FORM 10-Q

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
(Mark One)

x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 27, 2009.
OR
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT of 1934
 
For the transition period from                               to                               .

Commission file number 0-3189

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
11-3166443
 
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
 
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
 

1400 Old Country Road, Westbury, New York  11590
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

(516) 338-8500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

________________________________________________________________
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes x    No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T ( § 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨   No ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check One):
Large accelerated filer ¨
Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨
Smaller reporting company ¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No x

At   November 5, 2009, an aggregate of 5,688,939 shares of the registrant's common stock, par value of $.01, were outstanding.

 
 

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX

   
Page
   
Number
     
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements.
3
     
 
Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
Consolidated Balance Sheets – September 27, 2009 (Unaudited) and
March 29, 2009
3
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Thirteen Weeks
Ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008 (Unaudited)
4
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Earnings - Twenty-six Weeks
Ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008 (Unaudited)
5
     
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity – Twenty-six Weeks
Ended September 27, 2009 (Unaudited)
6
     
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows – Twenty-six Weeks
Ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008 (Unaudited)
7
     
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
8
     
Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations.
15
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
23
     
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures.
24
     
PART II.
OTHER INFORMATION
 
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.
25
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors.
26
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.
26
     
Item 4.
Submission of Matter to a Vote of Security Holders
27
     
Item 5.
Other Information
27
     
Item 6.
Exhibits.
28
     
SIGNATURES
 
29
     
Exhibit Index
 
30

 
-2-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 27, 2009 and March 29, 2009
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)

Item 1. Financial Statements

   
September 27,
2009
   
March 29, 2009
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
ASSETS
           
             
CURRENT ASSETS
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 8,691     $ 8,679  
Marketable securities
    25,789       25,670  
Accounts and other receivables, net
    6,019       4,869  
Note receivable
    302       290  
Inventories
    843       668  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    692       1,326  
Deferred income taxes
    696       696  
Total current assets
    43,032       42,198  
                 
Note receivable
    1,312       1,466  
Property and equipment, net
    4,039       4,126  
Goodwill
    95       95  
Intangible asset, net
    1,353       1,353  
Deferred income taxes
    236       428  
Other assets
    158       158  
                 
    $ 50,225     $ 49,824  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
                 
CURRENT LIABILITIES
               
Accounts payable
  $ 2,474     $ 2,857  
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    3,320       3,867  
Deferred franchise fees
    289       171  
Total current liabilities
    6,083       6,895  
                 
Other liabilities
    1,397       1,080  
                 
Total liabilities
    7,480       7,975  
                 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note J)
               
                 
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Common stock, $.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 8,523,241 and 8,305,683 shares issued; 5,438,939 and 5,611,877 shares outstanding at September 27, 2009 and March 29, 2009, respectively.
    85       83  
Additional paid-in capital
    50,771       49,001  
Retained earnings
    14,954       11,228  
Accumulated other comprehensive income
    752       335  
      66,562       60,647  
Treasury stock, at cost, 3,084,302 and 2,693,806 shares at September 27, 2009 and March 29, 2009, respectively.
    ( 23,817 )     (18,798 )
Total stockholders’ equity
    42,745       41,849  
                 
    $ 50,225     $ 49,824  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
-3-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
September 27,
2009
   
September 28,
2008
 
             
REVENUES
           
Sales
  $ 11,758     $ 11,418  
Franchise fees and royalties
    1,312       1,191  
License royalties
    1,568       1,628  
Interest income
    240       275  
Other income
    18       13  
Total revenues
    14,896       14,525  
                 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
               
Cost of sales
    8,093       8,601  
Restaurant operating expenses
    973       964  
Depreciation and amortization
    201       200  
General and administrative expenses
    2,239       2,249  
Recovery of property taxes
    -       (441 )
Total costs and expenses
    11,506       11,573  
                 
Income before provision for income taxes
    3,390       2,952  
Provision for income taxes
    1,227       1,093  
Net income
  $ 2,163     $ 1,859  
                 
PER SHARE INFORMATION
               
Basic income per share:
               
Net income
  $ .40     $ .31  
                 
Diluted income per share:
               
Net income
  $ .39     $ .29  
                 
Weighted average shares used in computing income per share
               
Basic
    5,420,000       5,984,000  
Diluted
    5,594,000       6,309,000  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
-4-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS
Twenty-six weeks ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
September 27,
2009
   
September 28,
2008
 
             
REVENUES
           
Sales
  $ 22,773     $ 22,434  
Franchise fees and royalties
    2,466       2,343  
License royalties
    3,375       3,243  
Interest income
    480       522  
Other income
    34       25  
Total revenues
    29,128       28,567  
                 
COSTS AND EXPENSES
               
Cost of sales
    16,202       16,933  
Restaurant operating expenses
    1,796       1,876  
Depreciation and amortization
    400       398  
General and administrative expenses
    4,867       4,694  
Recovery of property taxes
    -       (441 )
Total costs and expenses
    23,265       23,460  
                 
Income from continuing operations before provision for income taxes
    5,863       5,107  
Provision for income taxes
    2,137       1,893  
Income from continuing operations
    3,726       3,214  
                 
Income from discontinued operations, including gains on disposal of discontinued operations before income taxes of $3,906 in 2008
    -       3,914  
Provision for income taxes
    -       1,447  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       2,467  
                 
Net income
  $ 3,726     $ 5,681  
                 
PER SHARE INFORMATION
               
Basic income per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ .68     $ .53  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       .41  
Net income
  $ .68     $ .94  
                 
Diluted income per share:
               
Income from continuing operations
  $ .65     $ .50  
Income from discontinued operations
    -       .39  
Net income
  $ .65     $ .89  
                 
Weighted average shares used in computing income per share
               
Basic
    5,516,000       6,075,000  
Diluted
    5,737,000       6,391,000  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
-5-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Twenty-six weeks ended September 27, 2009
(in thousands, except share amounts)
(Unaudited)

                           
Accumulated
                   
               
Additional
         
Other
               
Total
 
   
Common
   
Common
   
Paid-in
   
Retained
   
Comprehensive
   
Treasury Stock, at Cost
   
Stockholders’
 
   
Shares
   
Stock
   
Capital
   
Earnings
   
Income
   
Shares
   
Amount
   
Equity
 
Balance, March 29, 2009
    8,305,683     $ 83     $ 49,001     $ 11,228     $ 335       2,693,806     $ (18,798 )   $ 41,849  
                                                                 
Shares issued in connection with the exercise of employee stock options
    217,558       2       694       -       -       -       -       696  
                                                                 
Repurchase of common stock
    -       -       -       -       -       390,496       (5,019 )     (5,019 )
                                                                 
Income tax benefit on stock option exercises
    -       -       862       -       -       -       -       862  
                                                                 
Share-based compensation
    -       -       214       -       -       -       -       214  
                                                                 
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes – Unrealized gains on available for sale securities, net of deferred tax of $277
    -       -       -       -       417       -       -       417  
                                                                 
 Net income
    -       -       -       3,726       -       -       -       3,726  
                                                                 
Balance, September 27, 2009
    8,523,241     $ 85     $ 50,771     $ 14,954     $ 752       3,084,302     $ (23,817 )   $ 42,745  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements .

 
-6-

 

Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and Subsidiaries

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Twenty-six weeks ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008
(in thousands, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

   
September 27,
2009
   
September 28,
2008
 
Cash flows from operating activities:
           
Net income
  $ 3,726     $ 5,681  
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization
    400       398  
Amortization of intangible assets
    -       3  
Amortization of bond premium
    140       115  
Amortization of deferred compensation
    -       36  
Gain on sales of subsidiaries
    -       (3,906 )
Share based compensation expense
    214       214  
Provision for doubtful accounts
    181       155  
Deferred income taxes
    (85 )     (85 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
Accounts and other receivables, net
    (1,331 )     (1,354 )
Inventories
    (171 )     156  
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
    634       831  
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
    (930 )     318  
Deferred franchise fees
    118       27  
Other liabilities
    317       6  
                 
Net cash provided by operating activities
    3,213       2,595  
                 
Cash flows from investing activities:
               
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities
    435       500  
Purchase of available-for-sale securities
    -       (2,699 )
Purchase of property and equipment
    (317 )     (279 )
Payments received on notes receivable
    142       297  
Proceeds from sale of subsidiary
    -       3,961  
                 
Net cash provided by investing activities
    260       1,780  
                 
Cash flows from financing activities:
               
Repurchase of treasury stock
    (5,019 )     (4,411 )
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options
    696       145  
Income tax benefits on stock option exercises
    862       203  
                 
Net cash used in financing activities
    (3,461 )     (4,063 )
                 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
    12       312  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    8,679       14,381  
                 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 8,691     $ 14,693  
                 
Cash paid during the period for:
               
Interest
  $ -     $ -  
Income taxes
  $ 1,119     $ 1,168  
                 
Noncash Financing Activities:
               
Loan made in connection with the sale of subsidiary
  $ -     $ 250  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

 
-7-

 

NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
September 27, 2009
(Unaudited)
 
NOTE A - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements of Nathan's Famous, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively “Nathan’s,” the “Company” or “we”) as of and for the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008 have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The unaudited financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair presentation of financial condition, results of operations and cash flows for the periods presented.  However, these results are not necessarily indicative of results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.

Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been omitted pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Management believes that the disclosures included in the accompanying interim financial statements and footnotes are adequate to make the information not misleading, but should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in Nathan’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009.

A summary of the Company’s significant accounting policies is identified in Note B of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies subsequent to March 29, 2009.

On April 23, 2008, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, NF Roasters Corp., and on June 7, 2007, completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Miami Subs Corporation (See Note D).

We evaluated events or transactions which occurred subsequent to the balance sheet date but prior to November 06, 2009, the issuance date of the financial statements, for recognition or disclosure.

NOTE B – ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“ FASB”) issued an amendment to its existing accounting standard on business combinations, which establishes new principles and requirements for how an acquirer recognizes and measures in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, and any noncontrolling interest in an acquiree, including the recognition and measurement of goodwill acquired in a business combination.
 
In April 2009, the FASB also issued new guidelines on the initial recognition and measurement, subsequent measurement and accounting, and disclosure of assets and liabilities arising from contingencies in a business combination which provides that an acquirer shall recognize an asset acquired or a liability assumed in a business combination that arises from a contingency at fair value, at the acquisition date, if the acquisition-date fair value of that asset or liability can be determined during the measurement period. New guidance is also provided in the event that the fair value of an asset acquired or liability assumed cannot be determined during the measurement period. An acquirer shall also develop a systematic and rational basis for subsequently measuring and accounting for assets and liabilities arising from contingencies and also provides for the disclosure requirements.
 
Nathan’s adopted the provisions of the new accounting standards on business combinations on March 30, 2009; the adoption of which had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued a new accounting standard, which establishes accounting and reporting standards for the noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of a subsidiary. It clarifies that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity in the consolidated financial statements. Among other requirements, this standard requires consolidated net income to be reported at amounts that include the amounts attributable to both the parent and the noncontrolling interest. It also requires disclosure, on the face of the consolidated income statement, of the amounts of consolidated net income attributable to the parent and to the noncontrolling interest. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of this new accounting standard on March 30, 2009; the adoption of which had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In April 2008, the FASB issued new guidance which amends the factors that should be considered in developing renewal or extension assumptions used to determine the useful life of a recognized intangible asset.  Nathan’s adopted the new guidance on March 30, 2009; the adoption of which had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In June 2008, the FASB issued new guidance for the accounting for maintenance deposits paid by a lessee to a lessor. Nathan’s adopted these provisions on March 30, 2009; the adoption of  which had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
-8-

 
In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidance on the recognition and presentation of other-than-temporary impairments, which segregate credit and noncredit components of impaired debt securities that are not expected to be sold. Impairments will still have to be measured at fair value in other comprehensive income. These accounting standards also require some additional disclosures regarding expected cash flows, credit losses, and an aging of securities with unrealized losses. Nathan’s adopted the new guidance on March 30, 2009; the adoption of which had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued new requirements for interim disclosures about fair value of financial instruments, which increase the frequency of fair value disclosures to a quarterly basis instead of annually. The requirements relate to fair value disclosures for any financial instruments that are not currently reflected on the balance sheet at fair value. Prior to these changes, fair values for these assets and liabilities were only disclosed annually. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of these accounting standards on March 30, 2009. The newly required interim disclosures, which we included in Note C, had no impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In May 2009, the FASB issued a new accounting standard on   subsequent events, which establishes general standards of accounting for and disclosure of events that occur after the balance sheet date but before financial statements are issued or are available to be issued. This accounting standard establishes: 1) The period after the balance sheet date during which management of a reporting entity should evaluate events or transactions that may occur for potential recognition or disclosure in the financial statements; 2) the circumstances under which an entity should recognize events or transactions occurring after the balance sheet date in its financial statements; and 3) the disclosures that an entity should make about events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date. This accounting standard also requires disclosure of the date through which an entity has evaluated subsequent events. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of this accounting standard on March 30, 2009. In connection with the adoption of this accounting standard, we have included disclosure in Note A to address the date through which we evaluated subsequent events.
 
In June 2009, the FASB issued the accounting standard “The FASB   Accounting Standards Codification TM and the Hierarchy of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles—a replacement of FASB Statement No. 162”, which establishes the FASB Accounting Standards Codification TM (“Codification”) as the source of authoritative U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) recognized by the FASB to be applied by nongovernmental entities. Rules and interpretive releases of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) under authority of federal securities laws are also sources of authoritative GAAP for SEC registrants. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of this accounting standard on June 29, 2009.   The implementation of this accounting standard did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations upon adoption.
 
NOTE C – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
 
In September 2006, the FASB issued a new accounting standard on fair value measurements, which defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value. This accounting standard eliminates the diversity in practice that exists due to the different definitions of fair value. This accounting standard retains the exchange price notion in earlier definitions of fair value, but clarifies that the exchange price is the price in an orderly transaction between market participants to sell an asset or liability in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability. This accounting standard states that the transaction is hypothetical at the measurement date, considered from the perspective of the market participant who holds the asset or liability. As such, 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 (an exit price), as opposed to the price that would be paid to acquire the asset or received to assume the liability at the measurement date (an entry price). This accounting standard also establishes a three-level hierarchy, which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value.  In February 2008, the FASB delayed the effective date of the provisions of this accounting standard for certain non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (i.e., at least annually) for one year. Nathan’s adopted the provisions of this accounting standard for financial assets and liabilities on March 31, 2008 and adopted the remaining provisions for non-financial assets and liabilities on March 30, 2009.
 
In April 2009, the FASB issued new guidelines for a broad interpretation of when to apply market-based fair value measurements. The new guidance reaffirms management’s need to use judgment to determine when a market that was once active has become inactive and in determining fair values in markets that are no longer active. Nathan’s adopted the new guidance on March 30, 2009; the adoption of which did not have a significant impact on our consolidated financial position and results of operations.
 
The valuation hierarchy is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability on the measurement date. The three levels are defined as follows:
 
·                Level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for an identical asset or liability in an active market
 
·                Level 2 - inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for a similar asset or liability in an active market or model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable for substantially the full term of the asset or liability
 
·                Level 3 - inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability
 
-9-

 
The following table presents assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 27, 2009 based upon the valuation hierarchy (in thousands):
 
   
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Carrying Value
 
                         
Marketable securities
  $ -     $ 25,789     $ -     $ 25,789  
                                      
Total assets at fair value
  $ -     $ 25,789     $ -     $ 25,789  
 
Nathan’s marketable securities, which consist primarily of municipal bonds, are not actively traded.  The valuation of such bonds is based upon quoted market prices for similar bonds currently trading in an active market.

The carrying amounts of cash equivalents, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value due to the short-term maturity of the instruments.  The carrying amount of the note receivable approximates fair value, as determined using level three inputs, as the current interest rate on such instrument approximates current market interest rates on similar instruments.

Certain non-financial assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis; that is, the assets and liabilities are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis but are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances, such as when evidence of impairment exists. At September 27, 2009, no fair value adjustment or material fair value measurements were required for non-financial assets or liabilities.

NOTE D – DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

1.
Sale of NF Roasters Corp.

On   April 23 , 2008, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, NF Roasters Corp. (“NF Roasters”), the franchisor of the Kenny Rogers Roasters concept,   to Roasters Asia Pacific (Cayman) Limited.   Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“NFR Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the stock of NF Roasters for $4,000,000 in cash.

In connection with the NFR Agreement, Nathan’s and its previously-owned subsidiary, Miami Subs, may continue to sell Kenny Rogers products within the then-existing restaurants without payment of royalties.

The following is a summary of the assets and liabilities of NF Roasters, as of the date of sale, that were sold:

Cash
  $ 8,000 (A)
Accounts receivable, net
    1,000  
Deferred income taxes, net
    230,000  
Intangible assets, net
    391,000  
Other assets
    30,000  
Total assets sold
    660,000  
         
Accrued expenses
    27,000 (B)
Other liabilities
    328,000  
Total liabilities sold
    355,000  
         
Net assets sold
  $ 305,000  

 
(A)
-  Represents unexpended marketing funds.
 
(B)
-  Includes unexpended marketing funds of $8,000.

Nathan’s realized a gain on the sale of NF Roasters of $3,656,000   net of professional fees of   $39,000   and recorded income taxes of $1,289,000 on the gain during the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009.   Nathan’s has determined that it will not have any significant cash flows or continuing involvement in the ongoing operations of NF Roasters.

Therefore, the results of operations for NF Roasters, including the gain on disposal, have been presented as discontinued operations for the period ended September 28, 2008.

 
-10-

 

2. Sale of Miami Subs Corporation

On June 7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Miami Subs Corporation (“Miami Subs”) to Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc. (“Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“MSC Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the stock of Miami Subs in exchange for $3,250,000 consisting of $850,000 in cash and the Purchaser’s promissory note in the principal amount of $2,400,000 (the “MSC Note”).  The MSC Note bears interest at 8% per annum and is secured by a lien on all of the assets of the Purchaser and by the personal guarantees of two principals of the Purchaser. The Purchaser may also prepay the MSC Note at any time. In the event the MSC Note was fully repaid within one year of the sale, Nathan’s would have been required to reduce the amount due by $250,000. Due to the ability to prepay the loan and reduce the amount due, the recognition of $250,000 was initially deferred. The MSC Note was not prepaid within the requisite timeframe and Nathan’s recognized an additional gain of $250,000, or $158,000 net of tax, resulting from the contingent consideration which was deferred at the time of sale, during the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009, which has been presented as discontinued operations for the period ended September 28, 2008.

NOTE E - INCOME PER SHARE

Basic income per common share is calculated by dividing income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding and excludes any dilutive effect of stock options or warrants. Diluted income per common share gives effect to all potentially dilutive common shares that were outstanding during the period. Dilutive common shares used in the computation of diluted income per common share result from the assumed exercise of stock options and warrants, as determined using the treasury stock method.

The following chart provides a reconciliation of information used in calculating the per share amounts for the thirteen- and twenty-six- week periods ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008, respectively.

Thirteen weeks
                                   
                           
Income from
 
   
Income from
               
Continuing Operations
 
   
Continuing Operations
   
Number of Shares
   
Per Share
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
             
Basic EPS
                                   
Basic calculation
  $ 2,163     $ 1,859       5,420       5,984     $ 0.40     $ 0.31  
Effect of dilutive employee stock options
    -       -       174       325       (0.01 )     (0.02 )
Diluted EPS
                                               
Diluted calculation
  $ 2,163     $ 1,859       5,594       6,309     $ 0.39     $ 0.29  
                                                 
Twenty-six weeks
                                               
                                   
Income from
 
   
Income from
                   
Continuing Operations
 
   
Continuing Operations
   
Number of Shares
   
Per Share
 
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
   
2009
   
2008
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands)
                 
Basic EPS
                                               
Basic calculation
  $ 3,726     $ 3,214       5,516       6,075     $ 0.68     $ 0.53  
Effect of dilutive employee stock options
    -       -       221       316       (0.03 )     (0.03 )
Diluted EPS
                                               
Diluted calculation
  $ 3,726     $ 3,214       5,737       6,391     $ 0.65     $ 0.50  

Options to purchase 110,000 shares of common stock in the thirteen- and twenty-six-week periods ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008 were not included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise prices exceeded the average market price of common shares during the period.

NOTE F – INCOME TAXES

The income tax provisions on continuing operations reflect effective tax rates of 36.4% in 2009 and 37.1% in 2008.  Nathan’s estimates that its annual tax rate for the fiscal year ending March 28, 2010 will be approximately 35.0% to 37.5%.  The final annual tax rate is subject to many variables, including the effect of tax-exempt interest earned, among other factors, and therefore cannot be determined until the end of the fiscal year; therefore, the actual tax rate could differ from our current estimates.
 
-11-


The amount of unrecognized tax benefits at September 27,   2009   was $490,000, all of which would impact Nathan’s effective tax rate, if recognized.  As of September 27, 2009, Nathan’s had $365,000   of accrued interest and penalties in connection with unrecognized tax benefits.
 
During the twenty-six-week period ended September 27, 2009, Nathan’s settled uncertain tax positions with one state jurisdiction and has accordingly reduced the associated unrecognized tax benefits and the related accrued interest and penalties by approximately $50,000. During the year ending March 28, 2010, Nathan’s is actively seeking to settle uncertain tax positions with the tax authorities. As a result, it is reasonably possible that the amount of unrecognized tax benefits and the related accrued interest and penalties could be reduced by $50,000 to $175,000 which would favorably impact Nathan’s effective tax rate.
 
NOTE G – SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION
 
Total share-based compensation during the thirteen-week periods ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008 was $107,000 and $126,000, respectively. Total share-based compensation during the twenty-six week periods ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008 was $214,000 and $250,000, respectively. Total share-based compensation is included in general and administrative expense in our accompanying Consolidated Statements of Earnings. As of September 27, 2009, there was $685,000   of unamortized compensation expense related to stock options. We expect to recognize this expense over approximately two years, which represents the requisite service periods for such awards.
 
There were no share-based awards granted during the twenty-six-week periods ended September 27, 2009 or September 28, 2008.
 
Stock options outstanding:
 
Transactions with respect to stock options for the twenty-six weeks ended September 27, 2009 are as follows:

         
Weighted-
   
Weighted-
       
         
Average
   
Average
   
Aggregate
 
         
Exercise
   
Remaining
   
Intrinsic
 
   
Shares
   
Price
   
Contractual Life
   
Value
 
                         
Options outstanding at March 29, 2009
    1,027,308     $ 6.94       2.93     $ 6,723,000  
                                 
Granted
    -       -       -       -  
Expired
    -       -       -       -  
Exercised
    217,558       3.20       -       -  
                                 
Options outstanding at September 27, 2009
    809,750     $ 7.94       3.08     $ 5,807,413  
                                 
Options exercisable at September 27, 2009
    684,083     $ 6.70       2.66     $ 5,675,483  

NOTE H – STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Through September 27, 2009, Nathan’s purchased a total of 3,084,302 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $23,817,000 pursuant to its stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the Board of Directors.  Of these repurchased shares, 390,496 shares of common stock were repurchased during the twenty-six-week period ended September 27, 2009.  On November 13, 2008, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized a fourth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, under which 193,806 shares were repurchased at a cost of $2,400,000 as of September 27, 2009.

On February 5, 2009, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an agreement (the “10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI has been authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, having a value of up to an aggregate $3.6 million, which commenced on March 16, 2009.  The 10b5-1 Agreement was adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing its previously-announced fourth stock repurchase plan, for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares.  The 10b5-1 Agreement was orginally due to terminate no later than March 15, 2010. On November 6, 2009, Nathan's and MSI amended the terms of the 10b5-1 Agreement to increase the aggregate amount to $4.2 million and extend the termination date to no later than August 10, 2010.

On June 30, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its fifth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company and the Company repurchased 238,129 shares of common stock at a cost of $3,015,000 in a privately-negotiated transaction with Prime Logic Capital, LLC. As of September 27, 2009, the Company has repurchased 390,496 shares at a cost of $5,019,000 under the fifth stock repurchase plan.

There are 306,194 and 109,504 shares remaining to be purchased pursuant to the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans, respectively.
 
-12-


On November 3, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company.

Purchases may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management.  There is no set time limit on the repurchases to be made under the fourth, fifth and sixth stock repurchase plans.
 
At September 27, 2009, the Company has reserved 13,056,995 shares of common stock for issuance upon exercise of the Common Stock Purchase Rights approved by the Board of Directors on June 4, 2008.

NOTE I - COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The components of comprehensive income are as follows:

   
Thirteen 
weeks ended
 September 27,
2009
   
Thirteen 
weeks ended
 September 28,
2008
   
Twenty-six 
weeks ended
 September 27,
2009
   
Twenty-six 
weeks ended
 September 28,
2008
 
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands )
   
(in thousands)
   
(in thousands )
 
                                 
Net income
  $ 2,163     $ 1,859     $ 3,726     $ 5,681  
                                 
Unrealized gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax provision (benefit) of $237, ($84), $277 and  ($183),   respectively
    356       (126 )     417       (269 )
                                 
Comprehensive income
  $ 2,519     $ 1,733     $ 4,143     $ 5,412  

Accumulated other comprehensive income at September 27, 2009 and March 29, 2009 consists entirely of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of deferred taxes.

NOTE J - COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

1.
Commitments

In January 2009, the Company entered into a commitment to purchase 2,592,000 pounds of hot dogs for $4,368,000 from its primary hot dog manufacturer between April through September 2009. Through September 27, 2009, Nathan’s purchased approximately 2,474,000 pounds of hot dogs pursuant to this purchase commitment. Nathan’s expects to complete the purchase of the remaining 118,000 pounds of product by December 2009. In October 2009, the Company entered into two commitments with its primary hot dog manufacturer to purchase a total 1,965,000 pounds of hot dogs. The first commitment is for 760,000 pounds of hot dogs to be purchased in November and December 2009, for $1,102,000.  The second commitment is for 1,205,000 pounds of hot dogs to be purchased between January 2010 and March 2010. The final pricing under this commitment will be determined after the product has been produced in November 2009.

