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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, DC 20549  
__________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
__________________________________________________________

		
ý	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934	
For the quarterly period ended October 2, 2016
OR

		
¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934	
Commission File Number: 001-35373  
__________________________________________________________
FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
__________________________________________________________

		
Delaware	90-0712224	
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)	
14800 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 500
Dallas, Texas	75254	
(Address of principal executive office)	(Zip Code)	
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (972) 702-9300
__________________________________________________________
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   ý   No   ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on their Corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   ý     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	ý	Accelerated filer	¨	
 	 	 	 	
Non-accelerated filer	¨	Smaller reporting company	¨	
(Do not check if 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   ý
As of November 3, 2016 , Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. had 26,889,637 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value, outstanding.

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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
QUARTER ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2016

	
			
 	 	Page	
PART I   FINANCIAL INFORMATION	 	
 	 	 	
Item 1	Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited) - Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.:	 	
 	 	 	
 	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 2, 2016 and January 3, 2016	3	
 	 	 	
 	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015	4	
 	 	 	
 	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity for the Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015	5	
 	 	 	
 	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015	6	
 	 	 	
 	Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	7	
 	 	 	
Item 2	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	15	
 	 	 	
Item 3	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	31	
 	 	 	
Item 4	Controls and Procedures	31	
 	 	
PART II   OTHER INFORMATION	 	
 	 	 	
Item 1	Legal Proceedings	31	
 	 	 	
Item 1A	Risk Factors	31	
 	 	 	
Item 2	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	32	
 	 	 	
Item 3	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	32	
 	 	 	
Item 4	Mine Safety Disclosures	32	
 	 	 	
Item 5	Other Information	32	
 	 	 	
Item 6	Exhibits	34	

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PART I—FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1—INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

								
 	October 2, 2016	 	January 3, 2016	
ASSETS	 	 	 	
Current assets:	 	 	 	
Cash	$	4,862		 	$	5,281		
Trade receivables	10,259		 	9,217		
Inventories	2,875		 	2,910		
Prepaid rent	3,539		 	3,163		
Income tax receivable	2,153		 	7,448		
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	2,842		 	3,219		
Total current assets	26,530		 	31,238		
Property and equipment, net	271,055		 	248,992		
Goodwill	123,484		 	123,484		
Deferred income taxes	15,258		 	8,497		
Deferred financing costs, net	687		 	918		
Other assets	2,473		 	2,516		
Total assets	$	439,487		 	$	415,645		
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	 	 	 	
Current liabilities:	 	 	 	
Current portion of long-term debt	$	87		 	$	69		
Accounts payable	23,608		 	12,405		
Accrued payroll, related taxes and benefits	12,165		 	15,614		
Accrued real estate taxes	7,584		 	6,121		
Other liabilities	12,249		 	12,096		
Total current liabilities	55,693		 	46,305		
Long-term debt, net of current portion	67,446		 	72,612		
Lease financing obligations	1,664		 	1,663		
Deferred income—sale-leaseback of real estate	28,062		 	30,086		
Other liabilities	25,735		 	20,997		
Total liabilities	178,600		 	171,663		
Commitments and contingencies		 		
Stockholders' equity:	 	 	 	
Common stock, par value $.01; authorized 100,000,000 shares, issued 26,896,611 and 26,829,220 shares, respectively, and outstanding 26,746,012 and 26,571,602 shares, respectively.	267		 	266		
Additional paid-in capital	162,348		 	159,724		
Retained earnings	98,272		 	83,992		
Total stockholders' equity	260,887		 	243,982		
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	439,487		 	$	415,645		

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements.
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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2016 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

																
 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	
Revenues:	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	
Restaurant sales	$	181,592		 	$	171,469		 	$	538,366		 	$	505,795		
Franchise royalty revenues and fees	664		 	636		 	2,099		 	2,085		
Total revenues	182,256		 	172,105		 	540,465		 	507,880		
Costs and expenses:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cost of sales	54,726		 	55,409		 	163,383		 	160,755		
Restaurant wages and related expenses (including stock-based compensation expense of $35, $40, $111, and $147, respectively)	47,503		 	44,183		 	139,536		 	127,156		
Restaurant rent expense	9,488		 	8,396		 	27,522		 	24,451		
Other restaurant operating expenses	25,715		 	22,511		 	72,366		 	63,732		
Advertising expense	7,506		 	4,831		 	21,507		 	15,529		
General and administrative (including stock-based compensation expense of $330, $1,127, $2,523, and $3,056, respectively)	14,520		 	14,259		 	42,621		 	41,647		
Depreciation and amortization	9,513		 	7,596		 	26,474		 	21,844		
Pre-opening costs	1,509		 	1,689		 	4,707		 	3,851		
Impairment and other lease charges	18,513		 	387		 	18,607		 	481		
Other income	—		 	(165	)	 	(238	)	 	(679	)	
Total operating expenses	188,993		 	159,096		 	516,485		 	458,767		
Income (loss) from operations	(6,737	)	 	13,009		 	23,980		 	49,113		
Interest expense	542		 	493		 	1,635		 	1,345		
Income (loss) before income taxes	(7,279	)	 	12,516		 	22,345		 	47,768		
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(2,748	)	 	4,571		 	8,065		 	18,073		
Net income (loss)	$	(4,531	)	 	$	7,945		 	$	14,280		 	$	29,695		
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic net income (loss) per share	$	(0.17	)	 	$	0.30		 	$	0.53		 	$	1.11		
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	(0.17	)	 	$	0.30		 	$	0.53		 	$	1.11		
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding	26,716,219		 	26,557,940		 	26,658,739		 	26,494,599		
Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding	26,716,219		 	26,565,575		 	26,665,091		 	26,501,951		

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements.
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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2016 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
(In thousands of dollars, except share amounts)  
(Unaudited)

	
																				
 	 	Number of	 	 	 	Additional	 	 	 	Total	
 	 	Common	 	Common	 	Paid-In	 	Retained	 	Stockholders'	
 	 	Stock Shares	 	Stock	 	Capital	 	Earnings	 	Equity	
Balance at December 28, 2014	 	26,358,448		 	$	264		 	$	153,867		 	$	45,456		 	$	199,587		
Stock-based compensation	 	—		 	—		 	3,203		 	—		 	3,203		
Vesting of restricted shares and related tax benefit	 	210,983		 	2		 	1,525		 	—		 	1,527		
Net income	 	—		 	—		 	—		 	29,695		 	29,695		
Balance at September 27, 2015	 	26,569,431		 	$	266		 	$	158,595		 	$	75,151		 	$	234,012		
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Balance at January 3, 2016	 	26,571,602		 	$	266		 	$	159,724		 	$	83,992		 	$	243,982		
Stock-based compensation	 	—		 	—		 	2,634		 	—		 	2,634		
Vesting of restricted shares and related tax deficiency	 	174,410		 	1		 	(10	)	 	—		 	(9	)	
Net income	 	—		 	—		 	—		 	14,280		 	14,280		
Balance at October 2, 2016	 	26,746,012		 	$	267		 	$	162,348		 	$	98,272		 	$	260,887		

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements.
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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NINE MONTHS ENDED OCTOBER 2, 2016 AND SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
(In thousands of dollars)
(Unaudited)

								
 	Nine Months Ended	
 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	
Cash flows from operating activities:	 	 	 	
Net income	$	14,280		 	$	29,695		
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided from operating activities:	 	 	 	
Loss (gain) on disposals of property and equipment	178		 	(236	)	
Stock-based compensation	2,634		 	3,203		
Impairment and other lease charges	18,607		 	481		
Depreciation and amortization	26,474		 	21,844		
Amortization of deferred financing costs	232		 	232		
Amortization of deferred gains from sale-leaseback transactions	(2,687	)	 	(2,713	)	
Deferred income taxes	(6,761	)	 	2,226		
Changes in other operating assets and liabilities	13,400		 	4,236		
Net cash provided from operating activities	66,357		 	58,968		
Cash flows from investing activities:	 	 	 	
Capital expenditures:	 	 	 	
New restaurant development	(52,828	)	 	(55,057	)	
Restaurant remodeling	(956	)	 	(2,723	)	
Other restaurant capital expenditures	(4,625	)	 	(5,197	)	
Corporate and restaurant information systems	(4,634	)	 	(3,242	)	
Total capital expenditures	(63,043	)	 	(66,219	)	
Properties purchased for sale-leaseback	(2,663	)	 	—		
Proceeds from sale-leaseback transactions	3,642		 	—		
Proceeds from disposals of other properties	226		 	149		
Net cash used in investing activities	(61,838	)	 	(66,070	)	
Cash flows from financing activities:	 	 	 	
Excess tax benefit from vesting of restricted shares	211		 	1,527		
Borrowings on revolving credit facility	14,400		 	23,500		
Repayments on revolving credit facility	(19,500	)	 	(22,000	)	
Principal payments on capital leases	(49	)	 	(40	)	
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(4,938	)	 	2,987		
Net decrease in cash	(419	)	 	(4,115	)	
Cash, beginning of period	5,281		 	5,087		
Cash, end of period	$	4,862		 	$	972		
Supplemental disclosures:	 	 	 	
Interest paid on long-term debt	$	1,393		 	$	1,263		
Interest paid on lease financing obligations	$	106		 	$	105		
Accruals for capital expenditures	$	9,591		 	$	5,325		
Income tax payments, net	$	9,540		 	$	13,101		

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these condensed consolidated unaudited financial statements.
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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

1. Basis of Presentation
Business Description. Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. ("Fiesta Restaurant Group" or "Fiesta") owns, operates and franchises two fast-casual restaurant brands through its wholly-owned subsidiaries Pollo Operations, Inc. and its subsidiaries, Pollo Franchise, Inc. (collectively “Pollo Tropical”) and Taco Cabana, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively “Taco Cabana”). Unless the context otherwise requires, Fiesta and its subsidiaries, Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana, are collectively referred to as the “Company”. At October 2, 2016 , the Company owned and operated 181 Pollo Tropical ® restaurants and 164 Taco Cabana ® restaurants. The Pollo Tropical restaurants include 124 located in Florida, 36 located in Texas, 17 located in Georgia and four located in Tennessee. The Taco Cabana restaurants include 163 located in Texas and one located in Oklahoma. At October 2, 2016 , the Company franchised a total of 34 Pollo Tropical restaurants and seven Taco Cabana restaurants. The franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants include 17 in Puerto Rico, one in the Bahamas, three in Trinidad & Tobago, one in Venezuela, four in Panama, two in Guatemala, and six on college campuses and at a hospital in Florida. The franchised Taco Cabana restaurants include five in New Mexico and two on college campuses in Texas.
Basis of Consolidation. The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements presented herein reflect the consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Fiesta and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Fiscal Year . The Company uses a 52 - 53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. The fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 contained 53 weeks. The three and nine months ended   October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 each contained thirteen and thirty-nine weeks, respectively. The fiscal year ending January 1, 2017 will contain 52 weeks.
Basis of Presentation. The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 have been prepared without an audit pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and do not include certain information and footnotes required by U.S. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all normal and recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of such financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full year.
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended January 3, 2016 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 . The January 3, 2016 balance sheet data is derived from those audited financial statements.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date under current market conditions. In determining fair value, the accounting standards establish a three level hierarchy for inputs used in measuring fair value as follows: Level 1 inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities; Level 2 inputs are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; and Level 3 inputs are unobservable and reflect our own assumptions. The following methods were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate the fair value:
		
•	Current Assets and Liabilities. The carrying values reported on the balance sheet of cash, accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair value because of the short maturity of those financial instruments.	
		
•	Revolving Credit Borrowings. The fair value of outstanding revolving credit borrowings under the Company's senior credit facility, which is considered Level 2, is based on current LIBOR rates. At October 2, 2016 and January 3, 2016, the fair value and carrying value of the Company's senior credit facility were approximately $65.9 million and $71.0 million , respectively.	
Long-Lived Assets . The Company assesses the recoverability of property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets by determining whether the carrying value of these assets can be recovered over their respective remaining lives through undiscounted future operating cash flows. Impairment is reviewed when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts of these assets may not be fully recoverable.
Use of Estimates . The preparation of the condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the dates of the financial statements. Estimates also affect the reported amounts of expenses

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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

during the reporting periods. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include: accrued occupancy costs, insurance liabilities, evaluation for impairment of goodwill and long-lived assets and lease accounting matters. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
2. Other Liabilities
Other liabilities, current, consist of the following:

								
 	October 2, 2016	 	January 3, 2016	
Accrued workers' compensation and general liability claims	$	6,717		 	$	5,540		
Sales and property taxes	2,531		 	3,031		
Accrued occupancy costs	934		 	980		
Other	2,067		 	2,545		
 	$	12,249		 	$	12,096		

Other liabilities, long-term, consist of the following:

								
 	October 2, 2016	 	January 3, 2016	
Accrued occupancy costs	$	17,602		 	$	15,349		
Deferred compensation	1,797		 	1,665		
Accrued workers' compensation and general liability claims	1,910		 	697		
Other	4,426		 	3,286		
 	$	25,735		 	$	20,997		

Accrued occupancy costs include obligations pertaining to closed restaurant locations and accruals to expense operating lease rental payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term.
The following table presents the activity in the closed-store reserve, of which $ 1.0 million and $ 1.1 million are included in long-term accrued occupancy costs at October 2, 2016 and January 3, 2016 , respectively, with the remainder in other current liabilities.

								
 	Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016	 	Year Ended January 3, 2016	
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,832		 	$	1,251		
Provisions for restaurant closures	—		 	554		
       Additional lease charges, net of (recoveries)	—		 	258		
       Payments, net	(411	)	 	(358	)	
Other adjustments	122		 	127		
Balance, end of period	$	1,543		 	$	1,832		

3. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Other Lease Charges
The Company reviews its long-lived assets, principally property and equipment, for impairment at the restaurant level. In addition to considering management’s plans, known regulatory or governmental actions and damage due to acts of God (hurricanes, tornadoes, etc.), the Company considers a triggering event to have occurred related to a specific restaurant if the restaurant’s cash flows for the last twelve months are less than a minimum threshold or if consistent levels of cash flows for the remaining lease period are less than the carrying value of the restaurant’s assets. If an indicator of impairment exists for any of its assets, an estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the life of the primary asset for each restaurant is compared to that long-lived asset’s carrying value. If the carrying value is greater than the undiscounted cash flow, the Company then determines the fair value of the asset and if an asset is determined to be impaired, the loss is measured by the excess of the carrying amount of the asset over its fair value. For closed restaurant locations, the Company reviews the future minimum lease payments and related ancillary costs from the date of the restaurant closure to the end of the remaining lease term and records a lease charge for the lease liabilities to be incurred, net of any estimated sublease recoveries.

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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

A summary of impairment on long-lived assets and other lease charges recorded by segment is as follows:

																
 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	
 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	
Pollo Tropical	$	18,390		 	$	387		 	$	18,390		 	$	387		
Taco Cabana	123		 	—		 	217		 	94		
 	$	18,513		 	$	387		 	$	18,607		 	$	481		

In the third quarter of 2016, as part of a review of its strategic plan to enhance long-term shareholder value, the Company reviewed its restaurant portfolio and subsequently closed ten Pollo Tropical restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2016 including eight restaurants in Texas, one restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, and one restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. The Company plans to convert up to three of the closed restaurants in Texas to Taco Cabana restaurants. Impairment and other lease charges for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 primarily consisted of impairment charges of $18.5 million related to the closed restaurants and six additional Pollo Tropical restaurants and one Taco Cabana restaurant that the Company continues to operate. Impairment and other lease charges for the nine months ended October 2, 2016 also included other lease charges of $0.1 million related to previously closed Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurants. The Company will recognize lease and other charges related to the closed restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2016.
The Company determined the fair value of restaurant equipment, for those restaurants reviewed for impairment, based on current economic conditions, the Company’s history of using these assets in the operation of its business, the Company's plans to use this equipment in new restaurants that are scheduled to open in 2017 and 2018, and the Company's expectation of how a market participant would value the equipment. These fair value asset measurements rely on significant unobservable inputs and are considered Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Level 3 assets measured at fair value associated with impairment charges recorded during the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 totaled $8.6 million .
Impairment and other lease charges for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2015 , consisted primarily of a $0.3 million lease charge related to the closure of a Pollo Tropical restaurant that was relocated to a superior site in the same trade area prior to the end of its lease term and lease charges, net of recoveries, totaling $0.1 million related to previously closed Pollo Tropical restaurants and for the nine months ended September 27, 2015 also included impairment charges totaling $0.1 million related to the suspension of the Company's Cabana Grill concept. The Cabana Grill concept was an elevated, non-24-hour format for Taco Cabana that the Company tested outside of Texas. One of the Cabana Grill restaurants was converted to a Pollo Tropical restaurant, and the second was closed.
4. Stock-Based Compensation
During the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , the Company granted certain employees 50,087 and 24,401 non-vested restricted shares, respectively, under the Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. 2012 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Fiesta Plan"). These shares generally vest and become non-forfeitable over a four year vesting period. The weighted average fair value at grant date for these non-vested shares issued to employees during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 was $35.25 and $61.57 , respectively.
During the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , the Company granted certain employees 5,762 and 10,007 restricted stock units, respectively, under the Fiesta Plan. The restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 vest and become non-forfeitable at the end of a four year vesting period. The restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended September 27, 2015 vest and become non-forfeitable over a four year vesting period or, for certain units, at the end of a four year vesting period. The weighted average fair value at grant date for these restricted stock units issued to employees during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 was $ 35.25 and $62.05 , respectively.
Also during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , the Company granted 33,691 and 17,501 non-vested restricted shares, respectively, and 33,691 and 17,501 restricted stock units, respectively, under the Fiesta Plan to certain employees subject to performance conditions. The non-vested restricted shares vest and become non-forfeitable over a four year vesting period subject to the attainment of performance conditions. The restricted stock units vest and become non-forfeitable at the end of a three year vesting period. The number of shares into which the restricted stock units convert is based on the attainment of certain performance conditions and for the restricted stock units granted during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , ranges from no shares, if the minimum performance condition is not met, to 67,382 and 35,002 shares, respectively, if the maximum performance condition is met. The weighted average fair value at grant date for both restricted non-

