Business Wire | Mar 4, 2021 04:05PM EST

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter 2020 Results

Mar. 04, 2021

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 04, 2021--Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: FRGI), parent company of the Pollo Tropical(r) and Taco Cabana(r) restaurant brands, today reported results for the 14-week fourth quarter 2020, which ended on January 3, 2021 and provided a business update related to current operations. The Company uses a 52 or 53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to December 31. The fourth quarter of 2019 included 13 weeks.

Fiesta President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Stockinger said, "Both of our brands showed improvement in comparable restaurant sales from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. Pollo Tropical comp sales accelerated from -11.1% in the third quarter of 2020 to -8.2% in the fourth quarter of 2020 and improved to -6.4% in December. After adjusting for the impact of named storms in the third and fourth quarters, Pollo Tropical's sales growth in the fourth quarter would have been even stronger, with adjusted fourth quarter 2020 comp sales approximately 40 basis points higher. Taco Cabana also improved its comparable restaurant sales trend from -14.2% in the third quarter of 2020 to -10.0% in the fourth quarter of 2020. January 2021 comp sales trends showed growth compared to the fourth quarter at both brands. In February 2021, we began to open additional dining rooms at both brands based on what we believe to be an increase in consumer demand for dine-in visits."

Stockinger added, "As we closed 2020, we were pleased with the progress we made against our priorities identified in March when the pandemic began: We continue to place the safety of our guests and employees first, we maximized liquidity through increased restaurant EBITDA margins, working capital efficiency and property sales, and we made important investments in our digital platform that we expect will contribute to strong sales growth in 2021. In addition, we made progress in aggressively growing all off-premise sales channels in an effort to offset our pre-COVID estimated dine-in sales mix of approximately 25% for both brands. In the fourth quarter, both brands generated drive-thru comparable restaurant sales growth of at least 24% compared to the same period last year and we more than tripled our delivery sales compared to the same period last year."

Stockinger continued, "In the fourth quarter of 2020, we improved Adjusted EBITDA margins at both brands compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. Net income was $0.9 million and pre-tax income was $1.5 million for the quarter, which included total gains on the sale or sale-leaseback of properties of $2.2 million. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure(1), increased 42% compared to the same period last year to $14.6 million. After excluding the extra week in the 2020 fiscal year, estimated fourth quarter Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA grew 13.4% compared to 2019. The impact of the extra week in fiscal 2020 on Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is estimated at $2.9 million. Our overall financial position improved from the start of the pandemic, with a reduction in total debt from $148.4 million as of March 18, 2020 at the start of the pandemic to $73.3 million as of January 3, 2021 and net debt, a non-GAAP financial measure(2), of $23.3 million as of January 3, 2021. In addition, we generated full year cash flow provided by operating activities of $40.3 million."

Stockinger concluded, "In 2021 we will continue to concentrate on non-dine-in trade channels to match the evolving changes in customer behavior, and will focus on creating a great guest experience across all channels. We are planning to make further enhancements to our digital platform and improvements in the speed and ease of use for off-premise sales channels such as an enhanced digital drive-thru experience, geofencing technology designed to improve curbside speed and infrastructure changes designed to improve order cycle times for drive-thru and delivery orders. We also intend to continue to drive traffic and check through differentiated new menu introductions, effective LTO's and improved marketing. We are optimistic about 2021 and believe that our growth initiatives will build momentum and accelerate sales over the course of 2021."

_____________________________(1) See non-GAAP reconciliation table below.

We define net debt as long-term debt, including current portion of long-term debt, as reported in our balance sheet less unrestricted cash as reported in our balance sheet, which were $73.3 million and $50.0 million, respectively, as of January 3, 2021. We define net revolver debt as outstanding revolving credit facility borrowings under our former(2) credit facility plus outstanding letters of credit less unrestricted cash balance as defined in our former credit agreement (generally cash in bank less outstanding payments), which were $146.4 million, $3.5 million and $75.5 million, respectively, as of March 18, 2020. Net revolver debt and net debt are non-GAAP measures which we believe assist investors in understanding of our management of our overall liquidity and financial flexibility.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Financial Summary

* Total revenues decreased 6.6% to $148.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 from $159.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2019; * Comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical decreased 8.2%; * Comparable restaurant sales at Taco Cabana decreased 10.0%; * Net income of $0.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2020, which includes a pre-tax gain on the sale of properties of $2.2 million, compared to net loss of $21.1 million, or ($0.82) per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019; * Adjusted net income (a non-GAAP financial measure) of $1.8 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2020, compared to adjusted net loss of $1.1 million, or $0.04 per diluted share, in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below); * Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical of $12.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $10.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019; * Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for Pollo Tropical of $19.1 million, or 21.8% of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $17.2 million, or 19.2% of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below); * Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana of $2.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $(0.3) million in the fourth quarter of 2019; * Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) for Taco Cabana of $8.3 million, or 13.6% of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $5.5 million, or 8.0% of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below); and * Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA (a non-GAAP financial measure) of $14.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $10.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below).

Fourth Quarter 2020 Comparable Restaurant Sales Summary

Third Quarter Fiscal Fiscal Fourth Quarter Fiscal October 2020 November December 2020

Pollo Tropical -11.1% -9.7% -8.2% -6.4% -8.2%

Taco Cabana -14.2% -12.4% -6.4% -10.2% -10.0%

* As a reminder, third quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical benefited from the estimated negative impact of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 of approximately 140 basis points. * Fiscal November 2020 comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical were negatively impacted by Tropical Storm Eta in 2020. After adjusting for the estimated impact of that named storm, fiscal November 2020 comparable restaurant sales would have been approximately 130 basis points higher, and fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales would have been approximately 40 basis points higher. * The fiscal year and fourth quarter ended January 3, 2021 contained 53 weeks and 14 weeks, respectively. Fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales exclude the extra week in fiscal fourth quarter 2020 and are reported on a 13-week basis.