2.    Contingencies

The Company and its subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation.  Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of these proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, cash flows or results of operations.  Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur.  An unfavorable ruling could include money damages and, in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.

The Company is also involved in the following legal proceedings:

On March 20, 2007, a personal injury lawsuit was initiated seeking unspecified damages against the Company's subtenant and the Company's master landlord at a leased property in Huntington, New York.  The claim relates to damages suffered by an individual as a result of an alleged "trip and fall" on the sidewalk in front of the leased property, maintenance of which is the subtenant's responsibility.  Although the Company was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, under its master lease agreement the Company may have an obligation to indemnify the master landlord in connection with this claim.  The Company did not maintain its own insurance on the property concerned at the time of the incident; however, the Company is named as an additional insured under its subtenant's liability policy.  Accordingly, if the master landlord is found liable for damages and seeks indemnity from the Company, the Company believes that it would be entitled to coverage under the subtenant's insurance policy.  Additionally, under the terms of the sublease, the subtenant is required to indemnify the Company, regardless of insurance coverage.
 
-13-


The Company is party to a License Agreement with SMG, Inc. ("SMG") dated as of February 28, 1994, as amended (the "License Agreement") pursuant to which: (i) SMG acts as the Company's exclusive licensee for the manufacture, distribution, marketing and sale of packaged Nathan's Famous frankfurter product at supermarkets, club stores and other retail outlets in the United States; and (ii) the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require SMG to produce hot dogs for the Nathan's Famous restaurant system and Branded Product Program.  On July 31, 2007, the Company provided notice to SMG that the Company has elected to terminate the License Agreement, effective July 31, 2008, due to SMG's breach of certain provisions of the License Agreement. SMG has disputed that a breach has occurred and has commenced, together with certain of its affiliates, an action in state court in Illinois seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did not breach the License Agreement.  The Company has answered SMG's complaint and asserted its own counterclaims which seek, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did breach the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated the License Agreement. On July 31, 2008, SMG and Nathan’s entered into a stipulation pursuant to which Nathan’s agreed that it would not effectuate the termination of the License Agreement on the grounds alleged in the present litigation until such litigation has been successfully adjudicated, and SMG agreed that in such event, Nathan’s shall have the option to require SMG to continue to perform under the License Agreement for an additional period of up to six months to ensure an orderly transition of the business to a new licensee/supplier. Each of the parties has moved for summary judgment in its favor.

On July 31, 2009, the Company was served with a class action complaint filed in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Essex County (the "Complaint").  In addition to Nathan's Famous, Inc., the Complaint names as defendants Kraft Foods, Sara Lee Corporation, ConAgra Foods, Inc., and Marathon Enterprises, Inc. (together with Nathan's Famous, Inc., the "Defendants"). The named class plaintiffs purport to represent consumers who have purchased processed meat products that were distributed and sold in New Jersey from July 22, 2003 through July 22, 2009.  The Complaint alleges, among other things, that Defendants violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-2) (the "Act") by omitting material information about their respective processed meat products for the purpose of inducing consumers to purchase the products.  The Complaint seeks injunctive relief, attorneys' fees and costs incurred in bringing the lawsuit.  The named plaintiffs are further seeking combined damages in the amount of $900.00. If a violation of the Act is found to have occurred, named plaintiffs are entitled to trebled damages in the combined amount of $2,700.00.  The Company is presently evaluating its response to the Complaint; however, management believes that any liability will not have a material impact on the financial condition of the Company.

On October 5, 2009, the Company was served with a summons and complaint filed in the Supreme Court of Suffolk County, New York. The plaintiff, Painted Pieces LTD, alleges copyright infringement and asserts causes of action for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, willful wrongful use of plaintiff’s artwork, and violation of the New York general business law, in each case due to the reproduction of certain artwork used by the Company in its advertising.  The complaint seeks damages of an aggregate $10.5 million. 

On November 2, 2009, the Company removed the action to the United Stated District Court, Eastern District of New York.  The Company denies all of the claims asserted against it in this litigation and intends to vigorously defend against the action.

The Company has submitted the claim to its various insurance carriers for defense and indemnification.  Two of the several insurance carriers have initially declined coverage and the Company is presently reviewing its rights in relation thereto.  

 
-14-

 

Item 2.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Forward-Looking Statements
 
Statements in this Form 10-Q quarterly report may be “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements that express our intentions, beliefs, expectations, strategies, predictions or any other statements relating to our future activities or other future events or conditions. These statements are based on current expectations, estimates and projections about our business based, in part, on assumptions made by management. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. These risks and uncertainties, many of which are not within our control, include but are not limited to: the adverse effect that increasing commodity costs has on our profitability and operating results; the pending litigation with the primary supplier of hot dogs to our Branded Product Program may result in a disruption in that supply or increased costs, which would adversely affect our operating results; current economic conditions could result in decreased consumer spending on discretionary products, such as fast food; as well as those risks discussed from time to time in the Company’s Form 10-K annual report for the year ended March 29, 2009, and in other documents which we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in the forward-looking statements. We generally identify forward-looking statements with the words “believe,” “intend,” “plan,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “will,” “should” and similar expressions. Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Form 10-Q.

Introduction

As used in this Report, the terms “we”, “us”, “our”, “Nathan’s” or “the Company” mean Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and its subsidiaries (unless the context indicates a different meaning).

We are engaged primarily in the marketing of the “Nathan’s Famous” brand and the sale of products bearing the “Nathan’s Famous” trademarks through several different channels of distribution.  Historically, our business has been the operation and franchising of quick-service restaurants featuring Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs, crinkle-cut French-fried potatoes, and a variety of other menu offerings.  Our Company-owned and franchised units operate under the name “Nathan’s Famous,” the name first used at our original Coney Island restaurant opened in 1916. Nathan’s licensing program began in 1978 by selling packaged hot dogs and other meat products to retail customers through supermarkets or grocery-type retailers for off-site consumption. During fiscal 1998, we introduced our Branded Product Program, which enables foodservice retailers to sell some of Nathan’s proprietary products outside of the realm of a traditional franchise relationship. In conjunction with this program, foodservice operators are granted a limited use of the Nathan’s Famous trademark with respect to the sale of Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs and certain other proprietary food items and paper goods. During fiscal 2008, we launched our Branded Menu Program, under which foodservice operators may sell a greater variety of Nathan’s Famous menu items than under the Branded Product Program.

Our revenues are generated primarily from selling products under Nathan’s Branded Product Program, operating Company-owned restaurants, franchising the Nathan’s restaurant concept (including under the Branded Menu Program) and licensing agreements for the sale of Nathan’s products within supermarkets and club stores, the manufacture of certain proprietary spices and the sale of Nathan’s products directly to other foodservice operators.

In addition to plans for expansion through franchising, licensing and our Branded Product Program, Nathan’s continues to co-brand within its restaurant system.  Nathan’s is also the owner of the Arthur Treachers brand. At September 27, 2009, the Arthur Treacher’s brand was being sold within 58   Nathan’s restaurants.

Today, our restaurant system consists of   280   Nathan’s franchised or licensed units, including 62 Branded Menu units and seven Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit), located in 24 states, the Cayman Islands and four foreign countries. Included in the number of franchised units are 42 Miami Subs locations.  Previously, Miami Subs locations were not included in the number of units operating. At September 28, 2008, our restaurant system consisted of 235 Nathan’s   franchised or licensed units, including 46 limited-menu Branded Menu locations and six Company-owned units (including one seasonal unit), located in 25 states and five foreign countries.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

As discussed in our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009, the discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations are based upon our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.  The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses reported in those financial statements. These judgments can be subjective and complex, and consequently, actual results could differ from those estimates. Our most critical accounting policies and estimates relate to revenue recognition; impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets; impairment of long-lived assets; impairment of notes receivable; share-based compensation and income taxes (including uncertain tax positions).  Since March 29, 2009, there have been no changes in our critical accounting policies or significant changes to the assumptions and estimates related to them.
 
-15-


Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
 
See Note B to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, for a complete discussion of the impact of adopting new accounting pronouncements during the fiscal quarter ended September 27, 2009 on the Company’s financial position.

Results of Operations

Thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2009 compared to thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2008

Revenues from Continuing Operations

Total sales were $11,758,000 for the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2009 (“second quarter fiscal 2010”) as compared to $11,418,000 for the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2008 (“second quarter fiscal 2009”).   Foodservice sales from the Branded Product and Branded Menu Programs increased by 1.4% to $6,372,000 for the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to sales of $6,283,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. This increase was primarily attributable to higher average selling prices of 6.8%, which were partly offset by lower sales volume of approximately 3.7%. Total Company-owned restaurant sales (representing five comparable Nathan’s restaurants, including one seasonal restaurant during both periods, two restaurants that the Company has operated due to the default of a franchisee on its franchise agreement and one restaurant that was transferred to a franchisee on January 26, 2009) were $4,920,000 for the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $4,681,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2009. Sales at the five comparable Company-owned restaurants (including one seasonal restaurant) increased by 5.0% to $4,743,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2010, as compared to $4,519,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2009. The sales increase at our comparable Company-owned restaurants was due to higher customer counts of approximately 2.1% and higher check averages of approximately 2.7%.  We believe that favorable weather conditions had a positive impact on our Coney Island restaurant this summer.  During the second quarter fiscal 2010, sales to our television retailer were approximately $12,000 higher than the second quarter fiscal 2009. Nathan’s products were on air 16 times during the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to 13 times during the second quarter fiscal 2009.

Franchise fees and royalties were $1,312,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $1,191,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. Total royalties were $1,162,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $1,058,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. During the second quarter fiscal 2010, we did not recognize revenue of $20,000 for royalties deemed to be uncollectible as compared to the second quarter fiscal 2009, when we did not recognize $70,000 of royalty income. Total royalties, excluding the adjustments for royalties deemed uncollectible as described above, were $1,182,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $1,128,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. During the second quarter fiscal 2010, Nathan’s earned $15,000 of higher royalties from sales by our manufacturers and primary distributor under our Branded Menu Program, primarily due to the increase in the number of Branded Menu locations.  Franchise restaurant sales were $25,169,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $25,143,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 126 Nathan’s outlets, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were $18,214,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $19,647,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009, a decrease of 7.3%.  Franchise sales continued to be negatively affected by the economic recession, particularly at our travel, retail and entertainment venues, where sales are lower by approximately 7.1% compared to the second quarter fiscal 2009. At September 27, 2009, 280 domestic and international franchised or Branded Menu Program franchise outlets were operating as compared to 235 domestic and international franchised or Branded Menu Program franchise outlets at September 28, 2008. Royalty income from 10 domestic franchised outlets was deemed unrealizable during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2009, as compared to 15 franchised outlets during the thirteen weeks ended September 28, 2008. Domestic franchise fee income was $136,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $79,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009 due to the opening of one more conventional location during the second quarter fiscal 2010. International franchise fee income was $14,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010, as compared to $9,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2009 primarily due to higher amortization of deferred development fees, associated with future development in Canada and China. During the second quarter fiscal 2010, eight new franchised outlets opened, including four Branded Menu Program outlets. During the second quarter fiscal 2009, nine new franchised outlets were opened, including seven Branded Menu Program outlets. We did not open any new international locations in the second quarter fiscal 2010 or the second quarter fiscal 2009.

License royalties decreased by $60,000 or 3.7% to $1,568,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $1,628,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. The primary reason for this decline relates to the $234,000 settlement of a multi-year dispute for the manufacture of Nathan’s proprietary ingredients in the second quarter fiscal 2009. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our retail and foodservice license agreements of $1,239,000 increased 14.2% from $1,085,000 as a result of higher licensee sales during the second quarter fiscal 2010.  Royalties earned from SFG, primarily from the retail sale of hot dogs, were $895,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $786,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2009. Royalties earned from another licensee, substantially from sales of hot dogs to Sam’s Club, were $344,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $299,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2009.  We earned higher royalties of $43,000 from our agreement for the sale of Nathan’s miniature bagel dogs to club stores.
 
-16-


Interest income was $240,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $275,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009, primarily due to lower interest earned on our cash and cash equivalents as a result of the lower current interest rate environment.

Other income was $18,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $13,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009.

Costs and Expenses from Continuing Operations

Overall, our cost of sales decreased by $508,000 to $8,093,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $8,601,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was $3,665,000 or 31.2% of sales during the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $2,817,000 or 24.7% of sales during the second quarter fiscal 2009.

Cost of sales in the Branded Product Program decreased by approximately $552,000 during the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to the second quarter fiscal 2009, primarily as a result of the 7.6% reduction in our cost of  hot dogs and lower sales volume. During the second quarter fiscal 2010, the market price of hot dogs was approximately 12.3% lower than during the second quarter fiscal 2009.  In January 2009, we entered into a purchase commitment, as amended, to acquire 2,592,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.685 per pound from April 2009 through September 2009, for approximately 47% of the expected usage. In January 2008, we entered into a purchase commitment to acquire approximately 1,785,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.535 per pound from April 2008 through August 2008, or approximately 30% of the expected usage.   These purchase commitments had varying affects on our hot dog costs during the second quarter fiscal 2010 and second quarter fiscal 2009, as compared to purchasing all of our products at the then-prevailing market price. During the second quarter fiscal 2010, the market price of hot dogs had declined from the time that we entered into the purchase commitment, costing the Company approximately $93,000 as compared to the benefit achieved from the prior purchase commitment during the second quarter fiscal 2009 when the market price of hot dogs continued to escalate resulting in savings of $158,000.

With respect to our Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the second quarter fiscal 2010 was $2,588,000 or 52.6% of restaurant sales, as compared to $2,523,000 or 53.9% of restaurant sales in the second quarter fiscal 2009.  During the second quarter fiscal 2010, our Company-owned stores experienced lower food, paper and labor costs as a percentage of sales which was partly offset by higher incentive compensation. The lower food cost as a percentage of sales was due primarily to the lower commodity cost of our products and the effect of sales price increases and certain menu changes. Cost of sales to our television retailer decreased by $21,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010, primarily due to lower costs for our hot dogs, which was partly offset by higher sales volume.

Restaurant operating expenses were $973,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $964,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. The increase during the second quarter fiscal 2010 when compared to the second quarter fiscal 2009 results from operating one more restaurant during the second quarter fiscal 2010 of $54,000 which was offset by a net reduction in operating expenses. Restaurant operating expenses at our comparable restaurants were $43,000 lower during the second quarter fiscal 2010, due primarily to lower utility costs of $77,000 and reductions in various other costs of $44,000, which were partly offset by higher occupancy costs of $29,000, insurance costs of $29,000 and marketing costs of $24,000 in connection with one monthly free standing insert campaign. During the second quarter fiscal 2010 our utility costs were approximately 8.3% lower than the second quarter fiscal 2009 which was due to lower commodity costs and lower consumption. We continue to be concerned about the uncertain market conditions for oil and natural gas.

Depreciation and amortization was $201,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $200,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009.

General and administrative expenses decreased by $10,000 to $2,239,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2010 as compared to $2,249,000 in the second quarter fiscal 2009. The difference in general and administrative expenses was primarily due to a decrease in bad debts of $95,000 and un-reimbursed property costs of $48,000, which was partly offset by higher marketing expenses of $61,000, higher professional fees of approximately $50,000 and higher compensation costs of $18,000.

Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations

In the second quarter fiscal 2010, the income tax provision was $1,227,000 or 36.2% of income from continuing operations before income taxes as compared to $1,093,000 or 37.0% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the second quarter fiscal 2009. For the fiscal periods ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008, Nathan’s tax provision, excluding the effects of tax-exempt interest income, was 38.5% and 40.2%, respectively. During the second quarter fiscal 2010, Nathan’s resolved an uncertain tax position in one state and has reduced the associated unrecognized tax benefits and the related accrued interest and penalties by approximately $50,000 which lowered the effective tax rate from 37.7% to 36.2%. Nathan’s is seeking to further resolve additional uncertain tax positions during the year ending March 28, 2010. Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefits and the related accrued interest and penalties could be reduced by $50,000 to $175,000.
 
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Twenty-six weeks ended September 27, 2009 compared to twenty-six weeks ended September 28, 2008

Revenues from Continuing Operations

Total sales were $22,773,000 for the twenty-six weeks ended September 27, 2009 (“fiscal 2010 period”) as compared to $22,434,000 for the twenty-six weeks ended September 28, 2008 (“fiscal 2009 period”).   Foodservice sales from the Branded Product and Branded Menu Programs increased by 2.4% to $13,215,000 for the fiscal 2010 period as compared to sales of $12,901,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. This increase was primarily attributable to higher average selling prices of 9.4%, which was partly offset by lower sales volume of approximately 6.3%. Total Company-owned restaurant sales (representing four comparable Nathan’s restaurants and one seasonal restaurant during both periods, two restaurants that the Company  has operated due to the default of a franchisee on its franchise agreement and one restaurant that was transferred to a franchisee on January 26, 2009) were $8,416,000 for the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $8,540,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. Sales at the five comparable Company-owned restaurants (including one seasonal restaurant) were $8,239,000 during the fiscal 2010 period, as compared to $8,192,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. The sales increase at our five comparable Company-owned restaurants was adversely affected by reduced sales during June 2009, which we believe was primarily attributable to poor weather conditions.  The rain during June 2009 severely reduced the number of people that went to the beach and consequently our Coney Island restaurant.  Sales during the five months at these five restaurants, excluding June 2009, increased by approximately 4.8% over the same period last year. During the fiscal 2010 period, sales to our television retailer were approximately $149,000 higher than the fiscal 2009 period. Nathan’s products were on air 57 times during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to 31 times during the fiscal 2009 period. This year’s airings included 10 “Try Me” special promotions, seven “Today’s Special Value” promotions and two, half-hour food shows.

Franchise fees and royalties were $2,466,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $2,343,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. Total royalties were $2,199,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $2,093,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. During the fiscal 2010 period, we did not recognize revenue of $125,000 for royalties deemed to be uncollectible as compared to the fiscal 2009 period, when we did not recognize $98,000 of royalty income. Total royalties, excluding the adjustments for royalties deemed uncollectible as described above, were $2,324,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $2,191,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. During the fiscal 2010 period, Nathan’s earned $45,000 of higher royalties from sales by our manufacturers and primary distributor under our Branded Menu Program, primarily due to the increase in the number of Branded Menu locations.  Franchise restaurant sales were $49,167,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $48,900,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. Comparable domestic franchise sales (consisting of 126 Nathan’s outlets, excluding sales under the Branded Menu Program) were $34,837,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $37,470,000 in the fiscal 2009 period, a decrease of 7.0%.  Franchise sales continued to be negatively affected by the economic recession, particularly at our travel, retail and entertainment venues, where sales are lower by approximately 8.1% compared to the fiscal 2009 period. At September 27, 2009, 280 domestic and international franchised or Branded Menu Program franchise outlets were determined to be operating as compared to 235 domestic and international franchised or Branded Menu Program franchise outlets at September 28, 2008. Royalty income from 10 domestic franchised outlets was deemed unrealizable during the twenty-six weeks ended March 29, 2009, as compared to 16 franchised outlets during the twenty-six weeks ended September 28, 2008. Domestic franchise fee income was $204,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $126,000 in the fiscal 2009 period due to higher opening fees earned from conventional franchised locations during the fiscal 2010 period. International franchise fee income was $63,000 in the fiscal 2010 period, as compared to $79,000 during the fiscal 2009 period primarily due to fewer openings of international franchised restaurants. During the fiscal 2010 period, 15 new franchised outlets opened, including eight Branded Menu Program outlets, one unit in Kuwait and one unit in the Dominican Republic. During the fiscal 2009 period, 23 new franchised outlets were opened, including 16 Branded Menu Program outlets, two units in Kuwait and one unit in Dubai.

License royalties increased by $132,000 or 4.1% to $3,375,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $3,243,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. Total royalties earned on sales of hot dogs from our retail and foodservice license agreements of $2,755,000 increased 12.8% from $2,443,000 as a result of higher licensee sales during the fiscal 2010 period.  Royalties earned from SFG, primarily from the retail sale of hot dogs, were $2,020,000 during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $1,838,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. Royalties earned from another licensee, substantially from sales of hot dogs to Sam’s Club, were $735,000 during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $605,000 during the fiscal 2009 period. Beginning March 2008, Nathan’s World Famous Beef Hot Dogs were introduced into over 500 of the foodservice cafes operating in Sam’s Clubs throughout the United States. The Sam’s Club introduction was substantially completed by June 2008.  Accordingly, we anticipate earning similar royalties under this agreement during the balance of this fiscal year as compared to the last two fiscal quarters of last year. We earned lower royalties of $190,000 from the sale of proprietary ingredients during the fiscal 2010 period.  During the fiscal 2009 period, we earned $234,000 in settlement of a multi-year dispute under that agreement related to the unauthorized use of certain ingredients. During the fiscal 2010 period, revenues from our agreement for the manufacture of Nathan’s proprietary ingredients increased by $37,000 when compared to sales in fiscal 2009.

Interest income was $480,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $522,000 in the fiscal 2009 period, primarily due to lower interest income on our cash and cash equivalents as a result of the lower current interest rate environment and the MSC Note (as defined) receivable, received in connection with the sale of Miami Subs on June 7, 2007.

Other income was $34,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $25,000 in the fiscal 2009 period.
 
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Costs and Expenses from Continuing Operations

Overall, our cost of sales decreased by $731,000 to $16,202,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $16,933,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. Our gross profit (representing the difference between sales and cost of sales) was $6,571,000 or 28.9% of sales during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $5,501,000 or 24.5% of sales during the fiscal 2009 period.

Cost of sales in the Branded Product Program decreased by approximately $645,000 during the fiscal 2010 period as compared to the fiscal 2009 period, primarily as a result of the sales volume decline, and decrease in the cost of our hot dogs by approximately 0.9%. During the fiscal 2010 period, the market price of hot dogs was approximately 5.8% lower than during the fiscal 2009 period.  In January 2009, we entered into a purchase commitment, as amended, to acquire 2,592,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.685 per pound from April 2009 through September 2009, or approximately 47% of the expected usage. In January 2008, we entered into a purchase commitment to acquire approximately 1,785,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.535 per pound from April 2008 through August 2008, or approximately 30% of the expected usage.   These purchase commitments had varying effects on our hot dog costs during the fiscal 2010 and fiscal 2009 periods, as compared to purchasing all of our products at the then-prevailing market price. During the fiscal 2010 period, the market price of hot dogs declined from the time that we entered into the purchase commitment, costing the Company approximately $52,000. During the fiscal 2009 period, the market price of hot dogs continued to escalate and the purchase commitment yielded savings of $462,000. Beginning in July 2008, we initiated price increases in our Branded Product Program, in an effort to offset the increased cost of our hot dogs, which has improved margins. If the cost of beef and beef trimmings increases for product in excess of that covered by the purchase commitment and we are unable to pass on these higher costs through price increases, our margins will be adversely impacted.

With respect to our Company-owned restaurants, our cost of sales during the fiscal 2010 period was $4,585,000 or 54.5% of restaurant sales, as compared to $4,760,000 or 55.7% of restaurant sales in the fiscal 2009 period.  During the fiscal 2010 period, our Company-owned stores experienced lower food, paper and labor as a percentage of sales. The lower food cost as a percentage of sales was due primarily to the slightly lower commodity cost of our products and the effect of the sales price increases and certain menu changes. Cost of sales to our television retailer increased by $89,000 in the fiscal 2010 period, primarily due to higher sales volume.

Restaurant operating expenses decreased by $80,000 to $1,796,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $1,876,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. The decrease during the fiscal 2010 period when compared to the fiscal 2009 period results from lower operating costs at our comparable restaurants during the fiscal 2010 period of $74,000 due primarily to lower utility costs of $91,000 and reductions in various other costs of $78,000, which were partly offset by higher marketing costs of $57,000 in connection with four monthly free standing insert campaigns and insurance costs of $30,000. During the fiscal 2010 period our utility costs were approximately 21.4% lower than the fiscal 2009 period which was due to lower commodity costs and lower consumption. We continue to be concerned about the uncertain market conditions for oil and natural gas.

Depreciation and amortization was $400,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $398,000 in the fiscal 2009 period.

General and administrative expenses increased by $173,000 or 3.7% to $4,867,000 in the fiscal 2010 period as compared to $4,694,000 in the fiscal 2009 period. The difference in general and administrative expenses was due primarily to higher professional fees of $155,000 and marketing and related expenses of $54,000 which were partly offset by other savings.

Provision for Income Taxes from Continuing Operations

In the fiscal 2010 period, the income tax provision was $2,137,000 or 36.4% of income from continuing operations before income taxes as compared to $1,893,000 or 37.1% of income from continuing operations before income taxes in the fiscal 2009 period. For the fiscal periods ended September 27, 2009 and September 28, 2008, Nathan’s tax provision, excluding the effects of tax-exempt interest income, was 39.2% and 40.4%, respectively. During the fiscal 2010 period, Nathan’s resolved an uncertain tax position in one state and has reduced the associated unrecognized tax benefits and the related accrued interest and penalties by approximately $50,000 which lowered the effective tax rate from 37.3% to 36.4%. Nathan’s is seeking to further resolve additional uncertain tax positions during the year ending March 28, 2010. Nathan’s estimates that its unrecognized tax benefits and the related accrued interest and penalties could be reduced by $50,000 to $175,000.