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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

vested shares and restricted stock units subject to performance conditions granted during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 was $35.25 and $ 65.01 , respectively.
During the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , the Company granted 14,081 and 8,698 non-vested restricted shares, respectively, to non-employee directors. The weighted average fair value at the grant date for restricted non-vested shares issued to directors during the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , was $33.39 and $54.06 , respectively. These shares vest and become non-forfeitable over a one -year vesting period.
Stock-based compensation expense for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 was $0.4 million and $2.6 million , respectively, and for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2015 was $1.2 million and $3.2 million , respectively. At October 2, 2016 , the total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense related to non-vested restricted shares and restricted stock units was approximately $ 4.5 million . At October 2, 2016 , the remaining weighted average vesting period for non-vested restricted shares was 1.9 years and 2.0 years for restricted stock units.
During the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 , a portion of the awards previously granted to the Company's Chief Executive Officer were modified and vested in connection with his retirement. The modification reduced stock compensation expense by $0.1 million .
A summary of all non-vested restricted shares and restricted stock units activity for the nine months ended October 2, 2016 is as follows:

														
 	Non-Vested Shares	 	Restricted Stock Units	
 	 	 	Weighted	 	 	 	Weighted	
 	 	 	Average	 	 	 	Average	
 	 	 	Grant Date	 	 	 	Grant Date	
 	Shares	 	Price	 	Units	 	Price	
Outstanding at January 3, 2016	257,618		 	$	30.69		 	42,840		 	$	56.46		
Granted	97,859		 	34.98		 	39,453		 	35.25		
Vested/Released	(173,888	)	 	24.07		 	(522	)	 	51.23		
Forfeited	(30,990	)	 	40.77		 	(24,751	)	 	45.73		
Outstanding at October 2, 2016	150,599		 	$	38.16		 	57,020		 	$	46.48		

The fair value of the non-vested restricted shares and restricted stock units is based on the closing price on the date of grant.
5. Business Segment Information
The Company is engaged in the fast-casual restaurant industry, with two restaurant concepts (each of which is an operating segment): Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana. Pollo Tropical restaurants offer a wide variety of freshly prepared Caribbean-inspired food while our Taco Cabana restaurants offer a broad selection of hand-made, freshly prepared and authentic Mexican food.
Each segment's accounting policies are the same as those discussed in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 1 to the Company's audited financial statements contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 . The Company reports more than one measure of segment profit or loss to the chief operating decision maker for the purposes of allocating resources to the segments and assessing their performance. The primary measures of segment profit or loss used to assess performance and allocate resources are income (loss) before taxes and Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined as earnings attributable to the applicable operating segment before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, stock-based compensation expense and other income and expense. Although the chief operating decision maker uses Adjusted EBITDA as a measure of segment profitability, in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification 280, Segment Reporting, the following table includes segment income (loss) before taxes, which is the measure of segment profit or loss determined in accordance with the measurement principles that are most consistent with the principles used in measuring the corresponding amounts in the consolidated financial statements.
The “Other” column includes corporate-related items not allocated to reportable segments and consists primarily of corporate-owned property and equipment, miscellaneous prepaid costs, capitalized costs associated with the issuance of indebtedness, corporate cash accounts, a current income tax receivable, and advisory fees related to a previously proposed separation transaction.

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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

	
																	
Three Months Ended	 	Pollo Tropical	 	Taco Cabana	 	Other	 	Consolidated	
October 2, 2016:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Restaurant sales	 	$	103,353		 	$	78,239		 	$	—		 	$	181,592		
Franchise revenue	 	474		 	190		 	—		 	664		
Cost of sales	 	32,565		 	22,161		 	—		 	54,726		
Restaurant wages and related expenses (1)	 	24,383		 	23,120		 	—		 	47,503		
Restaurant rent expense	 	5,059		 	4,429		 	—		 	9,488		
Other restaurant operating expenses	 	14,361		 	11,354		 	—		 	25,715		
Advertising expense	 	5,026		 	2,480		 	—		 	7,506		
General and administrative expense (2)	 	9,091		 	5,355		 	74		 	14,520		
Depreciation and amortization	 	6,337		 	3,176		 	—		 	9,513		
Pre-opening costs	 	1,456		 	53		 	—		 	1,509		
Impairment and other lease charges	 	18,390		 	123		 	—		 	18,513		
Interest expense	 	229		 	313		 	—		 	542		
Income (loss) before taxes	 	(13,070	)	 	5,865		 	(74	)	 	(7,279	)	
Capital expenditures	 	18,146		 	2,791		 	(132	)	 	20,805		
September 27, 2015:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Restaurant sales	 	$	91,440		 	$	80,029		 	$	—		 	$	171,469		
Franchise revenue	 	468		 	168		 	—		 	636		
Cost of sales	 	31,054		 	24,355		 	—		 	55,409		
Restaurant wages and related expenses (1)	 	20,984		 	23,199		 	—		 	44,183		
Restaurant rent expense	 	4,158		 	4,238		 	—		 	8,396		
Other restaurant operating expenses	 	11,741		 	10,770		 	—		 	22,511		
Advertising expense	 	2,448		 	2,383		 	—		 	4,831		
General and administrative expense (2)	 	8,419		 	5,840		 	—		 	14,259		
Depreciation and amortization	 	4,504		 	3,092		 	—		 	7,596		
Pre-opening costs	 	1,597		 	92		 	—		 	1,689		
Impairment and other lease charges	 	387		 	—		 	—		 	387		
Interest expense	 	204		 	289		 	—		 	493		
Income before taxes	 	6,567		 	5,949		 	—		 	12,516		
Capital expenditures	 	22,960		 	3,847		 	(488	)	 	26,319		

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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

 

																	
Nine Months Ended	 	Pollo Tropical	 	Taco Cabana	 	Other	 	Consolidated	
October 2, 2016:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Restaurant sales	 	$	304,138		 	$	234,228		 	$	—		 	$	538,366		
Franchise revenue	 	1,559		 	540		 	—		 	2,099		
Cost of sales	 	96,435		 	66,948		 	—		 	163,383		
Restaurant wages and related expenses (1)	 	71,259		 	68,277		 	—		 	139,536		
Restaurant rent expense	 	14,528		 	12,994		 	—		 	27,522		
Other restaurant operating expenses	 	40,654		 	31,712		 	—		 	72,366		
Advertising expense	 	12,473		 	9,034		 	—		 	21,507		
General and administrative expense  (2)	 	25,619		 	16,180		 	822		 	42,621		
Depreciation and amortization	 	17,043		 	9,431		 	—		 	26,474		
Pre-opening costs	 	4,365		 	342		 	—		 	4,707		
Impairment and other lease charges	 	18,390		 	217		 	—		 	18,607		
Interest expense	 	708		 	927		 	—		 	1,635		
Income (loss) before taxes	 	4,235		 	18,932		 	(822	)	 	22,345		
Capital expenditures	 	52,713		 	8,058		 	2,272		 	63,043		
September 27, 2015:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Restaurant sales	 	$	267,898		 	$	237,897		 	$	—		 	$	505,795		
Franchise revenue	 	1,626		 	459		 	—		 	2,085		
Cost of sales	 	89,687		 	71,068		 	—		 	160,755		
Restaurant wages and related expenses (1)	 	58,989		 	68,167		 	—		 	127,156		
Restaurant rent expense	 	11,627		 	12,824		 	—		 	24,451		
Other restaurant operating expenses	 	32,723		 	31,009		 	—		 	63,732		
Advertising expense	 	6,710		 	8,819		 	—		 	15,529		
General and administrative expense  (2)	 	23,867		 	17,780		 	—		 	41,647		
Depreciation and amortization	 	12,583		 	9,261		 	—		 	21,844		
Pre-opening costs	 	3,611		 	240		 	—		 	3,851		
Impairment and other lease charges	 	387		 	94		 	—		 	481		
Interest expense	 	565		 	780		 	—		 	1,345		
Income before taxes	 	29,065		 	18,703		 	—		 	47,768		
Capital expenditures	 	55,104		 	9,505		 	1,610		 	66,219		
Identifiable Assets:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
October 2, 2016:	 	260,296		 	162,729		 	16,462		 	439,487		
January 3, 2016	 	237,065		 	165,549		 	13,031		 	415,645		

(1) Includes stock-based compensation expense of $35 and $ 111 for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016, respectively, and $40 and $147 for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2015, respectively.
(2) Includes stock-based compensation expense of $330 and $ 2,523 for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016, respectively, and $1,127 and $3,056 for the three and nine months ended September 27, 2015, respectively.
6. Net Income (Loss) per Share
The Company computes basic net income per share by dividing net income applicable to common shares by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. Our non-vested restricted shares contain a non-forfeitable right to receive dividends on a one-to-one per share ratio to common shares and are thus considered participating securities. The impact of the participating securities is included in the computation of basic net income per share pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method of computing earnings per share is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings attributable to common shares and participating securities according to dividends declared (whether paid or unpaid) and participation rights in undistribute

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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

d earnings. Net income per common share is computed by dividing undistributed earnings allocated to common stockholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. In applying the two-class method, undistributed earnings are allocated to both common shares and non-vested restricted shares based on the weighted average shares outstanding during the period.
Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution that could occur if our restricted stock units were to be converted into common shares. Restricted stock units with performance conditions are only included in the diluted earnings per share calculation to the extent that performance conditions have been met at the measurement date. We compute diluted earnings per share by adjusting the basic weighted average number of common shares by the dilutive effect of the restricted stock units, determined using the treasury stock method.
For the three months ended October 2, 2016 , all restricted stock units outstanding were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive as a result of the net loss in the third quarter of 2016. Weighted average outstanding restricted stock units totaling 11,489 and 3,214 shares for the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , respectively, were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because to do so would have been antidilutive.
The computation of basic and diluted net income per share is as follows:

																	
 	 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	
 	  	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	
Basic and diluted net income per share:	  	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income (loss)	  	$	(4,531	)	 	$	7,945		 	$	14,280		 	$	29,695		
Less: income allocated to participating securities	  	—		 	(81	)	 	(138	)	 	(359	)	
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders	  	$	(4,531	)	 	$	7,864		 	$	14,142		 	$	29,336		
Weighted average common shares, basic	 	26,716,219		 	26,557,940		 	26,658,739		 	26,494,599		
Restricted stock units	 	—		 	7,635		 	6,352		 	7,352		
Weighted average common shares, diluted	  	26,716,219		 	26,565,575		 	26,665,091		 	26,501,951		
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Basic net income (loss) per common share	  	$	(0.17	)	 	$	0.30		 	$	0.53		 	$	1.11		
Diluted net income (loss) per common share	 	$	(0.17	)	 	$	0.30		 	$	0.53		 	$	1.11		

7. Commitments and Contingencies
Lease Assignments . Taco Cabana has assigned three leases to various parties on properties where it no longer operates restaurants with lease terms expiring on various dates through 2029. The assignees are responsible for making the payments required by the leases. The Company is a guarantor under one of the leases, and it remains secondarily liable as a surety with respect to two of the leases. The maximum potential liability for future rental payments that the Company could be required to make under these leases at October 2, 2016 was $1.7 million . The Company could also be obligated to pay property taxes and other lease related costs. The obligations under these leases will generally continue to decrease over time as the operating leases expire. The Company does not believe it is probable that it will be ultimately responsible for the obligations under these leases.
Legal Matters . The Company is a party to legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of business, including the matter described below. The Company records accruals for outstanding legal matters when it believes it is probable that a loss will be incurred and the amount can be reasonably estimated. The Company evaluates, on a quarterly basis, developments in legal matters that could affect the amount of any accrual and developments that would make a loss contingency both probable and reasonably estimable. If a loss contingency is not both probable and estimable, the Company does not establish an accrued liability.
On November 24, 2015, Pollo Tropical received a legal demand letter alleging that assistant managers were misclassified as exempt from overtime wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act. On September 30, 2016, prior to any suit being filed, Pollo Tropical reached a settlement with seven named individuals and a proposed collective action class that will allow current and former assistant managers to receive notice and opt-in to the settlement. Pollo Tropical denies any liability or unlawful conduct. The Company has recorded a charge of $0.8 million to cover the estimated costs related to the settlement, including estimated payments to individuals that opt-in to the settlement, premium payments to named individuals, attorneys’ fees for the individuals' counsel, and related settlement administration costs. The charge does not include legal fees incurred by Pollo Tropical in defending

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FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)
(In thousands of dollars, except share and per share amounts)

the action. The settlement, which is subject to approval by an arbitrator and a judicial body, will result in dismissal with prejudice for the named individuals and all individuals that opt-in to the settlement. 
On September 29, 2014, Daisy, Inc., an automotive repair shop in Cape Coral, Florida, filed a putative class action suit against Pollo Tropical in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Florida. The suit alleged that Pollo Tropical engaged in unlawful activity in violation of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act, § 227 et seq. occurring in December 2010 and January 2011. During the first quarter of 2016, Pollo Tropical reached a settlement with the plaintiff that resulted in dismissal of the case and paid all settlement claims.
The Company is also a party to various other litigation matters incidental to the conduct of business. The Company does not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.
8. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, and in subsequent updates, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which amends the guidance in former Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, and provides for either a full retrospective adoption in which the standard is applied to all of the periods presented or a modified retrospective adoption in which the cumulative effect of initially applying the standard is recognized at the date of initial application. The new standard provides accounting guidance for all revenue arising from contracts with customers and affects all entities that enter into contracts to provide goods or services to their customers unless the contracts are in the scope of other US GAAP requirements. The guidance also provides a model for the measurement and recognition of gains and losses on the sale of certain non-financial assets, such as property and equipment, including real estate. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the provisions of Topic 606; however, the Company expects the provisions to primarily impact certain franchise revenues and does not expect the standard to have a material effect on its financial statements. For the Company, the new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), which requires lessee recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. For the Company, the new standard is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. A modified retrospective approach is required with an option to use certain practical expedients. The new guidance is required to be applied at the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements. Although the impact is not currently estimable, the Company expects to recognize lease assets and lease liabilities for most of the leases it currently accounts for as operating leases.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-04, Recognition of Breakage for Certain Prepaid Stored-Value Products (Topic 405-20), which creates an exception under Topic 405-20 to derecognize financial liabilities related to certain prepaid stored-value products using a breakage model consistent with the revenue breakage model in Topic 606. The new guidance will be effective concurrent with Topic 606, which is effective for the Company for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company does not expect this standard to have a material effect on its financial statements.
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (Topic 718), to simplify various aspects of the accounting and presentation of share-based payments, including the income tax effects of awards and forfeiture assumptions. Currently, tax deductions in excess of compensation costs (excess tax benefits) are recorded in equity and tax deduction shortfalls (tax deficiencies), to the extent of previous excess tax benefits, are recorded in equity and then to income tax expense. Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies will be recorded to income tax expense in the income statement, which could create volatility in the Company's income statement. The new guidance will also change the classification of excess tax benefits in the cash flow statement and impact the diluted earnings per share calculation. The guidance will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and early adoption is permitted. Different components of the guidance require prospective, retrospective and/or modified retrospective adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the impact on its financial statements and it is not currently estimable.
In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230) - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, to reduce the diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The guidance will be effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017. Early adoption is permitted and a retrospective approach is required. The Company is currently evaluating the impact, if any, on its financial statements.

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ITEM 2-MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is written to help the reader understand our company. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, our unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying financial statement notes. Any reference to restaurants refers to company-owned restaurants unless otherwise indicated. Throughout this MD&A, we refer to Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., together with its consolidated subsidiaries, as "we," "our" and "us."
We use a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to December 31. The fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 contained 53 weeks. The three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 each contained thirteen and thirty-nine weeks, respectively. The fiscal year ending January 1, 2017 will contain 52 weeks.
Company Overview
We own, operate and franchise two fast-casual restaurant brands, Pollo Tropical ® and Taco Cabana ® , which have almost 30 years and 40 years, respectively, of operating history and loyal customer bases in their core markets. Our Pollo Tropical restaurants offer a wide variety of freshly prepared Caribbean-inspired food, while our Taco Cabana restaurants offer a broad selection of hand-made, freshly prepared and authentic Mexican food. We believe that both brands are differentiated from other restaurant concepts and offer a unique dining experience. We are positioned within the value-oriented fast-casual restaurant segment, which combines the convenience and value of quick-service restaurants with the variety, food quality, décor and atmosphere more typical of casual dining restaurants. Our open display kitchen format allows guests to view and experience our food being freshly-prepared and cooked to order. Additionally, nearly all of our restaurants offer the convenience of drive-thru windows. As of October 2, 2016 , our company-owned restaurants included 181 Pollo Tropical restaurants and 164 Taco Cabana restaurants.
We franchise our Pollo Tropical restaurants primarily internationally and as of October 2, 2016 , we had 28 franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants located in Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, the Bahamas, Venezuela, Panama and Guatemala, and six licensed locations on college campuses and at a hospital in Florida. We have agreements for the continued development of franchised Pollo Tropical restaurants in certain of our existing franchised markets.
As of October 2, 2016 , we had five franchised Taco Cabana restaurants located in New Mexico and two non-traditional Taco Cabana licensed locations on college campuses in Texas.
Recent Events Affecting our Results of Operations
We have decided to suspend additional development of Pollo Tropical restaurants in Texas and to review our strategy for development in the state while we continue to build brand awareness, affinity and off premise consumption through several initiatives. Based on a restaurant portfolio examination as part of our strategic review process to enhance long-term shareholder value, we closed ten Pollo Tropical restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2016 including eight restaurants in Texas, one restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee and one restaurant in Atlanta, Georgia. We plan to convert up to three of the closed restaurants in Texas to Taco Cabana restaurants.
In addition to impairment charges associated with the closed restaurants, we also recognized impairment charges with respect to six additional Pollo Tropical restaurants and one Taco Cabana restaurant that we continue to operate. Impairment charges for the three and nine months ended October 2, 2016 were $18.5 million. We will recognize lease and other charges related to the closed restaurants, which we anticipate will be between $2 million and $4 million, in the fourth quarter of 2016 when the restaurants were closed. The closed restaurants contributed approximately $4.8 million in operating losses to income from operations for the nine months ended October 2, 2016.
Additionally, taking into account the current challenging market conditions, we reevaluated the previously announced separation of Taco Cabana discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 and decided not to move forward with the separation transaction, concluding that continued brand ownership is in our shareholders’ best interest.
Executive Summary - Consolidated Operating Performance for the Three Months Ended October 2, 2016
Our third quarter 2016 results and highlights include the following:
		
•	Net income (loss) decreased $12.5 million to $(4.5) million in the third quarter of 2016, or $(0.17) per diluted share, compared to net income of $7.9 million , or $0.30 per diluted share in the third quarter of 2015, primarily due to impairment charges related to sixteen Pollo Tropical locations, new restaurant performance, lower comparable restaurant sales and higher operating expenses.	