Cash and Liquidity

* On November 23, 2020, we entered into a new senior credit facility consisting of a $75 million term loan and $10 million revolver, which replaced our prior senior credit agreement with a more flexible and longer-term loan maturing in 2025 that provides greater liquidity during the remainder of this challenging period and beyond. * At the end of the fourth quarter of 2020, we had $50.0 million in cash, $3.6 million in restricted cash and $73.3 million in debt, which includes $71.5 million of term loan borrowings under our new senior credit facility and $1.9 million in finance lease obligations. Our outstanding term loan borrowings under our new senior credit facility are net of unamortized debt issuance costs and original issue discount totaling $3.5 million. * Total debt and net debt decreased significantly from the beginning of the pandemic to January 3, 2021. Total debt decreased from $148.4 million as of March 18, 2020 at the start of the pandemic to $73.3 million on January 3, 2021 and net revolver debt at March 18, 2020 compared to net debt at January 3, 2021, both, non-GAAP financial measures(2), decreased from net revolver debt of $74.4 million as of March 18, 2020 to net debt of $23.3 million on January 3, 2021. * We sold nine properties in sale or sale-leaseback transactions for total proceeds of $17.6 million and net gains of $2.2 million in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Fourth Quarter 2020 Brand Results

Total Pollo Tropical restaurant sales decreased 2.5% to $87.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $89.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 primarily due to a comparable restaurant sales decrease of 8.2%, partially offset by sales in the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020. Comparable restaurant sales for Pollo Tropical improved through the fourth quarter, from a decrease of 9.7% in fiscal October to a decrease of 6.4% in fiscal December. Pollo Tropical dine-in and counter take out comparable restaurant sales decreased 52% from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2020 due primarily to the negative impact of the pandemic on dine-in traffic and closures of our dining rooms during most of the fourth quarter of 2020. The decrease in dine in channel sales was partially offset by off-premise channel growth. Fourth quarter drive thru comparable restaurant sales increased 24% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, while fourth quarter delivery comparable restaurant sales more than tripled compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a 19.3% decrease in comparable restaurant transactions and an 11.1% increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing. The increase in product/channel mix and pricing was driven primarily by increases in delivery, online and drive-thru average check and sales channel penetration, and menu price increases of 1.1%.

Comparable Restaurant Sales Mix by Channel - Pollo Tropical

Channel Fourth Quarter % of Fourth Quarter % of 2020^(1) Total 2019 Total

($, thousands)

Counter^(2) $ 20,090 25 % $ 42,112 49 %

Drive Thru 49,340 62 % 39,923 46 %

Delivery 7,104 9 % 2,178 2 %

Online 2,396 3 % 1,553 2 %

Catering 751 1 % 1,049 1 %

Total $ 79,681 100 % $ 86,815 100 %

^(1) Fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales exclude the extra weekin fiscal fourth quarter 2020 and are reported on a 13-week basis.

^(2) Counter sales include dine-in and counter take out sales.

Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical increased to $12.1 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 from $10.6 million in the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 14%. The increase was primarily due to the impact of lower cost of sales and restaurant wages and related expenses as a percentage of Pollo Tropical restaurant sales, the extra week of sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 and lower other restaurant operating expenses. This was partially offset by the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales. Lower insurance and repair and maintenance expense was partially offset by higher delivery fees within other restaurant operating expenses. Rent expense increased as a percentage of restaurant sales-driven in large part by the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales as well as lease renewals at higher rates. Pollo Tropical incurred incremental costs related to COVID-19 of $0.3 million for the quarter including quarantine pay and costs related to COVID testing. Restaurant wages and related expenses decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales, primarily driven by efficiency initiatives. Driven by operating model optimization and cost management efforts and the extra week in 2020, fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues increased from 11.8% in 2019 to 13.8% in 2020 and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales increased from 19.2% in 2019 to 21.8% in 2020. The impact of the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020 is estimated at $5.8 million in restaurant sales and $1.7 million in Adjusted EBITDA. Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA would have been $10.4 million and 12.7% of sales excluding the extra week in the fourth quarter.

Taco Cabana restaurant sales decreased 11.9% to $60.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2020 from $69.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2019 due primarily to a comparable restaurant sales decrease of 10.0% along with a decrease in sales related to closed restaurants, partially offset by the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020. Taco Cabana dine-in and counter take out comparable restaurant sales decreased 72% from the fourth quarter of 2019 to the fourth quarter of 2020 due to the negative impact of the pandemic on dine-in traffic and closures of our dining rooms during most of the fourth quarter. The decrease in dine-in channel sales was partially offset by significant off-premise channel growth. Fourth quarter drive thru comparable restaurant sales increased 26% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019, while fourth quarter delivery comparable restaurant sales more than tripled compared to the fourth quarter of 2019. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a 20.3% decrease in comparable restaurant transactions and a 10.3% increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing. The increase in product/channel mix and pricing was driven primarily by increases in drive-thru and delivery sales channel penetration, growth in average check for drive-thru versus last year due in part to an increase in transactions that include alcohol, and menu price increases of 2.1%.

Comparable Restaurant Sales Mix by Channel - Taco Cabana

Channel Fourth Quarter % of Fourth Quarter % of 2020^(1) Total 2019 Total

($, thousands)

Counter^(2) $ 7,041 12 % $ 24,833 40 %

Drive Thru 43,437 78 % 34,566 56 %

Delivery 3,199 6 % 828 1 %

Online 1,438 3 % 1,248 2 %

Catering 697 1 % 523 1 %

Total $ 55,812 100 % $ 61,998 100 %

^(1) Fourth quarter 2020 comparable restaurant sales exclude the extra weekin fiscal fourth quarter 2020 and are reported on a 13-week basis.

^(2) Counter sales include dine-in and counter take out sales.

Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana increased to $2.5 million from $(0.3) million in the fourth quarter of 2019. The increase was primarily due to lower cost of sales and restaurant wages and related expenses as a percentage of Taco Cabana restaurant sales, the extra week of sales in the fourth quarter of 2020 and lower other restaurant operating expenses. This was partially offset by the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales. Lower insurance and repair and maintenance expense was partially offset by higher delivery fees within other restaurant operating expenses. Taco Cabana incurred incremental costs related to COVID-19 of $0.2 million for the quarter including quarantine pay and costs related to COVID testing. Restaurant wages and related expenses decreased as a percentage of restaurant sales, primarily driven by efficiency initiatives. Driven by operating model optimization and cost management efforts and the extra week in 2020, fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of revenues increased from (0.4)% in 2019 to 4.1% in 2020 and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA as a percentage of restaurant sales increased from 8.0% in 2019 to 13.6% in 2020. The impact of the extra week in the fourth quarter of 2020 is estimated at $4.1 million in sales and $1.2 million in Adjusted EBITDA. Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA would have been $1.3 million and 2.3% of sales excluding the extra week in the fourth quarter.

Full Year 2020 Financial Summary

Total revenues decreased 16.1% in 2020 to $554.8 million from $660.9 million in 2019, driven primarily by a decrease in comparable restaurant sales at both brands (including as a result of the impact of COVID-19), and the impact of closing 19 underperforming Taco Cabana restaurants in the first quarter of 2020, partially offset by sales for the extra week in our 2020 fiscal year. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 14.7% for our Pollo Tropical restaurants resulting from a decrease in comparable restaurant transactions of 22.1% and an increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing of 7.4%. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 14.4% for our Taco Cabana restaurants resulting from a decrease in comparable restaurant transactions of 22.1% and an increase in the net impact of product/channel mix and pricing of 7.7%.

