Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2017 Results

Pollo Tropical Comparable Restaurant Sales Increased in December, January and Month to Date February

Company Initiates Share Repurchase Program

Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta" or the "Company") FRGI, parent company of the Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands, today reported results for the 13-week fourth quarter and 52-week full year 2017, which ended on December 31, 2017. The Company also announced that its board of directors has approved a share repurchase program for up to 1.5 million shares of the Company's common stock.

Fiesta President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Stockinger said, "The improvement in Pollo Tropical's sales trajectory demonstrates that key elements of our Strategic Renewal Plan are building business momentum as we enter 2018. This is especially true in our core Miami-Dade and Broward county areas where we initially focused our revitalization efforts. Pollo Tropical recorded its best quarterly comparable restaurant sales performance over the past seven quarters in the fourth quarter of 2017 while, more importantly, the brand's comparable restaurant sales rose 2.4% in December. In January, comparable restaurant sales increased 0.6% despite the approximately 0.7% negative impact related to a fiscal calendar shift of New Year's Day. Pollo Tropical's January comparable restaurant sales in Florida were 0.2% lower than TDnK's Black Box Intelligence's fast-casual Florida benchmark, while January comparable restaurant sales in Miami-Dade and Broward county areas exceeded TDnK's Black Box Intelligence's fast-casual Miami-Dade and Broward county benchmarks by 0.7% and 1.4%, respectively. This momentum has continued into the first three weeks in February, with Pollo Tropical comparable restaurant sales growth of 1.2%."

Mr. Stockinger added, "Since the Taco Cabana brand re-launch will start later than that of Pollo Tropical, sales trends at Taco Cabana have remained challenged but are improving as our team works in earnest to implement operational, culinary and facility initiatives to revitalize the brand. We are focused on attracting loyal guests as well as increasing the profitability of each transaction by offering high quality menu and promotional items at reasonable prices, while eliminating deep discounting, thereby increasing our average check. Our efforts to evolve our guest base have initially resulted in transaction declines but we anticipate a gradual improvement in trends as we build guest loyalty and frequency. With the focus and leadership of a new brand President, Taco Cabana is on track for a full re-launch by mid-2018. Taco Cabana's January comparable restaurant sales declined by 3.4%, including the approximately 0.6% negative impact related to the fiscal calendar shift of New Year's Day and the approximately 1.6% negative impact related to reduced overnight operating hours. Taco Cabana's January comparable restaurant sales were 1.1% lower than TDnK's Black Box Intelligence's fast-casual Texas benchmark. Additionally, comparable restaurant sales declined 2.0% in the first three weeks in February. Improving guest metrics continue to provide us confidence of anticipated future performance improvement, similar to what we are experiencing at Pollo Tropical."

Mr. Stockinger concluded, "We believe that as our sales improve at both brands, our deliberate focus on improving margins, while staying committed to delivering exceptional and consistent hospitality and craveable food at a great value will further bolster profitability during the year. We still have much work to do, but are optimistic that the Strategic Renewal Plan is reinvigorating our brands and will create strong value for our shareholders."

Fourth Quarter 2017 Financial Summary

Select Fourth quarter 2017 results:

• Total revenues decreased 5.3% from the prior year period to $162.2 million;
• Comparable restaurant sales at Pollo Tropical decreased 0.1%, primarily driven by a decrease in comparable restaurant transactions of 2.7%;
• Comparable restaurant sales at Taco Cabana decreased 7.4%, primarily driven by a decrease in comparable restaurant transactions of 12.2%;
• Net loss of $10.8 million or $0.40 per diluted share, compared to the prior year period net income of $2.4 million, or $0.09 per diluted share.
• Adjusted net loss of $(0.1) million, or $0.00 per diluted share, compared to the prior year period adjusted net income of $7.4 million, or $0.28 per diluted share (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below); and
• Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $8.9 million compared to the prior year period Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA of $22.2 million (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below); and
• Refinanced Company debt and entered into a new senior secured credit facility that provides up to $150 million of revolving credit borrowings.

Debt Refinancing, Initial Share Repurchase Plan and Capital Allocation

During the fourth quarter of 2017, as previously disclosed, Fiesta refinanced its debt, entering into a new senior secured credit facility with a syndicate of lenders that matures in November 2022 and provides up to $150 million of revolving credit borrowings.

The Company also announced that its board of directors has approved a share repurchase program for up to 1.5 million shares of the Company's common stock.

Under the share repurchase program, shares may be repurchased from time to time in open market transactions at prevailing market prices, in privately negotiated transactions or by other means in accordance with federal securities laws, including Rule 10b-18 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The number of shares repurchased and the timing of repurchases will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, stock price, trading volume, general market and economic conditions, and other corporate considerations. The share repurchase program has no time limit and may be modified, suspended, superseded or terminated at any time by the board of directors.

In 2018, anticipated capital expenditures include opening nine new Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants in Florida and seven new Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants in Texas. Up to five of the new Taco Cabana restaurants may come from converting closed Pollo Tropical restaurants. Total capital expenditures in 2018 are expected to be $60.0 million to $70.0 million, including $26.0 million to $29.0 million for the development of new restaurants.

Fourth Quarter 2017 Brand Sales Results

Pollo Tropical restaurant sales decreased 5.1% to $90.8 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year period due primarily to a comparable restaurant sales decrease of 0.1% and 31 fewer Company-owned restaurants in operation compared to the prior year period as a result of restaurant closures. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a 2.7% decrease in comparable restaurant transactions, partially offset by a 2.6% increase in average check. Comparable restaurant sales and transactions were negatively impacted by sales cannibalization from new restaurants on existing restaurants by approximately 0.7%. The increase in average check was primarily driven by menu price increases that positively impacted restaurant sales by 2.9%.