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•	Total revenues increased 5.9% in the third quarter of 2016 to $182.3 million compared to $172.1 million in the third quarter of 2015, driven primarily by an increase in the number of company-owned restaurants, partially offset by a decrease in comparable restaurant sales. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 4.1% for our Taco Cabana restaurants resulting primarily from a decrease in comparable guest traffic of 3.5% and a decrease in average check of 0.6%. Comparable restaurant sales decreased 1.0% for our Pollo Tropical restaurants resulting primarily from a decrease in comparable guest traffic of 2.5% partially offset by an increase in average check of 1.5%.	
		
•	During the third quarter of 2016, we opened nine company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants. During the third quarter of 2015, we opened 14 company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants and one Taco Cabana restaurant and permanently closed one company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurant and one company-owned Taco Cabana restaurant.	
		
•	Adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 to $21.7 million compared to $22.0 million in the third quarter of 2015. Revenue growth in the third quarter of 2016 was offset by lower profitability as a result of new restaurant performance, lower comparable restaurant sales, higher operating expenses and the write-off of site costs related to locations that we decided not to develop. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure of performance. For a discussion of our use of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation from net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see "Management's Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures".	
Results of Operations
The following table summarizes the changes in the number and mix of Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana company-owned and franchised restaurants.

																		
 	Pollo Tropical	 	Taco Cabana	
 	Owned	 	Franchised	 	Total	 	Owned	 	Franchised	 	Total	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
January 3, 2016	155		 	35		 	190		 	162		 	6		 	168		
   New	6		 	1		 	7		 	—		 	—		 	—		
   Closed	—		 	 	 	—		 	—		 	—		 	—		
April 3, 2016	161		 	36		 	197		 	162		 	6		 	168		
   New	11		 	2		 	13		 	2		 	1		 	3		
   Closed	—		 	(1	)	 	(1	)	 	—		 	—		 	—		
July 3, 2016	172		 	37		 	209		 	164		 	7		 	171		
   New	9		 	—		 	9		 	—		 	—		 	—		
   Closed	—		 	(3	)	 	(3	)	 	—		 	—		 	—		
October 2, 2016	181		 	34		 	215		 	164		 	7		 	171		
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
December 28, 2014	124		 	37		 	161		 	167		 	7		 	174		
   New	6		 	—		 	6		 	—		 	—		 	—		
   Closed	—		 	—		 	—		 	(3	)	 	—		 	(3	)	
March 29, 2015	130		 	37		 	167		 	164		 	7		 	171		
   New	6		 	—		 	6		 	1		 	—		 	1		
   Closed	—		 	(2	)	 	(2	)	 	(2	)	 	(1	)	 	(3	)	
June 28, 2015	136		 	35		 	171		 	163		 	6		 	169		
   New	14		 	—		 	14		 	1		 	—		 	1		
   Closed	(1	)	 	—		 	(1	)	 	(1	)	 	—		 	(1	)	
September 27, 2015	149		 	35		 	184		 	163		 	6		 	169		

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Three Months Ended October 2, 2016 Compared to Three Months Ended September 27, 2015
The following table sets forth, for the three months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , selected consolidated operating results as a percentage of consolidated restaurant sales and selected segment operating results as a percentage of applicable segment restaurant sales.

																		
 	Three Months Ended	
 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	
 	Pollo Tropical	 	Taco Cabana	 	Consolidated	
Restaurant sales:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Pollo Tropical	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	56.9	%	 	53.3	%	
Taco Cabana	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	43.1	%	 	46.7	%	
Consolidated restaurant sales	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	100.0	%	 	100.0	%	
Costs and expenses:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cost of sales	31.5	%	 	34.0	%	 	28.3	%	 	30.4	%	 	30.1	%	 	32.3	%	
Restaurant wages and related expenses	23.6	%	 	22.9	%	 	29.6	%	 	29.0	%	 	26.2	%	 	25.8	%	
Restaurant rent expense	4.9	%	 	4.5	%	 	5.7	%	 	5.3	%	 	5.2	%	 	4.9	%	
Other restaurant operating expenses	13.9	%	 	12.8	%	 	14.5	%	 	13.5	%	 	14.2	%	 	13.1	%	
Advertising expense	4.9	%	 	2.7	%	 	3.2	%	 	3.0	%	 	4.1	%	 	2.8	%	
Pre-opening costs	1.4	%	 	1.7	%	 	0.1	%	 	0.1	%	 	0.8	%	 	1.0	%	
Consolidated Revenues. Revenues include restaurant sales and franchise royalty revenues and fees. Restaurant sales consists of food and beverage sales, net of discounts, at our company-owned restaurants. Franchise royalty revenues and fees represent ongoing royalty payments that are determined based on a percentage of franchisee sales, franchise fees associated with new restaurant openings, and development fees associated with the opening of new franchised restaurants in a given market. Restaurant sales are influenced by new restaurant openings, closures of restaurants and changes in comparable restaurant sales.
Total revenues increased 5.9% to $182.3 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $172.1 million in the third quarter of 2015. Restaurant sales increased 5.9% to $181.6 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $171.5 million in the third quarter of 2015.
The following table presents the primary drivers of the increase or decrease in restaurant sales for both Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana for the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015 (in millions).

				
Pollo Tropical:	 	
Decrease in comparable restaurant sales	$	(0.8	)	
Incremental sales related to new restaurants, net of closed restaurants	12.7		
   Total increase	$	11.9		
 	 	
Taco Cabana:	 	
Decrease in comparable restaurant sales	$	(3.2	)	
Incremental sales related to new restaurants, net of closed restaurants	1.4		
   Total decrease	$	(1.8	)	
Comparable restaurant sales for Pollo Tropical restaurants decreased 1.0% in the third quarter of 2016. Comparable restaurant sales for Taco Cabana restaurants decreased 4.1% in the third quarter of 2016. Restaurants are included in comparable restaurant sales after they have been open for 18 months. Increases or decreases in comparable restaurant sales result primarily from an increase or decrease in guest traffic and in average check. The increase in average check is primarily driven by menu price increases. For Pollo Tropical, a decrease in guest traffic of 2.5% was partially offset by menu price increases that drove an increase in restaurant sales of 1.9% in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015. For Taco Cabana, a decrease in guest traffic of 3.5% was partially offset by menu price increases that drove an increase in restaurant sales of 1.3% in the third quarter of 2016 as compared to the third quarter of 2015. As a result of new restaurant openings, expected sales cannibalization of existing restaurants negatively impacted comparable restaurant sales for Pollo Tropical by 1.0% in the third quarter of 2016. Comparable restaurant sales for both brands continue to be negatively impacted by the general industrywide slowdown in restaurant sales.

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Restaurants in newer markets that have not reached media efficiency generally have lower sales than restaurants in mature, media-efficient markets. As a result, Pollo Tropical revenues are growing at a slower rate than the average number of restaurants.
Franchise revenues remained relatively stable and increased by less than $0.1 million to $0.7 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $ 0.6 million in the third quarter of 2015.
Operating costs and expenses. Operating costs and expenses include cost of sales, restaurant wages and related expenses, other restaurant expenses and advertising expenses. Cost of sales consists of food, paper and beverage costs including packaging costs, less rebates and purchase discounts. Cost of sales is generally influenced by changes in commodity costs, the sales mix of items sold and the effectiveness of our restaurant-level controls to manage food and paper costs. Key commodities, including chicken and beef, are generally purchased under contracts for future periods of up to one year.
Restaurant wages and related expenses include all restaurant management and hourly productive labor costs, employer payroll taxes, restaurant-level bonuses and related benefits. Payroll and related taxes and benefits are subject to inflation, including minimum wage increases and increased costs for health insurance, workers' compensation insurance and state unemployment insurance.
Other restaurant operating expenses include all other restaurant-level operating costs, the major components of which are utilities, repairs and maintenance, general liability insurance, real estate taxes, sanitation, supplies and credit card fees.
Advertising expense includes all promotional expenses including television, radio, billboards and other sponsorships and promotional activities.
Pre-opening costs include costs incurred prior to opening a restaurant, including restaurant employee wages and related expenses, travel expenditures, recruiting, training, promotional costs associated with the restaurant opening and rent, including any non-cash rent expense recognized during the construction period. Pre-opening costs are generally incurred beginning four to six months prior to a restaurant opening.

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The following tables present the primary drivers of the changes in the components of restaurant operating margins for Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana for the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015. All percentages are stated as a percentage of applicable segment restaurant sales.

			
Pollo Tropical:	 	
Cost of sales:	 	
   Lower commodity costs	(1.2	)%	
   Sales mix	(0.8	)%	
   Menu price increases	(0.7	)%	
   Operating inefficiencies	0.4	 %	
   Other	(0.2	)%	
      Net decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales	(2.5	)%	
 	 	
Restaurant wages and related expenses:	 	
   Higher labor costs and impact of lower sales volumes for comparable restaurants	0.5	 %	
   Higher labor costs and impact of lower sales volumes for new restaurants	0.9	 %	
   Higher workers compensation costs	0.3	 %	
   Lower incentive bonus costs	(0.4	)%	
   Lower medical benefit costs	(0.7	)%	
   Other	0.1	 %	
      Net increase in restaurant wages and related costs as a percentage of restaurant sales	0.7	 %	
 	 	
Other operating expenses (1) :	 	
   Higher repairs and maintenance costs	0.3	 %	
   Higher credit card expenses	0.2	 %	
   Higher real estate taxes generally related to new restaurants	0.4	 %	
   Other	0.2	 %	
      Net increase in other restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales	1.1	 %	
 	 	
Advertising expense:	 	
   Increase in advertising	2.2	 %	
      Net increase in advertising expense as a percentage of restaurant sales	2.2	 %	
 	 	
Pre-opening costs:	 	
   Timing of restaurant openings	(0.3	)%	
      Net decrease in pre-opening costs as a percentage of restaurant sales	(0.3	)%	
(1) Includes the impact of lower sales at newer restaurants.

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Taco Cabana:	 	
Cost of sales:	 	
   Lower commodity costs	(2.1	)%	
   Menu price increases	(0.4	)%	
   Lower operating inefficiencies	(0.2	)%	
   Higher promotions and discounts	0.5	 %	
   Sales mix	0.4	 %	
   Other	(0.3	)%	
      Net decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales	(2.1	)%	
 	 	
Restaurant wages and related expenses:	 	
   Impact of lower sales volumes and higher labor costs for comparable restaurants	1.5	 %	
   Impact of closing lower sales volume restaurants, net of new restaurants	(0.1	)%	
   Lower workers compensation costs	(0.4	)%	
   Lower incentive bonus costs	(0.3	)%	
   Other	(0.1	)%	
      Net increase in restaurant wages and related costs as a percentage of restaurant sales	0.6	 %	
 	 	
Other operating expenses:	 	
   Higher repairs and maintenance costs	0.2	 %	
   Higher insurance costs	0.4	 %	
   Other	0.4	 %	
      Net increase in other restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales	1.0	 %	
 	 	
Advertising expense:	 	
   Increase in advertising	0.2	 %	
      Net increase in advertising expense as a percentage of restaurant sales	0.2	 %	
 	 	
Pre-opening costs:	 	
      Net change in pre-opening costs as a percentage of restaurant sales	—	 %	
Consolidated Restaurant Rent Expense . Restaurant rent expense includes base rent and contingent rent on our leases characterized as operating leases, reduced by amortization of gains on sale-leaseback transactions. Restaurant rent expense, as a percentage of total restaurant sales, increased to 5.2% in the third quarter of 2016 from 4.9% in the third quarter of 2015 primarily as a result of new restaurants that generally have higher rent and lower sales, and the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales.
Consolidated General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses are comprised primarily of (1) salaries and expenses associated with the development and support of our company and brands and the management oversight of the operation of our restaurants; and (2) legal, auditing and other professional fees and stock-based compensation expense.
General and administrative expenses were $ 14.5 million in the third quarter of 2016 and $ 14.3 million in the third quarter of 2015, and as a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 8.0% in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 8.3% in the third quarter of 2015, due primarily to higher current year sales and lower incentive-based compensation costs. In addition, general and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2016 included a $0.8 million charge for estimated costs related to a class action settlement plus legal fees and other costs incurred in defending the action and a $0.6 million write-off of site development costs related to locations that we decided not to develop. General and administrative expenses in the third quarter of 2015 included a charge for estimated costs related to a class action settlement plus legal fees and other costs incurred in defending the action totaling $0.9 million.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA, which is one of the measures of segment profit or loss used by our chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources to our segments and assessing their performance, is defined as earnings attributable to the applicable segment before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease

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charges, stock-based compensation expense and other income and expense. Adjusted EBITDA may not necessarily be comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to differences in methods of calculation. Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments includes an allocation of general and administrative expenses associated with administrative support for executive management, information systems and certain accounting, legal, supply chain, development, and other administrative functions. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure of performance. For a discussion of our use of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation from net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the heading entitled "Management's Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical was $12.1 million in the third quarter of 2016 and the third quarter of 2015 primarily as a result of an increase in revenues offset by lower profitability at new restaurants, the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales, higher operating expenses and the write-off of site costs related to locations that we decided not to develop. Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana decreased to $9.6 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $ 9.9 million in the third quarter of 2015 primarily due to the impact of the decrease in revenues. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $21.7 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $22.0 million in the third quarter of 2015.
Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $ 9.5 million in the third quarter of 2016 from $7.6 million in the third quarter of 2015 due primarily to increased depreciation related to new restaurant openings.
Impairment and Other Lease Charges. As discussed under Recent Events Affecting our Results of Operations, we have reviewed our restaurant portfolio and subsequently closed ten Pollo Tropical restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2016, three of which may be converted to Taco Cabana restaurants. In the third quarter of 2016, we recognized an $18.5 million impairment charge related to the closed restaurants and six other Pollo Tropical restaurants and one Taco Cabana restaurant that we continue to operate. We will recognize related lease and other charges related to the closed restaurants, which we anticipate will be between $2 million and $4 million, in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Each quarter we assess the potential impairment of any long-lived assets that have experienced a triggering event, including restaurants for which the related trailing twelve month cash flows are below a certain threshold. After reviewing the specific cash flows and management’s plans related to the restaurants for which an impairment review was performed, we impaired 16 Pollo Tropical restaurants and one Taco Cabana restaurant, as discussed above. In addition, for seven other Pollo Tropical restaurants and two Taco Cabana restaurants with combined carrying values of $12.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, the projected cash flows exceeded the restaurant's carrying value by a small margin. If the performance of these restaurants does not improve as projected, an impairment charge could be recognized in future periods, and such charge could be material. Although we may review a restaurant for impairment before it has been open for twelve months, we generally review a restaurant for impairment after we have twelve months of cash flow and operating cost data. We have fourteen Pollo Tropical restaurants in markets outside of Florida that have been open less than twelve months and have not been reviewed for impairment. These restaurants will be reviewed for impairment in future periods when we have sufficient sales and cash flow history on which to base future projections.
Other Income. Other income of $0.2 million in the third quarter of 2015 primarily consisted of expected business interruption insurance proceeds for a Pollo Tropical location that was temporarily closed due to a fire.
Interest Expense. Interest expense was $ 0.5 million in the third quarter of 2016 and in the third quarter of 2015.
Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate, excluding discrete items, of 36.3% for the third quarter of 2016 and 37.8% for the third quarter of 2015. The effective annual income tax rate decreased in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015 due primarily to the reinstatement of Work Opportunity Tax Credits.
Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, we had a net loss of $(4.5) million in the third quarter of 2016 compared to net income of $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2015.

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Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 27, 2015
The following table sets forth, for the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , selected consolidated operating results as a percentage of consolidated restaurant sales and selected segment operating results as a percentage of applicable segment restaurant sales:

																		
 	Nine Months Ended	
 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	
 	Pollo Tropical	 	Taco Cabana	 	Consolidated	
Restaurant sales:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Pollo Tropical	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	56.5	%	 	53.0	%	
Taco Cabana	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	43.5	%	 	47.0	%	
Consolidated restaurant sales	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	100.0	%	 	100.0	%	
Costs and expenses:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Cost of sales	31.7	%	 	33.5	%	 	28.6	%	 	29.9	%	 	30.3	%	 	31.8	%	
Restaurant wages and related expenses	23.4	%	 	22.0	%	 	29.1	%	 	28.7	%	 	25.9	%	 	25.1	%	
Restaurant rent expense	4.8	%	 	4.3	%	 	5.5	%	 	5.4	%	 	5.1	%	 	4.8	%	
Other restaurant operating expenses	13.4	%	 	12.2	%	 	13.5	%	 	13.0	%	 	13.4	%	 	12.6	%	
Advertising expense	4.1	%	 	2.5	%	 	3.9	%	 	3.7	%	 	4.0	%	 	3.1	%	
Pre-opening costs	1.4	%	 	1.3	%	 	0.1	%	 	0.1	%	 	0.9	%	 	0.8	%	
Total revenues increased 6.4% to $540.5 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 from $507.9 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 . Restaurant sales increased 6.4% to $538.4 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 from $505.8 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 .
The following table presents the primary drivers of the increase or decrease in restaurant sales for both Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana for the nine months ended October 2, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 27, 2015 (in millions):

				
Pollo Tropical:	 	
Decrease in comparable restaurant sales	$	(2.0	)	
Incremental sales related to new restaurants, net of closed restaurants	38.2		
   Total increase	$	36.2		
 	 	
Taco Cabana:	 	
Decrease in comparable restaurant sales	$	(5.0	)	
Incremental sales related to new restaurants, net of closed restaurants	1.3		
   Total decrease	$	(3.7	)	
Comparable restaurant sales for Pollo Tropical restaurants decreased 0.8% in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 . Comparable restaurant sales for Taco Cabana restaurants decreased 2.1% in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 . For Pollo Tropical, a decrease in guest traffic of 1.7% was partially offset by menu price increases that drove an increase in restaurant sales of 1.2% in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 as compared to the nine months ended September 27, 2015 . For Taco Cabana, a decrease in guest traffic of 3.3% was partially offset by menu price increases that drove an increase in restaurant sales of 2.1% in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 as compared to the nine months ended September 27, 2015 . As a result of new restaurant openings, expected sales cannibalization of existing restaurants negatively impacted comparable restaurant sales for Pollo Tropical by 1.6% in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 . Comparable restaurant sales for both brands continue to be negatively impacted by the general industrywide slowdown in restaurant sales.
Restaurants in newer markets that have not reached media efficiency generally have lower sales than restaurants in mature, media-efficient markets. As a result, Pollo Tropical revenues are growing at a slower rate than the average number of restaurants.
Franchise revenues were $2.1 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and $2.1 million in nine months ended September 27, 2015 .

