What specific expenses are included in Benihana's owned restaurant operating expenses?
Benihana Franchise · 2024 FDDAnswer from 2024 FDD Document
Owned restaurant operating expenses. We measure owned restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of owned restaurant net revenues. Owned restaurant operating expenses include the following:
- Payroll and related expenses. Payroll and related expenses consist of manager salaries, hourly staff payroll and other payroll-related items, including taxes, insurance and fringe benefits. We measure our labor cost efficiency by tracking total labor costs as a percentage of owned restaurant net revenues.
- Occupancy. Occupancy comprises all occupancy costs, consisting of both fixed and variable rent, deferred rent expense, which is a non-cash adjustment included in our Adjusted EBITDA calculation as defined below, common area maintenance charges, real estate property taxes, utilities and other related occupancy costs and is measured by considering both the fixed and variable components of certain occupancy expenses.
- Direct operating expenses. Direct operating expenses consist of supplies, such as paper, smallwares, china, silverware and glassware, cleaning supplies, credit card fees and linen costs. Direct operating expenses are typically measured as a variable expense based on owned restaurant net revenues.
- Outside services. Outside services include music and entertainment costs, such as the use of live DJ's, promoter costs, security services, outside cleaning services and commissions paid to event staff for banquet sales and delivery service fees.
- Repairs and maintenance. Repairs and maintenance consist of general repair work to maintain our facilities, and computer maintenance contracts. We expect these costs to increase at each facility as they get older.
- Marketing. Marketing includes the cost of promoting our brands and, at times, can include the cost of goods used specifically for complementary purposes. Marketing costs will typically be higher during the first 18 months of a restaurant's operations.
General and administrative. General and administrative expenses are comprised of all corporate overhead expenses, including payroll and related benefits, stock-based compensation expense, professional fees, such as legal and accounting fees, insurance and travel expenses. Certain centrally managed general and administrative expenses are allocated specifically to restaurant locations and are reflected in owned restaurant operating expenses and include shared services such as reservations, events and marketing. We expect general and administrative expenses to be leveraged as we grow, become more efficient, and continue to focus on best practices and cost savings measures.
Source: Item 22 — CONTRACTS (FDD pages 73–74)
What This Means (2024 FDD)
According to Benihana's 2024 Franchise Disclosure Document, owned restaurant operating expenses are measured as a percentage of owned restaurant net revenues and encompass several categories. These include payroll and related expenses, which cover manager salaries, hourly staff payroll, taxes, insurance, and fringe benefits. Benihana tracks labor cost efficiency by monitoring total labor costs as a percentage of owned restaurant net revenues.
Occupancy costs are also included, covering fixed and variable rent, deferred rent expense, common area maintenance charges, real estate property taxes, utilities, and other related costs. These are measured by considering both the fixed and variable components. Direct operating expenses form another category, consisting of supplies like paper, smallwares, china, silverware, glassware, cleaning supplies, credit card fees, and linen costs, typically measured as a variable expense based on owned restaurant net revenues.
Further, owned restaurant operating expenses include outside services such as music and entertainment costs (e.g., live DJs), promoter costs, security services, outside cleaning services, and commissions paid to event staff for banquet sales and delivery service fees. Repairs and maintenance costs for maintaining facilities and computer maintenance contracts are also included, with the expectation that these costs will increase as facilities age. Finally, marketing costs for promoting the brand, which may include the cost of goods used for complementary purposes, are included. Marketing costs are typically higher during the first 18 months of a restaurant's operations.
Certain general and administrative expenses, which are typically corporate overhead expenses, are allocated specifically to restaurant locations and are reflected in owned restaurant operating expenses. These include shared services such as reservations, events, and marketing. Benihana anticipates that general and administrative expenses will be leveraged as the company grows and becomes more efficient.