Discontinued Operations

On April 23, 2008, Nathan’s completed the sale of its wholly-owned subsidiary, NF Roasters Corp. (“NF Roasters”), to Roasters Asia Pacific (Cayman) Limited. Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement, Nathan’s sold all of the stock of NF Roasters for $4,000,000 in cash. The results of operations for NF Roasters, including the gains on disposal, have been presented as discontinued operations for the fiscal 2009 period.

Nathan’s realized a gain on the sale of NF Roasters of $3,656,000 net of professional fees of $39,000, and recorded income taxes of $1,289,000 on the gain during the twenty-six weeks ended September 28, 2008. Nathan’s has determined that it will not have any significant cash flows or continuing involvement in the ongoing operations of NF Roasters.
 
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On June 7, 2007, Nathan’s completed the sale of Miami Subs to Miami Subs Capital Partners I, Inc. (“Purchaser”). Pursuant to the Stock Purchase Agreement (“MSC Agreement”), Nathan’s sold all of the stock of Miami Subs in exchange for $3,250,000, consisting of $850,000 in cash and the Purchasers’ promissory note in the amount of $2,400,000 (the “MSC Note”).  In the event the MSC Note was fully repaid within one year of the sale, Nathan’s had agreed to reduce the amount due by $250,000. Due to the ability to prepay the loan and reduce the amount due, the recognition of $250,000 was initially deferred. The MSC Note was not prepaid within the requisite timeframe and Nathan’s recognized $250,000 as additional gain and initially recorded estimated income taxes of $92,000 during the fiscal 2009 period, resulting from the contingent consideration which was deferred at the time of sale.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not a party to any off-balance sheet arrangements, other than the remaining purchase commitment to acquire approximately 118,000 pounds of hot dogs and two purchase commitments that Nathan’s entered in October 2009, to acquire 1,965,000 pounds of hot dogs between November 2009 and March 2010. Nathan’s has entered into the purchase commitments in an effort to mitigate the effect of increases in the price of beef and beef trimmings.  As a result of the purchase commitment, Nathan’s costs were approximately $52,000 higher due to the unexpected reduction in commodity costs during the summer of 2009. Nathan’s may enter into additional purchase commitments in the future as favorable market conditions become available.  See Note J to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents at September 27, 2009 aggregated $8,691,000, increasing by $12,000 during the fiscal 2010 period.  At September 27, 2009, marketable securities were $25,789,000 compared to $25,670,000 at March 29, 2009 and net working capital increased to $36,949,000 from $35,303,000 at March 29, 2009.

Cash provided by operations of $3,213,000 in the fiscal 2010 period is primarily attributable to net income of $3,726,000 and other non-cash items of   $850,000, net.   Changes in Nathan’s operating assets and liabilities decreased cash by $1,363,000, resulting primarily from increased accounts and other receivables of $1,331,000, and decreased accounts payable and accrued expenses of $930,000, which were partly offset by decreases in prepaid expenses of $634,000 and increased other non-current liabilities of $317,000 primarily from master development fees received in Canada and China. The increase in accounts and other receivables relates primarily to normal seasonal fluctuations from franchisees and licensees of $528,000, advances to Nathan’s advertising fund of $503,000 and increased sales under the Branded Product Program and to our television retailer of $138,000. The decrease in prepaid expenses is due primarily to the reduction of prepaid corporate income taxes of $256,000 which have been applied against the fiscal 2010 period income, usage of prepaid expenses for insurance of $228,000,  rent of $50,000 and various other reductions.

Cash provided by investing activities was $260,000 in the fiscal 2010 period, primarily related to cash proceeds of $435,000 from the redemption of maturing available-for-sale securities and $142,000 from the receipt of all scheduled payments on the MSC Note receivable. We also incurred capital expenditures of $317,000 and expect to incur capital expenditures of approximately $1,000,000, net of landlord contributions, in connection with the relocation of our corporate office over the next four to six months.

Cash was used in financing activities of $3,461,000 in the fiscal 2010 period, primarily for the purchase of 390,496 treasury shares of Company Common Stock at a cost of $5,019,000 pursuant to the stock repurchase plans as authorized by the Board of Directors on November 5, 2007 and June 30, 2009, as more fully described below.  Cash was received from the proceeds of employee stock option exercises of $696,000 and the expected realization of the associated tax benefit of $862,000.

Through September 27, 2009, Nathan’s purchased a total of 3,084,302 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $23,817,000 pursuant to its stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the Board of Directors.  Of these repurchased shares, 390,496 shares of common stock were repurchased during the twenty-six-week period ended September 27, 2009.  On November 13, 2008, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized a fourth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, under which 193,806 shares were repurchased at a cost of $2,400,000 as of September 27, 2009.

On February 5, 2009, Nathan’s and MSI entered into an agreement (the “10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI has been authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, having a value of up to an aggregate $3.6 million, which commenced on March 16, 2009.  The 10b5-1 Agreement was adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing its previously-announced fourth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares.  The 10b5-1 Agreement shall terminate no later than March 15, 2010.

On June 30, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its fifth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company and the Company repurchased 238,129 shares of common stock at a cost of $3,015,000 in a privately-negotiated transaction with Prime Logic Capital, LLC. The Company has repurchased 390,496 shares at a cost of $5,019,000 as of September 27, 2009, under the fifth stock repurchase plan.
 
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There are 306,194 and 109,504 shares remaining to be purchased pursuant to the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans, respectively.

Purchases may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management.  There is no set time limit on the repurchases to be made under the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans.

Management believes that available cash, marketable securities and cash generated from operations should provide sufficient capital to finance our operations and stock repurchases for at least the next twelve months.

Nathan’s philosophy with respect to maintaining a balance sheet with a significant amount of cash and marketable securities reflects our views of maintaining readily available capital to expand our existing business and pursue any new business opportunities which might present themselves to expand our business.  Nathan’s routinely assesses its investment management approach with respect to our current and potential capital requirements.

We   expect that in the future we will continue the stock repurchase programs, make investments for our new corporate office and certain existing restaurants, support the growth of the Branded Product and Branded Menu Programs and fund those investments from our operating cash flow. We may also incur capital and other expenditures or engage in investing activities in connection with opportunistic situations that may arise on a case-by-case basis.

At September 27, 2009, there were two properties that we lease from third parties which we sublease to a franchisee and a non-franchisee. We are also seeking to sublease two restaurant properties to a new franchisee on which another franchisee had previously defaulted on the sublease agreements.  We remain contingently liable for all costs associated with these properties including: rent, property taxes and insurance. We may incur future cash payments with respect to such properties, consisting primarily of future lease payments, including costs and expenses associated with terminating any of such leases.

The following schedule represents Nathan’s cash contractual obligations and commitments by maturity (in thousands):

   
Payments Due by Period
 
   
 
   
Less than
               
More than
 
Cash Contractual Obligations
 
Total
   
1 Year
   
1 - 3 Years
   
3-5 Years
   
5 Years
 
                               
Employment Agreements
  $ 2,893     $ 1,236     $ 957     $ 300     $ 400  
Operating Leases
    14,149       1,134       1,992       1,929       9,094  
Gross Cash Contractual Obligations
    17,042       2,370       2,949       2,229       9,494  
                                         
Sublease Income
    748       193       353       116       86  
Net Cash Contractual Obligations
  $ 16,294     $ 2,177     $ 2,596     $ 2,113     $ 9,408  
       
   
Amount of Commitment Expiration by Period
 
   
Total
                                 
   
Amounts
   
Less than
                   
More than
 
Other Contractual Commitments
 
Committed
   
1 Year
   
1 - 3 Years
   
3-5 Years
   
5 Years
 
                                         
Commitments to purchase (A)
  $ 1,300     $ 1,300     $ -     $ -     $ -  
Total Other Contractual Commitments
  $ 1,300     $ 1,300     $ -     $ -     $ -  

(A) Does not include our commitment to purchase 1.205 million pounds of hot dogs between January and March 2010 which have not been priced.

Inflationary Impact

We do not believe that general inflation has materially impacted earnings since 2006. However, since then, we have experienced volatility in our costs for certain food products, distribution costs and utilities. Our commodity costs for beef have been especially volatile since fiscal 2004. During the fiscal 2010 period, the market price of hot dogs was approximately 5.8% lower than during the fiscal 2009 period. However, as a result of the Company’s purchase commitment during that same period, our cost of beef was only approximately 0.9% lower than the fiscal 2009 period. During the fiscal 2010 period, the cost of hot dogs did not increase as rapidly as we experienced during the period May 2008 through September 2008, when the cost of hot dogs reached the highest level since the inception of our Branded Product Program. Consequently, the resulting impact of the purchase commitment did not yield the same benefit during the fiscal 2010 period. During the fiscal 2010 period, our costs were approximately 0.6% higher than if our purchases were made at the prevailing market prices as compared to the fiscal 2009 period, when our costs were lowered by 4.4%. Since January 2009, the cost of beef and beef trimmings has been relatively stable, experiencing normal seasonal fluctuations.   However, we are unable to predict the future cost of our hot dogs and expect to experience   price volatility for our beef products during the balance of fiscal 2010.   During the fiscal 2010 period we experienced lower costs for corn oil and cheese, which were partly offset by higher costs for potatoes. We may seek to enter into additional purchase commitments for hot dogs and corn oil in the future. Additionally, we continue to experience the volatility in oil and gas prices on our distribution costs for our food products and utility costs in our Company-owned restaurants.
 
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From time to time, various Federal and New York State legislators have proposed changes to the minimum wage requirements. The Federal and New York State minimum wages were increased to $7.25 per hour, effective July 24, 2009.  This increase was the final scheduled increase pursuant to existing legislation where our Company-owned restaurants are located. This wage increase did not have a material impact on our results of operations or financial position as the vast majority of our employees are paid at a rate higher than the minimum wage.  Although we only operated five Company-owned restaurants at that time, we believe that significant increases in the minimum wage could have a significant financial impact on our financial results and the results of our franchisees. Continued increases in labor, food and other operating expenses could adversely affect our operations and those of the restaurant industry and we might have to further reconsider our pricing strategy as a means to offset reduced operating margins.

The Company’s business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows can be impacted by a number of factors, including but not limited to those set forth above in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” any one of which could cause our actual results to vary materially from recent results or from our anticipated future results. For a discussion identifying additional risk factors and important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated, also see the discussions in “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” in this Form 10-Q and “Risk Factors” in our Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended March 29, 2009.

 
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Item 3.     Quantitative  and Qualitative  Disclosures About Market Risk.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

We have historically invested our cash and cash equivalents in short term, fixed rate, highly rated and highly liquid instruments which are reinvested when they mature throughout the year.  Although our existing investments are not considered at risk with respect to changes in interest rates or markets for these instruments, our rate of return on short-term investments could be affected at the time of reinvestment as a result of intervening events. As of September 27, 2009, Nathans’ cash and cash equivalents aggregated $8,691,000. Earnings on these cash and cash equivalents would increase or decrease by approximately $22,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates.

Marketable Securities

We have invested our marketable securities in intermediate term, fixed rate, highly rated and highly liquid instruments. These investments are subject to fluctuations in interest rates. As of September 27, 2009, the market value of Nathans’ marketable securities aggregated $25,789,000. Interest income on these marketable securities would increase or decrease by approximately $64,000 per annum for each 0.25% change in interest rates. The following chart presents the hypothetical changes in the fair value of the marketable investment securities held at September 27, 2009 that are sensitive to interest rate fluctuations (in thousands):

   
Valuation of securities
         
Valuation of securities  
 
    
Given an interest rate  
         
Given an interest rate
 
    
Decrease of X Basis points
   
Fair
   
Increase of X Basis points
 
    
(150BPS)
   
(100BPS)
   
(50BPS)
   
Value
   
+50BPS
   
+100BPS
 
+150BPS
 
                                         
Municipal notes and bonds
  $ 26,801     $ 26,503     $ 26,169     $ 25,789     $ 25,385     $ 24,978   $ 24,567  

Borrowings

The interest rate on our prior borrowings was generally determined based upon the prime rate and was subject to market fluctuation as the prime rate changed, as determined within each specific agreement.  At September 27, 2009, we had no outstanding indebtedness. If we were to borrow money in the future, such borrowings would be based upon the then prevailing interest rates. We do not anticipate entering into interest rate swaps or other financial instruments to hedge our borrowings. Accordingly, we do not believe that fluctuations in interest rates would have a material impact on our financial results.

Commodity Costs

The cost of commodities is subject to market fluctuation. In January 2009, we entered a purchase commitment, as amended, to acquire 2,592,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.685 per pound from April 2009 through September 2009. In January 2008, we entered into a purchase commitment to acquire approximately 1,785,000 pounds of hot dogs at $1.535 per pound from April 2008 through August 2008. During the fiscal 2010 period, the market price of hot dogs was approximately 5.8% lower than during the fiscal 2009 period. However, during that same period, due to our purchase commitment our cost of beef was only approximately 0.9% lower than the fiscal 2009 period. We have entered into two similar arrangements and may further attempt to enter into similar arrangements for hot dogs and other products in the future.  With the exception of those commitments, we have not attempted to hedge against fluctuations in the prices of the commodities we purchase using future, forward, option or other instruments.  As a result, we expect that the majority of our future commodities purchases will be subject to changes in the prices of such commodities. Generally, we have attempted to pass through permanent increases in our commodity prices to our customers, thereby reducing the impact of long-term increases on our financial results. A short-term increase or decrease of 10.0% in the cost of our food and paper products for the twenty-six weeks ended September 27, 2009 would have increased or decreased our cost of sales by approximately $1,292,000.

Foreign Currencies

Foreign franchisees generally conduct business with us and make payments in United States dollars, reducing the risks inherent with changes in the values of foreign currencies.  As a result, we have not purchased future contracts, options or other instruments to hedge against changes in values of foreign currencies and we do not believe fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies would have a material impact on our financial results.
 
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Item 4.  Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures, as required by Exchange Act Rule 13a-15.  Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our principal executive and principal financial officers, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Internal Controls

There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during the thirteen weeks ended September 27, 2009 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on the Effectiveness of Controls

We believe that a control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control system are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives and our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that such controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
.
-24-


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

I tem 1. Legal Proceedings.

We and our subsidiaries are from time to time involved in ordinary and routine litigation.  Management presently believes that the ultimate outcome of such ordinary and routine litigation, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material adverse effect on our financial position, cash flows or results of operations.  Nevertheless, litigation is subject to inherent uncertainties and unfavorable rulings could occur.  An unfavorable ruling could include money damages and, in such event, could result in a material adverse impact on our results of operations for the period in which the ruling occurs.

On March 20, 2007, a personal injury lawsuit was initiated seeking unspecified damages against the Company's subtenant and the Company's master landlord at a leased property in Huntington, New York.  The claim relates to damages suffered by an individual as a result of an alleged "trip and fall" on the sidewalk in front of the leased property, maintenance of which is the subtenant's responsibility.  Although the Company was not named as a defendant in the lawsuit, under its master lease agreement the Company may have an obligation to indemnify the master landlord in connection with this claim.  The Company did not maintain its own insurance on the property concerned at the time of the incident; however, the Company is named as an additional insured under its subtenant's liability policy.  Accordingly, if the master landlord is found liable for damages and seeks indemnity from the Company, the Company believes that it would be entitled to coverage under the subtenant's insurance policy.  Additionally, under the terms of the sublease, the subtenant is required to indemnify the Company, regardless of insurance coverage.

The Company is party to a License Agreement with SMG, Inc. ("SMG") dated as of February 28, 1994, as amended (the "License Agreement") pursuant to which: (i) SMG acts as the Company's exclusive licensee for the manufacture, distribution, marketing and sale of packaged Nathan's Famous frankfurter product at supermarkets, club stores and other retail outlets in the United States; and (ii) the Company has the right, but not the obligation, to require SMG to produce frankfurters for the Nathan's Famous restaurant system and Branded Product Program.  On July 31, 2007, the Company provided notice to SMG that the Company has elected to terminate the License Agreement, effective July 31, 2008 (the "Termination Date"), due to SMG's breach of certain provisions of the License Agreement. SMG has disputed that a breach has occurred and has commenced, together with certain of its affiliates, an action in state court in Illinois seeking, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did not breach the License Agreement. The Company filed its own action on August 2, 2007, in New York State court seeking a declaratory judgment that SMG has breached the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated the License Agreement. On January 23, 2008, the New York court granted SMG’s motion to dismiss the Company’s case in New York on the basis that the dispute was already the subject of a pending lawsuit in Illinois.   The Company has answered SMG's complaint and asserted its own counterclaims which seek, among other things, a declaratory judgment that SMG did breach the License Agreement and that the Company has properly terminated the License Agreement. On July 31, 2008, SMG and Nathan’s entered into a Stipulation pursuant to which Nathan’s agreed that it would not effectuate the termination of the License Agreement on the grounds alleged in the present litigation until such litigation has been successfully adjudicated, and SMG agreed that in such event, Nathan’s shall have the option to require SMG to continue to perform under the License Agreement for an additional period of up to six months to ensure an orderly transition of the business to a new licensee/supplier. Each of the parties has moved for summary judgment in its favor.

On July 31, 2009, the Company was served with a class action complaint filed in the Superior Court of the State of New Jersey, Essex County (the "Complaint").  In addition to Nathan's Famous, Inc., the Complaint names as defendants Kraft Foods, Sara Lee Corporation, ConAgra Foods, Inc., and Marathon Enterprises, Inc. (and together with Nathan's Famous, Inc., the "Defendants"). The named class plaintiffs purport to represent consumers who have purchased processed meat products that were distributed and sold in New Jersey from July 22, 2003 through July 22, 2009.  The Complaint alleges, among other things, that Defendants violated the New Jersey Consumer Fraud Act (N.J.S.A. 56:8-2) (the "Act") by omitting material information about their respective processed meat products for the purpose of inducing consumers to purchase the products.  The Complaint seeks injunctive relief, attorneys' fees and costs incurred in bringing the lawsuit.  The named plaintiffs are further seeking combined damages in the amount of $900.00. If a violation of the Act is found to have occurred, named plaintiffs are entitled to trebled damages in the combined amount of $2,700.00.  The Company is presently evaluating its response to the Complaint; however, management believes that any liability will not have a material impact on the financial condition of the Company.

On October 5, 2009, the Company was served with a summons and complaint filed in the Supreme Court of Suffolk County, New York. The plaintiff, Painted Pieces LTD, alleges copyright infringement and asserts causes of action for breach of contract, unjust enrichment, willful wrongful use of plaintiff’s artwork, and violation of the New York general business law, in each case due to the reproduction of certain artwork used by the Company in its advertising.  The complaint seeks damages of an aggregate $10.5 million. 

On November 2, 2009, the Company removed the action to the United Stated District Court, Eastern District of New York.  The Company denies all of the claims asserted against it in this litigation and intends to vigorously defend against the action.

The Company has submitted the claim to its various insurance carriers for defense and indemnification.  Two of the several insurance carriers have initially declined coverage and the Company is presently reviewing its rights in relation thereto.  
 
-25-

 
Item 1A. Risk Factors.

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factor described below, as well as those discussed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described below and in our Annual Report on Form 10-K are not the only risks facing Nathan's. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Changes in the U.S. healthcare system could increase our cost of doing business.
 
The Federal government has been considering various proposals to reform the U.S. health care system. Certain proposals contemplate an increase in employer costs. If adopted, those proposals would increase our cost of doing business and adversely impact our results of operations.
 
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds .

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Period (A)
 
(a) Total Number of
Shares Purchased
   
(b) Average Price
Paid per Share
   
(c) Total Number of
Shares Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
   
(d) Maximum
Number of Shares
that May Yet Be
Purchased Under the
Plans
 
June 29, 2009 - July 26, 2009
    238,129     $ 12.6600       238,129       568,065  
July 27, 2009 - August 23, 2009
    -0-       -0-       -0-       568,065  
August 24, 2009 - September 27, 2009
    152,367     $ 13.1497       152,367       415,698  
Total
    390,496     $ 12.8511       390,496       415,698  

A) Represents the Company’s fiscal periods during the second quarter ended September 27, 2009.

On September 14, 2001, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to 1,000,000 shares of its common stock. Pursuant to its first stock repurchase program, Nathan’s repurchased 1,000,000 shares of common stock in open market transactions and a private transaction at a total cost of $3,670,000. On October 7, 2002, Nathan’s was authorized to purchase up to 1,000,000 additional shares of its common stock. Nathan’s concluded the second authorized stock repurchase program of 1,000,000 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $5,416,000. On November 5, 2007, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to an additional 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company.  On June 11, 2008, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities, Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an agreement (the “first 10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI was authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock having a value of up to an aggregate $6 million.  Purchases under the first 10b5-1 Agreement have been completed. On February 5, 2009, Nathan’s and MSI entered into a second agreement (the “second 10b5-1 Agreement”) pursuant to which MSI has been authorized to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, having a value of up to an aggregate $3.6 million, which purchases commenced on March 16, 2009.  Both the first and the second 10b5-1 Agreements were adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing its previously announced stock repurchase plans, for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares.  The first 10b5-1 plan was completed. The second 10b5-1 Agreement was orginally due to terminate no later than March 15, 2010. On November 6, 2009, Nathan's and MSI amended the terms of the second 10b5-1 Agreement to increase the aggregate amount to $4.2 million and extend the termination date to no later than August 10, 2010.

  On November 13, 2008, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized a fourth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock, under which 193,806 shares were repurchased at a cost of $2,400,000 as of September 27, 2009.

On June 30, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its fifth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company and the Company repurchased 238,129 shares of common stock at a cost of $3,015,000 in a privately-negotiated transaction with Prime Logic Capital, LLC. The Company has repurchased 390,496 shares at a cost of $5,019,000 as of September 27, 2009, under the fifth stock repurchase plan.

There are 306,194 and 109,504 shares remaining to be purchased pursuant to the fourth and fifth stock repurchase plans, respectively.
 
-26-

 
Through September 27, 2009, Nathan’s purchased a total of 3,084,302 shares of common stock at a cost of approximately $23,817,000 pursuant to its stock repurchase plans previously authorized by the Board of Directors.  Of these repurchased shares 390,496 shares of common stock were repurchased during the twenty-six-week period ended September 27, 2009.

On November 3, 2009, Nathan’s Board of Directors authorized its sixth stock repurchase plan for the purchase of up to 500,000 shares of its common stock on behalf of the Company.

Purchases may be made from time to time, depending on market conditions, in open market or privately-negotiated transactions, at prices deemed appropriate by management.  There is no set time limit on the repurchases to be made under the fourth, fifth and sixth stock repurchase plans.

Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.

(a)
The Company held its Annual Meeting of Stockholders on September 10, 2009 .

(b)
Nine Directors were elected at the Annual Meeting to serve until the Annual Meeting of Stockholders in 2010. The names of these Directors and votes cast in favor of their election and shares withheld are as follows :

Vote to be updated
 
FOR
   
WITHHELD
 
HOWARD M. LORBER
    3,763,315       564,416  
ERIC GATOFF
    4,085,077       242,654  
WAYNE NORBITZ
    4,087,898       239,833  
ROBERT J. EIDE
    3,908,876       418,855  
BRIAN S. GENSON
    4,222,458       105,273  
BARRY LEISTNER
    4,233,367       94,364  
DONALD L. PERLYN
    3,836,374       491,357  
A.F. PETROCELLI
    3,830,427       497,304  
CHARLES RAICH
    3,764,177       563,554  
 
Item 5.
Other Information

Item 1.01 Entry into a Material Definitive Agreement.
On November 6, 2009, Nathan’s and Mutual Securities, Inc. (“MSI”) entered into an amendment (the “Amendment”) to the Issuer Repurchase Agreement between Nathan’s and MSI dated February 5, 2009 (the “Issuer Repurchase Agreement”). Pursuant to the Amendment, the period during which MSI may purchase common stock under the Issuer Repurchase Agreement has been extended until August 10, 2010 and the aggregate value of the shares purchasable under the Issuer Repurchase Agreement was increased to $4.2 million. Both the Issuer Repurchase Agreement and the Amendment were adopted under the safe harbor provided by Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 in order to assist the Company in implementing its previously announced stock purchase plans.  
 
-27-

 
Item 6.  Exhibits

3.1 
Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33- 56976.)

3.2 
Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 15, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

3.3 
By-Laws, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated November 1, 2006.)

4.1 
Specimen Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

4.2 
Specimen Rights Certificate.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Form 8-A/A dated December 10, 1999.)

4.3 
Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of December 10, 1999 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated December 10, 1999.)

4.4 
Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of June 15, 2005 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated June 15, 2005.)

4.5 
Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)

4.6 
Rights Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)

10.1 
Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2009 among Nathan’s Famous, Inc., Prime Logic Capital LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009.)

10.2 
*Agreement of Lease between One-Two Jericho Plaza Owner, LLC and Nathan’s Famous Services, Inc. dated September 11, 2009.

10.3 
*Guaranty by Nathan’s Famous, Inc. of Agreement of Lease with One-Two Jericho Plaza Owner, LLC dated September 11, 2009.

 
10.4 
*First Amendment to 10b5-1 Issuer Repurchase Instructions between Nathan's Famous, Inc. and Mutual Securities, Inc. dated November 6, 2009.
     
31.1 
*Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 
*Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 
*Certification by Eric Gatoff, CEO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 
*Certification by Ronald G. DeVos, CFO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

* Filed herewith .
 
-28-

 
SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

  NATHAN'S FAMOUS, INC.
     
Date: November 06, 2009
By: 
/s/Eric Gatoff
   
  Eric Gatoff
   
  Chief Executive Officer
   
  (Principal Executive Officer)
     
Date: November 06, 2009
By: 
/s/Ronald G. DeVos
   
   Ronald G. DeVos
   
   Vice President - Finance
   
   and Chief Financial Officer
   
   (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
 
-29-

 
Exhibit Index

3.1 
Certificate of Incorporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33- 56976.)

3.2 
Amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation, filed December 15, 1992. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to Registration Statement on Form S-1 No. 33-56976.)

