BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Oct. 01, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company’s reporting currency is the United States dollar.
Accounting Period	Accounting Period — The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30. The fiscal years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021 both included 52 weeks.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The accounting estimates that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments include projected cash flow, allowances for potential bad debts on receivables, assumptions regarding discount rates related to lease accounting, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments and share-based compensation, the realizable value of its tax assets and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Because of the uncertainty in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates.
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ark Restaurants Corp. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities in which it has a controlling interest. Also included in the consolidated financial statements are certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Non-Controlling Interests	Non-Controlling Interests — Non-controlling interests represent capital contributions, distributions and income and loss attributable to the shareholders of less than wholly-owned and consolidated entities.
Seasonality	Seasonality — The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionally with sales. Although our business is highly seasonal, our broader geographical reach as a result of recent acquisitions mitigates some of this risk. For instance, the second quarter of our fiscal year, consisting of the non-holiday portion of the cold weather season in New York and Washington (January, February and March), is the poorest performing quarter; however, in recent years this has been partially offset by our locations in Florida as they experience increased results in the winter months. We generally achieve our best results during the warm weather, attributable to our extensive outdoor dining availability, particularly at Bryant Park in New York and Sequoia in Washington, D.C. (our largest restaurants) and our outdoor cafes. However, even during summer months these facilities can be adversely affected by unusually cool or rainy weather conditions. Our facilities in Las Vegas are indoor and generally operate on a more consistent basis throughout the year.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments — Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs are: •Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date. •Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data. •Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values of notes receivable and payable are determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments as of the balance sheet date and approximate the carrying value of such debt instruments. Certificates of deposit, which are considered Level 2 assets, are valued at original cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks, highly liquid investments and certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less. Outstanding checks in excess of account balances, typically vendor payments, payroll and other contractual obligations disbursed after the last day of a reporting period are reported as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company reduces credit risk by placing its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions with high credit ratings. At times, such amounts may exceed Federally insured limits. Accounts receivable are primarily comprised of normal business receivables, such as credit card receivables, that are collected in a short period of time and amounts due from the hotel operators where the Company has a location, and are recorded upon satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company reviews the collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis, and provides for an allowance when it considers the counterparty unable to meet its obligation. The concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally limited due to the short payment terms extended by the Company and the number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base. As of October 1, 2022, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from two hotel operators totaling 54% of total accounts receivable. As of October 2, 2021, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from one hotel operator totaling 37% of total accounts receivable. For the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021, the Company made purchases from two vendors that accounted for 20% and 21% of total purchases, respectively. As of October 1, 2022, all debt outstanding, other than Paycheck Protection Program loans and the note payable to the sellers of The Blue Moon Fish Company, is with one lender (see Note 10 – Notes Payable).
Inventories	Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value, and consist of food and beverages, merchandise for sale and other supplies.
Fixed Assets	Fixed Assets — Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated lives range from three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment and up to 40 years for buildings and related improvements. Amortization of improvements to leased properties is computed using the straight-line method based upon the initial term of the applicable lease or the estimated useful life of the improvements, whichever is less, and ranges from 5 to 30 years. For leases with renewal periods at the Company’s option, if failure to exercise a renewal option imposes an economic penalty to the Company, management may determine at the inception of the lease that renewal is reasonably assured and include the renewal option period in the determination of appropriate estimated useful lives. Routine expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement or disposition of fixed assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of income. The Company includes in construction in progress, improvements to restaurants that are under construction or are undergoing substantial renovations. Once the projects have been completed, the Company begins depreciating and amortizing the assets. Start-up costs incurred during the construction period of restaurants, including rental of premises, training and payroll, are expensed as incurred.
Long-Lived and Right-Of-Use Assets	Long-Lived and Right-Of-Use Assets — Long-lived assets, such as property and plant and equipment subject to amortization, and right-of-use assets ("ROU assets") are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including estimated future sales growth and estimated profit margins are included in this analysis. The Company considers a triggering event related to long-lived assets or ROU assets in a net asset position to have occurred related to a specific restaurant if the restaurant’s cash flows for the last 12 months are less than a minimum threshold or if consistent levels of undiscounted cash flows for the remaining lease period are less than the carrying value of the restaurant’s assets. Additionally, the Company considers a triggering event related to ROU assets to have occurred related to a specific lease if the location has been subleased and future estimated sublease income is less than current lease payments. If the Company concludes that the carrying value of certain long-lived and ROU assets will not be recovered based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded to reduce the long-lived or ROU assets to their estimated fair value. The fair value is measured on a nonrecurring basis using unobservable (Level 3) inputs. There is uncertainty in the projected undiscounted future cash flows used in the Company's impairment review analysis, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. If actual performance does not achieve the projections, or if the assumptions used change in the future, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods, and such charges could be material. No impairment charges related to long-lived and ROU assets were recognized during the year ended October 1, 2022. The Company recognized impairment charges related to long-lived and ROU assets during the year ended October 2, 2021 as described in Note 4 – Recent Restaurant Dispositions. Given the inherent uncertainty in projecting results of restaurants under the current circumstances, the Company is monitoring the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of several restaurants on an ongoing basis. For these restaurants, if expected performance is not realized, an impairment charge may be recognized in future periods, and such charge could be material.
