SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

x Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Quarterly Period Ended March 30, 2008
o  Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the Transition Period from __________to __________

Commission File No. 0-28258

SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE
65-0427966
(State or other jurisdiction of
(IRS) Employer Identification Number
incorporation or organization)
 

16313 North Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 100, Tampa, FL 33618
(Address of principal executive offices) (zip code)
 
(813) 961-0944
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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 definition of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o Accelerated Filer o  Non-accelerated filer o Smaller Reporting Company x

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

Class
 
Outstanding at May 5, 2008
Common stock, $0.01 par value
 
23,537,948


 
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
When used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, the words "believes", "anticipates", "expects", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected.

In addition to seasonal fluctuations, our quarterly and annual operating results are affected by a wide variety of other factors that could materially and adversely affect revenues and profitability, including changes in consumer preferences, tastes and eating habits; increases in food, labor and other operating costs; the availability of food acceptable to our quality standards at acceptable prices; the availability of qualified labor; national, regional and local economic and weather conditions; international economic, cultural and political conditions; promotional timings and seasonality; demographic trends and traffic patterns; changes in travel and tourism tendencies, particularly in light of world events; competition from other restaurants and food service establishments; availability of third party financing to fund capital or operating activities, if required; changes in personnel, including senior management; and the timing, costs and charges relating to restaurant openings, closings and remodelings. As a result of these and other factors, we may experience material fluctuations in future operating results on a quarterly or annual basis, which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results, and stock price. Furthermore, this document and other documents filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) contain certain forward-looking statements with respect to our business and the industry in which we operate. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those mentioned above, which may cause results to differ significantly from these forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update these forward looking statements on a regular basis. An investment in our company involves various risks, including those mentioned above and those that are detailed from time-to-time in our other filings with the SEC.

Any forward-looking statements included in this Quarterly Report reflect our beliefs only as of the date of this document. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to these forward-looking statements which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this document or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

2


SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
Index

 
 
Page Number
     
 Part I.
Financial Information 
 
     
Item 1.
Financial Statements
 
     
Consolidated Balance Sheets
4
     
Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
5
     
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders’ Equity (Unaudited)
6
     
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flow (Unaudited)
7-8
     
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements - (Unaudited)
9-12
     
Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
13-18
     
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
18
     
Item 4T.
Controls and Procedures
18-19
     
Part II.
Other Information
19
     
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
19
     
Item 1A.
Risk Factors
19
     
Item 2.
Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities
20
     
Item 3.
Defaults Upon Senior Securities
20
     
Item 4.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
20
     
Item 5.
Other Information
20
     
Item 6.
Exhibits
20
     
Signatures
 
21

3


SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

   
(Unaudited)
     
   
March 30, 2008
 
December 30, 2007
 
ASSETS
             
Cash
 
$
774,487
 
$
457,754
 
Inventories
   
448,647
   
446,521
 
Other current assets
   
1,557,984
   
1,456,965
 
Receivables from related parties
   
35,642
   
48,780
 
Total current assets
   
2,816,760
   
2,410,020
 
Property and equipment, net
   
5,753,313
   
6,073,218
 
Goodwill
   
2,474,407
   
2,474,407
 
Other assets
   
478,729
   
509,164
 
Prepaid rent
   
11,354
   
12,009
 
TOTAL ASSETS
 
$
11,534,563
 
$
11,478,818
 
               
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
             
Accounts payable
 
$
1,869,025
 
$
3,145,797
 
Accrued expenses
   
2,216,115
   
1,786,675
 
Sales tax payable
   
302,958
   
164,188
 
Current portion of unearned revenue
   
174,996
   
174,996
 
Notes and deferred interest payable to related parties
   
1,651,661
   
1,626,504
 
Current portion of long-term debt
   
778,604
   
223,340
 
Total current liabilities
   
6,993,359
   
7,121,500
 
Long-term debt, less current portion
   
615,842
   
658,289
 
Unearned revenue, less current portion
   
1,516,671
   
1,560,421
 
Deferred rent
   
1,343,496
   
1,238,121
 
Total liabilities
   
10,469,368
   
10,578,331
 
               
Minority partner interest
   
549,011
   
539,020
 
               
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
             
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 2,000,000 shares; Series A - 22,694 shares issued and outstanding
   
227
   
227
 
Series B - 87,552 shares issued and outstanding
   
876
   
876
 
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 58,000,000 shares; 23,537,948 shares issued and outstanding
   
