litigation worked its way through the courts. During July 2016, the state agreed to the entry of consent judgments in favor of the Ark Subsidiaries holding that the state is constitutionally prohibited from taxing rentals of Indian land. In connection with this agreement, the Company reversed the accrual of these liabilities in the amount of $945,000 during the three months ended July 2, 2016. In addition, the Company received a refund of previously paid amounts in the amount of $157,000 in August 2016 related to the above matter. Such amounts are included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the year ended October 1, 2016 as a reduction of Occupancy Expenses.

NOTES PAYABLE – BANK

Long-term debt consists of the following:

	September 30, 2017			October 1, 2016
	(In thousands)

Promissory Note - Rustic Inn purchase	$	2,290		$	3,907
Promissory Note - Shuckers purchase		3,083			4,084
Promissory Note - Oyster House purchase		6,667			—
		12,040			7,991
Less: Current maturities		(4,174	)		(2,617	)
Less: Unamortized deferred financing costs		(42	)		(53	)

Long-term debt	$	7,824		$	5,321

On February 25, 2013, the Company issued a promissory note to Bank Hapoalim B.M. (the “BHBM”) for $3,000,000. The note bore interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum, and was payable in 36 equal monthly installments of $83,333, commencing on March 25, 2013. On February 24, 2014, in connection with the acquisition of The Rustic Inn, the Company borrowed an additional $6,000,000 from BHBM under the same terms and conditions as the original loan which was consolidated with the remaining principal balance from the original borrowing at that date. The new loan is payable in 60 equal monthly installments of $134,722, which commenced on March 25, 2014.

F-17

On October 22, 2015, in connection with the acquisition of Shuckers, the Company issued a promissory note to BHBM for $5,000,000. The note bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum, and is payable in 60 equal monthly installments of $83,333, commencing on November 22, 2015.

Also on October 22, 2015, the Company also entered into a credit agreement (the “Revolving Facility”) with BHBM which, as amended, expires on October 21, 2019 and provides for total availability of the lesser of (i) $10,000,000 and (ii) $20,000,000 less the then aggregate amount of all indebtedness and obligations to BHBM. Borrowings under the Revolving Facility are evidenced by a promissory note (the “Revolving Note”) in favor of BHBM and will be payable over five years with interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.5% per year.

On November 30, 2016, in connection with the acquisition of The Oyster House properties, the Company issued a promissory note under the Revolving Facility to BHBM for $8,000,000. The note bears interest at LIBOR plus 3.5% per annum, and is payable in 60 equal monthly installments of $133,273, commencing on January 1, 2017.

During the year ended September 30, 2017, the Company borrowed $6,198,000 under the Revolving Facility to finance a portion of the renovation of its Sequoia property. As of September 30, 2017, such borrowings had a weighted average interest rate of 4.7%.

Deferred financing costs incurred in connection with the Revolving Facility in the amount of $130,585 are being amortized over the life of the agreements on a straight-line basis and included in interest expense. Amortization expense of $46,000 and $43,000 is included in interest expense for the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively.

Borrowings under the Revolving Facility, which include all of the above promissory notes, are secured by all tangible and intangible personal property (including accounts receivable, inventory, equipment, general intangibles, documents, chattel paper, instruments, letter-of-credit rights, investment property, intellectual property and deposit accounts) and fixtures of the Company.

The loan agreements provide, among other things, that the Company meet minimum quarterly tangible net worth amounts, as defined, maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of not less than 1.1:1 and minimum annual net income amounts, and contain customary representations, warranties and affirmative covenants. The agreements also contain customary negative covenants, subject to negotiated exceptions, on liens, relating to other indebtedness, capital expenditures, liens, affiliate transactions, disposal of assets and certain changes in ownership. The Company was in compliance with all of its financial covenants under the Revolving Facility as of September 30, 2017 except for the fixed charge coverage ratio covenant. On December 21, 2017, we were issued a waiver for this covenant as of September 30, 2017.