Intangible Assets	Intangible Assets — Intangible assets consist principally of purchased leasehold rights, operating rights and covenants not to compete. Costs associated with acquiring leases and subleases, principally purchased leasehold rights, and operating rights have been capitalized and are being amortized on the straight-line method based upon the initial terms of the applicable lease agreements. Covenants not to compete arising from restaurant acquisitions are amortized over the contractual period, typically five years.
Goodwill and Trademarks	Goodwill and Trademarks — Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis. We assess the potential impairment of goodwill and trademarks annually (at the end of our fourth quarter) and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or trademarks are impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated statements of income.Due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy, including but not limited to, the volatility of the Company's stock price, temporary closure of the Company's restaurants and the challenging environment for the restaurant industry in general, the Company determined that there were indicators of potential impairment of its goodwill and trademarks during the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021. As such, the Company performed a qualitative and quantitative assessment for both goodwill and its trademarks and concluded that the fair value of these assets exceeded their carrying values. Accordingly, the Company did not record any impairment to its goodwill or trademarks during the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021.
Investments	Investments – Each reporting period, the Company reviews its investments in equity and debt securities, except for those classified as trading, to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on the fair value of such investment. When such events or changes occur, the Company evaluates the fair value compared to cost basis in the investment. For investments in non-publicly traded companies, management’s assessment of fair value is based on valuation methodologies including discounted cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds, and appraisals, as appropriate. The Company considers the assumptions that it believes hypothetical marketplace participants would use in evaluating estimated future cash flows when employing the discounted cash flow or estimates of sales proceeds valuation methodologies. In the event the fair value of an investment declines below the Company’s cost basis, management is required to determine if the decline in fair value is other than temporary. If management determines the decline is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded. Management’s assessment as to the nature of a decline in fair value is based on, among other things, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than the cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.
Leases	Leases — We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. An arrangement contains a lease if it implicitly or explicitly identifies an asset to be used and conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. As a lessee, we include operating leases in Operating lease right-of-use assets and Operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. Options are included when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Amendments or modifications to lease terms are accounted for as variable lease payments. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are accounted for using the practical expedient which allows for straight-line rent expense over the remaining term of the lease.
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition — The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a restaurant guest or other customer. Revenues from restaurant operations are presented net of discounts, coupons, employee meals and complimentary meals and recognized when food, beverage and retail products are sold. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from sales and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Catering service revenue is generated through contracts with customers whereby the customer agrees to pay a contract rate for the service. Revenues from catered events are recognized in income upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (the date the event is held). All customer payments, including nonrefundable upfront deposits, are deferred as a liability until such time. The Company recognized $11,812,000 and $3,240,000 in catering services revenue for the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021, respectively. Unearned revenue which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021 was $5,534,000 and $4,988,000, respectively. Revenues from gift cards are deferred and recognized upon redemption. Deferrals are not reduced for potential non-use as we generally have a legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions in which they are sold. As of October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021, the total liability for gift cards in the amounts of approximately $309,000 and $252,000, respectively, are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets. Other revenues include purchase service fees which represent commissions earned by a subsidiary of the Company for providing services to other restaurant groups, as well as license fees, property management fees and other rentals.
Occupancy Expenses	Occupancy Expenses — Occupancy expenses include rent, rent taxes, real estate taxes, insurance and utility costs.
Defined Contribution Plan	Defined Contribution Plan — The Company offers a defined contribution savings plan (the “Plan”) to all of its full-time employees. Eligible employees may contribute pre-tax amounts to the Plan subject to the Internal Revenue Code limitations. Company contributions to the Plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. During the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021, the Company did not make any contributions to the Plan.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes — Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The Company has recorded a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions are evaluated and adjusted as appropriate, while taking into account the progress of audits of various taxing jurisdictions. Non-controlling interests relating to the income or loss of consolidated partnerships includes no provision for income taxes as any tax liability related thereto is the responsibility of the individual minority investors.
Income Per Share of Common Stock	Income Per Share of Common Stock — Basic net income per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share reflects the additional dilutive effect of potentially dilutive shares (principally those arising from the assumed exercise of stock options). The dilutive effect of stock options is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, if the average market price of a share of common stock increases above the option’s exercise price, the proceeds that would be assumed to be realized from the exercise of the option would be used to acquire outstanding shares of common stock. The dilutive effect of awards is directly correlated with the fair value of the shares of common stock.
Stock-based Compensation	Stock-based Compensation — Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors. The Company measures stock-based compensation at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and recognize the cost (net of estimated forfeitures) as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Upon exercise of options, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies resulting from the difference between the deduction for tax purposes and the stock-based compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes are included as a component of income tax expense.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted	Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step two of the goodwill impairment test referenced in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). As a result, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. However, the impairment loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"), which modifies Topic 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and for the interim periods therein. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements. New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted — In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The guidance was effective beginning March 12, 2020 and can be applied prospectively through December 31, 2022. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (“ASU 2021-01”). ASU 2021-01 provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to certain guidance in U.S. GAAP to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The guidance is effective upon issuance, on January 7, 2021, and can be applied through December 31, 2022. We do not expect that the requirements of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

