ptlo-20211118
FALSE000187150900018715092021-11-182021-11-18

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): November 18, 2021

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PORTILLO'S INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware 001-4095187-1104304
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(Commission File Number)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
2001 Spring Road, Suite 400, Oak Brook, Illinois 60523
(Address of principal executive offices)
(630)-954-3773
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions (see General Instruction A.2. below):

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading SymbolName of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value per sharePTLONasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.




Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On November 18, 2021, Portillo’s Inc. (NASDAQ: PTLO) issued a press release reporting results for the third quarter ended September 26, 2021. A copy of the earnings press release is attached hereto as Exhibit 99.1.

The information furnished in this Current Report on Form 8-K and Exhibit 99.1 shall not be deemed to be “filed” for the purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section, and shall not be deemed to be incorporated by reference into any filing pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, unless specifically identified therein as being incorporated therein by reference.

Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d) Exhibits.
Exhibit NumberDescription
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized.

 
  Portillo's Inc.
(Registrant)
Date: November 18, 2021By:/s/ Michelle Hook
  Michelle Hook
  Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Financial Officer)


Document


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Portillo’s Inc Announces Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Chicago, IL— November 18, 2021—Portillo’s Inc. (“Portillo’s” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PTLO), the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 26, 2021.

Financial Highlights for the third quarter ended September 26, 2021 vs. Prior Year period:

Total revenue increased 15.3% to $138.0 million
Same-restaurant sales increased 6.8%
Operating income decreased 8.8% to $17.2 million
Net income decreased 19.4% to $6.5 million
Adjusted EBITDA* decreased 8.4% to $24.2 million
Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA* decreased 1.1% to $34.2 million
Cash and cash equivalents on hand were $49.4 million

*Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Please see definitions and the reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures accompanying this release.

Michael Osanloo, President and Chief Executive Officer of Portillo’s, said “Our third quarter results demonstrated the resiliency of our brand as we posted solid top line growth and grew our same restaurant sales by almost 7%. In addition, our ability to drive restaurant-level and adjusted EBITDA margins during the quarter, despite the ongoing labor and commodity challenges that have faced our industry, was a testament to our commitment to becoming a world-class, multi-channel restaurant brand focused on high-performance across all of our channels. As we look ahead, our successful IPO has given us the financial flexibility and improved capital structure to capitalize on the massive white space opportunity to grow Portillo’s throughout the country. Our expansion plan will utilize a two-pronged strategy by aiming to expand our presence in our core market across the Midwest as well as targeting major national markets for opportunistic growth. All in all, we are truly excited to have begun our journey as a public company and we look forward to introducing more guests to our unique menu of unrivaled Chicago street food and all-American favorites that has something truly craveable for everyone.”

Initial Public Offering

On October 25, 2021, the Company successfully completed its initial public offering of Class A common stock at $20.00 per share (“IPO”). The Company issued 23,310,810 shares of the Company’s Class A common stock (including 3,040,540 shares sold to the underwriters pursuant to their overallotment option). The Company received net proceeds from the offering of approximately $429.9 million after underwriter discounts and commissions and offering expenses. The net proceeds from the offering were used to pay the redeemable preferred units in full (including the redemption premium) and all of the borrowings outstanding under our Second Lien Credit Agreement (including any prepayment penalties), as well as the purchase of limited liability company units and shares of Class A common stock from certain pre-IPO investors.

Review of Third Quarter 2021 Financial Results

Revenues for the third quarter ended September 26, 2021 were $138.0 million compared to $119.7 million for the quarter ended September 27, 2020, an increase of $18.3 million or 15.3%. The increase in revenues was primarily attributed to an increase in our average check and the opening of two new restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2020 and three new restaurants during the three quarters ended September 26, 2021. Same-restaurant sales increased 6.8% during the third quarter ended September 26, 2021, which was attributable to an increase in average check of 7.9%, partially offset by a decline in traffic. The higher average check was driven by an increase in menu prices, mix of
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items sold, and more items per order. For the purpose of calculating same-restaurant sales for September 26, 2021, sales for 60 restaurants were included in the Comparable Restaurant Base versus 55 as of the end of the third quarter of 2020.

Operating income for third quarter ended September 26, 2021 was $17.2 million compared to $18.9 million for the quarter ended September 27, 2020, a decrease of $1.7 million or 8.8%. The decrease in operating income was primarily driven by increases in labor, cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization, occupancy expenses, other operating expenses, and general and administrative expenses, partially offset by the aforementioned increase in revenues and lower depreciation and amortization. The increase in expenses was driven by the opening of two new restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2020 and three new restaurants during the three quarters ended September 26, 2021. Additionally, expenses were comparatively impacted by continued expansion of our dine-in capacity, an increase in commodity prices (primarily beef), and several incremental labor investments to support our team members, including hourly and salary rate increases, training costs and discretionary bonuses. The incremental labor investments were partially offset by lower staffing levels and increased productivity in our restaurants. The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense was primarily attributable to lower amortization expense from an expiring non-compete agreement.

