Archive for November, 2010

EPS Increased 6.7% over Prior Year, Excluding BIBP; 2010 EPS Guidance Updated to a Range of $1.74 to $1.80, Excluding BIBP

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA):

Highlights

  • Achieved third quarter earnings per diluted share of $0.32 in 2010 vs. $0.30 in 2009, excluding the impact of consolidating the results of the franchisee-owned BIBP cheese purchasing entity
  • Achieved third quarter earnings per diluted share including the results of BIBP of $0.30 in 2010 vs. $0.42 in 2009
  • Domestic system-wide comparable sales decreased 0.6% for the third quarter
  • International franchise system sales increased 19.8% for the third quarter
  • Achieved 67 worldwide net unit openings during the quarter
  • Enhanced online ordering website introduced in October
  • Earnings guidance for 2010 updated to a range of $1.74 to $1.80 per diluted share, excluding BIBP; domestic system-wide comparable sales guidance for 2010 updated to a range of negative 0.5% to positive 0.5%

Papa John's Announces Third Quarter ResultsPapa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced revenues of $273.1 million for the third quarter of 2010, representing an increase of 6.5% from revenues of $256.3 million for the third quarter of 2009. Net income for the third quarter of 2010 was $7.8 million, or $0.30 per diluted share (including an after-tax loss of $400,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, from the consolidation of the results of the franchisee-owned cheese purchasing company, BIBP Commodities, Inc. (“BIBP”), a variable interest entity), compared to 2009 third-quarter net income of $11.7 million, or $0.42 per diluted share (including after-tax income of $3.2 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, from the consolidation of BIBP).

Revenues were $839.6 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2010, representing an increase of 4.2% from revenues of $805.8 million for the same period in 2009. Net income for the nine months ended September 26, 2010 was $37.9 million, or $1.42 per diluted share (including after-tax income of $3.5 million, or $0.13 per diluted share, from the consolidation of BIBP), compared to net income of $43.8 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, for the comparable period of 2009 (including after-tax income of $13.3 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, from the consolidation of BIBP).

“We are proud of our system for posting positive transaction growth for the sixth consecutive quarter, even in the face of what continues to be a challenging competitive environment,” commented Papa John’s Founder, Chairman and co-Chief Executive Officer, John Schnatter. “Equally as important, both our franchise and corporate operators delivered very strong product quality and service levels during the quarter, which is critical for the long-term health of our brand.”

“The Papa John’s brand continues to grow, with 67 worldwide net unit openings during the quarter,” said Papa John’s President and co-Chief Executive Officer, Jude Thompson. “And with over 1,500 units in our worldwide development pipeline, we are positioned to continue solid unit growth going forward. In addition, as the leader in online pizza sales we are excited about the launch of our revamped online ordering site at www.papajohns.com. The site features enhanced graphics and upgraded features that make it easier and faster for customers to order, and offers the only national online pizza loyalty program.”

Non-GAAP Measures

Certain financial information we present in this press release exclude the impact of the consolidation of BIBP, which are not measures that are defined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). These non-GAAP measures should not be construed as a substitute for or a better indicator of the company’s performance than the company’s GAAP measures. Management believes the financial information excluding the impact of BIBP is important for purposes of comparison to prior periods and development of future projections and earnings growth prospects. Management analyzes the company’s business performance and trends excluding the impact of BIBP because they are not indicative of our principal operating activities. In addition, annual cash bonuses, and certain long-term incentive programs for various levels of management, are based on financial measures that exclude the impact of the consolidation of BIBP. The presentation of the non-GAAP measures in this press release is made alongside the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

The company provides the following table to reconcile the financial results we present in this press release excluding the impact of BIBP to our GAAP financial measures for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 26, 2010 and September 27, 2009.

               
      Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
      Sept. 26,     Sept. 27,     Sept. 26,     Sept. 27,  
(In thousands, except per share amounts)     2010     2009       2010       2009    
                           
Pre-tax income, net of noncontrolling interests, as reported     $ 11,868     $ 17,492       $ 58,460       $ 67,847    
Loss (income) from BIBP cheese purchasing entity       658       (5,104 )       (5,505 )       (20,983 )  
Pre-tax income, net of noncontrolling interests, excluding BIBP                          
    $ 12,526     $ 12,388       $ 52,955       $ 46,864    
                           
Net income, as reported     $ 7,848     $ 11,739       $ 37,915       $ 43,755    
Loss (income) from BIBP cheese purchasing entity       417       (3,241 )       (3,496 )       (13,286 )  
Net income, excluding BIBP     $ 8,265     $ 8,498       $ 34,419       $ 30,469    
                           
Earnings per diluted share, as reported     $ 0.30     $ 0.42       $ 1.42       $ 1.57    
Loss (income) from BIBP cheese purchasing entity       0.02       (0.12 )       (0.13 )       (0.48 )  
Earnings per diluted share, excluding BIBP     $ 0.32     $ 0.30       $ 1.29       $ 1.09    
                           
Cash flow from operations, as reported                 $ 62,159       $ 82,266    
Net cash flows from BIBP cheese purchasing entity                   (5,505 )       (20,983 )  
Cash flow from operations, excluding BIBP                 $ 56,654       $ 61,283    
                           

 

Revenues Comparison

Consolidated revenues were $273.1 million for the third quarter of 2010, an increase of $16.8 million, or 6.5%, over the corresponding 2009 period. The increase in revenues was primarily due to the following:

  • Domestic commissary sales increased $15.5 million primarily due to higher commodities costs, substantially all of which were passed through in pricing to the restaurants, and an increase in sales volumes.
  • Franchise royalties revenue increased $1.3 million primarily due to an increase in the royalty rate (the standard royalty rate for the majority of domestic franchise restaurants increased from 4.25% to 4.50% in September 2009, and increased to 4.75% in the first quarter of 2010).
  • International revenues increased $1.4 million reflecting an increase in the number of our franchised international restaurants.

The increases noted above were partially offset by a $1.6 million decline in domestic company-owned restaurant sales due to a 1.6% decrease in comparable sales as our average ticket price declined due to increased levels of discounting, partially offset by an increase in customer traffic.

