Biggest changeDevelopment involves substantial risks, including the risk of: • the inability to identify suitable franchisees; • limited availability of financing for the Company and for franchisees at acceptable rates and terms; • development costs exceeding budgeted or contracted amounts; • the negative impact of any re-imaging strategy if not adopted by franchisees or embraced by guests; • delays in completion of construction or shortages of any equipment or construction materials; • the inability to identify, or the unavailability of suitable sites at acceptable cost and other leasing or purchase terms; • developed properties not achieving desired revenue or cash flow levels once opened; • the negative impact of a new restaurant upon sales at nearby existing restaurants; • the challenge of developing in areas where competitors are more established or have greater penetration or access to suitable development sites; • incurring substantial unrecoverable costs in the event a development project is abandoned prior to completion; • impairment charges resulting from underperforming restaurants or decisions to curtail or cease investment in certain locations or markets; • in new geographic markets where we have limited or no existing locations, the inability to successfully expand or acquire critical market presence for our brands, acquire name recognition, successfully market our products, or attract new customers; • operating cost levels that reduce the demand for, or raise the cost of, developing new restaurants; • the challenge of identifying, recruiting, and training qualified franchisees or company restaurant management; Although we manage our growth and development activities to help reduce such risks, we cannot assure that our present or future growth and development activities will perform in accordance with our expectations.
Biggest changeDevelopment involves substantial risks, including the risk of: • the inability to identify suitable franchisees; • limited availability of financing for the Company and for franchisees at acceptable rates and terms; • development costs exceeding budgeted or contracted amounts; • the negative impact of any re-imaging strategy if not adopted by franchisees or embraced by guests; • delays in completion of construction or shortages of any equipment or construction materials; • competition for quality cost-efficient property that has a favorable zoning classification allowing drive-thru sales; • negative impact of delays due to lengthy supply chain lead times for building components and systems; • negative impact of delays due to longer timelines for permit review and field inspections with the municipal agencies; • negative impact of delays due to longer than usual design, permitting, approval, procurement, and field installation timelines for utility service providers to supply primary services on new restaurant development projects (i.e. electrical, gas, sewer, water, etc.) • the inability to identify, or the unavailability of suitable sites at acceptable cost and other leasing or purchase terms; • developed properties not achieving desired revenue or cash flow levels once opened; • the negative impact of a new restaurant upon sales at nearby existing restaurants; • the challenge of developing in areas where competitors are more established or have greater penetration or access to suitable development sites; • incurring substantial unrecoverable costs in the event a development project is abandoned prior to completion; • impairment charges resulting from underperforming restaurants or decisions to curtail or cease investment in certain locations or markets; • in new geographic markets where we have limited or no existing locations, the inability to successfully expand or acquire critical market presence for our brands, acquire name recognition, successfully market our products, or attract new customers; • operating cost levels that reduce the demand for, or raise the cost of, developing new restaurants; • the challenge of identifying, recruiting, and training qualified franchisees or company restaurant management; Although we manage our growth and development activities to help reduce such risks, we cannot assure that our present or future growth and development activities will perform in accordance with our expectations.
Our income arises from two sources: fees from franchised restaurants (e.g., rent and royalties based on a percentage of sales) and, to a lesser degree, profit from our remaining Company-operated restaurants. Our franchisees manage their businesses independently, and therefore are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their restaurants.
Our income arises from two sources: fees from franchised restaurants (e.g., royalties and rent based on a percentage of sales) and, to a lesser degree, profit from our remaining Company-operated restaurants. Our franchisees manage their businesses independently, and therefore are responsible for the day-to-day operation of their restaurants.
Because the ultimate interests of franchisees and the Company are largely aligned around maximizing restaurant profits, the Company does not believe that any areas of disagreement between the company and franchisees are likely to create material risk to the Company or its shareholders.
Because the ultimate interests of franchisees and the Company are largely aligned around maximizing restaurant profits, the Company does not believe that any areas of disagreement between the Company and its franchisees are likely to create material risk to the Company or its shareholders.
Information and Technology Related Risks We are subject to the risk of cybersecurity breaches, intrusions, data loss, or other data security incidents. We and our franchisees rely on computer systems and information technology to conduct our business.