3.3 
By-Laws, as amended. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K dated November 1, 2006.)

4.1 
Specimen Stock Certificate. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Registration Statement onForm S-1 No. 33-56976.)

4.2 
Specimen Rights Certificate.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Form 8-A/A dated December 10, 1999.)

4.3 
Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of December 10, 1999 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2 to Registration Statement on Form 8-A/A dated December 10, 1999.)

4.4 
Amendment No. 1 to Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of June 15, 2005 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company.  (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated June 15, 2005.)

4.5 
Amendment No. 2 to Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)

4.6 
Rights Agreement dated as of June 4, 2008 between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and American Stock Transfer and Trust Company. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to Current Report filed on Form 8-K dated June 6, 2008.)

10.1 
Stock Purchase Agreement dated June 30, 2009 among Nathan’s Famous, Inc., Prime Logic Capital LLC and Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 29, 2009.)

10.2 
*Agreement of Lease between One-Two Jericho Plaza Owner, LLC and Nathan’s Famous Services, Inc. dated September 11, 2009.

10.3 
*Guaranty by Nathan’s Famous, Inc. of Agreement of Lease with One-Two Jericho Plaza Owner, LLC dated September 11, 2009.

10.4 
*First Amendment to 10b5-1 Issuer Repurchase Instructions between Nathan's Famous, Inc. and Mutual Securities, Inc. dated November 6, 2009.
   
31.1 
*Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 
*Certification of the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 
*Certification by Eric Gatoff, CEO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 
*Certification by Ronald G. DeVos, CFO, Nathan’s Famous, Inc., pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
 
* Filed herewith .
 
-30-

 
 
EXHIBIT 10.2
[EXECUTION COPY]       

AGREEMENT OF LEASE

BETWEEN

ONE-TWO JERICHO PLAZA OWNER, LLC,
LANDLORD

AND

NATHAN’S FAMOUS SERVICES, INC.,
TENANT

Premises located at
One Jericho Plaza
Jericho, New York 11753

Dated: September 11, 2009

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Article 1
 
Demised Premises and Lease Term
1
   
Article 2
 
Basic Rent and Additional Rent
7
   
Article 3
 
Use - Name of Building
11
   
Article 4
 
Repairs - Business Machines
11
   
Article 5
 
Changes, Alterations, Etc.
13
   
Article 6
 
Compliance with Laws
15
   
Article 7
 
Assignment, Subletting, Mortgaging, Etc.
16
   
Article 8
 
Indemnification by Tenant
19
   
Article 9
 
Services
20
   
Article 10
 
Inspection By Landlord - Right To Enter
23
   
Article 11
 
Condemnation
24
   
Article 12
 
Fire and Other Casualty and Required Insurance
25
   
Article 13
 
Subordination
28
   
Article 14
 
Certificates by Tenant and Landlord
29
   
Article 15
 
Events of Default
30
   
Article 16
 
Waivers
32
   
Article 17
 
Landlord May Cure Defaults
34
   
Article 18
 
Miscellaneous Provisions
34
 
 

 

 
Article 19
 
Quiet Enjoyment
36
   
Article 20
 
Definitions
36
   
Article 21
 
Surrender
37
   
Article 22
 
Notices
37
   
Article 23
 
Rules and Regulations
38
   
Article 24
 
No Representations by Landlord
38
   
Article 25
 
Inability to Perform
38
   
Article 26
 
Broker
39
   
Article 27
 
Successors and Assigns
39
   
Article 28
 
Exculpation
39
   
Article 29
 
Article Headings
40
   
Article 30
 
Antenna System
40
   
Article 31
 
Renewal Option
41
   
Article 32
 
Intentionally Omitted
43
   
Article 33
 
Storage Space
43
Exhibit A - Floor Plan
Exhibit B – Landlord’s Construction Rules and Regulations
Exhibit C – LANDLORD”S PRE-APPROVED CONTRACTORS
EXHIBIT D - cleaning specifications
Exhibit E – rules and regulations
Exhibit F- parking diagram
Exhibit G – STORAGE SPACE
EXHIBIT H - Subordination, Non-Disturbance and Attornment Agreement

 

 

AGREEMENT OF LEASE made the 11th day of September, 2009, between ONE-TWO JERICHO OWNER, LLC , a New York limited liability company, having its office at Two Jericho Plaza, Jericho, New York 11753 (hereinafter called “ Landlord ”) and NATHAN’S FAMOUS SERVICES, INC. , a Delaware corporation having offices at _________________________(hereinafter called “ Tenant ”).

WITNESSETH:

ARTICLE 1
 
Demised Premises and Lease Term

Section 1.1       Landlord is the fee owner of the land (the “ Land ”) and premises known and designated on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map as Section 11, Block 355, Lot 32, lying and being situate in Jericho, Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York.

Section 1.2      The Building on the premises is a three (3) story office building consisting of two (2) wings known as Wings A and B and generally known as and by the street address One Jericho Plaza, Jericho, New York (the “ Building ”).

Section 1.3       Subject to the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease, Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby hires from Landlord the twelve thousand five hundred eighty-two (12,582) square feet of rentable floor space on the second (2 nd ) floor in Wing A of the Building, as shown on the floor plan (the “ Floor Plan ”) thereof annexed hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit A (the “ Demised Premises ”), which Building the parties hereto agree contains, in the aggregate, two hundred seventy eight thousand three hundred twenty five (278,325) square feet of rentable floor space.  Tenant approves and accepts the aforesaid calculations for the purposes of this Lease, and has examined and accepts the aforesaid floor plan.

Section 1.4       The term of this Lease shall be ten (10) years, commencing on January 1, 2010 ( the “ Commencement Date ”), subject to the terms of this Lease, and expiring on December 31, 2019 (the “ Expiration Date ”), subject to the Renewal Option (as hereinafter defined in Section 31).

Section 1.5       Tenant’s obligation to pay Basic Rent (as hereinafter defined in Section 2.1) shall commence one (1) year after the Commencement Date (the “ Rent Commencement Date ”), subject to a Landlord Delay (as defined in Section 2.2) or as otherwise discussed in Section 1.22 and in Section 2.2.

Section 1.6       Effective as of the date of this Lease (the “ Effective Date ”), each party covenants and agrees that it shall keep and abide by all of the express   terms, conditions and covenants of this Lease on its part to be performed   as of such date , it being understood that although the Demised Premises shall not have been delivered to Tenant as of the Effective Date, such terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease shall be binding and enforceable on both parties as of the Effective Date , subject, however to Tenant’s remedies expressly provided in this Article 1 of the Lease .

 

 

Section 1.7       Tenant shall endeavor to complete the performance of certain work (“ Tenant’s Work ”) on or before the Commencement Date   which will be set forth in the Plans and Construction Drawings (as said terms are hereinafter defined) and obtain any required certificate of occupancy or completion   in   connection therewith   in compliance with Landlord’s Construction Rules and Regulations annexed hereto as   Exhibit B

Section 1.8       (a)  As used herein, “ Tenant’s Work ” shall mean and include all interior finish work and all other improvements on or within the Demised Premises necessary for Tenant to utilize the Demised Premises pursuant to the permitted uses described in Section 3.1 of the Lease.  Tenant shall be exclusively responsible for performing Tenant’s Work, and Landlord shall have no obligation to perform any aspect of Tenant’s Work, except as specifically set forth herein.

(b)  Tenant shall construct the Demised Premises in accordance with those design, development and building plans and specifications as which will be prepared by Tenant and approved by Landlord (the “ Plans ”), which Plans shall be in form and detail sufficient for submission to all appropriate governmental agencies for permits and approvals.  Landlord shall provide Tenant with an allowance of One and 15/100 ($1.15) Dollars per rentable square foot of the Demised Premises (i.e. Fourteen Thousand Four Hundred Sixty Nine and 30/100 ($14,469.30) Dollars) (the “ Tenant Plans Allowance ”) for Tenant’s preparation of the Plans.  Tenant will prepare the Plans as soon as reasonably practicable following the Effective Date.     Within thirty (30) days of Tenant’s demand, at Tenant’s sole option, Landlord shall pay the Tenant Plans Allowance to (i) Tenant or (ii) Tenant’s architect.

Section 1.9       a)  Landlord agrees to approve or reject or object to Tenant’s Plans within ten (10) business days after Tenant’s Plans shall be delivered to Landlord.  If Landlord has not responded to the delivery by Tenant of Tenant’s Plans within said ten (10) business day period, Tenant’s Plans shall be deemed approved.

(b) In the event Tenant disagrees with any of Landlord’s requested changes, then, in that event, the parties shall promptly and diligently, in good faith, attempt to resolve any differences.  In the event that no disagreement exists, Tenant shall use commercially reasonable efforts complete a second set of Plans (the “ Revised Plans ”) and deliver same to Landlord within five (5) business days of Tenant’s receipt of Landlord’s comments or such additional reasonable time as is necessary for Tenant to complete same.  Landlord’s approval of amendments and modifications to Tenant’s Plans shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  Landlord shall have five (5) business days after its receipt of the Revised Plans in which to approve or reject such Revised Plans.  In the event Landlord rejects such Revised Plans, the parties shall promptly and diligently, in good faith, attempt to resolve any differences.  Upon Landlord’s acceptance of the Revised Plans (the “ Final Plans ”), Landlord and Tenant shall initial all pages of the Final Plans and each party shall receive a full set of initialed Final Plans.  After Landlord has approved the Final Plans, Tenant   shall make no changes thereto without the prior written consent of Landlord , which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned, or delayed .

 
2

 

                          (c) After approval of the Plans by Landlord, Tenant will promptly prepare a full set of construction drawings which shall incorporate all elements of the Plans (the “ Construction Drawings ”) and which shall be consistent with the Plans.  Tenant shall submit the Construction Drawings to Landlord for its consent.  If Landlord does not respond to Tenant within ten (10) business days after receipt, Landlord’s approval of Tenant’s Construction Drawings shall be deemed to have been given.  The Construction Drawings shall be sufficient, as required by the Town of Oyster Bay, to procure a building permit.

(d) Landlord shall deliver to Tenant, within five (5) business days after receipt of such Construction Drawings from Tenant, any reasonable comments or requests for changes, which Landlord may have with respect thereto.  In the event Tenant disagrees with any of Landlord’s requested changes, then, in that event, the parties shall promptly and diligently, in good faith, attempt to resolve any differences.  In the event that no disagreement exists, Tenant shall use commercially reasonable efforts to complete a second set of construction drawings (the “ Revised Drawings ”) and deliver the Revised Drawings to Landlord within five (5) business days of its receipt of Landlord’s comments or such additional reasonable time as is necessary to complete same.  Landlord shall have five (5) business days after its receipt of the Revised Drawings in which to approve or reject such Revised Drawings.  In the event Landlord rejects such Revised Drawings, the parties shall promptly and diligently, in good faith, attempt to resolve any differences.  Upon Landlord’s acceptance of the Revised Drawings or the Construction Drawings, as the case may be, Tenant shall submit such final construction drawings (the “ Final Drawings ”) to the Town of Oyster Bay and shall promptly procure a building permit.  After the Final Drawings have been approved by Landlord, Tenant shall make no changes thereto without the prior written consent of Landlord, in each instance, except for non-material changes directed by the applicable municipality that do not materially interfere or impact the design, function, appearance or quality of the Demised Premises and do not increase the Tenant Allowance (as defined in Section 1.10) or the Tenant Plans Allowance.  Landlord shall not unreasonably withhold, condition or delay its consent to the Plans, and Landlord’s rejection of or objection to the Plans shall be deemed reasonable if, in Landlord’s reasonable determination, the Plans need to be modified in order to safeguard the structural integrity and systems of the Building.

            Section 1.10       In addition to the Tenant Plans Allowance, Landlord shall reimburse Tenant up to a maximum of Thirty-Five and 00/100 ($35.00) Dollars per rentable square foot of the Demised Premises (i.e. Four Hundred Forty Thousand Three Hundred Seventy and 00/100 ($440,370.00) Dollars) (the “ Tenant Allowance ”) for costs incurred directly by Tenant in its performance of Tenant’s Work (except for any costs incurred by Tenant in Tenant’s preparation of the Plans), including demolition (the “ Demolition Work ”) prior to the commencement of Tenant’s Work.  Tenant may use the Tenant Allowance in its discretion in connection with the design and construction of the Demised Premises and all other work performed in connection with readying the Demised Premises for Tenant’s initial occupancy, including wiring, computer and telecommunications systems, furniture, engineering and architectural fees, and other professional fees.

 
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Section 1.11       (a) Tenant’s Work shall be performed in compliance with Legal Requirements (as hereinafter defined in Section 1.12) and all necessary permits, licenses, signoffs and approvals required to be obtained for the completion of Tenant’s Work shall be obtained by Tenant. Upon the completion of Tenant’s Work, the Demised Premises shall be in compliance with all Legal Requirements, including all   building codes, public authorities, and Tenant shall ensure that the Demised Premises shall fully comply with the same throughout the term of this Lease.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that as of the date of this Lease there exist as to the Demised Premises any violations of record or conditions if not remediated would cause the issuance of a violation, including, without limitation, any fire safety violations regarding ingress and egress or the absence of sufficient ceiling draft curtain walls (collectively, “ Landlord’s Violations ”), which may in any way impede or delay Tenant from obtaining any permits or approvals in connection with Tenant’s Work (collectively, the “ Approvals ”), Landlord shall promptly make commercially reasonable efforts to remove or remediate same, subject to Section 1.22.

(b)  All of Tenant's Work and its entry and access to the Demised Premises shall be done in such a manner so as not to interfere with, delay, or impose any expense upon Landlord in the maintenance of the Building; nor to interfere with the operations of other tenants in the Building; nor to physically adversely affect any part of the Building outside the interior of the Demised Premises; nor (in Landlord's sole judgment) to impair the structural integrity of the Building nor affect the proper functioning of any of the mechanical, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, sanitary or other systems of the Building not exclusively serving the Demised Premises; nor violate any of Landlord's rules or regulations affecting the Building or the Demised Premises or any Legal Requirements.  Notwithstanding anything herein contained to the contrary, Tenant shall, at Tenant's sole cost and expense, make all repairs to the Building necessitated by Tenant's Work, and shall keep and maintain in good order and condition all installations arising from and all defects in Tenant's Work, and shall make all necessary replacements thereto.

Section 1.12       As used herein, " Legal Requirements " shall mean all present or future laws, statutes and ordinances including building codes and zoning regulations and ordinances ordinary and extraordinary, foreseen or unforeseen, and the orders, rules, regulations, directives, recommendations and requirements of all federal, state, county, city and borough departments, bureaus, boards, agencies, offices, commissions and other subdivisions thereof, or of any official thereof, or of any other governmental, public or quasi-public authority, including all requirements of the Americans With Disabilities Act, or of the National Board of Fire Underwriters or other body having similar functions.

Section 1.13       Nothing contained in this Lease shall be deemed to require Tenant to use union labor to perform Tenant’s Work, provided that Tenant's contractor(s) shall conduct the performance of its work in such manner so as to avoid labor disputes and disruptions which will interfere with other work in or the operation or use of the Building.  Tenant’s contractors shall be required to work in harmony with other contractors at the Building.  Contractors and subcontractors performing Tenant’s Work shall deliver to Landlord certificates of insurance as proof of insurance prior to the commencement of Tenant’s Work.

 
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Section 1.14  Tenant shall be responsible for all fire protection work in the Demised Premises, including obtaining all necessary approvals and inspections as required by the Landlord's insurance carrier.

Section 1.15  Tenant shall diligently prosecute all applications for approvals, permits, authorizations and certificates issued by governmental agencies of the State of New York, County of Nassau and Town of Oyster Bay which are required for the performance of Tenant's Work and to operate the Demised Premises for the permitted uses.  Landlord agrees to join in Tenant's applications for required permits and approvals (at the cost and expense of Tenant), and to reasonably cooperate with Tenant in connection therewith.

Section 1.16       In connection with Tenant’s Work and the Tenant Allowance:
 
(a) Landlord shall not be required to make any reimbursement of the Tenant Allowance more often than once per month.
 
(b) Tenant shall provide an invoice from Tenant’s general contractor specifying in reasonable detail the nature of the work performed or materials purchased for which payment is being requested, as well as a certificate from Tenant’s architect on a standard AIA G702 requisition form with respect to any payment request.  Each of said requisitions shall also be accompanied by waivers of lien from Tenant’s general contractor and other contractors (with respect to such portion of Tenant’s Work being paid at such time, to the extent obtainable, and in any event with respect to those portions of Tenant’s Work for which payments have theretofore been made) with respect to the work performed for which payment is sought.
 
             (c) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, in the event that it is determined that Tenant has received a notice of violation of any Legal Requirements in connection with Tenant’s Work, Landlord shall be entitled to withhold payments of Tenant’s Allowance until such violation is removed or the condition is remedied by Tenant.
 
             (d) Except as to payment for the Demolition Work, Landlord may retain five (5%) percent of each Tenant reimbursement request of Tenant’s Allowance until a certificate or temporary certificate of occupancy is issued for Tenant’s Work and Tenant delivers the AutoCAD file reflecting Tenant’s Work.
 
Section 1.17    Tenant shall not permit any mechanic’s, materialmen’s or other liens to be filed against all or any part of the Demised Premises, the Building or against Tenant’s leasehold interest in the Demised Premises, by reason of or in connection with Tenant’s Work.  In the event that any such lien is filed against all or any part of the Demised Premises, the Building or against Tenant’s leasehold interest in the Demised Premises, Tenant shall be required to either discharge the lien by payment or file a bond as required by law.
 
Section 1.18     Upon completion of Tenant’s Work, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord certificates or temporary certificate of occupancy and/or completion covering all of Tenant’s Work and the AutoCAD file reflecting Tenant’s Work.

 
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Section 1.19       (a)   In connection with Tenant’s Work, for any and all subcontractors (collectively, the “ Designated Trades ”) intending to perform work (the “ Designated Trades Work ”) comprising either (i) refuse removal, (ii) roofing, (iii) mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire prevention systems or (iv) lock installations (except for electromagnetic locks), Tenant shall only use the contractors and vendors as listed on Exhibit C attached hereto or subsequently designated by Landlord (collectively, the “ Landlord’s Pre-Approved Contractors ”).  Tenant may solicit bids from contractors seeking to perform the Designated Trades Work other than Landlord’s Pre-Approved Contractors (except for refuse removal) (the “ Other Contractors ”), provided however that each of Landlord’s Pre-Approved Contractors shall have the right to match the lowest bid for the applicable work received by Tenant from any such Other Contractors.  In such event, Landlord shall have the right, but not the obligation, to compel Tenant to use any of Landlord’s Pre-Approved Contractors for the applicable Designated Trades Work provided that (i) Landlord shall pay (in addition to the Tenant Allowance and Tenant Plans Allowance) the difference between the subject bids, (ii) the applicable Landlord Pre-Approved Contractor is able to adequately perform the work required by Tenant and (iii) the applicable Landlord Pre-Approved Contractor shall maintain customary insurance coverage as is required by Landlord, and the holder of any mortgage encumbering the Building for the applicable Designated Trades Work.  In the event that (i) the applicable Landlord Pre-Approved Contractor does not match the lowest bid received by Tenant from any such Other Contractors for the applicable Designated Trades Work, and (ii) Landlord does not pay the difference between the foregoing subject bids, then Tenant shall be permitted to use any such applicable Other Contractor for the performance of the applicable Designated Trades Work.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, in no event shall Tenant be permitted to use contractors or vendors without Landlord’s prior written approval, which shall not be unreasonably withheld, conditioned or delayed.  In the event Tenant utilizes Tenant’s Other Contractor for the performance of any of the Designated Trades Work, Landlord shall, at all times, cooperate in a commercially reasonable manner with said contractor.  In the event that any labor strife occurs as a result of the selection of a particular contractor or vendor selected by Tenant, Tenant shall replace such contractor or vendor following Landlord’s reasonable approval.

Section 1.20       Landlord represents and covenants to Tenant that on the Commencement Date,  the Demised Premises shall, to the best of Landlord’s knowledge, be free of all asbestos-containing materials and hazardous substances (as such term is defined in the Comprehensive Environmental Response and Liability Act) and shall be in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations enacted pursuant to any federal, state or local governmental law or regulation, inclusive of the provisions of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1992.  Landlord shall be solely responsible for the removal of all asbestos-containing materials in the Demised Premises.

Section 1.21       Contemporaneously with the Effective Date, Landlord shall deliver possession of the Demised Premises to Tenant vacant and free of any and all leases, tenancies and occupants.

Section 1.22       In the event that the Town of Oyster Bay or any other applicable agency or municipality requires as a condition of the issuance of the Approvals certain work (the “ Fire Protection Work ”) regarding ingress and egress or the installation of draft curtain walls other than work required to be performed by Landlord pursuant to Section 1.11 (a), (i) Tenant shall be solely responsible for any and all costs in connection with such Fire Protection Work within the Demised Premises and (ii) the Rent Commencement Date shall be extended concurrently with the time to amend the Plans, if required, and perform such Fire Protection Work, up to a maximum of sixty (60) days, in the aggregate.

 
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ARTICLE 2

Basic Rent and Additional Rent

Section 2.1       Tenant covenants and agrees, as conditions of this Lease, to keep and abide by all of the terms, covenants and conditions of this Lease on the part of Tenant to be performed and to pay Basic Rent and electric for the Demised Premises as set forth in the following schedule.

Lease Year
 
Annual Basic Rent
   
Monthly Basic Rent
   
Annual Electric *
   
Monthly Electric*
 
1
  $ 385,638.36     $ 32,136.53     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
2
  $ 393,351.12     $ 32,779.26     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
3
  $ 401,218.20     $ 33,434.85     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
4
  $ 409,242.60     $ 34,103.55     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
5
  $ 417,427.44     $ 34,785.62     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
6
  $ 425,775.96     $ 35,481.33     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
7
  $ 434,291.52     $ 36,190.96     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
8
  $ 442,977.36     $ 36,914.78     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
9
  $ 451,836.96     $ 37,653.08     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  
10
  $ 460,873.68     $ 38,406.14     $ 42,149.76     $ 3,512.48  

For Tenant’s convenience, Basic Rent and electric payments shall be payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month during the term of the Lease, in advance.  For the purposes of this Lease, the term “lease year” shall mean for (a) the first lease year, the one (1) year period commencing on the Commencement Date plus, if the Commencement Date is not the first day of a calendar month, the number of days between the Commencement Date and the end of the month in which the Commencement Date occurs and (b) each lease year thereafter, the one (1) year period commencing on the expiration of the preceding lease year.  If the Commencement Date occurs on a day other than the first day of the month, Basic Rent for the first month of the term shall be apportioned.  Such first month’s Basic Rent shall be due and payable on Tenant’s execution of this Lease.

Section 2.2       (a) Tenant shall not be required to pay Basic Rent for the Demised Premises (but shall pay Storage Rent as hereinafter defined and as set forth in Section 33.2 of this Lease) during the first (1 st ) lease year and during the last two (2) months of the initial term of the Lease, provided that Tenant is not in default under this Lease beyond any applicable grace or cure periods   at the time of such abatement of rent, or such later date if Tenant cures said default.  Tenant’s obligation to pay Additional Rent (as hereinafter defined) shall commence as of the Commencement Date. “ Additional Rent ” shall mean all other charges, costs, damages and fees, including Tax Payments (as defined in Section 2.7) under this Lease, which do not constitute Basic Rent.
 

* Electric is subject to escalation and adjustment pursuant to Article 9.

 
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(b)  Notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary contained herein, in the event that Tenant fails to substantially complete Tenant’s Work by the Commencement Date and such failure is due solely to a Landlord Delay, the Commencement Date and the Rent Commencement Date shall be extended one (1) day for each day of delay between the Commencement Date and the date that Tenant’s Work has been substantially completed.  Further notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary contained herein, Tenant’s failure to substantially complete Tenant’s Work by the Commencement Date due to any reason other than Landlord Delay shall in no way create an event of default or in any way impact or affect Tenant’s obligations under this Lease.

 (c)   The term “ Landlord Delay ” shall mean any delay attributable solely to Landlord and not an Unavoidable Delay (as defined in Section 25.2) and, shall include, (i) Landlord’s failure to grant timely approvals or consents as required hereunder, (ii) material interference by Landlord with Tenant’s Work which is not otherwise permissible under this Lease or which may be required under a Legal Requirement (unless due to Landlord’s failure to have complied with a Legal Requirement), (iii) failure by Landlord to make freight elevators or Building personnel reasonably available in connection with Tenant’s Work or Tenant’s move-in to the Demised Premises, (iv) Landlord’s failure to remove or remediate any Landlord Violations, (v) failure by Landlord to reasonably cooperate with Tenant and (vi) failure by Landlord to complete its demolition of the Demised Premises within two (2) weeks following the unconditional delivery to Landlord of the Lease and a work order for the demolition, each executed by Tenant, provided that any of the matters identified in subsections (i) through (vi) above causes a delay in the permitting or construction of Tenant’s Work, or in Tenant’s procurement of any temporary or permanent certificate of occupancy or other required governmental certificate or “sign off” needed in connection with the completion of Tenant’s Work and Tenant’s right to occupy the Demised Premises after such completion.

Section 2.3              Tenant acknowledges and agrees that Landlord is or may be accorded certain real estate tax abatement advantages pursuant to State and Local Laws, and Tenant shall derive or share in the benefit of such abatement.