BUSINESS AND SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Oct. 01, 2022

Basis of Presentation — The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company’s reporting currency is the United States dollar.

Accounting Period

Accounting Period — The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest September 30. The fiscal years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021 both included 52 weeks.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The accounting estimates that require management’s most difficult and subjective judgments include projected cash flow, allowances for potential bad debts on receivables, assumptions regarding discount rates related to lease accounting, the useful lives and recoverability of its assets, such as property and intangibles, fair values of financial instruments and share-based compensation, the realizable value of its tax assets and determining when investment impairments are other-than-temporary. Because of the uncertainty in such estimates, actual results may differ from these estimates.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation — The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Ark Restaurants Corp. and all of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, partnerships and other entities in which it has a controlling interest. Also included in the consolidated financial statements are certain variable interest entities (“VIEs”). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Non-Controlling Interests

Non-Controlling Interests — Non-controlling interests represent capital contributions, distributions and income and loss attributable to the shareholders of less than wholly-owned and consolidated entities.

Seasonality

Seasonality — The Company has substantial fixed costs that do not decline proportionally with sales. Although our business is highly seasonal, our broader geographical reach as a result of recent acquisitions mitigates some of this risk. For instance, the second quarter of our fiscal year, consisting of the non-holiday portion of the cold weather season in New York and Washington (January, February and March), is the poorest performing quarter; however, in recent years this has been partially offset by our locations in Florida as they experience increased results in the winter months. We generally achieve our best results during the warm weather, attributable to our extensive outdoor dining availability, particularly at Bryant Park in New York and Sequoia in Washington, D.C. (our largest restaurants) and our outdoor cafes. However, even during summer months these facilities can be adversely affected by unusually cool or rainy weather conditions. Our facilities in Las Vegas are indoor and generally operate on a more consistent basis throughout the year.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments — Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Fair value is estimated by applying a fair value hierarchy, which requires maximizing the use of observable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs are:

•Level 1: Quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the entity has the ability to access as of the measurement date.