235,379
   
235,379
 
Additional paid-in-capital
   
25,661,282
   
25,626,153
 
Accumulated deficit
   
(25,381,580
)
 
(25,501,168
)
Total stockholders’ equity
   
516,184
   
361,467
 
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
$
11,534,563
 
$
11,478,818
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (Unaudited)
 
   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 30, 2008
 
April 1, 2007
 
           
REVENUES
 
$
10,697,065
 
$
13,434,904
 
               
COST AND EXPENSES:
             
Food and beverage
   
3,220,085
   
4,355,512
 
Labor
   
3,136,701
   
3,890,188
 
Other restaurant operating expenses
   
2,753,501
   
3,521,298
 
Depreciation and amortization
   
364,851
   
506,334
 
Total restaurant operating costs
   
9,475,138
   
12,273,332
 
RESTAURANT OPERATING INCOME
   
1,221,927
   
1,161,572
 
               
General and administrative expenses
   
946,222
   
1,024,873
 
INCOME FROM OPERATIONS
   
275,705
   
136,699
 
               
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME:
             
Interest expense, net
   
(76,182
)
 
(65,927
)
Other (expense) income, net
   
(5,944
)
 
39,230
 
Total other expense
   
(82,126
)
 
(26,697
)
               
INCOME BEFORE ELIMINATION OF MINORITY PARTNER INTEREST
   
193,579
   
110,002
 
               
ELIMINATION OF MINORITY PARTNER INTEREST
   
(73,991
)
 
(75,076
)
               
NET INCOME
 
$
119,588
 
$
34,926
 
               
NET INCOME PER SHARE OF COMMON STOCK:
             
Basic
 
$
0.01
 
$
0.00
 
Diluted
 
$
0.00
 
$
0.00
 
               
AVERAGE NUMBER OF COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING:
             
Basic
   
23,537,948
   
17,843,426
 
Diluted
   
25,403,164
   
25,475,353
 
 
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

   
PREFERRED STOCK
 
 
 
ADDITIONAL
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Series A
 
Series B
 
COMMON STOCK
 
PAID-IN
 
ACCUMULATED 
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
Shares
 
Amount
 
CAPITAL
 
DEFICIT
 
TOTAL
 
                                       
Balance at December 30, 2007
   
22,694
 
$
227
   
87,552
 
$
876
   
23,537,948
 
$
235,379
 
$
25,626,153
 
$
(25,501,168
)
$
361,467
 
                                                         
Net income
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
119,588
   
119,588
 
                                                         
Stock option expense under SFAS 123R
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
-
   
35,129
   
-
   
35,129
 
                                                         
Balance at April 1, 2007
   
22,694
 
$
227
   
87,552
 
$
876
   
23,537,948
 
$
235,379
 
$
25,661,282
 
$
(25,381,580
)  
$
516,184
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

 
SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (Unaudited)
 
   
Quarter Ended
 
 
   
March 30, 2008
   
April 1, 2007
 
 OPERATING ACTIVITIES:              
Net income
 
$
119,588
 
$
34,926
 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
             
Depreciation and amortization
   
364,851
   
506,334
 
Stock compensation expense
   
-
   
720
 
Stock option expense
   
35,129
   
78,498
 
Minority partner net income allocation
   
73,991
   
75,076
 
Loss (gain) on disposal of assets
   
4,296
   
(2,775
)
Changes in current assets and liabilities
   
(795,690
)
 
(698,905
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
             
Decrease in prepaid rent
   
655
   
655
 
Decrease in other assets
   
1,081
   
1,304
 
Increase in deferred interest payable to related parties
   
25,157
   
24,362
 
Decrease in unearned revenue
   
(43,750
)
 
-
 
Increase in deferred rent
   
105,375
   
35,553
 
Total adjustments
   
(228,905
)
 
20,822
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
   
(109,317
)
 
55,748
 
               
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
             
Proceeds from sale of equipment
   
21,000
   
21,967
 
Purchase of property and equipment
   
(43,767
)
 
(136,734
)
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(22,767
)
 
(114,767
)
               
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
             
Proceeds from debt financing
   
727,257
   
614,561
 
Repayment of debt
   
(214,440
)
 
(202,444
)
Distributions to minority partner
   
(64,000
)
 
(39,776
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
448,817
   
372,341
 
               
Net increase in cash
   
316,733
   
313,322
 
               
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD
   
457,754
   
734,122
 
               
CASH AT END OF PERIOD
 
$
774,487
 
$
1,047,444
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7


SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW (Unaudited)
(continued)