As of September 30, 2017, the aggregate amounts of notes payable maturities are as follows:

2018	$	4,216
2019		3,273
2020		2,599
2021		1,682
2022		270
	$	12,040

10.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Leases — The Company leases its restaurants, bar facilities, and administrative headquarters through its subsidiaries under terms expiring at various dates through 2033. Most of the leases provide for the payment of base rents plus real estate taxes, insurance and other expenses and, in certain instances, for the payment of a percentage of the restaurants’ sales in excess of stipulated amounts at such facility and in one instance based on profits.

F-18

As of September 30, 2017, future minimum lease payments under noncancelable leases are as follows:

	Amount
Fiscal Year	(In thousands)

2018	$	9,720
2019		9,004
2020		8,118
2021		7,149
2022		6,649
Thereafter		34,439

Total minimum payments	$	75,079

In connection with certain of the leases included in the table above, the Company obtained and delivered irrevocable letters of credit in the aggregate amount of approximately $388,000 as security deposits under such leases.

Rent expense was approximately $13,547,000 and $13,791,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively. Contingent rentals, included in rent expense, were approximately $4,420,000 and $4,382,000 for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively.

On January 12, 2016, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Lease for its Sequoia property in Washington D.C. extending the lease for 15 years through November 30, 2032 with one additional five-year option. Annual rent under the new lease is approximately $1,200,000 increasing annually through expiration. Under the terms of the agreement, the property was closed January 1, 2017 for renovation and reconcepting which cost approximately $11,000,000. In connection with this closure, the Company recognized an impairment loss related to fixed asset disposals in the amount of $283,000, which is included in depreciation and amortization expense for the year ended September 30, 2017. The restaurant re-opened in June 2017.

Legal Proceedings — In the ordinary course its business, the Company is a party to various lawsuits arising from accidents at its restaurants and worker’s compensation claims, which are generally handled by the Company’s insurance carriers. The employment by the Company of management personnel, waiters, waitresses and kitchen staff at a number of different restaurants has resulted in the institution, from time to time, of litigation alleging violation by the Company of employment discrimination laws. Management believes, based in part on the advice of counsel, that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Share Repurchase Plan — On July 5, 2016, the Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program authorizing management to purchase up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock during the next twelve months. Any repurchase under the program will be effected in compliance with Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 “Purchases of Certain Equity Securities by the Issuer and Others”, funded using the Company’s working capital and be based on management’s evaluation of market conditions and other factors. No repurchases were made during the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016.

11.

STOCK OPTIONS

The Company has options outstanding under two stock option plans, the 2004 Stock Option Plan (the “2004 Plan”) and the 2010 Stock Option Plan (the “2010 Plan”), which was approved by shareholders in the second quarter of 2010. Effective with this approval, the Company terminated the 2004 Plan. This action terminated the 400 authorized but unissued options under the 2004 Plan, but it did not affect any of the options previously issued under the 2004 Plan. Options granted under the 2004 Plan are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted. The options expire ten years after the date of

F-19

grant. Options granted under the 2010 Plan are exercisable at prices at least equal to the fair market value of such stock on the dates the options were granted. The options expire ten years after the date of grant.

During the year ended September 30, 2017, options to purchase 90,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $32.15 per share expired unexercised.

No options were granted during the years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016. The following table summarizes stock option activity under all plans:

	2017									2016
	Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Contractual Term		Aggregate Intrinsic Value		Shares			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
Outstanding, beginning of year		518,608		$	20.33		5.1 Years				523,800		$	20.29
Options:
Granted		—									—
Exercised		(6,808	)	$	17.15						(5,192	)	$	16.26
Canceled or expired		(90,000	)	$	32.15						—
Outstanding and expected to vest, end of year		421,800		$	17.86		5.2 Years	$	2,745,156		518,608		$	20.33	$	1,979,232
Exercisable, end of year		421,800		$	17.86		5.2 Years	$	2,745,156		518,608		$	20.33	$	1,979,232
Weighted average remaining contractual life	5.2 Years									5.1 Years

Shares available for future grant		500,000									500,000

Compensation cost charged to operations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 for share-based compensation programs was approximately $0 and $286,000, respectively. The compensation cost recognized is classified as a general and administrative expense in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of September 30, 2017, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options.