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The following tables present the primary drivers of the changes in the components of restaurant operating margins for Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana for the nine months ended October 2, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 27, 2015 . All percentages are stated as a percentage of applicable segment restaurant sales.

			
Pollo Tropical:	 	
Cost of sales:	 	
   Lower commodity costs	(1.1	)%	
   Sales mix	(1.0	)%	
   Menu price increases	(0.4	)%	
   Operating inefficiencies	0.6	 %	
   Other	0.1	 %	
      Net decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales	(1.8	)%	
 	 	
Restaurant wages and related expenses:	 	
   Higher labor costs and impact of lower sales volumes for comparable restaurants	0.5	 %	
   Higher labor costs and impact of lower sales volumes for new restaurants (1)	0.9	 %	
   Higher workers compensation costs	0.2	 %	
   Lower incentive bonus costs	(0.2	)%	
      Net increase in restaurant wages and related costs as a percentage of restaurant sales	1.4	 %	
 	 	
Other operating expenses (2) :	 	
   Higher repairs and maintenance costs	0.5	 %	
   Higher real estate taxes generally related to new restaurants	0.4	 %	
   Other	0.3	 %	
      Net increase in other restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales	1.2	 %	
 	 	
Advertising expense:	 	
   Increase in advertising	1.6	 %	
      Net increase in advertising expense as a percentage of restaurant sales	1.6	 %	
 	 	
Pre-opening costs:	 	
   Timing of restaurant openings	0.1	 %	
      Net increase in pre-opening costs as a percentage of restaurant sales	0.1	 %	
(1) Includes additional restaurant managers in training that will be deployed to new restaurants as they open.
(2) Includes the impact of lower sales at newer restaurants.

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Taco Cabana:	 	
Cost of sales:	 	
   Lower commodity costs	(1.1	)%	
   Menu price increases	(0.6	)%	
   Menu board changes	0.3	 %	
   Operating inefficiencies	0.2	 %	
   Other	(0.1	)%	
      Net decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of restaurant sales	(1.3	)%	
 	 	
Restaurant wages and related expenses:	 	
   Higher labor costs and impact of lower sales volumes for comparable restaurants	1.1	 %	
   Impact of closing lower sales volume restaurants, net of new restaurants	(0.2	)%	
   Lower medical benefit costs	(0.3	)%	
   Other	(0.2	)%	
      Net increase in restaurant wages and related costs as a percentage of restaurant sales	0.4	 %	
 	 	
Other operating expenses:	 	
   Higher repairs and maintenance costs	0.3	 %	
   Higher insurance costs	0.2	 %	
   Lower utilities	(0.2	)%	
   Other	0.2	 %	
      Net increase in other restaurant operating expenses as a percentage of restaurant sales	0.5	 %	
 	 	
Advertising expense:	 	
   Increase in advertising	0.2	 %	
      Net increase in advertising expense as a percentage of restaurant sales	0.2	 %	
 	 	
Pre-opening costs:	 	
      Net change in pre-opening costs as a percentage of restaurant sales	—	 %	
Consolidated Restaurant Rent Expense . Restaurant rent expense includes base rent and contingent rent on our leases characterized as operating leases, reduced by amortization of gains on sale-leaseback transactions. Restaurant rent expense, as a percentage of total restaurant sales, increased to 5.1% in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 from 4.8% in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 primarily as a result of new restaurants that generally have higher rent and lower sales, and the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales.
Consolidated General and Administrative Expenses. General and administrative expenses were $42.6 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and $41.6 million the nine months ended September 27, 2015 , and as a percentage of total revenues, general and administrative expenses decreased to 7.9% in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 compared to 8.2% in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 due primarily to higher current year sales and lower incentive-based compensation costs. In addition, general and administrative expenses in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 included $0.5 million in severance and relocation costs associated with transitioning our Pollo Tropical headquarters from Miami, Florida to Dallas, Texas, $0.8 million in advisory fees related to the previously proposed separation transaction discussed under Recent Events Affecting our Results of Operations, a $0.9 million charge for estimated costs related to a class action settlement plus legal fees and other costs incurred in defending the action partially offset by a $0.4 million reduction in prior year legal settlement costs and a $0.8 million write-off of site development costs related to locations that we decided not to develop. General and administrative expenses in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 included a charge for estimated costs related to a class action settlement plus legal fees and other costs incurred in defending the action totaling $1.1 million.
Adjusted EBITDA. Adjusted EBITDA, which is one of the measures of segment profit or loss used by our chief operating decision maker for purposes of allocating resources to our segments and assessing their performance, is defined as earnings attributable to the applicable segment before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease

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charges, stock-based compensation expense and other income and expense. Adjusted EBITDA may not necessarily be comparable to other similarly titled captions of other companies due to differences in methods of calculation. Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments includes an allocation of general and administrative expenses associated with administrative support for executive management, information systems and certain accounting, legal, supply chain, development, and other administrative functions. Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure of performance. For a discussion of our use of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation from net income to Adjusted EBITDA, see the heading entitled "Management's Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures".
Adjusted EBITDA for Pollo Tropical decreased to $41.8 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 from $44.0 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 primarily as a result of lower profitability at new restaurants, the impact of lower comparable restaurant sales, higher operating expenses and the write-off of site costs related to locations that we decided not to develop. Adjusted EBITDA for Taco Cabana increased to $30.5 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 from $30.0 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 primarily due to a decrease in cost of sales as a percentage of sales driven by menu price increases and lower commodity costs partially offset by the impact of the decrease in revenues. Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $71.5 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 from $74.0 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 primarily a result of the decrease in Pollo Tropical Adjusted EBITDA and $0.8 million in advisory fees related to the previously proposed separation transaction discussed under Recent Events Affecting our Results of Operations.
Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expense increased to $26.5 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 from $21.8 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 due primarily to increased depreciation related to new restaurant openings.
Impairment and Other Lease Charges. As discussed under Recent Events Affecting our Results of Operations, we have reviewed our restaurant portfolio and subsequently closed ten Pollo Tropical restaurants in the fourth quarter of 2016, three of which may be converted to Taco Cabana restaurants. In the third quarter of 2016, we recognized an $18.5 million impairment charge related to the closed restaurants and six other Pollo Tropical restaurants and one Taco Cabana restaurant that we continue to operate. We will recognize related lease and other charges related to the closed restaurants, which we anticipate will be between $2 million and $4 million, in the fourth quarter of 2016.
Each quarter we assess the potential impairment of any long-lived assets that have experienced a triggering event, including restaurants for which the related trailing twelve month cash flows are below a certain threshold. After reviewing the specific cash flows and management’s plans related to the restaurants for which an impairment review was performed, we impaired 16 Pollo Tropical restaurants and one Taco Cabana restaurant, as discussed above. In addition, for seven other Pollo Tropical restaurants and two Taco Cabana restaurants with combined carrying values of $12.4 million and $1.6 million, respectively, the projected cash flows exceeded the restaurant's carrying value by a small margin. If the performance of these restaurants does not improve as projected, an impairment charge could be recognized in future periods, and such charge could be material. Although we may review a restaurant for impairment before it has been open for twelve months, we generally review a restaurant for impairment after we have twelve months of cash flow and operating cost data. We have fourteen Pollo Tropical restaurants in markets outside of Florida that have been open less than twelve months and have not been reviewed for impairment. These restaurants will be reviewed for impairment in future periods when we have sufficient sales and cash flow history on which to base future projections.
Other Income. Other income of $0.2 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 primarily consisted of additional proceeds related to a location that closed in 2015 as a result of an eminent domain proceeding. Other income of $0.7 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 primarily consisted of a previously deferred gain from a sale-leaseback transaction that was recognized upon termination of the lease as a result of an eminent domain proceeding and expected business interruption insurance proceeds for a Pollo Tropical location that was temporarily closed due to a fire.
Interest Expense. Interest expense increased to $1.6 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 from $1.3 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 .
Provision for Income Taxes. The provision for income taxes was derived using an estimated effective annual income tax rate, excluding discrete items, of 36.3% for the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and 37.8% for the nine months ended September 27, 2015 . The effective annual income tax rate decreased in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 compared to the nine months ended September 27, 2015 due primarily to the reinstatement of Work Opportunity Tax Credits.
Net Income. As a result of the foregoing, we had net income of $14.3 million in the nine months ended October 2, 2016 compared to net income of $29.7 million in the nine months ended September 27, 2015 .

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Liquidity and Capital Resources
We do not have significant receivables or inventory and receive trade credit based upon negotiated terms in purchasing food products and other supplies. We are able to operate with a substantial working capital deficit because:
		
•	restaurant operations are primarily conducted on a cash basis;	
		
•	rapid turnover results in a limited investment in inventories; and	
		
•	cash from sales is usually received before related liabilities for food, supplies and payroll become due.	
Capital expenditures and payments related to our lease obligations represent significant liquidity requirements for us. We believe cash generated from our operations, availability of borrowings under our senior credit facility and proceeds from any sale-leaseback transactions which we may choose to do will provide sufficient cash availability to cover our anticipated working capital needs, capital expenditures and debt service requirements for the next twelve months.
Operating Activities . Net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2016 and 2015 was $66.4 million and $59.0 million , respectively. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities in the first nine months of 2016 was primarily driven by the timing of payments.
Investing Activities. Net cash used in investing activities in the first nine months of 2016 and 2015 was $61.8 million and $66.1 million , respectively. Capital expenditures are the largest component of our investing activities and include: (1) new restaurant development, which may include the purchase of real estate; (2) restaurant remodeling/reimaging, which includes the renovation or rebuilding of the interior and exterior of our existing restaurants; (3) other restaurant capital expenditures, which include capital maintenance expenditures for the ongoing reinvestment and enhancement of our restaurants; and (4) corporate and restaurant information systems.
The following table sets forth our capital expenditures for the periods presented (in thousands).

																
 	Pollo
Tropical	 	Taco
Cabana	 	Other	 	Consolidated	
Nine Months Ended October 2, 2016:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
New restaurant development	$	48,857		 	$	3,971		 	$	—		 	$	52,828		
Restaurant remodeling	956		 	—		 	—		 	956		
Other restaurant capital expenditures (1)	1,508		 	3,117		 	—		 	4,625		
Corporate and restaurant information systems	1,392		 	970		 	2,272		 	4,634		
Total capital expenditures	$	52,713		 	$	8,058		 	$	2,272		 	$	63,043		
Number of new restaurant openings	26		 	2		 	 	 	28		
Nine Months Ended September 27, 2015:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
New restaurant development	$	51,175		 	$	3,882		 	$	—		 	$	55,057		
Restaurant remodeling	826		 	1,897		 	—		 	2,723		
Other restaurant capital expenditures (1)	2,078		 	3,119		 	—		 	5,197		
Corporate and restaurant information systems	1,025		 	607		 	1,610		 	3,242		
Total capital expenditures	$	55,104		 	$	9,505		 	$	1,610		 	$	66,219		
Number of new restaurant openings	26		 	2		 	 	 	28		
(1) Excludes restaurant repair and maintenance expenses included in other restaurant operating expenses in our consolidated financial statements. For the nine months ended October 2, 2016 and September 27, 2015 , total restaurant repair and maintenance expenses were approximately $14.1 million and $11.4 million, respectively.
For 2016, we anticipate that total capital expenditures will range from $82.0 million to $85.0 million. Capital expenditures in 2016 are expected to include $65.0 million to $67.0 million for development of new restaurants and purchase of related real estate. For 2016 we anticipate opening a total of 31 new company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants and four new company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants, of which 26 Pollo Tropical and two Taco Cabana restaurants have been opened through October 2, 2016. Our capital expenditures in 2016 are also expected to include expenditures of approximately $10.0 million to $11.0 million for the ongoing reinvestment in our Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurants for remodeling costs and capital maintenance expenditures and approximately $7.0 million of other expenditures.
In 2017, the Company expects to open 12 to 13 new Company-owned Pollo Tropical restaurants in Florida and 8 to 10 new Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurants in Texas. Up to three of the new Company-owned Taco Cabana restaurant openings will be Pollo Tropical restaurants that were converted to Taco Cabana restaurants. Total capital expenditures in 2017 are expected

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to be $57.0 million to $68.0 million. Capital expenditures in 2017 are expected to include $35.0 million to $43.0 million for development of new restaurants and purchase of related real estate. Our capital expenditures in 2017 are also expected to include expenditures of approximately $14.0 million to $16.0 million for the ongoing reinvestment in our Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana restaurants for remodeling costs and capital maintenance expenditures and approximately $8.0 million to $9.0 million of other expenditures.
In the first nine months of 2016, investing activities also included $2.7 million for the purchase of a property for a sale-leaseback and a sale-leaseback transaction related to our restaurant properties, the net proceeds from which were $3.6 million .
Financing Activities. Net cash used in financing activities in the first nine months of 2016 was $4.9 million and included net revolving credit borrowing repayments under our senior credit facility of $5.1 million and excess tax benefits of $0.2 million . Net cash provided by financing activities in the first nine months of 2015 was $3.0 million and included net revolving credit borrowings under our senior credit facility of $1.5 million and the excess tax benefit from vesting of restricted shares of $1.5 million .
Senior Credit Facility. Our senior credit facility provides for aggregate revolving credit borrowings of up to $150 million (including $15 million available for letters of credit) and matures on December 11, 2018. The senior credit facility also provides for potential incremental increases of up to $50 million to the revolving credit borrowings available under the senior credit facility. On October 2, 2016 , there were $65.9 million in outstanding revolving credit borrowings under our senior credit facility.
Borrowings under the senior credit facility bear interest at a per annum rate, at our option, equal to either (all terms as defined in the senior credit facility):
1) the Alternate Base Rate plus the applicable margin of 0.50% to 1.50% based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio
(with a margin of 0.50% as of October 2, 2016 ), or
2) the LIBOR Rate plus the applicable margin of 1.50% to 2.50% based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio (with a
margin of 1.50% at October 2, 2016 ).
In addition, the senior credit facility requires us to pay (i) a commitment fee based on the applicable Commitment Fee margin of 0.25% to 0.45%, based on our Adjusted Leverage Ratio, (with a margin of 0.25% at October 2, 2016 ) and the unused portion of the facility and (ii) a letter of credit fee based on the applicable LIBOR margin and the dollar amount of outstanding letters of credit.
All obligations under the senior credit facility are guaranteed by all of our material domestic subsidiaries. In general, our obligations under our senior credit facility and our subsidiaries’ obligations under the guarantees are secured by a first priority lien and security interest on substantially all of our assets and the assets of our material subsidiaries (including a pledge of all of the capital stock and equity interests of our material subsidiaries), other than certain specified assets, including real property owned by us or our subsidiaries.
The outstanding borrowings under the senior credit facility are prepayable without penalty (other than customary breakage costs). The senior credit facility requires us to comply with customary affirmative, negative and financial covenants, including, without limitation, those limiting our and our subsidiaries’ ability to (i) incur indebtedness, (ii) incur liens, (iii) loan, advance, or make acquisitions and other investments or other commitments to construct, acquire or develop new restaurants (subject to certain exceptions), (iv) pay dividends, (v) redeem and repurchase equity interests, (vi) conduct asset and restaurant sales and other dispositions (subject to certain exceptions), (vii) conduct transactions with affiliates and (viii) change our business. In addition, the senior credit facility will require us to maintain certain financial ratios, including minimum Fixed Charge Coverage and maximum Adjusted Leverage Ratios (all as defined under the senior credit facility).
Our senior credit facility contains customary default provisions, including without limitation, a cross default provision pursuant to which it is an event of default under this facility if there is a default under any of our indebtedness having an outstanding principal amount of $5.0 million or more which results in the acceleration of such indebtedness prior to its stated maturity or is caused by a failure to pay principal when due.
As of October 2, 2016 , we were in compliance with the covenants under our senior credit facility. After reserving $5.2 million for letters of credit issued under the senior credit facility, $78.9 million was available for borrowing under the senior credit facility at October 2, 2016 .