Risks Related to Information and Technology We are subject to the risk of cybersecurity breaches, intrusions, data loss, or other data security incidents. We and our franchisees rely on computer systems and information technology to conduct our business.
The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies, include, among others: • diversion of management attention to integration matters; • difficulties in integrating operations and systems, including intellectual property and communications systems, administrative and information technology infrastructure, supplier and vendor arrangements and financial reporting and internal control systems; • challenges in conforming standards, controls, procedures and accounting and other policies, business cultures and compensation structures between the two companies; • differences in control environments and cultures, and the potential identification of material weaknesses while we work to integrate and align policies, principles and practices; • alignment of key performance measurements may result in a greater need to communicate and manage clear expectations while we work to integrate and align policies and practices; • difficulties in integrating employees and attracting and retaining key personnel; • the transition to a combined management team, and the need to address possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies; • challenges in retaining existing customers and obtaining new customers; • difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, accretion targets, business opportunities, financing plans and growth prospects from the combination; and • difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company.
The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies, include, among others: • diversion of management attention to integration matters; • difficulties in integrating operations and systems, including intellectual property and communications systems, administrative and information technology infrastructure, supplier and vendor arrangements and financial reporting and internal control systems; • challenges in conforming standards, controls, procedures and accounting and other policies, business cultures and compensation structures between the two companies; • differences in control environments and cultures, and the potential identification of material weaknesses while we work to integrate and align policies, principles and practices; • alignment of key performance measurements may result in a greater need to communicate and manage clear expectations while we work to integrate and align policies and practices; • difficulties in integrating employees and attracting and retaining key personnel; 13 • the transition to a combined management team, and the need to address possible differences in corporate cultures and management philosophies; • challenges in retaining existing customers and obtaining new customers; • difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, accretion targets, business opportunities, financing plans and growth prospects from the combination; and • difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex company.
The restaurant and retail industries are subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including regulations relating to: • the preparation, ingredients, labeling, packaging, advertising, and sale of food and beverages; • building and zoning requirements; • sanitation and safety standards; • employee healthcare, including the implementation and legal, regulatory, and cost implications of the Affordable Care Act; • labor and employment, including minimum wage adjustments, overtime, working conditions, employment eligibility and documentation, sick leave, and other employee benefit and fringe benefit requirements, and changing judicial, administrative, or regulatory interpretations of federal or state labor laws; • the registration, offer, sale, termination, and renewal of franchises; • Americans with Disabilities Act; • payment cards; • climate change, including regulations related to the potential impact of greenhouse gases, water consumption, or taxes on carbon emissions; and • consumer protection and privacy obligations, including the California Consumer Privacy Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and other new or proposed federal and state regulations.
The restaurant and retail industries are subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including regulations relating to: • the preparation, ingredients, labeling, packaging, advertising, and sale of food and beverages; • building and zoning requirements; • sanitation and safety standards; • employee healthcare, including the implementation and legal, regulatory, and cost implications of the Affordable Care Act; 16 • labor and employment, including minimum wage adjustments, overtime, working conditions, employment eligibility and documentation, sick leave, and other employee benefit and fringe benefit requirements, and changing judicial, administrative, or regulatory interpretations of federal or state labor laws; • the registration, offer, sale, termination, and renewal of franchises; • Americans with Disabilities Act; • payment cards; • climate change, including regulations related to the potential impact of greenhouse gases, water consumption, or taxes on carbon emissions; and • consumer protection and privacy obligations, including the California Consumer Privacy Act, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, and other new or proposed federal and state regulations.
Furthermore, we have experienced, and could continue to experience, a shortage of labor for restaurant positions, including due to concerns around and illnesses arising from COVID-19 and its various novel variants and other factors, which could decrease the pool of available qualified talent for key functions and require restaurants to operate on reduced hours.
Furthermore, we have experienced, and could continue to experience, a shortage of labor for restaurant positions, including due to concerns around and illnesses arising from COVID-19 and its various novel variants and other factors, which could decrease the pool of available qualified 8 talent for key functions and require restaurants to operate on reduced hours.
