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Restaurant Operations Revenues
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2026
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Restaurant Operations Revenues Restaurant Operations Revenues
Restaurant operations revenues were as follows.
Second QuarterFirst Six Months
2026202520262025
Net sales$45,648 $46,858 $85,995 $88,473 
Franchise partner fees23,141 20,150 43,682 37,289 
Franchise royalties and fees3,350 3,128 6,476 6,617 
Other2,588 1,875 4,720 3,981 
$74,727 $72,011 $140,873 $136,360 
Net Sales
Net sales are composed of retail sales of food through company-operated stores. Company-operated store revenues are recognized, net of discounts and sales taxes, when our obligation to perform is satisfied at the point of sale. Sales taxes related to these sales are collected from customers and remitted to the appropriate taxing authority and are not reflected in the Company’s consolidated statements of earnings as revenue.
Franchise Partner Fees
Franchise partner fees are composed of up to 15% of sales as well as 50% of profits. We are therefore fully affected by the operating results of the business, unlike in a traditional franchising arrangement, where the franchisor obtains a royalty fee based on sales only. We generate most of our revenue from our share of the franchise partners’ profits. An initial franchise fee of ten thousand dollars is recognized when the operator becomes a franchise partner. The Company recognizes franchise partner fees monthly as underlying restaurant sales occur.
The Company leases or subleases property and equipment to franchise partners under lease arrangements. Both real estate and equipment rental payments are charged to franchise partners and are recognized in accordance with ASC 842, “Leases”. During the second quarter of 2026 and 2025, restaurant operations recognized $6,482 and $5,887, respectively, in franchise partner fees related to rental income. During the first six months ended June 30, 2026 and June 30, 2025, restaurant operations recognized $12,694 and $11,440, respectively, in franchise partner fees related to rental income.
Franchise Royalties and Fees
Franchise royalties and fees from Steak n Shake and Western Sizzlin franchisees are based upon a percentage of sales of the franchise restaurant and are recognized as earned. Franchise royalties are billed on a monthly basis. Initial franchise fees when a new restaurant opens or at the start of a new franchise term are recorded as deferred revenue when received and recognized as revenue over the term of the franchise agreement.
Other Revenue
Restaurant operations sell gift cards to customers which can be redeemed for retail food sales within our stores. Gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue when issued and are subsequently recorded as net sales upon redemption. Restaurant operations estimate breakage related to gift cards when the likelihood of redemption is remote. This estimate utilizes historical trends based on the vintage of the gift card. Breakage on gift cards is recorded as other revenue in proportion to the rate of gift card redemptions by vintage.