Our restaurants’ and our franchisees’ restaurants operating margins are also affected by fluctuations in the price of utilities such as electricity and natural gas, whether as a result of inflation or otherwise, on which the restaurants depend for their energy supply.
Our restaurants' and our franchisees’ restaurants' operating margins are also affected by fluctuations in the price of utilities such as electricity and natural gas, whether as a result of inflation or otherwise, on which the restaurants depend for their energy supply.
In connection with the continued operation or remodeling of certain restaurants, we and our franchisees may be required to expend funds to meet federal, state, local and international regulations. The inability to obtain or maintain such licenses or publicity resulting from actual or alleged violations of such laws could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
In connection with the continued operation or remodeling of certain restaurants, we and our franchisees may be required to expend funds to meet federal, state, local and 18 international regulations. The inability to obtain or maintain such licenses or publicity resulting from actual or alleged violations of such laws could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.
Many of these factors are outside of our control, and any failure to meet market expectations whether for sales growth, earnings per share or other metrics could cause our share price to decline. Our actual operating and financial results in any given period may differ from guidance we provide to the public, including our most recent public guidance.
Many of these factors are outside of our control, and any failure to meet market expectations whether for sales growth, earnings per share or other metrics could cause our share price to decline. Our actual operating and financial results in any given period may differ from guidance we provide to the public, 20 including our most recent public guidance.
There can be no assurance that delivery vendors will not take actions that could have a material adverse effect on our brands and/or subject us to increased 17 litigation and costs. Our delivery initiatives also introduce new operating procedures to our and our franchisees’ restaurants, which could adversely affect the business, brands, and the experience of our guests.
There can be no assurance that delivery vendors will not take actions that could have a material adverse effect on our brands and/or subject us to increased litigation and costs. Our delivery initiatives also introduce new operating procedures to our and our franchisees’ restaurants, which could adversely affect the business, brands, and the experience of our guests.
We continue to have a 21 substantial number of franchise agreements set to expire for our brands. We cannot ensure that renewal or successor franchise agreements or extensions will be entered into once the current term expires. This may result in reduced royalties and other payments due to a decrease in the number of restaurants operating under our brands.
We continue to have a substantial number of franchise agreements set to expire for our brands. We cannot ensure that renewal or successor franchise agreements or extensions will be entered into once the current term expires. This may result in reduced royalties and other payments due to a decrease in the number of restaurants operating under our brands.
Any such sanctions or actions could reduce restaurant revenues and corresponding franchise payments to us. Our business strategy may not achieve anticipated results. We expect to continue to apply a business strategy that includes operation of a significantly franchised restaurant system across multiple brands and brand-specific business strategies 23 suited to each brand.
Any such sanctions or actions could reduce restaurant revenues and corresponding franchise payments to us. Our business strategy may not achieve anticipated results. We expect to continue to apply a business strategy that includes operation of a significantly franchised restaurant system across multiple brands and brand-specific business strategies suited to each brand.
Even where such food-related incidents occur solely at restaurants of our competitors or within the industry, our business could be adversely affected by negative publicity about the restaurant industry generally. Our company-owned restaurants and our franchisees may produce or receive through the supply chain sub-standard or non-compliant food or beverage products.
Even where such food-related incidents occur solely at restaurants of our competitors or within the industry, our business could be adversely affected by negative publicity about the restaurant industry generally. Our company restaurants and our franchisees may produce or receive through the supply chain sub-standard or non-compliant food or beverage products.
We, through the operation of our company-owned restaurants, and our franchisees, through the operation of franchised restaurants, are also subject to "dram shop" laws in some states pursuant to which we and our franchisees may be subject to liability in connection with personal injuries or property damages incurred in connection with wrongfully serving alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person.
We, through the operation of our company restaurants, and our franchisees, through the operation of franchised restaurants, are also subject to "dram shop" laws in some states pursuant to which we and our franchisees may be subject to liability in connection with personal injuries or property damages incurred in connection with wrongfully serving alcoholic beverages to an intoxicated person.
Any inability or failure to execute on a comprehensive business continuity plan following a major natural disaster such as an earthquake, tornado, flood or a man-made disaster, including terrorism, civil unrest or a cyber incident, at or affecting our corporate facilities could materially adversely impact our business.
Any inability or failure to execute on a comprehensive business continuity plan following a major natural disaster such as an earthquake, wildfire, tornado, flood or a man-made disaster, including terrorism, civil unrest or a cyber incident, at or affecting our corporate facilities could materially adversely impact our business.