We could also become subject to fines, penalties, and other costs related to claims that we did not fully comply with all record keeping obligations of federal and state immigration compliance laws. These factors could materially adversely affect our financial results. 16 Franchising Activities Our franchising activities are subject to federal regulations administered by the U.S.
We could also become subject to fines, penalties, and other costs related to claims that we did not fully comply with all record keeping obligations of federal and state immigration compliance laws. These factors could materially adversely affect our financial results. Franchising Activities Our franchising activities are subject to federal regulations administered by the U.S.
For example, the Indenture and the Management Agreement contain covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of certain subsidiaries to: • incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; • sell certain assets; • alter the business conducted by our subsidiaries; • create or incur liens on certain assets; or • consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets held within the securitization entities.
For example, the Indenture and the Management Agreement contain covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the ability of certain subsidiaries to: • incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; • sell certain assets; • alter the business conducted by our subsidiaries; • create or incur liens on certain assets; or 20 • consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the assets held within the securitization entities.
Our inability to expand in accordance with our plans or to manage the risks associated with our growth could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. 13 Our business and Del Taco’s business may not be integrated successfully, or such integration may be more difficult, time consuming, or costly than expected.
Our inability to expand in accordance with our plans or to manage the risks associated with our growth could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. Our business and Del Taco’s business may not be integrated successfully, or such integration may be more difficult, time consuming, or costly than expected.
Nevertheless, it is possible that conflict and disagreements with these or other critical stakeholders could distract management or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. 18 Actions of activist stockholders could cause us to incur substantial costs, divert management’s attention and resources, and have an adverse effect on our business.
Nevertheless, it is possible that conflict and disagreements with these or other critical stakeholders could distract management or otherwise have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business. Actions of activist stockholders could cause us to incur substantial costs, divert management’s attention and resources, and have an adverse effect on our business.
The impact of these factors may be exacerbated by our geographic profile, as nearly 70% of our restaurants are located in the states of California and Texas. 12 Risks Relating to Health and Safety Food safety and food-borne illness concerns may have an adverse effect on our business by reducing demand and increasing costs.
The impact of these factors may be exacerbated by our geographic profile, as nearly 70% of our restaurants are located in the states of California and Texas. Risks Relating to Health and Safety Food safety and food-borne illness concerns may have an adverse effect on our business by reducing demand and increasing costs.
These unrelated risks could adversely affect a franchisee’s ability to make payments to us or to make payments on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that our franchisees will successfully participate in our strategic or marketing initiatives or operate their restaurants in a manner consistent with our requirements, standards, and 14 expectations.
These unrelated risks could adversely affect a franchisee’s ability to make payments to us or to make payments on a timely basis. We cannot assure you that our franchisees will successfully participate in our strategic or marketing initiatives or operate their restaurants in a manner consistent with our requirements, standards, and expectations.
If our subsidiaries are unable to implement one or more of these alternatives, they may not be able to meet debt payment and other obligations which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. 20 We have a significant amount of debt outstanding.
If our subsidiaries are unable to implement one or more of these alternatives, they may not be able to meet debt payment and other obligations which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition. We have a significant amount of debt outstanding.
Specifically, nearly 70% of our restaurants are located in the states of California and Texas. Economic conditions, state and local laws, or government regulations affecting those states may therefore more greatly impact our results than would similar occurrences in other locations.
Specifically, nearly 70% of our systemwide restaurants are located in the states of California and Texas. Economic conditions, state and local laws, or government regulations affecting those states may therefore more greatly impact our results than would similar occurrences in other locations.
A potentially serious allergic reaction by a guest may result in adverse public communication, media coverage, a decline in restaurant sales, and a material decline in our financial results. Risks Related to Our Business Model and Strategy We may not achieve our development goals.
A potentially serious allergic reaction by a guest may result in adverse public communication, media coverage, a decline in restaurant sales, and a material decline in our financial results. 12 Risks Related to Our Business Model and Strategy We may not achieve our development goals.
Our restaurants currently have an ingredient mix that can be exposed to one or more food allergens, such as eggs, wheat, milk, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy.
Our restaurants currently have an ingredient mix that can be exposed to one or more food allergens, such as eggs, wheat, milk, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame and soy.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Similar State Laws We are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”) and similar state laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations, and other areas.