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements and Contractual Obligations
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements other than our operating leases, which are primarily for our restaurant properties and not recorded on our consolidated balance sheet.
There have been no significant changes outside the ordinary course of business to our contractual obligations since January 3, 2016. Information regarding our contractual obligations is included under "Contractual Obligations" in Part II, Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016.
Inflation
The inflationary factors that have historically affected our results of operations include increases in food and paper costs, labor and other operating expenses and energy costs. Labor costs in our restaurants are impacted by changes in the Federal and state hourly minimum wage rates as well as changes in payroll related taxes, including Federal and state unemployment taxes. We typically attempt to offset the effect of inflation, at least in part, through periodic menu price increases and various cost reduction programs. However, no assurance can be given that we will be able to fully offset such inflationary cost increases in the future.
Application of Critical Accounting Policies
Our unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Preparing consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses. These estimates and assumptions are affected by the application of our accounting policies. Our significant accounting policies are described in the “Significant Accounting Policies” footnote in the notes to our consolidated financial statements for the year ended January 3, 2016 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016. Critical accounting estimates are those that require application of management's most difficult, subjective or complex judgments, often as a result of matters that are inherently uncertain and may change in subsequent periods. There have been no material changes affecting our critical accounting policies for the nine months ended October 2, 2016 .
Management's Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We use Adjusted EBITDA in addition to net income, income from operations, and income before income taxes to assess our performance, and we believe it is important for investors to be able to evaluate us using the same measures used by management. We believe this measure is an important indicator of our operational strength and the performance of our business. Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by us is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, and should not be considered as an alternative to net income, earnings per share, cash flows from operating activities or other financial information determined under GAAP.
Adjusted EBITDA is defined as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other lease charges, stock-based compensation expense and other income and expense. Adjusted EBITDA for each of our segments includes an allocation of general and administrative expenses associated with administrative support for executive management, information systems and certain accounting, legal, supply chain, human resources, development and other administrative functions.
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA, when viewed with our results of operations calculated in accordance with GAAP and our reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to net income (i) provide useful information about our operating performance and period-over-period growth, (ii) provide additional information that is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our business and (iii) permit investors to gain an understanding of the factors and trends affecting our ongoing earnings, from which capital investments are made and debt is serviced. However, such measures are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under GAAP and, accordingly, should not be considered as alternatives to net income or cash flow from operating activities as indicators of operating performance or liquidity. Also these measures may not be comparable to similarly titled captions of other companies.
All of such non-GAAP financial measures have important limitations as analytical tools. These limitations include the following:
		
•	such financial information does not reflect our capital expenditures, future requirements for capital expenditures or contractual commitments to purchase capital equipment;	
		
•	such financial information does not reflect interest expense or the cash requirements necessary to service payments on our debt;	

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•	although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets that we currently depreciate and amortize will likely have to be replaced in the future, and such financial information does not reflect the cash required to fund such replacements; and	
		
•	such financial information does not reflect the effect of earnings or charges resulting from matters that our management does not consider to be indicative of our ongoing operations. However, some of these charges (such as impairment and other lease charges, other income and expense and stock-based compensation expense) have recurred and may recur.	

A reconciliation from consolidated net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA follows: 

																
 	Three Months Ended	 	Nine Months Ended	
(Dollars in thousands)	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	 	October 2, 2016	 	September 27, 2015	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Net income (loss)	$	(4,531	)	 	$	7,945		 	$	14,280		 	$	29,695		
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Add:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Depreciation and amortization	9,513		 	7,596		 	26,474		 	21,844		
Impairment and other lease charges	18,513		 	387		 	18,607		 	481		
Interest expense	542		 	493		 	1,635		 	1,345		
Provision for (benefit from) income taxes	(2,748	)	 	4,571		 	8,065		 	18,073		
Stock-based compensation expense	365		 	1,167		 	2,634		 	3,203		
Other income	—		 	(165	)	 	(238	)	 	(679	)	
 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Adjusted EBITDA:	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Pollo Tropical	$	12,087		 	$	12,120		 	$	41,828		 	$	43,993		
Taco Cabana	9,641		 	9,874		 	30,451		 	29,969		
Fiesta	(74	)	 	—		 	(822	)	 	—		
Consolidated	$	21,654		 	$	21,994		 	$	71,457		 	$	73,962		

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Forward Looking Statements
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. “Forward-looking statements” are any statements that are not based on historical information. Statements other than statements of historical facts included herein, including, without limitation, statements regarding our future financial position and results of operations, business strategy, budgets, projected costs and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “seek,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negative of such words or variations of such words and similar expressions. These statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, which are difficult to predict. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements and we can give no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, or “cautionary statements,” include, but are not limited to:
		
•	Increases in food and other commodity costs;	
		
•	Risks associated with the expansion of our business, including increasing real estate and construction costs;	
		
•	Risks associated with food borne illness or other food safety issues, including negative publicity through traditional	
and social media;
		
•	Our ability to manage our growth and successfully implement our business strategy;	
		
•	Labor and employment benefit costs, including the impact of increases in federal and state minimum wages, increases in exempt status salary levels and healthcare costs imposed by the Affordable Care Act;	
		
•	Cyber security breaches;	
		
•	General economic conditions, particularly in the retail sector;	
		
•	Competitive conditions;	
		
•	Weather conditions;	
		
•	Significant disruptions in service or supply by any of our suppliers or distributors;	
		
•	Increases in employee injury and general liability claims;	
		
•	Changes in consumer perception of dietary health and food safety;	
		
•	Regulatory factors;	
		
•	Fuel prices;	
		
•	The outcome of pending or future legal claims or proceedings;	
		
•	Environmental conditions and regulations;	
		
•	Our borrowing costs;	
		
•	The availability and terms of necessary or desirable financing or refinancing and other related risks and uncertainties;	
		
•	The risk of an act of terrorism or escalation of any insurrection or armed conflict involving the United States or any other national or international calamity; and	
		
•	Factors that affect the restaurant industry generally, including product recalls, liability if our products cause injury, ingredient disclosure and labeling laws and regulations.	

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ITEM 3—QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
Commodity Price Risk
We purchase certain products which are affected by commodity prices and are, therefore, subject to price volatility caused by weather, market conditions and other factors which are not considered predictable or within our control. Although many of the products purchased are subject to changes in commodity prices, certain purchasing contracts or pricing arrangements have been negotiated in advance to minimize price volatility. Where possible, we use these types of purchasing techniques to control costs as an alternative to using financial instruments to hedge commodity prices. In many cases, we believe we will be able to address commodity cost increases that are significant and appear to be long-term in nature by adjusting our menu pricing. However, long-term increases in commodity prices may result in lower restaurant-level operating margins.
There were no material changes from the information presented in Item 7A included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 3, 2016 with respect to our market risk sensitive instruments.
ITEM 4—CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures . Our senior management is responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)), designed to ensure that 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 in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer's management, including its principal executive officer or officers and principal financial officer or officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures . We have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of the end of the period covered by this report, with the participation of our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as well as other key members of our management. Based on this evaluation, our Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of October 2, 2016 .
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. No change occurred in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2016 that materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
PART II—OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.    Legal Proceedings
On November 24, 2015, Pollo Tropical received a legal demand letter alleging that assistant managers were misclassified as exempt from overtime wages under the Fair Labor Standards Act. On September 30, 2016, prior to any suit being filed, Pollo Tropical reached a settlement with seven named individuals and a proposed collective action class that will allow current and former assistant managers to receive notice and opt-in to the settlement. Pollo Tropical denies any liability or unlawful conduct. The Company has recorded a charge of $0.8 million to cover the estimated costs related to the settlement, including estimated payments to individuals that opt-in to the settlement, premium payments to named individuals, attorneys’ fees for the individuals' counsel, and related settlement administration costs. The charge does not include legal fees incurred by Pollo Tropical in defending the action. The settlement, which is subject to approval by an arbitrator and a judicial body, will result in dismissal with prejudice for the named individuals and all individuals that opt-in to the settlement. 

We are a party to various other litigation matters incidental to the conduct of our business. We do not believe that the outcome of any of these matters will have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors
Part 1 - Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016 describes important factors that could cause our actual operating results to differ materially from those indicated or suggested by forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-Q or presented elsewhere by management from time-to-time. There have been no material changes from the risk factors previously disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2016.

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Item 2.    Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None
Item 3.    Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None
Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable
Item 5.    Other Information
On November 4, 2016, Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (the "Company") entered into separate agreements with each of Danny K. Meisenheimer (the "Meisenheimer Agreement"), the Company's Interim Chief Executive Officer and President, Lynn Schweinfurth (the "Schweinfurth Agreement"), the Company's Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and Joseph A. Zirkman (the "Zirkman Agreement"), the Company's Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary, providing for (i) certain retention bonus payments and (ii) certain severance payments upon a termination of employment with the Company.
The Meisenheimer Agreement provides that Mr. Meisenheimer is entitled to a retention bonus payment of (a) $175,000 (the "Meisenheimer 2016 Bonus") payable in February 2017; provided that if Mr. Meisenheimer (i) voluntary resigns as an employee of the Company other than for Good Reason (as defined in the Meisenheimer Agreement) or gives notice of such resignation any time during the twelve month period following the payment date of the Meisenheimer 2016 Bonus or (ii) if Mr. Meisenheimer voluntary resigns as an employee of the Company other than for Good Reason any time prior to December 31, 2017 and fails to provide at least six months prior written notice of such voluntary resignation, Mr. Meisenheimer shall repay the Meisenheimer 2016 Bonus to the Company, and (b) $175,000 less any amount related to short term incentive compensation received by Mr. Meisenheimer under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan (as defined in the Meisenheimer Agreement) (the "Meisenheimer 2017 Bonus") payable in February 2018, provided that Mr. Meisenheimer remains employed with the Company through the payment date of the Meisenheimer 2017 Bonus. The Meisenheimer Agreement also provides that upon a termination of Mr. Meisenheimer's employment by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Meisenheimer Agreement), termination of Mr. Meisenheimer's employment by Mr. Meisenheimer with Good Reason (other than in the case of a material diminution of Mr. Meisenheimer's authority, duties or responsibilities) and termination of Mr. Meisenheimer's employment by Mr. Meisenheimer for any reason during the period that is between six months and twelve months following the commencement date of employment of a new Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Meisenheimer is entitled to (i) an amount equal to two times Mr. Meisenheimer' s highest annual base salary in effect prior to the date Mr. Meisenheimer's employment is terminated and (ii) an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the aggregate bonus under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan for the year in which Mr. Meisenheimer's employment is terminated (plus earned and unpaid bonus amounts under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan for the year prior to the year in which Mr. Meisenheimer's employment is terminated). The Meisenheimer Agreement terminates on December 31, 2018 (the "Initial Term") and if renewed by the Company upon 90 days written notice prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, on December 31, 2019 unless terminated sooner in accordance with the terms of the Meisenheimer Agreement. A copy of the Meisenheimer Agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.1 hereto and incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, Mr. Meisenheimer's base salary has been increased from $288,400 to $330,000 effective October 1, 2016 (the date that Mr. Meisenheimer became interim Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company).
The Schweinfurth Agreement provides that Ms. Schweinfurth is entitled to a retention bonus payment of (a) $150,000 (the "Schweinfurth 2016 Bonus") payable in February 2017; provided that if Ms. Schweinfurth (i) voluntary resigns as an employee of the Company other than for Good Reason (as defined in the Schweinfurth Agreement) or gives notice of such resignation any time during the twelve month period following the payment date of the Schweinfurth 2016 Bonus or (ii) if Ms. Schweinfurth voluntary resigns as an employee of the Company other than for Good Reason any time prior to December 31, 2017 and fails to provide at least six months prior written notice of such voluntary resignation, Ms. Schweinfurth shall repay the Schweinfurth 2016 Bonus to the Company, and (b) $150,000 less any amount related to short term incentive compensation received by Ms. Schweinfurth under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan (as defined in the Schweinfurth Agreement) (the "Schweinfurth 2017 Bonus") payable in February 2018, provided that Ms. Schweinfurth remains employed with the Company through the payment date of the Schweinfurth 2017 Bonus. The Schweinfurth Agreement also modifies and supersedes the severance bonus arrangements contained in the letter agreement dated June 19, 2012 (the "Schweinfurth Letter Agreement") between the Company and Ms. Schweinfurth, and provides that upon a termination of Ms. Schweinfurth's employment by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Schweinfurth Agreement) or termination of Ms. Schweinfurth's employment by Ms. Schweinfurth with Good Reason, Ms. Schweinfurth is entitled to (i) an amount equal to one times Ms. Schweinfurt's highest annual base salary in effect prior to the date

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Ms. Schweinfurth's employment is terminated and (ii) an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the aggregate bonus under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan for the year in which Ms. Schweinfurth's employment is terminated (plus any earned and unpaid bonus amounts under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan for the year prior to the year in which Ms. Schweinfurth's employment is terminated). The Schweinfurth Agreement terminates (other than the severance bonus provisions which shall survive any such termination, consistent with the terms of the Schweinfurth Letter Agreement) on December 31, 2018 and if renewed by the Company upon 90 days written notice prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, on December 31, 2019, unless terminated sooner in accordance with the terms of the Schweinfurth Agreement. A copy of the Schweinfurth Agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.2 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.
The Zirkman Agreement provides that Mr. Zirkman is entitled to a retention bonus payment of (a) $100,000 (the "Zirkman 2016 Bonus") payable in February 2017; provided that if Mr. Zirkman (i) voluntary resigns as an employee of the Company other than for Good Reason (as defined in the Zirkman Agreement) or gives notice of such resignation any time during the twelve month period following the payment date of the Zirkman 2016 Bonus or (ii) if Mr. Zirkman voluntary resigns as an employee of the Company other than for Good Reason any time prior to December 31, 2017 and fails to provide at least six months prior written notice of such voluntary resignation, Mr. Zirkman shall repay the Zirkman 2016 Bonus to the Company, and (b) $100,000 less any amount related to short term incentive compensation received by Mr. Zirkman under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan (as defined in the Zirkman Agreement) (the "Zirkman 2017 Bonus") payable in February 2018, provided that Mr. Zirkman remains employed with the Company through the payment date of the Zirkman 2017 Bonus. The Zirkman Agreement also provides that upon a termination of Mr. Zirkman's employment by the Company without Cause (as defined in the Zirkman Agreement) or termination of Mr. Zirkman's employment by Mr. Zirkman with Good Reason, Mr. Zirkman is entitled to (i) an amount equal to one times Mr. Zirkman 's highest annual base salary in effect prior to the date Mr. Zirkman's employment is terminated and (ii) an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the aggregate bonus under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan for the year in which Mr. Zirkman's employment is terminated (plus any earned and unpaid bonus amounts under the Company's Executive Bonus Plan for the year prior to the year in which Mr. Zirkman's employment is terminated). The Zirkman Agreement terminates on December 31, 2018 and if renewed by the Company upon 90 days written notice prior to the expiration of the Initial Term, on December 31, 2019, unless terminated sooner in accordance with the terms of the Zirkman Agreement. A copy of the Zirkman Agreement is attached as Exhibit 10.3 hereto and incorporated by reference herein.

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Item 6.    Exhibits
(a) The following exhibits are filed as part of this report.

			
 	 	 	
Exhibit
No.	  	 	
 	 	 	
10.1	 	Agreement dated as of November 4, 2016 between Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. and Danny K. Meisenheimer.+	
 	 	 	
10.2	 	Agreement dated as of November 4, 2016 between Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. and Lynn Schweinfurth.+

10.3	 	Agreement dated as of November 4, 2016 between Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. and Joseph A. Zirkman.+

10.4	 	Agreement dated as of September 27, 2016 between Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. and Timothy P. Taft.+	
 	 	 	
31.1	  	Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.	
 	 	
31.2	  	Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.	
 	 	
32.1	  	Chief Executive Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.	
 	 	
32.2	  	Chief Financial Officer’s Certificate Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, As Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 for Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc.	
 	 	
101.INS	  	XBRL Instance Document	
 	 	
101.SCH	  	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document	
 	 	
101.CAL	  	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document	
 	 	
101.DEF	  	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document	
 	 	
101.LAB	  	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document	
 	 	
101.PRE	  	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document	
 	 	 	
+ Compensatory plan or arrangement	

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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.

	
		
 	FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.	
 	 	
Date: November 7, 2016	/ S /    DANNY K. MEISENHEIMER	
 	(Signature)	
 	Danny K. Meisenheimer
Interim Chief Executive Officer	
 	 	
Date: November 7, 2016	/ S /    LYNN S. SCHWEINFURTH    	
 	(Signature)	
 	Lynn S. Schweinfurth
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer	
 	 	
Date: November 7, 2016	/ S /    CHERI L. KINDER	
 	(Signature)	
 	Cheri L. Kinder
Vice President, Corporate Controller	

35

Exhibit 10.1
AGREEMENT
Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) dated as of November 4, 2016 by and among FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Employer ”) and Danny K. Meisenheimer (the “ Executive ”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS , the Executive has been employed by the Employer and desires to remain in the employ of the Employer and continue to provide services for the Employer and any present or future parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Employer and their successors and assigns in such capacity; and
WHEREAS , the Employer desire to induce the Executive to so remain in such employ;
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.      Definitions .
For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
1.1      “ Cause ” shall mean: (i) the commission by the Executive of any act or omission that would constitute a felony or any crime of moral turpitude under Federal law or the law of the state or foreign law in which such action occurred, (ii) dishonesty, disloyalty, fraud, embezzlement, theft, engagement of competitive activity, disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information or other acts or omissions that result in a breach of the duty of loyalty or a breach of fiduciary duties or other material duty to the Employer and its subsidiaries, (iii) continued reporting to work or working under the influence of alcohol, an illegal drug, an intoxicant or a controlled substance which renders Executive incapable of performing his or her material duties to the satisfaction of the Employer and/or its subsidiaries, (iv) the Executive's failure to substantially perform Executive's duties and/or responsibilities with respect to the Employer and its subsidiaries, (v) Executive's material breach of any of the Employer's or its subsidiaries' policies or procedures, or (vi) willful damage by Executive to Employer or its subsidaries assets.
1.2      “ Executive Bonus Plan ” shall mean: all bonus plans or arrangements maintained by the Employer or any of its subsidiaries (other than the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan) in which the Executive is eligible to participate for the year in which the Executive incurs a Termination of employment.
1.3      “ Good Reason ” shall mean any of the following conditions arising without the consent of Executive, provided that Executive has first given written notice to the Employer of the existence of the condition within 90 days of its first occurrence, and the Employer has failed to remedy the condition within 30 days thereafter: (1) a material diminution in the Executive’s base salary; (2)      a material diminution in the Executive's authority, duties, or responsibilities; (3) relocation of Executive's principal office more than 50 miles from its current location; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Employer of any terms or conditions of any agreement between the Employer and the Executive, which breach has not been caused by Executive.
1.4      “ Prime Rate ” shall mean: the rate of interest established from time to time by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (or such other bank which is then the principal lending bank to the Employer) as its prime commercial rate.