We have disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans in place to address most events of a crisis nature, including earthquakes, tornadoes, floods and other natural or man-made disasters, and back up and off-site locations for recovery of electronic and other forms of data and information.
We have disaster recovery procedures and business continuity plans in place to address most events of a crisis nature, including earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes, floods and other natural or man-made disasters, and back up and off-site locations for recovery of electronic and other forms of data and information.
From time to time, we have experienced, and we may continue to experience, poor franchise relations caused by the efforts of one or more of our larger franchisees or an organized franchise association. Concentration of Applebee's franchised restaurants in a limited number of franchisees subjects us to greater risk.
From time to time, we have experienced, and we may continue to experience, poor franchise relations caused by the efforts of one or more of our larger franchisees or an organized franchise association. 22 Concentration of Applebee's franchised restaurants in a limited number of franchisees subjects us to greater risk.
We may not be able to adequately adapt Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's restaurants' menu offerings 25 to keep pace with developments in consumer preferences, which may result in reduced royalty revenues from a decline in demand for our food and fewer guests visiting our restaurants.
We may not be able to adequately adapt Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's restaurants' menu offerings to keep pace with developments in consumer preferences, which may result in reduced royalty revenues from a decline in demand for our food and fewer guests visiting our restaurants.
Accordingly, in cases in which a franchisee experiences increased insurance premiums or must pay out-of-pocket claims, the franchisee may not have the funds necessary to make franchise and other payments to us, and franchisees may be unable to perform other obligations under their franchise agreements.
Accordingly, in cases in which a franchisee experiences increased insurance premiums or must pay out-of-pocket claims, the franchisee may not have the funds necessary to make 23 franchise and other payments to us, and franchisees may be unable to perform other obligations under their franchise agreements.
Factors outside our control may harm our brands' reputations. The success of our business is largely dependent upon brand recognition and the strength of our franchise systems. Our and our franchisees’ continued success is directly dependent upon maintaining a favorable public view of the Applebee's, IHOP and Fuzzy's brands.
Factors outside our control may harm our brands' reputations. The success of our business is largely dependent upon brand recognition and the strength of our franchise systems. Our and our franchisees’ continued success is directly dependent 24 upon maintaining a favorable public view of the Applebee's, IHOP and Fuzzy's brands.
We are also impacted by the outcome of tax 19 audits, which could have a material effect on our results of operations and cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.
We are also impacted by the outcome of tax audits, which could have a material effect on our results of operations and cash flows in the period or periods for which that determination is made.
If our ESG practices fail to meet investor, customer, consumer, employee or other stakeholders’ evolving expectations and standards for responsible corporate citizenship in areas including environmental stewardship (such as greenhouse gas emissions) and animal health and welfare, Board of Directors and employee diversity, human capital management, corporate governance and transparency, our reputation, brand, appeal to investors and employee retention may be negatively impacted, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
If our business responsibility practices fail to meet investor, customer, consumer, employee or other stakeholders’ evolving expectations and standards for responsible corporate citizenship in areas including environmental stewardship (such as greenhouse gas emissions), animal health and welfare, Board of Directors and employee diversity, human capital management, corporate governance and transparency, our reputation, brand, appeal to investors and employee retention may be negatively impacted, which could have a material adverse effect on our business or financial condition.
Our financial results are significantly contingent upon the performance of our franchised restaurants because we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from royalties that are based on a percentage of gross sales at franchised restaurants.
Our financial results are 21 significantly contingent upon the performance of our franchised restaurants because we derive a substantial portion of our revenues from royalties that are based on a percentage of gross sales at franchised restaurants.
These factors include: • changes in consumer behavior driven by macro-level shifts in retail, technology, media, e-commerce, global safety and demography which may impact where, when, whether and how often customers visit full-service restaurants; • declines in comparable restaurant sales growth rates due to: (i) failure to meet or adequately adapt to changing customer expectations for food type, quality and taste, or to innovate and develop new menu items to retain existing customers and attract new customers; (ii) competitive intrusions in our markets, including competitive pricing initiatives and day-part expansion by competitors; (iii) opening new restaurants that cannibalize the sales of existing restaurants; (iv) failure of national or local marketing to be effective; and (v) natural or man-made disasters or adverse weather conditions; • negative trends in operating expenses such as: (i) increases in food and other commodity costs or related distribution costs; (ii) increases in labor costs due to minimum wage and other employment laws or regulations, immigration reform, the potential impact of union organizing efforts and tight labor market conditions; and (iii) increases in other operating costs including advertising, utilities, lease-related expenses and credit card processing fees; • the highly competitive nature of the restaurant and related industries with respect to, among other things: (i) price, service, location, personnel and the type and quality of food; (ii) the trend toward convergence in grocery, deli, retail and restaurant services, as well as the continued expansion of restaurants into the breakfast day-part; (iii) the entry of major market players in non-competing industries into the food services market; (iv) the decline in the price of groceries which may increase the attractiveness of dining at home versus dining out; and (v) the emergence of new or improved technologies, including the use of artificial intelligence, and changes in consumer behavior facilitated by such technology; • difficulty in increasing menu pricing to offset increased operating expenses; and • failure to effectively manage further penetration into mature markets.