We recognized a net loss of $10.2 million in 2020, or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $84.4 million, or $3.18 per diluted share in 2019, due in part to a $67.9 million goodwill impairment charge for the Taco Cabana reporting unit and a $13.5 million charge to establish a valuation allowance on our deferred income tax assets in 2019 as well as an income tax benefit in 2020 related to adjusting our deferred tax asset valuation allowance and reclassifying certain assets as qualified improvement property and other changes to depreciation methods for certain assets in conjunction with filing our 2019 federal income tax return in 2020. Lower advertising and repair and maintenance expense in 2020 and the extra week in our 2020 fiscal year contributed to the reduction in net loss in 2020, partially offset by the impact of declines in comparable restaurant sales at both brands in 2020, higher delivery fees in 2020 and additional costs related to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, gains from the sale-leaseback and sale of property, lower general and administrative expenses and other impairment charges, as well as favorable operating and labor efficiencies at both brands in 2020, positively contributed to the reduction of the net loss in 2020. Total gains on the sale or sale-leaseback of properties were $3.8 million in 2020.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $45.0 million in 2020 from $58.4 million in 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below). The impact of the extra week in fiscal 2020 on Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA is estimated at $2.9 million.

Consolidated Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $91.0 million or 16.5% of restaurant sales in 2020 compared to $108.9 million or 16.6% of restaurant sales in 2019 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below). The impact of the extra week in fiscal 2020 on Consolidated Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is estimated at $3.4 million.

Restaurant Portfolio

As of January 3, 2021, there were 138 Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants, 143 Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants, 29 franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Panama, Guyana, Ecuador and the Bahamas, and six franchised Taco Cabana restaurants in the U.S.

Texas Winter Storm

Due to the severe winter storm that impacted Texas from February 14, 2021 through February 21, 2021, Taco Cabana February revenue and profit is expected to be negatively impacted compared to 2020 results. All units were closed for a number of days during that period, with significant reductions in traffic due to poor road conditions. We estimate the lost restaurant sales over the weather-impacted period to be in the range of $2.5 million to $3.0 million. Approximately 125 units were impacted at some level by the storm including issues ranging from minor repairs to pipe, water and equipment damages. All Taco Cabana units are now open. Taco Cabana is in the process of filing insurance claims for costs related to the winter storm.

2021 Outlook

Comparable restaurant sales are expected to be positive for the year, driven by the Company's 2021 growth initiatives and expected increases in overall segment dine-in traffic as the pandemic impact abates.

Food costs are projected to remain stable in 2021 compared to 2020 based on current supply commitments we have in place for calendar 2021 across key commodities.

Capital expenditures in 2021 are expected to be in the range of $33 million to $38 million, with the increase compared to 2020 levels primarily driven by investments in our digital platforms, including digital drive thru upgrades.

Investor Conference Call Today

We will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET today. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-631-891-4304. A replay will be available after the call until Thursday, March 11, 2021 and can be accessed by dialing 1-412-317-6671. The passcode is 10012670. The conference call will also be webcast live and archived on the corporate website at www.frgi.com, under the Investor Relations section. A replay of the webcast will be available through the corporate website shortly after the call has concluded.

About Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., owns, operates and franchises the Pollo Tropical(r) and Taco Cabana(r) restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service restaurants that offer distinct and unique flavors with broad appeal at a compelling value. The brands feature fresh-made cooking, drive-thru service and catering. For more information about Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., visit the corporate website at www.frgi.com.

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release and in our public disclosures, whether written, oral or otherwise made, relating to future events or future performance, including any discussion, express or implied regarding our anticipated growth, plans, objectives and the impact of our initiatives designed to strengthen our liquidity and cash position, including those related to working capital efficiency initiatives and sales of real property, our investments in strategic and sales building initiatives, including those relating to advertising and marketing, operations improvements, menu development and simplification, digital ordering and online sales, catering and third-party delivery and the impact of the recent COVID-19 outbreak and our initiatives designed to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak on future sales, margins, earnings and liquidity, contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "positioned," "target," "continue," "expects," "look to," "intends" and other similar expressions, whether in the negative or the affirmative, that are not statements of historical fact. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that are difficult to predict, and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Our actual results and timing of certain events could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including, but not limited to, those discussed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K and our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements and the internal projections and beliefs upon which we base our expectations included in this release are made only as of the date of this release and may change. While we may elect to update forward-looking statements at some point in the future, we expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

TWELVE MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 3, 2021 AND DECEMBER 29, 2019

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended (a) Twelve Months Ended (a)

January 3, December 29, January 3, December 29, 2021 2019 2021 2019

Revenues:

Restaurant $ 148,345 $ 158,780 $ 552,797 $ 658,263 sales

Franchiseroyalty 559 682 2,006 2,680 revenues andfees

Total revenues 148,904 159,462 554,803 660,943

Costs and expenses:

Cost of sales 44,678 51,129 170,513 207,453

Restaurantwages and 39,358 43,917 149,145 179,178 relatedexpenses (b)

Restaurant 11,569 12,192 45,361 47,805 rent expense

Otherrestaurant 20,542 23,468 82,180 91,897 operatingexpenses

Advertising 4,880 5,390 14,839 23,179 expense

General andadministrative 14,550 13,808 53,077 56,195 expenses (b)(c)

Depreciationand 9,779 9,675 38,206 39,195 amortization

Pre-opening - 109 69 972 costs

Impairment andother lease 217 8,434 9,139 13,101 charges (d)

Goodwill - - - 67,909 impairment (e)

Closedrestaurantrent, net of 1,544 678 6,487 4,163 subleaseincome (f)

Other expense(income), net (2,085 ) 121 (1,697 ) 1,041 (g)

Totaloperating 145,032 168,921 567,319 732,088 expenses

Income (loss)from 3,872 (9,459 ) (12,516 ) (71,145 )operations

Interest 1,386 848 4,756 3,872 expense

Loss onextinguishment 1,029 - 1,241 - of debt (i)

Income (loss)before income 1,457 (10,307 ) (18,513 ) (75,017 )taxes

Provision for(benefit from) 601 10,746 (8,302 ) 9,369 income taxes(h)

Net income $ 856 $ (21,053 ) $ (10,211 ) $ (84,386 )(loss)

Earnings(loss) per common share:

Basic $ 0.03 $ (0.82 ) $ (0.40 ) $ (3.18 )

Diluted 0.03 (0.82 ) (0.40 ) (3.18 )

Weightedaverage common sharesoutstanding:

Basic 25,292,481 25,794,321 25,341,415 26,500,356

Diluted 25,294,222 25,794,321 25,341,415 26,500,356

(a)

The Company uses a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. The three- and twelve-month periods ended January 3, 2021 included 14 and 53 weeks, respectively, and the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 29, 2019 included 13 and 52 weeks, respectively.

(b)

Restaurant wages and related expenses include stock-based compensation of $48 and $50 for the three months ended January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, respectively, and $200 and $195 for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, respectively. General and administrative expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $952 and $656 for the three months ended January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, respectively, and $3,284 and $2,649 for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, respectively.