Section 2.4              For the purposes of determining Tenant’s share of increases in Taxes, as such term is hereinafter defined, the parties agree that the total content of the Building is two hundred seventy eight thousand three hundred twenty five (278,325) square feet; that the Demised Premises contain twelve thousand five hundred eighty two (12,582) square feet and that the percentage of increases chargeable to Tenant for increases in Taxes is 4.52% (which percentage is herein referred to as “ Tenant’s Proportionate Share ”).

 
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Section 2.5              For the purposes of this Article 2 and other provisions of this Lease:
 
(a)            The term “ Taxes ” shall mean (i) the real estate taxes, assessments and special assessments imposed upon the Land, Building and all other improvements, betterments or facilities located on, appurtenant to, or benefiting, the Land by any federal, state, municipal or other governments or governmental bodies or authorities, as well as all charges for water and sewer, whether measured by meter or otherwise, and whether or not any of the foregoing are not final assessments or are the basis of any proceeding instituted or commenced to contest the amount or validity of any of the same, and (ii) any expenses incurred by Landlord in contesting such taxes or assessments and/or the assessed value of the Land, Building and all other improvements, betterments or facilities located on, appurtenant to, or benefiting the Land, which expenses shall be allocated to the Base Tax Year or the Tax Year to which such expenses relate , to the extent that Landlord is successful in such proceeding . If at any time during the term of this Lease the methods of taxation prevailing on the date hereof shall be altered so that in lieu of, or as an addition to or as a substitute for, the whole or any part of such real estate taxes, assessments and special assessments now imposed on real estate there shall be levied, assessed or imposed (x) a tax, assessment, levy, imposition, license fee or charge wholly or partially as a capital levy or otherwise on the rents received therefrom or (y) any other such additional or substitute tax, assessment, levy, impositions, fees or charges or the part thereof so measured or based shall be deemed to be included within the term “Taxes” for the purposes thereof.   Taxes shall not mean income, taxes, franchise, gift, excise, transfer, capital stock, estate, succession or inheritance taxes or penalties or interest for late payment of any tax in respect of which Tenant shall have duly made payment of Additional Rent as herein provided.

(b)           The term “ Base Tax Year ” shall, for (i) Town and County taxation purposes, mean calendar year 2010 and (ii) State and school district taxation purposes, mean the 2009/2010 fiscal tax year.

(c)           The term “ Base Taxes ” shall mean the Taxes for the Base Tax Year.

(d)           The term “ Tax Year ” shall, for (i) Town and County taxation purposes, mean the period of twelve (12) calendar months beginning on January 1, 2010, and each succeeding twelve (12) month period thereafter and (ii) State and school taxation purposes, mean the period of twelve (12) calendar months beginning on July 1, 2009, and each succeeding twelve (12) month period thereafter.

(e)           The term “ Tax Statement ” shall mean a written statement prepared by Landlord or its agent, setting forth Landlord’s computation of the sum payable by Tenant under this Article 2 for a specified Tax Year or portion thereof, as the case may be.

Section 2.6              If the real estate fiscal tax year of the Town of Oyster Bay, the school district in which the Building is located, the County of Nassau, State of New York or any other entity to whom Taxes are paid or who levies, assesses or imposes Taxes shall be changed during the term hereof, any Taxes for a real estate fiscal tax year, a part of which is included within a particular Tax Year and a part of which is not so included shall be apportioned on the basis of the number of days in the real estate fiscal tax year included in the particular Tax Year for the purpose of making the computations under Section 2.6.

 
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Section 2.7              If the Taxes for any Tax Year during the term of this Lease exceed the Base Taxes, Tenant shall pay for such Tax Year an amount (herein called “ Tax Payment ”) equal to Tenant’s Proportionate Share of the excess.  The first payment due Landlord under this Section 2.6 shall be due and payable in full within fifteen (15) days of Landlord’s furnishing Tenant with a Tax Statement for the entire applicable Tax Year.  Thereafter, until Landlord shall furnish Tenant with a Tax Statement for the then Tax Year, Tenant shall, as an “on account” payment against the Tax Payment for the then Tax Year, pay to Landlord on the first day of each month in advance an amount determined by dividing the Tax Payment for the preceding Tax Year by the number of months between the first day of the month subsequent to Tenant’s receipt of such statement and the end of the then Tax Year; (b) promptly after the Tax Statement for such Tax Year is furnished to Tenant, Landlord shall give notice to Tenant stating whether the installments of the Tax Payment previously made for such Tax Year were greater or less than the installments of the Tax Payment to be made for such Tax Year in accordance with the Tax Statement, and (i) if there shall be a deficiency, Tenant shall pay the amount thereof within fifteen (15) days after demand therefor, or (ii) if there shall have been an overpayment, Landlord shall promptly either refund to Tenant the amount thereof or permit Tenant to credit the amount thereof against subsequent payments under this Article 2; and (c) on the first day of the month following the month in which the Tax Statement is furnished to Tenant, and monthly thereafter throughout the remainder of such Tax Year, Tenant shall pay to Landlord an amount equal to one-twelfth (1/12th) of the Tax Payment shown on the Tax Statement. If there shall be any increase in the Taxes for any Tax Year, whether during or after such Tax Year, or if there shall be any decrease in the Taxes for any Tax Year during such Tax Year, Landlord shall furnish to Tenant a revised Tax Statement for such Tax Year, and the Tax Payment for such Tax Year shall be adjusted and paid or refunded, as the case may be, substantially in the same manner provided in the preceding sentence.

Section 2.8              In lieu of billing Tenant in a lump sum payment for the full Tax Payment as provided in Section 2.6 above, Landlord, at its option, may bill Tenant monthly or quarterly for Tenant’s Proportionate Share of the excess of any installment of Taxes for any Tax Year over the corresponding installment of Base Taxes, each of which payments shall be made by Tenant to Landlord no later than fifteen (15) days prior to the date on which each such installment of Taxes shall be payable to the appropriate tax receiving authority.

Section 2.9              If the Base Taxes are reduced as a result of an appropriate proceeding or otherwise, Landlord shall give notice to Tenant of the amount by which Tax Payments previously made were less than the Tax Payments required to be made under this Article, and Tenant shall pay the amount of the deficiency within ten (10) days after demand therefor.

Section 2.10            If, as a result of a certiorari proceeding, Landlord shall receive a refund of the Taxes for any Tax Year, Landlord shall either pay to Tenant, or permit Tenant to credit against subsequent payments under this Article, Tenant’s Proportionate Share of the net refund (after deducting from such total refund the costs and expenses, including, but not limited to, appraisal, accounting and legal fees of obtaining the same, to the extent that such costs and expenses were not included in the Taxes for such Tax Years); provided, however, such payment or credit to Tenant shall in no event exceed Tenant’s Tax Payment paid for such Tax Year.

 
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Section 2.11            If a Tax Year commences or ends before or after the commencement or expiration or termination of the term of this Lease, the Tax Payment thereof shall be prorated to correspond to that portion of such Tax Year occurring within the term of this Lease.

Section 2.12            The parties agree that it is the obligation of Tenant to pay its Proportionate Share of any and all Taxes in each Tax Year over the Base Taxes whether the same result from increases in tax rates, increases in assessed valuation, a combination of both, or a combination of increases and decreases of such items, irrespective of the cause of the increase in Taxes.

Section 2.13            The payments due from Tenant to Landlord under this Article 2, other than Basic Rent, shall be, and hereby are deemed, Additional Rent and may be collected as such, and Tenant’s obligation to pay Basic Rent and Additional Rent shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

Section 2.14            Basic Rent, and Additional Rent and all other charges payable under this Lease shall be paid in lawful money of the United States at the office of Landlord, Two Jericho Plaza, Jericho, New York 11753, or at such other place as Landlord may from time to time designate, in advance.
 
ARTICLE 3  
 
Use - Name of Building

Section 3.1              Tenant may use and occupy the Demised Premises for general , administrative and executive offices, and for Tenant’s accessory test kitchen faci lity   (including, but not limited to the preparation of foods for said facility) and for no other purposes.  The use of all or any portion of the Demised Premises other than the accessory tests kitchen facility for the preparation or storage of food is expressly prohibited.  Tenant shall not permit occupancy of the Demised Premises, which in the aggregate exceeds one (1) person for every two hundred (200) square feet of rentable area.  The Building may be designated and known by any name Landlord may choose, and such name may be changed from time to time at Landlord’s sole discretion.

ARTICLE 4                  

Repairs - Business Machines

Section 4.1              Tenant shall take good care of the Demised Premises and the fixtures and appurtenances therein.  All damage or injury to the Demised Premises and to such fixtures and appurtenances, or to the Building, or to its fixtures, appurtenances and equipment, caused by Tenant’s moving property in and out of the Building or the Demised Premises, or by installation or removal of fixtures, furniture or other property, or from any other cause, shall be repaired, restored or replaced promptly by Tenant, at its sole cost and expense.  All repairs, restorations and replacements shall be in quality and class equal to the original work or installations.  If Tenant fails to make such repairs, restorations or replacements, the same may be made by Landlord, upon ten (10) days written notice to Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, and the amounts spent by Landlord (together with interest thereon at the prime rate published by The Wall Street Journal plus five (5%) percent, or if such rate be illegal then at the highest permissible rate, from the date of Landlord’s expenditure through the date of Tenant’s payment in full) shall be collectible as Additional Rent, to be paid by Tenant within fifteen (15) days after rendition of a bill by Landlord.   Nothing contained in this Article 4 shall require Tenant to make any structural changes or changes to any Building systems except to the extent caused by the negligent acts or omissions of Tenant, its agents or employees or necessitated by Tenant’s particular manner of use and not for normal and customary ordinary office purposes.

 
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Section 4.2               Landlord shall, at its expense, maintain and make all repairs and replacements structural and otherwise, necessary to keep in good order and repair the interior and exterior of the Building (including the roof and existing penetrations) and the public portions of the Building and the Land, as well as the Building’s mechanical equipment, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, gas and electricity, sprinkler and other systems, if any, except to the extent that such obligation is expressly Tenant’s under the Lease. Landlord shall use commercially reasonable efforts to perform any work pursuant hereto in such a manner so as to minimize interference with Tenant's business, provided no additional costs for labor and overtime premium are incurred thereby.  All repairs, restorations and replacements by either party shall be of a quality commensurate with similar class multi-tenanted office buildings located on Long Island, New York, and shall be done in good and workmanlike manner. Landlord shall maintain the parking lots, grounds and other exterior improvements in a manner commensurate with similar class multi-tenanted office buildings located on Long Island, New York, including, without limitation, repair, snow removal, parking lot striping, exterior lighting and the like.
 
Section 4.3              There shall be no allowance to Tenant for a diminution of rental value, and no liability on Landlord’s part, by reason of inconvenience, annoyance or injury to Tenant’s business arising from the making of repairs, alteration, additions or improvements in or to the Demised Premises or the Building, or to the fixtures, appurtenances or equipment thereof, by Landlord, Tenant or others.  Landlord will use good faith efforts to not interrupt Tenant’s use and enjoyment of the Demised Premises when making such repairs, alterations, additions or improvements, but the obligation to use good faith efforts shall not require Landlord to employ overtime labor or pay any premium or surcharge for labor or materials.

Section 4.4              Business machines and mechanical equipment belonging to Tenant which cause vibration, noise, cold or heat that may be transmitted to the Building’s structure, or to any leased space therein, to such a degree as to be objectionable to Landlord or to any other tenant in the Building, shall be placed and maintained by Tenant, at its sole expense, in settings of cork, rubber or spring-type vibration eliminators or other means sufficient to absorb and prevent such vibration, noise, cold or heat.

 
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Section 4.5               Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Lease, if solely as a result of (a) Landlord’s failure to make any repairs Landlord is obligated to make pursuant to the terms of this Lease or (b) Landlord’s failure to supply any services required under this Lease (but excluding any failure caused by or as a result of any act or omission of Tenant, its agents or its employees), the Demised Premises shall become Untenantable (as hereinafter defined) for a period of five (5) consecutive business days (the “ Threshold Period ”) after Tenant has given Landlord written notice of such Untenantability (as hereinafter defined), and if such Untenantability continues after the end of said Threshold Period, then Basic Rent and Additional Rent (including Storage Rent) payable hereunder shall be abated for the period commencing on the first day to occur following the expiration of such Threshold Period, and shall continue until the earlier of (i) the date on which the Demised Premises shall no longer be Untenantable and (ii) the date on which Tenant shall occupy all or any material portion of the Demised Premises for the substantially normal conduct of its business; provided, however, that (x) the commencement of the Threshold Period shall be extended one (1) day for each day that Landlord’s failure to make such repairs or supply such services is caused by Unavoidable Delay and (y) if the Untenantability is a result of a fire or other casualty, then Article XII shall govern and control.  As used in this Lease, the terms “ Untenantable ” or “ Untenantability ” shall mean the inability of Tenant to use substantially the entire Demised Premises for the conduct of Tenant’s business.

ARTICLE 5     

Changes, Alterations, Etc.
Section 5.1              Tenant shall make no alterations, installations, additions or improvements, whether structural or nonstructural, including those of a decorative nature, in or to the Demised Premises without the prior written consent of Landlord.  All fixtures and all paneling, partitions, railings and like installations and all equipment and machinery installed in, or in connection with Tenant’s use or occupancy of, the Demised Premises at any time, either by Tenant or by Landlord on Tenant’s behalf shall, upon installation, become the property of Landlord and shall remain upon and be surrendered with the Demised Premises unless Landlord, by notice to Tenant no later than twenty (20) days prior to the date fixed as the expiration of this Lease, elects to relinquish Landlord’s right thereto and to have them removed, in which event the same shall be removed from the premises by Landlord on behalf of Tenant, at Tenant’s expense. Nothing in this section shall be construed to give Landlord title to, or to prevent Tenant’s removal of, trade fixtures, office furniture and equipment.  All such property permitted or required to be removed by Tenant prior to expiration of the term of this Lease and not removed by Tenant prior to such expiration shall be deemed abandoned, and shall become Landlord’s property.  Tenant agrees that Landlord may remove and dispose of any such abandoned property.  Tenant agrees to reimburse Landlord, within ten (10) days from the rendition of a bill by Landlord to Tenant, for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by Landlord in removing and disposing of any such abandoned property or property which Landlord had removed on behalf of Tenant and in repairing any damage to the Building or Demised Premises caused by such removal.  Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold Landlord harmless for any loss, damage or claim relating to Landlord’s removal or disposition of such abandoned property by any person that may claim ownership of, or an interest in, such property.   Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, if Landlord shall have notified Tenant at the time of Landlord’s review and approval of the Plans, or subsequent request by Tenant to Landlord for its consent to any alteration(s), that it will be requiring Tenant to remove the non-standard or atypical office or atypical installations at or prior to the expiration of the term of this Lease, then Landlord, by notice given to Tenant at any time prior to the Expiration Date or not later than 15 days after any earlier termination of this Lease, may require Tenant, notwithstanding any other terms herein, to remove all or any fixtures that do not constitute a standard office installation, such as, by way of example only, kitchens, vaults, safes, raised flooring and stairwells.  If Landlord shall give such notice, then Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, prior to the Expiration Date, or, in the case of an earlier termination of this Lease, within 15 days after the giving of such notice by Landlord, shall remove the same from the Premises, shall repair and restore the Premises to the condition existing prior to installation thereof and shall repair any damage to the Premises or to the Building due to such removal.    

 
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Section 5.2              In order to preserve the fire insurance classification and rating of the Building and of the Demised Premises, Tenant covenants that it will not insert or install in the Demised Premises any material, paint, wall covering, curtain, drapery, furniture, fixtures or other items of personal property having a “surface flame spread ratio in excess of twenty-five (25)” as that term is used and commonly accepted for fire insurance rating purposes.

Section 5.3              Any mechanic’s lien filed against the Demised Premises or the Building for work done or claimed to have been done for, or materials furnished to, Tenant shall be discharged by Tenant, at Tenant’s expense, by payment, filing of the bond required by law or otherwise within thirty ( 30 ) days of the notice of such   filing.

Section 5.4              Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, Tenant shall have the right, at its own cost and expense and without requiring Landlord’s consent, to make non-structural alterations to the Demised Premises provided (i) all governmental and municipal permits, consents and approvals are, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, obtained and kept in full force and effect, (ii) the alterations would, and do, not consist of any changes or additions to the Building’s HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other mechanical systems other than the distribution portions of those systems exclusively serving, and which effect is confined to, the Demised Premises (for the consequences of which effect on the Demised Premises Landlord shall have no responsibility), (iii) the alterations would, and do, not increase Landlord’s cost of providing Building services over the standards set forth in this Lease that Landlord is required to furnish Tenant without additional charge, (iv) the aggregate cost of any discrete alterations or set of alterations does not exceed Twenty-Five Thousand and no/100 ($25 ,000.00 ) Dollars, (v) the alterations are not visible from any point outside of the interior of the Demised Premises, (vi) all such work is done in compliance with the Building’s rules and regulations governing such work and (vii) all changes affecting the Building’s HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other mechanical systems are done only by contractors designated by (but in no event affiliated with) Landlord, provided said work is at competitive rates,   it being understood and agreed that Tenant shall, prior to the undertaking of such alterations or repairs, furnish Landlord with (i) a full set of plans and specifications set forth for such work stamped “Approved” by the appropriate governmental or municipal agencies with jurisdiction thereof if such approval is necessary or (ii) copies of any working drawings that Tenant or its contractors or agents may have if no such approval is necessary.

 
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ARTICLE 6  

Compliance with Laws

Section 6.1              To the best of Landlord’s knowledge, the Building is in material compliance with Legal Requirements.  Tenant, at Tenant’s own expense, shall comply with all requirements of law, rules, ordinances or regulations, present or future, of any federal, state, municipal or other public authority having jurisdiction over the Demised Premises, and with all requirements of the New York Fire Insurance Exchange, or similar body, and of any liability insurance company insuring Landlord against liability for accidents in or connected with the Building, and shall not at any time use or occupy the Demised Premises in violation of the Certificate of Occupancy for the Building, or be in conflict with fire insurance policies covering the Building, or the fixtures and property therein, or in a manner contrary to the purposes set forth in Section 3.1 hereof. Tenant shall comply with all reasonable rules, regulations and orders of Landlord designed to promote the safety, good order and character of the Building as a first-class office building, and with respect to the placing of safes, machinery or other heavy material, and with the recommendations of any insurance carrier.  Any increase in the fire insurance premium applicable to the Building resulting from Tenant’s failure to comply with the foregoing or from the manner in which Tenant uses and occupies the Demised Premises, or any other expense caused to Landlord by reason of Tenant’s failure to comply with the foregoing, shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord, as Additional Rent on the first day of the month immediately following the effective date of such increase or the incurring of such expense, as the case may be.  In no event shall Tenant be obligated to remove any violations of record as of the date of this Lease nor shall Tenant be obligated to perform any remediation for any condition existing as of the date of this Lease that may become a violation of record, subject to Section 1.22 hereof.

Section 6.2               Notwithstanding anything in this Lease to the contrary, Tenant shall not be required to alter the Demised Premises in any manner to comply with Legal Requirements, or insurance requirements or environmental laws if (i) as of the date of this Lease such Legal Requirements, insurance requirements or environmental laws are in effect and the Demised Premises are in violation of same, (ii) the alterations are structural in nature, (including, without limitation, the installation of sprinklers in the Demised Premises) unless Tenant’s particular manner of use or method of operation (in contradistinction to the mere use of the Demised Premises for general and administrative office purposes) has given rise to the requirement to make a structural alteration, (iii) the alterations relate to any system or portion thereof, including, without limitation, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, plumbing, electrical or fire and/or smoke suppression and/or containment systems, unless Tenant installed the system or unless Tenant’s particular manner of use or operation (in contradistinction to the mere use of the Demised Premises for general and administrative office purposes) has given rise to the requirement to make such alteration to a system or (iv) the alterations relate to environmental contaminants, including, without limitation, asbestos, which contaminants existed prior to the date of this Lease.  In the event that any condition referred to in this Section 6.2 occurs, the result of which is the issuance of a violation or an adverse affect on Tenant’s operations, then Landlord will remove said violation or remediate the subject condition within twenty (20) days (unless removal or remediation is not reasonably possible within said period, provided Landlord  commences such removal or remediation within said twenty (20) day period and diligently pursues the completion of removal or remediation thereafter), failing which, on fifteen (15) days prior written notice to Landlord, Tenant may proceed to complete such removal or remediation and offset the reasonable cost thereof against the next installment(s) of Basic Rent.

 
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ARTICLE 7  

Assignment. Subletting. Mortgaging. Etc.

Section 7.1              Tenant shall not, by operation of law or otherwise, assign, mortgage, hypothecate or encumber this Lease, or sublet or permit the Demised Premises or any part thereof to be used or occupied by others, without Landlord’s prior written consent, in each instance, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed,   except that Tenant may, provided it is not then in default hereunder beyond any applicable grace and notice period provided herein for the cure thereof, sublet all or any portion of the Demised Premises or assign all its interest in this Lease to its parent company or a corporation or other entity under common control with Tenant or a subsidiary or affiliate of it or its parent company, or to a corporation or other entity in which it is merged, consolidated or acquired by, or to which all or substantially all of its stock or   assets are sold (each of which entity is hereinafter referred to as a “Permitted Transferee”), in which event, Tenant shall (within thirty (30) days subsequent to the assignment or subletting, as the case may be) give Landlord written notice of such subletting or assignment, as the case may be, such notice to be accompanied by an agreement executed by the sublessee with such sublessee agreeing, to the extent of the term of the sublease and the portion of the Demised Premises so sublet, to perform Tenant’s obligations hereunder in the event of a subletting or by an assumption agreement executed in recordable form by Tenant and the proposed assignee in the event of an assignment, each of which agreements must in all respects be reasonably acceptable to Landlord. Any mortgage, hypothecation, sale, transfer or other disposition of any (i) partnership interest in Tenant (other than a transfer of an existing interest from one partner to another existing partner) if Tenant is a partnership or (ii) controlling interest in   stock or voting rights in Tenant (other than a transfer from an existing shareholder to another existing shareholder or whose shares are traded on a publicly listed stock exchange) if Tenant shall be a corporation, as the case may be, shall be deemed to be an assignment of this Lease.   The consent of Landlord to any assignment or subletting shall not (i) be deemed or construed to constitute a waiver of the provisions of this Section or (ii) relieve Tenant of the obligation, as a condition precedent, from first obtaining Landlord’s express written consent to any further assignment or subletting. If this Lease be assigned or if the Demised Premises or any part thereof be underlet or occupied by anybody other than Tenant, Landlord may collect rent from the assignee, undertenant or occupant, and apply the net amount collected to the rent herein reserved, but no such assignment, underletting, occupancy or collection shall be deemed a waiver of the prohibition on assignment, subletting and occupancy contained in this Article 7, or the acceptance of the assignee, undertenant or occupant, as tenant, or a release of Tenant or any guarantor of Tenant’s performance under this Lease from their obligations under this Lease and guaranty, respectively.

 
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Section 7.2             Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 7.1 hereof, Tenant shall, subject to obtaining Landlord’s reasonable consent and subject to Landlord’s right to recapture as set forth in Section 7.3 hereof, have the right to assign this Lease or sublet a part of or   the entire Demised Premises, provided Tenant shall submit to Landlord (i) the name of the proposed assignee or subtenant, as the case may be; (ii) the terms and conditions of the assignment or subletting, as the case may be, including, but not limited to, the proposed commencement date; (iii) the nature and character of the proposed assignee or subtenant, as the case may be, and of its or their business; and (iv) banking, financial and other credit information relating to the proposed assignee or subtenant, as the case may be, reasonably sufficient to enable Landlord to determine the financial responsibility of the proposed assignee or subtenant, as the case may be. If the proposed assignee or subtenant, as the case may be, is, in the reasonable opinion of Landlord, of sufficient financial responsibility to enable such (y) assignee to perform the obligations on Tenant’s part to be paid and performed under this Lease or (z) subtenant to perform, to the extent provided in the sublease, the obligation on Tenant’s part to be paid and performed under this Lease, and the nature and character of the proposed occupancy of the Demised Premises by such proposed assignee or subtenant, as the case may be, conform to the character and dignity of the Building and to the other occupants thereof, Landlord agrees that its consent to the proposed assignment or subletting, as the case may be, shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, provided Landlord does not exercise its right of recapture, as hereinafter set forth.