For the nine months ended September 26, 2010, revenues increased $33.8 million, or 4.2%, over the corresponding 2009 period, primarily due to the same reasons as those mentioned above; however, commodities prices charged to domestic restaurants were slightly lower for the nine-month period ended September 26, 2010, resulting from flat commodities costs and reduced commissary margins.

Operating Results and Cash Flow

Operating Results

Our pre-tax income, net of noncontrolling interests, for the third quarter of 2010 was $11.9 million, compared to $17.5 million for the corresponding period in 2009. For the nine months ended September 26, 2010, pre-tax income, net of noncontrolling interests, was $58.5 million compared to $67.8 million for the corresponding period in 2009. Excluding the impact of BIBP, as shown in the previous table, third-quarter 2010 pre-tax income, net of noncontrolling interests, was $12.5 million, an increase of $100,000 from the 2009 comparable results of $12.4 million. For the nine months ended September 26, 2010, pre-tax income excluding BIBP was $53.0 million, an increase of $6.1 million or 13.0% from the 2009 comparable results of $46.9 million.

An analysis of the changes in pre-tax income, net of noncontrolling interests, for the third quarter and nine months ended September 26, 2010, respectively (excluding the consolidation of BIBP), is summarized as follows (analyzed on a segment basis — see the Summary Financial Data table that follows for the reconciliation of segment income to consolidated income below):

  • Domestic Company-owned Restaurant Segment. Domestic company-owned restaurants’ operating income was $5.5 million for the third quarter of 2010 as compared to $7.4 million in the comparable 2009 period. For the nine months ended September 26, 2010, operating income was $25.6 million compared to $28.0 million in the comparable 2009 period. The decreases of $1.9 million and $2.4 million in the third quarter and nine-month period of 2010, respectively, were primarily due to declines in operating margin from a lower average ticket price, partially offset by increased customer traffic. Commodities costs, as compared to the corresponding 2009 periods, were slightly unfavorable for the three-month period and slightly favorable for the nine-month period.

Restaurant operating margin as externally reported was 18.2% for the third quarter of 2010, compared to 20.7% for the third quarter of 2009 and 20.8% for the first nine months of 2010, compared to 22.4% for the first nine months of 2009. Excluding the impact of the consolidation of BIBP, restaurant operating margin was 18.3% for the third quarter of 2010, compared to 19.7% in the third quarter of 2009 and was 20.4% in the first nine months of 2010 compared to 21.0% in the first nine months of 2009. The decline in the operating margin for the third quarter of 2010 was due to increased commodities costs and an increased level of discounting while the decline in the operating margin for the nine-month period of 2010 was primarily due to increased levels of discounting.

  • Domestic Commissary Segment. Domestic commissaries’ operating income decreased approximately $400,000 and $2.1 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 26, 2010, respectively. The decreases in operating income for the three- and nine-month periods were due to a lower gross margin as we reduced the prices charged to restaurants for certain products and experienced increased fuel costs. Additionally, the nine-month period of 2010 included commodities costs increases that we absorbed for certain vegetable products resulting from harsh Florida winter weather. The three- and nine-month periods of 2009 included approximately $500,000 of costs associated with the closure of one of our commissaries and the nine-month period in 2009 included management transition costs of approximately $800,000.
  • Domestic Franchising Segment. Domestic franchising operating income increased approximately $1.2 million to $14.4 million for the third quarter of 2010, as compared to $13.1 million in the third quarter of 2009, and increased $6.1 million to $45.7 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2010, as compared to $39.6 million in the corresponding 2009 period. The increases were primarily due to an increase in franchise royalties (the standard rate increased from 4.25% to 4.50% in September 2009, and increased to 4.75% in the first quarter of 2010). The impact of the royalty rate increase was partially offset by the impact of development incentive programs offered by the company in 2009 and 2010. Franchise and development fees were approximately $50,000 and $200,000 lower for the three- and nine-month periods ending September 26, 2010, respectively, than the prior year periods, even though we had 11 and 62 additional domestic unit openings during the three- and nine-month periods, respectively, in 2010. Additionally, we incurred incentive payment costs of $300,000 in the third quarter of 2010 and $600,000 for the nine months ended September 26, 2010, compared to $165,000 and $225,000 in the comparable periods of the prior year.
  • International Segment. The international segment reported operating losses of approximately $1.0 million and $3.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 26, 2010, respectively, compared to losses of $900,000 and $2.5 million, respectively, in the same periods in 2009. The declines in the operating results in both periods were primarily due to increased personnel and franchise support costs. Additionally, the nine-month period of 2010 included start-up costs associated with our company-owned commissary in the United Kingdom, which opened in the second quarter of 2010. The increase in costs was partially offset by increased revenues due to growth in the number of international units.

 

  • All Others Segment. Operating income for the “All others” reporting segment increased approximately $200,000 and $300,000 for the third quarter and nine-month period of 2010, as compared to the corresponding 2009 periods. The increases were primarily due to an improvement in operating income at our print and promotions subsidiary, Preferred Marketing Solutions, partially offset by an increase in infrastructure and support costs associated with our online ordering business unit. We expect to recoup these and future enhancement costs from ongoing online ordering fees charged to domestic restaurants over time. As previously announced, we introduced our new online ordering system in mid-October of 2010.
  • Unallocated Corporate Segment. Unallocated corporate expenses decreased approximately $1.0 million and $4.7 million for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 26, 2010, respectively, as compared to the corresponding 2009 periods. The components of unallocated corporate expenses were as follows (in thousands):
           
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,   Increase   Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,   Increase
      2010     2009     (decrease)   2010     2009     (decrease)
                           
General and administrative (a)     $ 5,962     $ 8,012     $ (2,050 )   $ 20,735     $ 22,704     $ (1,969 )
Net interest       1,140       1,070       70       3,086       3,186       (100 )
Depreciation       2,293       2,206       87       6,694       6,451       243  
Franchise support initiatives (b)       1,750       946       804       4,250       5,361       (1,111 )
Provision (credit) for uncollectible accounts and notes receivable (c)                          
      218       (152 )     370       435       1,360       (925 )
Other income (d)       (359 )     (91 )     (268 )     (1,237 )     (373 )     (864 )
Total unallocated corporate expenses                          
    $ 11,004     $ 11,991     $ (987 )   $ 33,963     $ 38,689     $ (4,726 )
                           

 

(a)   Unallocated general and administrative costs decreased for the third quarter of 2010 due to lower salaries and benefits, resulting from fewer employees. Severance costs, net of forfeitures of unvested stock awards, were approximately $100,000 in the third quarter of 2010, as compared to $800,000 in the third quarter of 2009. The reduction-in-force and related cost-savings measures in 2010 are expected to reduce future annual general and administrative and other costs by approximately $4.0 million.
     