(c)

See notes (h) and (i) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(d)

See note (c) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(e)

See note (d) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(f)

See note (e) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(g)

See note (f) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(h)

See notes (a) and (b) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(i)

See note (g) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

The Company uses a 52- or 53-week fiscal year that ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. The three- and twelve-month periods ended(a) January 3, 2021 included 14 and 53 weeks, respectively, and the three- and twelve-month periods ended December 29, 2019 included 13 and 52 weeks, respectively.

Restaurant wages and related expenses include stock-based compensation of $48 and $50 for the three months ended January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, respectively, and $200 and $195 for the twelve months ended(b) January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, respectively. General and administrative expenses include stock-based compensation expense of $952 and $656 for the three months ended January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, respectively, and $3,284 and $2,649 for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019, respectively.

See notes (h) and (i) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to(c) adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(d) See note (c) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(e) See note (d) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(f) See note (e) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(g) See note (f) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

See notes (a) and (b) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to(h) adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

(i) See note (g) to the reconciliation of net income (loss) to adjusted net income (loss) in the tables titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

January 3, 2021

December 29, 2019

Assets

Cash

$

50,035

$

13,413

Other current assets

33,991

25,870

Property and equipment, net

161,081

211,944

Operating lease right-of-use assets

261,304

251,272

Goodwill

56,307

56,307

Other assets

6,025

9,835

Total assets

$

568,743

$

568,641

Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current liabilities

$

64,909

$

63,620

Long-term debt, net of current portion

72,328

76,823

Operating lease liabilities

268,086

256,798

Deferred tax liabilities

4,109

4,759

Other non-current liabilities

11,530

8,405

Total liabilities

420,962

410,405

Stockholders' equity

147,781

158,236

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

$

568,743

$

568,641

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

January 3, 2021 December 29, 2019



Assets

Cash $ 50,035 $ 13,413

Other current assets 33,991 25,870

Property and equipment, net 161,081 211,944

Operating lease right-of-use assets 261,304 251,272

Goodwill 56,307 56,307

Other assets 6,025 9,835

Total assets $ 568,743 $ 568,641



Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity

Current liabilities $ 64,909 $ 63,620

Long-term debt, net of current portion 72,328 76,823

Operating lease liabilities 268,086 256,798

Deferred tax liabilities 4,109 4,759

Other non-current liabilities 11,530 8,405

Total liabilities 420,962 410,405

Stockholders' equity 147,781 158,236

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 568,743 $ 568,641

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

Supplemental Information

The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial and other data for the periods indicated

(In thousands, except percentages)

(Unaudited)

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

January 3, 2021

December 29, 2019

January 3, 2021

December 29, 2019

Segment revenues:

Pollo Tropical

$

87,855

$

90,193

$

315,358

$

363,473

Taco Cabana

61,049

69,269

239,445

297,470

Total revenues

$

148,904

$

159,462

$

554,803

$

660,943

Change in comparable restaurant sales (a):

Pollo Tropical

(8.2

)%

0.6

%

(14.7

)%

(1.8

)%

Taco Cabana

(10.0

)%

(8.1

)%

(14.4

)%

(4.1

)%

Average sales per Company-owned restaurant:

Pollo Tropical

Comparable restaurants (b)

$

594

$

651

$

2,238

$

2,633

New restaurants (c)

443

416

1,689

1,783

Total Company-owned (d)

592

634

2,220

2,576

Taco Cabana

Comparable restaurants (b)

$

392

$

419

$

1,607

$

1,811

New restaurants (c)

402

501

1,522

1,877

Total Company-owned (d)

393

422

1,605

1,812

Income (loss) before income taxes:

Pollo Tropical

$

6,535

$

3,569

$

2,557

$

20,300

Taco Cabana

(4,049

)

(13,876

)

(19,829

)

(95,317

)

Adjusted EBITDA:

Pollo Tropical

$

12,123

$

10,617

$

36,517

$

50,560

Taco Cabana

2,526

(300

)

8,463

7,889

Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (e):

Pollo Tropical

$

19,064

$

17,208

$

61,266

$

77,560

Taco Cabana

8,302

5,526

29,693

31,386

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

Supplemental Information

The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial andother data for the periods indicated

(In thousands, except percentages):

(Unaudited) (Unaudited)

Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended

January 3, December January 3, December 2021 29, 2019 2021 29, 2019

Segment revenues:

Pollo Tropical $ 87,855 $ 90,193 $ 315,358 $ 363,473

Taco Cabana 61,049 69,269 239,445 297,470

Total revenues $ 148,904 $ 159,462 $ 554,803 $ 660,943



Change in comparable restaurant sales (a):

Pollo Tropical (8.2 ) 0.6 % (14.7 ) (1.8 ) % % %

Taco Cabana (10.0 ) (8.1 ) (14.4 ) (4.1 ) % % % %



Average sales per Company-owned restaurant:

Pollo Tropical

Comparable restaurants $ 594 $ 651 $ 2,238 $ 2,633 (b)

New restaurants (c) 443 416 1,689 1,783

Total Company-owned (d) 592 634 2,220 2,576

Taco Cabana

Comparable restaurants $ 392 $ 419 $ 1,607 $ 1,811 (b)

New restaurants (c) 402 501 1,522 1,877

Total Company-owned (d) 393 422 1,605 1,812



Income (loss) before income taxes:

Pollo Tropical $ 6,535 $ 3,569 $ 2,557 $ 20,300

Taco Cabana (4,049 ) (13,876 ) (19,829 ) (95,317 )



Adjusted EBITDA:

Pollo Tropical $ 12,123 $ 10,617 $ 36,517 $ 50,560

Taco Cabana 2,526 (300 ) 8,463 7,889



Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (e):

Pollo Tropical $ 19,064 $ 17,208 $ 61,266 $ 77,560

Taco Cabana 8,302 5,526 29,693 31,386

(a)

Restaurants are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been open for 18 months or longer. Restaurants are excluded from comparable restaurant sales for any fiscal month in which the restaurant was closed for more than five days. Comparable restaurant sales are compared to the same period in the prior year. Restaurant sales for the extra week in the fiscal quarter and year ended January 3, 2021 have been excluded for purposes of calculating the change in comparable Company-owned restaurant sales.

(b)

Comparable restaurants are restaurants that have been open for 18 months or longer. Average sales for comparable Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing comparable restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of comparable restaurants for the applicable segment for such period. For comparative purposes, the calculation of average annual sales per company-owned restaurant is based on a 52-week fiscal year. Restaurant sales data for the extra week in the fiscal quarter and year ended January 3, 2021, have been excluded for purposes of calculating average annual sales per company-owned restaurant.

(c)

New restaurants are restaurants that have been open for less than 18 months. Average sales for new Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing new restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of new restaurants for the applicable segment for such period.