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 30, 2008
 
April 1, 2007
 
Cash (outflows) flows from changes in current assets and liabilities:
             
Inventories
 
$
(2,126
)
$
(11,706
)
Receivables from related parties
   
13,138
   
(51,982
)
Other current assets
   
(101,019
)
 
(454,796
)
Accounts payable
   
(1,276,772
)
 
(547,866
)
Accrued expenses
   
432,319
   
199,698
 
Sales tax payable
   
138,770
   
167,747
 
Change in current assets and liabilities
 
$
(795,690
)
$
(698,905
)
               
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
             
Cash paid for interest
 
$
51,025
 
$
44,656
 
 
Non-cash operating and financing activities:
 
·
Accruals for bonuses of $2,879 and $4,288 offset reductions in depreciation expense in the first quarter of 2008 and 2007, respectively.
 
·
Financing costs of $100,800 for the issuance of 224,000 shares of our common stock relating to the extension of the related party line of credit was applied to Common Stock and Paid in Capital in the first quarter of 2007.

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
 
8

 
SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

NOTE 1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, these statements do not include all of the information and footnotes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America for audited financial statements. Our management believes that all disclosures contained herein are sufficient for interim financial reporting purposes and that all material adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included.
 
The consolidated financial statements of Shells Seafood Restaurants, Inc. (the “Company”, “we”, “us”, or “our”) should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Form 10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified in the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation.

NOTE 2.  EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following table represents the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share of common stock as required by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Statement No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”:

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 30, 2008
 
April 1, 2007
 
Net income applicable to common stock
 
$
119,588
 
$
34,926
 
               
Weighted common shares outstanding
   
23,537,948
   
17,843,426
 
Basic net income per share of common stock
 
$
0.01
 
$
0.00
 
Effect of dilutive securities:
             
Preferred Stock
   
1,864,510
   
7,342,072
 
Warrants
   
-
   
154,708
 
Stock options
   
706
   
135,147
 
Diluted weighted common shares outstanding
   
25,403,164
   
25,475,353
 
Diluted net income per share of common stock
 
$
0.00
 
$
0.00
 

The net income per share calculations for the quarters ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007 excluded warrants and options to purchase an aggregate of 9,970,000 and 12,380,000 shares of common stock, respectively, as the exercise prices of the warrants and options were greater than the average market price of the common shares.

NOTE 3.  STOCK COMPENSATION PLANS

During November 2005, we entered into a Stock Option Agreement with Leslie J. Christon, our former President and Chief Executive Officer, concurrent with her then amended and restated employment agreement. The Stock Option Agreement granted options to purchase 903,528 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $0.85 per share, the market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. The options vested as to 353,844 shares on December 31, 2005 and as to 274,842 shares on September 30, 2007. The remaining options to purchase 274,842 shares expired upon the termination of Mrs. Christon’s employment on February 29, 2008. Additionally, Mrs. Christon was awarded a stock option to purchase 158,007 shares of common stock from the stock compensation plans at an exercise price of $0.85 per share, which vested as to 79,003 shares in July 2007. The remaining options to purchase 79,004 shares expired upon the termination of Mrs. Christon’s employment. All vested options will expire on May 29, 2008 unless previously exercised.

9


SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

At March 30, 2008, we had one stock-based employee compensation plan, as our two other employee stock option plans, and our stock option plan for Non-Employee Directors had previously expired.
 
Stock option grants were valued based upon the Black Scholes option-pricing model for calculation of a grant date fair-value. The assumptions used were as follows:
 
Assumptions used in computing
 
Quarter Ended 
 
fair value of option grants:
 
March 30, 2008
 
December 30, 2007
 
September 30, 2007
 
July 1, 2007
 
Volatility
   
132.7
%
 
218.7
%
 
101.7
%
 
55.4
%
Weighted-average estimated life
   
3.5 years
   
3.5 years
   
3.5 years
   
3.5 years
 
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate
   
2.17
%
 
3.50
%
 
4.41
%
 
4.76
%
Dividend yield
   
0
   
0
   
0
   
0
 
 
NOTE 4.  FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”), defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value as follows:
 
Level 1. Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;
 
Level 2. Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or
 
indirectly; and
 
Level 3. Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data, which require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.
 
We do not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis at March 30, 2008. We did not have any fair value adjustments for assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis during the three months ended March 30, 2008.