Section 7.3              Upon the submission by Tenant of the information required by Section 7.2 hereof, Landlord shall have twenty (20) business days within which to determine whether or not to recapture this Lease from Tenant or, in the alternative, within which to consent to or to reject the assignee or subtenant, as the case may be, proposed by Tenant. If, within such twenty (20) business day period, Landlord advises Tenant that it will recapture this Lease, Tenant will, within thirty (30) days after such notification, execute and deliver to Landlord or to Landlord’s designee, an unconditional assignment of this Lease, in form and substance satisfactory to Landlord, effective as of a mutually agreeable date, but in no event later than the commencement date of such assignment or sublease, as the case may be.  Tenant shall not be entitled to consideration or payment from Landlord (or Landlord’s designee) in connection with any such assignment.  It is the intention of the parties that in the event of such assignment to Landlord, or Landlord’s designee, as a means of recapture, the cost of any required demising wall shall be split equally between Landlord and Tenant.  If, within such twenty (20) business day period Landlord advises Tenant that it will recapture this Lease, the Lease shall be terminated in the event of a request to assign or in the event of a sublet of all or more than fifty (50%) percent of the Demised Premises, then only with regard to such sublet premises, provided that said sublease or assignment is not to a Permitted Transferee.  If Landlord consents to the proposed assignment or subletting, as the case may be, requested by Tenant, Tenant shall be free to assign this Lease to the proposed assignee or sublet the Demised Premises to the proposed subtenant, as the case may be, for a period of one hundred twenty (120) days after the date of Landlord’s consent, which consent shall lapse, cease and terminate if the assignment or subletting is not accomplished within that one hundred twenty (120) day period. If Landlord fails or omits to give notice to Tenant within thirty ( 30 ) days of its receipt of the information required by Section 7.2 hereof, Landlord shall be deemed to have rejected the assignee or subtenant, as the case may be, proposed by Tenant.  In the event that Landlord shall, pursuant to Section 7.2 of this Lease, consent to any proposed assignment or sublease, as the case may be, Tenant must within sixty (60) days of such consent by Landlord, furnish Landlord with (i) an assignment of this Lease to the assignee executed in recordable form by Tenant accompanied by an assumption agreement executed in recordable form by Tenant and the proposed assignee in the case of an assignment, or (ii) a sublease executed in recordable form by Tenant and the subtenant and an agreement (enforceable by Landlord) executed in recordable form by Tenant and the subtenant with such subtenant agreeing to perform Tenant’s obligations under this Lease in the case of a sublease, each of which assignment, sublease and agreement must in all respects be reasonably acceptable to Landlord.  If Landlord exercises its option to terminate this Lease, then this Lease (or such part of the Demised Premises in the event of a sublet for less than the entire Demised Premises)   shall terminate on the proposed assignment or sublease commencement date specified in Section 7.2 and all Basic Rent and Additional Rent shall be paid and apportioned to such date.

 
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Section 7.4              If Landlord shall, pursuant to any of the provisions of this Lease, decline to give its consent to any proposed assignment or subletting, as the case may be, Tenant shall indemnify, defend and hold harmless Landlord against and from any and all loss, liability, damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable counsel fees) resulting from any claims that may be made against Landlord by any brokers or other persons who dealt with Tenant in connection with the proposed assignment or subletting, as the case may be.  Tenant covenants and agrees that each assignment of this Lease or subletting of the Demised Premises entered into by Tenant that requires Landlord’s approval or consent shall contain an express provision conditioning the validity and effectiveness of the assignment or subletting, as the case may be, and the rights hereunder of assignee or subtenant, as the case may be, to Landlord’s approval of the assignment or subletting, as the case may be. If it is judicially determined that Landlord had no right to withhold, delay or condition its consent to a proposed assignment or subletting, Landlord’s sole obligation and liability shall be limited to the granting of such consent promptly subsequent to that judicial determination.

Section 7.5              If Tenant shall sublease the Demised Premises to anyone or any entity other than a Permitted Transferee for rents or other sums which for any period shall exceed the Basic Rent and Additional Rent payable under this Lease for the same period, Tenant shall pay Landlord, as Additional Rent hereunder  fifty percent ( 50 %) of the amount of any rents, additional charges or other consideration payable, and paid, under the sublease to Tenant by the subtenant which is in excess of the Basic Rent and Additional Rent accruing during the term of this Lease net of reasonable and actual out-of-pocket brokerage, legal and architectural fees and the cost of any alterations made in compliance with this Lease incurred by Tenant in consummating said sublease.  Tenant shall make commercially reasonable efforts to enforce the terms, covenants and conditions of any such sublease.

Section 7.6              Tenant shall reimburse Landlord within ten (10) days for any reasonable   costs that may be incurred by Landlord in connection with any proposed assignment or sublease, including, without limitation, the costs of making investigations as to the acceptability of the proposed assignee or subtenant, and reasonable legal fees and costs incurred in connection with considering any requested consent, but in no event more than $3,000.00 per request.

 
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ARTICLE 8
 
Indemnification by Tenant

Section 8.1              Tenant shall defend (with counsel reasonably satisfactory to Landlord) and indemnify and hold harmless Landlord and Landlord’s directors, officers, employees, members and agents against any claim, expense, loss, or liability paid, suffered or incurred as the result of (a) any breach, violation or non-performance by Tenant, its agents, directors, officers, employees, contractors (and its and their employees), visitors and/or licensees, guests or customers of any covenant, condition or agreement of this Lease on Tenant's part to be fulfilled, kept, observed and performed, (b) any and all claims against Landlord of whatever nature arising from any act, omission or negligence of Tenant, its agents, directors, officers, employees, contractors (and its and their employees), visitors and/or licensees, guests or customers, (c) all claims against Landlord arising from any accident, injury or damage whatsoever caused to any person or to the property of any person and occurring during the term of this Lease in or about the Demised Premises, excluding, however, such claims resulting from any work or thing done in or about the Demised Premises by Landlord or Landlord’s employees, agents or contractors, and (d) all claims against Landlord arising from any accident, injury or damage occurring outside of the Demised Premises but anywhere within or about the Building, where such accident, injury or damage results or is claimed to have resulted from an act or omission of Tenant or Tenant’s agents, directors, officers, employees, contractors (and its and their employees), visitors and/or licensees, guests or customers.  Tenant shall not be entitled to assert any claims for damages to personal property, fixtures, installations or improvements, or to assert a claim that Tenant has been constructively evicted from all or any portion of the Demised Premises, because of a condition resulting from Landlord's fault or from the action or omission of any other tenant of leased space in the Building, unless Tenant shall have first informed Landlord, and such other persons as are entitled to notice pursuant to the provisions of Section 13.2 hereof, in writing, of the objectionable condition or conditions, and Landlord, or such other persons referred to in Section 13.2 hereof, shall have failed within a reasonable time after receipt of such notice to remedy the condition or conditions complained of.  The Tenant’s obligations to Landlord pursuant to this Article shall survive the termination of this Lease.

Section 8.2               (i)   Landlord shall indemnify and save Tenant and its employees and agents harmless from and against (i) any and all claims against Tenant which are caused by the negligence or willful misconduct of Landlord or its contractors, licensees, agents, employees or invitees in or about the Building, (ii) all claims against Tenant which arise from any construction or other work undertaken by Landlord in the Building during the term of the Lease, (iii) all claims against Tenant arising from any breach or default of the Lease by Landlord, and (iv) all claims against Tenant which arise from any accident, injury, or damage whatsoever, caused to any person or to the property of any person occurring in or about the Common Areas (as hereinafter defined), except if such is caused by the willful misconduct or  gross negligence of Tenant, its contractors, licensees, subtenants, agents, servants, employees, invitees or visitors.

            (ii) The term “ Common Areas ” shall mean the parts of the Building and the Land designated by Landlord from time to time for the common use of all tenants.

 
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ARTICLE 9  
 
Services

Section 9.1              For the purposes of this Lease, the term “weekdays” shall exclude Saturdays, Sundays and holidays; and the term “holidays” shall mean New Year’s Day, Presidents’ Day, Decoration or Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas, and such other holidays as may from time to time be nationally recognized.

Section 9.2               Landlord shall provide access to the Demised Premises 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, including elevators that service the Building .

Section 9.3              (A)           Landlord shall, through the air-conditioning systems and heating systems of the Building, furnish to the Demised Premises, on weekdays, on an all-year round basis, air-conditioning or heating from 8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. on weekdays and 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. on Saturdays, and subject to all laws, rules, regulations and statutes of all governments, including agencies and departments thereof having or claiming jurisdiction over the Building or the Demised Premises.  Tenant shall, in addition to the $3.35 per rentable square foot per year charge, reimburse Landlord for the cost of electricity used to operate Tenant’s supplemental HVAC, if any, the costs of which shall be determined by Landlord based upon an electrical survey that Landlord shall, from time to time, cause to be done.

(B)           Landlord will maintain the air-conditioning system in a manner befitting a first-class building, and will use reasonable care to keep the same in proper and efficient operating condition. Landlord will not be responsible for the failure of the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems to meet the requirements hereinbefore specified, if such failure results from the occupancy of the Demised Premises by more than an average of one person for each 200 square feet of rentable area, or if Tenant installs and operates machines and appliances the total connected electrical load of which exceeds six (6) watts per square foot -of rentable area, or if Tenant arranges or rearranges partitioning so as to interfere with the normal operation of the heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems; it being understood and agreed that any changes required to rectify the situation, if the situation is rectifiable, shall be done by Landlord, at Tenant’s cost and expense, and all increases in costs necessary to operate said systems, if any, occasioned by, or resulting from, Tenant’s acts or omissions shall be chargeable to, and paid by, Tenant.

(C)           Tenant agrees to keep, and cause to be kept closed, all the windows and the Building doors in the Demised Premises at all times, and Tenant agrees to cooperate fully with Landlord, and to abide by all the regulations and requirements which Landlord may reasonably prescribe for the proper functioning and protection of said heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems.

 
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(D)           Provided Tenant gives Landlord written notice prior to (i) 1:00 P.M. of the applicable day for which after-hours services are being requested in the case of after-hours services on weekdays and (ii) 3:00 P.M. on the Friday preceding the applicable Saturday or Sunday for which after-hours services are being requested in the case of after-hours services on Saturdays or Sundays, Landlord will, on weekdays after 6:00 P.M. and on Saturdays between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 1:00 P.M. (exclusive of holidays) and at any time on Sundays (exclusive of holidays), as the case may be, provide heating and/or air-conditioning, at the rate of (a) $95.00 per hour from April 1 st through October 31 st and $115.00 per hour from November 1 st through March 31 st where the after-hours service is requested for any day other than a Sunday or a holiday and the after-hours services requested are for a continuous, uninterrupted period for the day involved (i.e., the service is requested to commence at a specified time and to continue from that time to any specified period of time up to 8:00 A.M. of the following day in the case of a specified weekday or until midnight of a specified Saturday) and (b) $95.00 per hour from April 1 st through October 31 st and $115.00 per hour from November 1 st through March 31 st per hour on Sundays or where the after-hours services requested are not for a continuous, uninterrupted period (i.e., the service is requested to commence at a specified time on a weekday and to cease and then recommence prior to 8:00 A.M. of the following day or the service is requested to commence at a specified time on a Saturday and to cease and then recommence prior to midnight of that Saturday) with a minimum three (3) hour charge for each period (if there is any break between requested service, each period separated by a break shall be treated as a period) of such after-hours services. Landlord shall not be required to provide heating or air-conditioning on holidays.  

Section 9.4              (A)           Tenant agrees to pay to Landlord as and for Additional Rent the cost of the electric service exclusive of the energy required for heat and air-conditioning to be furnished by Landlord during weekday business hours and Saturdays (exclusive of holidays) from 8:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. an amount computed at the rate of $3.35 per rentable square foot per year, payable monthly on the first of every month, based on 238 hours per month. The reference herein or in the succeeding paragraphs relating to rates, bills or charges of electricity and to escalation thereof shall be deemed to include and refer to any and all components of the bill rendered or to be rendered in the future by the utility company furnishing such electricity (the “ Utility Company ”), including, but not limited to time of day charges, fuel adjustments, demand or other charges, and taxes. Tenant shall, in addition to the $3.35 per rentable square foot per year charge, reimburse Landlord for the cost of electricity used to operate Tenant’s supplemental HVAC, if any, the costs of which shall be determined by Landlord based upon an electrical survey that Landlord shall, from time to time, cause to be done.

(B)           The foregoing formula is predicated upon Tenant having a connected load of six (6) watts per rentable square foot.  Any excess above said six (6) watts per rentable square foot shall be charged to Tenant at the rate of $0.459 per rentable square foot per year, as such charge may be adjusted upwards as provided in Sections 9.6 and 9.7 hereof, for each excess watt (or part thereof, computed and adjusted to the nearest one-hundredth).

Section 9.5              In the event that Tenant shall require electricity service beyond the normal 238 hours per month, Tenant shall pay the additional charge of $.00117 per rentable square foot per hour (based on six (6) watts per rentable square foot), as such charge may be adjusted upwards as provided in Sections 9.6 and 9.7 hereof. Landlord will bill Tenant for said charges, on a monthly or quarterly basis, at Landlord’s option, and Tenant shall pay the same within thirty (30) days after its receipt of the bill therefor. Upon Tenant’s failure to pay any such bill for the foregoing charges, Landlord shall be entitled to collect such charges as in the case of a failure to pay rent. The provisions of this Article shall survive the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease.

 
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Section 9.6              The rates referred to in Sections 9.3 through 9.5 are based upon current rates promulgated by the Utility Company . All of the rates referred to in the aforesaid Sections of this Article are subject to increase to reflect changes in rate and classifications and increases in rates employed by the Utility Company. Tenant agrees to pay such increase in rates and changes in rates and classifications , provided such increases are uniformly charged to all other tenants in the Building . Landlord shall give due notice to Tenant of any such increases or change in classification. Tenant shall not be or become entitled to a reduction in rent, Additional Rent, or to other reimbursement in the event it uses less energy than is contemplated by the aforesaid Sections of this Article.

Section 9.7              Landlord hereby reserves to itself the right, from time to time, to cause a reputable electric engineering company (the “ Engineer ”) to make a survey of Tenant’s electric energy usage requirements to determine whether the six (6) watts per rentable square foot limitation has been exceeded and, if so, to what extent. If these surveys indicate at the time that Tenant’s electricity usage exceeds six (6) watts per rentable square foot, and the cost to Landlord by reason thereof, computed on an annual basis at rates which would be charged by the Utility Company is in excess of the initial cost similarly computed, then the Additional Rent provided for in Section 9.4(B) shall be appropriately increased commencing with the first day of the month immediately following the completion of such survey and the submission of a copy thereof to Tenant and the increases shall be effective as of the date of the change of connected power load or electric consumption occurred (as determined by the surveyor) with such retroactive payment payable in a lump sum within thirty (30) days of Landlord’s furnishing Tenant with a bill therefor.

Section 9.8              Landlord reserves the right to discontinue furnishing such electric energy to Tenant at any time, upon giving not less than sixty (60) days prior written notice to Tenant to such effect, and from and after such effective date of termination, Landlord shall no longer be obligated to furnish Tenant with electric energy. If Landlord exercises such right of termination, this Lease shall remain unaffected thereby, and continue in full force and effect, and thereafter Tenant shall arrange to obtain electric service direct from the public utility company servicing the Building, utilizing the then existing electric feeders, risers and wiring serving the Demised Premises to the extent that the same are available, suitable and safe for such purpose. Landlord, at Tenant’s expense, shall do all work necessary to provide such direct service, including installations of meters, additional wiring and panel board, as may be necessary therefor, so as to enable Tenant to receive its electric current directly from the Utility Company without any expense to Landlord.

 
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Section 9.9             Landlord shall have full and unrestricted access to all air-conditioning and heating equipment, and to all other utility installations servicing the Building and the Demised Premises. Landlord reserves the right temporarily to interrupt, curtail, stop or suspend air-conditioning and heating service, and all other utility, or other services, because of Landlord’s inability to obtain, or difficulty or delay in obtaining labor or materials necessary therefor, or in order to comply with governmental restrictions in connection therewith, or for any other cause beyond Landlord’s reasonable control. Except as specifically set forth herein, no diminution or abatement of Basic Rent, Additional Rent, or other compensation shall or will be claimed by Tenant, nor shall this Lease or any of the obligations of Tenant hereunder be affected or reduced by reason of such interruptions, stoppages or curtailments, the causes of which are hereinabove enumerated, nor shall the same give rise to a claim in Tenant’s favor that such failure constitutes an actual or constructive, total or partial eviction from the Demised Premises.

Section 9.10            Landlord agrees to provide in the Demised Premises all other services set forth in Exhibit D , annexed hereto and made a part hereof, entitled “ Cleaning Schedule ”. Landlord shall not be liable to provide any extra cleaning services occasioned by Tenant’s use of the Demised Premises after 6:00 P.M. on weekdays nor shall Landlord be required to provide cleaning services on Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.   In the event that Tenant desires such extra cleaning services, or the cleaning of the interior glass partitions, same shall be performed at Tenant’s sole cost and expense at then current standard rates in the Building.

Section 9.11            Tenant agrees that extraordinary waste, such as crates, cartons, boxes, etc. (the discarding of used furniture or equipment being deemed extraordinary waste) shall be removed from the Building and properly disposed of away from the Land by Tenant, at Tenant’s own cost and expense. At no time shall Tenant place any waste of any kind in any public areas. If Tenant does so, the parties agree that everything so placed is abandoned and of no value to Tenant, and Landlord may have the same removed and disposed of at Tenant’s expense. This remedy is in addition to any other remedies Landlord may have.

ARTICLE 10  

Inspection By Landlord - Right To Enter

Section 10.1            Tenant, at all times during the term hereof after reasonable advance notice to Tenant (except in an emergency, in which event only such notice, if any, as is reasonable under the circumstances shall be required), shall permit inspection of the Demised Premises during business hours by Landlord, and Landlord’s agents or representatives, and by or on behalf of prospective purchasers and/or mortgagees, and, during the twelve (12) months next preceding the expiration of this Lease, shall permit inspection thereof by or on behalf of prospective tenants.

 
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Section 10.2            Tenant shall permit Landlord to erect, use and maintain unexposed pipes, wires, ducts and conduits in and through the Demised Premises. Landlord or Landlord’s agents shall have the right, after reasonable advance notice to Tenant (except in an emergency, in which event only such notice, if any, as is reasonable under the circumstances shall be required) to enter the Demised Premises to facilitate the making of repairs and improvements to other portions of the Building, including other tenant’s space, and to make such repairs or alterations as Landlord deems desirable for the proper operation of the Building. Landlord shall have the right to enter the Demised Premises at any time, to examine them, or when necessary for the protection of the Demised Premises and/or the Building. In connection with the foregoing, Landlord shall be allowed to take all materials into and upon the Demised Premises that may be required for such repairs, improvements or alterations, without the same constituting an eviction of Tenant, in whole or in part, and without any abatement or diminution of the Basic Rent or Additional Rent. In making of such repairs or alterations, Landlord, to the extent practicable and consistent with efficiency and economy, will exercise reasonable diligence so as to minimize the disturbance of or interference with the business of Tenant. Nothing herein contained, however, shall be deemed or construed to impose on Landlord any obligation, responsibility or liability whatsoever for the care, supervision or repair of the Building or any part thereof, other than as herein provided. Landlord shall also have the right, at any time, without the same constituting an actual or constructive eviction, and without incurring any liability to Tenant therefor, to change the arrangement and/or location of entrances or passageways, doors and doorways and corridors, elevators, stairs, toilets or other public parts of the Building, provided Landlord, at its expense, shall make such alterations, additions or changes which may be required to adapt the Demised Premises to such new conditions.

ARTICLE 11  

Condemnation

Section 11.1            If all, or substantially all, of the Building shall be lawfully condemned or taken in any manner for any public or quasi-public use, this Lease shall cease and terminate as of the date of vesting of title in the conditions.

Section 11.2            If a portion of the Building or parking area shall be so condemned or taken, but if such taking shall substantially affect the Demised Premises or if such condemnation or taking shall be of a substantial part of the Demised Premises, Landlord and Tenant shall each have the right, by delivery of notice in writing to the other party, to terminate this lease and the term and estate hereby granted, as of the date of the vesting of title in the condemnor. If neither party shall so elect, this Lease shall be and remain unaffected by such condemnation or taking, except that, effective as of the date of actual taking, the Basic Rent payable by Tenant shall be diminished by an amount which shall bear the same ratio to the Basic Rent as the rentable square foot floor area of the portion of the Demised Premises taken bears to the rentable square foot floor area of the Demised Premises, and Tenant’s Proportionate Share shall be adjusted accordingly.

Section 11.3            In the event of the termination of this Lease in accordance with the provisions of Section 11.1 or 11.2 hereof, the Basic Rent and the Additional Rent shall be apportioned and prorated accordingly. In the event of any taking, partial or otherwise, Tenant shall not be entitled to claim or receive any part of any award or compensation which may be awarded in any such condemnation proceeding, or as a result of such condemnation or taking, whether the same be for the value of the unexpired term of this Lease or otherwise, or to any damages against Landlord and/or the condemning authority. Nothing herein contained, however, shall be deemed to preclude Tenant from making any separate claim against the condemnor for the value of any fixtures or other installations made by Tenant in the Demised Premises and which do not, upon installation or the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease, become the property of Landlord, or for Tenant’s moving expenses.

 
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ARTICLE 12  

Fire and Other Casualty and Required Insurance

Section 12.1           (a)           If the Demised Premises or any part thereof shall be damaged by fire or other casualty, Tenant shall give immediate notice thereof to Landlord and this Lease shall continue in full force and effect except as hereinafter set forth.

(b)           If the Demised Premises are partially damaged or rendered partially unusable by fire or other casualty, the damages thereto shall be repaired by and at the expense of Landlord and the rent, until such repair shall be substantially completed, shall be apportioned from the day following the casualty according to the part of the premises which is usable.
 
(c)           If the Demised Premises are totally damaged or rendered wholly unusable by fire or other casualty, the rent shall be paid up to the time of the casualty and thenceforth shall cease until the date when the premises shall have been repaired and restored by Landlord, subject to Landlord’s right to elect not to restore the same as hereinafter provided.

(d)           If the Demised Premises are rendered wholly unusable (whether or not the Demised Premises are damaged in whole or in part) or if the Building shall be so damaged that Landlord shall decide to demolish it or to rebuild it then, in any of such events, Landlord may elect to terminate this Lease by written notice to Tenant given within ninety (90) days after such fire or casualty specifying a date for the expiration of this Lease, which date shall not be more than sixty (60) days after the giving of such notice, and upon the date specified in such notice, the term of this Lease shall expire as fully and completely as if such date were the date set forth above for the expiration of this Lease and Tenant shall forthwith quit, surrender and vacate the premises without prejudice, however, to Landlord’s rights and remedies against Tenant under the Lease provisions in effect prior to such termination, and any rent owing shall be paid up to such date and any payments of rent made by Tenant which were on account of any period subsequent to such date shall be returned to Tenant. Unless Landlord shall serve a termination notice as provided for herein, Landlord shall make the repairs and restorations under the conditions of (b) and (c) hereof, with all reasonable expedition subject to delays due to adjustment or insurance claims, labor troubles and causes beyond Landlord’s control.
 
(e)            If the Demised Premises shall be substantially damaged or destroyed during the final year of the term of this Lease or if at any time during the term of this Lease to the extent that repair or restoration would require more than nine (9) months or if it in fact takes more than nine (9) months to repair, Tenant shall have the option, to be exercised by giving written notice to Landlord, within thirty (30) days of the occurrence of such damage or failure to complete same by expiration of said nine (9) month period, to terminate this Lease and the Term and estate hereby granted as of the date of such damage or destruction.  Nothing contained hereinabove shall relieve Tenant from liability that may exist as a result of damage from fire or casualty, except as may be expressly provided otherwise in Section 12.2.

 
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Section 12.2            Landlord will secure an appropriate clause in, or endorsement to, any fire and extended coverage insurance policy covering the Building, pursuant to which its insurance companies (i) waive all right of claims and/or subrogation against Tenant with respect to losses payable under such policies and/or (ii) agree that such policies shall not be invalidated should the insured waive in writing prior to a loss any or all rights of recovery against any party for losses covered by such policies, Landlord agrees that it will not make any claim against or seek to recover from Tenant for any loss or damage to the Building covered by such fire and extended coverage insurance to the extent that the entire loss or damage has been paid by the insurance company and collected by Landlord. If, as a condition of making either of the aforesaid clauses or endorsements available to Landlord, the insurance carrier of Landlord shall require the payment of an additional premium, over and above the normal and standard premium for the coverage involved, Landlord will notify Tenant of such premium or charge, and if Tenant shall require that either of the available clauses or endorsements be contained in Landlord’s policy or policies, Tenant agrees to and shall pay the additional premium cost or charge. Landlord shall carry throughout the term of this Lease (i) all-risk full replacement cost (or in such lower amount as the then holder of the first mortgage shall permit) fire and extended coverage insurance on the Building and all realty improvements therein, including a rent loss endorsement for at least twelve (12) months, (ii) comprehensive general liability insurance with respect to all Common Areas of the Building in an amount not less than that required of Tenant with respect to the Demised Premises, and (iii) workers’ compensation equal to the statutory requirements or that required of Tenant under this Lease with respect to its employees.