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1.5      “ Release ” shall mean that certain Release as more fully set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
1.6      “ Severance Bonus ” shall mean: an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the aggregate bonus under the Executive Bonus Plan for the year in which the Executive incurs a Termination of employment plus any unpaid bonus earned under the Executive Bonus Plan for the year prior to the year in which Executive incurs a Termination of employment to which the Executive would otherwise have been entitled had his or her employment not terminated.
1.7      “ Severance Payment ” shall mean: an amount equal to two times the Executive’s highest annual base salary in effect prior to the date the Executive incurs a Termination of employment, plus interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus three percent (3%), with such interest accruing from the date of Termination of employment until the date of payment of the Severance Payment.
1.8      “ Termination of employment ” means cessation of the Executive’s employment with the Employer and all of its subsidiaries by which the Executive is employed.
2.      Retention Bonus
2.1      2016 Retention Bonus . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive $175,000 (the " 2016 Retention Bonus Payment ") payable in a single lump sum cash payment in February 2017 (the " 2016 Retention Bonus Payment Date "); provided however that if Executive voluntarily resigns as an employee of the Employer, other than for Good Reason or gives notice of such resignation, any time during the twelve month period following the 2016 Retention Bonus Payment Date, Executive shall repay to the Company in a single lump sum cash payment the amount equal to the 2016 Bonus Payment within 60 days of the resignation date of the Executive.
2.2      2017 Retention Bonus . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive $175,000 less any amount related to short term incentive compensation received by Executive under the Executive Bonus Plan (the " 2017 Retention Bonus Payment ") payable in a single lump sum cash payment in February 2018 (the " 2017 Bonus Payment Date "), provided that Executive remain employed by the Employer through the 2017 Bonus Payment Date.
3.      Termination .
3.1.      Termination For Good Reason by Executive; Termination For Any Reason By Executive During A Period Between Six Months and Twelve Months Following the Hire Date of a New Chief Executive Officer or By the Company Without Cause . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, in the event that the Executive incurs a Termination of employment (a) by the Employer without Cause, (b) by the Executive with Good Reason (other than clause 2 of the definition of Good Reason) or (c) by the Executive for any reason during a period that is between six months and twelve months following the date of commencement of employment of a new Chief Executive Officer of the Employer, the Employer (or any successor thereto) shall pay to the Executive the Severance Payment and the Severance Bonus. The Severance Payment shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum cash payment on the fifth (5 th ) business day following the six (6) month anniversary of Termination of employment. The Severance Bonus shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum cash payment on the date that bonuses are paid under the Executive Bonus Plan, but in no event later than March 15 th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment under this Section 3.1 unless prior to the date such payment is required to be made to the Executive, the Executive delivers to the Employer the executed Release and further provided that the Release

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has been executed and delivered to the Employer prior to the payment date and the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (as more fully described in the Release) prior to the payment date.
4.      Notice of Resignation
In the event Executive wishes to voluntarily resign as an employee, other than for Good Reason, on or prior to December 31, 2017. Executive shall provide six months' prior notice to Employer of such resignation. In the event, Executive fails to provide at least six months' prior written notice of such voluntary resignation, Executive shall be in breach of this Agreement and in addition to all other remedies available to the Employer for such breach, Executive immediately shall repay to the Employer in a single lump sum cash payment the amount equal to the 2016 Retention Bonus Payment.
5.      At Will Employment .
Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Executive the right to remain in the employ of the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, it being understood and agreed that (a) the Executive is an employee at will and serves at the pleasure of the Employer at such compensation as the Employer shall determine from time to time, (b) the Employer shall have the right to terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, with or without Cause subject to the provisions of this Agreement, and (c) except for this Agreement and any equity awards agreements entered into by Executive and the Employer pursuant to the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, there are no other arrangements or agreements between Executive and the Employer or any of its subsidiaries concerning the terms of the Executive’s employment with the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, and that nothing in this Agreement guarantees employment for any definitive or specific term or duration or any particular level of benefits or compensation.
6.      Costs of Enforcement .
     In the event that the Executive incurs any costs or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, in the enforcement of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement then, unless the Employer is wholly successful in defending against the enforcement of such rights, the Employer shall promptly pay to the Executive all such costs and expenses. Any such reimbursement shall be made as promptly as practicable after the final disposition of the Executive’s enforcement claims, but in no event later than March 15 th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurs such final disposition.
7.      Term .
This Agreement shall be for an initial term commencing on the date hereof and terminating on December 31, 2018 (the " Initial Term ") and unless notice of renewal for an additional one year period is provided by the Employer to the Executive in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or unless terminated sooner in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
8.      Notices .
All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, if intended for the Employer shall be addressed to it, attention of its Chief Executive Officer, 14800 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 500, Dallas, Texas 75254 or at such other address of which the Employer shall have given notice to the Executive in the manner herein provided; and if intended for the Executive, shall be mailed to the Executive at the address of the Executive’s address first set forth above or at such other address of which the Executive shall have given notice to the Employer in the manner provided in this Section 8.

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9.      Entire Agreement .
This Agreement and the Release constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the matters referred to herein and, as of the date hereof, supersedes any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, understandings, and agreements between the parties respecting the subject matter hereof and no waiver of or modification to the terms hereof shall be valid unless in writing signed by the party to be charged and only to the extent therein set forth. All prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement are hereby terminated and superseded by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to reduce, terminate, supersede or limit in any way the rights of Executive under any equity awards agreements entered into by Employer pursuant to the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan and the Executive prior to the date hereof. When used in this Agreement, the terms " hereof ", " herein " and " hereunder " refer to this Agreement in its entirety, including any exhibits or schedules attached to this Agreement and not to any particular provisions of this Agreement, unless otherwise specifically indicated.
10.      No Mitigation Or Offset .
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in the event of any termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall not be required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement. The amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive or benefit provided to the Executive as the result of employment by another employer or otherwise. The amounts payable under this Agreement shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that the Employer may have against the Executive.
11.      Withholding .
The Employer shall be entitled to withhold from amounts payable to the Executive hereunder such amounts as may be required by applicable law.
12.      Binding Nature .
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs, administrators, executors, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
13.      Governing Law; Dispute Resolution .
All disputes regarding this agreement shall resolved by arbitration to be administered by JAMS pursuant to the Fiesta Restaurant Group Mandatory Arbitration Program. To the extent not preempted by the laws of the United States, the terms and provisions of this agreement are governed by and shall be interpreted in accordance with, the laws of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law principles .
14.      Counterparts .
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
15.      Advice of Counsel .
Executive acknowledges that during the negotiation of this Agreement, Executive has retained or has been advised to retain counsel of Executive’s choosing who has provided or will provide advice to

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Executive in connection with the Executive’s decision to enter into this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the Employer's in-house and outside legal counsel have represented only the Employer in connection with the negotiation, drafting, and entering into of this Agreement and that Executive has not been provided nor has Executive relied upon any legal advice from the Employer's in-house or outside legal counsel.
16.      Severability .
It is the intention of the parties hereto that any provision of this Agreement found to be invalid or unenforceable be reformed rather than eliminated. If any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any part hereof, is at any time construed to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of such provision or the other provisions of this Agreement, which shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid portions. In the event that the courts of any one or more jurisdictions shall hold such provisions wholly or partially unenforceable by reason of the scope thereof or otherwise, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such determination not bar or in any way affect the Employer’s rights provided for herein in the courts of any other jurisdictions as to breaches or threatened breaches of such provisions in such other jurisdictions, the above provisions as they relate to each jurisdiction being, for this purpose, severable into diverse and independent covenants.
17.      Non-Waiver .
Failure by either the Employer or Executive to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or any rights with respect to this Agreement, or the failure to exercise any option provided hereunder, shall in no way be considered to be waiver of such provisions, rights or options, or to in any way affect the validity of this Agreement.
18.      Headings .
The headings preceding the text of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and neither constitutes a part of this Agreement nor affect the meaning, interpretation or effect of this Agreement.
19.      Survival .
The following sections of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall survive Employee’s Termination of employment from the Employer for any reason: Section 6 (Cost of Enforcement), and Section 13 (Governing Law; Dispute Resolution). In addition, (a) all sections of this Agreement that would, by their terms, survive expiration or termination of this Agreement shall so survive such expiration and termination and shall also survive termination for any reason of Employee’s employment with the Company,(b) all obligations under Section 2.2 shall also survive termination of this Agreement and (c) all obligations pursuant to a Termination of employment under Section 3.1 shall also survive termination of this Agreement in the case of a Termination of employment occurring before the end of the Initial Term or any renewal period.

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20.      Additional Tax Provisions .
20.1      Golden Parachutes . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the " Total Benefits ") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “ Excise Tax ”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are not so reduced. “ Retained Amount ” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. To the extent any reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) any portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (ii) Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of when payment is due, and (iii) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. 
20.2      Section 409A of the Code . The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with section 409A of the Code, to the extent subject thereto, and accordingly, this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered to be in compliance therewith. It is intended that (i) each installment of the payments provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code and (ii) the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v).  For purposes of this Agreement, any reference to the termination of Executive’s employment will be deemed to mean “severance from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Company determines (i) that on the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, the Executive is a “specified Executive” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company and (ii) that any payments to be provided to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A of the Code if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) with the Company, or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death.  Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)), or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

			
 	 	 	
FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.	
 	 	 	
By:	/S/    JOSEPH ZIRKMAN	 	
 	Name: Joseph Zirkman
Senior Vice President	 	
 	 	 	
/S/    DANNY K. MEISENHEIMER	 	
Danny K. Meisenheimer	 	

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Exhibit A

FORM OF RELEASE
GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

1.      Danny K. Meisenheimer (“ Executive ”), for himself and his family, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and their respective successors and assigns, in exchange for the certain benefits provided under the Retention Agreement made and entered effective as of the 4 th day of November 2016, by and between Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”) and the Executive, to which this release is attached as Exhibit A (the “ Retention Agreement ”), does hereby release and forever discharge the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, successors and assigns, and its current or former directors, officers or shareholders in such capacities (collectively with the Company, the “ Released Parties ”) from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, controversies, claims and demands whatsoever, for or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, whether known or unknown including, but not limited to, all claims under any applicable laws arising under or in connection with Executive’s employment or termination thereof, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, wrongful discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or defamation or injuries incurred on the job or incurred as a result of loss of employment. Executive acknowledges that the Company encouraged him to consult with an attorney of his choosing, and through this General Release of Claims encourages him to consult with his attorney with respect to possible claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ ADEA ”) and that he understands that the ADEA is a Federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefits and benefit plans. Without limiting the generality of the release provided above, Executive expressly waives any and all claims under ADEA that he may have as of the date hereof. Executive further understands that by signing this General Release of Claims he is in fact waiving, releasing and forever giving up any claim under the ADEA as well as all other laws within the scope of this paragraph 1 that may have existed on or prior to the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph 1 to the contrary, this General Release of Claims shall not apply to (i) any rights to receive any payments or benefits to which Executive is entitled under COBRA, the Employment agreement or any other compensation or employee benefit plans in which Executive is eligible to participate at the time of execution of this General Release of Claims, (ii) any rights or claims that may arise as a result of events occurring after the date this General Release of Claims is executed, any indemnification and advancement rights Executive may have as a former employee, officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies including, without limitation, any rights arising pursuant to the articles of incorporation, bylaws and any other organizational documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) any claims for benefits under any directors’ and officers’ liability policy maintained by the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies in accordance with the terms of such policy, and (iv) any rights as a holder of equity securities of the Company (clauses (i) through (iv), the " Reserved Claims ").
2.      Executive represents that he has not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of his employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this General Release of Claims other than Reserved Claims, and covenants and agrees that he will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of any lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by Executive pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof (a “ Proceeding ”); provided , however , Executive shall not have relinquished his right to (i) commence a Proceeding to challenge whether Executive knowingly and voluntarily waived his rights under ADEA; (ii) file a charge with an administrative agency or take part in any agency investigation or (iii) commence a Proceeding pursuant to the Reserved Claims. Executive does agree, however, that he is waiving his right to recover any money in connection with such an investigation or charge filed by him or by any other individual, or a charge filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal, state or local agency, except as prohibited by law.
3.      Executive hereby acknowledges that the Company has informed him that he has up to twenty-one (21) days to sign this General Release of Claims and he may knowingly and voluntarily waive that twenty-one (21) day period by signing this General Release of Claims earlier. Executive also understands that he shall have seven (7)

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days following the date on which he signs this General Release of Claims within which to revoke it by providing a written notice of his revocation to the Company.
4.      Executive acknowledges that this General Release of Claims will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the laws of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law principles.
5.      Executive acknowledges that he has read this General Release of Claims, that he has been advised that he should consult with an attorney before he executes this general release of claims, and that he understands all of its terms and executes it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance and the consequences thereof.
6.      This General Release of Claims shall take effect on the eighth day following Executive’s execution of this General Release of Claims unless Executive’s written revocation is delivered to the Company within seven (7) days after such execution.

	
		
EXECUTIVE	 	
 	 	
Danny K. Meisenheimer	 	

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Exhibit 10.2

AGREEMENT
Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) dated as of November 4, 2016 by and among FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Employer ”) and Lynn Schweinfurth (the “ Executive ”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS , the Executive has been employed by the Employer and desires to remain in the employ of the Employer and continue to provide services for the Employer and any present or future parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Employer and their successors and assigns in such capacity; and
WHEREAS , the Employer desire to induce the Executive to so remain in such employ;
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.      Definitions .
For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
1.1      “ Cause ” shall mean: (i) the commission by the Executive of any act or omission that would constitute a felony or any crime of moral turpitude under Federal law or the law of the state or foreign law in which such action occurred, (ii) dishonesty, disloyalty, fraud, embezzlement, theft, engagement of competitive activity, disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information or other acts or omissions that result in a breach of the duty of loyalty or a breach of fiduciary duties or other material duty to the Employer and its subsidiaries, (iii) continued reporting to work or working under the influence of alcohol, an illegal drug, an intoxicant or a controlled substance which renders Executive incapable of performing his or her material duties to the satisfaction of the Employer and/or its subsidiaries, (iv) the Executive's failure to substantially perform Executive's duties and/or responsibilities with respect to the Employer and its subsidiaries, (v) Executive's material breach of any of the Employer's or its subsidiaries' policies or procedures, or (vi) willful damage by Executive to Employer or its subsidaries assets.
1.2      “ Executive Bonus Plan ” shall mean: all bonus plans or arrangements maintained by the Employer or any of its subsidiaries (other than the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan) in which the Executive is eligible to participate for the year in which the Executive incurs a Termination of employment.
1.3      “ Good Reason ” shall mean any of the following conditions arising without the consent of Executive, provided that Executive has first given written notice to the Employer of the existence of the condition within 90 days of its first occurrence, and the Employer has failed to remedy the condition within 30 days thereafter: (1) a material diminution in the Executive’s base salary; (2)      a material diminution in the Executive's authority, duties, or responsibilities; (3) relocation of Executive's principal office more than 50 miles from its current location; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Employer of any terms or conditions of any agreement between the Employer and the Executive, which breach has not been caused by Executive.
1.4      “ Prime Rate ” shall mean: the rate of interest established from time to time by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (or such other bank which is then the principal lending bank to the Employer) as its prime commercial rate.

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1.5      “ Release ” shall mean that certain Release as more fully set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
1.6      “ Severance Bonus ” shall mean: an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the aggregate bonus under the Executive Bonus Plan for the year in which the Executive incurs a Termination of employment plus any unpaid bonus earned under the Executive Bonus Plan for the year prior to the year in which Executive incurs a Termination of employment to which the Executive would otherwise have been entitled had his or her employment not terminated.
1.7      “ Severance Payment ” shall mean: an amount equal to one time the Executive’s highest annual base salary in effect prior to the date the Executive incurs a Termination of employment, plus interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus three percent (3%), with such interest accruing from the date of Termination of employment until the date of payment of the Severance Payment.
1.8      “ Termination of employment ” means cessation of the Executive’s employment with the Employer and all of its subsidiaries by which the Executive is employed.
2.      Retention Bonus
2.1      2016 Retention Bonus . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive $150,000 (the " 2016 Retention Bonus Payment ") payable in a single lump sum cash payment in February 2017 (the " 2016 Retention Bonus Payment Date "); provided however that if Executive voluntarily resigns as an employee of the Employer, other than for Good Reason or gives notice of such resignation, any time during the twelve month period following the 2016 Retention Bonus Payment Date, Executive shall repay to the Company in a single lump sum cash payment the amount equal to the 2016 Retention Bonus Payment within 60 days of the resignation date of the Executive.
2.2      2017 Retention Bonus . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive $150,000 less any amount related to short term incentive compensation received by Executive under the Executive Bonus Plan (the " 2017 Retention Bonus Payment ") payable in a single lump sum cash payment in February 2018 (the " 2017 Retention Bonus Payment Date "), provided that Executive remain employed by the Employer through the 2017 Bonus Payment Date.
3.      Termination .
3.1.      Termination For Good Reason by Executive or By the Company Without Cause . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, in the event that the Executive incurs a Termination of employment (a) by the Employer without Cause or (b) by the Executive with Good Reason, the Employer (or any successor thereto) shall pay to the Executive the Severance Payment and the Severance Bonus. The Severance Payment shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum cash payment on the fifth (5 th ) business day following the six (6) month anniversary of Termination of employment. The Severance Bonus shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum cash payment on the date that bonuses are paid under the Executive Bonus Plan, but in no event later than March 15 th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment under this Section 3.1 unless prior to the date such payment is required to be made to the Executive, the Executive delivers to the Employer the executed Release and further provided that the Release has been executed and delivered to the Employer prior to the payment date and the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (as more fully described in the Release) prior to the payment date. Notwithstanding the term of this agreement (as described in Section 7 below) the provisions of this Section 3.1 shall survive the expiration or termination of this agreement.

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4.      Notice of Resignation
    In the event Executive wishes to voluntarily resign as an employee, other than for Good Reason, on or prior to December 31, 2017. Executive shall provide six months' prior notice to Employer of such resignation. In the event, Executive fails to provide at least six months' prior written notice of such voluntary resignation, Executive shall be in breach of this Agreement and in addition to all other remedies available to the Employer for such breach, Executive immediately shall repay to the Employer in a single lump sum cash payment the amount equal to the 2016 Retention Bonus Payment.
5.      At Will Employment .
Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Executive the right to remain in the employ of the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, it being understood and agreed that (a) the Executive is an employee at will and serves at the pleasure of the Employer at such compensation as the Employer shall determine from time to time, (b) the Employer shall have the right to terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, with or without Cause subject to the provisions of this Agreement, and (c) except for this Agreement and any equity awards agreements entered into by Executive and the Employer pursuant to the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, there are no other arrangements or agreements between Executive and the Employer or any of its subsidiaries concerning the terms of the Executive’s employment with the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, and that nothing in this Agreement guarantees employment for any definitive or specific term or duration or any particular level of benefits or compensation.
6.      Costs of Enforcement .
     In the event that the Executive incurs any costs or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, in the enforcement of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement then, unless the Employer is wholly successful in defending against the enforcement of such rights, the Employer shall promptly pay to the Executive all such costs and expenses. Any such reimbursement shall be made as promptly as practicable after the final disposition of the Executive’s enforcement claims, but in no event later than March 15 th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurs such final disposition.
7.      Term .
This Agreement shall be for an initial term commencing on the date hereof and terminating on December 31, 2018 (the " Initial Term ") and unless notice of renewal for an additional one year period is provided by the Employer to the Executive in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or unless terminated sooner in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
8.      Notices .
All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, if intended for the Employer shall be addressed to it, attention of its Chief Executive Officer, 14800 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 500, Dallas, Texas 75254 or at such other address of which the Employer shall have given notice to the Executive in the manner herein provided; and if intended for the Executive, shall be mailed to the Executive at the address of the Executive’s address first set forth above or at such other address of which the Executive shall have given notice to the Employer in the manner provided in this Section 8.