Americans with Disabilities Act and Similar State Laws We are subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act and similar state laws that give civil rights protections to individuals with disabilities in the context of employment, public accommodations, and other areas.
High gasoline prices, increased healthcare costs, declining home prices, and political unrest, foreign or domestic, may potentially contribute to an economic downturn, as may regional or local events, including natural disasters or local regulation. The impact of these factors may be exacerbated by the geographic profile of our brand.
High gasoline prices, increased healthcare costs, declining home prices, and political unrest, foreign or domestic, may potentially contribute to an economic downturn, as may regional or local events, including natural disasters or local regulation. The impact of these factors may be exacerbated by the geographic profile of our brands.
In addition to its shareholders, we have several key stakeholders, including its independent franchise operators. Third parties such as franchisees are not subject to the control of the Company and may take actions or behave in ways that are adverse to the Company.
In addition to shareholders, we have several key stakeholders, including our independent franchise operators. Third parties such as franchisees are not subject to the control of the Company and may take actions or behave in ways that are adverse to the Company.
The failure of these systems and processes to operate effectively, including an interruption or degradation in such systems or services, could be harmful and cause delays in customer service, loss of digital sales, reduce efficiency or cause delays in operations. Significant capital investments may be required to remediate any such problems.
The failure of these systems and processes to operate effectively, including an interruption or degradation in such systems or services, or if such systems or services become outdated, could be harmful and cause delays in customer service, loss of digital sales, reduce efficiency or cause delays in operations. Significant capital investments may be required to remediate any such problems.
Such indebtedness, along with the other contractual commitments of our Company or its subsidiaries, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to meet debt payment obligations. Under the Indenture, the Master Issuer has approximately $1.9 billion of outstanding debt as of October 2, 2022.
Such indebtedness, along with the other contractual commitments of our Company or its subsidiaries, could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, as well as the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to meet debt payment obligations. Under the Indenture, the Master Issuer has approximately $1.8 billion of outstanding debt as of October 1, 2023.
The COVID-19 outbreak also may have the effect of heightening many other risks disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, those related to consumer confidence, increase in food and commodity costs, supply chain interruptions, labor availability and cost, cybersecurity incidents, increased indebtedness, regulatory and legal complexity, governmental regulations, and our stock price. 8 Changes in the availability of and the cost of labor could adversely affect our business.
The COVID-19 outbreak also may have the effect of heightening many other risks disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, those related to consumer confidence, increase in food and commodity costs, supply chain interruptions, labor availability and cost, cybersecurity incidents, increased indebtedness, regulatory and legal complexity, governmental regulations, and our stock price.
Any damages, legal fees, or costs associated with litigating or resolving claims under any such law could be material. Food Regulation The Food Safety Modernization Act granted the FDA new authority regarding the safety of the entire food system, including through increased inspections and mandatory food recalls.
Any damages, legal fees, or costs associated with litigating or resolving claims under any such law could be material. Food Regulation The Food Safety Modernization Act granted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration new authority regarding the safety of the entire food system, including through increased inspections and mandatory food recalls.
The restaurant industry depends on consumer discretionary spending. We are impacted by consumer confidence, which is, in turn, influenced by general economic conditions and discretionary income levels. A material decline in consumer confidence or a decline in family “food away from home” spending could cause our financial results to decline.
We are impacted by consumer confidence, which is, in turn, influenced by general economic conditions and discretionary income levels. A material decline in consumer confidence or a decline in family “food away from home” spending could cause our financial results to decline.
A material failure or interruption of service, or a breach in the security of our computer systems caused by malware, ransomware or other attack, could cause reduced efficiency in operations, or other business interruptions; could negatively impact delivery of food to restaurants, or financial functions such as vendor payment, employee payroll and scheduling, franchise operations reporting, or our ability to receive customer payments through our POS or other systems, or could result in the loss or misappropriation of customer or employee data.
However, we cannot control or prevent every cybersecurity risk. 18 A material failure or interruption of service, or a breach in the security of our computer systems caused by malware, ransomware or other attack, could cause reduced efficiency in operations, or other business interruptions; could negatively impact delivery of food to restaurants, or financial functions such as vendor payment, employee payroll and scheduling, franchise operations reporting, or our ability to receive customer payments through our POS or other systems, or could result in the loss or misappropriation of customer or employee data.