•Level 2: Significant other observable inputs other than Level 1 prices such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.

•Level 3: Significant unobservable inputs that reflect a reporting entity’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.

The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to the immediate or short-term maturity of these financial instruments. The fair values of notes receivable and payable are determined using current applicable rates for similar instruments as of the balance sheet date and approximate the carrying value of such debt instruments. Certificates of deposit, which are considered Level 2 assets, are valued at original cost plus accrued interest, which approximates fair value.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, deposits with banks, highly liquid investments and certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less. Outstanding checks in excess of account balances, typically vendor payments, payroll and other contractual obligations disbursed after the last day of a reporting period are reported as a current liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company reduces credit risk by placing its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions with high credit ratings. At times, such amounts may exceed Federally insured limits. Accounts receivable are primarily comprised of normal business receivables, such as credit card receivables, that are collected in a short period of time and amounts due from the hotel operators where the Company has a location, and are recorded upon satisfaction of the performance obligation. The Company reviews the collectability of its receivables on an ongoing basis, and provides for an allowance when it considers the counterparty unable to meet its obligation. The concentration of credit risk with respect to accounts receivable is generally limited due to the short payment terms extended by the Company and the number of customers comprising the Company’s customer base.

As of October 1, 2022, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from two hotel operators totaling 54% of total accounts receivable. As of October 2, 2021, the Company had accounts receivable balances due from one hotel operator totaling 37% of total accounts receivable.

For the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021, the Company made purchases from two vendors that accounted for 20% and 21% of total purchases, respectively.

As of October 1, 2022, all debt outstanding, other than Paycheck Protection Program loans and the note payable to the sellers of The Blue Moon Fish Company, is with one lender (see Note 10 – Notes Payable).

Inventories

Inventories — Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or net realizable value, and consist of food and beverages, merchandise for sale and other supplies.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets — Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Depreciation is determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Estimated lives range from three to seven years for furniture, fixtures and equipment and up to 40 years for buildings and related improvements. Amortization of improvements to leased properties is computed using the straight-line method based upon the initial term of the applicable lease or the estimated useful life of the improvements, whichever is less, and ranges from 5 to 30 years. For leases with renewal periods at the Company’s option, if failure to exercise a renewal option imposes an economic penalty to the Company, management may determine at the inception of the lease that renewal is reasonably assured and include the renewal option period in the determination of appropriate estimated useful lives. Routine expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to expense when incurred. Major replacements and improvements are capitalized. Upon retirement or disposition of fixed assets, the cost and related accumulated depreciation are removed from the consolidated balance sheets and any resulting gain or loss is recognized in the consolidated statements of income.

The Company includes in construction in progress, improvements to restaurants that are under construction or are undergoing substantial renovations. Once the projects have been completed, the Company begins depreciating and amortizing the assets. Start-up costs incurred during the construction period of restaurants, including rental of premises, training and payroll, are expensed as incurred.

Long-Lived and Right-Of-Use Assets

Long-Lived and Right-Of-Use Assets — Long-lived assets, such as property and plant and equipment subject to amortization, and right-of-use assets ("ROU assets") are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. In the evaluation of the fair value and future benefits of long-lived assets, the Company performs an analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future net cash flows of the related long-lived assets. If the carrying value of the related asset exceeds the undiscounted cash flows, the carrying value is reduced to its fair value. Various factors including estimated future sales growth and estimated profit margins are included in this analysis.

The Company considers a triggering event related to long-lived assets or ROU assets in a net asset position to have occurred related to a specific restaurant if the restaurant’s cash flows for the last 12 months are less than a minimum threshold or if consistent levels of undiscounted cash flows for the remaining lease period are less than the carrying value of the restaurant’s assets. Additionally, the Company considers a triggering event related to ROU assets to have occurred related to a specific lease if the location has been subleased and future estimated sublease income is less than current lease payments. If the Company concludes that the carrying value of certain long-lived and ROU assets will not be recovered based on expected undiscounted future cash flows, an impairment loss is recorded to reduce the long-lived or ROU assets to their estimated fair value. The fair value is measured on a nonrecurring basis using unobservable (Level 3) inputs. There is uncertainty in the projected undiscounted future cash flows used in the Company's impairment review analysis, which requires the use of estimates and assumptions. If actual performance does not achieve the projections, or if the assumptions used change in the future, the Company may be required to recognize impairment charges in future periods, and such charges could be material.