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding as of September 30, 2017:

F-20

	Options Outstanding and Exercisable
Range of Exercise Prices	Number of Shares		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining contractual life (in years)

$12.04		66,000	$	12.04		1.6
$14.40		156,300	$	14.40		4.7
$22.50		199,500	$	22.50		6.7

		421,800	$	20.33		5.2

12.

INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:

	Year Ended
	September 30, 2017			October 1, 2016
	(In thousands)

Current provision (benefit):
Federal	$	(144	)	$	778
State and local		287			192
		143			970
Deferred provision (benefit):
Federal		1,391			915
State and local		134			213
		1,525			1,128

	$	1,668		$	2,098

The effective tax rate differs from the U.S. income tax rate as follows:

	Year Ended
	September 30, 2017			October 1, 2016
	(In thousands)

Provision at Federal statutory rate (34% in 2017 and 2016)	$	2,185		$	2,580
State and local income taxes, net of tax benefits		255			326
Tax credits		(632	)		(611	)
Income attributable to non-controlling interest		(244	)		(501	)
Changes in tax rates		8			9
Other		96			295

	$	1,668		$	2,098

F-21

Deferred income taxes reflect the net effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting and tax purposes. Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

	September 30, 2017			October 1, 2016
	(In thousands)

Long-term deferred tax assets (liabilities):
State net operating loss carryforwards	$	3,210		$	3,179
Operating lease deferred credits		826			772
Depreciation and amortization		(2,160	)		(256	)
Deferred compensation		580			986
Partnership investments		(291	)		(709	)
Prepaid expenses		(419	)		(444	)
Other		99			230
Total long-term deferred tax assets		1,845			3,758
Valuation allowance		(354	)		(342	)
Total net deferred tax assets	$	1,491		$	3,416

In assessing the realizability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income. In the assessment of the valuation allowance, appropriate consideration was given to all positive and negative evidence including recent operating profitability, forecasts of future earnings and the duration of statutory carryforward periods. The Company recorded a valuation allowance of $354,000 and $342,000 as of September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively, attributable to state and local net operating loss carryforwards which are not realizable on a more-likely-than-not basis. During fiscal 2017, the Company’s valuation allowance increased by approximately $12,000 as the Company determined that certain state net operating losses became unrealizable on a more-likely-than-not basis.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company has New York State net operating losses of approximately $20,030,000 and New York City net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $18,455,000 that expire through fiscal 2037.

During fiscal 2017, certain equity compensation awards expired unexercised. As such, the Company reversed the related deferred tax asset in the amount of approximately $400,000 as a charge to Additional Paid-in Capital as there was a sufficient pool of windfall tax benefit available. During fiscal 2016, the Company recorded a credit to Additional Paid-in Capital of $11,000 related to equity compensation.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits excluding interest and penalties is as follows:

	September 30,			October 1,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)

Balance at beginning of year	$	366		$	307

Additions based on tax positions taken in current and prior years		15			105
Settlements		(134	)		(46	)
Decreases based on tax postions taken in prior years		(96	)		—

Balance at end of year	$	151		$	366

F-22

The entire amount of unrecognized tax benefits if recognized would reduce our annual effective tax rate. As of September 30, 2017, the Company accrued approximately $127,000 of interest and penalties. The Company does not expect its unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months. Inherent uncertainties exist in estimates of tax contingencies due to changes in tax law, both legislated and concluded through the various jurisdictions’ tax court systems.

The Company files tax returns in the U.S. and various state and local jurisdictions with varying statutes of limitations. The 2014 through 2017 fiscal years remain subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service most state and local tax authorities.

13.

INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK

A reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted per share computations for the fiscal years ended September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016 follows:

	Net Income Attributable to Ark Restaurants Corp. (Numerator)		Shares (Denominator)		Per Share Amount
	(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Year ended September 30, 2017
Basic EPS	$	4,039		3,424	$	1.18
Stock options		—		107		(0.04	)

Diluted EPS	$	4,039	$	3,531	$	1.14

Year ended October 1, 2016
Basic EPS	$	4,030		3,418	$	1.18
Stock options		—		89		(0.03	)

Diluted EPS	$	4,030		3,507	$	1.15

For the year ended September 30, 2017, options to purchase 66,000 shares of common stock at a price of $12.04, options to purchase 156,300 shares of common stock at a price of $14.40 and options to purchase 199,500 shares of common stock at a price of $22.50 per were included in diluted earnings per share.

For the year ended October 1, 2016, options to purchase 66,000 shares of common stock at a price of $12.04, options to purchase 160,800 shares of common stock at a price of $14.40 and options to purchase 201,808 shares of common stock at a price of $22.50 per were included in diluted earnings per share. Options to purchase 90,000 shares of common stock at a price of $32.15 per share were not included in diluted earnings per share as their impact would be anti-dilutive.

F-23

14.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Employee receivables totaled approximately $399,000 and $453,000 at September 30, 2017 and October 1, 2016, respectively. Such amounts consist of loans that are payable on demand and bear interest at the minimum statutory rate (1.29% at September 30, 2017 and 0.66% at October 1, 2016).

15.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On December 5, 2017, the Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.25 per share on the Company’s common stock to be paid on January 3, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 19, 2017.

On December 12, 2017, the Company amended its Revolving Facility to increase the total availability to be the lesser of (i) $12,000,000 and (ii) $22,000,000 less the then aggregate amount of all indebtedness and obligations to BHBM.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Acts (the “Act”) was enacted into law. The new legislation contains several key tax provisions including the reduction of the corporate income tax rate to 21% effective January 1, 2018, as well as a variety of other changes including limitation of the tax deductibility of interest expense, acceleration of expensing of certain business assets and reductions in the amount of executive pay that could qualify as a tax deduction. The Company is assessing the impact of the enacted tax law on its business and its consolidated financial statements and expects to record a discrete tax benefit related to the remeasurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities for the reduced federal tax rates during the three-month period ending December 31, 2017.

******

F-24

Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	ARK RESTAURANTS CORP.

	By:	/s/ Michael Weinstein
		Michael Weinstein
		Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: December 29, 2017

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been duly signed by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature	Title	Date

/s/ Michael Weinstein	Chairman of the Board	December 29, 2017
(Michael Weinstein)	and Chief Executive Officer

/s/ Vincent Pascal	Senior Vice President	December 29, 2017
(Vincent Pascal)	and Director

/s/ Robert Stewart	President, Chief Financial Officer	December 29, 2017
(Robert Stewart)	and Director (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

/s/ Marcia Allen	Director	December 29, 2017
(Marcia Allen)

/s/ Steven Shulman	Director	December 29, 2017
(Steven Shulman)

/s/ Paul Gordon	Senior Vice President	December 29, 2017
(Paul Gordon)	and Director

/s/Bruce R. Lewin	Director	December 29, 2017
(Bruce R. Lewin)

/s/ Arthur Stainman	Director	December 29, 2017
(Arthur Stainman)

/s/ Stephen Novick	Director	December 29, 2017
(Stephen Novick)

Exhibits Index

3.1		Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant, filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York on January 4, 1983.

3.2		Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York on October 11, 1985.

3.3		Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York on July 21, 1988.

3.4		Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant filed with the Secretary of State of the State of New York on May 13, 1997.

3.5		Certificate of Amendment of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Registrant filed on May 14, 2002 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to the Registrant’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarterly period ended March 30, 2002 (the “Second Quarter 2002 Form 10-Q”).

3.6		By-Laws of the Registrant, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form S-18 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 17, 1985.

10.1		Amended and Restated Redemption Agreement dated June 29, 1993 between the Registrant and Michael Weinstein, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 2, 1999 (“1994 10-K”).