Net income for the third quarter ended September 26, 2021 was $6.5 million compared to $8.1 million for the quarter ended September 27, 2020, a decrease of $1.6 million or 19.4%. The decrease in net income was primarily due to the factors driving the aforementioned decrease in operating income.

Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter ended September 26, 2021 was $24.2 million compared to $26.4 million for the quarter ended September 27, 2020, a decrease of $2.2 million or 8.4%.

Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter ended September 26, 2021 was $34.2 million compared to $34.6 million for the quarter ended September 27, 2020, a decrease of $0.4 million or 1.1%.

A reconciliation of Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EDITDA and the nearest GAAP financial measure is included under “Non-GAAP Measures” in the accompanying financial data below.

Development Highlights
No new Portillo’s restaurants were opened during the third quarter. Subsequent to the end of the quarter, one new restaurant was opened in Westfield, Indiana. To date, four new restaurants were opened during 2021, and we expect one additional restaurant to open in the coming weeks, which will complete the Company’s development plan for 2021 and bring the total restaurant count to 69.

The following definitions apply to these terms as used in this release:
Same-Restaurant Sales - The change in same-restaurant sales is the percentage change in year-over-year revenue (excluding gift card breakage) for the Comparable Restaurant Base, which is defined as the number of restaurants open for at least 24 full fiscal periods.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin - Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes, adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash and other items that we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing core operating performance as identified in the reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA, included in “Non-GAAP Measures” Adjusted EBITDA Margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues. See also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”

Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin - Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA is defined as revenue, less restaurant operating expenses, which include cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization, labor expenses, occupancy expenses and other operating expenses. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA excludes corporate level expenses and depreciation and amortization on restaurant property and equipment. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin represents Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue. See also “Non-GAAP Financial Measures”.

For more information about the Company’s Non-GAAP measures, how they are calculated and reconciled and why management believes that they are useful, see “Non-GAAP Financial Measures” below.


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Earnings Conference Call

The Company will host a conference call to discuss its third quarter financial results on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at 10:00 AM ET. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 201-493-6780. A telephone replay will be available shortly after the call has concluded and can be accessed by dialing 412-317-6671; the passcode is 13725004. The webcast will be available at www.portillos.com under the investors section and will be archived on the site shortly after the call has concluded.

About Portillo’s

In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 into a small trailer to open the first Portillo’s hot dog stand in Villa Park, IL, which he called “The Dog House.” Years later, Portillo’s has grown to include restaurants in more than 67 locations across nine states. Portillo’s is best known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads and famous chocolate cake. Portillo’s Home Kitchen is the company’s fast-growing catering business. Portillo’s also ships food to all 50 states via its website.


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Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 ("PSLRA"). All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements discuss our current expectations and projections relating to our financial position, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as "aim," "anticipate," "believe," "commit," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "outlook," "potential," "project," "projection," "plan," "intend," "seek," "may," "could," "would," "will," "should," "can," "can have," "likely," the negatives thereof and other similar expressions.

Forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations and assumptions regarding our business, the economy and other future
conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and
changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. As a result, our actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by the
forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements
include regional, national or global political, economic, business, competitive, market and regulatory conditions and the following:

continued adverse effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or future pandemics or disease outbreaks on our financial condition and results of operations;
our vulnerability to changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions;
increases in the cost of our frequently used food items or shortages or disruptions in the supply or delivery of frequently used food items;
our inability to open new restaurants in new and existing markets;
the number of visitors to areas where our restaurants are located may decline;
our inability to generate same-restaurant sales growth;
our marketing programs and limited-time or seasonal menu offerings may fail to generate profits;
incidents involving food-borne illness and food safety, including food tampering or contamination, which we may be unable to prevent;
our inability to compete successfully with other lunch and dinner restaurants; and
other risks identified in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC’).

All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. You should evaluate all forward-looking statements made in this press release in the context of the risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” included in our prospectus, dated October 20, 2021, filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4) with the SEC on October 22, 2021, relating to our IPO, which is available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as otherwise required by law.