    The first nine months of 2010 were impacted by lower salaries and benefits, as noted above, and the fact that the prior year included $800,000 in litigation settlement costs. Severance costs, net of forfeitures of unvested stock awards, were approximately $900,000 for the first nine months of 2010, as compared to $1.3 million in the corresponding 2009 period. These reductions were partially offset by an increase in short-term incentive compensation expense.
     
(b)   Franchise support initiatives primarily consist of discretionary contributions to the national marketing fund and other local advertising cooperatives.
     
(c)   The third quarter of 2009 included an adjustment for previously reserved accounts. The 2009 provision for the nine-month period included specific incremental reserves for one third-party customer and a loan issued to one domestic franchisee.
     
(d)   The increase in other income for both the three- and nine-month periods of 2010 was primarily due to sales of point-of-sale systems associated with additional domestic openings.
     

 

Our effective income tax rates were 32.1% and 33.6%, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 26, 2010, as compared to 31.3% and 34.0%, respectively, for the corresponding 2009 periods (32.3% and 33.3%, respectively, excluding BIBP, for the three- and nine-month periods in 2010 and 29.3% and 32.9%, respectively, excluding BIBP, for the three- and nine-month periods in 2009). The effective rate may fluctuate from quarter to quarter as specific federal and state issues are settled or otherwise resolved.

Cash Flow

Net cash provided by operating activities was $62.2 million for the first nine months of 2010 as compared to $82.3 million for the comparable period in 2009. BIBP contributed approximately $5.5 million of cash flow from operations in the first nine months of 2010 and approximately $21.0 million in the first nine months of 2009. Excluding BIBP, cash flow from operations was $56.7 million in 2010, as compared to $61.3 million in the comparable period in 2009. The favorable operating cash flow impact of higher net income was more than offset by unfavorable working capital changes, including accounts receivable and accrued expenses.

Our net debt position, defined as total debt less cash and cash equivalents, was $70.8 million at September 26, 2010, compared to $73.6 million at December 27, 2009.

During the third quarter of 2010, we entered into a new unsecured $175 million, five-year revolving credit facility to replace our prior $175 million revolving credit facility, which was terminated upon closing of the new agreement. The facility, which will be used for general corporate purposes, includes a $75 million uncommitted accordion feature. The interest rates under the revolving credit facility vary based upon LIBOR (as defined in the facility) plus 100 to 175 basis points, or other rates at the company’s option, subject to the terms of the agreement. The increment over LIBOR and the commitment fee, which ranges from 17.5 to 25 basis points, is determined quarterly based upon the company’s ratio of total indebtedness to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), as defined under the credit agreement.

Form 10-Q Filing

See the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for additional information concerning our operating results and cash flow for the three- and nine-month periods ended September 26, 2010.

Domestic System-Wide Comparable Sales and Unit Count

Domestic system-wide comparable sales for the third quarter of 2010 decreased 0.6% (comprised of a 1.6% decrease at company-owned restaurants and a 0.3% decrease at franchised restaurants). Domestic system-wide comparable sales for the nine months ended September 26, 2010 decreased 0.2% (comprised of a 1.5% decrease at company-owned restaurants and a 0.3% increase at franchised restaurants). An increase in customer traffic for both the third quarter and first nine months of 2010 was more than offset by a decline in the average ticket price due to increased levels of discounting. The comparable sales percentage represents the change in year-over-year sales for the same base of restaurants for the same calendar period.

During the third quarter of 2010, 44 domestic franchised restaurants were opened and ten domestic franchised restaurants were closed. During the first nine months of 2010, we opened 124 domestic restaurants (four company-owned and 120 franchised) and closed 57 restaurants (two company-owned and 55 franchised). Our total domestic development pipeline as of September 26, 2010 included approximately 270 restaurants, 80% of which are scheduled to open over the next two to three years.

At September 26, 2010, there were 3,583 Papa John’s restaurants (610 company-owned and 2,973 franchised) operating in all 50 states and in 29 countries. The company-owned restaurants include 127 restaurants operated in majority-owned domestic joint venture arrangements, the operating results of which are fully consolidated into the company’s results.

International Update

Highlights:

  • International franchise system sales increased approximately 19.8% to $75.8 million in the third quarter of 2010, from $63.3 million in the third quarter of 2009 and increased approximately 16.2% to $215.3 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2010, from $185.3 million in the comparable period in 2009. The impact of foreign exchange rates was not material to the three- and nine-month periods.
  • During the third quarter of 2010, 39 international restaurants were opened (two company-owned and 37 franchised) while six international restaurants were closed (one company-owned and five franchised). For the nine-month period ended September 26, 2010, 96 international restaurants were opened (six company-owned and 90 franchised) while 49 international restaurants were closed (one company-owned and 48 franchised).
  • During the third quarter, our franchisee in Colombia opened its first two Papa John’s restaurants.
  • We anticipate opening restaurants in two or three new countries during the fourth quarter of 2010.

As of September 26, 2010, there were 735 Papa John’s restaurants operating internationally (20 company-owned and 715 franchised), of which 222 were located in China and Korea and 168 were located in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Our total international development pipeline as of September 26, 2010 included approximately 1,300 restaurants, the substantial majority of which are scheduled to open over the next seven years.