(d)

Average sales for total Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of open restaurants for the applicable segment for such period. For comparative purposes, the calculation of average annual sales per company-owned restaurant is based on a 52-week fiscal year. Restaurant sales data for the extra week in the fiscal quarter and year ended January 3, 2021, have been excluded for purposes of calculating average annual sales per company-owned restaurant.

(e)

Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please see the reconciliation from net income (loss) to Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA in the table titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

Restaurants are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been open for 18 months or longer. Restaurants are excluded from comparable restaurant sales for any fiscal month in which the restaurant(a) was closed for more than five days. Comparable restaurant sales are compared to the same period in the prior year. Restaurant sales for the extra week in the fiscal quarter and year ended January 3, 2021 have been excluded for purposes of calculating the change in comparable Company-owned restaurant sales.

Comparable restaurants are restaurants that have been open for 18 months or longer. Average sales for comparable Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing comparable restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of comparable restaurants for(b) the applicable segment for such period. For comparative purposes, the calculation of average annual sales per company-owned restaurant is based on a 52-week fiscal year. Restaurant sales data for the extra week in the fiscal quarter and year ended January 3, 2021, have been excluded for purposes of calculating average annual sales per company-owned restaurant.

New restaurants are restaurants that have been open for less than 18 months. Average sales for new Company-owned restaurants are derived by(c) dividing new restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of new restaurants for the applicable segment for such period.

Average sales for total Company-owned restaurants are derived by dividing restaurant sales for such period for the applicable segment by the average number of open restaurants for the applicable segment for such(d) period. For comparative purposes, the calculation of average annual sales per company-owned restaurant is based on a 52-week fiscal year. Restaurant sales data for the extra week in the fiscal quarter and year ended January 3, 2021, have been excluded for purposes of calculating average annual sales per company-owned restaurant.

Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Please(e) see the reconciliation from net income (loss) to Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA in the table titled "Supplemental Non-GAAP Information."

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

Supplemental Information

The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental data for the periods indicated

Three Months Ended

Twelve Months Ended

January 3, 2021

December 29, 2019

January 3, 2021

December 29, 2019

Company-owned restaurant openings:

Pollo Tropical

-

1

-

3

Taco Cabana

-

-

1

3

Total new restaurant openings

-

1

1

6

Company-owned restaurant closings:

Pollo Tropical

-

-

(4

)

-

Taco Cabana

(2

)

(1

)

(22

)

(1

)

Net change in restaurants

(2

)

-

(25

)

5

Number of Company-owned restaurants:

Pollo Tropical

138

142

138

142

Taco Cabana

143

164

143

164

Total Company-owned restaurants

281

306

281

306

Number of franchised restaurants:

Pollo Tropical

29

32

29

32

Taco Cabana

6

8

6

8

Total franchised restaurants

35

40

35

40

Total number of restaurants:

Pollo Tropical

167

174

167

174

Taco Cabana

149

172

149

172

Total restaurants

316

346

316

346

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

Supplemental Information

The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental data for theperiods indicated:

Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended

January December January December 3, 2021 29, 2019 3, 2021 29, 2019



Company-owned restaurant openings:

Pollo Tropical - 1 - 3

Taco Cabana - - 1 3

Total new restaurant openings - 1 1 6



Company-owned restaurant closings:

Pollo Tropical - - (4 ) -

Taco Cabana (2 ) (1 ) (22 ) (1 )

Net change in restaurants (2 ) - (25 ) 5



Number of Company-owned restaurants:

Pollo Tropical 138 142 138 142

Taco Cabana 143 164 143 164

Total Company-owned restaurants 281 306 281 306



Number of franchised restaurants:

Pollo Tropical 29 32 29 32

Taco Cabana 6 8 6 8

Total franchised restaurants 35 40 35 40



Total number of restaurants:

Pollo Tropical 167 174 167 174

Taco Cabana 149 172 149 172

Total restaurants 316 346 316 346

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

Supplemental Information

The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial and other data for the periods indicated

(In thousands, except percentages):

Three Months Ended

January 3, 2021

December 29, 2019

Pollo Tropical:

(a)

(a)

Restaurant sales

$

87,495

$

89,738

Cost of sales

27,414

31.3

%

29,264

32.6

%

Restaurant wages and related expenses

20,132

23.0

%

21,522

24.0

%

Restaurant rent expense

5,888

6.7

%

5,657

6.3

%

Other restaurant operating expenses

12,129

13.9

%

13,103

14.6

%

Advertising expense

2,887

3.3

%

3,007

3.4

%

Depreciation and amortization

5,430

6.2

%

5,358

6.0

%

Pre-opening costs

-

-

%

73

0.1

%

Impairment and other lease charges

-

-

%

177

0.2

%

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income

464

0.5

%

476

0.5

%

Taco Cabana:

Restaurant sales

$

60,850

$

69,042

Cost of sales

17,264

28.4

%

21,865

31.7

%

Restaurant wages and related expenses

19,226

31.6

%

22,395

32.4

%

Restaurant rent expense

5,681

9.3

%

6,535

9.5

%

Other restaurant operating expenses

8,413

13.8

%

10,365

15.0

%

Advertising expense

1,993

3.3

%

2,383

3.5

%

Depreciation and amortization

4,349

7.1

%

4,317

6.3

%

Pre-opening costs

-

-

%

36

0.1

%

Impairment and other lease charges

217

0.4

%

8,257

12.0

%

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income

1,080

1.8

%

202

0.3

%

Twelve Months Ended

January 3, 2021

December 29, 2019

Pollo Tropical:

(a)

(a)

Restaurant sales

$

314,112

$

361,693

Cost of sales

100,080

31.9

%

115,119

31.8

%

Restaurant wages and related expenses

74,328

23.7

%

84,909

23.5

%

Restaurant rent expense

22,773

7.2

%

22,050

6.1

%

Other restaurant operating expenses

47,354

15.1

%

49,768

13.8

%

Advertising expense

8,384

2.7

%

12,358

3.4

%

Depreciation and amortization

21,112

6.7

%

21,476

5.9

%

Pre-opening costs

-

-

%

380

0.1

%

Impairment and other lease charges

8,023

2.6

%

15

-

%

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income

2,093

0.7

%

3,260

0.9

%

Taco Cabana:

Restaurant sales

$

238,685

$

296,570

Cost of sales

70,433

29.5

%

92,334

31.1

%

Restaurant wages and related expenses

74,817

31.3

%

94,269

31.8

%

Restaurant rent expense

22,588

9.5

%

25,755

8.7

%

Other restaurant operating expenses

34,826

14.6

%

42,129

14.2

%

Advertising expense

6,455

2.7

%

10,821

3.6

%

Depreciation and amortization

17,094

7.2

%

17,719

6.0

%

Pre-opening costs

69

-

%

592

0.2

%

Impairment and other lease charges

1,116

0.5

%

13,086

4.4

%

Goodwill impairment

-

-

%

67,909

22.9

%

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income

4,394

1.8

%

903

0.3

%

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.