These factors include: • changes in consumer behavior driven by macro-level shifts in retail, technology, media, e-commerce, global safety and demography which may impact where, when, whether and how often customers visit full-service restaurants; • declines in comparable restaurant sales growth rates due to: (i) failure to meet or adequately adapt to changing customer expectations for food type, quality and taste, or to innovate and develop new menu items to retain existing customers and attract new customers; (ii) competitive intrusions in our markets, including competitive pricing initiatives and day-part expansion by competitors; (iii) opening new restaurants that cannibalize the sales of existing restaurants; (iv) failure of national or local marketing to be effective; and (v) natural or man-made disasters or adverse weather conditions; • negative trends in operating expenses such as: (i) increases in food and other commodity costs or related distribution costs; (ii) increases in labor costs due to minimum wage and other employment laws or regulations, immigration reform, the potential impact of union organizing efforts and tight labor market conditions; and (iii) increases in other operating costs including advertising, utilities, lease-related expenses and credit card processing fees; • the highly competitive nature of the restaurant and related industries with respect to, among other things: (i) price, service, location, personnel and the type and quality of food; (ii) the trend toward convergence in grocery, deli, retail and restaurant services, as well as the continued expansion of restaurants into the breakfast day-part; (iii) the entry of major market players in non-competing industries into the food services market; and (iv) the decline in the price of groceries which may increase the attractiveness of dining at home versus dining out; • difficulty in increasing menu pricing to offset increased operating expenses; and • failure to effectively manage further penetration into mature markets.
As of December 31, 2023, certain of our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries had approximately $1.2 billion of long-term debt. In addition, we had approximately $0.4 billion in operating lease, finance lease and other financing obligations as of December 31, 2023. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future.
As of December 31, 2024, certain of our indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries had approximately $1.2 billion of long-term debt. In addition, we had approximately $0.4 billion in operating lease, finance lease and other financing obligations as of December 31, 2024. We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future.
Our franchisees have experienced and continue to experience inflationary conditions with respect to most or all of these costs during fiscal 2023. Increases in minimum wage, health care and other benefit costs may have a material adverse effect on our and our franchisees' labor costs.
Our franchisees have experienced and continue to experience inflationary conditions with respect to most or all of these costs during fiscal 2024. Increases in minimum wage, health care and other benefit costs may have a material adverse effect on our and our franchisees' labor costs.
If our customers' disposable income available for discretionary spending is reduced (because of circumstances such as job losses, credit constraints, higher housing costs, inflation, changes to tax regulations, energy costs, interest rates or other costs) or if the perceived wealth of customers decreases (because of circumstances such as inflation, lower residential real estate values, increased foreclosure rates, changes to tax regulations or other economic disruptions), our business could experience a decline in sales and/or customer traffic as potential customers choose lower-cost alternatives (such as quick-service restaurants) or other alternatives to dining out.
If our customers' disposable income available for discretionary spending is reduced (because of circumstances such as job losses, credit constraints, higher housing costs, inflation, changes to tax regulations, energy costs, interest rates or other costs) or if the perceived wealth of customers decreases (because of circumstances such as inflation, lower residential real estate values, increased foreclosure rates, changes to tax regulations, the imposition of tariffs or other trade barriers, or other economic disruptions), our business could experience a decline in sales and/or customer traffic as potential customers choose lower-cost alternatives (such as quick-service restaurants) or other alternatives to dining out.
Increases in minimum wage and market pressure may also result in increases in the wage rates paid for non-minimum wage positions. Many states and localities are also passing laws regulating employment practices and working conditions which could have a material adverse effect on our and our franchisees’labor costs in those areas.