10.2		Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into between the Registrant and each of Michael Weinstein, Ernest Bogen, Vincent Pascal, Robert Towers, Jay Galin, Robert Stewart, Bruce R. Lewin, Paul Gordon and Donald D. Shack, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the 1994 10-K.

10.3		Ark Restaurants Corp. 2004 Stock Option Plan, as amended, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed on January 26, 2004

10.4		Ark Restaurants Corp. 2010 Stock Option Plan, incorporated by reference to the Registrant’s Definitive Proxy Statement pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed on February 1, 2010.

10.5		Securities Purchase Agreement, by and between the Registrant and Estate of Irving Hershkowitz, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.01 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2011.

10.6		Promissory Note, in the principal amount of $2,125,000, issued by the Company to Estate of Irving Hershkowitz, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.02 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on December 15, 2011.

10.7		Promissory Note made by the Registrant to Bank Hapoalim B.M., issued as of February 25, 2013, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on March 1, 2013.

10.8		Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of November 22, 2013 by and between W and O, Inc. and Ark Rustic Inn LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 26, 2013.

10.9		Amended and Restated Promissory Note made by the Company to Bank Hapoalim B.M., issued as of February 24, 2014, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2014.

10.10		Term or Installment Loan Rider to Promissory Note to Bank Hapoalim B.M, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on February 28, 2014.

10.11		Commercial Contract Agreement and Rider to Commercial Contract Agreement both dated as of August 10, 2015 by and between Ark Shuckers Real Estate LLC and D.C. Holding Company, Inc., incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 and 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 28, 2015.

10.12		Restaurant Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of August 10, 2015 by and between Ark Shuckers LLC and Ocean Enterprises, Inc. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 28, 2015.

10.13		Management Purchase Agreement dated as of August 10, 2015 by and between Ark Island Beach Resort LLC and Island Beach Resort, Inc. incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 28, 2015.

10.14		Credit Agreement (Term Facility) between the Company and Bank Hapoalim B.M. issued as of October 21, 2015 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 28, 2015.

10.15		Term Promissory Note issued by the Company in favor of Bank Hapoalim B.M. on October 21, 2015 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 28, 2015.

10.16		Credit Agreement (Revolving Facility) and Form of Revolving Promissory Note between the Company and Bank Hapoalim B.M. issued as of October 21, 2015 incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 and 10.8 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 28, 2015.

10.17		Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2016, by and between Ark Gulf Shores Real Estate, LLC, Ark Oyster House Gulf Shores I, LLC, Original Oyster House, Inc. and Premium Properties, Inc. including the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2016.

10.18		Asset Purchase Agreement dated as of October 21, 2016, by and between Ark Oyster House Causeway II, LLC, Ark Causeway Real Estate, LLC, Original Oyster House II, Inc. and Gumbo Properties, L.L.C. including the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2016.

10.19		ROFR Purchase and Sale Agreement dated as of October 13, 2016 by and between SCFRC-HWG, LLC and Ark Jupiter RI, LLC incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2016.

10.20		Purchase and Sale Agreement between Ark Jupiter RI, LLC and 1065 A1A, LLC, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.4 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 16, 2016.

10.21		Second Amendment to Credit Agreement (Revolving Facility) dated as of November 30, 2016, by and between Ark Restaurant Corp. and Bank Hapoalim B.M incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on January 27, 2017.

10.22		Mortgage and Security Agreement (Alabama) dated as of November 30, 2016, by and between Ark Gulf Shores Real Estate LLC and Ark Causeway Real Estate LLC and Bank Hapoalim B.M incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Registrant’s Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on January 27, 2017.

14		Code of Ethics, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.1 to the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 27, 2003.

*21		Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

*23		Consent of CohnReznick LLP.

*31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

*31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

*32		Section 1350 Certification.

101.INS**		XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE**		XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

	*	Filed herewith.
	**	Pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T, the Interactive Data Files on Exhibit 101 hereto are deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of Sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, are deemed not filed for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and otherwise are not subject to liability under those sections.