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9.      Entire Agreement .
This Agreement and the Release constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the matters referred to herein and, as of the date hereof, supersedes the section titled "Separation Agreement" in the letter agreement between Executive and the Employer dated June 19, 2012 (and signed by the Executive on June 29, 2012) and any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, understandings, and agreements between the parties respecting the subject matter hereof and no waiver of or modification to the terms hereof shall be valid unless in writing signed by the party to be charged and only to the extent therein set forth. All prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement are hereby terminated and superseded by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to reduce, terminate, supersede or limit in any way the rights of Executive under any equity awards agreements entered into by Employer pursuant to the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan and the Executive prior to the date hereof. When used in this Agreement, the terms " hereof ", " herein " and " hereunder " refer to this Agreement in its entirety, including any exhibits or schedules attached to this Agreement and not to any particular provisions of this Agreement, unless otherwise specifically indicated.
10.      No Mitigation Or Offset .
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in the event of any termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall not be required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement. The amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive or benefit provided to the Executive as the result of employment by another employer or otherwise. The amounts payable under this Agreement shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that the Employer may have against the Executive.
11.      Withholding .
The Employer shall be entitled to withhold from amounts payable to the Executive hereunder such amounts as may be required by applicable law.
12.      Binding Nature .
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs, administrators, executors, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
13.      Governing Law; Dispute Resolution .
All disputes regarding this agreement shall resolved by arbitration to be administered by JAMS pursuant to the Fiesta Restaurant Group Mandatory Arbitration Program. To the extent not preempted by the laws of the United States, the terms and provisions of this agreement are governed by and shall be interpreted in accordance with, the laws of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law principles .
14.      Counterparts .
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
15.      Advice of Counsel .

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Executive acknowledges that during the negotiation of this Agreement, Executive has retained or has been advised to retain counsel of Executive’s choosing who has provided or will provide advice to Executive in connection with the Executive’s decision to enter into this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the Employer's in-house and outside legal counsel have represented only the Employer in connection with the negotiation, drafting, and entering into of this Agreement and that Executive has not been provided nor has Executive relied upon any legal advice from the Employer's in-house or outside legal counsel.
16.      Severability .
It is the intention of the parties hereto that any provision of this Agreement found to be invalid or unenforceable be reformed rather than eliminated. If any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any part hereof, is at any time construed to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of such provision or the other provisions of this Agreement, which shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid portions. In the event that the courts of any one or more jurisdictions shall hold such provisions wholly or partially unenforceable by reason of the scope thereof or otherwise, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such determination not bar or in any way affect the Employer’s rights provided for herein in the courts of any other jurisdictions as to breaches or threatened breaches of such provisions in such other jurisdictions, the above provisions as they relate to each jurisdiction being, for this purpose, severable into diverse and independent covenants.
17.      Non-Waiver .
Failure by either the Employer or Executive to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or any rights with respect to this Agreement, or the failure to exercise any option provided hereunder, shall in no way be considered to be waiver of such provisions, rights or options, or to in any way affect the validity of this Agreement.
18.      Headings .
The headings preceding the text of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and neither constitutes a part of this Agreement nor affect the meaning, interpretation or effect of this Agreement.
19.      Survival .
The following sections of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall survive Employee’s Termination of employment from the Employer for any reason: Section 6 (Cost of Enforcement), and Section 13 (Governing Law; Dispute Resolution). In addition, (a) all sections of this Agreement that would, by their terms, survive expiration or termination of this Agreement shall so survive such expiration and termination and shall also survive termination for any reason of Employee’s employment with the Company, (b) all obligations under Section 2.2 shall also survive termination of this Agreement and (c) all obligations pursuant to a Termination of employment under Section 3.1 shall also survive termination of this Agreement in the case of a Termination of employment occurring before the end of the Initial Term or any renewal period.

20.      Additional Tax Provisions .
20.1      Golden Parachutes . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the " Total Benefits ") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “ Excise Tax ”), the Total Benefits shall

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be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax; provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are not so reduced. “ Retained Amount ” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. To the extent any reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) any portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (ii) Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of when payment is due, and (iii) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. 
20.2      Section 409A of the Code . The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with section 409A of the Code, to the extent subject thereto, and accordingly, this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered to be in compliance therewith. It is intended that (i) each installment of the payments provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code and (ii) the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v).  For purposes of this Agreement, any reference to the termination of Executive’s employment will be deemed to mean “severance from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Company determines (i) that on the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, the Executive is a “specified Executive” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company and (ii) that any payments to be provided to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A of the Code if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) with the Company, or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death.  Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)), or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

	

FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.	
 	 	 	
By:	/S/    DANNY K. MEISENHEIMER	 	
 	Name: Danny Meisenheimer
Interim Chief Executive Officer	 	
 	 	 	
/S/    LYNN S. SCHWEINFURTH	 	
Lynn Schweinfurth	 	

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Exhibit A

FORM OF RELEASE
GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

1.      Lynn Schweinfurth (“ Executive ”), for herself and her family, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and their respective successors and assigns, in exchange for the certain benefits provided under the Retention Agreement made and entered effective as of the 4 th day of November 2016, by and between Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”) and the Executive, to which this release is attached as Exhibit A (the “ Retention Agreement ”), does hereby release and forever discharge the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, successors and assigns, and its current or former directors, officers or shareholders in such capacities (collectively with the Company, the “ Released Parties ”) from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, controversies, claims and demands whatsoever, for or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, whether known or unknown including, but not limited to, all claims under any applicable laws arising under or in connection with Executive’s employment or termination thereof, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, wrongful discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or defamation or injuries incurred on the job or incurred as a result of loss of employment. Executive acknowledges that the Company encouraged her to consult with an attorney of her choosing, and through this General Release of Claims encourages her to consult with her attorney with respect to possible claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ ADEA ”) and that she understands that the ADEA is a Federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefits and benefit plans. Without limiting the generality of the release provided above, Executive expressly waives any and all claims under ADEA that she may have as of the date hereof. Executive further understands that by signing this General Release of Claims she is in fact waiving, releasing and forever giving up any claim under the ADEA as well as all other laws within the scope of this paragraph 1 that may have existed on or prior to the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph 1 to the contrary, this General Release of Claims shall not apply to (i) any rights to receive any payments or benefits to which Executive is entitled under COBRA, the Employment agreement or any other compensation or employee benefit plans in which Executive is eligible to participate at the time of execution of this General Release of Claims, (ii) any rights or claims that may arise as a result of events occurring after the date this General Release of Claims is executed, any indemnification and advancement rights Executive may have as a former employee, officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies including, without limitation, any rights arising pursuant to the articles of incorporation, bylaws and any other organizational documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) any claims for benefits under any directors’ and officers’ liability policy maintained by the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies in accordance with the terms of such policy, and (iv) any rights as a holder of equity securities of the Company (clauses (i) through (iv), the " Reserved Claims ").
2.      Executive represents that she has not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of her employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this General Release of Claims other than Reserved Claims, and covenants and agrees that she will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of any lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by Executive pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof (a “ Proceeding ”); provided , however , Executive shall not have relinquished her right to (i) commence a Proceeding to challenge whether Executive knowingly and voluntarily waived her rights under ADEA; (ii) file a charge with an administrative agency or take part in any agency investigation or (iii) commence a Proceeding pursuant to the Reserved Claims. Executive does agree, however, that she is waiving her right to recover any money in connection with such an investigation or charge filed by her or by any other individual, or a charge filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal, state or local agency, except as prohibited by law.
3.      Executive hereby acknowledges that the Company has informed her that she has up to twenty-one (21) days to sign this General Release of Claims and she may knowingly and voluntarily waive that twenty-one (21) day period by signing this General Release of Claims earlier. Executive also understands that she shall have seven (7) days following the date on which she signs this General Release of Claims within which to revoke it by providing a written notice of her revocation to the Company.

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4.      Executive acknowledges that this General Release of Claims will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the laws of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law principles.
5.      Executive acknowledges that she has read this General Release of Claims, that she has been advised that she should consult with an attorney before she executes this general release of claims, and that she understands all of its terms and executes it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance and the consequences thereof.
6.      This General Release of Claims shall take effect on the eighth day following Executive’s execution of this General Release of Claims unless Executive’s written revocation is delivered to the Company within seven (7) days after such execution.

	
		
EXECUTIVE	 	
 	 	
Lynn Schweinfurth	

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Exhibit 10.3

AGREEMENT
Agreement (the “ Agreement ”) dated as of November 4, 2016 by and among FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC., a Delaware corporation (the “ Employer ”) and Joseph A. Zirkman (the “ Executive ”).
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS , the Executive has been employed by the Employer and desires to remain in the employ of the Employer and continue to provide services for the Employer and any present or future parent, subsidiary or affiliate of the Employer and their successors and assigns in such capacity; and
WHEREAS , the Employer desire to induce the Executive to so remain in such employ;
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the premises and mutual agreements hereinafter contained, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

1.      Definitions .
For purposes of this Agreement, the following definitions shall apply:
1.1      “ Cause ” shall mean: (i) the commission by the Executive of any act or omission that would constitute a felony or any crime of moral turpitude under Federal law or the law of the state or foreign law in which such action occurred, (ii) dishonesty, disloyalty, fraud, embezzlement, theft, engagement of competitive activity, disclosure of trade secrets or confidential information or other acts or omissions that result in a breach of the duty of loyalty or a breach of fiduciary duties or other material duty to the Employer and its subsidiaries, (iii) continued reporting to work or working under the influence of alcohol, an illegal drug, an intoxicant or a controlled substance which renders Executive incapable of performing his or her material duties to the satisfaction of the Employer and/or its subsidiaries, (iv) the Executive's failure to substantially perform Executive's duties and/or responsibilities with respect to the Employer and its subsidiaries, (v) Executive's material breach of any of the Employer's or its subsidiaries' policies or procedures, or (vi) willful damage by Executive to Employer or its subsidaries assets.
1.2      “ Executive Bonus Plan ” shall mean: all bonus plans or arrangements maintained by the Employer or any of its subsidiaries (other than the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan) in which the Executive is eligible to participate for the year in which the Executive incurs a Termination of employment.
1.3      “ Good Reason ” shall mean any of the following conditions arising without the consent of Executive, provided that Executive has first given written notice to the Employer of the existence of the condition within 90 days of its first occurrence, and the Employer has failed to remedy the condition within 30 days thereafter: (1) a material diminution in the Executive’s base salary; (2)      a material diminution in the Executive's authority, duties, or responsibilities; (3) relocation of Executive's principal office more than 50 miles from its current location; or (4) any other action or inaction that constitutes a material breach by the Employer of any terms or conditions of any agreement between the Employer and the Executive, which breach has not been caused by Executive.
1.4      “ Prime Rate ” shall mean: the rate of interest established from time to time by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (or such other bank which is then the principal lending bank to the Employer) as its prime commercial rate.

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1.5      “ Release ” shall mean that certain Release as more fully set forth on Exhibit A attached hereto and made a part hereof.
1.6      “ Severance Bonus ” shall mean: an amount equal to a pro rata portion of the aggregate bonus under the Executive Bonus Plan for the year in which the Executive incurs a Termination of employment plus any unpaid bonus earned under the Executive Bonus Plan for the year prior to the year in which Executive incurs a Termination of employment to which the Executive would otherwise have been entitled had his or her employment not terminated.
1.7      “ Severance Payment ” shall mean: an amount equal to one time the Executive’s highest annual base salary in effect prior to the date the Executive incurs a Termination of employment, plus interest on such amount at a rate per annum equal to the Prime Rate plus three percent (3%), with such interest accruing from the date of Termination of employment until the date of payment of the Severance Payment.
1.8      “ Termination of employment ” means cessation of the Executive’s employment with the Employer and all of its subsidiaries by which the Executive is employed.
2.      Retention Bonus
2.1      2016 Retention Bonus . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive $100,000 (the " 2016 Retention Bonus Payment ") payable in a single lump sum cash payment in February 2017 (the " 2016 Retention Bonus Payment Date "); provided however that if Executive voluntarily resigns as an employee of the Employer, other than for Good Reason or gives notice of such resignation, any time during the twelve month period following the 2016 Retention Bonus Payment Date, Executive shall repay to the Company in a single lump sum cash payment the amount equal to the 2016 Retention Bonus Payment within 60 days of the resignation date of the Executive.
2.2      2017 Retention Bonus . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive $100,000 less any amount related to short term incentive compensation received by Executive under the Executive Bonus Plan (the " 2017 Retention Bonus Payment ") payable in a single lump sum cash payment in February 2018 (the " 2017 Retention Bonus Payment Date "), provided that Executive remain employed by the Employer through the 2017 Bonus Payment Date.
3.      Termination .
3.1.      Termination For Good Reason by Executive or By the Company Without Cause . Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, in the event that the Executive incurs a Termination of employment (a) by the Employer without Cause or (b) by the Executive with Good Reason, the Employer (or any successor thereto) shall pay to the Executive the Severance Payment and the Severance Bonus. The Severance Payment shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum cash payment on the fifth (5 th ) business day following the six (6) month anniversary of Termination of employment. The Severance Bonus shall be paid to the Executive in a single lump sum cash payment on the date that bonuses are paid under the Executive Bonus Plan, but in no event later than March 15 th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which the Executive’s employment terminates. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Executive shall not be entitled to any payment under this Section 3.1 unless prior to the date such payment is required to be made to the Executive, the Executive delivers to the Employer the executed Release and further provided that the Release has been executed and delivered to the Employer prior to the payment date and the Release becomes effective and irrevocable (as more fully described in the Release) prior to the payment date.

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4.      Notice of Resignation
In the event Executive wishes to voluntarily resign as an employee, other than for Good Reason, on or prior to December 31, 2017. Executive shall provide six months' prior notice to Employer of such resignation. In the event, Executive fails to provide at least six months' prior written notice of such voluntary resignation, Executive shall be in breach of this Agreement and in addition to all other remedies available to the Employer for such breach, Executive immediately shall repay to the Employer in a single lump sum cash payment the amount equal to the 2016 Retention Bonus Payment.
5.      At Will Employment .
Nothing in this Agreement shall confer upon the Executive the right to remain in the employ of the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, it being understood and agreed that (a) the Executive is an employee at will and serves at the pleasure of the Employer at such compensation as the Employer shall determine from time to time, (b) the Employer shall have the right to terminate the Executive’s employment at any time, with or without Cause subject to the provisions of this Agreement, and (c) except for this Agreement and any equity awards agreements entered into by Executive and the Employer pursuant to the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan, there are no other arrangements or agreements between Executive and the Employer or any of its subsidiaries concerning the terms of the Executive’s employment with the Employer or any of its subsidiaries, and that nothing in this Agreement guarantees employment for any definitive or specific term or duration or any particular level of benefits or compensation.
6.      Costs of Enforcement .
     In the event that the Executive incurs any costs or expenses, including attorneys’ fees, in the enforcement of the Executive’s rights under this Agreement then, unless the Employer is wholly successful in defending against the enforcement of such rights, the Employer shall promptly pay to the Executive all such costs and expenses. Any such reimbursement shall be made as promptly as practicable after the final disposition of the Executive’s enforcement claims, but in no event later than March 15 th of the calendar year following the calendar year in which occurs such final disposition.
7.      Term .
This Agreement shall be for an initial term commencing on the date hereof and terminating on December 31, 2018 (the " Initial Term ") and unless notice of renewal for an additional one year period is provided by the Employer to the Executive in accordance with the notice provisions of Section 8 of this Agreement, at least ninety (90) days prior to the expiration of the Initial Term or unless terminated sooner in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement.
8.      Notices .
All notices under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be sent by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, if intended for the Employer shall be addressed to it, attention of its Chief Executive Officer, 14800 Landmark Boulevard, Suite 500, Dallas, Texas 75254 or at such other address of which the Employer shall have given notice to the Executive in the manner herein provided; and if intended for the Executive, shall be mailed to the Executive at the address of the Executive’s address first set forth above or at such other address of which the Executive shall have given notice to the Employer in the manner provided in this Section 8.