Introduction of Enhanced Online Ordering Website

In October, the company launched a revamped online ordering website with enhanced graphics and upgraded features that make it easier and faster for customers to order. The new website includes the following features:

  • Pizza Builder Graphics – Allows customers to put together their own pizzas through an interactive pizza-making application.
  • Online Loyalty Program – Customers can earn points towards free pizza with each online purchase.
  • Future Orders – Allows customers to order their pizza up to 28 days in advance.

Additionally, we have a new mobile website that has been optimized for smartphones, and the company plans to release an iPhone application by year-end.

Share Repurchase Activity

The company repurchased 763,000 shares of its common stock at an average price of $24.63 per share, or a total of $18.8 million, during the three months ended September 26, 2010, and repurchased 1.7 million shares at an average of $24.86 per share, or a total of $43.2 million, during the nine months ended September 26, 2010. A total of 283,000 shares of common stock were issued upon the exercise of stock options for the first nine months of 2010.

Subsequent to quarter-end through October 27, 2010, the company repurchased 45,000 shares at a total cost of $1.2 million, or $25.99 per share average cost. Approximately $39.4 million remained available under the company’s share repurchase program at October 27, 2010.

The company utilizes a written trading plan under Rule 10b5-1 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, to facilitate the repurchase of shares of our common stock under this share repurchase program. There can be no assurance that we will repurchase shares of our common stock either through our Rule 10b5-1 trading plan or otherwise. We may terminate the Rule 10b5-1 trading plan at any time.

There were 26.1 million diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the third quarter of 2010, as compared to 28.0 million for the third quarter of 2009, a 6.9% decrease. Approximately 25.6 million actual shares of the company’s common stock were outstanding as of September 26, 2010.

The company’s share repurchase activity had a $0.02 impact on earnings per diluted share for the nine months ended September 26, 2010 (no impact for the three-month period).

2010 Earnings and Comparable Sales Guidance Updated

The company is updating its previously issued guidance for 2010 earnings per share of $1.74 to $1.82 per diluted share, excluding the impact of the consolidation of BIBP, to $1.74 to $1.80 per diluted share. We expect the current pricing and promotional environment in the pizza category, coupled with increasing commodities costs trends, will result in continued restaurant margin pressures in the fourth quarter of 2010. The company also updated its guidance for domestic system-wide comparable sales for 2010 from a range of negative 0.5% to positive 1.0% to a range of negative 0.5% to positive 0.5%, reflecting the results for the first nine months of the year and our expectation of a continued difficult consumer and competitive environment for the remainder of 2010.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain matters discussed in this press release and other company communications constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Generally, the use of words such as “expect,” “estimate,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “will,” “forecast,” “plan,” “project,” or similar words identify forward-looking statements that we intend to be included within the safe harbor protections provided by the federal securities laws. Such statements may relate to projections concerning revenue, earnings, margins, unit growth and other financial and operational measures. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those matters expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements.

The risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are involved in our forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: changes in pricing or other marketing or promotional strategies by competitors which may adversely affect sales, including an increase in or continuation of the aggressive pricing and promotional environment; new product and concept developments by food industry competitors; the ability of the company and its franchisees to meet planned growth targets and operate new and existing restaurants profitably; general economic conditions and resulting impact on consumer buying habits; changes in consumer preferences; increases in or sustained high costs of food ingredients and other commodities, paper, utilities, fuel, employee compensation and benefits, insurance and similar costs (including the impact of the recently passed federal health care legislation); the ability of the company to pass along increases in or sustained high costs to franchisees or consumers; the company’s contingent liability for the payment of certain lease arrangements, approximating $4.8 million, involving our former Perfect Pizza operations in the United Kingdom that were sold in March 2006; the impact of legal claims and current proposed legislation impacting our business; the impact that product recalls, food quality or safety issues, and general public health concerns could have on our restaurants; and increased risks associated with our international operations. These and other risk factors are discussed in detail in “Part I. Item 1A. – Risk Factors” of the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 27, 2009. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of future events, new information or otherwise.

Conference Call

A conference call is scheduled for November 4, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time to review the third quarter earnings results. The call can be accessed from the company’s web page at www.papajohns.com in a listen-only mode, or dial 877-312-8816 (pass code 83097804) for participation in the question and answer session. International participants may dial 253-237-1189 (pass code 83097804).

The conference call will be available for replay, including by downloadable podcast, beginning November 4, 2010, at approximately noon Eastern Time, through November 8, 2010, at midnight Eastern Time. The replay can be accessed from the company’s web site at www.papajohns.com or by dialing 800-642-1687 (pass code 83097804). International participants may dial 706-645-9291 (pass code 83097804).

                   
Summary Financial Data

Papa John’s International, Inc.

(Unaudited)

                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,   Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,
(In thousands, except per share amounts)     2010     2009     2010     2009  
                   
Revenues     $ 273,126     $ 256,340     $ 839,559     $ 805,773  
                   
Income before income taxes, net of noncontrolling interests*                  
    $ 11,868     $ 17,492     $ 58,460     $ 67,847  
                   
Net income     $ 7,848     $ 11,739     $ 37,915     $ 43,755  
                   
Earnings per share – assuming dilution     $ 0.30     $ 0.42     $ 1.42     $ 1.57  
                   
Weighted average shares outstanding – assuming dilution                  
      26,081       28,011       26,743       27,952  
                   
EBITDA (1)     $ 21,178     $ 26,474     $ 85,974     $ 95,007  
                   
                   
*The following is a summary of our income (loss) before income taxes, net of noncontrolling interests:
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,   Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,
(in thousands)       2010       2009       2010       2009  
                   
Domestic company-owned restaurants     $ 5,503     $ 7,439     $ 25,604     $ 27,982  
Domestic commissaries       5,393       5,767       20,577       22,635  
Domestic franchising       14,361       13,127       45,731       39,633  
International       (1,007 )     (904 )     (3,180 )     (2,528 )
All others       60       (103 )     1,187       911  
Unallocated corporate expenses       (11,004 )     (11,991 )     (33,963 )     (38,689 )
Elimination of intersegment profit       (108 )     (50 )     (329 )     (166 )
Income before income taxes, excluding BIBP       13,198       13,285       55,627       49,778  
BIBP, a variable interest entity (2)       (658 )     5,104       5,505       20,983  
Less: noncontrolling interests       (672 )     (897 )     (2,672 )     (2,914 )
Total income before income taxes, net of noncontrolling interests                  
    $ 11,868     $ 17,492     $ 58,460     $ 67,847  
                                   

 

 
Summary Financial Data (continued)

Papa John’s International, Inc.

