GROSS VERSUS NET REVENUE RECOGNITION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Revenue Recognition [Abstract]

GROSS VERSUS NET REVENUE RECOGNITION

GROSS VERSUS NET REVENUE RECOGNITION

In the normal course of business, the Company is assessed non-income related taxes by governmental authorities, including franchising authorities (generally under multi-year agreements), and collects such taxes from its customers.  The Company's policy is that, in instances where the tax is being assessed directly on the Company, amounts paid to the governmental authorities and amounts received from the customers are recorded on a gross basis.  That is, amounts paid to the governmental authorities are recorded as technical and operating expenses and amounts received from the customer are recorded as revenues.  For the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, the amount of franchise fees and certain other taxes and fees included as a component of net revenue aggregated $50,422 and $49,570, respectively.