Increases in minimum wage and market pressure may also result in increases in the wage rates paid for non-minimum wage positions. Many states and localities are also passing laws regulating employment practices and working conditions which could have a material adverse effect on our and our franchisees’ labor costs in those areas.
All IHOP and Applebee's and almost all Fuzzy’s restaurants are owned and operated by our franchisees. Our dependence on our franchisees could adversely affect us, our brands, and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Substantially all IHOP, Applebee's and Fuzzy’s restaurants are owned and operated by our franchisees. Our dependence on our franchisees could adversely affect us, our brands, and our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic and other epidemics, disease outbreaks or public health emergencies will impact our business, liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations, will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the duration and scope of the pandemic; the negative impact on the economy; the short and longer-term impacts on the demand for restaurant services and levels of consumer confidence; the ability of us and our franchisees to successfully navigate the impacts; government action, including restrictions on restaurant operations; increased unemployment; and reductions in consumer discretionary 20 spending.
The extent to which future potential epidemics, disease outbreaks or public health emergencies will impact our business, liquidity, financial condition, and results of operations, will depend on numerous evolving factors that we may not be able to accurately predict or assess, including the duration and scope of the pandemic; the negative impact on the economy; the short and longer-term impacts on the demand for restaurant services and levels of consumer confidence; the ability of us and our franchisees to successfully navigate the impacts; government action, including restrictions on restaurant operations; increased unemployment; and reductions in consumer discretionary spending.
In 2020, we recognized several significant impairment charges and could incur similar charges in the future. As of December 31, 2023, our total stockholders' deficit was $251.0 million. Any significant impairment write-down of goodwill, intangible assets or long-lived assets in the future could increase the stockholders' deficit. Repurchases of our common stock will also increase the stockholders' deficit.
In 2020 and 2024, we recognized several significant impairment charges and could incur similar charges in the future. As of December 31, 2024, our total stockholders' deficit was $216.0 million. Any significant impairment write-down of goodwill, intangible assets or long-lived assets in the future could increase the stockholders' deficit. Repurchases of our common stock will also increase the stockholders' deficit.
Of the 1,696 IHOP domestic franchise and area license restaurants as of December 31, 2023, approximately 571 restaurants have property lease/sublease agreements and/or notes and equipment contract obligations outstanding. We and our franchisees are subject to potential losses that may not be covered by insurance.
Of the 1,694 IHOP domestic franchise and area license restaurants as of December 31, 2024, approximately 554 restaurants have property lease/sublease agreements and/or notes and equipment contract obligations outstanding. We and our franchisees are subject to potential losses that may not be covered by insurance.
From time to time, our franchisees have failed to fulfill their commitments to build new restaurants in the numbers and within the timeframes required by their development agreements, and we expect that this will continue to varying degrees in the future.
We rely on franchisees to develop Applebee's, IHOP and Fuzzy's restaurants. From time to time, our franchisees have failed to fulfill their commitments to build new restaurants in the numbers and within the timeframes required by their development agreements, and we expect that this will continue to varying degrees in the future.
If any of these existing franchisees experience financial difficulties, future development of Applebee's restaurants may be materially adversely affected. 22 An insolvency or bankruptcy proceeding involving a franchisee could prevent or delay the collection of payments or the exercise of rights under the related franchise agreement.
Development rights for Applebee's restaurants are also concentrated among a limited number of existing franchisees. If any of these existing franchisees experience financial difficulties, future development of Applebee's restaurants may be materially adversely affected. An insolvency or bankruptcy proceeding involving a franchisee could prevent or delay the collection of payments or the exercise of rights under the related franchise agreement.
Internal controls over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal controls over financial reporting. Internal controls over financial reporting is a process to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.
Fair values of goodwill and intangible assets are primarily estimated using discounted cash flows based on five-year forecasts of financial results that incorporate assumptions including, among other things, same-restaurant sales trends, future development plans, brand-enhancing initiatives, restaurant closures and an appropriate discount rate.
Fair values of goodwill and intangible assets are primarily estimated using discounted cash flows based on ten-year forecasts of financial results that incorporate assumptions including, among other things, restaurant sales trends, future development plans, restaurant closures, cost of revenues, operating expenses, and an appropriate discount rate.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted and may continue to impact sales and traffic at our and our franchisees’ restaurants, may make it more difficult to staff restaurants and, in more severe cases, may damage our reputation, cause an inability to obtain supplies, increase commodity costs or continue to cause partial or total closures of impacted restaurants.