(Unaudited)

 
The following is a reconciliation of EBITDA to net income (in thousands):
                   
      Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
      Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,   Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,
      2010     2009     2010     2009  
                   
EBITDA (1)     $ 21,178     $ 26,474     $ 85,974     $ 95,007  
Income tax expense       (4,020 )     (5,753 )     (20,545 )     (24,092 )
Net interest expense       (1,243 )     (1,237 )     (3,392 )     (3,817 )
Depreciation and amortization       (8,067 )     (7,745 )     (24,122 )     (23,343 )
Net income     $ 7,848     $ 11,739     $ 37,915     $ 43,755  
The company’s free cash flow for the first nine months of 2010 and 2009 was as follows (in thousands):
           
      Nine Months Ended
      Sept. 26,   Sept. 27,
      2010     2009  
           
Net cash provided by operating activities     $ 62,159     $ 82,266  
Pre-tax income from BIBP cheese purchasing entity       (5,505 )     (20,983 )
Purchases of property and equipment       (23,608 )     (21,002 )
Free cash flow (3)     $ 33,046     $ 40,281  
(1)   Management considers EBITDA to be a meaningful indicator of operating performance from operations before depreciation, amortization, net interest and income taxes. EBITDA provides us with an understanding of one aspect of earnings before the impact of investing and financing transactions and income taxes. While EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for net income or a better indicator of liquidity than cash flows from operating activities, which are determined in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), it is included herein to provide additional information with respect to the ability of the company to meet its future debt service, capital expenditure and working capital requirements. EBITDA is not necessarily a measure of the company’s ability to fund its cash needs and it excludes components that are significant in understanding and assessing our results of operations and cash flows. In addition, EBITDA is not a term defined by GAAP and as a result our measure of EBITDA might not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. The above EBITDA calculation includes the operating results of BIBP Commodities, Inc., a variable interest entity.
     
(2)   BIBP generated a pre-tax loss of approximately $700,000 in the third quarter of 2010, which was composed of a loss associated with cheese sold to domestic company-owned and franchised restaurants of approximately $100,000 and $400,000, respectively, and interest expense on outstanding debt with Papa John’s. For the third quarter of 2009, BIBP reported pre-tax income of $5.1 million, which was primarily composed of income associated with cheese sold to domestic company-owned and franchised restaurants of approximately $1.2 million and $4.2 million, respectively, partially offset by interest expense on outstanding debt with a third-party bank and Papa John’s.
     
    BIBP generated pre-tax income of approximately $5.5 million for the nine months ended September 26, 2010, which was composed of income associated with cheese sold to domestic company-owned and franchised restaurants of approximately $1.4 million and $4.6 million, respectively, partially offset by interest expense on outstanding debt with Papa John’s. For the nine months ended September 27, 2009, BIBP reported pre-tax income of approximately $21.0 million, which was composed of income associated with cheese sold to domestic company-owned and franchised restaurants of approximately $5.1 million and $16.7 million, respectively, partially offset by interest expense on outstanding debt with a third-party bank and Papa John’s.
     
(3)   Free cash flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities (from the consolidated statements of cash flows) excluding the impact of BIBP, less the purchases of property and equipment. We view free cash flow as an important measure because it is one factor that management uses in determining the amount of cash available for discretionary investment. Free cash flow is not a term defined by GAAP and as a result our measure of free cash flow might not be comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. Free cash flow should not be construed as a substitute for or a better indicator of the company’s performance than the company’s GAAP measures.

For more information about the company, please visit www.papajohns.com.

 
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Income
 
      Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended
      September 26, 2010     September 27, 2009     September 26, 2010     September 27, 2009
(In thousands, except per share amounts)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)
Revenues:                        
Domestic:                        
Company-owned restaurant sales     $ 120,414       $ 122,023       $ 374,652       $ 378,694  
Franchise royalties       16,346         15,028         51,222         45,053  
Franchise and development fees       94         144         241         450  
Commissary sales       111,884         96,375         338,460         310,453  
Other sales       12,138         11,949         39,674         40,699  
International:                        
Royalties and franchise and development fees       3,678         3,173         10,770         9,796  
Restaurant and commissary sales       8,572         7,648         24,540         20,628  
Total revenues       273,126         256,340         839,559         805,773  
                         
Costs and expenses:                        
Domestic Company-owned restaurant expenses:                        
Cost of sales       27,245         23,990         81,551         73,784  
Salaries and benefits       33,320         35,821         102,915         110,181  
Advertising and related costs       11,264         11,284         33,817         33,933  
Occupancy costs       8,494         8,171         24,264         23,809  
Other operating expenses       18,184         17,455         54,218         52,264  
Total domestic Company-owned restaurant expenses       98,507         96,721         296,765         293,971  
                         
Domestic commissary and other expenses:                        
Cost of sales       94,422         78,599         284,909         257,707  
Salaries and benefits       8,533         8,592         25,833         26,061  
Other operating expenses       12,002         11,523         35,543         33,140  
Total domestic commissary and other expenses       114,957         98,714         346,285         316,908  
                         
Loss (income) from the franchise cheese-purchasing program, net of noncontrolling interest       409         (4,171 )       (4,573 )       (16,736 )
International operating expenses       7,627         6,573         21,833         17,837  
General and administrative expenses       27,133         29,303         83,983         86,628  
Other general expenses       2,643         1,829         6,620         9,244  
Depreciation and amortization       8,067         7,745         24,122         23,343  
Total costs and expenses       259,343         236,714         775,035         731,195  
                         
Operating income       13,783         19,626         64,524         74,578  
Net interest expense       (1,243 )       (1,237 )       (3,392 )       (3,817 )
Income before income taxes       12,540         18,389         61,132         70,761  
Income tax expense       4,020         5,753         20,545         24,092  
Net income, including noncontrolling interests       8,520         12,636         40,587         46,669  
Less: income attributable to noncontrolling interests       (672 )       (897 )       (2,672 )       (2,914 )
Net income, net of noncontrolling interests     $ 7,848       $ 11,739       $ 37,915       $ 43,755  
                         