Supplemental Information

The following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial andother data for the periods indicated

(In thousands, except percentages):

Three Months Ended

January 3, 2021 December 29, 2019

Pollo Tropical: (a) (a)

Restaurant sales $ 87,495 $ 89,738

Cost of sales 27,414 31.3 % 29,264 32.6 %

Restaurant wages and related expenses 20,132 23.0 % 21,522 24.0 %

Restaurant rent expense 5,888 6.7 % 5,657 6.3 %

Other restaurant operating expenses 12,129 13.9 % 13,103 14.6 %

Advertising expense 2,887 3.3 % 3,007 3.4 %

Depreciation and amortization 5,430 6.2 % 5,358 6.0 %

Pre-opening costs - - % 73 0.1 %

Impairment and other lease charges - - % 177 0.2 %

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of 464 0.5 % 476 0.5 %sublease income



Taco Cabana:

Restaurant sales $ 60,850 $ 69,042

Cost of sales 17,264 28.4 % 21,865 31.7 %

Restaurant wages and related expenses 19,226 31.6 % 22,395 32.4 %

Restaurant rent expense 5,681 9.3 % 6,535 9.5 %

Other restaurant operating expenses 8,413 13.8 % 10,365 15.0 %

Advertising expense 1,993 3.3 % 2,383 3.5 %

Depreciation and amortization 4,349 7.1 % 4,317 6.3 %

Pre-opening costs - - % 36 0.1 %

Impairment and other lease charges 217 0.4 % 8,257 12.0 %

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of 1,080 1.8 % 202 0.3 %sublease income





Twelve Months Ended

January 3, 2021 December 29, 2019

Pollo Tropical: (a) (a)

Restaurant sales $ 314,112 $ 361,693

Cost of sales 100,080 31.9 % 115,119 31.8 %

Restaurant wages and related expenses 74,328 23.7 % 84,909 23.5 %

Restaurant rent expense 22,773 7.2 % 22,050 6.1 %

Other restaurant operating expenses 47,354 15.1 % 49,768 13.8 %

Advertising expense 8,384 2.7 % 12,358 3.4 %

Depreciation and amortization 21,112 6.7 % 21,476 5.9 %

Pre-opening costs - - % 380 0.1 %

Impairment and other lease charges 8,023 2.6 % 15 - %

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of 2,093 0.7 % 3,260 0.9 %sublease income



Taco Cabana:

Restaurant sales $ 238,685 $ 296,570

Cost of sales 70,433 29.5 % 92,334 31.1 %

Restaurant wages and related expenses 74,817 31.3 % 94,269 31.8 %

Restaurant rent expense 22,588 9.5 % 25,755 8.7 %

Other restaurant operating expenses 34,826 14.6 % 42,129 14.2 %

Advertising expense 6,455 2.7 % 10,821 3.6 %

Depreciation and amortization 17,094 7.2 % 17,719 6.0 %

Pre-opening costs 69 - % 592 0.2 %

Impairment and other lease charges 1,116 0.5 % 13,086 4.4 %

Goodwill impairment - - % 67,909 22.9 %

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of 4,394 1.8 % 903 0.3 %sublease income

(a)

Percent of restaurant sales for the applicable segment.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.Supplemental Non-GAAP InformationThe following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial data for the periods indicated(In thousands):

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) attributable to the applicable operating segments before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, goodwill impairment, closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income, stock-based compensation expense, other expense (income), net, and certain significant items for each segment that are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants as set forth in the reconciliation table below. Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments includes an allocation of general and administrative expenses associated with administrative support for executive management, information systems and certain finance, legal, supply chain, human resources, construction and other administrative functions. Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Adjusted EBITDA excluding franchise royalty revenues and fees, pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses (including corporate-level general and administrative expenses).

Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments is the primary measure of segment profit or loss used by our chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources to our segments and assessing their performance. In addition, management believes that Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP and our reconciliation of net income (loss) to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period changes, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business, and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered as alternatives to net income or cash flow from operating activities as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.

(a) Percent of restaurant sales for the applicable segment.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.Supplemental Non-GAAP InformationThe following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial data for the periods indicated(In thousands):

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings (loss) attributable to the applicable operating segments before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, goodwill impairment, closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income, stock-based compensation expense, other expense (income), net, and certain significant items for each segment that are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants as set forth in the reconciliation table below. Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments includes an allocation of general and administrative expenses associated with administrative support for executive management, information systems and certain finance, legal, supply chain, human resources, construction and other administrative functions. Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Adjusted EBITDA excluding franchise royalty revenues and fees, pre-opening costs and general and administrative expenses (including corporate-level general and administrative expenses).

Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments is the primary measure of segment profit or loss used by our chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources to our segments and assessing their performance. In addition, management believes that Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP and our reconciliation of net income (loss) to Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-level Adjusted EBITDA (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period changes, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business, and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered as alternatives to net income or cash flow from operating activities as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.

Three Months Ended Pollo Taco Cabana Other Consolidated Tropical

January 3, 2021:

Net income $ 856

Provision for income 601 taxes

Income (loss) before $ 6,535 $ (4,049 ) $ (1,029 ) $ 1,457 taxes

Add:

Non-general andadministrative expense adjustments:

Depreciation and 5,430 4,349 - 9,779 amortization

Impairment and other - 217 - 217 lease charges

Interest expense 704 682 - 1,386

Closed restaurant rentexpense, net of sublease 464 1,080 - 1,544 income

Loss on extinguishment - - 1,029 1,029 of debt

Other expense (income), (1,720 ) (365 ) - (2,085 )net

Stock-based compensationexpense in restaurant 20 28 - 48 wages

Total non-general andadministrative expense 4,898 5,991 1,029 11,918 adjustments

General andadministrative expense adjustments:

Stock-based compensation 512 440 - 952 expense

Digital and brand 178 144 - 322 repositioning costs

Total general andadministrative expense 690 584 - 1,274 adjustments

Adjusted EBITDA $ 12,123 $ 2,526 $ - $ 14,649

Adjusted EBITDA as apercentage of total 13.8 % 4.1 % 9.8 %revenues

Restaurant-level adjustments:

Add: Other general andadministrative expense^ 7,301 5,975 - 13,276 (a)

Less: Franchise royalty 360 199 - 559 revenue and fees

Restaurant-level $ 19,064 $ 8,302 $ - $ 27,366 Adjusted EBITDA

Restaurant-levelAdjusted EBITDA as a 21.8 % 13.6 % 18.4 %percentage of restaurantsales



December 29, 2019:

Net loss $ (21,053 )

Provision for income 10,746 taxes

Income (loss) before $ 3,569 $ (13,876 ) $ - $ (10,307 )taxes

Add:

Non-general andadministrative expense adjustments:

Depreciation and 5,358 4,317 - 9,675 amortization

Impairment and other 177 8,257 - 8,434 lease charges

Interest expense 419 429 - 848

Closed restaurant rentexpense, net of sublease 476 202 - 678 income

Other expense (income), 113 8 - 121 net

Stock-based compensationexpense in restaurant 22 28 - 50 wages

Total non-general andadministrative expense 6,565 13,241 - 19,806 adjustments

General andadministrative expense adjustments:

Stock-based compensation 394 262 - 656 expense

Digital and brand 89 73 - 162 repositioning costs

Total general andadministrative expense 483 335 - 818 adjustments

Adjusted EBITDA $ 10,617 $ (300 ) $ - $ 10,317

Adjusted EBITDA as a )percentage of total 11.8 % (0.4 % 6.5 %revenues

Restaurant-level adjustments:

Add: Pre-opening costs 73 36 - 109

Add: Other general andadministrative expense^ 6,973 6,017 - 12,990 (a)

Less: Franchise royalty 455 227 - 682 revenue and fees

Restaurant-level $ 17,208 $ 5,526 $ - $ 22,734 Adjusted EBITDA

Restaurant-levelAdjusted EBITDA as a 19.2 % 8.0 % 14.3 %percentage of restaurantsales

Twelve Months Ended Pollo Taco Cabana Other Consolidated Tropical

January 3, 2021:

Net loss $ (10,211 )

Benefit from income (8,302 )taxes

Income (loss) before $ 2,557 $ (19,829 ) $ (1,241 ) $ (18,513 )taxes

Add:

Non-general andadministrative expense adjustments:

Depreciation and 21,112 17,094 - 38,206 amortization

Impairment and other 8,023 1,116 - 9,139 lease charges

Interest expense 2,405 2,351 - 4,756

Closed restaurant rentexpense, net of sublease 2,093 4,394 - 6,487 income

Loss on extinguishment - - 1,241 1,241 of debt

Other expense (income), (2,373 ) 676 - (1,697 )net

Stock-based compensationexpense in restaurant 73 127 - 200 wages

Total non-general andadministrative expense 31,333 25,758 1,241 58,332 adjustments

General andadministrative expense adjustments:

Stock-based compensation 1,652 1,632 - 3,284 expense

Restructuring costs and 551 556 - 1,107 retention bonuses

Digital and brand 424 346 - 770 repositioning costs

Total general andadministrative expense 2,627 2,534 - 5,161 adjustments

Adjusted EBITDA $ 36,517 $ 8,463 $ - $ 44,980

Adjusted EBITDA as apercentage of total 11.6 % 3.5 % 8.1 %revenues

Restaurant-level adjustments:

Add: Pre-opening costs - 69 - 69

Add: Other general andadministrative expense^ 25,995 21,921 - 47,916 (a)

Less: Franchise royalty 1,246 760 - 2,006 revenue and fees

Restaurant-level $ 61,266 $ 29,693 $ - $ 90,959 Adjusted EBITDA

Restaurant-levelAdjusted EBITDA as a 19.5 % 12.4 % 16.5 %percentage of restaurantsales



December 29, 2019:

Net loss $ (84,386 )

Provision for income 9,369 taxes

Income (loss) before $ 20,300 $ (95,317 ) $ - $ (75,017 )taxes

Add:

Non-general andadministrative expense adjustments:

Depreciation and 21,476 17,719 - 39,195 amortization

Impairment and other 15 13,086 - 13,101 lease charges

Goodwill impairment - 67,909 - 67,909

Interest expense 1,953 1,919 - 3,872

Closed restaurant rentexpense, net of sublease 3,260 903 - 4,163 income

Other expense (income), 862 179 - 1,041 net

Stock-based compensationexpense in restaurant 70 125 - 195 wages

Total non-general andadministrative expense 27,636 101,840 - 129,476 adjustments

General andadministrative expense adjustments:

Stock-based compensation 1,590 1,059 - 2,649 expense

Restructuring costs and 827 137 - 964 retention bonuses

Digital and brand 207 170 - 377 repositioning costs

Total general andadministrative expense 2,624 1,366 - 3,990 adjustments

Adjusted EBITDA $ 50,560 $ 7,889 $ - $ 58,449

Adjusted EBITDA as apercentage of total 13.9 % 2.7 % 8.8 %revenues

Restaurant-level adjustments:

Add: Pre-opening costs 380 592 - 972

Add: Other general andadministrative expense^ 28,400 23,805 - 52,205 (a)

Less: Franchise royalty 1,780 900 - 2,680 revenue and fees

Restaurant-level $ 77,560 $ 31,386 $ - $ 108,946 Adjusted EBITDA

Restaurant-levelAdjusted EBITDA as a 21.4 % 10.6 % 16.6 %percentage of restaurantsales

(a)

Excludes general and administrative adjustments above.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.Supplemental Non-GAAP InformationThe following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial data for the periods indicated(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):

Adjusted net income and related adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income is defined as net income (loss) before impairment and other lease charges, goodwill impairment, closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income, other expense (income), net, board and shareholder matter costs, restructuring costs and retention bonuses, certain legal settlements and related costs and other significant items that are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants. Management believes that adjusted net income and related adjusted earnings per diluted share, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period growth, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business, and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly should not be considered as alternatives to net income or net income per share as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.

(a) Excludes general and administrative adjustments above.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.Supplemental Non-GAAP InformationThe following table sets forth certain unaudited supplemental financial data for the periods indicated(In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts):

Adjusted net income and related adjusted diluted earnings per share are non-GAAP financial measures. Adjusted net income is defined as net income (loss) before impairment and other lease charges, goodwill impairment, closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income, other expense (income), net, board and shareholder matter costs, restructuring costs and retention bonuses, certain legal settlements and related costs and other significant items that are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants. Management believes that adjusted net income and related adjusted earnings per diluted share, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period growth, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business, and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly should not be considered as alternatives to net income or net income per share as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also, these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.

(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended

January 3, 2021 December 29, 2019

Income Loss Provision Provision Before Net Diluted Before For Diluted For Income Net Loss Income Income EPS Income Income EPS Taxes (a) Taxes Taxes Taxes (a)

Reported - GAAP $ 1,457 $ 601 $ 856 $ 0.03 $ (10,307 ) $ 10,746 $ (21,053 ) $ (0.82 )

Adjustments:

Non-general andadministrative expenseadjustments:

Income tax due to - 324 (324 ) (0.01 ) - 716 (716 ) (0.03 )tax law change (a)

Deferred tax assetvaluation allowance - (515 ) 515 0.02 - (13,513 ) 13,513 0.52 (b)

Impairment andother lease charges 217 52 165 0.01 8,434 2,016 6,418 0.25 (c)

Closed restaurantrent expense, net 1,544 369 1,175 0.05 678 162 516 0.02 of sublease income(e)

Other expense (2,085 ) (498 ) (1,587 ) (0.06 ) 121 29 92 - (income), net (f)

Loss onextinguishment of 1,029 246 783 0.03 - - - - debt (g)