No impairment charges related to long-lived and ROU assets were recognized during the year ended October 1, 2022. The Company recognized impairment charges related to long-lived and ROU assets during the year ended October 2, 2021 as described in Note 4 – Recent Restaurant Dispositions. Given the inherent uncertainty in projecting results of restaurants under the current circumstances, the Company is monitoring the recoverability of the carrying value of the assets of several restaurants on an ongoing basis. For these restaurants, if expected performance is not realized, an impairment charge may be recognized in future periods, and such charge could be material.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets — Intangible assets consist principally of purchased leasehold rights, operating rights and covenants not to compete. Costs associated with acquiring leases and subleases, principally purchased leasehold rights, and operating rights have been capitalized and are being amortized on the straight-line method based upon the initial terms of the applicable lease agreements. Covenants not to compete arising from restaurant acquisitions are amortized over the contractual period, typically five years.

Goodwill and Trademarks

Goodwill and Trademarks — Goodwill and trademarks are not amortized, but are subject to impairment analysis. We assess the potential impairment of goodwill and trademarks annually (at the end of our fourth quarter) and on an interim basis whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. If we determine through the impairment review process that goodwill or trademarks are impaired, we record an impairment charge in our consolidated statements of income.Due to the recent impact of the COVID-19 pandemic to the global economy, including but not limited to, the volatility of the Company's stock price, temporary closure of the Company's restaurants and the challenging environment for the restaurant industry in general, the Company determined that there were indicators of potential impairment of its goodwill and trademarks during the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021. As such, the Company performed a qualitative and quantitative assessment for both goodwill and its trademarks and concluded that the fair value of these assets exceeded their carrying values. Accordingly, the Company did not record any impairment to its goodwill or trademarks during the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021.

Investments

Investments – Each reporting period, the Company reviews its investments in equity and debt securities, except for those classified as trading, to determine whether a significant event or change in circumstances has occurred that may have an adverse effect on the fair value of such investment. When such events or changes occur, the Company evaluates the fair value compared to cost basis in the investment. For investments in non-publicly traded companies, management’s assessment of fair value is based on valuation methodologies including discounted cash flows, estimates of sales proceeds, and appraisals, as appropriate. The Company considers the assumptions that it believes hypothetical marketplace participants would use in evaluating estimated future cash flows when employing the discounted cash flow or estimates of sales proceeds valuation methodologies.

In the event the fair value of an investment declines below the Company’s cost basis, management is required to determine if the decline in fair value is other than temporary. If management determines the decline is other than temporary, an impairment charge is recorded. Management’s assessment as to the nature of a decline in fair value is based on, among other things, the length of time and the extent to which the market value has been less than the cost basis; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; and the Company’s intent and ability to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in market value.

Leases

Leases — We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. An arrangement contains a lease if it implicitly or explicitly identifies an asset to be used and conveys the right to control the use of the identified asset in exchange for consideration. As a lessee, we include operating leases in Operating lease right-of-use assets and Operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheet. Right-of-use assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease right-of-use assets and liabilities are recognized upon commencement of the lease based on the present value of the lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit interest rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date to determine the present value of lease payments. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease. Options are included when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Amendments or modifications to lease terms are accounted for as variable lease payments. Leases with a lease term of 12 months or less are accounted for using the practical expedient which allows for straight-line rent expense over the remaining term of the lease.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition — The Company recognizes revenue when it satisfies a performance obligation by transferring control over a product or service to a restaurant guest or other customer. Revenues from restaurant operations are presented net of discounts, coupons, employee meals and complimentary meals and recognized when food, beverage and retail products are sold. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from sales and the obligation is included in sales tax payable until the taxes are remitted to the appropriate taxing authorities. Catering service revenue is generated through contracts with customers whereby the customer agrees to pay a contract rate for the service. Revenues from catered events are recognized in income upon satisfaction of the performance obligation (the date the event is held). All customer payments, including nonrefundable upfront deposits, are deferred as a liability until such time. The Company recognized $11,812,000 and $3,240,000 in catering services revenue for the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021, respectively. Unearned revenue which is included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets as of October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021 was $5,534,000 and $4,988,000, respectively.