NOTE 5.  NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
In December 2007, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 141 (revised 2007), Business Combinations (“SFAS 141R”). SFAS 141R establishes principles and requirements for an acquiring entity to recognize and measure in its financial statements the identifiable assets acquired, the liabilities assumed, any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree and the goodwill acquired. SFAS 141R expands on required disclosures to improve the statement users’ abilities to evaluate the nature and financial effects of business combinations. SFAS 141R is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 141R on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Noncontrolling Interests in Consolidated Financial Statements—an amendment of ARB No. 51 (“SFAS 160”). SFAS 160 requires that a noncontrolling interest in a subsidiary be reported within equity and the amount of consolidated net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest be identified in the consolidated financial statements. SFAS 160 calls for consistency in the manner of reporting changes in the parent’s ownership interest and requires fair value measurement of any noncontrolling equity investment retained in a deconsolidation. SFAS No. 160 also establishes disclosure requirements that clearly identify and distinguish between the interests of the parent and the interests of the noncontrolling owners. SFAS No. 160 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2008. We are currently evaluating the potential impact, if any, of the adoption of SFAS 160 on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

10


SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
 
In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (“SFAS 159”), which gives entities the option to measure eligible financial assets, and financial liabilities at fair value on an instrument by instrument basis, that are otherwise not permitted to be accounted for at fair value under other accounting standards. The election to use the fair value option is available when an entity first recognizes a financial asset or financial liability. Subsequent changes in fair value must be recorded in earnings. This statement is effective as of the beginning of a company’s first fiscal quarter after November 15, 2007. The adoption of this Statement did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (“SFAS 157”). SFAS 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. SFAS 157 is effective for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007. In February 2008, the FASB deferred the effective date of SFAS 157 until the fiscal year beginning after November 15, 2008 for all non-financial assets and non-financial liabilities, except those that are recognized or disclosed at fair value in the financial statements on a recurring basis (at least annually). The partial adoption of SFAS 157 for financial assets and liabilities did not have a material effect on our Consolidated Financial Statements. The remaining requirements of SFAS 157 are not expected to have a material effect on the our financial statements.

 NOTE 6.   INCOME TAXES

There were no provisions for income taxes for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007, due to current operating losses and the anticipated utilization of net operating loss and general business credit carryforwards.

As of December 30, 2007, we had net operating loss carryforwards for federal income tax purposes of approximately $12,317,000 which expire between 2008 and 2027. We also had approximately $3,969,000 of general business credits to carry forward, which expire by 2022. We had an ownership change in 2002 and 2005 as defined by Internal Revenue Code Section 382, which limits a portion of the amount of any then prior net operating loss and credit carryforwards that may be used against taxable income. This limitation is approximately $75,000 per year for net operating losses incurred prior to the 2002 ownership change, and $665,000 per year for net operating losses incurred prior to the 2005 ownership change. Any portion of the annual limitation amount not utilized in any year will carry forward to the following year subject to a 15 to 20 year limitation. Approximately $6,050,000 of our net operating loss carryforwards and approximately $3,082,000 of credits are subject to the annual limitation. Assuming maximum utilization in future years, we expect that approximately $4,600,000 in net operating loss carryforwards and approximately $2,700,000 in credits will expire without benefit to us. Net operating loss and general business credit carryforwards are reduced to estimated amounts expected to be realized by the use of a valuation allowance. As of March 30, 2008, net operating loss and general business credit carryforwards have been fully valued.

11


SHELLS SEAFOOD RESTAURANTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
 
NOTE 7.   SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

On April 1, 2008 we entered into an Employment Agreement (the “Employment Agreement”) with Marc Bernstein. Pursuant to the terms of the Employment Agreement, Mr. Bernstein became our Chief Executive Officer on April 14, 2008. Mr. Bernstein is receiving an annual salary of $338,000 with a guaranteed bonus in the first year of employment of $40,000. Mr. Bernstein has also been awarded an option to purchase 3,530,692 shares of our common stock at an exercise price equal to $.15 per share, the closing price per share on April 1, 2008, which shall vest in 36 equal monthly increments beginning on April 30, 2008. The option will terminate if and to the extent it is not approved by our stockholders at our annual stockholders meeting to be held on June 4, 2008. Mr. Bernstein is also receiving a housing and automobile allowance of $3,000 per month and is to be reimbursed for relocation expenses not to exceed $10,000.
 
On April 1, 2008, Warren R. Nelson was appointed President of our company, as he had been previously named our interim-President. Mr. Nelson also serves as our Chief Financial Officer.