As of October 2, 2022, approximately 93% of our Jack in the Box restaurants and 51% of Del Taco restaurants were franchised restaurants; therefore, our success increasingly relies on the financial success and cooperation of our franchisees, yet we have limited influence over their operations.
As of October 1, 2023, approximately 94% of our Jack in the Box restaurants and 71% of Del Taco restaurants were franchised; therefore, our success increasingly relies on the financial success and cooperation of our franchisees, yet we have limited influence over their operations.
In addition, regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are found to be liable, claims may be expensive to defend, and may divert management’s attention away from our operations and hurt our performance. Further, adverse publicity resulting from claims against us or our franchisees may harm our business or that of our franchisees.
In addition, regardless of whether any claims against us are valid or whether we are found to be liable, claims may be expensive to defend, and may divert management’s attention away from our operations and hurt our performance.
Regulatory bodies may enact new laws or promulgate new regulations that are adverse to our business, or they may view matters or interpret laws and regulations differently than they have in the past or in a manner adverse to our business.
Regulatory bodies may enact new laws or promulgate new regulations that are adverse to our business, or they may view matters or interpret laws and regulations differently than they have in the past or in a manner adverse to our business. These new laws or regulations could negatively impact our financial results or affect restaurant operations.
We and our franchisees also may not be able to pass along price increases to our customers as a result of adverse economic conditions, competitive pricing, or other factors. Therefore, variability of food and other commodity costs could adversely affect our profitability and results of operations.
We and our franchisees also may not be able to pass along price increases to our customers as a result of adverse economic conditions, competitive pricing, or other factors.
Acceptance of this or similar arguments by the courts in California or elsewhere could impact our financial results or affect restaurant operations. Governmental regulation, including in one or more of the following areas, may adversely affect our existing and future operations and results, including by harming our ability to profitably operate our restaurants.
Governmental regulation, including in one or more of the following areas, may adversely affect our existing and future operations and results, including by harming our ability to profitably operate our restaurants.
The enactment of additional state or local minimum wage increases above federal wage rates or regulations related to non-exempt employees has increased and could continue to increase labor costs for employees across our system-wide operations, especially considering our concentration of restaurants in California.
The enactment of additional state or local minimum wage increases above federal wage rates or regulations related to non-exempt employees has increased and could continue to increase labor costs for employees across our system-wide operations. Labor related laws enacted at the federal, state, provincial or local level could increase our and our franchisees’ labor costs and decrease profitability.
We contract with a distribution network with a limited number of distribution partners located throughout the nation to provide the majority of our food distribution services. Through these arrangements, our food supplies are largely distributed through several primary distributors.
If our suppliers or distributors are unable to fulfill their obligations under their contracts, it could harm our operations. We contract with a distribution network with a limited number of distribution partners located throughout the nation to provide the majority of our food distribution services. Through these arrangements, our food supplies are largely distributed through several primary distributors.
These actions may hinder our ability to operate in some markets or to offer our full menu in these markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business.
These actions may hinder our ability to operate in some markets or to offer our full menu in these markets, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. If we fail to comply with such laws and regulations, our business could also experience a material adverse effect.
We cannot be certain that we will be successful in maintaining adequate internal controls over our financial reporting and financial processes in the future. We may in the future discover areas of our internal controls that need improvement.
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 requires us to evaluate and report on our internal controls over financial reporting. We cannot be certain that we will be successful in maintaining adequate internal controls over our financial reporting and financial processes in the future. We may in the future discover areas of our internal controls that need improvement.
Failure to receive scheduled deliveries of high-quality food ingredients and other supplies could harm our operations and reputation.
Therefore, variability of food and other commodity costs could adversely affect our profitability and results of operations. 9 Failure to receive scheduled deliveries of high-quality food ingredients and other supplies could harm our operations and reputation.
Environmental Laws We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge, storage, handling, release, and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances, as well as local ordinances restricting the types of packaging we can use in our restaurants.