Basic earnings per common share     $ 0.30       $ 0.42       $ 1.43       $ 1.57  
Earnings per common share – assuming dilution     $ 0.30       $ 0.42       $ 1.42       $ 1.57  
                         
Basic weighted average shares outstanding       25,951         27,919         26,586         27,783  
Diluted weighted average shares outstanding       26,081         28,011         26,743         27,952  

 

 
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
      September 26,     December 27,
      2010     2009
      (Unaudited)     (Note)
(In thousands)            
             
Assets            
Current assets:            
Cash and cash equivalents     $ 28,180     $ 25,457
Accounts receivable, net       24,713       22,119
Inventories       16,112       15,576
Prepaid expenses       7,398       8,695
Other current assets       3,367       3,748
Deferred income taxes       9,532       8,408
Total current assets       89,302       84,003
             
Investments       1,629       1,382
Net property and equipment       186,256       187,971
Notes receivable , net       17,379       16,359
Deferred income taxes       5,557       6,804
Goodwill       75,015       75,066
Other assets       22,738       22,141
Total assets     $ 397,876     $ 393,726
             
             
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity            
Current liabilities:            
Accounts payable     $ 24,871     $ 26,990
Income and other taxes payable       11,353       5,854
Accrued expenses       50,035       54,241
Total current liabilities       86,259       87,085
             
Unearned franchise and development fees       6,478       5,668
Long-term debt, net of current portion       99,023       99,050
Other long-term liabilities       12,854       16,886
Total liabilities       204,614       208,689
             
Total stockholders’ equity       193,262       185,037
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity     $ 397,876     $ 393,726
     
Note:   The balance sheet at December 27, 2009 has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date, but does not include all information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for a complete set of financial statements.

 

 
Papa John’s International, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
      Nine Months Ended
(In thousands)     September 26, 2010     September 27, 2009
      (Unaudited)     (Unaudited)
             
Operating activities            
Net income, net of noncontrolling interests     $ 37,915       $ 43,755  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:            
Provision for uncollectible accounts and notes receivable       1,257         2,467  
Depreciation and amortization       24,122         23,343  
Deferred income taxes       (850 )       5,590  
Stock-based compensation expense       4,491         4,258  
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of non-qualified stock options       (242 )       (987 )
Other       303         1,443  
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:            
Accounts receivable       (4,094 )       (126 )
Inventories       (525 )       (329 )
Prepaid expenses       1,309         3,582  
Other current assets       381         1,938  
Other assets and liabilities       (397 )       (1,487 )
Accounts payable       (2,119 )       (3,556 )
Income and other taxes payable       5,499         3,297  
Accrued expenses       (5,701 )       (671 )
Unearned franchise and development fees       810         (251 )
Net cash provided by operating activities       62,159         82,266  
             
Investing activities            
Purchases of property and equipment       (23,608 )       (21,002 )
Purchases of investments       (548 )       (1,187 )
Proceeds from sale or maturity of investments       301         225  
Loans issued       (1,736 )       (11,577 )
Loan repayments       2,444         5,396  
Acquisitions       -         (464 )
Proceeds from divestitures of restaurants       1,423         830  
Other       10         108  
Net cash used in investing activities       (21,714 )       (27,671 )
             
Financing activities            
Net repayments from line of credit facility       -         (24,500 )
Net repayments from short-term debt – variable interest entities       -         (6,200 )
Excess tax benefit related to exercise of non-qualified stock options       242         987  
Proceeds from exercise of stock options       5,304         9,655  
Acquisition of Company common stock       (43,215 )       (4,958 )
Noncontrolling interests, net of contributions and distributions       (235 )       109  
Other       104         (21 )
Net cash used in financing activities       (37,800 )       (24,928 )
             
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents       78         157  
Change in cash and cash equivalents       2,723         29,824  
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period       25,457         10,917  
             
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period     $ 28,180       $ 40,741  

 

                         
Restaurant Progression
Papa John’s International, Inc.
                         
      Third Quarter Ended September 26, 2010  
      Corporate   Franchised      
      Domestic   Int’l   Domestic   Int’l   Total  
Papa John’s restaurants                        
Beginning of period     590     29     2,224     673     3,516    
Opened     -     2     44     37     83    
Closed     -     (1 )   (10 )   (5 )   (16 )  
Acquired     -     -     -     10     10    
Sold     -     (10 )   -     -     (10 )  
End of Period     590     20     2,258     715     3,583    
                         
                         
                         
                         
      Third Quarter Ended September 27, 2009  
      Corporate   Franchised      
      Domestic   Int’l   Domestic   Int’l   Total  
Papa John’s restaurants                        
Beginning of period     589     23     2,192     614     3,418    
Opened     2     -     33     26     61    
Closed     (1 )   -     (13 )   (7 )   (21 )  
Acquired     -     -     -     -     -    
Sold     -     -     -     -     -    
End of Period     590     23     2,212     633     3,458    
                         

 

                         
Restaurant Progression
Papa John’s International, Inc.
                         
      Nine Months Ended September 26, 2010  
      Corporate   Franchised      
      Domestic   Int’l   Domestic   Int’l   Total  
Papa John’s restaurants                        
Beginning of period     588     26     2,193     662     3,469    
Opened     4     6     120     90     220    
Closed     (2 )   (1 )   (55 )   (48 )   (106 )  
Acquired     -     1     -     12     13    
Sold     -     (12 )   -     (1 )   (13 )  
End of Period     590     20     2,258     715     3,583    
                         
                         
                         
                         
      Nine Months Ended September 27, 2009  
      Corporate   Franchised      
      Domestic   Int’l   Domestic   Int’l   Total  
Papa John’s restaurants                        
Beginning of period     592     23     2,200     565     3,380    
Opened     5     1     58     88     152    
Closed     (6 )   (1 )   (47 )   (20 )   (74 )  
Acquired     11     -     12     -     23    
Sold     (12 )   -     (11 )   -     (23 )  
End of Period     590     23     2,212     633     3,458    
                         

“Pizza. Pizza.”