12


Item 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

GENERAL

In the first quarter of 2008, we continued to experience a significantly challenging operating environment across our Florida markets. Our revenues for the first quarter declined 20.4% in comparison to the prior year, mostly due to a decline in comparable restaurant sales of 15.6%. We believe this unfavorable trend stems from the effect of a struggling state economy, which continues to greatly influence consumer behavior relative to their general spending patterns and more particularly, their dining out decisions. The downward trend in sales is continuing generally to affect restaurant operators competing in the casual dining segment within the State of Florida.

In addition to the effect of the slow down in sales, operating costs continue to be under pressure, particularly in the food products that we serve. Driven by rising energy costs, food commodity costs are increasing, and as such are affecting in various degrees, the costs of most products that we serve. As an ongoing cost of doing business in Florida, we also are challenged by the annual increase in the Florida minimum wage and a continuing trend of increasing energy costs. We continue to aggressively focus on minimizing our resulting loss in operating leverage through tightened control of operating and overhead costs. We have modified our menu to better offset these rising costs, while increasing emphasis on those menu items that provide greater value to our guests. Our efforts in repositioning the menu and managing operating and overhead costs have resulted in an improvement in net income over the same period in 2007.

Of significant importance, our challenge continues to be to build guest traffic. We believe that our guests are seeking a greater emphasis on value in their dining experiences. Under the leadership of Marc Bernstein, our newly appointed CEO, we are committed to making value a centerpiece of the Shells dining experience by offering our guests compelling menu offerings at favorable price points. Our management is committed to overcoming this difficult operating environment, and to re-position the Shells brand for future long-term success.

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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated the percentages that the items in our Consolidated Statements of Operations represent of total revenues or, where indicated, restaurant sales. (The amounts are presented in thousands)

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 30, 2008
 
April 1, 2007
 
   
Amount
 
Percent
 
Amount
 
Percent
 
                   
Revenues:
                         
Restaurant sales
 
$
10,622
   
99.3
$
13,396
   
99.7
%
Management fees
   
31
   
0.3
%
 
39
   
0.3
%
International fees
   
44
   
0.4
%
 
-
   
0.0
%
Total revenues
   
10,697
   
100.0
%
 
13,435
   
100.0
%
                           
Restaurant operating costs:
                         
Food and beverage (1)
   
3,220
   
30.3
%
 
4,356
   
32.5
%
Labor (1)
   
3,137
   
29.5
%
 
3,890
   
29.0
%
Other (1)
   
2,753
   
25.9
%
 
3,521
   
26.3
%
Depreciation and amortization (1)
   
365
   
3.4
%
 
506
   
3.8
%
Restaurant operating costs (1)
   
9,475
   
89.2
%
 
12,273
   
91.6
%
Restaurant operating income (1)
   
1,222
   
11.5
%
 
1,162
   
8.7
%
                           
General and administrative expenses
   
946
   
8.8
%
 
1,025
   
7.6
%
Income from operations
   
276
   
2.6
%
 
137
   
1.0
%
 
                         
Interest expense, net
   
(76
)
 
-0.7
%
 
(66
)
 
-0.5
%
Other expense
   
(6
)
 
0.0
%
 
39
   
0.4
%
                           
Income before elimination of minority interest
   
194
   
1.8
%
 
110
   
0.8
%
Elimination of minority partner interest
   
(74
)
 
-0.7
%
 
(75
)
 
-0.6
%
Net income
 
$
120
   
1.1
%
$
35
   
0.3
%

(1) as a percentage of restaurant sales

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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, non-recurring items, which are more fully discussed in the consolidated results of operations. (The amounts are presented in thousands, except earnings per share)

   
Quarter Ended
 
NON-RECURRING ITEMS:
 
March 30, 2008
 
April 1, 2007
 
           
Net income, as reported
 
$
120
 
$
35
 
               
Non-recurring (expense) income:
             
Severance pay
   
(143
)
 
-
 
Lease renewal costs
   
-
   
(39
)
Proceeds from legal settlement
   
-
   
85
 
Total non-recurring (expense) income
   
(143
)
 
46
 
               
Net income (loss), excluding non-recurring items
   
263
   
(11
)
               
Net income (loss) per share:
             
Diluted, as reported
 
$
0.00
 
$
0.00
 
Diluted, excluding non-recurring items
 
$
0.01
 
$
(0.00
)

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

13 weeks ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007 - First Quarter

Revenues. Revenues for the first quarter of 2008 decreased 20.4% to $10,697,000 from $13,435,000 in the first quarter of 2007, mostly due to a 15.6% decrease in same store sales, and to a lesser extent, the second and fourth quarter 2007 dispositions of two under-performing restaurants. As of the end of the first quarter of 2008, we had 23 restaurants in operation, compared to 25 restaurants at the end of the first quarter of 2007. Comparisons of same store sales include only stores, which were open during the entire periods being compared and, due to the time needed for a restaurant to become established and fully operational, at least six months prior to the beginning of that period.
 