Total non-generaland administrative 705 (22 ) 727 0.03 9,233 (10,590 ) 19,823 0.77 expense

General andadministrative expenseadjustments:

Digital and brandrepositioning costs 322 77 245 0.01 162 39 123 - (i)

Total general andadministrative 322 77 245 0.01 162 39 123 - expense

Adjusted - Non-GAAP $ 2,484 $ 656 $ 1,828 $ 0.07 $ (912 ) $ 195 $ (1,107 ) $ (0.04 )



(Unaudited)

Twelve Months Ended

January 3, 2021 December 29, 2019

Provision Income Provision Loss Before For (Loss) Net (Benefit Diluted For Diluted Income Net Loss Before Income From) EPS Income EPS Taxes Income (Loss) Income Taxes (a) Taxes Taxes (a)

Reported - GAAP $ (18,513 ) $ (8,302 ) $ (10,211 ) $ (0.40 ) $ (75,017 ) $ 9,369 $ (84,386 ) $ (3.18 )

Adjustments:

Non-general andadministrative expenseadjustments:

Income tax due to - 3,846 (3,846 ) (0.15 ) - 716 (716 ) (0.03 )tax law change (a)

Deferred tax assetvaluation allowance - 779 (779 ) (0.03 ) - (13,513 ) 13,513 0.51 (b)

Impairment andother lease charges 9,139 2,184 6,955 0.27 13,101 3,131 9,970 0.38 (c)

Goodwill impairment - - - - 67,909 2,111 65,798 2.48 (d)

Closed restaurantrent expense, net 6,487 1,550 4,937 0.19 4,163 995 3,168 0.12 of sublease income(e)

Other expense (1,697 ) (406 ) (1,291 ) (0.05 ) 1,041 249 792 0.03 (income), net (f)

Loss onextinguishment of 1,241 297 944 0.04 - - - - debt (g)

Total non-generaland administrative 15,170 8,250 6,920 0.27 86,214 (6,311 ) 92,525 3.49 expense

General andadministrative expenseadjustments:

Restructuring costsand retention 1,107 265 842 0.03 964 230 734 0.03 bonuses (h)

Digital and brandrepositioning costs 770 184 586 0.02 377 90 287 0.01 (i)

Total general andadministrative 1,877 449 1,428 0.06 1,341 320 1,021 0.04 expense

Adjusted - Non-GAAP $ (1,466 ) $ 397 $ (1,863 ) $ (0.07 ) $ 12,538 $ 3,378 $ 9,160 $ 0.35

(a)

The provision for (benefit from) income taxes related to the adjustments was calculated using the Company's combined federal statutory and estimated state rate of 23.9% for the periods ending January 3, 2021, and December 29, 2019. On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into law. The CARES Act includes provisions that allow net operating losses in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to be carried back for up to five years and eliminates the 80% taxable income limitation on net operating loss deductions for 2018 through 2020. The CARES Act also includes technical amendments that are retroactive to 2018 which permit certain assets to be classified as qualified improvement property and expensed immediately. These changes allowed us to record an incremental benefit of $3.8 million in the twelve months ended January 3, 2021, which represents the impact of carrying net operating losses from 2018 and 2019 back to years with a higher federal corporate income tax rate as well as reclassifying certain assets as qualified improvement property and other changes to depreciation methods for certain assets made in conjunction with a cost segregation study conducted prior to filing our 2019 federal income tax return in 2020.

(b)

We recorded a $13.5 million valuation allowance for the three and twelve months ended December 29, 2019, against deferred income tax assets where it was determined to be more likely than not that the deferred income tax assets will not be realized through the reversal of existing deferred tax liabilities. For the twelve months ended January 3, 2021, we recorded an adjustment of $0.8 million to our valuation allowance against deferred income tax assets primarily related to changes in our deferred income tax assets.

(c)

Impairment and other lease charges for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021 consist of impairment charges of $8.5 million, and other lease charges, net, of $0.7 million. For the twelve months ended January 3, 2021, impairment charges include the write-down of saucing islands and self-service soda machines that are being removed from dining rooms as a result of COVID-19, the impairment of assets from three underperforming Pollo Tropical restaurants, two of which were closed in the third quarter of 2020, and two underperforming Taco Cabana restaurants, as well as the write-down of assets held for sale to their fair value. For the three months ended January 3, 2021, other lease charges relate to a lease termination. For the twelve months ended January 3, 2021, other lease charges also include lease termination charges of $0.9 million for restaurant locations we decided not to develop, net of a gain from lease terminations of $0.4 million.

Impairment and other lease charges for the three and twelve months ended December 29, 2019, primarily consist of impairment charges of $8.5 million and $14.0 million, respectively, and net lease charge recoveries related to lease terminations for previously closed restaurants of $(0.9) million for the twelve months ended December 29, 2019. The impairment charges primarily relate to 19 Taco Cabana restaurants that were subsequently closed in January 2020, five of which were initially impaired in prior years, and for the twelve months ended December 29, 2019, previously closed Polo Tropical restaurants and other underperforming Taco Cabana restaurants that we continue to operate.

(d)

Goodwill impairment for the twelve months ended December 29, 2019 consists of a non-cash impairment charge to write down the value of goodwill for the Taco Cabana reporting unit.

(e)

Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income for the three and twelve months ended January 3, 2021 primarily consists of closed restaurant lease costs of $2.9 million and $11.8 million, respectively, partially offset by sublease income of $(1.4) million and $(5.3) million, respectively. Closed restaurant rent expense, net of sublease income for the three and twelve months ended December 29, 2019 primarily consists of closed restaurant lease costs of $2.0 million and $8.2 million, respectively, partially offset by sublease income of $(1.3) million and $(4.0) million, respectively.

(f)

Other expense (income), net for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021 primarily consists of total gains of $(3.8) million on the sale-leaseback of seven restaurant properties and the sale of six restaurant properties, partially offset by costs for the removal, transfer, and storage of equipment from closed restaurants and other closed restaurant related costs of $0.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. Other expense (income), net for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021 also includes the write-off of site development costs of $0.7 million. Other expense (income), net for the twelve months ended December 29, 2019 consists of the write-off of site development costs of $0.1 million. Other expense (income), net for the twelve months ended December 29, 2019 also includes costs for the removal, transfer, and storage of equipment from closed restaurants of $0.8 million.

(g)

Loss on extinguishment of debt for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021, consists of the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees related to extinguished debt.

(h)

Restructuring costs and retention bonuses for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021 include severance costs related to terminations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Restructuring costs and retention bonuses for the twelve months ended December 29, 2019 include severance costs related to eliminated positions.

(i)

Digital and brand repositioning costs for the twelve months ended January 3, 2021 and December 29, 2019 include consulting costs related to repositioning the digital experience for our customers.

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CONTACT: Investor Relations: Raphael Gross 203-682-8253 investors@frgi.com