As experienced through the recent COVID-19 pandemic, epidemics, disease outbreaks or public health emergencies may impact sales and traffic at our and our franchisees’ restaurants, may make it more difficult to staff restaurants and, in more severe cases, may damage our reputation, cause an inability to obtain supplies, increase commodity costs or continue to cause partial or total closures of impacted restaurants.
The success of our franchisees (and our success with company-owned restaurants) depend significantly on the ability to anticipate and react to changes in the price and availability of food, ingredients, labor, health care, utilities, fuel and other related costs.
The success of our franchisees (and our success with company restaurants) depend significantly on the ability to anticipate and react to changes in the price and availability of food (such as the cost and supply of eggs, which may be impacted by avian flu), ingredients, labor, health care, utilities, fuel and other related costs.
Even if a virus or other disease does not spread significantly, the perceived risk of infection or health risk may damage our reputation and adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations. The COVID-19 pandemic has heightened many of the other risks described in this Item 1A - Risk Factors .
Even if a virus or other disease does not spread significantly, the perceived risk of infection or health risk may damage our reputation and adversely affect our business, liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
To the extent that our actual financial results do not meet or exceed our guidance, the trading prices of our securities may be materially adversely affected. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted and may further disrupt our business, which could further materially affect our operations, and business and financial results.
To the extent that our actual financial results do not meet or exceed our guidance, the trading prices of our securities may be materially adversely affected. Epidemics, disease outbreaks or public health emergencies may disrupt our business, which could materially affect our operations, and business and financial results.
There could be significant expenses associated with the defense of any infringement, misappropriation, or other third-party claims. Our delivery initiatives and use of third-party delivery vendors subjects us and our franchisees to a variety of risks related to the delivery of our products by third parties and may not generate expected returns .
Our delivery initiatives and use of third-party delivery vendors subjects us and our franchisees to a variety of risks related to the delivery of our products by third parties and may not generate expected returns .
Although we maintain liability insurance, and each franchisee is required to maintain liability insurance pursuant to its franchise agreements, a liability claim could injure the reputation of all Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's restaurants, whether or not it is ultimately successful. 24 A lack of availability of suitable locations for new restaurants or a decline in the quality of the locations of our current restaurants may adversely affect our sales and results of operations.
Although we maintain liability insurance, and each franchisee is required to maintain liability insurance pursuant to its franchise agreements, a liability claim could injure the reputation of all Applebee's, IHOP or Fuzzy's restaurants, whether or not it is ultimately successful.
As of December 31, 2023, Applebee's franchisees operated 1,536 Applebee's restaurants in the United States. Of those restaurants, the ten largest Applebee's franchisees owned 1,210 restaurants, representing 79% of all franchised Applebee's restaurants in the United States. The largest Applebee's franchisee owned 439 restaurants, representing 29% of all franchised Applebee's restaurants in the United States.
As of December 31, 2024, Applebee's franchisees operated 1,454 Applebee's restaurants in the United States. Of those restaurants, the ten largest Applebee's franchisees owned 1,173 restaurants, representing 81% of all franchised Applebee's restaurants in the United States. The largest Applebee's franchisee owned 460 restaurants, representing 32% of all franchised Applebee's restaurants in the United States.
The current inflationary period could negatively impact consumers’ discretionary income and reduce the amount of income previously used for dining outside the home. Additionally, negative trends in the availability of credit and in expenses such as interest rates and the cost of construction materials could affect our and our franchisees' ability to maintain and remodel existing restaurants.
Additionally, negative trends in the availability of credit and in expenses such as interest rates and the cost of construction materials could affect our and our franchisees' ability to maintain and remodel existing restaurants.
Our business expansion into virtual brands, dual-branded restaurants, and non-traditional restaurant formats, including restaurants with a smaller footprint, restaurants located in non-traditional locations and restaurants that operate on a delivery-only and/or ghost kitchen basis, could create new risks to our brands and reputation.
Our business expansion into virtual brands, dual-branded restaurants, and non-traditional restaurant formats, including restaurants with a smaller footprint, restaurants located in non-traditional locations and restaurants that operate on a delivery-only and/or ghost kitchen basis, could create new risks to our brands and reputation. 19 Failure of our internal controls over financial reporting and future changes in accounting standards may cause adverse unexpected operating results, affect our reported results of operations or otherwise harm our business and financial results.
A failure to sufficiently innovate, develop guest relationship initiatives, or maintain adequate and effective advertising could inhibit our ability to maintain brand relevance and drive increased sales. As part of our marketing efforts, we rely on search engine marketing and social media platforms to attract and retain guests.