S ection 12.3            Tenant acknowledges that Landlord will not carry insurance on Tenant’s personal property, contents, furniture and/or furnishings or any fixtures or equipment, improvements, or appurtenances removable by Tenant and agrees that Landlord will not be obligated to repair any damage thereto or replace the same, for any reason whatsoever.  Tenant shall, throughout the term of this Lease, maintain at its own cost and expense, (a) insurance against loss or damage by fire and such other risks and hazards as are insurable under present and future standard forms of fire and extended coverage insurance policies (including, without limitation, protection against vandalism, malicious mischief and sprinkler, equipment, boiler and machinery insurance against leakage or explosion), to the personal property, furniture, furnishings and fixtures belonging to Tenant located in the Demised Premises, in an amount adequate to cover actual replacement cost, which insurance policies may include a provision for the deduction from any recovery thereof of a sum in such amount as is then standard in insurance policies insuring property similar to Tenant’s property, (b) comprehensive general liability insurance in the amounts set forth in Section 12.5, (c) worker’s compensation and employer’s liability insurance in the amounts set forth in Section 12.5, and (d) umbrella liability insurance in the amounts set forth in Section 12.5.  All insurance required to be maintained by Tenant under this Lease shall be approved by Landlord and shall be provided by insurance companies with an A.M. Best Rating of “AX” or better and who are licensed by the state of New York.  Prior to Tenant’s taking occupancy of, or undertaking work in, any portion of the Demised Premises, and thereafter not less than thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of any policy or policies, evidence of the issuance, or renewal, of such policy or policies, or a new certificate for the initial or renewal period, as the case may be, shall be delivered to Landlord.  Such evidence or certificate shall clearly state that the insurance coverage applies in New York State.  Such insurance shall name Landlord, Landlord’s controlled subsidiaries, and Landlord’s agents, officers, directors, members servants and employees as additional insureds on a primary basis and shall contain an agreement on the part of the insurance company (A) not to cancel such policy or coverage, or change the terms of such coverage, without thirty (30) days prior written notice to Landlord and (B) that no act or omission of any named assureds will invalidate the policy as to the other named insureds. In the event of the occurrence of any fire or other casualty insured against by Tenant’s policy, Landlord, at the time of the occurrence of any such event, when called on to do so by Tenant, will by appropriate written instrument, assign to Tenant all of Landlord’s right, title and interest in and to such insurance proceeds.  Tenant agrees to look solely to its insurance company for payment for any loss or damage to its property, and not to make any claim against, or seek to recover from, Landlord, its officers, directors, members, servants, agents or employees for such loss or damage, whether or not the loss or damage was due to the acts or omissions of Landlord or its officers, directors, members, servants, agents or employees. Upon the occurrence of any casualty insured against, Tenant shall have full authority to, and shall, take all necessary measures to negotiate, compromise or adjust any loss under Tenant’s policy. Tenant hereby waives any and all right of recovery, which it might otherwise have against Landlord, its employees and servants, agents and employees for loss or damage to Tenant’s furniture, furnishings, fixtures and personal property. Tenant, at its cost and expense, will cause its insurance carrier to include, in each policy of insurance that Tenant is, by the terms and provisions of this Lease, required to obtain or which is obtained by Tenant, an endorsement (i) waiving the right of subrogation against Landlord and Landlord’s agents, officers, directors, members, servants and mortgagees with respect to losses payable under such policies or (ii) agreeing that such policies shall not be invalidated should the insured waive in writing prior to a loss any or all right of recovery against any party for losses covered by such policies.

 
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Section 12.4            Subject to the foregoing provisions of this Article 12, Tenant hereby expressly waives the provisions of Section 227 of the Real Property Law, or any other law or statute hereafter enacted of similar import, and agrees that the foregoing provisions of this Article shall govern and control in lieu thereof.

Section 12.5            Tenant shall maintain at its own cost and expense:

(a)            Commercial General Liability Insurance covering the Demised Premises on an occurrence basis with minimum limits of liability in an amount equal to One Million ($1,000,000.00) Dollars for bodily injury, personal injury or death to any one person and Two Million ($2,000,000.00) Dollars for bodily injury, personal injury or death to more than one (1) person, or a single limit of Two Million ($2,000,000.00) Dollars for bodily injury, personal injury or death per occurrence, and with a separate limit of Two Million ($2,000,000.00) Dollars for Products/Completed Operations per occurrence, and Two Hundred Fifty Thousand ($250,000.00) Dollars with respect to damage to property by water or otherwise, such policy shall name Landlord, the holder of any mortgage and/or over, ground or master lease on all or any portion of Landlord’s interest in the Land and/or Building, as additional named assureds to the extent of Tenant’s acts or omissions or the acts or omissions of Tenants’ contractors, agents, its and their employees and its guests, customers or invitees and shall provide that the same may not be cancelled or terminated without at least thirty (30) days written notice to Landlord and the additional named assureds by the insurance company issuing such policy, and that no act or omission to act of Tenant shall invalidate such insurance as to Landlord and the other additional named assureds;

 
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(b)           Worker’s Compensation and Employer’s Liability Insurance in accordance with the laws of the State of New York;

(c)           Umbrella liability insurance with maximum limits of liability in an amount equal to Five Million ($5,000,000.00) Dollars per occurrence with a Five Million ($5,000,000.00) Dollar minimum aggregate; and

(d)           When   reasonably required by Landlord, such other insurance against other insurable hazards and in such amounts as may from time to time be commonly and customarily insured against and are generally available for tenants in first-class, Class A office buildings in Nassau County, New York.

Section 12.6             During the term of this Lease and any renewal hereof, Landlord shall keep and maintain in full force and effect, standard liability and property insurance in amounts and on terms that are commonly and customarily insured against and are generally available for and selected by other owners of similar class multi-tenanted office buildings located on Long Island, New York.

Section 12.7             Tenant shall have the right to insure and maintain the insurance coverages set forth in this Article 12 under blanket insurance policies covering other premises occupied by Tenant so long as such blanket policies comply as to terms and amounts with the insurance provisions set forth in this Lease; provided that upon request, Tenant shall deliver to Landlord a certificate of Tenant’s insurer evidencing the portion of such blanket insurance allocated to the Demised Premises.

ARTICLE 13

Subordination

             Section 13.1    Provided that a fully executed non-disturbance agreement is delivered to Tenant in the form annexed hereto as Exhibit H , this Lease shall be, and at all times shall continue to be, subject and subordinate to (i) all mortgages and/or over, ground or master leases which may now or hereafter affect all or any portion of the Land, Building and other improvements now or hereafter erected on the Land and any and all further advances on all such mortgages, and (ii) any renewals, spreaders, increases, modifications, consolidations, replacements and extensions of such mortgages or leases. This clause shall be self-operative, and no further instrument of subordination shall be required, except Tenant, if requested by any such mortgagee or lessor or proposed mortgagee or lessor, agrees to confirm this subordination by promptly executing (in recordable form) any certificate or other document that Landlord may reasonably request in confirmation of such subordination.  Landlord will obtain a non-disturbance agreement from the holder of the mortgage currently encumbering the Land and the Building   and shall obtain a non-disturbance agreement from the future holder of any mortgage encumbering the Land or the Building in substantially the same form as annexed as Exhibit H attached hereto .

 
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Section 13.2            Tenant, for the benefit of any mortgagee, agrees that:

(a)           except as otherwise provided for herein, it will not pay to Landlord more than one month’s rent in advance;
 and

(b)           in the event of any default on the part of Landlord arising out of or accruing under this Lease, whereby the validity or the continued existence of this Lease might be impaired or terminated by Tenant by reason of any such default or defaults, Tenant will give written notice thereof to any mortgagee or holder of a ground, master or over lease affecting all or any part of the Land and/or Building, and grant to such mortgagee or holder of a ground, master or over lease a reasonable time after the giving of such notice by Tenant to cure and following the time when such mortgagee or leaseholder shall have become entitled under the applicable mortgage or lease to remedy the same, and that such right on the part of any such mortgagee or holder of a ground, master or over lease to cure any such default or defaults shall not be deemed to create any obligation on such party’s part to cure or to undertake the elimination of any such default or defaults, unless the mortgagee or holder of a ground, master or over lease elects to do so.

ARTICLE 14

Certificates by Tenant and Landlord

Section 14.1            At any time and from time to time, Tenant, for the benefit of Landlord and the holder of any mortgage or ground, master or over lease affecting all or any portion of the Land and/or Building, on at least fifteen ( 15 ) days prior written request by Landlord, will deliver to Landlord a written statement, in recordable form, certifying that this Lease is not modified and is in full force and effect (or if there shall have been modifications, that the same is in full force and effect as modified, and stating the modifications), the Commencement Date and the dates to which the Basic Rent, Additional Rent and other charges have been paid, and whether or not, to the best knowledge of the signer of such statement, there are any then existing defaults on the part of either Landlord or Tenant in the performance of the covenants, conditions or other provisions of this Lease, and, if so, specifying the default of which the signer of such statement has knowledge.

 
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ARTICLE 15

Events of Default

Section 15.1      If Tenant defaults in fulfilling any of the covenants of this Lease including, without limitation, the covenants for the payment of Basic Rent, Additional Rent or any other charge or payment payable under this Lease and Tenant fails to cure such default within five (5) days of receipt of written notice from Landlord of such default (any failure after notice in such payment being hereinafter referred to as a “ Monetary Default ”); or if the Demised Premises become abandoned for a period in excess of twenty (20) business days other than as a result of a casualty rendering the Demised Premises untenantable; or if there shall be filed by or against Tenant in any court pursuant to any statute a petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for reorganization or for the appointment of a receiver, custodian or trustee of all or a portion of Tenant’s property or if Tenant makes an assignment for the benefit of creditors, or petitions for or enters into arrangement with creditors (any of which events are hereinafter referred to as an “ Event of Insolvency ”); or if any execution or attachment shall be issued against Tenant or any of Tenant’s property whereupon the Demised Premises shall be taken or occupied by someone other than Tenant; then, in any one or more of such events, upon Landlord serving a written fifteen (15) days notice upon Tenant specifying the nature of said default and upon the expiration of said fifteen (15) days, if Tenant shall have failed to comply with or remedy such default, or if the said default or omission complained of is other than a Monetary Default and shall be of a nature that the same cannot be completely cured or remedied within said fifteen (15) day period, and if Tenant shall not have diligently commenced curing such default within such fifteen (15) day period, and if Tenant shall not thereafter with reasonable diligence and in good faith proceed to remedy or cure such default, then Landlord may serve a written three (3) days notice of cancellation of this Lease upon Tenant, and upon the expiration of said three (3) days, this Lease and the term thereunder shall end and expire as fully and completely as if the expiration of such three (3) day period were the day herein definitely fixed for the end and expiration of this Lease and the term thereof and Tenant shall then quit and surrender the Demised Premises to Landlord but Tenant shall remain liable as hereinafter provided.
 
Section 15.2        If the notice provided for in Section 15.1 hereof shall have been given, and the term shall expire as aforesaid or if Tenant shall make default in the payment of the basic annual rent reserved herein or any item of Additional Rent herein mentioned or any part of either or in making any other payment herein required   after notice and opportunity to cure provided for in Section 15.1 ; then and in any of such events Landlord may re-enter the demised premises either by force or otherwise and dispossess Tenant and the legal representative of Tenant or other occupants of the demised premises by summary or other legal proceedings or otherwise and remove their effects and hold the premises as if this Lease had not been made, and Tenant hereby waives the service of notice of intention to re-enter or to institute legal proceedings to that end.
 
Section 15.3       Notwithstanding any expiration or termination prior to the Lease expiration date as set forth in this Article 15, Tenant’s obligation to pay Basic Rent and Additional Rent under this Lease shall continue to and cover all periods up to the date provided in this Lease for the expiration of the term hereof.

 
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Section 15.4       In case of any such re-entry, expiration and/or dispossess by summary proceedings or otherwise as set forth in this Article 15 (a) the rent shall become due thereupon and be paid up to the time of such re-entry, dispossess and/or expiration, together with such expenses as Landlord may reasonably incur for legal expenses, reasonable attorneys’ fees, brokerage fees, and/or putting the Demised Premises in good order, or for preparing the same for re-rental; (b) Landlord may relet the premises or any part or parts thereof, either in the name of Landlord or otherwise, for a term or terms, which may at Landlord’s option be less than or exceed the period which would otherwise have constituted the balance of the term of this Lease and may grant concessions or free rent; and/or (c) Tenant and its successors shall, in addition to the other rights and remedies and damages Landlord has, or may claim, prove or collect, by virtue of any other provision contained herein or by virtue of any statute or rule of law, also pay Landlord as liquidated damages (and not as a penalty) for the failure of Tenant to observe and perform said Tenant’s covenants herein contained: (y) any deficiency between the rent hereby reserved and/or covenanted to be paid and the net amount, if any, of the rents collected on account of the lease or leases of the demised premises for each month of the period which would otherwise have constituted the balance of the term of this Lease or, at Landlord’s option, (z) a sum which at the time of such termination of this Lease or at the time of any such re-entry by Landlord, as the case may be, represents the then value of the excess, if any, of (i) the aggregate amount of the basic annual rent and the Additional Rent which would have been payable by Tenant (conclusively presuming the average monthly Additional Rents to be the same as were payable for the year, or if less than three hundred sixty-five (365) days have then elapsed since the commencement date, the partial year, immediately preceding such termination or re-entry) for the period commencing with such earlier termination of this Lease or the date of any such re-entry, as the case may be, and ending with the date contemplated as the expiration date hereof if this Lease had not so terminated or if Landlord had not so re-entered the demised premises, over (ii) the aggregate rental value of the demised premises for the same period , discounted at the rate of six (6%) percent.   The failure or refusal of Landlord to relet the premises or any part or parts thereof shall not release or affect Tenant’s liability for damages. In computing such liquidated damages there shall be added to the said deficiency such expenses as Landlord may reasonably incur in connection with reletting, such as legal expenses, reasonable attorneys’ fees, brokerage fees and for keeping the demised premises in good order or for preparing the same for reletting. Any such liquidated damages shall be paid in monthly installments by Tenant on the rent days specified in this Lease and any suit brought to collect the amount of the deficiency for any month shall not prejudice in any way the rights of Landlord to collect the deficiency for any subsequent month by a similar proceeding. Landlord, at Landlord’s option, may make such alterations, repairs, replacements and/or decorations in the demised premises as Landlord, in Landlord’s sole judgment, considers advisable and necessary for the purpose of reletting the demised premises; and the making of such alterations and/or decorations shall not operate or be construed to release Tenant from liability hereunder as aforesaid. Landlord shall in no event be liable in any way whatsoever for failure or refusal to relet the demised premises or any parts thereof, or, in the event that the demised premises are relet, for failure to collect the rent thereof under such reletting. In the event of a breach or threatened breach by Tenant of any of the covenants or provisions hereof, Landlord shall have the right of injunction and the right to invoke any remedy allowed at law or in equity as if re-entry, summary proceedings and other remedies were not herein provided for. Mention in this Lease of any particular remedy shall not preclude Landlord from any other remedy, in law or in equity.

 
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Section 15.5    In the event Tenant fails to pay within five (5) days of the date   when due any installment of Basic Rent or item of Additional Rent herein mentioned or any part of either or making any other payment herein required, then Tenant shall, in addition to, and not in substitution of, the unpaid installment, item or charge or any part of the same, pay to Landlord, on demand, interest at the prime rate published by The Wall Street Journal plus five (5 %) percent (or if such rate be illegal, then the highest permissible rate) on the unpaid installment, item or charge from the due date of the respective installment, item or charge, or all or any portion thereof through the date of payment.  In addition, Tenant shall at such time as each such late or delinquent payment is paid, pay to Landlord as administrative charge (and not as a penalty) the amount of Five Hundred ($500.00) Dollars for each such late or delinquent payment to reimburse Landlord for the expense and time in handling such delinquent payments.  Nothing contained in this Section 15.5 shall be a grant of a grace period or in any way toll or extend any payment date, it being understood that Landlord may reject or refuse to accept any delinquent or late payment.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, no such administrative charge shall be imposed or such interest assessed on the first late payment of Basic Rent in any period of twelve (12) consecutive months (not necessarily calendar months) during the term of this Lease, provided that Tenant pays such installment of Basic Rent by the fifteenth (15th) day of the month in which such unpaid installment is due.
 
ARTICLE 16
 
Waivers
 
Section 16.1       After re-entry thereupon, by Landlord, or after any warrant to dispossess or judgment in ejectment, Tenant, for itself and for all persons claiming through or under it, hereby expressly waives any and all rights which are or may be conferred upon Tenant by any present or future law to redeem the Demised Premises, or after reentry, to any new trial in any action of ejectment under any provision of law. If Landlord shall acquire possession of the Demised Premises by summary proceedings, or in any other lawful manner without judicial proceedings, it shall be deemed a re-entry within the meaning of that word as used in this Lease.
 
Section 16.2       Except in the case of any action, proceeding or counterclaim brought or asserted by either of the parties against the other for personal injury or property damage, Landlord and Tenant hereby waive a trial by jury of any and all issues arising in any action or proceeding or counterclaim between the parties hereto, or their successors, arising out of or in any way connected with this Lease (or any of its provisions), Tenant’s use or occupancy of the Demised Premises, and/or any claim of injury or damage. Tenant hereby expressly waives the right to interpose a counterclaim (other than any compulsory counterclaim)   against Landlord in any summary proceeding brought by Landlord against Tenant pursuant to this Lease, and agrees that it will not seek to consolidate or join for trial with any such summary proceedings, any action or proceeding Tenant may theretofore have commenced, or thereafter commence, against Landlord.

 
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Section 16.3       Failure of Landlord to insist on strict performance of the covenants, conditions or other terms of this Lease, or to exercise any option herein conferred on Landlord in any one or more instances, shall not be construed as a waiver or relinquishment for the future of any covenants, conditions, options or terms, but the same shall be and remain in full force and effect. The receipt by Landlord of any installment of Basic Rent or item of Additional Rent or other charge payable hereunder with knowledge of the breach of any covenant hereof shall not be deemed a waiver of such breach, and no waiver by Landlord of any provision hereof shall be deemed to have been made unless expressed in writing and signed by Landlord. No surrender of the Demised Premises shall be valid unless accepted by Landlord in writing. This Lease shall not be modified by any oral or implied agreement or custom, all the terms of the contract between Landlord and Tenant having been fully set forth herein.

 
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ARTICLE 17
 
Landlord May Cure Defaults
 
Section 17.1       In the event of any breach of this Lease, or of any covenant hereof by Tenant, Landlord may, at any time thereafter, on reasonable notice to Tenant, cure such breach for the account and at the expense of Tenant. If Landlord, by reason of such breach, is compelled or elects to pay any sum of money, or do any act which would require the payment of any sum of money, or incurs any expense, including reasonable attorney’s fees, in instituting, prosecuting or defending any action or proceeding to enforce Landlord’s right hereunder or otherwise, the sums so paid or expenses and obligations so incurred by Landlord, together with interest at the per annum rate of eighteen (18%) percent (or if such rate be illegal, at the highest permissible rate) through the date of payment shall be deemed to be an item of Additional Rent hereunder, and shall be paid by Tenant to Landlord within ten (10) days of rendition of a bill to Tenant therefor.
 
ARTICLE 18
 
Miscellaneous Provisions
 
Section 18.1       Intentionally Omitted.
 
Section 18.2       Common parking areas shall be provided at no additional cost for use by Tenant, its personnel and visitors in common with such other parties as Landlord shall permit to use the same on a “first come, first served” basis. Landlord reserves the right, at all times during the term hereof, to designate and redesignate such parking areas and to prescribe the use thereof and to promulgate and enforce rules and regulations with respect to the same. Tenant, its permitted assignees and subtenants, personnel and visitors shall not, at any time, park trucks or delivery vehicles in any of the areas designated for automobile parking. Tenant shall not be entitled to any minimum or maximum number of parking spaces or areas except reserved spaces based on the ratio of one (1) space per 1,000 rentable square feet shall be designated for Tenant’s exclusive use in the locations   shown on the   Exhibit F   annexed to this Lease . Landlord shall have no responsibility to police or otherwise insure Tenant’s use thereof. All parking spaces and parking areas shall be unattended and shall be utilized at the vehicle owner’s own risk.  Landlord shall not be liable for any injury to persons or property or loss by theft, or otherwise, of any vehicle or its contents.  Nothing herein contained shall prevent or preclude Landlord from reserving certain parking spaces or areas to be used on a designated or reserved basis by the parties designated by Landlord , as long as Landlord maintains the aforementioned reserved spaces and parking ratios required by code for Tenant’s non-exclusive parking .

 
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Section 18.3       Landlord agrees that Tenant’s move into the Building will take place on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, and that during the period while Tenant is in the process of moving into the Building, Landlord, if requested by Tenant, shall, at Tenant’s expense, furnish air-conditioning or heating, as the case may be, and elevators to serve the Demised Premises, and Tenant hereby acknowledges that Landlord will require Landlord’s personnel (not to exceed two people) to be present during the move-in and that the costs therefor shall be paid by Tenant. The costs of such personnel are currently $57.00 per hour, including tax, per employee. Tenant agrees to give at least four (4) days prior written notice to Landlord of the date of any such move, to use the loading areas designated by Landlord for such moving and for deliveries, and to otherwise abide by the rules established by Landlord as respect deliveries to or moving into or out of the Demised Premises or the Building.
 
Section 18.4        The parties covenant and agree that neither this Lease nor any of the Certificates set forth in Article 14 of this Lease shall be recorded.
 
Section 18.5       If any term or provision of this Lease or the application thereof to any person or circumstance shall, to any extent, be invalid or unenforceable, the remainder of this Lease, or the application of such term or provision to persons or circumstances other than those as to which it is held invalid or unenforceable, shall not be affected thereby, and each term and provision of this Lease shall be valid and be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by law.
 
Section 18.6       If Landlord is unable to deliver possession of all or any portion of the Demised Premises because of the holding-over or retention of possession of any tenant, under tenant or occupant, or for any other reason, Landlord shall not be subject to any liability for failure to give possession and the validity of this Lease shall not be impaired under such circumstances, nor shall the same be construed in any way to extend the term of this Lease , except as otherwise expressly provided in this Lease . If permission is given to Tenant to enter into the possession of all or any portion of the Demised Premises prior to the date specified as the commencement of the term of this Lease, Tenant covenants and agrees that such occupancy shall be deemed to be under all the terms, covenants, conditions and provisions of this Lease, except as to the covenant to pay rent   or additional rent . The provisions of this section are intended to constitute “an express provision to the contrary” within the meaning of Section 223-a of the New York Real Property Law.
 
Section 18.7       Tenant shall defend (with counsel satisfactory to Landlord) and indemnify and save Landlord harmless from and against any liability or expense arising from the use and occupation of the Demised Premises by Tenant or anyone on the Demised Premises with Tenant’s permission or from any breach of this Lease.

 
Section 18.8       Landlord shall, by virtue of the computerized tenant listing system located in the Building’s main lobby and without expense to Tenant, initially list on such system the name of Tenant and such officers or employees of Tenant, as Tenant shall designate in writing to Landlord.  Landlord shall, from time to time, have the right to change or alter the Building’s directory system, provided that there is always a directory system in place. Landlord shall, at no cost or expense to Tenant, install Tenant’s name and, at Tenant’s reasonable cost and expense, the name of any permitted sublessee or assigns on the multi-tenant directory in the lower level.

 
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Section 18.9       This Lease may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original.  Said counterparts shall constitute one and the same instrument and shall be binding upon each of the undersigned as fully and completely as if all had executed the same instrument.
 
Section 18.10      As of the date hereof, there is a fitness facility in the Building (the “Fitness Facility”) maintained and operated by Landlord that is available only to tenants of Jericho Plaza at the annual rate of One Hundred Sixty Five and 00/100 ($165.00) Dollars.  The Fitness Facility shall be maintained and operated by Landlord for so long as, in Landlord’s sole discretion, the Fitness Facility is located in the Building.
 
ARTICLE 19
 
Quiet Enjoyment
 
Section 19.1       If and so long as Tenant pays the Basic Rent, Additional Rent and other charges reserved or payable under this Lease, and performs and observes all the covenants and provisions hereof, Tenant may quietly enjoy the Demised Premises during the term of this Lease, without hindrance or molestation by any one claiming by or through Landlord, subject, however, to the terms of this Lease and to all ground, over or master leases and the mortgages hereinbefore mentioned and to which this Lease is subordinate.
 
ARTICLE 20
 
Definitions
 
Section 20.1       The term “ Landlord ” as used in this Lease, shall mean only the owner, or the mortgagee in possession, for the time being, of the Land or the Building (or the owner, or the leasehold mortgagee in possession, of a lease of the Land or the Building), so that in the event of any transfer of title to said Land and/or Building or said lease, or in the event of a lease of the Building or of the Land, the said Landlord shall be and hereby is entirely freed and relieved of all covenants and obligations of Landlord hereunder, arising after such transfer, and it shall be deemed and construed as a covenant running with the Land, without further agreement between the parties or their successors in interest, or between the parties and the transferee of title to said Land and/or Building or said lease, or the said lessee of the Land or the Building, that the transferee of title or the lessee has assumed and agreed to carry out any and all covenants and obligations of Landlord hereunder.
 
Section 20.2        The term “ rent ” as used in this Lease, shall mean Basic Rent, Additional Rent and all other charges or payments payable under this Lease.

 
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ARTICLE 21
 
Surrender
 
Section 21.1       On the last day of the term demised, or on the sooner termination thereof, Tenant shall peaceably and quietly leave, surrender and yield up unto Landlord the Demised Premises, broom-clean, in good order and repair, ordinary wear and tear excepted, together with all alterations, additions and improvements which may have been made in the Demised Premises, except as otherwise provided for under this Lease. All property not removed by Tenant shall be deemed abandoned by Tenant. If the Demised Premises are not surrendered at the end of the term in the condition and on the basis provided for in this Lease, Tenant shall indemnify Landlord against damage, loss and liability resulting from Tenant’s failure or refusal to surrender the Demised Premises in the condition and on the basis provided in this Lease, and Tenant, on demand of Landlord, shall reimburse Landlord for such damage, loss and liability and which damage, loss and liability shall include, without limitation, claims made by any succeeding tenant founded on Landlord’s delay in delivering the Demised Premises. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein contained, Tenant agrees that the minimal use and occupancy charge payable by Tenant for any holdover period shall be at a per annum rate (prorated for the holdover period) equal to one and one half times the rent payable by Tenant for the last lease year of the expired term, but nothing herein contained shall be a consent by Landlord to such holdover.
 
ARTICLE 22
 
Notices
 
             Section 22.1       Any notice or demand, consent, approval or disapproval required to be given by the terms and provisions of this Lease or under any statute, shall be in writing, and shall be given or made by mailing the same, by prepaid, certified mail, or by overnight mail   addressed to (i) Landlord at Two Jericho Plaza, Jericho, New York 11753, with a copy to Eric C. Rubenstein, Esq., Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C., East Tower, 15 th Floor, 1425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, New York 11556-0190 and (ii) Tenant at One Jericho Plaza, Jericho, New York 11753, Attn: Eric Gatoff, CEO, with a copy to Farrell Fritz, P.C., 1320 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, New York 11556-1320, Attn: Robert E. Sandler, Esq .
 