“Two great pizzas for one low price.” Thanks in part to its brilliant marketing program, Little Caesars in 1994 was the second-largest pizza chain in America. Here are 1994 U.S. sales of the four major pizza chains.

Pizza Hut: $5.4 billion
Little Caesars: $2.1 billion
Domino’s: $1.9 billion
Papa John’s: $450 million

The following year, the tinkering began, starting with a major tinker. The company converted 30 takeout units in the Detroit area to “Little Caesars Italian Kitchens.” Besides pizza, the new menu included lasagna, chicken, Greek salads, dessert pies and three kinds of pasta (tortellini, penne and farfalle). By the end of 1995, Little Caesars expected to operate 100 Italian Kitchens. Needless to say, that never happened.

Continue reading . . .

Pizza Inn Opens New Express Location in Caddo Mills, TexasPizza Inn (Nasdaq:PZZI) announced today its newest location arrived and now serves the chain’s popular traditional products, specialty pizzas and breakfast menu items at 5355 FM 1565 Caddo Mills, TX 75135.

The Pizza Inn Express model is ideal for high traffic sites with “customers-on-the-go,” such as the new Caddo Mills location. This “mini” version of Pizza Inn offers a limited menu centered on Pizza Inn’s pizzas along with several appetizers, all made with the same quality ingredients found throughout the chain. This non-traditional type of restaurant is great for convenience stores, airports, hotels, travel plazas, college dining halls and other high-traffic locations.

“This is a great opportunity to introduce Pizza Inn to the residents of Caddo Mills,” said Charlie Morrison, CEO of Pizza Inn. “We are confident that the folks here are just as excited as we are about Pizza Inn moving in to the city.”

The Caddo Mills store is owned and operated by Sam Amulfti who also owns and operates another Pizza Inn Express location in Josephine, TX.

“I am thrilled to continue Pizza Inn franchise growth in opening my second restaurant here in Caddo Mills,” said Amulfti. “I am very passionate about the Pizza Inn brand and look forward to serving this community with the highest quality menu items and friendliest service in town.”

The Caddo Mills Pizza Inn is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Carryout orders can be placed by calling 903-527-5820.

Pizza Hut and BOOK IT! Announce Big Book Giveaway WinnersIn preparation for National Young Readers Week, Pizza Hut and BOOK IT! have announced the ten Pizza Hut restaurants chosen as winners of the first ever Big Book Giveaway. Each winner will be awarded 1,000 books to distribute within their communities during National Young Readers Week, which will be held Nov. 8-12, 2010.

For the Big Book Giveaway contest, the more than 6,200 Pizza Hut restaurants nationwide were invited to submit ideas on how they would distribute 1,000 books to children in their communities. Each entry completed a form describing how the donation of books would impact the community and support literacy tied to the BOOK IT! Program. Many of the winners are hosting parties for local children and families to award the books.

“The enthusiasm and creativity demonstrated by our restaurant system during the Big Book Giveaway entry process was amazing,” said Leslie Brunt, program director of BOOK IT! “National Young Readers Week is all about bringing out the fun in reading.  With these clever ideas for distributing books to children, we’ll be able to bring joy to deserving communities across the country.”

Founded in 1989 by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress, National Young Readers Week is an annual event that encourages young readers to get excited about reading. Events are hosted in schools across the country, where local officials, sports figures, public safety officers, parents and other “celebrities” from the community share their favorite stories with students to help reinforce the importance of reading and to encourage reading for enjoyment.

BOOK IT! Big Book Giveaway Winning Locations and Concepts:

  • Louisburg, Kan. – Essay/art challenge to students, teacher tug-of-war, and BOOK IT! celebration night for two local schools.
  • Oak Grove, Mo. – City-wide carnival with the local school district complete with literacy awareness and BOOK IT! booths. Students will earn tickets to “buy” a book.
  • Muncie, Ind. – Promote reading in the Ball State homecoming parade complete with the WingStreet chicken sporting a BOOK IT! t-shirt, encouraging kids to Rock the Red and READ!
  • Portsmouth, Ohio – Partner with local organizations to improve high illiteracy rates. Host a community party at Portsmouth Elementary to kickoff monthly Community Reading Days.
  • Miami, Okla. – Fun-filled family reading nights at five local elementary schools where each child takes home a brand new book.
  • Gunnison, Colo. – Saturday celebration in the Pizza Hut parking lot with sirens blasting as the Gunnison Valley Fire Department delivers the books to local youth.
  • Ottawa, Ohio – After a devastating flood destroyed much of this small community in 2007, a new library re-opens with the help of new books from Pizza Hut.
  • Fairbury, Neb. – Fundraiser during National Young Readers Week to raise dollars and deliver books to local children.  Patrons have the opportunity to sponsor a book for $1.  
  • West Point, Neb. – Create a “book flood” of new books for 2nd generation BOOK IT! readers in need of gently used books.
  • Golden Valley, Minn. – An interactive texting promotion for schools during National Young Readers Week. Students and families text the school name and amount of books they pledge to read. The top five schools with the most entries win the books.

In 1985, Pizza Hut established the BOOK IT! National Reading Incentive Program to motivate children to read more and help them develop a lifelong love of reading. BOOK IT! is a six-month program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. For more information, visit www.bookitprogram.com.

Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Promotion Prizes Include Pizza Parties and College Bowl Game GetawaysLittle Caesar Enterprises, Inc. today announced the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl Instant Win Game and Sweepstakes in conjunction with the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl. “This three-phase promotion gives customers multiple chances to win great football and pizza prizes, while raising awareness nationally for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl,” said Linda “LJ” Jaworski, senior vice president, Marketing & Communications, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. “We are excited to offer a fun bowl game experience for football and pizza fans everywhere, and we look forward to announcing a special nationwide pizza offer during the game.”