A failure to sufficiently innovate, develop guest relationship initiatives, or maintain adequate and effective advertising could inhibit our ability to maintain brand relevance and drive increased sales.
Failure to meet investor and stakeholder expectations regarding environmental, social and corporate governance ( “ ESG ” ) matters may damage our reputation. There is an increasing focus from certain investors, customers, consumers, employees and other stakeholders concerning ESG matters. Additionally, public interest and legislative pressure related to public companies’ ESG practices continue to grow.
Failure to meet investor and stakeholder expectations regarding certain business responsibility matters may damage our reputation. There is a focus from certain investors, customers, consumers, employees and other stakeholders, both for and against certain environmental, sustainability, social and corporate governance matters.
Such shortages could adversely affect our and our franchisees’ ability to operate our restaurants and, in turn, affect our and our franchisees’ revenue and profits.
For example, the current outbreak of avian flu may impact the cost and availability of obtaining eggs. Such shortages could adversely affect our and our franchisees’ ability to operate our restaurants and, in turn, affect our and our franchisees’ revenue and profits.
The success of our brands depends in large part on restaurant locations. As demographic and economic patterns change, current locations may not continue to be attractive or profitable. Potential declines in neighborhoods where restaurants are located or adverse economic conditions in areas surrounding those neighborhoods could result in reduced sales in those locations.
A lack of availability of suitable locations for new restaurants or a decline in the quality of the locations of our current restaurants may adversely affect our sales and results of operations. The success of our brands depends in large part on restaurant locations. As demographic and economic patterns change, current locations may not continue to be attractive or profitable.
These efforts may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenues or increased employee engagement.
As part of our marketing efforts, we rely on search engine marketing and social media platforms to attract and retain guests. 25 These efforts may not be successful, resulting in expenses incurred without the benefit of higher revenues or increased employee engagement.
In addition, desirable locations for new restaurant openings or for the relocation of existing restaurants may not be available at an acceptable cost when we identify a particular opportunity for a new restaurant or relocation. Additionally, restaurant revitalization initiatives may not be completed as and when projected and may not produce the results we expect.
Potential declines in neighborhoods where restaurants are located or adverse economic conditions in areas surrounding those neighborhoods could result in reduced sales in those locations. In addition, desirable locations for new restaurant openings or for the relocation of existing restaurants may not be available at an acceptable cost when we identify a particular opportunity for a new restaurant or relocation.
Our and our franchised restaurants are dependent on frequent deliveries of fresh produce, food, beverages and other products.
We may experience shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food and other products from third parties or in the availability of utilities. Our and our franchised restaurants are dependent on frequent deliveries of fresh produce, food, beverages and other products.
We also may be unable to operate effectively in new and/or highly competitive geographic regions or local markets in which our franchisees have limited operating experience. We may experience shortages or interruptions in the supply or delivery of food and other products from third parties or in the availability of utilities.
Additionally, restaurant revitalization initiatives may not be completed as and when projected and may not produce the results we expect. We also may be unable to operate effectively in new and/or highly competitive geographic regions or local markets in which our franchisees have limited operating experience.
Finally, regulatory changes or actions under current or future U.S. political administrations may impact the laws or regulations described above.
Finally, regulatory changes or actions under current or future U.S. political administrations may impact the laws or regulations described above. We cannot predict whether or when any of these potential changes in law might become effective in any jurisdiction nor the impact, if any, of these changes to our business.
Risks Related to Our Franchised Business Model Restaurant development plans under development agreements may not be implemented effectively and developed restaurants may not achieve desired results. We rely on franchisees to develop Applebee's, IHOP and Fuzzy's restaurants.
A future potential epidemic, disease outbreak or public health emergency may also heighten many of the other risks described in this Item 1A - Risk Factors . Risks Related to Our Franchised Business Model Restaurant development plans under development agreements may not be implemented effectively and developed restaurants may not achieve desired results.
We cannot predict whether or when any of these potential changes in law might become effective in any jurisdiction nor the impact, if any, of these changes to our business. 18 We are subject to risks associated with self-insurance for medical, dental and vision benefits. We self-insure all of our employee medical, dental and vision benefits.
Changes to immigration laws could result in unknown impacts to the labor market, particularly in industries that rely on immigrant workers, which could lead to increased labor costs and operational disruptions. We are subject to risks associated with self-insurance for medical, dental and vision benefits. We self-insure all of our employee medical, dental and vision benefits.