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9.      Entire Agreement .
This Agreement and the Release constitutes and contains the entire agreement and understanding between the parties with respect to the matters referred to herein and, as of the date hereof, supersedes any and all prior negotiations, correspondence, understandings, and agreements between the parties respecting the subject matter hereof and no waiver of or modification to the terms hereof shall be valid unless in writing signed by the party to be charged and only to the extent therein set forth. All prior and contemporaneous agreements and understandings with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement are hereby terminated and superseded by this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this Agreement is intended to reduce, terminate, supersede or limit in any way the rights of Executive under any equity awards agreements entered into by Employer pursuant to the Employer's 2012 Stock Incentive Plan and the Executive prior to the date hereof. When used in this Agreement, the terms " hereof ", " herein " and " hereunder " refer to this Agreement in its entirety, including any exhibits or schedules attached to this Agreement and not to any particular provisions of this Agreement, unless otherwise specifically indicated.
10.      No Mitigation Or Offset .
Except as otherwise provided in this Agreement, in the event of any termination of the Executive’s employment, the Executive shall not be required to seek other employment or to attempt in any way to reduce any amounts payable to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement. The amount of any payment or benefit provided for in this Agreement shall not be reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive or benefit provided to the Executive as the result of employment by another employer or otherwise. The amounts payable under this Agreement shall not be subject to set-off, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right that the Employer may have against the Executive.
11.      Withholding .
The Employer shall be entitled to withhold from amounts payable to the Executive hereunder such amounts as may be required by applicable law.
12.      Binding Nature .
This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties hereto, their respective heirs, administrators, executors, personal representatives, successors and assigns.
13.      Governing Law; Dispute Resolution .
All disputes regarding this agreement shall resolved by arbitration by JAMS pursuant to the Fiesta Restaurant Group Mandatory Arbitration Program. To the extent not preempted by the laws of the United States, the terms and provisions of this agreement are governed by and shall be interpreted in accordance with, the laws of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law principles .
14.      Counterparts .
This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.
15.      Advice of Counsel .
Executive acknowledges that during the negotiation of this Agreement, Executive has retained or has been advised to retain counsel of Executive’s choosing who has provided or will provide advice to

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Executive in connection with the Executive’s decision to enter into this Agreement. Executive acknowledges that the Employer's in-house and outside legal counsel have represented only the Employer in connection with the negotiation, drafting, and entering into of this Agreement and that Executive has not been provided nor has Executive relied upon any legal advice from the Employer's in-house or outside legal counsel.
16.      Severability .
It is the intention of the parties hereto that any provision of this Agreement found to be invalid or unenforceable be reformed rather than eliminated. If any of the provisions of this Agreement, or any part hereof, is at any time construed to be invalid or unenforceable, the same shall not affect the remainder of such provision or the other provisions of this Agreement, which shall be given full effect, without regard to the invalid portions. In the event that the courts of any one or more jurisdictions shall hold such provisions wholly or partially unenforceable by reason of the scope thereof or otherwise, it is the intention of the parties hereto that such determination not bar or in any way affect the Employer’s rights provided for herein in the courts of any other jurisdictions as to breaches or threatened breaches of such provisions in such other jurisdictions, the above provisions as they relate to each jurisdiction being, for this purpose, severable into diverse and independent covenants.
17.      Non-Waiver .
Failure by either the Employer or Executive to enforce any of the provisions of this Agreement or any rights with respect to this Agreement, or the failure to exercise any option provided hereunder, shall in no way be considered to be waiver of such provisions, rights or options, or to in any way affect the validity of this Agreement.
18.      Headings .
The headings preceding the text of the sections of this Agreement have been inserted solely for convenience of reference and neither constitutes a part of this Agreement nor affect the meaning, interpretation or effect of this Agreement.
19.      Survival .
The following sections of this Agreement shall survive the expiration or termination of this Agreement and shall survive Employee’s Termination of employment from the Employer for any reason: Section 6 (Cost of Enforcement), and Section 13 (Governing Law; Dispute Resolution). In addition, (a) all sections of this Agreement that would, by their terms, survive expiration or termination of this Agreement shall so survive such expiration and termination and shall also survive termination for any reason of Employee’s employment with the Company, (b) all obligations under Section 2.2 shall also survive termination of this Agreement and (c) all obligations pursuant to a Termination of employment under Section 3.1 shall also survive termination of this Agreement in the case of a Termination of employment occurring before the end of the Initial Tern or any renewal period.

20.      Additional Tax Provisions .
20.1      Golden Parachutes . Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, in the event that any payment or benefit received or to be received by Executive (whether pursuant to the terms of this Agreement or any other plan, arrangement or agreement) (collectively, the " Total Benefits ") would be subject to the excise tax imposed under Section 4999 of the Code (the “ Excise Tax ”), the Total Benefits shall be reduced to the extent necessary so that no portion of the Total Benefits is subject to the Excise Tax;

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provided, however, that no such reduction in the Total Benefits shall be made if by not making such reduction, Executive’s Retained Amount (as hereinafter defined) would be greater than Executive’s Retained Amount if the Total Benefits are not so reduced. “ Retained Amount ” shall mean the present value (as determined in accordance with sections 280G(b)(2)(A)(ii) and 280G(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) of the Total Benefits net of all federal, state and local taxes imposed on Executive with respect thereto. To the extent any reduction is required, the Total Benefits shall be reduced in the following order: (i) any portion of the Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A of the Code (other than Total Benefits resulting from any accelerated vesting of equity awards), (ii) Total Benefits that are subject to Section 409A of the Code in reverse order of when payment is due, and (iii) Total Benefits that are not subject to Section 409A and arise from any accelerated vesting of any equity awards. 
20.2      Section 409A of the Code . The intent of the parties is that payments and benefits under this Agreement comply with section 409A of the Code, to the extent subject thereto, and accordingly, this Agreement shall be interpreted and administered to be in compliance therewith. It is intended that (i) each installment of the payments provided under this Agreement is a separate “payment” for purposes of Section 409A of the Code and (ii) the payments satisfy, to the greatest extent possible, the exemptions from the application of Section 409A of the Code provided under Treasury Regulations 1.409A-1(b)(4), 1.409A-1(b)(9)(iii) and 1.409A-1(b)(9)(v).  For purposes of this Agreement, any reference to the termination of Executive’s employment will be deemed to mean “severance from service” within the meaning of Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h).  Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this Agreement, if the Company determines (i) that on the date the Executive’s employment with the Company terminates or at such other time that the Company determines to be relevant, the Executive is a “specified Executive” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(i)(1)) of the Company and (ii) that any payments to be provided to the Executive pursuant to this Agreement are or may become subject to the additional tax under Section 409A(a)(1)(B) of the Code or any other taxes or penalties imposed under Section 409A of the Code if provided at the time otherwise required under this Agreement, then such payments shall be delayed until the date that is six (6) months after the date of the Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)) with the Company, or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death.  Any payments delayed pursuant to this Section shall be made in a lump sum on the first day of the seventh (7th) month following the Executive’s “separation from service” (as such term is defined under Treasury Regulation 1.409A-1(h)), or, if earlier, the date of the Executive’s death.

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

	
			
FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.	
By:	/ S /    DANNY K. MEISENHEIMER	 	
 	Name: Danny Meisenheimer
Interim Chief Executive Officer	
 	
/ S /    JOSEPH ZIRKMAN	 	
Joseph A. Zirkman	 	

7

Exhibit A

FORM OF RELEASE
GENERAL RELEASE OF CLAIMS

1.      Joseph Zirkman (“ Executive ”), for himself and his family, heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives and their respective successors and assigns, in exchange for the certain benefits provided under the Retention Agreement made and entered effective as of the 4 th day of November 2016, by and between Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”) and the Executive, to which this release is attached as Exhibit A (the “ Retention Agreement ”), does hereby release and forever discharge the Company, its subsidiaries, affiliated companies, successors and assigns, and its current or former directors, officers or shareholders in such capacities (collectively with the Company, the “ Released Parties ”) from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, controversies, claims and demands whatsoever, for or by reason of any matter, cause or thing whatsoever, whether known or unknown including, but not limited to, all claims under any applicable laws arising under or in connection with Executive’s employment or termination thereof, whether for tort, breach of express or implied employment contract, wrongful discharge, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or defamation or injuries incurred on the job or incurred as a result of loss of employment. Executive acknowledges that the Company encouraged him to consult with an attorney of his choosing, and through this General Release of Claims encourages him to consult with his attorney with respect to possible claims under the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (“ ADEA ”) and that he understands that the ADEA is a Federal statute that, among other things, prohibits discrimination on the basis of age in employment and employee benefits and benefit plans. Without limiting the generality of the release provided above, Executive expressly waives any and all claims under ADEA that he may have as of the date hereof. Executive further understands that by signing this General Release of Claims he is in fact waiving, releasing and forever giving up any claim under the ADEA as well as all other laws within the scope of this paragraph 1 that may have existed on or prior to the date hereof. Notwithstanding anything in this paragraph 1 to the contrary, this General Release of Claims shall not apply to (i) any rights to receive any payments or benefits to which Executive is entitled under COBRA, the Employment agreement or any other compensation or employee benefit plans in which Executive is eligible to participate at the time of execution of this General Release of Claims, (ii) any rights or claims that may arise as a result of events occurring after the date this General Release of Claims is executed, any indemnification and advancement rights Executive may have as a former employee, officer or director of the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies including, without limitation, any rights arising pursuant to the articles of incorporation, bylaws and any other organizational documents of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, (iii) any claims for benefits under any directors’ and officers’ liability policy maintained by the Company or its subsidiaries or affiliated companies in accordance with the terms of such policy, and (iv) any rights as a holder of equity securities of the Company (clauses (i) through (iv), the " Reserved Claims ").
2.      Executive represents that he has not filed against the Released Parties any complaints, charges, or lawsuits arising out of his employment, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date of this General Release of Claims other than Reserved Claims, and covenants and agrees that he will never individually or with any person file, or commence the filing of any lawsuits, complaints or proceedings with any governmental agency, or against the Released Parties with respect to any of the matters released by Executive pursuant to paragraph 1 hereof (a “ Proceeding ”); provided , however , Executive shall not have relinquished his right to (i) commence a Proceeding to challenge whether Executive knowingly and voluntarily waived his rights under ADEA; (ii) file a charge with an administrative agency or take part in any agency investigation or (iii) commence a Proceeding pursuant to the Reserved Claims. Executive does agree, however, that he is waiving his right to recover any money in connection with such an investigation or charge filed by him or by any other individual, or a charge filed by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or any other federal, state or local agency, except as prohibited by law.
3.      Executive hereby acknowledges that the Company has informed him that he has up to twenty-one (21) days to sign this General Release of Claims and he may knowingly and voluntarily waive that twenty-one (21) day period by signing this General Release of Claims earlier. Executive also understands that he shall have seven (7) days following the date on which he signs this General Release of Claims within which to revoke it by providing a written notice of his revocation to the Company.

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4.      Executive acknowledges that this General Release of Claims will be governed by and construed and enforced in accordance with the internal laws of the laws of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law principles.
5.      Executive acknowledges that he has read this General Release of Claims, that he has been advised that he should consult with an attorney before he executes this general release of claims, and that he understands all of its terms and executes it voluntarily and with full knowledge of its significance and the consequences thereof.
6.      This General Release of Claims shall take effect on the eighth day following Executive’s execution of this General Release of Claims unless Executive’s written revocation is delivered to the Company within seven (7) days after such execution.

	
		
EXECUTIVE	 	
 	 	
Joseph Zirkman	 	

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Exhibit 10.4

AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT (the “ Agreement ”) is dated as of September 27, 2016, by and between Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the “ Company ”) and Timothy P. Taft (the “ Executive ”).

W I T N E S S E T H:

WHEREAS , the Company and the Executive are parties to an Executive Employment Agreement (the " Employment Agreement ") dated as of February 20, 2014; and

WHEREAS , on August 24, 2016, the Executive notified the Company' Board of Directors (the " Board ") that he has decided to voluntarily retire and resign as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company and as a member of the Board at the end of the Company's 2016 fiscal year, and thereafter agreed to move the retirement date up to September 30, 2016;

NOW THEREFORE , in consideration of the recitals and the mutual agreements herein set forth, the adequacy and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the Company and the Executive agree as follows:

1.      Executive has acknowledged and agreed that he shall voluntarily retire and resign from the Company as Chief Executive Officer and President of the Company, as a member of the Company's Board of Directors and from all positions of the direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Company, including as a member of the board of directors of any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company, and cease to be an employee of the Company and its direct or indirect subsidiaries effective at the close of business on September 30, 2016, or such other date prior to such time and date as mutually agreed to by the Executive and the Company (the " Retirement Date ").

2.      As consideration for Executive's execution and delivery of this Agreement and his agreement to be bound by its terms, effective on the Retirement Date, the Company agrees to accelerate the time-based vesting of certain restricted shares of the Company's common stock, par value $0.01 per share, awarded to the Executive pursuant to certain Restricted Stock Award Agreements (collectively the “ Restricted Stock Award Agreements ”) as set forth on Schedule A hereto, provided that Executive remains an employee of the Company or continues to provide services to the Company, as reasonably requested by the board of directors, through the Retirement Date. Such vesting shall be as set forth on Schedule A. It is understood and agreed that such acceleration of restricted shares shall apply only to shares vesting in 2017, and all other unvested restricted shares shall be forfeited upon the Retirement Date.

3.      The Company and the Executive agree that Section 3.1 of the Employment Agreement shall be amended and restated in its entirety as follows:

"3.1      Covenant not to Compete . Executive agrees that, during Executive’s employment with the Company and for a period of two (2) years following his termination of employment with the Company that Executive shall not become employed by or associated with as employee, consultant, director, or in any other equivalent capacity, any company operating Tex−Mex or Mexican−themed quick-service, quick-casual or casual dining restaurants which competes with the Company's Taco Cabana or Cabana Grill concepts, or any company operating Hispanic−themed quick-service, quick-casual, fast-casual or casual dining restaurants which feature grilled chicken as the primary or central menu item and also competes with Fiesta's Pollo Tropical concept."

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4.      The Company and the Executive hereby agree that except as set forth herein, all other terms of the Employment Agreement remain unchanged, shall remain in full force and effect and shall survive Executive's termination of employment with the Company.

5.      Executive hereby acknowledges and agrees that the Company and its goodwill would be irreparably injured by, and that damages at law are an insufficient remedy for, a breach or violation of the provisions of this Agreement, and agrees that the Company, in addition to other remedies available to it for such breach shall be entitled to a preliminary injunction, temporary restraining order, or other equivalent relief, restraining Executive from any actual breach of the provisions hereof, and that the Company’s rights to such equitable relief shall be cumulative and in addition to any other rights or remedies to which the Company may be entitled.

6.      This Agreement, the Employment Agreement and the Restricted Stock Award Agreements contain the entire understanding of the Company and the Executive with respect to the subject matter hereof.

7.      Where appropriate in this Agreement, the term "Company" shall also include any direct or indirect subsidiaries of the Company.

8.      It is the intention of both the Company and Executive that the benefits and rights to which Executive could be entitled pursuant to this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, and its implementing regulations and guidance (“ Section 409A ”), to the extent that the requirements of Section 409A are applicable thereto, and the provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner consistent with that intention.

9.      It is mutually agreed and understood by the parties that should any of the restrictions and covenants contained in this Agreement be determined by any court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid by virtue of being vague, overly broad, unreasonable as to time, territory or otherwise, then the Agreement shall be amended retroactive to the date of its execution to include the terms and conditions which such court deems to be reasonable and in conformity with the original intent of the parties and the parties hereto consent that under such circumstances, such court shall have the power and authority to determine what is reasonable and in conformity with the original intent of the parties to the extent that such restrictions and covenants are enforceable. In the event any other provision of this Agreement shall be held illegal or invalid for any reason, the illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining parts of the Agreement, and the Agreement shall be construed and enforced as if the illegal or invalid provision had not been included.

10.      Executive agrees that he will not to make any statements or engage in any actions which would disparage, denigrate or interfere with the Company or its officers, directors or employees, or which could damage, harm or interfere with the Company’s reputation, business relationships or standing with the public, vendors, customers, clients and/or employees. Company agrees that it will not make any statements or engage in any actions which would disparage, denigrate or interfere with the Executive or which could damage, harm or interfere with the Executive’s reputation, business relationships or standing with the public.

11.      No provision of this Agreement may be modified, waived, or discharged unless such modification, waiver, or discharge is agreed to in writing and signed by the Executive and by an authorized officer of the Company on the Company’s behalf, or by the respective parties’ legal representations and successors.

12.      All disputes regarding this agreement shall resolved by arbitration to be administered by the American Association of Arbitration. To the extent not preempted by the laws of the United States, the terms and

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provisions of this agreement are governed by and shall be interpreted in accordance with, the laws of Texas, without giving effect to any choice of law principles.

13.      The prevailing party any arbitration to enforce the terms of this Agreement shall be entitled to recover reasonable costs and expenses, including attorneys' fees.

14.      This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Company's successors and/or assigns.

15.      Any notice, request, instruction, or other document to be given hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been given: (a) on the day of receipt, if sent by overnight courier; (b) upon receipt, if given in person; (c) five days after being deposited in the mail, certified or registered mail, postage prepaid, and in any case addressed as follows:

	
			
If to the Company:	 	 	
 	 	14800 Landmark Blvd.
Suite 500
Dallas, Texas 75254
Attn: General Counsel
	
with copy sent to the attention of the Chairman of the Board of Directors at the same address	
 	 	 	
If to the Executive:	 	 	

or to such other address or to the attention of such other person as the recipient party has specified by prior written notice to the sending party.

16. This Agreement may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

[Signature Page To Follow]

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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date first written above.

			
 	 	 	
FIESTA RESTAURANT GROUP, INC.	
 	 	 	
By:	/ S /    JOSEPH ZIRKMAN	 	
 	Name: Joseph Zirkman
Sr. Vice President	 	
 	 	 	
/ S /    TIMOTHY P. TAFT	 	
Timothy P. Taft	 	

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Schedule A

	
								
Vest date	share due to vest	percentage to vest	shares to vest	forfeited shares	

3/2/2017	3,369		10/12th's	2,808		561		
 	 	 	 	 	
2/14/2017	14,835		11/12th's	13,599		1,236		
 	 	 	 	 	
2/19/2017	4,163		11/12th's	3,817		346		
 	 	 	 	 	
2/27/2017	1,827		11/12th's	1,675		152		

 	24,194		 	21,898		2,296		

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Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Danny K. Meisenheimer , certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 2, 2016 of Fiesta Restaurant Group, 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 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 7, 2016	/s/ DANNY K. MEISENHEIMER	
 	Danny K. Meisenheimer	
 	Interim Chief Executive Officer	

Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Lynn Schweinfurth , certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 2, 2016 of Fiesta Restaurant Group, 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 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 7, 2016	/s/ LYNN SCHWEINFURTH	
 	Lynn Schweinfurth	
 	Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer	

Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
The undersigned, Danny K. Meisenheimer , Chief Executive Officer of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 2, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Quarterly Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

	
	
/s/ DANNY K. MEISENHEIMER	
Danny K. Meisenheimer	
Interim Chief Executive Officer	
November 7, 2016

Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATE PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
The undersigned, Lynn Schweinfurth, Chief Financial Officer of Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. (the “Company”), hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. §1350, as adopted pursuant to §906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
(1) The Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the period ended October 2, 2016 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Quarterly Report”), fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
(2) The information contained in the Quarterly Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

	
	
/s/ LYNN SCHWEINFURTH	
Lynn Schweinfurth	
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer	
November 7, 2016