Food and beverage costs. Food and beverage costs as a percentage of restaurant sales were 30.3% for the first quarter of 2008 as compared to 32.5% in the first quarter of 2007. This 2.2% decrease as a percentage of restaurant sales was mostly due to the menu repositioning implemented at the beginning of the first quarter of 2008.
 
Labor costs. Labor costs as a percentage of restaurant sales increased to 29.5% during the first quarter of 2008 as compared to 29.0% for the first quarter of 2007. This 0.5% percentage increase primarily was due to the decrease of operating leverage as reflected by the reduction in sales volume and the impact of the annual increase in the Florida minimum wage.
 
Other restaurant operating expenses. Other restaurant operating expenses, consisting primarily of marketing, utilities, occupancy, and other operating expenses, decreased to 25.9% of restaurant sales for the first quarter of 2008 from 26.3% for the first quarter of 2007. This 0.4% percentage decrease was mostly due to the decrease in marketing expense of 2.6% of restaurant sales partially offset by a decrease in operating leverage as reflected by the reduction of sales volume.

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Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense decreased to $365,000, or 3.4% of restaurant sales, for the first quarter of 2008 from $506,000, or 3.8% of restaurant sales, in the first quarter of 2007. The $141,000 decrease was mostly due to the impairment of assets in the fourth quarter of 2007 and the second quarter of 2007, as well as the disposition of two restaurant properties in the second and fourth quarters of 2007.
 
General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses of $946,000, or 8.8% of revenues, for the first quarter of 2008 decreased by $79,000 from $1,025,000, or 7.6% of revenues, for the first quarter of 2007. Exclusive of $143,000 in non-recurring severance expenses recognized in the first quarter of 2008, general and administrative expenses were $803,000, or 7.5% of revenues. The $222,000 reduction (excluding non-recurring expenses) from the comparable period last year was mostly due to a reduction in salaries, bonuses and related expenses of $104,000 and a reduction in stock option expense of $44,000.
 
Interest expense, net. Interest expense, net was $76,000 in the first quarter of 2008 compared to $66,000 in the first quarter of 2007. The $10,000 increase in interest expense, net was primarily related to the increase of debt associated with the refinancing of a property in the third quarter of 2007 and the line of credit obtained from Colonial Bank in the first quarter of 2008.
 
Other (expense) income, net. Other expense was $6,000 for the first quarter of 2008, compared to other income of $39,000 for the comparable period in 2007. Exclusive of $85,000 in non-recurring income related to proceeds from a legal settlement, partially offset by $39,000 in nonrecurring lease renewal cost, other expense for the first quarter of 2007 was $7,000.
 
Income from operations and net income. As a result of the factors discussed above, we had income from operations in the first quarter of 2008 of $276,000, which was an increase of $139,000 from the income from operations in the comparable period of 2007. Excluding the non-recurring item in the first quarter of 2008, income from operations of $419,000 was $282,000 greater than the comparable period of 2007. Net income in the first quarter of 2008 was $120,000, compared to net income in the first quarter of 2007 of $35,000. As adjusted for non-recurring items as summarized in the prior disclosed financial tables, net income in the first quarter of 2008 was $263,000, compared to a net loss in the first quarter of 2007 of $11,000.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

In March 2005, certain of our investors provided us a $1,600,000 revolving line of credit, which was originally due to mature on the earlier of March 31, 2006 or the closing of a financing providing us not less than $1,600,000 of net proceeds. The investors received a fee of $80,000 for establishing the credit line. Amounts drawn under the line of credit bear interest at the rate of 15% per annum, payable 8% monthly in arrears and 7% deferred until the maturity date. Upon completion of the financing in May 2005 described below, the maturity date was extended to May 23, 2007. In March 2007, the maturity date was further extended to May 23, 2008 for an extension fee equal to 7% of the outstanding line of credit, which was paid with 224,000 shares of our common stock, with a recognized transaction cost of $101,000. At the time of the extension, the amount available to be drawn under the revolving line of credit was reduced to the then current amount borrowed of $1,440,000. In October 2005, we utilized $800,000 of the line of credit to fund the acquisition and opening costs of two new restaurant locations. In June 2006, we utilized an additional $640,000 of the revolving line of credit to fund remaining remodeling costs and working capital requirements. It is our intent to further extend the maturity date of this credit line, although there can be no assurances that such extension will be available at terms that are acceptable to us, or at all.