Revenues from gift cards are deferred and recognized upon redemption. Deferrals are not reduced for potential non-use as we generally have a legal obligation to remit the value of unredeemed gift cards to the relevant jurisdictions in which they are sold. As of October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021, the total liability for gift cards in the amounts of approximately $309,000 and $252,000, respectively, are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

Other revenues include purchase service fees which represent commissions earned by a subsidiary of the Company for providing services to other restaurant groups, as well as license fees, property management fees and other rentals.

Occupancy Expenses

Occupancy Expenses — Occupancy expenses include rent, rent taxes, real estate taxes, insurance and utility costs.

Defined Contribution Plan

Defined Contribution Plan — The Company offers a defined contribution savings plan (the “Plan”) to all of its full-time employees. Eligible employees may contribute pre-tax amounts to the Plan subject to the Internal Revenue Code limitations. Company contributions to the Plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. During the years ended October 1, 2022 and October 2, 2021, the Company did not make any contributions to the Plan.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes — Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for future tax consequences attributable to the temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period that includes the enactment date. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.

The Company has recorded a liability for unrecognized tax benefits resulting from tax positions taken, or expected to be taken, in an income tax return. It is the Company’s policy to recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions as a component of income tax expense. Uncertain tax positions are evaluated and adjusted as appropriate, while taking into account the progress of audits of various taxing jurisdictions.

Non-controlling interests relating to the income or loss of consolidated partnerships includes no provision for income taxes as any tax liability related thereto is the responsibility of the individual minority investors.

Income Per Share of Common Stock

Income Per Share of Common Stock — Basic net income per share is calculated on the basis of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Diluted net income per share reflects the additional dilutive effect of potentially dilutive shares (principally those arising from the assumed exercise of stock options). The dilutive effect of stock options is reflected in diluted earnings per share by application of the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, if the average market price of a share of common stock increases above the option’s exercise price, the proceeds that would be assumed to be realized from the exercise of the option would be used to acquire outstanding shares of common stock. The dilutive effect of awards is directly correlated with the fair value of the shares of common stock.

Stock-based Compensation

Stock-based Compensation — Stock-based compensation represents the cost related to stock-based awards granted to employees and non-employee directors. The Company measures stock-based compensation at the grant date based on the estimated fair value of the award and recognize the cost (net of estimated forfeitures) as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Upon exercise of options, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies resulting from the difference between the deduction for tax purposes and the stock-based compensation cost recognized for financial reporting purposes are included as a component of income tax expense.

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards and New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards — In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment (“ASU 2017-04”). ASU 2017-04 simplifies the accounting for goodwill impairments by eliminating the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step two of the goodwill impairment test referenced in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”). As a result, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An impairment charge should be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value. However, the impairment loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"), which modifies Topic 740 to simplify the accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 is effective for financial statements issued for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2020, and for the interim periods therein. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of fiscal 2022. Such adoption did not have a material impact on our consolidated condensed financial statements.

New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted — In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No. 2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting, which provides optional expedients and exceptions for applying U.S. GAAP to contracts, hedging relationships and other transactions affected by the discontinuation of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) or by another reference rate expected to be discontinued because of reference rate reform. The guidance was effective beginning March 12, 2020 and can be applied prospectively

through December 31, 2022. In January 2021, the FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope (“ASU 2021-01”). ASU 2021-01 provides temporary optional expedients and exceptions to certain guidance in U.S. GAAP to ease the financial reporting burdens related to the expected market transition from LIBOR and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates, such as the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”). The guidance is effective upon issuance, on January 7, 2021, and can be applied through December 31, 2022. We do not expect that the requirements of this guidance will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.