Note 8. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets

We review our long-lived assets for impairment on a quarterly basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the capitalized costs of the assets to the future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. The expected cash flows are based on recent historical cash flows at the restaurant level.

An analysis was performed on a restaurant by restaurant basis at June 30, 2012. Assumptions used in preparing expected cash flows were as follows:

♦	Sales projections are as follows: Fiscal 2012 sales are projected to increase 3% to 5% with respect to fiscal 2011, for fiscal years 2013 to 2024 we have used annual increases of 2% to 3%. We believe the 2% to 3% increase in the years beyond 2012 is a reasonable expectation of growth and that it would be unreasonable to expect no growth in our sales. These increases include menu price increases in addition to any real growth. Historically our weighted menu prices have increased 1.5% to 6%.
♦	Our variable and semi-variable restaurant operating costs are projected to increase proportionately with the sales increases as well as increasing an additional 1.5% per year consistent with inflation.
♦	Our other fixed restaurant operating costs are projected to increase 1.5% to 2% per year.
♦	Food and packaging costs are projected to decrease approximately 1% as a percentage of sales in relation to our fiscal 2011 food and packaging costs as a result of menu price increases and other menu initiatives.
♦	Salvage value has been estimated on a restaurant by restaurant basis considering each restaurant’s particular equipment package and building size.

Given the results of our impairment analysis at June 30, 2012 there are no restaurants which are impaired as their projected undiscounted cash flows show recoverability of their asset values.

Our impairment analysis included a sensitivity analysis with regard to the cash flow projections that determine the recoverability of each restaurant’s assets. The results indicate that even with a 15% decline in our projected cash flows we would still not have any potential impairment issues. However if we elect to sublease, close or otherwise exit a restaurant location impairment could be required.

Each time we conduct an impairment analysis in the future we will compare actual results to our projections and assumptions, and to the extent our actual results do not meet expectations, we will revise our assumptions and this could result in impairment charges being recognized.

All of the judgments and assumptions made in preparing the cash flow projections are consistent with our other financial statement calculations and disclosures. The assumptions used in the cash flow projections are consistent with other forward-looking information prepared by the company, such as those used for internal budgets, discussions with third parties, and/or reporting to management or the board of directors.

Projecting the cash flows for the impairment analysis involves significant estimates with regard to the performance of each restaurant, and it is reasonably possible that the estimates of cash flows may change in the near term resulting in the need to write down operating assets to fair value. If the assets are determined to be impaired, the amount of impairment recognized is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds their fair value. Fair value would be determined using forecasted cash flows discounted using an estimated average cost of capital and the impairment charge would be recognized in income from operations.