In December 2007, we entered into an agreement to sell our marks and system in certain Middle Eastern countries to Food and Entertainment Co., LTD, an entity owned by the Alhokair Group, a company domiciled in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. We sold the development rights to Food and Entertainment to open 10 restaurants over a 10-year period, solely within a territory to initially consist of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Pakistan, India and based on additional performance criteria, Tunisia and Morocco. The purchase price for such rights was $1,750,000. We received $700,000 upon the execution of the agreement, $350,000 in each of January 2008 and April 2008, and will receive the final payment of $350,000 in July 2008. The purchase price is supported by an irrevocable letter of credit in the amount of $1,050,000, which expires in October 2008.
 
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In conjunction with such sale of our marks and system, we also entered into an agreement to provide technical consulting and support services to Food and Entertainment for a 10-year period, with two additional five-year options at the election of Food and Entertainment. Technical and support services to be provided under the agreement include restaurant design, operations, training, product sourcing and menu engineering for which we receive a fee of 1% of Food and Entertainment’s gross sales of its Shells restaurants in operation, payable monthly. Upon expiration of the initial $1,050,000 letter of credit, and continuing for the duration of the technical consulting and support services agreement, Food and Entertainment has agreed to provide us with a $500,000 irrevocable letter of credit.

On January 16, 2008, we entered into a line of credit loan facility with Colonial Bank, N.A., for which we have borrowed $140,000 of the $350,000 available credit line. The loan carries a variable interest rate of 1% above the bank’s prime rate. The initial rate was 8.25%. The line of credit facility matures on September 19, 2008 and is secured by the $1,050,000 letter of credit with Food and Entertainment Co. The credit facility has been and will be used for working capital purposes.

On March 30, 2008, our current liabilities of $6,993,000 exceeded our current assets of $2,817,000, resulting in a working capital deficiency of $4,176,000. In comparison, as of December 30, 2007, our working capital deficiency was $4,711,000. Our operating leverage marginally improved, primarily due to an increase in cash of $317,000 and a decrease in accounts payable of $1,277,000, partially offset by an increase in current maturities of long term debt of $555,000 and an increase in accrued expenses of $429,000. Historically, we have generally operated with negative working capital as a result of investing current assets into non-current property and equipment, as well as the turnover of restaurant inventory relative to more favorable vendor terms in accounts payable.

The following table presents a summary of our cash flows for the fiscal quarters ended March 30, 2008 and April 1, 2007 (in thousands):

   
Quarter Ended
 
   
March 30, 2008
 
April 1, 2007
 
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
$
(109
)
$
56
 
Net cash used in investing activities
   
(23
)
 
(115
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
   
449
   
372
 
Net increase in cash
 
$
317
 
$
313
 

Cash used in operating activities for the quarter ended March 30, 2008 was $109,000, compared to cash provided by operations of $56,000 for the comparable period in 2007. The net decrease of $165,000 primarily related to a decrease in accounts payable of $729,000, partially offset by an increase in other assets of $354,000 and an increase in accrued expenses of $233,000.

The cash used in investing activities was $23,000 for the quarter ended March 30, 2008, compared to $115,000 for the comparable period in 2007. The $92,000 decrease in cash used in investing activities resulted from a reduction in capital expenditures.

The cash provided by financing activities was $449,000 for the quarter ended March 30, 2008, compared to cash provided by financing activities of $372,000 for the comparable period in 2007. The net increase of $77,000 primarily related to a net increase in proceeds from the issuances of debt of $113,000, partially offset by a net increase in minority partner distributions of $24,000 and the repayment of debt of $12,000.
 
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We have incurred significant losses from operations, an accumulated deficit, and secured promissory notes, which are scheduled to mature on May 23, 2008, that raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern. Sufficient liquidity to satisfy the debt obligations under these promissory notes if the maturity dates are not further extended, coupled with meeting other debt obligations, is dependent primarily on the realization of cash flow from operations, additional scheduled payments to be received from the transaction with Food and Entertainment and potentially obtaining alternative financing sources. There can be no assurances that these initiatives will be successful. Our independent registered public accounting firm has included an explanatory paragraph in their report dated March 28, 2008 on our annual consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2007, stating that these statements have been prepared assuming that we will continue as a going concern and that our recurring losses from operations and net working capital deficiency raise substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern.