Investor Contact:
Fitzhugh Taylor of ICR
Investors@portillos.com

Media Contact:
ICR, Inc.
PortillosPR@icrinc.com
###
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PHD GROUP HOLDINGS LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)





Quarter EndedThree Quarters Ended
September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
REVENUE$138,003 100.0 %$119,700 100.0 %$396,044 100.0 %$336,960 100.0 %
Restaurant operating expenses:
Cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization44,285 32.1 %36,572 30.6 %121,465 30.7 %106,095 31.5 %
Labor36,921 26.8 %29,125 24.3 %102,433 25.9 %87,205 25.9 %
Occupancy7,000 5.1 %6,368 5.3 %20,890 5.3 %18,717 5.6 %
Other operating expenses15,554 11.3 %13,012 10.9 %44,187 11.2 %37,559 11.1 %
Total operating expenses103,760 75.2 %85,077 71.1 %288,975 73.0 %249,576 74.1 %
General and administrative expenses11,750 8.5 %9,706 8.1 %35,755 9.0 %27,918 8.3 %
Pre-opening expenses347 0.3 %544 0.5 %2,307 0.6 %838 0.2 %
Depreciation and amortization5,516 4.0 %6,138 5.1 %18,225 4.6 %18,404 5.5 %
Net income attributable to equity method investment(292)(0.2)%(121)(0.1)%(651)(0.2)%(353)(0.1)%
Other income, net(292)(0.2)%(514)(0.4)%(1,095)(0.3)%(1,092)(0.3)%
OPERATING INCOME17,214 12.5 %18,870 15.8 %52,528 13.3 %41,669 12.4 %
Interest expense10,683 7.7 %10,766 9.0 %32,124 8.1 %34,298 10.2 %
NET INCOME$6,531 4.7 %$8,104 6.8 %$20,404 5.2 %$7,371 2.2 %
Earnings/(loss) per common unit:
Basic$0.01 $0.06 $0.07 $(0.15)
Diluted$0.01 $0.05 $0.07 $(0.15)
Weighted-average common units outstanding:
Basic51,210,222 51,192,285 51,201,100 51,187,878 
Diluted51,581,685 51,410,002 51,569,034 51,187,878 
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PHD GROUP HOLDINGS LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except common unit and per common unit data)
(unaudited)
September 26, 2021December 27, 2020
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents$49,367 $41,211 
Restricted cash190 221 
Accounts receivable5,727 5,204 
Inventory4,399 5,075 
Other current assets7,445 2,915 
Total current assets67,128 54,626 
Property and equipment, net186,621 174,769 
OTHER ASSETS:
Goodwill394,298 394,298 
Intangible assets-net of accumulated amortization260,541 266,180 
Equity method investment16,278 16,015 
Other assets4,596 4,334 
Total other assets675,713 680,827 
TOTAL ASSETS$929,462 $910,222 
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED UNITS AND COMMON EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
Accounts payable$21,531 $21,427 
Current portion of long-term debt3,324 3,324 
Current deferred revenue3,929 6,774 
Accrued expenses33,482 34,827 
Total current liabilities62,266 66,352 
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES:
Long-term debt, net of current portion466,764 466,380 
Deferred rent30,844 26,694 
Other long-term liabilities6,862 9,516 
Total long-term liabilities504,470 502,590 
Total liabilities566,736 568,942 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
REDEEMABLE PREFERRED UNITS217,549 200,571 
COMMON EQUITY:
Common units—51,210,222 and 51,192,434 units authorized, 51,210,222 and 51,192,434 units issued and outstanding as of September 26, 2021 and December 27, 2020
— — 
Stock subscription receivable— (499)
Additional paid-in-capital141,751 141,208 
Retained earnings3,426 — 
Total common equity145,177 140,709 
TOTAL LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED UNITS AND COMMON EQUITY$929,462 $910,222 
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PHD GROUP HOLDINGS LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)



Three Quarters Ended
September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income$20,404 $7,371 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization18,225 18,404 
Amortization of debt issuance costs and discount2,877 2,901 
Loss on sales of assets130 19 
Unit-based compensation443 564 
Deferred rent and tenant allowance3,099 2,726 
Amortization of deferred lease incentives(289)(241)
Gift card breakage(554)(556)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivables(89)804 
Receivables from related parties(144)204 
Inventory676 83 
Other current assets807 572 
Accounts payable(2,511)(881)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities(3,634)583 
Deferred lease incentives690 1,976 
Other assets and liabilities(239)3,576 
NET CASH PROVIDED BY OPERATING ACTIVITIES39,891 38,105 
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchase of property and equipment(27,687)(10,138)
Purchase of investment securities(200)— 
Proceeds from the sale of property and equipment123 30 
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES(27,764)(10,108)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Repayments of short-term debt— (15,000)
Payments of long-term debt(2,493)(12,493)
Proceeds from Paycheck Protection Program loan— 10,000 
Proceeds from issuance of common units100 25 
Repayment of stock subscription receivable499 250 
Payments for in-process equity financings (offering costs)(2,108)— 
NET CASH USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES(4,002)(17,218)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH8,125 10,779 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT BEGINNING OF THE PERIOD41,432 22,629 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH AT END OF THE PERIOD$49,557 $33,408 