Either party, however, may designate in writing such new or other address to which such notice given hereunder by mail shall be deemed delivered when deposited in a general or branch office maintained by the United States Postal Service, enclosed in a certified, prepaid wrapper, addressed as hereinbefore provided.

 
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ARTICLE 23
 
Rules and Regulations
 
Section 23.1       Tenant and Tenant’s servants, employees and agents shall observe faithfully and comply strictly with the rules and regulations set forth in Exhibit E attached hereto and made a part hereof, and such other and further reasonable rules and regulations as Landlord or Landlord’s agents may from time to time adopt. Written notice of any additional rules or regulations shall be given to Tenant. Nothing in this Lease contained shall be construed to impose on Landlord any duty or obligation to enforce the rules and regulations, or the terms, covenants or conditions in any other lease, against any other tenant of the Building, and Landlord shall not be liable to Tenant for violation of the same by any other tenant, its servants, employees, agents, visitors or licensees.
 
ARTICLE 24
 
No Representations by Landlord
 
Section 24.1       Landlord and Landlord’s agents have made no representations or promises with respect to the Building or the Demised Premises, except as herein expressly set forth. This Lease sets forth the full understanding of the parties. No agreement hereafter made shall be effective to change, modify, discharge or constitute an abandonment of this Lease, in whole or in part, unless such agreement is in writing and signed by the party against whom enforcement of such change, modification, discharge or abandonment is sought.
 
ARTICLE 25
 
Inability to Perform
 
Section 25.1       This Lease, and the obligation of Tenant to pay Basic Rent, Additional Rent and the other charges payable hereunder and to perform all the other covenants and agreements hereunder on the part of Tenant to be performed shall in no way be affected, impaired or excused because Landlord is unable to fulfill any of its obligations under this Lease, or to supply, or is delayed in supplying, any service expressly or impliedly to be supplied, or is unable to make, or is delayed in making, any repair, addition, alteration or decoration, or is unable to supply or is delayed in supplying any equipment or fixtures, if Landlord is prevented from or delayed in doing so by reason of strikes or labor troubles, or any outside cause whatsoever, including, but not limited to, governmental preemption in connection with a national emergency, or by reason of any rule, order or regulation of any department or subdivision thereof of any governmental agency, or by reason of the condition of supply and demand which have been or are affected by war or other emergency.

 
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Section 25.2       Landlord’s agreement to do the work in the Demised Premises as set forth herein or to make repairs or to perform any of its obligations under this Lease shall not require it to incur overtime costs and expenses, and except as otherwise expressly provided in the Lease,   shall be subject to Unavoidable Delays, which term “Unavoidable Delays” is defined as those delays due to the events set forth in Section 25.1 and to Acts of God, governmental restrictions, strikes, labor disturbances, shortages of materials and supplies, and any other causes or events beyond Landlord’s reasonable control.
 
ARTICLE 26
 
Broker
 
Section 26.1       Landlord and   Tenant warrant and represent to each other that they have not dealt with any broker other than CB Richard Ellis and The Rochlin Organization (collectively, the “ Broker ”) and Jeff Lichtenberg, as consultant (the “ Consultant ”),   in connection with this transaction and had no conversations or dealings with any other broker in connection with this transaction.  So far as either party is aware the Broker is the only broker who negotiated this Lease.  Each party hereby indemnifies the other against any claims of any other broker or party by reason of said broker or party having had any conversations or dealings with Tenant in connection with this transaction and each party does hereby indemnify the other party against the same and agrees to reimburse the other party for any damages that he other party might sustain by reason of such claims including the cost of defending any action, including reasonable legal fees, in connection therewith. Based on the foregoing representation and indemnity, Landlord agrees to pay and to be solely responsible for the payment of the brokerage commission or other compensation payable to the Broker and a consulting fee to the Consultant   in connection with this transaction, as per separate agreement between Landlord and Broker and Landlord and Consultant, if any.
 
ARTICLE 27
 
Successors and Assigns
 
Section 27.1      The covenants and agreements contained in this Lease shall inure to the benefit of, and be binding on the parties hereto and on their respective successors in interest and legal representatives, except as expressly otherwise hereinbefore provided.
 
ARTICLE 28
 
Exculpation
 
Section 28.1       If Landlord or any successor in interest of Landlord shall be an individual, joint venture, tenancy-in-common, firm or partnership, general or limited, there shall be no personal liability on such individual or on the members of such joint venture, tenancy-in-common, firm or partnership in respect to any of the covenants or conditions of this Lease on Landlord’s part to be performed. Further, Tenant shall look wholly and solely to the equity of Landlord in the Real Property for the satisfaction of the remedies of Tenant for the collection of a judgment (or other judicial process) requiring the payment of money by Landlord in the event of a default by Landlord hereunder, and no other property or assets of Landlord or its partners or principals, disclosed or undisclosed, shall be subject to levy, execution or other enforcement procedure for the satisfaction of Tenant’s remedies under or with respect to this Lease, the relationship of Landlord and Tenant hereunder or Tenant’s use or occupancy of the Demised Premises.

 
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ARTICLE 29
 
Article Headings
 
Section 29.1       The Article headings in this Lease and the Table of Contents prefaced to this Lease are inserted only as a matter of convenience and reference. They are not deemed as limiting in any manner the content of the provisions which they describe, and are not to be given any effect whatsoever in construing the provisions of this Lease.
 
ARTICLE 30
 
Antenna System
 
Section 30.1       Tenant, at its sole cost and expense, shall be permitted to install a satellite dish or antenna (“ Antenna System ”) of a size approved in advance by Landlord and in a location on the roof of the Building approved in advance by Landlord, subject to the following conditions:
 
(a)           Tenant shall comply with all rules, regulations and policies of Landlord regarding the installation of antennae;
 
(b)           The right to install and maintain the Antenna System shall be subject to Tenant not being in default under this Lease;
 
(c)           Tenant may not generate any income from the resale of service of radio communications or for broadcasting or providing telecommunication services to others;
 
(d)           Tenant shall prepare and submit drawings and specifications showing the proposed location of all components of the Antenna System and a detailed description of the equipment that Tenant proposes to install and the work that Tenant proposes to perform in connection with the installation of the Antenna System, which shall all be subject to Landlord’s approval;
 
(e)           Tenant shall be required to obtain all approvals and permits from the Department of Buildings of the Town of Oyster Bay and any other governmental or quasi-governmental authority having jurisdiction;

 
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(f)           Tenant shall pay the reasonable expenses of Landlord and its engineers, architects or consultants regarding the review of plans and specifications and the supervision of the installation of the Antenna System;
 
(g)           Tenant shall keep and maintain the Antenna System in a safe condition and in good order and state of repair, comply with all required governmental approvals and applicable rules regulations and policies of Landlord applicable to the Antenna System and its use, operation and maintenance, and comply with all precautions and safeguards required by Landlord’s insurance company with respect to the Antenna System;
 
(h)           At Landlord’s request, and at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, Tenant shall paint the portion of the Antenna System on the roof in a color selected by Landlord not less frequently than once every two (2) years, install and maintain such lightning rods and/or air terminals on or about the portion of the Antenna System on the roof of the Building, as Landlord may require, comply with all requirements of the Federal Communications Commission or any successor thereto and any other federal, state or local governmental or quasi-governmental authorities exercising similar jurisdiction, and obtain and pay for promptly, as and when due, all applicable licenses and respective copyrights, trade secrets, proprietary or other tangible or intangible property rights of any kind whatsoever employed by Tenant in connection with the operation of the Antenna System;
 
(i)           Tenant shall use and operate the Antenna System in a manner that does not in any way constitute a health hazard or danger to property or interfere with any radio, television or other telecommunications transmissions or receptions of Landlord or of any of Landlord’s other tenants, occupants or licensees;
 
(j)           Tenant shall, at any time and from time to time following Landlord’s request, relocate the Antenna System or any portion thereof to a location designated by Landlord;
 
(k)           Prior to the date which is thirty (30) days before the expiration date or earlier termination of the Lease, Tenant shall, at Tenant’s sole cost and expense, remove the Antenna System and repair any damage to the Building occasioned by reason of installation, operation, maintenance or removal of the Antenna System; and
 
(l)           If Tenant elects to install a VSAT on the roof of the Building (the “Satellite”), Tenant shall pay, as Additional Rent, the annual sum of Two Hundred Fifty and 00/100 ($250.00) Dollars.  The installation, size and location of the Satellite shall be subject to Landlord’s prior review and approval.
 
ARTICLE 31
 
Renewal Option
 
Section 31.1       Provided Tenant is not in a Monetary Default under this Lease (subsequent to any required notice and the expiration of any cure period), and has not assigned its interest in this Lease or sublet the Demised Premises, or any part thereof (other than to a Permitted Transferee) at the time of the exercise of the within option and as of the effective date of the renewal, Tenant shall (provided that this Lease shall not have been theretofore earlier terminated) have one (1) option (the “ Renewal Option ”) to extend the term of this Lease for a five (5) year renewal period (the “ Renewal Term ”) upon the terms and conditions set forth herein.

 
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Section 31.2       (a)  The Renewal Term shall commence on the expiration of the last lease year of the term of the Lease and shall expire on the fifth (5 th ) anniversary ther eof (the “ Renewal Expiration Date ), or such earlier date upon which this Lease may be terminated as herein provided.
 
(b)             The Renewal Option may be exercised only by Tenant giving Landlord written notice (the “ Renewal Notice ) of such exercise at least nine (9) months prior to the expiration date of the last lease year of the term of the Lease, provided, however, that the Renewal Notice shall be validly and effectively given only if, on the date that Tenant shall exercise the Renewal Option (the “ Exercise Date ) the requirements of Section 31.1 have been satisfied.   TIME SHALL BE OF THE ESSENCE with respect to the giving of the Renewal Notice by Tenant to Landlord.
 
(c)             Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in this Section 31.2, if, on the comm encement of the Renewal Term, there shall be an uncured monetary default by Tenant beyond any applicable notice and cure period, then Landlord, in Landlord s sole and absolute discretion, may elect, by written notice to Tenant, to void Tenant s exercise o f the Renewal Option, in which case Tenant s exercise of the Renewal Option shall be of no force or effect and this Lease shall terminate on the last day of last year of the term of the Lease, unless sooner canceled or terminated pursuant to the provisions   of this Lease or by law.
 
(d)             If Tenant shall validly exercise the Renewal Option in accordance with the provisions of this Section 31.2, then this Lease shall be extended for the Renewal Term upon all of the same terms, covenants and conditions contained in this Lease other than for any provisions relating to Landlord s obligation to do any construction or other work in the Demised Premises prior to the Commencement Date or to give an allowance for any such construction or other work in the Demised Premis e s prior to the Commencement Date, and the update in the Base Tax Year for purposes of determining Additional Rent,  except that during the Renewal Term, (i) the annual Basic Rent for the first year of the Renewal Term shall reflect the then fair market va l ue of the Demised Premises taking into consideration similar spaces in comparable buildings in the region and as determined in accordance with Section 31.3 and (ii) from and after the Exercise Date but subject to the provisions of Section 31.2(c) all refer ences in this Lease to the expiration or termination of this Lease shall be deemed to refer to the last date of the Renewal Term and all references in this Lease to the “ term” shall be deemed to include the Renewal Term.

 
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Section 31.3       The in itial determination of Basic Rent shall be made by Landlord pursuant to notice (the “ FMV Notice ) to Tenant no earlier than two hundred seventy (270) days and no   later than one hundred eighty   ( 180 ) days prior to the commencement of the Renewal Term.  Such determination shall be binding unless Landlord shall receive a notice from Tenant (the “ FMV Objection Notice ) objecting to Landlord s determination and providing Tenant s determination, within 30 days after Landlord shall have given Tenant the FMV Notice.   If Landlord and Tenant fail to agree upon the Basic Rent for the Renewal Term within 15 days from Landlord s receipt of the FMV Objection Notice, then Landlord and Tenant shall each give notice to the other setting forth the name of a disinterested and i ndependent appraiser.  If either party shall fail to give such a designation of an appraiser within 10 days of the expiration of such 15-day period, then the first appraiser shall make the determination alone.  If both parties properly designate the name o f an appraiser, the appraisers shall then have 20 days to confer with each other and attempt to reach an agreement as to the Basic Rent.  If the two appraisers shall concur as to the determination of the Basic Rent for the Renewal Term, such determination   shall be final and binding on Landlord and Tenant.  If the two appraisers fail to agree within said 20-day period, then they shall designate a third disinterested and independent appraiser.  The decision of such third appraiser shall be final and binding o n Landlord and Tenant.
 
Section 31.4       TIME SHALL BE OF THE ESSENCE with regard to Tenant s delivery of the Renewal Notice for the Renewal Term.  If Tenant shall fail to deliver to Landlord the Renewal Notice exactly as and when required under t his Article, the Renewal Option shall terminate immediately and shall have no further force or effect.  The parties acknowledge that they have fully negotiated the terms and provisions of this Article.  Tenant acknowledges and agrees that Landlord has gra n ted Tenant the Renewal Option in consideration for Tenant s agreement that the same shall be strictly construed and enforced and that in the event the Renewal Option shall terminate as provided above, Tenant shall not be entitled to any grace, notice or c u re periods otherwise provided under this Lease.
 
ARTICLE 32
 
Intentionally Omitted
 
ARTICLE 33
 
Storage Space
 
            Section 33.1    Landlord hereby leases to Tenant and Tenant hereby hires from Landlord the six hundred seven (607) usable square feet of storage space (the “ Storage Space ”) on the concourse level of the Building known as Storage Unit #10 as shown on the floor plan thereof annexed hereto and made a part hereof as Exhibit G .
 
            Section 33.2 Tenant’s obligation to pay rent (the “ Storage Rent ”) for the Storage Space shall commence on the Commencement Date, as set forth in the following schedule:

Lease Year
 
Annual Storage
Rent
   
Monthly
Storage Rent
 
1
  $ 10,926.00     $ 910.50  
2
  $ 11,144.52     $ 928.71  
3
  $ 11,367.36     $ 947.28  
4
  $ 11,594.76     $ 966.23  
5
  $ 11,826.72     $ 985.56  
6
  $ 12,063.24     $ 1,005.27  
7
  $ 12,304.56     $ 1,025.38  
8
  $ 12,550.68     $ 1,045.89  
9
  $ 12,801.72     $ 1,066.81  
10
  $ 13,057.80     $ 1,088.15  

 
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Section 33.3      Storage Rent shall be payable in equal monthly installments on the first day of each month during the term of the Lease, in advance.
 
[Remainder of page left intentionally blank; Signature page follows]
 
IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreem ent the day and year first above written.
 
LANDLORD :
O NE-TWO JERICHO PLAZA OWNER,
LLC
     
By:
/s/ John A Saraceno, Jr.
 
Name:
John A. Saraceno, Jr.
 
Title:
Authorized Signatory
     
T ENANT :
N ATHAN S FAMOUS SERVICES, INC.
     
By:
/s/ Eric Gatoff
 
Name:
Eri c Gatoff
 
Title:
Chief Executive Officer

 
44

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY
)
 
) ss.:
COUNTY OF MIDDLESEX
)
 
On the 28th day of August, in the year 2009, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said state, personally appeared John A. Saraceno, Jr., personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his capacity and that by his signature on the instrume n t, the person or the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument.
/s/ Patricia A. Tiedmann
Notary Public
 
PATRICIA A. TIEDMANN
NOTARY PUBLIC OF NEW JERSEY
Commission Expires 8/13/2012
 
STATE O F NEW YORK
)
 
) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
)
 
On the 24 th  day of August, in the year 2009, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said state, personally appeared Eric Gatoff, personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactor y evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he executed the same in his capacity and that by his signature on the instrument, the person or the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, exe c uted the instrument.
/s/ Mary Hyland
Notary Public
 
MARY HYLAND
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 01HY4824424
Qualifed in Suffolk County
Commission Expires, May 31, 2010

 
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EXHIBIT 10.3
GUARANTY OF LEASE
 
This Guaranty of Lease (this “Guaranty”) is made as of the 11th day of Septemer, 2009 by NATHAN’S FAMOUS, INC., a Delaware corporation, having an office at 1400 Old Country Road, Westbury, NY 11590 (the “Guarantor”), for the benefit of ONE-TWO JERICHO PLAZA OWNER, LLC, having an office at Two Jericho Plaza, Jericho, New York 11753 (“Owner”).
 
WITNESSETH :
 
WHEREAS, Owner and NATHAN’S FAMOUS SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation (“Tenant”), are concurrently with the execution and delivery of this Guaranty entering into a lease (“Lease”) for certain office space (the “Premises”) located in the building known as One Jericho Plaza, Jericho, State of New York, as more fully set forth in the Lease; and
 
WHEREAS, as a specific and material inducement to Owner to enter into the Lease with Tenant, knowing that Owner would not have entered into the Lease without, inter alia , the execution and delivery of this Guaranty, the Guarantor has agreed to execute and deliver this Guaranty; and
 
WHEREAS, the Guarantor is the parent of Tenant, and the Guarantor will derive a substantial benefit from the making of the Lease between Owner and Tenant; and
 
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of (i) Owner entering into the Lease with Tenant, and (ii) ten dollars ($10.00) paid by Owner to Guarantor, and (iii) for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of all of the foregoing are hereby conclusively acknowledged, and in order to induce Owner to enter into the Lease, Guarantor hereby agrees as follows:
 
1.            Preambles .  The preambles set forth above are incorporated herein and made a part of this Guaranty as though set forth at length.
 
2.            Definitions .  Capitalized terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the same meaning as set forth in the Lease provided, however, that for the purpose of this Guaranty, the term “Lease” shall include all renewals, extensions, modifications, assignments, subleases, and amendments thereto.
 
3.            Scope of Guaranty .
 
(a)          (i) The Guarantor hereby unconditionally guarantees all sums due Owner under the Lease for Basic Rent and Additional Rent, however denominated (all of the foregoing sums being hereinafter individually and collectively referred to as “Obligations”).

 
 

 

(ii) Guarantor waives any right to require that any action be brought against Tenant or to require that resort be had to any security or to any other credit in favor of Tenant.
 
(iii) This is a payment guaranty.  Nothing herein contained is intended to diminish or waive any rights Owner may have at law or in equity under the Lease, the foregoing provision being intended to be in addition to and not in limitation of any other rights Owner may have at law or in equity under the Lease.
 
(iv)   Guarantor’s obligations under this Guaranty shall not be subject to offset, deduction, reduction, counterclaim of any kind, and Owner shall not be required to apply any portion of any security deposit or other collateral held by it to the reduction of the obligations and the amount of any security or other collateral applied by Owner shall not be credited to the benefit of the Guarantor.
 
4.             Guarantor’s Covenants .  Guarantor covenants and agrees that:
 
(a)           The liability of Guarantor is primary, shall not be subject to deduction for any claim of offset, counterclaim or defense which Tenant may have against Owner other than the defense of payment, and Owner may proceed against Guarantor separately or jointly, before, after or simultaneously with any proceeding against Tenant for default;
 
(b)           This Guaranty shall not be terminated or impaired in any manner whatsoever by reason of the assertion by Owner against Tenant of any of the rights or remedies reserved to Owner pursuant to the provisions of the Lease, by reason of summary or other proceedings against Tenant, or by reason of any extension of time or indulgence granted by Owner to Tenant;
 
(c)           Guarantor expressly waives any requirement of notice of nonpayment, nonperformance, or non observance, or proof of notice or demand;
 
(d)           This Guaranty shall be absolute and unconditional and shall remain and continue in full force and affect as to any renewal, extension, amendment, addition, assignment, sublease, transfer, or other modification of the Lease and during any period when Tenant is occupying the demised premises as a "statutory tenant";
 
(e)           This Guaranty shall in no way be affected, modified or diminished by reason of any bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, arrangement, assignment for the benefit of creditors, receivership or trusteeship affecting Tenant; and
 
(f)           IN ANY ACTION OR PROCEEDING BROUGHT BY OWNER AGAINST GUARANTOR ON ACCOUNT OF THIS GUARANTY, GUARANTOR SHALL AND DOES HEREBY WAIVE TRIAL BY JURY.

 
 

 
 
5.             Miscellaneous :
 
(a)           Guarantor shall execute, acknowledge and deliver all instruments, and take all action as Owner, from time to time, may request for reasonably assuring to Owner the full benefits intended to be created by this Guaranty.
 
(b)           All of Owner's rights and remedies under the Lease or under this Guaranty are intended to be distinct, separate and cumulative and no such right or remedy therein or herein mentioned is intended to be in exclusion of or a waiver of any of the others.
 
(c)           All obligations and liabilities of Guarantor pursuant to this Guaranty shall be binding upon the successors, and assigns of Guarantor.
 
(d)           This Guaranty does not modify the terms of the Lease and nothing herein contained shall relieve Tenant from any liability thereunder.
 
(e)           If more than one person executes this Guaranty, or more than one person guarantees the Lease pursuant to separate instruments of guaranty, whether or not similar to this Guaranty, the liability of Guarantor and such other persons shall be joint and several.
 
(f)           All payments to be made and the obligations to be performed hereunder shall be paid or performed in the location for payment or performance (as applicable) as set forth in the Lease.  In addition to the Obligations, the Guarantor unconditionally agrees to pay the Owner’s collection expenses, including, without limitation, costs, disbursements and reasonable attorneys’ fees if Owner engages an attorney to enforce this Guaranty, including, but not limited to, enforcement by demand, negotiation, suit, or bankruptcy or other judicial proceedings.
 
(g)           This Guaranty shall be governed by, construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without giving effect to any principle of New York Law that would result in the selection or application of the law of any other jurisdiction.  Guarantor hereby expressly consents to the jurisdiction of the Courts of the County of Nassau (or any successor thereto) and the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York with respect to any action or proceeding among Landlord, Tenant and/or Guarantor with respect to this Guaranty or any rights or obligations of any party pursuant to or in connection with this Guaranty, and Guarantor agrees that venue shall lie in Nassau County.  Guarantor further waives any and all rights to commence any such action or proceeding against Landlord before any other court.  Without limiting any other methods of obtaining jurisdiction, personal jurisdiction of the Guarantor in any action or proceeding may be obtained within and without the jurisdiction of any court located in the State of New York.

 
 

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Guarantor has executed and delivered this Guaranty as of the year and date first above written.

NATHAN’S FAMOUS, INC.
 
     
By:
/s/ Eric Gatoff
 
 
Name: Eric Gatoff
 
 
Title:   Chief Executive Officer
 

 
 

 

STATE OF NEW YORK
)
 
) ss.:
COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
)

On the 11th day of September, in the year 2009, before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for said state, personally appeared Eric Gatoff personally known to me or proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same in his/her capacity and that by his/her signature on the instrument, the person or the entity upon behalf of which the person acted, executed the instrument.

/s/ Mary Hyland
Notary Public
 
MARY HYLAND
Notary Public, State of New York
No. 01HY4824424
Qualified in Suffolk County
Commission Expires, May 31, 2010

 
 
 
 

 
EXHIBIT 10.4

First Amendment to 10b5-1 Issuer Repurchase Instructions

This first amendment to Issuer Securities Repurchase Instructions between Nathan’s Famous, Inc. (the “Issuer”) and Mutual Securities, Inc. (the “Broker”) is dated as of November 6, 2009.

WITNESSETH

WHEREAS , the Issuer and the Broker are parties to 10b5-1 Issuer Repurchase Instructions dated February 5, 2009 (the “Instructions”); and

WHEREAS , the Issuer and the Broker desire to amend the Instructions in accordance with the terms hereof (“First Amendment”).

NOW, THEREFORE , the Issuer and Broker hereby agree as follows:

1.  
Subsection 2(a) is hereby amended to read as follows:

“August 10, 2010;”

2.  
Subsection 2(b) is hereby amended to read as follows:

“such time as the aggregate purchase price for all shares of Common Stock purchased under these Instructions equals Four Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,200,000.00), including without limitation all applicable fees, costs and expenses;”

3.  
Exhibit A is hereby replaced in the form annexed hereto.

4.  
Except as specifically amended by this First Amendment, the Instructions shall remain in full force and effect in all respects as originally executed.

5.  
This First Amendment may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.  This Amendment shall be governed by the laws of the State of New York.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have duly executed this Amendment as of the first date written above.
 
  Nathan’s Famous, Inc.  
       
-
By:
/s/ Ronald DeVos  
    Name:  Ronald DeVos  
    Title:    Chief Financial Officer  
       
       
  Mutual Securities, Inc.  
       
  By: /s/ Mitch Voss  
    Name:  Mitch Voss  
    Title:    Compliance Officer  
 
 
 

 
 
Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION

I, Eric Gatoff, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2009 of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 06, 2009
/s/ Eric Gatoff
 
Eric Gatoff
 
Chief Executive Officer

 
 

 
 
Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION

I, Ronald G. DeVos, certify that:

1.
I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 27, 2009 of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.;

2.
Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3.
Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5.
The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 06, 2009
/s/ Ronald G. DeVos
 
Ronald G. DeVos
 
Chief Financial Officer

 
 

 
 
Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Eric Gatoff, Chief Executive Officer of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., certify that:

The quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. for the period ended September 27, 2009 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

The information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.

 
/s/ Eric Gatoff
 
Name: Eric Gatoff
 
Date: November 06, 2009
 
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and will be retained by Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.

 
 

 
 
Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Ronald G. DeVos, Chief Financial Officer of Nathan’s Famous, Inc., certify that:

The quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Nathan’s Famous, Inc. for the period ended September 27, 2009 fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

The information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Nathan’s Famous, Inc.

 
/s/ Ronald G. DeVos
 
Name: Ronald G. DeVos
 
Date: November 06, 2009

A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and will be retained by Nathan’s Famous, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.