In addition, stringent and varied requirements of local regulators with respect to zoning, land use, and environmental factors could delay or prevent development of new restaurants in particular locations. 15 Environmental Laws We are subject to federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations concerning the discharge, storage, handling, release, and disposal of hazardous or toxic substances, as well as local ordinances restricting the types of packaging we can use in our restaurants.
As a result, we may be required to close or relocate a restaurant, which could subject us to construction and other costs and risks and may have an adverse effect on our operating performance.
As a result, we may be required to close or relocate a restaurant, which could subject us to construction and other costs and risks and may have an adverse effect on our operating performance. 14 We have a limited number of suppliers for our major products and rely on a distribution network with a limited number of distribution partners for the majority of our national distribution program.
Such labor shortages could be further exacerbated by expanded federal, state and local COVID-19 vaccination requirements. In addition, our wages and benefits programs may be insufficient to attract and retain the top performing employees especially in a rising wage market. Changes in consumer confidence and declines in general economic conditions could negatively impact our financial results.
In addition, our wages and benefits programs may be insufficient to attract and retain the top performing employees especially in a rising wage market. Changes in consumer confidence and declines in general economic conditions could negatively impact our financial results. The restaurant industry depends on consumer discretionary spending.
We also have business continuity plans that attempt to anticipate and mitigate failures. However, we cannot control or prevent every cybersecurity risk.
We also have business continuity plans that attempt to anticipate and mitigate failures.
Risks Related to Our Capital Structure The securitized debt instruments issued by certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries have restrictive terms, and any failure to comply with such terms could result in default, which could harm the value of our brand and adversely affect our business.
Additionally, the success of certain of our strategic initiatives, including to expand our consumer-facing digital capabilities to connect with customers and drive growth, is highly dependent on our technology systems and digital service providers. 19 Risks Related to Our Capital Structure The securitized debt instruments issued by certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries have restrictive terms, and any failure to comply with such terms could result in default, which could harm the value of our brand and adversely affect our business.
If we fail to comply with such laws and regulations, our business could also experience a material adverse effect. 17 We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could harm the value of our brands and adversely affect our business.
We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could harm the value of our brands and adversely affect our business.
Our reputation as a brand or as an employer could also be adversely affected by these types of security breaches or regulatory violations, which could impair our ability to attract and retain qualified employees. 19 We are subject to risks associated with our increasing dependence on digital commerce platforms and technologies to maintain and grow sales, and we cannot predict the impact that these digital commerce platforms and technologies, other new or improved technologies or alternative methods of delivery may have on consumer behavior and our financial results.
We are subject to risks associated with our increasing dependence on digital commerce platforms and technologies to maintain and grow sales, and we cannot predict the impact that these digital commerce platforms and technologies, other new or improved technologies or alternative methods of delivery may have on consumer behavior and our financial results.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls, we may not be able to accurately determine our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, the Company’s stockholders could lose confidence in our financial results, which could harm our business and the value of the Company’s common shares.
As a result, the Company’s stockholders could lose confidence in our financial results, which could harm our business and the value of the Company’s common shares. Effective internal controls are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and effectively prevent fraud.
In addition, although our produce contracts contain predetermined price limits, we are subject to force majeure clauses resulting from weather or acts of God that may result in temporary spikes in costs. 9 Further, we cannot assure you that we or our franchisees will be able to successfully anticipate and react effectively to changing food and commodity costs by adjusting purchasing practices or menu offerings.
We cannot assure you that we will successfully enter into fixed price contracts on a timely basis or on commercially favorable pricing terms. In addition, although our produce contracts contain predetermined price limits, we are subject to force majeure clauses resulting from weather or acts of God that may result in temporary spikes in costs.
The expenses associated with any modifications we may be required to undertake with respect to our restaurants or services, or any damages, legal fees, and costs associated with litigating or resolving claims under the ADA or similar state laws, could be material. 15 Consumer Protection and Privacy Laws We are subject to various federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning consumer protection and privacy as it relates to our marketing, advertising, and promotional programs, including, but not limited to, the California Consumer Privacy Act and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
Consumer Protection and Privacy Laws We are subject to various federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning consumer protection and privacy as it relates to our marketing, advertising, and promotional programs, including, but not limited to, the California Consumer Privacy Act and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.