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PHD GROUP HOLDINGS LLC
SELECTED OPERATING DATA
(in thousands)
(unaudited)

Quarter EndedThree Quarters Ended
September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
Total Restaurants(a)67626762
AUV (in millions) (a) (b)N/AN/A$8.0 $8.0 
Change in same-restaurant sales (b)6.8 %(2.1)%10.6 %(7.2)%
Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands)$24,202 $26,434 $75,276 $64,297 
Adjusted EBITDA Margin17.5 %22.1 %19.0 %19.1 %
Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands)$34,243 $34,623 $107,069 $87,384 
Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin24.8 %28.9 %27.0 %25.9 %

(a) Includes a restaurant that is owned by C&O Chicago, L.L.C. ("C&O") of which Portillo’s owns 50% of the equity.
(b) Excludes a restaurant that is owned by C&O of which Portillo’s owns 50% of the equity. In the table above, average unit volumes (“AUVs”) for the three quarters ended September 26, 2021 and September 27, 2020 represent AUVs for the Twelve Months Ended September 26, 2021 and September 27, 2020, respectively.
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PHD GROUP HOLDINGS LLC
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
(unaudited)

To supplement the consolidated financial statements, which are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), we use the following non-GAAP financial measures: Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin, Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin. Set forth below is a description of the measures and why we believe that they are useful to investors followed by reconciliations to the most directly comparable GAAP measures.

Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA is defined as revenue, less restaurant operating expenses, which include cost of goods sold, excluding depreciation and amortization, labor expenses, occupancy expenses and other operating expenses. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA excludes corporate level expenses and depreciation and amortization on restaurant property and equipment. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin represents Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenue. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not required by, nor presented in accordance with GAAP. Rather, Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin are supplemental measures of operating performance of our restaurants. You should be aware that Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin are not indicative of overall results for the Company, and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin do not accrue directly to the benefit of stockholders because of corporate-level expenses excluded from such measures. In addition, our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies.

We believe that Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin are important measures for evaluating the performance and profitability of our restaurants, individually and in the aggregate. Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin

Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, interest expense and income taxes, adjusted for the impact of certain non-cash and other items that we do not consider in our evaluation of ongoing core operating performance as identified in the reconciliation of net income (loss), the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA, included in “Non-GAAP Measures” Adjusted EBITDA Margin represents Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of total revenues.

We use Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (i) to evaluate our operating results and the effectiveness of our business strategies, (ii) internally as benchmarks to compare our performance to that of our competitors and (iii) as factors in evaluating management’s performance when determining incentive compensation.

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are important measures of operating performance that are useful to investors because they eliminate the impact of expenses that do not relate to our core operating performance. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are supplemental measures of operating performance and our calculations thereof may not be comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin have important limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation as substitutes for analysis of our results as reported under GAAP.

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See below for a reconciliation of net income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin (in thousands):
Quarter EndedThree Quarters Ended
September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
Net income$6,531 $8,104 $20,404 $7,371 
Depreciation and amortization5,516 6,138 18,225 18,404 
Interest expense10,683 10,766 32,124 34,298 
EBITDA22,730 25,008 70,753 60,073 
Deferred rent(1)781 738 2,375 2,050 
Unit-based compensation and consulting fees(2)337 687 1,611 2,064 
Other income(3)25 (10)157 45 
Transaction-related fees & expenses(4)329 10 380 65 
Adjusted EBITDA$24,202 $26,434 $75,276 $64,297 
Adjusted EBITDA Margin17.5 %22.1 %19.0 %19.1 %
(1) Represents the difference between cash rent payments and the recognition of straight-line rent expense recognized over the lease term.
(2) Represents unit-based compensation and consulting fees related to our former owner.
(3) Represents loss on disposal of property and equipment.
(4) Represents fees and expenses associated with public company readiness.

See below for a reconciliation of operating income, the most directly comparable GAAP measure, to Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin (in thousands):

Quarter EndedThree Quarters Ended
September 26, 2021September 27, 2020September 26, 2021September 27, 2020
Operating Income$17,214 $18,870 $52,528 $41,669 
Plus:
General and administrative expenses11,750 9,706 35,755 27,918 
Depreciation and amortization5,516 6,138 18,225 18,404 
Net income attributable to equity method investment(292)(121)(651)(353)
Other income, net(292)(514)(1,095)(1,092)
Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA$34,243 $34,623 $107,069 $87,384 
Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA Margin24.8 %28.9 %27.0 %25.9 %


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