QUARTERLY FLUCTUATION OF FINANCIAL RESULTS
 
The restaurant industry in general is seasonal, depending on restaurant location and the type of food served. In addition, we have experienced fluctuations in our quarter-to-quarter operating results due, in large measure, to our full concentration of restaurants in Florida. Business in Florida is influenced by seasonality due to various factors, which include but are not limited to weather conditions in Florida relative to other areas of the U.S. and the health of Florida's economy and the effect of world events in general and the tourism industry in particular. In addition, in recent years, our operating results have been significantly affected by hurricanes. Our restaurant sales are generally highest from January through August; the peaks of the Florida tourism season, and generally lower from September through mid-December. Many of our restaurant locations are in coastal cities, where sales are significantly dependent on tourism and its seasonality patterns.

In addition, quarterly results have been substantially affected by the timing of restaurant openings or closings. Because of the seasonality of our business and the impact of restaurant openings or closings, results for any quarter are not generally indicative of the results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year on an annualized basis and cannot be used to indicate financial performance for the entire year.

Item 3.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
 
We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on debt and changes in commodity prices. Our exposure to interest rate risk relates to the $140,000 in outstanding debt with Colonial bank that is based on a variable rate. Borrowings under this loan agreement bears interest at the rate equal to 1% above the bank’s prime rate.
 
Item 4T.  Controls and Procedures
 
We maintain "disclosure controls and procedures," as defined under Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e), that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC's rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives and our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. As required by SEC Rule 13a-15(b), we have carried out an evaluation, as of the end of the period covered by this report, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures. Based upon their evaluation and subject to the foregoing, our management with the participation of the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective (as such term is defined under Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this report.
 
18

 
There were no changes in our internal controls over financial reporting that occurred during our most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
 
Part II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.  Legal Proceedings

On March 13, 2007 and on July 16, 2007, summons were served from the circuit court in Kane County, Illinois, naming the Spring Hill Mall, L.L.C., the primary landlord, as plaintiff. The suit relates to a restaurant lease in Carpentersville, Illinois. Under this lease, we are a sub-tenant to Chi-Chi’s, Inc., who filed bankruptcy in 2003 and subsequently rejected the lease. Since 2000, we have been further subleasing this property to Famous Dave’s RIBS-U, Inc. Under such terms, we partially subsidize lease payments. Since 2003, we have been negotiating with Spring Hill Mall for a buyout of our obligations under the various subleases. Under the suit, Spring Hill Mall sought payment of rent, occupancy, and related charges totaling $147,000 with the addition of interest and fees related to the suit. In February 2008, Spring Hill Mall and Shells jointly agreed to a settlement plan, whereby we will pay monthly to Spring Hill Mall amounts aggregating $177,840, which include amounts due in arrears as well as future amounts due from us through the term of the lease ending December 2010. Under the settlement agreement, we will maintain responsibility for leasehold obligations until December 2010.

On January 31, 2008, a summons was served from the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York, naming 320 West 13th Street, LLC as plaintiff. This suit was brought against, among others, Jay A. Wolf, a member of our Board of Directors, and various entities allegedly controlled by Mr. Wolf, including Shells Seafood Restaurants, Inc. We believe we were wrongly named in this suit and are seeking to have our company removed as a defendant.

On February 27, 2008, a summons was served from the circuit court in Volusia County, Florida, naming Coconuts of Daytona Beach, Inc. as plaintiff. The suit relates to a lease with our subsidiary, Shells of Daytona Beach, Inc. (currently known as America’s Favorite Seafood, Inc.), of furniture, fixtures and equipment assigned on July 12, 1989. The plaintiff alleges that we have breached the agreement, as we discontinued making payments under the contract at or about April 2007. We believe the case is without merit and will defend it vigorously.

In the ordinary course of business, we are and may be a party to various legal proceedings, the outcomes of which, singly or in the aggregate, are not currently expected to be material to our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

There have been no material changes from the risk factors disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 30, 2007.
 
19

 
Item 2.  Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

None

Item 3.  Defaults Upon Senior Securities

None

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
 
None

Item 5. Other Information 

None

Item 6. Exhibits

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer under Rule 13a-14(a)
31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer under Rule 13a-14(a)
32.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer under Section 906
 
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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.

(Registrant)
 
/s/ Marc Bernstein
 
Chief Executive Officer
May 14, 2008
 
/s/ Warren R. Nelson
 
President and Chief Financial Officer
 
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