Ark Restaurants Corp. (ARKR)

In December 2025, ARKR reported a challenging fourth quarter for 2025, with a decline in financial performance and a negative EBITDA of $1 million. The company reported a net loss of $1.90 million for Q4 2025, with revenue of $34.88 million. A significant non-cash item impacting a recent quarter was a $3.4 million goodwill impairment, triggered by a decline in the company's stock price. The company has been addressing significant lease-related challenges, with approximately $650,000 in consultancy and legal fees impacting EBITDA. Despite financial challenges, the cash position improved to $11.3 million, and total debt was reduced to $3.6 million. ARKR stock touched 52-week lows in March and April 2025, dipping to $9.59 and $8.81 respectively. Short interest increased by 8.41% in August 2023, signaling bearish sentiment. ARKR's 4.89% dividend yield highlights its income appeal. CEO Michael Weinstein acquired 545 shares of common stock in August 2025.

Demand seasonality for Ark Restaurants Corp.’s products and services is influenced by geographic location, destination properties and events, high-traffic venues, lease structure, and overall restaurant industry trends. Florida operations are dependent on weather. Many of Ark's restaurants are larger, destination properties that benefit from high patron traffic due to the uniqueness of their location and catered events. The company's focus on high-traffic entertainment and casino venues provides a captive audience. Many lease agreements include percentage rent clauses, where rent payments fluctuate with revenue. As a restaurant operator, ARKR is subject to broader industry trends, which can include seasonal variations in dining out, holiday periods, and local events.

Ark Restaurants Corp., established in 1983 and based in New York, operates casual dining restaurants, bars, fast food concepts, and catering across the U.S. The company focuses on securing long-term leases in high-traffic venues, relying on foot traffic and average check sizes. Ark Restaurants Corp. operates a diverse portfolio of dining establishments, including full-service restaurants, bars, and fast-food facilities. Their offerings often include classic preparations alongside innovative culinary creations that highlight seasonal ingredients. Many of their venues also offer private dining rooms and catering services for special events, corporate functions, and private parties, with customizable menus and beverage packages.

Ark Restaurants Corp. operates approximately 17 restaurants and bars, 16 fast food concepts, and catering operations primarily across six key U.S. markets. These include New York City with four restaurant and bar facilities, Washington, D.C. with one location, Las Vegas, Nevada with five locations, Atlantic City, New Jersey with one restaurant and bar, Florida (East Coast) with four locations, along with fast food facilities in Tampa and Hollywood, and Alabama (Gulf Coast) with two locations.

Ark Restaurants Corp. has an established reputation for quality food, inviting atmospheres, and attentive service, particularly within the upscale and fine-dining segments. The company's mission is to be a leader in the casual dining segment by consistently exceeding customer expectations and fostering a culture of excellence. Financial challenges, including net losses, goodwill impairment, and lease disputes, could implicitly impact investor and public perception. The closure of underperforming assets indicates a need for portfolio adaptation. Positive performance in Alabama, the Robert restaurant in New York, and an uptick in revenue in Florida, along with significant operational efficiency improvements in Las Vegas, suggest ongoing efforts to maintain and improve customer experience and operational strength.

As of January 20, 2026, Ark Restaurants Corp.'s outstanding equity securities consisted of 3,606,157 shares of common stock. Insiders control the largest block of shares, giving them effective voting control over most corporate decisions. Institutional Investors hold a modest 17.30% of the company's shares. Thomas A. Satterfield, Jr. beneficially owns 622,292 shares, representing 17.26% of common stock as of January 20, 2026. Desai Ravi Ramesh reported beneficial ownership of 180,431 shares, or 5.00% of common stock, as of January 7, 2025.