Taco Cabana restaurant sales decreased 5.7% to $70.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2017 compared to the prior year period due primarily to a comparable restaurant sales decrease of 7.4%. The decrease in comparable restaurant sales resulted from a 12.2% decrease in comparable restaurant transactions which were negatively impacted by the reduction in overnight operating hours, partially offset by a 4.8% increase in average check. The increase in average check was primarily driven by menu price increases that positively impacted restaurant sales by 3.2% and positive sales mix associated with higher priced promotions and lower discounts.

2017 Change in Tax Law and 2018 Estimated Effective Tax Rate

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act"), which includes a provision that reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35.0% to 21.0% effective January 1, 2018, was signed into law. In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, the enactment of this new tax legislation required us to revalue our net deferred income tax assets at the new corporate statutory rate of 21.0% as of the enactment date, which resulted in a one-time adjustment to our deferred income taxes of $9.0 million with a corresponding non-cash increase to the provision for income taxes as a discrete item during the fourth quarter of 2017. The change in the corporate tax rate reduced the nominal value of our deferred tax assets, but it did not reduce the future tax deductions they represent.

The Company estimates an effective tax rate in 2018 of 23% to 25%.

Full Year 2017 Financial Summary

Total revenues decreased 6.0% in 2017 to $669.1 million from $711.8 million in 2016, driven primarily by a decrease in comparable restaurant sales partially attributable to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma (the "Hurricanes"), permanent restaurant closures in the fourth quarter of 2016 and in 2017, reduced promotional discounts and our planned reduction in advertising while we implemented initiatives related to the Strategic Renewal Plan (the "Plan").

The Company recognized a net loss of $(36.2) million in 2017, or $(1.35) per diluted share, compared to net income of $16.7 million, or $0.62 per diluted share in 2016, due primarily to impairment and other lease charges, the net impact of lower comparable restaurant sales and the effect of the Act. The increase in net loss is also due to higher incentive based compensation costs related to new executives and retention incentive plans and investments in enhanced food quality, hospitality and restaurant facilities associated with the Plan, partially offset by the impact of closing unprofitable restaurants and lower pre-opening costs.

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA decreased $29.1 million in 2017 to $67.4 million compared to $96.6 million in 2016 (see non-GAAP reconciliation table below).

Hurricanes

We estimate the Hurricanes negatively impacted Adjusted EBITDA and income (loss) from operations by approximately $2.5 million to $3.5 million for Pollo Tropical, net of $0.7 million in estimated insurance recoveries, and approximately $0.5 million to $1.5 million for Taco Cabana, net of $0.2 million in estimated insurance recoveries, and negatively impacted comparable restaurant sales and transactions by approximately 1.0% to 2.0% for Pollo Tropical and approximately 0.5% to 1.0% for Taco Cabana for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017. We will record additional expected insurance proceeds related to hurricane affected restaurants in future periods when additional information is available or, for business interruption coverage for lost profit, at the time of final settlement.

Restaurant Portfolio

During the fourth quarter of 2017, Fiesta opened one Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurant in Florida. The Company closed four Company-owned underperforming Pollo Tropical restaurants in the Atlanta metropolitan area, completing its restaurant portfolio analysis as part of the Plan. The Company also closed two Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants including one location in the Houston metropolitan area that did not reopen after it closed due to Hurricane Harvey and one restaurant that was nearing lease expiration.

As of December 31, 2017, there were 146 Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants, 166 Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants, 31 franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants in the U.S., Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Guyana, Panama and Venezuela and seven franchised Taco Cabana restaurants in the U.S.

Investor Conference Call Today

Fiesta will host a conference call at 4:30 p.m. ET today.

The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 201-689-8562. A replay will be available after the call until Monday, March 5, 2018, and can be accessed by dialing 412-317-6671. The passcode is 13675901. The conference call will also be webcast live from 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 Pollo Tropical® and Taco Cabana® restaurant brands. The brands specialize in the operation of fast casual/quick service, ethnic 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

Except for the historical information contained in this news release, the matters addressed are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements, written, oral or otherwise made, represent Fiesta's expectation or belief concerning future events. Without limiting the foregoing, these statements are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions. In addition, expressions of Fiesta's strategies, intentions or plans are also forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect management's current views with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties, both known and unknown. You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements as there are important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, many of which are beyond Fiesta's control. Investors are referred to the full discussion of risks and uncertainties as included in Fiesta's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Non-GAAP Information
The 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. Prior to the second quarter of 2017, Adjusted EBITDA was defined as earnings before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, stock-based compensation expense, and other expense (income), net. In 2017, our board of directors appointed a new Chief Executive Officer who initiated the Plan and uses an Adjusted EBITDA measure for the purpose of assessing performance and allocating resources to segments. The new Adjusted EBITDA measure used by the chief operating decision maker includes adjustments for significant items that management believes are related to strategic changes and/or are not related to the ongoing operation of our restaurants. Beginning in the second quarter of 2017, the primary measure of segment profit or loss used by the chief operating decision maker to assess performance and allocate resources is Adjusted EBITDA, which is now defined as earnings attributable to the applicable operating segments before interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, 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.

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
Supplemental Non-GAAP Information
The 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 a one-time income tax provision adjustment due to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act"), impairment and other lease charges, other expense (income), net, unused pre-production costs in advertising expense, terminated capital project costs, board and shareholder matter costs, write-off of site development costs, Plan restructuring costs and retention bonuses, office restructuring and relocation costs, 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.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180226006360/en/