During the first phase of the promotion, from Nov. 1 through Dec. 13, people can play by texting “Pizza Bowl” to 87963 or play online at LCPizzaBowl.com. If they are a winner, a code will be given instantly, which can be entered online to redeem prizes. Fifteen hundred people across the country will win a Little Caesars pizza party (awarded as a $25 Little Caesars gift card). Contestants who do not win a gift card will be awarded a coupon for a free Crazy Bread® with the purchase of any HOT-N-READY® pizza on their first non-winning try.

During the second phase of the promotion, from Dec. 14 through Dec. 26, all entrants from the first phase are automatically entered into the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl “Squares” Sweepstakes. Beginning Dec. 20, entrants will receive random football square numbers for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, which takes place on Dec. 26 at 8:30 p.m. ET and will be televised on ESPN. The contestants whose football square intersects with the last digits of each team’s score at the end of each quarter will be entered into a random drawing for their chance to win a Bowl Game Getaway to the corresponding College Bowl Game event:

  • 1st quarter – The College Bowl Game event on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, Calif.
  • 2nd quarter – The College Bowl Game event on Jan. 3 in Miami
  • 3rd quarter – The College Bowl Game event on Jan. 4 in New Orleans
  • Final – The championship College Bowl Game event on Jan. 10 in Glendale, Ariz.

Each Bowl Game Getaway includes two tickets to the corresponding bowl game, plus hotel and airfare.

“This is a great way to get my customers and Little Caesars customers across the country excited for the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl,” said Vicki Dunn Marshall, a Little Caesars franchisee in West Virginia.

In the final phase of the campaign, after driving consumers to tune into the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl, a special in-store product promotion will be announced  on national television, social media and LittleCaesars.com.

There is no purchase necessary to enter. Limit one entry per email address per day. Promotion details and official rules are available at participating Little Caesars locations and online at LCPizzaBowl.com.

Little Caesars Pizza, the originator of the two-for-one concept in the quick-serve industry, is bringing Pizza!Pizza! back to metro Detroit. “Pizza!Pizza! revolutionized the industry because it provided exceptional value and enabled families to put a great meal on the table,” said Brian Pattison, Midwest Zone Vice President, Little Caesar Enterprises, Inc. “Now we’re introducing Pizza!Pizza! Pantastic, which combines that great value with the convenience of HOT-N-READY. Pizza!Pizza! Pantastic is two pizzas for $9.99 that combined are 46% bigger than competitors’ large, 14″ round pizzas often sold for the same price or more.”

Available starting Monday, November 1, 2010 for a limited time in metro Detroit stores from Port Huron to Chelsea to Monroe, Pizza!Pizza! Pantastic is a new style pizza from Little Caesars. It feeds a crowd of five or more people with 12 generous slices. The crust is thicker than original round and thinner than deep dish. Customers get two rectangular pizzas, one pepperoni and one Ultimate Supreme loaded with five crowd-pleasing, delicious toppings in one convenient box. Pizza!Pizza! Pantastic is two HOT-N-READY pizzas for one low price which is another industry first.

Since Mike and Marian Ilitch founded Little Caesars in 1959, the pizza chain has fostered a culture of creativity and innovation to meet customers’ needs. In addition to Pizza!Pizza! and HOT-N-READY, examples include Crazy Bread and the early development of a conveyor oven specially designed to bake pizzas, which set the stage for the efficiencies, consistency and quality needed to support the well-known Pizza!Pizza! promotion launched more than 30 years ago. During the Pizza!Pizza! era from 1979-1997, Little Caesars sold more than 2.2 billion pizzas, making it one of the most successful and fondly remembered campaigns of all time. Now, Little Caesars is bringing that game-changing promotion back.

Innovation and a focus on value have enabled Little Caesars to maintain prices without adjusting for inflation, and provide families a quality meal at an exceptional price for more than 5 decades. In fact, while the Little Caesars menu price in 1979 for a large pizza was $6.25, today that same quality pizza is only $5.

“I’m excited about Pizza!Pizza! Pantastic because I think my customers will really appreciate the value and the variety of a pepperoni for the kids and a five-topping Ultimate Supreme for adults, as well as the unmatched convenience since it’s ready when they walk in the door,” said Louis Asher, metro Detroit area Little Caesars franchisee. “Little Caesars’ dough is made daily in the stores, we use fresh, never-frozen cheese and our sauce is made from vine-ripened tomatoes. Pizza!Pizza! Pantastic offers something for everyone.”

Pizza!Pizza! Pantastic is the most recent addition to the HOT-N-READY line up of products, which includes traditional round HOT-N-READY Pizza, Crazy Bread and Caesar Wings, among others. Little Caesars is testing Pizza!Pizza! Pantastic in the metro Detroit area and will determine where it will launch next based on response.

For the third year in a row, Little Caesars has been named the “Best Value in America”* among all major quick-serve restaurant chains across the country. Value is created by offering top quality pizza made with fresh ingredients for a great price.

About Little Caesars

Little Caesars Pizza founders Michael and Marian Ilitch opened their first restaurant in Garden City, Michigan in 1959. Little Caesars added more stores in the world in 2009 than any other pizza chain and today is the largest carry-out chain internationally with restaurants on five continents. Little Caesars is growing in prime markets across the country, and is offering strong franchisee candidates an opportunity for independence with a proven system. For the third year in a row, Little Caesars was named “Best Value in America”* of all quick-serve restaurant chains. In addition, Little Caesars offers strong brand awareness with one of the most recognized and appealing characters in the country, Little Caesar.

In addition to Little Caesars Pizza, Mike and Marian Ilitch’s companies in the food, sports and entertainment industries include: the Detroit Red Wings, Olympia Entertainment, Olympia Development, Blue Line Foodservice Distribution, Champion Foods, Ilitch Holdings, Inc., Uptown Entertainment, Little Caesars Pizza Kit Fundraising Program, and a variety of venues within these entities. Michael Ilitch owns the Detroit Tigers. Marian Ilitch owns MotorCity Casino Hotel.

For more information about Little Caesars and available franchise opportunities, visit www.LittleCaesars.com or call 1.800.553.5776.

* “Highest-Rated Chain – Value for the Money” based on a nationwide survey of quick-service restaurant consumers conducted by Sandelman & Associates, 2009